Hawking a Future Read Free Page A

but don’t feel bad. Humans do it all the time.”
    “You...you didn’t know who your parents were?” Teebie’s voice shook.
    “I was raised in the human foster-care system. No one thought I would ever develop any kind of skills, but the two families kept an eye on me just in case. I know who they are now and have met a few members of their clan, but neither side claims me, so I am on my own.”
    “What is your beast?”
    “I have two, but neither one of them manifests.”
    “And yet, the seers came to you?”
    Hayley jumped and jiggled into her jeans. “Apparently being an active shifter isn’t a requirement.”
    She zipped up and gathered her work clothing under her arm, heading out into the bedroom to dig for her sneakers.
    “Yet, you are willing to take on a fey mate?” Teebie seemed to be grappling with the situation.
    “I am willing to take on a mate if I find one that suits me. I am not going to settle for the first guy who tries to enchant his way into my pants, but neither am I going to fight it if I feel drawn to someone. It hasn’t happened yet, but I am open to the possibility.”
    Teebie smiled. “Well, then, you have come to the right place, by whatever means.”
     

Chapter Three
     
     
    Hayley bounced down the stairs and headed for the front door. Tovin appeared at her side with a smile. “May I offer you that tour?”
    “You can offer it, but can you deliver?”
    He grinned brightly. “I can but try.”
    He offered her his arm, and when she took it, he opened the door to lead her into the bright light.
    “Do you want to see the shifter’s field? They go there to change shape and run around in the meadow.”
    “It isn’t really my thing, but sure, I will take a look.”
    He gave her a surprised look, but swallowed his questions. She could see it. Her amusement almost glowed through her skin. Being around supernaturals and being able to talk about what she could do was the only reason she had agreed to help with the patients at the recovery centre. She needed to be able to be honest and open with folks. It strangled her when she had to stuff herself back into her human life and pretend that she was just like everybody else.
    Being extraordinary was her personal bit of pride. When she met her first shifters out in the open for the first time, her ability to read what they were thinking and what mood they were in by the physical output she was getting was helpful. Her insight had been a boon to her in office work and with volatile shifters; it had saved her life on a number of occasions.
    Tovin took her around the salon and spa, the restaurant, the café and the bar.
    “I am going to get myself some lunch.” She blurted it out.
    He paused. “May I come with you?”
    “Are you hungry?”
    He blinked. “Not particularly.”
    “Then, I will go alone and you can go and do what you were going to do before I arrived.” She smiled brightly and released his arm.
    He looked delightfully flustered. “I will see you later then.”
    She grinned as she walked away. Playing with people was a game that never got old. Since she had been able to see his impulses becoming embroiled in arousal, the sudden shift of situation was going to make him try harder.
    The café was moderately busy, and she slid into a seat, beaming at the server. “Hello.”
    “Hello. You just arrived?”
    Hayley nodded. “I did. What’s good today?”
    “The salmon salad.”
    “Good enough. Salmon salad and a lemonade.”
    “Coming right up. Welcome to the Crossroads.”
    Hayley sat back and looked around. Several men were looking at her, but when they took in the small gleam on her wrist charm, they looked away. She grinned and made the small bit of gemstone glitter in the sunlight.
    Having a diurnal mother and a nocturnal father made her aware of both light and dark. The play of shadows and light was her favourite form of study.
    When the salad arrived, she dug in and nearly groaned in bliss at the warm, spicy salmon