Excerpt of Blinded by Magic: A Witch Romance by Ava Catori

“Why do you always fall for mortal men?” Ziara sighed, her fingers rubbing at her temples.

“You’re the one who insists we straddle between our world and theirs.” Raven’s annoyance with her sister was growing. It’s like she wanted to control every aspect of her life. “I can’t help it if my tastes are different than yours.” She was a grown woman, not that Ziara noticed half the time.

“What is this, the third one now? It’s time to grow up and get serious. We have a perfectly good breeding season coming, and you’re going to waste it like it means nothing.” Her glare cast shards of ice. This wasn’t the first time they’d had this conversation, and it wouldn’t be the last.

“I’m not ready to be a mother. Besides, what’s the hurry?” It was nonsense. She still had plenty of good years in front of her. Not that Ziara seemed to notice. As far as she was concerned, she’d dallied too long.

“Season of the Witch is coming. You can’t avoid it forever. Must you play these games during such an important time of the year? How is it possible you choose the worst season every time? You do it on purpose, don’t you?”

Benji piped in. “Don’t bother calling Charlene for a love potion. We all know how helpful she can be.” He couldn’t hide the sarcasm that dripped from his voice.

“Toad, you’re not helping.”

“Dammit, it’s Benji! I’ve been a bulldog for three seasons now. Can’t we move forward?”

“Sorry, it’s just that you were a toad for six seasons. I’m still getting used to the change. How much longer until you evolve back into a falcon? Man, you must have really pissed Charlene off this time.”

“Yeah, well, let’s just say she found me fooling around with her sister.”

“Nice,” Ziara said flatly. “What is it with the male species being unable to keep it in their pants?”

“Falcons don’t wear pants. I was in my falcon form at the time.”

“So that makes it right?” Raven shook her head.

“Her sister is hot as a dove. I couldn’t help myself. Anyway, three more seasons as a dog, six seasons as a falcon, and then I can shift back to my human form again. I miss having hands. I feel like a slobbering fool, so heavy and plodding, stuck to the ground. I can’t wait to fly again.”

“I can imagine,” Raven started. “Is there anything you like about being a dog?”

“Raven, stop trying to change the topic. It’s not helping matters. Benji has his own issues!”

Ziara grew more frustrated. It was like talking to a wall. “And Benji, don’t think for a second I’ll defend you for doing Charlene’s sister.” She turned her attention back to her younger sister.

“Now for you, princess. How many times are you going to fall for a mortal? Haven’t you learned by now? I understand you like this guy, but it can’t end well. Let’s face it, he’s either going to be spooked or intrigued. He shouldn’t know about our world.” It didn’t matter how many times she warned Raven, she seemed to have her own mind about these things.

Raven pouted. “He’s really cute and sweet. Did I mention cute?”

“Great, he sounds swell. It’s bad news, and you know it.” She was not amused.