The Paranormal Side

Chapter 18

"I feel like a freak-show."

Zach gave me a teasing smile before taking a drink of water from the bottle at his feet. "You are a freak-show."

I gave him a mock glare, gathering my hair up high on my head to tie it in a ponytail. "Not funny."

Zach sighed and tossed a water bottle to me for a drink. "Just try to ignore them," he ordered.

That was more easy said then done. The training area for the wolves was apparently a football-sized field surrounded by tall wooden walls with no ceiling. Before they had been drafted into the swift-approaching Witch War, this area was usually just used for game time with the pups (wolf children). Now the pack used this area to practice battle strategies, like going for the kill.

But we were using this area to practice magic, and for me to be put on show in front of the whole pack. Lining the sides of the walls were dozens of men and woman - all werewolves - who watched me with glittering eyes. Every movement I did or everything I said was being watched and heard, and the feeling made me want to crawl out of my own skin.

Just ignore them, he says. Like it's that easy to ignore dozens of people that would probably like nothing better than to kill you.

I forced myself not to scan their faces to see if Brian was here. I convinced myself that I didn't care if he was or not. This wasn't about him. Grams was right, I didn't need the distraction. I mean hell, we have a full scale war coming and I'm worrying about my love life? Get a grip, Katie.

"You ready to start?" Zach asked, cracking his neck in an almost comical way. Despite his orders for me to ignore the watching wolves, I could tell by Zach's stiff back and too-smooth expression that they made him uncomfortable too.

"As I'll ever be," I muttered, stretching my fingers out and focusing on relaxing. It took some effort, but I was able to concentrate on my magic and bring it to the surface of my mind, ready to use.

"Okay, let's start with the elements. Air," he said. I watched as he closed his eyes for a second, either to try and forget the wolves watching or to concentrate on his magic, I don't know, but when he opened them his irises were a glowing white and he held up his hands. A strong gust of wind ripped through the training area, whipping my hair and making the wolves whisper nervously.

He kept it going for a few seconds and then dropped his hands to his sides, his eyes fading back to their normal color. "Your turn," he said with a small smile.

I blew out a breath and kept my eyes locked on Zach's to keep from glancing at the wolves. Air, Katie. That's easy. Don't let them get to you.

I raised my hands, palms facing up toward the sky, and concentrated on my magic. Air, air, air, I chanted in my head. I closed my eyes and willed my magic out, holding my breath.

Nothing happened. I opened my eyes.

A few chuckles came from the sidelines, and I felt my face heat up. Damn them, I thought. Damn them, damn them, damn-

As I let out my breath, the wind began to blow furiously, almost knocking me down. Zach and I had to brace our feet against it and I felt the magic flowing through me, bringing a smile to my face. I loved this feeling.

The wind was still going, and getting stronger. I could feel a tornado coming on. I smiled, hearing some of the wolves yell. That's right. Who's laughing now?

Zach touched a hand to my shoulder and the wind ceased. He gave me a meaningful look. We had talked about this. I can't let my emotions get the best of me when doing magic.