Misenchanted Shifter Read Online Free PDF Page B

into her eyes and smiled. “Now your turn.”
    She hedged, “What?”
    “What is your beast?”
    She followed his example and sipped at her coffee. “Well, that is a little awkward. Apparently, I am an extinct creature as well, sort of.”
    His eyes brightened when she flicked her gaze at him.
    He asked, “Sort of?”
    “Mythical, actually. So, I had no idea it was actually a thing until I had to provide my nail clippings to the transporter. She just about had kittens, which is very unusual for transporters.” Eileen stabbed her fork into the cake.
    Harris put his hand on her knee. “What are you?”
    “Chimera.”
    His fingers clenched suddenly. “You are sure?”
    “I am sure of nothing, but the transporter guild master was sure, the mage guild master was sure, the guardians here are sure and so I will take it on their expertise. After reading one of the ancient records, it does make a certain amount of sense.”
    “So, you are the lion, goat and serpent mixed?”
    “I believe that was a general description of what folks saw.” She set the cup down neatly. “Would you care to see? I can’t change more than my face in this dress, but it should give you the general idea.”
    He nodded. “Please.”
    To her surprise, he took her hands and held them loosely as he faced her squarely.
    She looked at his face, the square jaw, blade of a nose and deep brown eyes. The curve of his lips was encouraging.
    “Fine, but if I show you this, you will tell me how old you are.”
    “It is a deal.”
    She took in a deep breath, and as she exhaled, she started to show her half-features.
    Snakes, birds, cats, dogs, a unicorn, dragon, all the creatures she had ever read of or seen in a book crossed her face. She could tell that Harris was reacting to some of the faces, his hands clenched on hers. When he saw something he liked, he squeezed, and when he saw something he didn’t, his hands chilled.
    She finally resumed her normal features and swayed slightly. “That was enough for today.”
    “Do you have more?”
    She nodded. “Many, many more.”
    “One hundred and fourteen. My family are ancients. Each of us embodies an extinct species and we do not age until a new ancient of our creature is born. Even my parents and grandparents are still alive. We choose to live a little off the beaten path.”
    She scowled. “That is unfortunate. I am a teacher. I need to be near a school that can use my services.”
    Part of her mind was whirling with his age and the potential of an entire family of old shifters, but her practical sense was focussed on her occupation.
    “Well, we will work something out. I am sure of it.”
    Eileen realised what he said at the same time he did. She smiled slowly and leaned in as he did, meeting his mouth halfway.
    The sparks flew between them as he pushed through the fey magic, and she held his hands tightly as their link went from a soft celebration to a violent hunger. They stood together and made their way up the stairs without ceasing their kiss. Her heels kept them close enough that with careful manoeuvering they could keep their heads level as she backed up the stairs step by step.
    When she backed up to her door, it opened for her, causing her to spill backward. Harris caught her and eased her into her room, righting her and turning her away from him.
    She felt him ease the zipper down and held her breath as cool air spiralled down her spine. It was now or never.
     

Chapter Six
     
     
    Eileen kept herself calm and shivered as he kissed her bared shoulder. The fabric of her sleeves was being eased off when she heard the door close behind them.
    She smiled and enjoyed the unhesitating feel of his touch on her body. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back on his shoulder as he caressed her dress off her arms and pushed it to the floor, leaving her in her slip, bra, panties and heels.
    He shuddered, but this time, she didn’t run. Harris pressed his lips to her neck, and exhaled and