Page 13 of Kraken the Seal

I made all my tentacles pull back into my body before rushing over to my pantry. I pulled out three tins of my favorite sardines and brought them to her with a napkin and fork.

“Here, give them a try.”

She took them and didn't even hesitate to open one of the cans and start eating.

“This is so gross, but it tastes so good,” she grumbled.

“Don’t worry, you'll be back to your old sardine-hating self soon,” I promised.

I added a silentI hopeand turned my attention to making the best pancakes she'd ever had.

Chapter 5

Nina

“You’re not a seal shifter,” Elena said. We were sitting in her small, colorful house sipping iced tea. A giant orange cat jumped into my lap, purring loudly. I liked cats so I petted the soft fur. The moment my fingers sank into the animal's pelt, I felt better.

Delmar made a sound of disagreement. “I saw her change. She is most definitely a seal shifter.”

Elena held up a hand. “I’m sorry, I didn’t use that word correctly. She is a selkie.”

Delmar’s frown turned to a nod. “Oh, I see.”

“I don’t,” I said. “What’s a selkie?”

“A selkie is a type of seal shifter, but a little different,” Elena explained. “They have much more magic than the average shifter.”

“What does that mean?” I asked.

“Let me demonstrate," Elena said and pointed to the bundle of purring orange fur. “Focus on Cheddar. Keep petting him and let your thoughts wander.”

As I looked down at the cat, he slit his eyes open. A distinct request for cooked chicken filtered through my head. “Uh, chicken?"

Elena chuckled. “He’s been asking for chicken all day. No more chicken for you, Cheddar. You had some this morning.”

This time, I was sure the words floating into my head definitely came from the cat because they weren’t polite.

“I don’t think I should say what he’s thinking,” I said.

Elena gave the cat a fond look. “Don’t worry, I can always hear Cheddar. He can be a rude kitty sometimes. He’s constantly reminding me that I’m becoming a grumpy old lady.”

“You’re not that old!” I said, glaring down at the cat. I could have sworn Cheddar rolled his eyes at me, then jumped down off my lap and sauntered off.

“That’s kind of you,” Elena said. “Cheddar thinks I should get out more. He’s probably right.”

“You should hang out with the Senagers,” I said.

“Senager?” she asked.

“They think of themselves as senior teenagers,” I explained. “Senagers.”

Both Elena and Delmar chuckled.

“What do Senagers do?” Elena asked, looking interested.

“They get together once a month to try new activities. Last month was archery. I think this month is making mosaics. I can give you their email.”

“That’s cute,” he said. “How do you know about this group?”