Page 63 of Hot in Witch City

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The next morning, I brewed a strong batch of coffee before making a call that might put this question to rest.

Chapter 13

Gianna

“Hi, Dad.

“Gianna,” My father greeted me in his curt way. “Did you see her?”

Cutting right to the chase.

I raised my chin. “Yes.”

He growled. “After I told you not to.”

“I’m not a child anymore, Dad, or one of your subordinates. I’m capable of making my own choices.”

“What did she want from you?” he asked in a clipped tone.

Surprised by the question, I answered, “Nothing. Why would you ask that?”

“Because that’s what she’s like.” Vitriol twisted his voice.

My patience was already thin. “I understand she left you, and you’ll always be bitter, but I need to talk to you about something important. Something—surprising.”

“Go ahead.”

“My mother did something—magical, I think. It helped me transform.” My heart leapt into my throat as I revealed it. “Like her.”

Silence.

That was far more unexpected than the shouting I’d expected when I revealed that—his usual way of dealing with me, especially since I’d defied him. I should have Facetimed him to be able to see his expression.

“Dad?”

“Yes.”

“Why aren’t you saying anything?”

“I’m—I’m—uh—thinking about what you said.”

He stuttered? That was atypical of his booming manner. Shouting, yes. Demanding, right. But stuttering? No.

“You know what I mean, right? Her siren form.”

“Ah, um, yes. That’s surprising.”

What was with his odd reaction? Something was off. “Are you sure?”

“Of course, I am.”

Pieces started to form abstract shapes in my confused mind. “Have you ever seen me shift before?”

“Gianna, why would you ask that?” The quick way he responded and the higher pitch in his tone was off.

“I had the sense that it wasn’t the first time I’d shifted. Dad, tell me the truth. I deserve to hear it.”

After a long pause, he exhaled. “Yes.”

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