Page 6 of The Cauldronball Run
"The kind that regular medical facilities aren't equipped to handle."His eyes never left hers, and she felt pinned by his attention in the most delicious way."You mentioned you're comfortable with unconventional situations.How unconventional are we talking?"
Farrah thought about the healing magic she hid from everyone.But this massive, intimidating orc wouldn’t care about that.It might be exactly what he needed.
Her witch senses were already reading him—beneath his careful composure, she felt layers of desperation, crushing debt anxiety, and something deeper.Loneliness.The kind that came from being different, from having to hide parts of yourself to fit in.It was so familiar it made her feel an instant connection with him.
"More unconventional than you might think," she said carefully, testing the waters.“I’m a witch.”
He slumped in relief."Good.You’re paranormal too.”
“Why is that good?”Most people went screaming the other way.
“Because this job might get a little weird."
"How weird?"She paused, then decided to risk honesty.Through her empathic abilities, she could feel his genuine relief at her admission, no deception or fear."I have access to healing magic, some telepathy, protective wards—a bunch of spells that could be useful in medical situations.But I've learned to keep that to myself."
J.J.leaned forward, interested rather than alarmed."Why?"
"Because mundane humans get twitchy around magic.They prefer their medicine predictable and scientific.I've lost jobs for helping patients heal too fast, for knowing things about their conditions I shouldn't be able to sense."The old hurt crept into her voice."It's easier to pretend I'm just really good at my job than explain that I can literally feel when someone's in pain and do something about it."
His emotional state shifted—she felt a spike of understanding, of shared experience.This was someone who knew what it was like to hide his true capabilities.
"That's..."He searched for words."That's exactly why this job might be perfect for you.No questions asked about methods, as long as the patient gets the care they need."
The sincerity in his voice matched what her magical senses were picking up—hope, determination, and underneath it all, a bone-deep exhaustion from pretending to be less than he was.
J.J.was quiet for a moment, his huge hands wrapped around a coffee mug that looked like a child's toy cup in his grip.She was staring at those hands again, wondering what they'd feel like against her skin, how gentle someone that strong could be.
Focus, you horny disaster.
"Let's just say the patient's condition requires us to take some unconventional routes," he said finally."Avoid certain facilities and people.Keep a low profile."
Every rational part of Farrah's brain was screaming that this was a terrible idea.Whatever this job really involved, it definitely wasn't standard medical transport.This beautiful, dangerous orc was clearly hiding something major, and getting involved with him would probably end up with her in jail or worse.
But fifteen thousand gold was fifteen thousand gold.
"I need to know more about the patient's condition," she said, proud that her voice came out steady.
"Fair enough."J.J.pulled out his phone, and even that looked tiny in his massive hands.He showed her what appeared to be a medical chart."We'll need to make the trip from New York to Los Angeles to get the patient treated, and then we need to get them back again as soon as possible."
Farrah studied the chart, her professional training kicking in despite her body's distraction.Something about it felt off.It looked too textbook perfect, like someone had copied symptoms from a medical manual rather than documenting an actual patient.
"Why ground transport?"she asked."Wouldn't air medical be faster for this kind of trauma?"
J.J.shifted in his seat, which creaked again ominously."The patient's a banshee.Something about the altitude affects their vocal cords.It could cause permanent damage or worse.Ground transport only."
That actually made sense.Farrah had treated a few banshees over the years, and their supernatural anatomy was notoriously sensitive to pressure changes.But something in his tone suggested there was more to it than medical necessity.
"And the timeline?"
"The family's paying extra for speed.They want their loved one back to their lair as soon as possible once they get specialized treatment in L.A."J.J.leaned forward slightly."How's your driving record?"
Farrah felt heat creep up her neck."I've gotten a few tickets."
"Good."J.J.said, his face lighting up with genuine enthusiasm.
"Good?"She stared at him."Most employers don't consider traffic violations a selling point."
"I mean, it's good that you're not afraid of speed.This job might require some urgent driving, you know, in case the banshee takes a turn for the worse and I need a break from driving."
