“Why do you always fall for mortal men?” Ziara sighed, her
fingers rubbing at her temples.
“You’re the one who insists we straddle between our world
and theirs.” Raven’s annoyance with
her sister was growing. It’s like she wanted to control
every aspect of her life. “I can’t help it if
my tastes are different than yours.” She was a grown woman,
not that Ziara noticed half the time.
“What is this, the third one now? It’s time to grow up and
get serious. We have a perfectly good
breeding season coming, and you’re going to waste it like it
means nothing.” Her glare cast
shards of ice. This wasn’t the first time they’d had this
conversation, and it wouldn’t be the last.
“I’m not ready to be a mother. Besides, what’s the hurry?”
It was nonsense. She still had plenty
of good years in front of her. Not that Ziara seemed to
notice. As far as she was concerned, she’d
dallied too long.
“Season of the Witch is coming. You can’t avoid it forever.
Must you play these games during
such an important time of the year? How is it possible you
choose the worst season every time?
You do it on purpose, don’t you?”
Benji piped in. “Don’t bother calling Charlene for a love
potion. We all know how helpful she
can be.” He couldn’t hide the sarcasm that dripped from his
voice.
“Toad, you’re not helping.”
“Dammit, it’s Benji! I’ve been a bulldog for three seasons
now. Can’t we move forward?”
“Sorry, it’s just that you were a toad for six seasons. I’m
still getting used to the change. How
much longer until you evolve back into a falcon? Man, you
must have really pissed Charlene off
this time.”
“Yeah, well, let’s just say she found me fooling around with
her sister.”
“Nice,” Ziara said flatly. “What is it with the male species
being unable to keep it in their pants?”
“Falcons don’t wear pants. I was in my falcon form at the time.”
“So that makes it right?” Raven shook her head.
“Her sister is hot as a dove. I couldn’t help myself.
Anyway, three more seasons as a dog, six
seasons as a falcon, and then I can shift back to my human
form again. I miss having hands. I
feel like a slobbering fool, so heavy and plodding, stuck to
the ground. I can’t wait to fly again.”
“I can imagine,” Raven started. “Is there anything you like
about being a dog?”
“Raven, stop trying to change the topic. It’s not helping
matters. Benji has his own issues!”
Ziara grew more frustrated. It was like talking to a wall.
“And Benji, don’t think for a second
I’ll defend you for doing Charlene’s sister.” She turned her
attention back to her younger sister.
“Now for you, princess. How many times are you going to fall
for a mortal? Haven’t you learned
by now? I understand you like this guy, but it can’t end
well. Let’s face it, he’s either going to be
spooked or intrigued. He shouldn’t know about our world.” It
didn’t matter how many times she
warned Raven, she seemed to have her own mind about these
things.
Raven pouted. “He’s really cute and sweet. Did I mention cute?”
“Great, he sounds swell. It’s bad news, and you know it.”
She was not amused.
