Page 17 of Hexed, Vexed, & Undersexed

"Porter? Like one of the original Salem families?”

"Yep, the one and only," I exclaim, surprised that someone around here recognizes my family's standing in Salem's history.

“I believe we have two of those on this show, if I can remember correctly," Loïc continues, tapping a finger on his chin.

I feel my mouth twist in disgust at the mention of the Putnams, but before I can say anything, someone calls out to my on-screen coach.

"Ah, Preston there you are!" the other network employee hollers, walking over.

The employee’s a very petite woman standing next to someone I assume is the third and final male competitor.

How do I know, you ask—because he’s dressed head to toe infeathers.

"I want to introduce my assigned individual to yours," the woman continues.

"It was lovely to meet you, Miss Porter," Not Gandalf says, giving me a final smile before wandering off, the clunk of his staff fading the farther into the crowd he walks.

I wave briefly and turn my attention back to the other coach.

"Nora, this is Bodaway, our shaman," Preston introduces, but the cold tone lacing his words catches my attention.

When I look over, I find his lips thinning and his posture rigid.

What the. . .

But then I see the reason why he’s acting the way he is. Bodaway is eyeing me like I’m a piece of meat, and Preston clearly knows about my love of meat.

Maybe that’s his concern, that I might be attracted to this man.

"Bodie, this is Evanora, or Crystal Moon," Preston continues, unaware of my internal musings.

"Hi," I offer, tossing up a hand in a quick wave, wanting to move on from this uncomfortable encounter as fast as possible.

"Pleasure."

His voice is deep and rumbling—but not in a sexy way like Preston's. It’s irritating to the ear and I want to tug on Preston's arm to hurry us along.

"Are you excited for the show, Nora?" Bodaway asks.

"Evanora," I correct as politely as I can.

No way this shaman is calling methat.

Bodaway narrows his eyes but nods. It also doesn't escape my notice out of the corner of my eye that Preston’s smirking triumphantly.

"And yes, I am,” I finally answer Bodie. “Binx is, too, aren't you, boy?"

My cat growls, backing slightly to close the distance between him and me, his focus never leaving Bodie and his coach.

Hey, can't complain too much about such a protective pussy if it keeps the bastards away.

At the least one of your pussies is doing something,my ovaries point out.

"That's a yes," I translate for my familiar, ignoring my opinionated lady parts. "We still have one more contestant to meet, don't we?"

Thankfully, Preston takes the hint.

"We do. Better get going so we finish the rest of the tour of the studio. This way."