Page 104 of Seas the Reckoning

“I think I can help with that!” Keegan joins us, placing a tray of popcorn on the table. He’s come up with a new concoction for the winter season. The sugary sweet seasoning tossed over the popcorn makes it addictive.

He hauls a chair across the floor so that he’s seated in front of the witch. Then, he lets his skin crackle and shift until there are lines of lava flowing through it. I can see steam in the air above his arms.

Starla sighs, sinking back against Exos’s chest.

“Much better. Have we discussed how you are not paid enough?”

Keegan chuckles.

“No, but I’m happy to have that chat. I’ve also got some ideas about community events and ways to keep things going in the off-season.”

She smiles.

“I love it, and I am happy to discuss the ideas. In the new year? But the raise, that can go into effect right now. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and all that.”

Keegan smirks.

“Sounds good to me.”

“You’re staying on permanently, then?” Ji-hwan asks the volmander.

Keegan nods.

“I like the beach. When you’re not getting kidnapped, it’s a nice place. And when there is trouble, you guys are the people I want to be around.”

“They do grow on you,” Ginny calls out, entering the bar alongside Shanell and Grammy Pearl.

The witches are all bundled up in fluffy coats.

“A rousing endorsement,” Jackal says, lifting a glass.

“Hear, hear!” Brody calls, lifting his own in response. Ginny makes her way over to him, and he puts an arm around her shoulders and pulls her close.

I hate that I missed whatever led to that relationship, but I’m thrilled to see them both so happy. Ginny and Starla have also begun spending more time together, which makes me feel better about an idea I still need to discuss with Jackal.

The hyena shifter stands, clearing his throat.

“Everyone, an announcement!”

They all watch him, and I see Starla’s features tense, wary of any big news being shared in her bar.

He drops on his knees, then bows at Starla’s feet.

“You, Starla, are the strongest witch I know. And the winner of our bet.”

She lets out a deep laugh, the rest of us who witnessed their little wager joining in.

“Do I want to know?” Shanell asks as she takes a seat.

“Be grateful that you didn’t have to hear me declare that witches drool,” Starla responds.

Jackal makes his way back over to me.

I lean into the hyena shifter, and I can feel his chest rumble as he laughs.

What if he hates my idea? What if everything falls apart because you changed things?

Deep breath in, deep breath out.