A Wife for the Werewolf
Monster Match, #1
by Rose Kent
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Chapter 1
Kate
Adulting… the bane of my existence. I didn’t imagine myself saddled with so much financial responsibility before thirty. I pondered my current situation while seated at the small desk in the back of the Potion Palace, my grandmother’s shop, surrounded by stacks of bills and a calculator perched precariously atop them. This was my least favorite part of running a business—the constant battle of making ends meet and trying to stay afloat. I vowed when I inherited this business, I’d do everything in my power to make it succeed.
I groaned into my lukewarm tea as the bell above the door jangled, making me jump. Looking up from the ledger where I keep all my expenses, I watched Cassie burst into the shop with far too much energy for this early in the morning. Waving my fingers above my cup, I chanted a warming spell to add some oomph to my morning pick-me-up.
Dust swirled in the air behind Cassie’s hurried movements. Her dark hair was pulled back in a hasty ponytail, strands escaping to frame her face. “You didn’t call me on the way into work this morning. What’s wrong?”
I watched in awe as Cassie pinned me with an intense stare, all while pulling the dusting cloth from under the register and wiping down the ancient bottles that lined the shelves. Cobwebs stuck to her cloth, but she kept moving. Cassie was a hurricane, an unstoppable force, especially when she fretted over things, which was often.
“Cassie, what are you doing?” I asked, taking another sip of my morning tea.
“Inventory,” she answered without pausing, her tone clipped. Another bottle, another swipe of the cloth. Her movements were mechanical, almost robotic. “If you’re mad at me, just tell me, Kate.”
I stepped around the corner and placed my hand on her shoulder. “Cassie, I'm not mad at you. I’m also not giving you the silent treatment,” I smirked, trying to hide my grin. “I’m conflicted.”
“Conflicted about what? I know when you are off, and it’s obvious.” Her blue eyes scanned the room like she was looking for a clue.
"Cass," I finally said, trying to force a smile. "Business has been slow, as you know. The reason I didn't call this morning is because I was occupied with the bank. I currently owe them two months' rent."
Cassie raised an eyebrow as she leaned against the counter, her posture relaxing but her gaze sharp. “It’s the weather. Spring in this area is drab at best. Who would want to shop?” Cassie continued to ramble on. “Summer is our busy season. We should prepare for that.”
I smiled, appreciating Cassie’s interpretation of the situation. But even her attempt at explaining away the lack of business fell flat as she resumed dusting and organizing, moving a jar of eye of newt a fraction to the left.
She wasn’t wrong. This lazy, coastal New England beach town was always busier in the summer and fall. Before long, tourists would come strolling in, talking animatedly about the lighthouse and the delicious lobster rolls they had for lunch. In the meantime, I needed to be patient and find a way to make some money.
Step into the supernatural world crafted by Rose Kent, me, the daring alter ego of a passionate science teacher, devoted mom, and proud pet owner. Within my paranormal, fantasy romance stories you will find a fiery mix of lust, love, and magic. I work hard to weave vivid tales of forbidden love, uncomfortable angst, pulse-pounding action, and otherworldly creatures that will keep you hooked from the very first page. Come join me on a wild ride through the realm of the supernatural, where passion and the unknown collide to create a truly magical reading experience.
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