Shifter Magick Read Online Free Page A

moment trying to find the right words. “Like I said earlier, I am not really into the party scene.” She heard Julie gasp and looked over in time to see her face fall.
    Andrew stepped back into Kera’s line of vision. “You didn’t want to have lunch either.” He said in an accusing manner. “What is your thing?”
    “I don’t know.” Kera responded with all honesty. “I appreciate the invite but I have to go.”
    Andrew tilted his head in disbelief. “What are you hiding?” he asked quietly.
    Kera stepped back. “Nothing.”
    He narrowed his eyes on her. “I’m surprised. Everyone hides something.”
    Kera laughed with unease. “Well t hey wouldn’t hide it if they meant everyone to know would they?” She asked sarcastically. Rather than waiting for a reply she continued . “Again, I appreciate the invite.” She tried to look at Andrew with what she remembered of her mothers’ don’t-mess-with-me expression but he didn’t seem intimidated.
    Andrew shook his head as he put his phone away. “You confound me Kera Conway.” He chuckled before walking away.
    Julie didn’t let her go as easily. She got away with her cell phone number and email address.
    The next Friday, Kera sat on the top story of the library finishing homework. There wasn’t much more she could do with it either. The chair that had become hers was right next to a window that overlooked the center of the college. She sat wondering how many people in the world knew she existed. Only one that really mattered.
    She still hadn’t made a real friend like her father wanted her to. He was probably still at the diner serving the late dinner crowd. Kera felt guilty for the peace and quiet of the library. Last time they had spoken Kera had over exaggerated her excitement for her ‘new adventure.’ Her dad’s new adventure of going through her mother’s old things sounded more exciting at this point.
    But it would be dangerous for her. Even listening to her f ather unearthed long buried emotions within her. The tears were the first clue she watched for. If they came she had to set the phone down and get herself together. She was glad her mother’s things were making him happy.
    Kera looked out the two story window and watched the students below. It seemed everyone was smiling or laughing in a group. The weekend was here and the mood was light. The weather was cool but rain free. The moon was layered in clouds making it look colder than it was outside. All the girls still wore skirts and low cut shirts. They dressed provocative in order to attract attention from the boys. Kera didn’t think that was the best way to go about getting a date. She knew none of them wanted to hear her opinion, she didn’t even know them. “I don’t need fake friends.” She whispered to herself.
    When she turned back to her homework she caught movement out of the corner of her eye.
    Startled, she almost dumped papers and a book onto the floor. She slammed her hands down on top of them to steady them and her heart jumped into her throat.
    Maddox rounded a column of books and smiled right at her. “Hi.” He greeted her and raised his hand in a friendly wave.
    Kera was too shocked to move so she just smiled back and hoped it wasn’t unnatural. When she finally remembered to breathe his scent invaded her lungs and she realized he must have been in the library for a while. She just ignored the scent because she was always thinking about it anyway.
    Maddox sat down in a chair beside her and started twirling a pen through his fingers.
    Kera watched until he stopped, then she looked up and her stomach fluttered with a million butterflies. “What?”
    “I think I know you from somewhere.” Maddox murmured . His voice was soothing and deep. He spoke softly but didn’t mumble. Kera decided she liked his voice.
    Swallowing a lump in her throat, Kera answered him. “We have a class together.” Hopefully he didn’t think she was crazy for staring at him. Maybe