Free Witchling (Curse of Kin) by Ari Harper Page A

outside suddenly.
    “She loves her running, our Nera,” Dad said to Mom, leaning over and giving my hair a pat.
    “Yes, I much prefer that to her sitting in front of the television.”
    “Uh, hello? I’m right here.” I looked at both of them in turn. I was in no mood for this. I don’t even know why I bothered to sit down.
    Dad continued, ignoring my snappy comments. “How could two outdoor people like us ever breed TV nuts?”
    “Do you remember when we met?” Mom asked, her face going all dreamy, her gaze on my father.
    Here we go again. My folks were true romantics. I, on the other hand, couldn’t be bothered. None of the boys at school really took my fancy; they all seemed so young, so immature, and only out for one thing. Sure, I was testament to that now.
    “How could I forget?” Dad smiled at her. “There you were, trying to start a fire with damp wood, smoke in your eyes, and a look of frustration that had me helpless in minutes. It was the best camping trip I’d had in ages.”
    “We have been lucky haven’t we, Jack? Two healthy children, a home, and each other. I do wish we could add to the brood, though. You know how much I would like another baby.” She reached over the table and grasped his hands.
    “My love, I know. Let’s just wait a little longer. I would like to give Roman the same amount of one-on-one attention we gave Nera. Let’s at least get him into first grade before we do anything. I think it made all the difference to Nera, don’t you? It’s not long till his birthday, and then we can talk about it again.”
    I had heard this conversation before. I knew Mom wanted more babies, and I couldn’t understand why Dad was holding back. We had enough room, money, and love for an addition to our family. I knew Dad loved kids, so why wait?
    It was time for me to exit. I jumped up from the table with Hugo at my heels. Their conversation was left behind me. I made my way down the street, waving to Mr. Blain who was watering his roses and past the newsstand where Mr. Jakes was bravely hobbling around with his leg in plaster, putting out the magazine advertisements and getting ready for a busy day.
    My gaze found that of Bones where he was loading more papers into the back of the van. Why Mr. Jakes hired him was anybody’s guess. He didn’t seem to fit the mold to me. He was moody, overbearing, objectionable, and just a little bit too good-looking. No wonder he got my back up.
    I broke our gaze and ran to the lane that would take us across the river through the forest, around Widows Lake, and back around Jasper’s house.
    I loved my early morning route, peaceful and calming with few people around. Brie got the spooks going through the forest, but to me it was the best way to clear my head and sort through my issues. My brain always worked better when I was out by myself. Running always had a calming effect on me anyway, and Hugo would go with me anywhere.
    I still had doubts about what Jasper had told me but so much of it was starting to make sense. But then again, so much didn’t. How could I explain the powers that I already knew I had? God, it was just so weird. Too much information at one time—especially weird information!
    I rounded the bend heading to Widows Lake, and the forest seemed to cool off. I slowed down to get a quick look around, but saw nothing that could account for the sudden case of jitters. Just in case, I upped my speed again. As I got closer to the lake, I could see a mist hovering over the water and the daylight faded, an unnatural darkness descending around me.
    Hugo pulled up short at the edge of the lake, and a low rumble came from deep in his big chest.
    “Whoa, boy, what is it?” I grabbed at his collar.
    The mist swirled closer, and the light sky darkened even more. There was a strange hum in the air. Hugo’s ears flattened against his head, and his hackles went up. I started to get spooked.
    “Who’s there?”
    No one answered. The hum got louder