Page 17 of Wishing for a Werewolf
Rune
Autumn squeezes my shoulder once, twice, three times. That’s the code to let me know Operation Events Binder is a success.
I relax back into my seat, no longer needing to keep Mrs. Greely occupied.
Not that she’d notice me right now, anyway. She wields her binder like a general giving field commands before battle. “We’ve had several strong applications this year, and I’m pleased to announce that among them were some new participants. Although I won’t say anything until I have confirmation from the chosen party—” She shoots me a knowing look. “—I think it’s safe to say this year’s hay maze will be the best we’ve seen in years!”
I try to smile, but it’s probably more of a grimace. Thank the goddess the town’s protection spell means the little oldlady can’t see my fangs.
She goes on and on, covering each event in minute detail, barely letting anyone else speak, even Hannah, the mayor, or the other elderly women who are on the events committee. I can finally see what Autumn meant. Mrs. Greely doesn’t just run the committee—she’s made the fall festival her entire life. It gives her a feeling of purpose. It gives her a feeling of power.
She’s like a pack matriarch frustrated to be relegated to only this one duty, so she’s going to sink her fangs in and growl at anyone who comes near. It makes her a formidable adversary, exactly as Autumn warned. It also makes her a sympathetic one. I can’t imagine pack elders reduced to one yearly festival instead of counseling the alpha year-round. They deserve respect for their hard-won wisdom, not to be shunted aside.
When the talk turns to a fiery discussion of napkin colors, the audience grows restless. Autumn shifts constantly behind me, unable to sit still, and I’m so attuned to her, I can hear every tiny rustle of her clothing.
Finally, Babybelle gives another high bleat and jumps down to race up to the front. She circles loops around Hannah, her little hooves thundering on the hardwood floor far more loudly than something her size should be able to produce.
“Okay, everyone!” Hannah yells over the clatter, a laugh filling her voice. “I’m calling it. This town meeting is now over. Someone come and get the rest of the cookies so I don’t take them home and eat them myself, because you know Severin’s going to bring me cinnamon rolls in the morning,and there’s only so much sugar one woman can take.”
“Damn right I will,” her husband growls.
“And I thank you for it!” Pepperpot, the brownie baker who owns Cake My Day, calls out.
Everyone laughs and starts to stand.
Mrs. Greely struggles to get her heavy handbag back onto her shoulder, and I lean over to pick it up for her and help her to her feet.
“You are a fine young man.” She pats my arm. “Our little chat this evening has made me even happier I picked you to host the hay maze this year. You get that confirmation letter back to me this week, you hear?”
“Yes.” I agree that I hear her, but I’m sure she thinks I’m accepting the offer to run the hay maze. I can’t disabuse her of the notion without exposing that something’s gone wrong with the applications, so I let my comment stand. Hopefully, Operation Events Binder will give Autumn what she needs to put everything right.
Hannah and Severin join us, and our little group brings up the rear as Hannah ushers everyone out of Town Hall and locks up. Night has fallen, but downtown spreads out before us, well-lit by streetlights. The cool and crisp air carries the comforting smell of fallen leaves and a lingering scent of spring flowers, coming from the magicked blooms of the town green. The Thirsty Tusk and Slice of Life open their doors to accommodate the townspeople ready for evening libations, but we head to I Touch My Shelf to complete the final stage of the plan—the debrief.
Once Hannah unlocks the door, we pile into the bookshop and gather on the couches, with me sitting besideAutumn.
Skye asks, “Did it work? Did you get it?”
“Yep!” Autumn pulls out her phone.
Babybelle prances by her feet, baaing repeatedly.
“Yes, it was only successful because of you,” Autumn says.
“Oh, my god! You got your familiar!” Hannah grins and tips her head, listening as the mini-goat baas. “Yes, I’m Hannah, and I can talk to all animals, not just my familiar.”
“This is Babybelle.” Autumn gazes down at the mini-goat, gentle affection softening her face.
“Like the cheese?” Hannah asks.
Skye adds, “Is that the littlest cheese for the littlest goat?”
“Yep, you know me.” Autumn chuckles. “She’s totally named after cheese. I just made the spelling prettier.”
A loud bark comes from the front door, and Severin’s shadows flow across the room to open it. Finn the fox streaks over to Hannah and sits on her foot, his tail wrapping around her calves as he glares at the goat, yipping all the while.
“Yes, I know I’m your witch.” Hannah smiles fondly at him. “Babybelle is Autumn’s familiar, so of course I’m going to be nice to her, because Autumn is one of my best friends.”
He snorts in annoyance, but falls silent, still glaring at the mini-goat.
