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“I prefer them younger.”
I snickered. “You won’t be dating anyone on the island then.”
“Dr. Adam is good-looking and doesn’t seem too old, and I met a cute bartender the other night. She can’t be a day over twenty-five.”
“The world’s your oyster—or your corncob.”
“Is dating frowned upon on the island? For the employees, I mean. I didn’t have many opportunities for relationships with my old job.”
I understood that more than she knew.
“If you form a relationship with anyone on the island, you both need to sign a declaration and file it with Justine’s office. The information should’ve been included in your welcome packet.”
“Why so formal?”
“Small island. Big powers. Major fallout potential if the relationship sours.”
“Why don’t the Neighbors have to sign a declaration? I’d be more worried about them.”
“Why?”
“The less you have to lose, the more dangerous you are.”
The familiar words punctured my lungs, making it hard to breathe. The Fates had shared that sentiment many times over the years. It was both a warning and a tool, depending on the situation.
Penny noticed my reaction. “Maya, are you okay?”
“Headache,” I lied.
“I have painkillers if you need one.”
“I’ll be fine, thanks.”
“There’s a question I’ve been meaning to ask you. When Vale showed up, did I hear you mention Coranians?”
Damn. I’d hoped she hadn’t heard that exchange. I should’ve known better.
I noticed a report on my desk and gave it my full attention. “What’s this?”
Penny stretched her neck to see my desk. “Yesterday’s incident report.”
Right. I scanned the report. “Three wolves turned?”
“Right in the middle of pilates. I issued a citation for untimely shifting and damage to equipment.”
“Good. Did they say why they shifted?”
“Because—and I quote—they felt like it. Do you think they’re testing me?”
“Probably. Who’s Francesca?”
“The new naiad. We met her at our presentation.”
I continued to read. “She swam around the entire island?”
“Outside the permitted zone. When I told her there are rules for a reason, she splashed me and told me to go back to my sandbox.”
Another feisty one. Not as bad as Keith, but still.
