Page 134 of Kick the Candle (Knight Games 2)
"I want to know."
"Cats are for manifestations who need independence. A cat won't come when you call it. It will help you only when it comes to respect you." He paused, taking me in. "You didn't need independence."
"No?"
"No. An owl is for manifestations who need wisdom or common sense. An owl familiar is perfect for an uneducated lass trying to make it in the world. You are not uneducated, nor lacking in wisdom."
I smiled. "I'd like to think I'm smarter than the average witch."
He nodded. "Ravens on the other hand are given to those who lack self-worth. A raven will intervene only when a witch can't do something herself and then only when she decides what to do. I will tease you within an inch of your life, and I will expect you to take care of yourself. I will also make you brave and strong, trusting in your intuition. I'll challenge you to know what you want and to take it. A raven as a familiar will make you a warrior."
"Are you saying I have low self-worth?"
"I'm not saying anything. Don't shoot the messenger, m'kay. But since we've met, have you done more on your own?"
I thought about that. "I guess I have."
"And do you know what you want?"
My head immediately filled with images of Rick. "I think I do."
Poe shook his head and coughed. "Don't think, know!"
"Okay, I do! I know what I want."
He met my eyes. "And do you feel you are worthy of what you want?"
I searched Poe's face and my innermost thoughts. "Yes. I'm worth it. I deserve Rick. I deserve this house. Gary wasn't my fault and neither was the financial situation he put me in. I'm a great witch, Poe."
"Very good." He hopped back to the windowsill. "Then I was the right familiar for you after all. Big day tomorrow. I recommend you get some sleep." He tapped on the glass.
I obliged by partially opening the window again. "Thanks, Poe."
"Don't mention it."
* * * * *
... take a walk with your sister the moon... Bono's croon of Mysterious Ways popped my eyes open. My ringtone. I pried the phone from my bedside charger; the screen read 11:00 a.m. My heart started to palpitate. How had I slept so late? One hour until the winter solstice and I still had sheet marks on my cheek!
My dad's face filled the screen, his real estate agent smile promising unicorns and rainbows. I punched the screen and brought the phone to my ear. "Dad?"
"Grateful, I'm glad I caught you."
"What's up?"
"I just wanted to give you a heads up, Mr. Nekomata is going to stop by the house this afternoon. He was completely fine with you living there another week but he wants to survey the property."
"Wait. What? Today is not a good time, Dad."
"He said it would only take a few minutes."
"Call him back and tell him he needs to come a different day. Today, is bad for me. Very, very bad." My heart was threatening to jump out of my mouth. Down deep, my intuition was playing a dirge, throwing up caution flags like confetti.
"Nekomata is a very busy man, Grateful, and it is his house now."
Across the inside of my arms and down my sides, a prickling sensation scampered like an army of tiny bugs had invaded my skin. I forced myself to swallow before confirming what I knew to be true. "You sold the house."
"Don't worry, Honey, I got it in writing that you have permission to stay there a few more weeks."
