Page 50 of Curses and Casualties
“Maybe I just... don’t talk?”
“You? Not talk? That’ll definitely raise questions.”
A knock makes us freeze. “Hey, you guys decent?” Scarlett calls. “I made coffee, and we should plan tomorrow’s route.”
“Shit. What do I do?”
Ryan’s fighting laughter. “Keep your mouth closed?”
“Super helpful,” I mutter, then call, “Be right there!” which sounds like “Be wight there!”
Silence. “You OK in there, G?”
“Fine!” I squeak, glaring at Ryan who’s shaking with suppressed laughter.
In the kitchen, Scarlett and Ethan huddle over a map. Scarlett takes one look at my closed mouth and hidden hands and raises an eyebrow.
“Interesting evening?”
I nod, not trusting speech.
“She’s tired,” Ryan says, lips twitching.
Ethan glances up. “You sure? She looks... shimmery.”
I try smiling without teeth, probably looking deranged. Scarlett’s eyes narrow.
“Georgia, what’s with your hands?”
I tuck them deeper, too late. She’s seen something.
Her eyes widen. “Are those... actual claws?” She’s around the table, grabbing my wrist. “Holy shit. They are.” She testsone, then whips to Ethan. “Dude, look! Georgia shifted. Well... kinda.”
Ethan whistles. “Serious progress, Georgie. Luna’s really coming through.”
“I’m thtuck like thith.”
He does a double-take. “Wait. Do you have—Open your mouth.”
“No.”
“Georgia has fangs!” Scarlett crows. “Oh my god! Baby’s first shift!”
“Thtop,” I plead, which makes them laugh harder.
“It’th not funny!”
That does it. Scarlett dissolves into laughter, gripping the table. Even Ethan’s chuckling.
“Did fangs or claws come first?” She gasps. “Wait—” Her eyes zero in on my neck. “Oh my fucking god. Is that a bite mark?” She looks at Ryan. “Dude. You know once is enough, right? More is just kinky.”
I want to die.
Ethan examines it. “That’s healed like a mate mark. But she has one, so—Holy shit. You can mark her twice?”
Ryan shrugs, pride evident. “Couldn’t help it. She smelled too good.”
“And that triggered the fangs and claws?” Scarlett vibrates with glee.
