Shifting Crossroads 8 - Ocelot of Trouble Read Online Free Page B

djinn because she knew he was the one. My great aunt waited until her inner beast had its true mate and that is why I am here. She is learning to live in the human world with him right now, so I have taken over her bed and breakfast.”
    The immense age that she seemed to be referencing was surprising. “How old is your aunt?”
    “Old enough. My grandmother was a gryphon who died defending her town and her children.”
    “A mythical beast?”
    “Unless you know of a different kind of gryphon. All the women on my grandmother’s side were mythical. And in case you wonder, no, most of my cousins are not blue. I am a throwback.”
    She looked up at him and winked before she resumed her studies.
    Robar watched her as she muttered under her breath and stroked the pages. She was using more than just her eyes as she rifled through the book. There was the gleam of energy in her eyes.
    Teal sighed. “Well, I am glad that you are enjoying the process at last.”
    He tilted his head. “Enjoy is a strong term. I have surrendered to it. My preconceptions have been shattered and I am ready to do it properly.”
    “Excellent. I am going to be collecting ten bucks from Tony. I told him you would not be stubborn enough to make it over a week without coming around.”
    He snorted. “You bet on me?”
    “You were very obnoxiously intent that you would be able to make your selection and return to your family unchanged by finding a mate. Even Tony knew that you would change, we just didn’t know when.”
    Ruefully, he poured another cup of coffee. “Do the women change?”
    “Of course, but they usually pick up on it sooner. Their beasts rise the moment that eligible mates are nearby, and they slap the inner human around to their way of thinking.”
    A basket floated in from the kitchen and settled next to Teal. The Crossroads guardian chuckled. “And on that note, I am on my way. Teebie, call me if you can’t get a hold of Mina.”
    The proprietor waved her off and kept flipping through the pages of the book.
    Teal patted Robar on the shoulder as she left with her basket.
    He sat and watched as Teebie moved through the book but didn’t seem to get any further into the tome. She flipped a page every ten seconds but the book remained divided down the centre.
    He got a little dizzy and stood up. “Please pardon me. I believe that a walk is on my agenda.”
    She grinned and waved him off. “Have a nice time. The shifter’s meadow is not usually occupied this time of day.”
    Taking the hint, he left and headed to the shifter’s meadow where he could shift during daylight hours and no one would think anything of it.
     
    * * * *
     
    Mina crouched down in the field full of daisies and watched bees and butterflies go about their daily routines. The inventory had taken five minutes, so Mina had the rest of the time until lunch to enjoy being out and about as her other self.
    Her tail twitched and her nose picked up on every subtle scent that wafted through the meadow. When she smelled musk and blueberries, she lifted her head and sat up slightly, watching the male fox as he chased a butterfly through the meadow. That fluffy tail of his was far too tempting.
    She crouched low with her tail lashing until he was within a few feet of her, and then, she pounced, rolling him over until he yelped in surprise.
    Unsure of how he would take her overtures to play, she stepped away and sat primly, her tail thudding rhythmically on the grass behind her.
    He sat down, mimicking her. His head tilted from side to side, and he slowly got to his feet, coming toward her. His feet were placed carefully, daintily in the grass and flower stalks that her tumble had flattened.
    She sat warily as his pointed muzzle approached hers, and her eyes crossed when he sniffed at her forehead before working his way down her cheeks and neck. The soft fur of her coat ruffled as he exhaled and inhaled, taking in her scent.
    Mina managed to hold still until he reached