Page 57 of Wicked Hungry

“And we’d like some more books on magical creatures and magic,” says Jonathan. “Like dudes who turn into wolves, or chicks that suck blood and are all cold and icy.”

“Or people who turn into other animals,” Enrique says.

“And run wicked fast,” I say.

“And get wicked hungry,” Jonathan says.

I look at the two of them, and they nod. So Jonathan knows.

“I already told Jonathan here that there are many things written in books that are completely false. Just plain made up to confuse the ignorant.”

“We’ll take our chances,” I say.

She looks at me queerly then, her eyes scrunched up. But I avoid her gaze. Her voice is hypnotic enough. “You speak for your...friends, then?”

I look at the two of them.

“Stanley, dude, you are the boss,” Jonathan says.

“He is my leader,” Enrique says, nodding. “How do you say it? His wish is my command.”

“Whatever,” I say. “I’m not the boss of anyone.”

“You may surprise yourself one of these days,” Morgaine says.

I shrug.

“We have some books that could help you,” she says. “They’re expensive, but we might be able to make you a deal.”

“So,” Enrique asks, pointing at the dusty box in Blaine’s hands, “is that the Ouija board?”

Blaine nods and smiles at us. “Morgaine, let me talk to Stanley here alone for a moment, man to man, while you bargain with Enrique.”

I look at Enrique, who kind of shakes his head. Then at Jonathan, who raises an eyebrow. What’s the harm, though, in just a little talk?

Blaine hands the board to Morgaine, and walks over to the corner of the store, me following him. “So,” he says, “let’s cut to the chase. Who do you run with? How many of you are there? Carolina wasn’t sure.”

What am I supposed to say? All I can figure out is that somehow Carolina was spying on me.

“It’s hard to say,” I say, which is true, at least.

“What I don’t understand is those other two. Like attracts like; that’s the general rule. You go out and change with them around and you’re likely to rip each other apart, all three of you, teeth to throat. Morgaine and me, we’re an exception. Not that my family is very understanding at times. But she...”

I look at him, waiting for him to continue, but he shakes his head.

“What am I saying? You’re just a pup, a kid. You couldn’t understand.”

“I’m not so young,” I say. “And Enrique and Jonathan are my friends.”

He looks at me, shaking his head. “You’re kidding me, right? Friends? That’s impossible. Change and that cat will kill you. And I’d watch my back with the fox, as well.”

“They won’t hurt me,” I say.

He shakes his head. “That’s what you think. Wait until it’s a full moon and you want to tear them apart. They’ll smell it on you. Then there won’t be anything else to do except fight.”

“I’ll take my chances,” I say.

He shakes his head. “You do realize, don’t you, that a loner is the most dangerous? Who will keep you from harming those you love? And who will protect you if the ghouls come out in force?”