Shifting Crossroads 8 - Ocelot of Trouble Read Online Free

you this problem.” Teebie blinked and held up her hand. A small medallion appeared in her palm. “This will show you when the curse activates. A small glow will let you know when the effect is occurring. At least you will be aware of it until I can do some research with Teal and come up with a treatment plan.”
    The small medallion had a strange glyph on it. When Mina took it, it flared brightly for a moment. “What does that symbol mean?”
    Teebie smiled. “It is the djinn word for see . It is one of the only glyphs I could use that would not interfere or alter the magic that is wrapped around you. Can you see it yet?”
    Mina looked down and her eyes widened. She was wrapped in energy from ankle to shoulder. It was on the outside of her skin in a web of light. “Is this on me all the time?”
    Teebie nodded. “It activates when someone shows interest in you. The more intense the attraction, the more violent the spur of energy. Does it ever happen when you are shifted?”
    Blinking, Mina shook her head. “No. When I am in my other form, I am just me. I can interact with other people’s beasts without incident.”
    “So, the curse is attached to your human form. That is good. It means there is room to skim out from under it. I will try to find a cure, but…”
    “What?” Teal asked it.
    “It would be easier if I could see it in action. Has there been any male here with interest in you that was answered by a show of disaster?” Teebie’s expression had all the seriousness of an investigating doctor.
    Mina bit her lip. “Um. There was a man last night. I didn’t really meet him, but he was the recipient of two spilled drinks that I had been holding.”
    A masculine voice spoke from the doorway. “It is a good thing that I like strawberries.”
    Mina froze as she watched the attractive male from the night before enter the dining room and fix himself a plate and a cup of coffee.
    “Robar, I did wonder at the décor on your shirt when you returned.” Teebie smiled slyly.
    “It was my own fault. I should never sneak up on a lovely lady in the crowded confines of a bar.” He raised his coffee to her. “Good morning, miss.”
    Mina felt the scarlet colour flooding her cheeks. “Good morning.”
    Teal made the introductions. “Mina Lancaster, I would like to introduce Robar Pickwik.”
    Robar got to his feet and bowed slightly. “I am pleased to meet you, Mina.”
    He exhaled on her name, and she felt a warmth run up her spine. “Nice to meet you, Robar.”
    He grinned and sat back down, “Teebie, what do you need me to do?”
    “Be attracted to Mina.”
    “Done.” He grinned and lifted his coffee to his lips.
    For the first time in her life, Mina saw the spike of energy that shot out from around her body, and she watched it strike his hand, causing a cascade of hot coffee to nearly emasculate him.
    He jumped up, and the table rattled as he brushed at his trousers.
    Mina’s mortification knew no bounds, but learning that it wasn’t simply proximity to her that was causing the problem gave her a sense of relief. “I am sorry about that.”
    “No worries, Mina. I have plenty of clothing. Teebie, did you see what you needed to?”
    Teebie grinned. “I did indeed. Thank you, Robar.”
    He smiled. “Pardon me, ladies. I will return shortly.”
    Mina watched him go and then asked, “Has that happened every time?”
    Teebie waved her hand and a huge tome appeared in front of her. “Yes. I am guessing that Thomas was an untrained mage. It would explain why his parents moved him away instead of forcing him to remove his curse. Many magical families try to ignore the power until they are brought to heel by the guilds.”
    “Were they on the run, do you think?”
    Teal shrugged. “Stranger things have happened. If his first spell was a curse, he would have been from one of the darker guilds and that might have frightened his parents.”
    “Don’t the children belong to the same guild as their