She placed her hands on my head and began muttering some kind of chant. She continued for five minutes before letting go.

I looked at her nervously, waiting to feel something. Anything. Ten minutes passed. I was beginning to think the spell had failed.

“Mona, are you sure—”

And then I felt it. A strong tingling at the tips of my fingers, spreading through my arms toward my chest, then neck, face, stomach. Soon my whole body prickled. It wasn’t painful, just an odd itching sensation. I began to rise inches above the floor. Whereas previously Mona was taller than me, now I towered over her. I reached up a hand to touch my face but Mona stopped me.

“Wait,” she said. “Don’t touch yourself until the transformation is complete. I’ll tell you when.”

I waited for ten more minutes until finally Mona nodded. “You’ve changed as much as you’re going to change.”

I looked down and saw a muscular chest and powerful arms. Thankfully, I couldn’t see further than that. I was still holding the sheet tight against me. I became suddenly aware of all the extra weight I was carrying.

Crap. I really didn’t think this through.

I held the sheet tighter against me, looking at Mona in despair.

What have I done?

“I’d better be able to change back,” I croaked.

Mona chuckled. “You will.”

This was perhaps the most bizarre experience of my life. The only thing I could think of that came close to it was when the Elder had possessed me and taken control of my body.

Mona approached and to my horror, yanked the sheet away from me.

“No!” My eyes shot up to the ceiling. “Give it back!” I reached out my hands desperately.

Mona broke out laughing.

“It’s okay,” she chuckled. “I’ve see Kiev before. Just keep looking at the ceiling while I help you change.”

She grabbed the clothes she’d brought with her. She pulled my arms through the shirt and buttoned it. My eyes followed her as she reached for Kiev’s pants.

“No sneaking a peek at my man, girl.”

I glared at her. “I wouldn’t dream of it.” My gaze shot back up to the ceiling as she helped me step into the pants.

I hope Derek will forgive me for this when he finds out…

Chapter 5: Sofia

I ran my hand along Kiev’s rough stubble.

“Okay,” I said, taking a deep breath. “I have to go now.”

Both of the witches were still eyeing me with amusement.

“Good luck,” Corrine said.

I left the room and made my way toward the exit. I stopped short a few feet away from the front door. I’m making Kiev walk like a girl. How do guys walk?

I slouched slightly, let Kiev’s arms swing more loosely at my sides, and spread out my feet. I tried walking again. Although I felt far from confident, I didn’t have time for more practice. I’d just have to stand still in front of Derek.

I walked out the door and scanned the courtyard. I was terrified that I might bump into Kiev on the way. I jolted forward and flew across the clearing, into the woods. I avoided the main pathway as I made my way toward Derek’s and my penthouse. Kiev was at least twice as fast as me. Underestimating the speed at which I was traveling, I almost collided head-first into a tree. It took a while to get used to his agility.

I arrived at our tree and took the elevator up to the verandah. I walked to the front door. Clearing my deep throat, I wiped sweat from my brow with the bottom of my shirt.

Then I knocked. Again, not being used to Kiev’s strength, it was far louder than I’d intended. It sounded almost aggressive. Not a good start…

I held my breath as footsteps approached. The door unlatched and Ben appeared in the doorway.

His eyes darkened.

Great, now I have two Novak men to deal with. Ben was supposed to be in school.

“What do you want?” Ben asked, leaning his arm against the door frame.

It was unsettling having my own son stare at me with such disdain. I supposed that Kiev was used to everyone looking at him like this.

“I’m here to see your father,” I said.

I was horrified by how off Kiev’s voice sounded from what I was intending. I’d been trying to adopt a more docile tone of voice, but it came out far too soft and husky. It sent chills down my own spine. Christ. If I keep this up, Derek will think Kiev’s come to seduce him.

Ben raised a brow.

“For what?”

Nosey child. Just bring your father.

“It is a private matter,” I said, relieved that Kiev’s voice sounded more balanced this time.

Ben stepped back and allowed me entrance. His eyes followed me as I approached the center of the room. I was about to head directly for Derek’s study when I remembered that Kiev didn’t know his way around our apartment. I looked at Ben. He seemed to be enjoying making me feel uncomfortable.

“Where might I find your father?”

“In his study.”

“Which is where?”

He glared at me once more before leading the way to Derek’s study. He rapped on the door.

“Dad?”

“What?”

“Someone’s here to see you.”

“Who?”

“Kiev Novalic.”

There was a pause.

“Tell him to go away.”

Damn you, Derek.

Ben turned to me, raising a brow and shrugging. “You heard him.”

I approached the door myself. “Derek. I need to talk to you.”