Page 30 of Twice Bitten

“And your father?”

I stared at Addy, not liking where this was going. “Never met him. Mom wouldn’t tell me much about him.”

All I knew was Mom had loved him. Very much. And as such, I loved him too, even though it felt ridiculous to admit that. How could I love someone I’d never met? Now I’d lost them both, and even though Mom’s absence had shattered my heart, it had also made my father’s absence all the more stark.

Addy shrugged. “Supernaturals can’t turn into each other. A witch can’t turn into a vampire or a shifter. A vampire can’t turn into a shifter or vice versa either.”

My shoulders slumped with relief.

A sad smile. “I’m not finished.”

I sank against the wall, dread filling me.

“I’ve heard the occasional rumor of hybrid creatures, supernaturals who’ve suffered an attack and become something else. Nothing substantiated,” she said quickly when she saw my expression fall. “And nothing saying those people turned into feral beasts, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

Well,feral beasthadn’t yet crossed my mind until Addy said it, but now the possibility burrowed into my brain like a tapeworm.

A thoughtful look crossed her face. “I know a hybrid,” she said slowly. “Sort of. Nothing of the type of hybrid you seem to be thinking of, though.” Her lips twisted. “One of my friends tangled with a wolf shifter. Turned out when he started growing fangs on the full moon, his mom had to confess his blood was diluted with human, even though his supposed father was also a full fae.” She waved a hand. “Caused a whole domestic nightmare.” Addychuckled. “Good thing there’s no 23andMe for supernaturals, right?”

I nodded, though I thought a DNA service would be excellent if it helped me figure out what the hell my father was and if there was the possibility these changes might be permanent.

“Regardless, he’s fine. Only the fangs happened. He didn’t suddenly start eating people or anything like that.”

I stared at my boss. “Maybe you shouldn’t be a motivational speaker.”

Addy snorted. “True.” Her eyes softened. “I have someone you can talk to. If you want.”

At my dubious look, Addy’s lips twitched. “So suspicious.”

She dug into the pocket of her apron and pulled out a small notepad and pen. After she scribbled a name and number, she handed the paper over. “Call her. Tell her I sent you.”

“How well do you know her?”

“She’s my best friend’s daughter. I’d trust her with my life. Cora knows more about magic than I’ve ever learned.”

I tucked the paper into my apron. “Thank you.”

“No problem.” She reached over and tucked a stray curl behind my ear. “Now. Do you think you can get out there and serve some coffee without eating any of my customers?”

My smile wobbled. “I’ll do my absolute best.”

Addy snorted. “You’re going to have to do better than that. If you bite someone, my insurance isn’t going to cover it.” She softened her words with a smile. “Straighten yourself up, maybe grab a bite to eat, and get back behind the counter, okay?”

I nodded.

Addy started to turn around, then paused, her brow furrowing. “Did you find that scent charm in your car?”

I blinked as I realized I’d forgotten all about it. “Um. No. Sorry. I was a little distracted when I got into my car.”

Addy frowned. “Go get it. I have a feeling you may need it soon.”

I stood there for a beat, staring at her. My boss had a knack for knowing certain things at odd and random times. If she told me I would need the charm, I wouldn’t argue about it. “I’ll be right back.”

The charm was sitting inside of my cup holder. I tugged on the attached leather cord and pulled the necklace over my head, where the small white stone nestled in between my breasts, a cool and heavy weight giving off a faint magical pulse.

When I came back in, Addy nodded at me with satisfaction. “If you really think you’re about to pounce on someone, call for G. He’ll find me.” She gripped my upper arms. “I know that experience must have been jarring. But now you know, and you can take steps to minimize your reaction in the future. Whatever this is might not be permanent. Call Cora when you get off tonight.” Her eyes narrowed. “I’ll know if you don’t.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I said meekly.