Hot showers are life. There was a time when people were still adjusting to the magic way of doing things and all you got was a bucket and a towel if you were extra lucky. Lila left and I practiced my best rendition of Brittany I could. I wonder if I could buy some coffee scented soap at the market. You could get anything there. Obsessed? No just know what I like. Lila grew her beans in a greenhouse on the roof, along with fruits and veggies she used for the Hideout.

I put on my faded jeans and brushed my hair after getting more dirty looks from Luna. Brushed meaning-I ran my fingers through the short locks. I've got a very distinct style. The t-shirt had words on it but I never paid attention. It was covered by my leather jacket anyway. This baby protected my skin from some scraps and burns. Not to mention some liquids I can't even name. Trust me, its best if neither of us knows the full details. I laced my reinforced boots. You need a good pair of boots for my job. I call it city chic with a little bit of ass kicking thrown in for fun. I made some toast in my magic toaster, popped it in my mouth, and closed the door on my flat.

"Shiznikers." I quickly returned to my door and engaged the magical security system.

Lila wasn't a fan of cuss words growing up so I made my own.

Magic always came with a price. You had to give something to get something. People emitted energy and some spells or wards took the stuff that leaked out to work. Like my toaster and alarm system. Others took more. Humans leaked the stuff like crazy. Even seventeen years later. I guess that's what you get when its so new to us. Lack of control and knowledge. We could get it by turning to the others for instruction but the price you pay for that can be much worse.

I came through the saloon style doors leading into the back of the coffee shop. Laughing at the sign that said "Abandon all hope, ye who enter here." I put there to keep Lila's customers downstairs. She didn't find it nearly as hilarious as I did.

The shop was closed and normally it would be filled with regulars of all kinds. Lila didn't judge people or the others like some. She had a kindness to her that was her own kind of magic. I'm lucky she found me or who knows what my fate could have been.

I tiptoed up behind Lila her focus on the bustling action outside.

"Whatcha looking at darling." I grabbed her sides and giggled as she playfully hit my hands away.

"This is hardly the time for your antics Kat."

Properly scolded, I did my best to look admonished.

"There any coffee left?"

She sighed, "Of course, you have a togo cup on the counter."

I kissed her cheek. "Thanks sis, you're the best."

I earned a small smile from her.

"You need to be careful. It's humans getting killed out there. Women like you and me. It hasn't been so public before. It's like the others don't care who knows. The council was supposed to be managing the situation and now it's right outside. I'm scared Kat."

"You and I both know the council only protects humans to use them. We are the perfect untapped magic machines. I'm going to look into it. You know I can take care of myself. You and Stella made sure of it."

"I know." She sighed.

"Where is Stella? I figured she would be here with you."

"I haven't called her. She's been busy restoring some of the artifacts from our world. Then she's teaching the self defense class tonight."

"You better call her Lila. She's going to kick your peach up and down the street if you don't."

Stella and my sis were one of the true beauties in my life. they almost made commitment look like a good thing.

"Alright, I'll call. Be careful out there."

"I will, I'm going to see if Charlie is working the case. He will give me some info for some of your fresh muffins. Then go check up on old man Han. He's probably closed for the day too."

"The muffins are already packed."

She handed me the brown paper bag with her shop logo. A silver fox curled into it's tail. I could smell them, regretting my toast breakfast in exchange for one of these beauties.

"Keep the doors locked and I'll call on one of the community phones and check on you. I love you sis."

"Love you too Kitty Kat."

The bell jingled as I pulled the shops door closed and heard the lock click into place.

I saw the target of my muffin missiles pacing the edge of the scene. The alley didn't have much space, probably could only fit one car through it. Some of the building from our realm made it through the crash. a few blocks away. The Fae owned some. Theirs were made of natural elements from their plane. So beautiful it made me feel uncomfortable. The area sparkled with cleanliness and floral and vanilla scented air. I'll stick to bricks and concrete any day.

"Charlie, did I ever tell you that Centaurs are some of my favorite creatures? You guys are so majestic and proud."

"Cut the crap Kat. What do you want?"

"Well Charlie, we could do this whole song and dance or we could just get to the details. I've got Lila's carrot cake muffins and you have information. Should we make a trade?"

He crossed his burly arms stretching the counsel keepers uniform to the max of busting. I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from asking if I could have a ride around the block. I did once and he wouldn't talk to me for a week. It doesn't stop me from dreaming though.

I could feel heat radiating from something close to my back and noticed Charlie looking behind me.

The smell of burnt cedar reached my nose and I did my best not to show any reaction.

"Shiznikers." I mumbled.

I turned and plastered on my best fake smile hoping to hide the emotions hiding under my skin.

"Damon, you are looking fresh this morning."

His statue like features drove me crazy, I wasn't even sure the guy could smile. But man did I want to change the expression on his face.

"Kat."

"That's all I get? Just a Kat?" I made a stoic face and frowned. Doing my best impression of the tall dark and handsome creature.

He looked to Charlie, "Go ahead and give her what we have. It's not much so doesn't matter." Then he turned and I watched him go.

"Yum." I really wanted to figure out a way to crack that coconut. But he hasn't realized my charm.

Charlie cleared his throat and stomped a hoof into the ground.

"Like he was saying we just got here so we don't know much. We just identified the human female. According to the data base she was chipped. Her name was Mary. The chip was damaged and we sent it to base to see if we could get more there."

Chipped. I hated the idea of having someone track me all hours of the day. Humans chose to do it. Some wanted the feeling of safety. If you were to officially be protected by the council. The magical devices were required.

"Thanks." I handed the bag to Charlie and I could hear a small sound of joy coming from his body.

"Wait, If you guys just got here? How did the news sharks have an article for the morning paper?"