before turning my attention to T.J.
“So, you any good with WiFi and Bluetooth gear?” I asked. “Like net-worked stuff… Internet of things kind of shit?”
“Only in my sleep and blindfolded,” he boasted, his eyes cutting toward Ashley.
“We may have to call on your expertise on a little job we’re working on for Chris,” I said, snagging a cream sauce covered scallop and popping it in my mouth.
“He really likes you guys, doesn’t he?” Jetta asked, maybe a bit envious.
I shrugged, still chewing, but Caeco piped up. “He does. I think he really relates to Declan.”
I looked at her, surprised.
“Well, he does. You have a lot of similarities… a lot in common, as they say,” she explained.
“What do they have in common?” Ashley asked. “Declan’s a warlock and Chris is… well, he’s an Angel.”
“Trust me. I was trained in the psychology of soldiers and leaders and the two of them have similar backgrounds, similar situations, and many of the same personality traits. I think Chris sees Declan as a younger version of himself.”
“What’s he think of you?” Mack asked.
“Me? Oh, he thinks I kick ass,” she said nonchalantly, giving everyone a wink.
“Okay, Miss Modest, let’s finish up. We all have another class in an hour,” I said.
“We have Exploiting Power or whatever it is. How about you guys?” Ashley asked, after pointing at Ariel and herself.
“Control,” Justin rumbled.
“We’re supposed to start with Control, then go to Explorations on Wednesday night,” Mack said, glancing at his sister.
“Control,” Caeco said.
“Explorations,” I said.
“Me too,” T.J. said.
“Alright. Let’s see what the second half of Hogwart’s has to offer,” I said, picking up my plate and glass. The others all followed.
Chapter 9
The first thing I found out in witch class was that Miss Berg’s first name was Karen. The second was that she was very much a sexist.
We got into class and found seats on the second row up. Ariel sat next to Ashley, who would have been next to me, but for T.J. jumping into the spot first. So I sat next to T.J.
The witch girls chose to sit right next to us. Actually I think Ryanne made the decision, but the others didn’t protest. the whole pack, which now numbered eight, arrived in a cluster of chattering estrogen and magic, fairly brimming with energy.
Ryanne spotted me and immediately headed my way, claiming the seat next to mine. The others followed her lead, packing into the second and third rows, still talking a mile a minute.
The first time I’d seen Ryanne, she’d worn shorts for her highly energetic band performance at Kate’s Pub on Church Street. The last two days, she’d been wearing jeans. Today she was dressed in the college girl uniform of sweater and tights, as was most of her fellow witches—actually, as most of the girls in the class were.
“Heya D, it’s bloody lethal out there. How do you Yanks put up with it?” she asked with shiver and a smile.
I couldn’t help but smile back at her. “You get used to it,” I said with a shrug.
“No mate, you get used to it. Meself, I’ll be happy to get back to me wet green Isle.”
“Well, by the time the semester’s over, it’ll be warmer here than in Ireland,” I said.
“Don’t seem hardly poosible, what with all the fecking white shite out there,” she said.
“Welcome, everyone. Welcome to Explorations of Power. This year, we will do just that, exploring the uses, dangers, and limits of your individual talents. Along the way, I think we’ll also learn a great deal about each other,” the teacher said loudly, smiling broadly and making eye contact with everyone while she waited for the various side conversations to die.
“First, a little background on me. I was born into a well-established circle in Ohio. Like my mother, I am an earth witch, with an affinity for Mother Earth and everything that grows across her. There are lots of earth witches in the nation’s breadbasket, as our talents have helped produced the food that feeds the country, although no one knows it.
“I lost my circle twenty-one years ago to an accident. I met Nathan Stewart not long afterward, and Oracle became my employer and home. As a result, I’ve seen and experienced things that I never would have had my life remained unchanged. So despite Mr. Gordon’s reservations, I can unequivocally stand here and tell you that Oracle would be a fantastic place for any of you to work, but only if you enjoy travel, prestige, excellent pay, and