Mates by Bridget E. Baker

Author:Bridget E. Baker [Baker, Bridget E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Purple Puppy Publishing

12

Clark

I’ve always enjoyed my job. Sure, it’s mostly solitary, but it’s rarely boring.

Okay, other people would find it boring, compiling different varieties of the same spell to test efficacy and potency. But there’s an element of excitement about trying things that no one has done yet. And what I do dramatically impacts the lives of humans—not that they know I’m the one doing it.

But spell research has given them migraine medicine, diet treatments, and fertility advancements, to name a few. Magical life may not always be a smooth path, but at least we can even out some of the bumps for the everyman.

Of course, nothing is perfect. When other employees call in sick, I get stuck pulling double duty, and when I nearly die dueling a dragona—but ultimately win? Yeah, that kind of thing means nothing here.

Actually, the extra media attention has probably hurt me at work. I’m badgered by reporters on the way in and out of the office every day. The phones still ring far too often with people asking our beleaguered office staff whether they can speak to me. My time in the sun will probably be quite short, but I’m just holding my breath that it will end soon, and praying that my job will last that long. All the attention was neat for a day or two, but my boss has gotten more irritated with it every day.

“The humans aren’t supposed to know that we’re here,” Simon gripes. “But with a steady stream of reporters, even the humans are trying to figure out what’s going on in this building.”

“I’ll reinforce the diversion spell on my way out tonight,” I say. “Sorry again.”

He casts his eyes toward the ceiling and sighs. “It’s not your fault—I know. You’re the hero—the brave defender of your friends. I’m impressed and all that, but we still have to hit our quotas and keep the shareholders happy.”

“I do know,” I say. “I think it’s starting to taper off.”

Simon arches one eyebrow. “Let’s hope so.” He spins on one shiny black shoe heel and marches out of the lab. “Oh.” He glances over his shoulder. “Chad is gone today, so I need you to approve the deliveries.”

I don’t groan. I don’t huff. And I don’t grumble. I’m proud of that. Since I’m currently the most annoying employee in the office, Simon’s been pushing all the scut my direction lately, and I can’t say I love it, but I also don’t have much room to complain. I’ve made everyone’s life harder, so I can’t really whine about doing a few extra tasks.

“I hope he’s alright.”

“He says it’s the Tasmanian flu, but I think he just drank too much again.”

Awesome. My co-workers are out partying, and I’m being punished for defending my friends. If I were dating Roxana, I’d be fine with the attention. Actually, if we were dating, it would likely be much worse, and long term. But at least I’d have something to ratchet up my joy. As it is, I have

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