Martin Millar - Lonely Werewolf Girl (85 page)

Kalix shivered as they left the park.

"This coat is useless."

"I've been telling you that for ages," said Vex, materialising
in the street beside them, with no regard for the feelings of passers
by. "We have to go shopping. It's an emergency. I can't stay in class
while you need a new coat so badly."

"I don't have any money," replied Kalix.

"I thought your clan was rich?" Vex looked at Dominil. "You
can get money, right?"

"I have money left over from the sum the Mistress of the
Werewolves provided."

"Well that's that problem solved," said Vex, cheerfully. "I
already called Daniel and Moonglow. They're meeting us in the cafe.
Then we can all drive somewhere and shop."

They reached the cafe where Daniel and Moonglow were waiting
for them. Vex was excited at the prospect of shopping. Also, she'd
never been in a cafe before.

"I like this. Do they serve roasted oggy monster? No? Okay,
what's a sausage?"

She glanced at Daniel and Moonglow. They were sitting very
close to each other, though Moonglow seemed deep in thought.

"There's something funny about your auras."

"Never interpret my aura again," said Moonglow, sharply, and
moved away from Daniel.

"All right. I'm bored with it anyway. Hasn't this been a great
month? Me and Kalix became best friends, you got cable TV, I went
shopping in Camden, Yum Yum Sugary Snacks were brilliant. Everything
just went really well."

"You seem to be forgetting the violent feud," said Dominil.

"Maybe. But you have to look on the bright side. So, this
money you have, does it extend far enough to buy me a few things?
Because you know, Aunt Malvie hardly gets me anything. It's cruel the
way she treats me, you'd be shocked."

Kalix laughed at Vex. She couldn't help herself. It was warm
in the cafe. She felt better than she had for a long time. And hungry,
which was unusual. She felt confident enough to try reading the menu,
and managed to make out enough to place her order. She forgot, for a
while, her unhappiness over Gawain. She forgot her anxiety, and even
found herself looking forward to buying a new coat.

"You see, I knew shopping would cheer you up," said Vex.

"Stop reading my aura you stupid Hiyasta," said Kalix.

"Hey, don't get cranky. Whose clever plan was it to trick
Moon-glow into getting cable TV?"

"What?" said Moonglow.

"Forget I said that. So this is what a sausage looks like?
Interesting. Daniel, that jacket is really bad, you need a new one. Me
and Kalix will pick one for you."

"This jacket is not bad," protested Daniel.

"It is," said Moonglow.

"It's awful," said Kalix.

"I agree," said Dominil.

"Everyone stop picking on my jacket."

"We can help you find a better one," said Kalix.
"There's no need to get stressed about it."

THE END

Martin Millar was born in Scotland and now lives in London.
His previous novels include
The Good Fairies of New York,
and Suzy, Led Zeppelin and Me
. Writing under the pseudonym
of Martin Scott, he won the World Fantasy Award for
Thraxas
.

www.martinm
illar.com
www. lonely werewolf girl, com

Author's agent - Imrie and Dervis
[email protected]
com

Cover art by Simon Fraser
www.simonfraser.net