Leonard cleared his throat. “Uh, hi,” he said, walking across the room like it was a damn tightrope, just so he could shake her hand. “Leonard O’Donnell. Nice to meet you.”

“Charlotte McBee.” A strange spark, like blue lightning, crackled between their hands. Charlotte yelped, her eyes going ever wider as she shook off the shock. She giggled, a bell-like noise that did strange things to Leonard’s pulse. Somehow, his cheeks grew hotter and he backed away, sitting in his chair before he could do anymore harm.

“Sorry about that,” he muttered.

She smiled sweetly and he felt his heart break just a little in its warmth. “No problem. Static electricity.”

Leonard made a noise that was somehow both squeaky and grumbling. Could he belly crawl out of the room? It seemed like the option least likely to result in injury to others or further embarrassment to himself.

“So, I know we probably overwhelmed you a little bit at the wedding. We’re just so happy you’re here.” Sonja handed Charlotte a bright blue Welcome to League Employment in the Mystic Bayou Office binder and a League copy of Jillian’s book. “This is a brief overview of Bayou-specific policies, and just in case you haven’t read it, Jillian’s history of the Bayou, la faille and the League’s involvement here.”

Charlotte nodded, recently having learned about la faille—the interdimensional rift located in the swamp—that was responsible for Mystic Bayou’s supernatural population. Over the years it had either drawn shifters and fae to Mystic Bayou or changed human residents at a genetic level, turning them into magique. According to the League officials who requested her presence here, the rift had recently been closed, but before that had happened, it had been a beacon for supernatural creatures of all kinds.

Charlotte looked at the book and nodded.

“We know it’s a lot,” continued Sonja. “Especially with everything else you’re doing, so just go at your own pace. There won’t be a test, I promise.”

“Thanks,” Charlotte said, her grin not reflecting any intimidation.

“So how did you get into magical pregnancies?” Leonard blurted suddenly, making Sonja and Will stare. “As a profession?”

Oh, come on, was this an exciting new feature of his curse? Verbal clumsiness? Had he and the replicated sea life not suffered enough?