Changling: Curse of Kin

By Ann B Harrison

While Sully struggles to master his new-found abilities, Nera fights to keep him safe. 
To Nera's delight, her friend Sully has finally found his place in the group. Unfortunately, his new power comes with a price. She and Bones must fight to protect their friend from himself and an unknown hunter while her own powers are still growing and her best friend Brie is acting so strange.
Can Nera keep not only herself, but her friends and family safe when you add the chaos of a new family moving in next door, her mother's obsession with finding her a boyfriend, and the constant sparks between herself and Bones? 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ann B Harrison
• Release date: Feb 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201141639

Book preview

Chapter One

Ilay back on the grass soaking up the warm sun. I can deal with a lot more days like this. No school for another eight weeks, bliss. The time would go faster than I’d like, but that always the way with holidays.

Hugo rolled over beside me and let out a soft doggy groan of pleasure. He was easily pleased. Food, sun, and sleep, but not necessarily in that order. Can't say I blame him either.

I opened my eyes under the brim of my cap and glanced around the yard. My mother was sitting down at the flower boarder weeding as she sung to herself. My little brother Roman was in the sandpit under the big elm tree with his trucks wreaking havoc on the town he had built earlier. My father was in his office working on another lucky person's house design.

After the stress and grief of the last few weeks, everything was alright in my world. It seemed like a lifetime ago that I found out the truth about my father and my favorite uncle, Jasper. It was still hard to believe that they were both over 800 years old because my father's mother had placed a curse on them when Dad had run away with Jasper's daughter, Pria. Edrith had been so angry that she had cursed them both to eternal life.

Only girls could stop the curse and it wasn't until I was born that they realized I was the one. Lucky me. All this had only come out because I had reached that time in my life—puberty to be precise—that had allowed my powers to finally start to surface. I had never cried so many tears as I had in the last few weeks. Which is wrong. I never cry. I'm too level headed or stubborn. Call it what you will. Mum blamed the hormones. I liked to believe my own theory—being hit with an eight-hundred year old curse tended to rock your world just a little. To top it off, being saddled with a shadow for the rest of my life just threw my emotions to hell. Something I had promised myself that I would get over.

Now that Edrith had been displaced to the otherworld for eternity, things had settled down. At least for now. I still had to deal with Bones. Yes, Bones, my shadow and protector. There was still so much that I needed to learn, apparently.

He had summoned me to Jasper's house for a meeting this afternoon. No doubt another lecture about what I did wrong last time, what I failed to do, or how I could have done it all so much better than I did.

Whatever.

I would wait for Brie and Sully and then we would wander over and see what he could do to stir me up this time.

Until then, it was time to close my eyes and roll over, soaking up the warm sun.

Later, as we wandered over the historic stone bridge toward Jasper's lovely old house, Sully bounced around with excitement and pent up energy. Do you think that Bones will have time to try and find out what I can do, Nera? he asked. I mean, I understand if he doesn't have time, but I'd really like to know if I can do anything.

We can but ask, Sully, I replied, not looking forward to it. It will no doubt hinge on what kind of mood he is in.

Can you just try not to get him going, Nera? Brie asked. You always seem to get on each other's nerves over nothing. Give Sully a chance to find his niche before you stir Bones up.

Like it's my fault all the time, I snapped, my good mood vanishing as I remembered the last time we had spat at each other. He just can't help himself. It's like I'm the new sport around here and his job is to win or make me feel like I'm not worthy, I mumbled to more to myself than anyone else. They didn't have to put up with his moods like I did. Hardly fair that I got stuck with him for life and they could walk away from him at any time.

Look, if it's a problem, drop it. Sully looked sideways at me as we approached the back gate to Jasper's castle.

Don't start in on me. I'll see what I can do, I said as Hugo pushed past me to get to the kitchen before us.

Hugo, my dear old friend. Two guesses to see what you are after. Jasper laughed, patting my big dog on the head before grabbing him a treat from the pantry. We walked into the kitchen and Sully jumped up on the bench like he usually did while Brie leaned against the table fluttering her eyelashes at Jasper.

That dog inhales food, Jasper. It's what keeps him going. I laughed and ran forward to give my uncle a hug. I doubted if I would ever get over the last few weeks and how much my favorite man had been through.

So, tell me, what have you children been up to these last few days? Jasper asked as he filled the kettle for tea.

We took a seat around the old wooden kitchen table as he went through the tea making ritual and we gave him what news we had. Dad is sticking close to home for a while. He's pretty busy with work anyway, and that battle with Grandmother Dearest really rocked him, I said. "Mum has been watching us like a hawk. She knows something is going on. Did Bones tell you that Dad wanted to fill her in on our history?"

Yes, he did. I don't know if that is a wise move at this point though, Jasper said as he poured the tea.

Maybe you should speak to him then, but I think it's just a matter of time before she finds out. I took a much needed sip and let the warm liquid trickle down my throat. Can I ask you a favor, Jasper?

Certainly, girl dear, what is it?

It's Sully. I gave my friend a quick smile and turned back to Jasper. I know we didn't have time to find out what his skills were because everything came to a head so quickly, but isn't there something we can do to find out how he fits into this?

I know where he fits into this actually, Jasper said, smiling at us as he held his little secret for just a few minutes longer.

How do you know? What's happened? Sully face glowed with anticipation.

Bones worked it out. You know it was him that made the connection to the family tree. I don't know why I didn't come up with it myself. Jasper frowned and tapped his fingers on the table. Once I thought about it, it all made sense. It is so simple really. Bones said the same thing. We just never thought about it in relation to Sully.

What, Jasper? Tell me, Sully insisted. His excitement making him twist around in his chair.

I think you're a shape shifter, Sully. His face was calm when he said the words.

We looked at him, and I think we were all stunned by what he said.

Shape shifter. Seriously? Sully asked. What kind, exactly?

Witches and sorcerers who willingly transform into animals and back to their original form, Bones said from the doorway in a deadpan voice.

I looked up at him, ignoring the way his lips curled into a small, secretive smile. His dark eyes met mine and he raised an eyebrow.

Thank you, Bones. I couldn't have said it better myself, Jasper said.

Bones walked in and poured himself a cup of tea before coming over to sit at the table with us. We stared at him in disbelief. It was a change for me to be lost for words and I know he was enjoying it by the small smile making his lips twitch and the lights dance in his eyes.

But you said witch or sorcerer, Sully said. I'm neither.

Actually, Sully, you are. Jasper looked at him with a grin spreading across his face.

If that is the case, then how come he can't do anything? I wasn't sure that I believed this.

Same as it is with you, girl dear. You came into your craft when needs arose or when your body was in the right place with your mind. These things can't be rushed. We can try to educate Sully as we did with you, but if he isn't ready... well, it's up to him really. Jasper shrugged his shoulders.

What makes you so sure that's what I am? Sully asked nervously, locking his fingers together.

Bones reminded me what skills my sons had. It stands to reason that they could have passed something onto you, even if it isn't as strong as it was for them, Jasper said. He watched the emotions rolling over Sully's face and smiled.

Bones watched also, but it was me not Sully that was in his sight and I could feel him in my head. My mind was racing, working, quickly sorting out the pros and cons of Sully being a shape shifter and what it could mean to us as a group.

Get out of my head. My gaze bore into his before he looked away, a red tinge creeping up his beautifully chiseled cheekbones.

Jasper, tell us how this is going to work for Sully, I asked. If he doesn't feel it yet, how much longer will he have to wait to change and when he does, how does he go about it? I flicked my hair from my face and held out my hands toward him. Like for example, what does he change into, and how does he change back, and—

Slow down, girl dear. Jasper laughed at me, holding up his hand, palm up. One thing at a time.

What I don't understand, Jasper, Brie whispered, her eyes shiny and wide, is how the shape shifter, you know, does the shifting.

Quite simple really, Brie. It's much like Nera and her ability to move things. She thinks it and it is. The same with shape shifting. Think it and it shall be. Well, that's the general idea anyway, Jasper said frowning at his own words.

Do you mean that if I decide that I'd like to turn into a horse, I would just have to think of it and it would happen? Sully looked back and forth between Jasper and Bones.

Not quite, Bones replied, looking composed once again. You need to find out what your animal is to start with and that could take a bit of work. Do you remember what Rogan's animal was, Jasper?

Yes, it was the wolf, Jasper replied, keeping his gaze on Sully.

Does that mean that the wolf would be mine as well, or would I have a different one?

It would be fairly safe to say that you would follow in his footsteps and have the same animal as your ancestor, Bones replied.

From Jasper's son Rogan down through the ages to Sully. His skills had come to him from his mother, the Lady Leona, youngest sister of Mari, Queen of the Witches. It was a great surprise to find that Brie and Sully were related to Jasper, but to find that some of his son's skills could had come down to my friends was extraordinary to say the least.

When we were trying to find Sully's place in our circle, we hadn't thought that there would be a connection other than the bloodline. If we had taken more of an interest in the history of our ancestors, we might have had an idea earlier.

Jasper had been devastated when Leona was killed and they were cursed by Edrith, my grandmother. Both of his sons, Rogan and Caleb had left the family home. They could no longer live in the house where their mother was killed. Neither contacted Jasper again and he had no idea what had happened to them. Until now.

Caleb had travelled far over the hills into Northern Ireland and married. He refused to use his magic, other than for protection, believing that it would bring harm to his new family. Brie was from this bloodline.

Rogan only travelled as far as County Kildare, where he stayed for three years before returning closer to his family home. He moved around over the years, from place to place as the wolves were hunted and killed. He produced only one son, continuing the bloodline that Sully came from. This I had learned from my father after the battle when I had taken his life. The battle that had put us all to the test and changed my world forever.

Jasper could tell the others the history surrounding Rogan. It wasn't my place to do it for him. First we had to let him deal with the anguish of his son's life and death. Then, and only then, would he tell us the story that Leona had passed to him.

Okay, Jasper. If you know that Sully is a shape shifter, can you tell us how he gets to use his magic? I asked.

We can work on a plan for that today. But be aware Sully, just because we know where your skills will lie, doesn't mean that you can automatically start changing. You have to be in a special place in yourself to be able to do this. It could take some time before you manage your first change.

That's okay. I can deal with that now that I know what it is, Sully said. It's a good start for me.

I watched Sully go through possibilities of being able to use his newly discovered skills. The visions in his mind were crystal clear as I invaded his thoughts.

Bones cleared his throat and pointedly looked at me with raised eyebrows when I glanced his way. I looked down, the heat rising in my cheeks. I was ashamed I had been caught inside someone's mind. It was exactly the thing I kept getting up Bones about.

We must also have a talk with you, Nera. There are things that need to be brought to your attention, but we can do that later before you go home, Jasper said.

What things? I was wary now as I tried to keep my gaze on Jasper.

Later, girl dear. Now, how do you think we should manage this idea of your father's to tell your mother about our history?

I don't really know, I replied, wondering why Jasper didn't want to talk in front of Brie and Sully. Roman said that she would not be happy about it, but that was all he would say. Look, I don't know if it's a good idea or not. I shrugged my shoulders. It'd be easier in a way. We wouldn't have to make excuses for training here so much. I could practice at home if I wanted to. But, I really think that she would get pretty mad about Roman's abilities. Probably because he is so young.

I jumped up from the table and leaned against the counter, pulling my hands through my hair. Jaspers earlier announcement made me a little bit tense. I know some things she would be okay with, because she would just say that it's a blessing or some such thing. But Roman, that would really freak her out I think.

What about your skills, Nera? Bones asked, his gaze locked on my face. Do you think that she could take all of your magic and be happy with it?

Happy with it? I'm not. For God's sake, would you be happy with the fact that you could kill someone, just for one event to stop? I snapped. Even I don't understand most of my skills, so how could she? Horrified at my lack of restraint I stopped, my hand over my mouth.

I hadn't meant to say so much in front of my friends. The last thing I wanted to share was the fact that I had killed my father to stop the curse. Well, if I was going to be totally honest, it was because he was going to kill himself. He mistakenly thought that if he did, he would release us from the curse and we could all move on. The truth of the matter was that it would have made no difference. I was the only one that could stop it and I did. But in doing so, I found out that my father was part god. His mother's powers had passed down to him and now that Mari had taken them from him for the return of his life, they would pass down to me.

Lucky me. I would have been thrilled with a new pair of running shoes for my skill at stopping the curse. But no, I get more powers. All the better to save the world. Bonus, not.

Nera, girl dear. Stop and breathe, for goodness sake. Bones isn't trying to upset you, Jasper soothed in his rich Irish brogue. We need to work through this to find a solution and you know your mother better than the rest of us. It would be useful if you could just calm down and help us out before we catch up with your father. Being forewarned is forearmed, and we don't want to go to your mother without knowing the game plan.

Sorry, Jasper, I said, bringing myself back to the conversation. I just don't think it's such a good idea, but I don't think that I can stop Dad if that's what he wants to do. I was ashamed of my outburst and hoped to make up for it trying to find a solution to my father's bad idea. I hadn't wanted to say too much in front of Brie and Sully but I'd let my temper get the better of me, again. We had decided it would be better if they didn't know the whole story of my abilities and some of the things that I'd done. Now I knew that I would have to explain when they got me alone.

You are going to have to learn to control your emotions, Nera. They could be your downfall if you aren't careful.

I glanced at Bones, hating the smug way he looked at me with his holier than thou gaze. Why, what's the big deal now? Edrith's gone. I've done my job. Why can't I just be a normal teenager who just happens to be a witch, for God's sake? I sat at the table and leaned my chin on my hands.

A look passed between my uncle and Bones that instantly put me on my guard. I think you two had better start explaining a few things, I demanded.

Brie and Sully moved off to the side of the kitchen and took a seat up on the counter out of the way while I fumed and stared at the two men. They were used to my moods and knew it paid to keep out of the firing line.

Why don't we go outside, Jasper suggested. It's a lovely day to sit in the sunshine. He put the tea things away and made his way out into the garden. We had no choice but to follow. He settled himself down in his favorite chair and Bones sat beside him. My friends and I sat on the grass in front of them, Hugo at my side.

I think that you have an inkling of what the future holds, Nera. Mari did tell you that there would be many battles to follow and Roman has also shown you some of what is going to happen, Bones said.

So what? Just because there's evil in the world, that doesn't mean I have to fix it all. Come on, Bones. Don't be so dramatic. I found it hard to brush off the prickling sensation down the back of my neck. I stood up and started to pace around the garden, throwing glances their way. Hugo watched me with quiet brown eyes.

He is not being dramatic, Nera, Jasper said. The battle with Edrith is over for now. But I am afraid there will be many more. It is your destiny. The same as it is destiny that Brie and Sully are here with you. This was all written many years ago and it will come to pass.

I spun on him, determined to get to the bottom of this little snippet of information that he threw at me now. Written? Where is it written, Jasper? You have alluded to it before, but I don't believe you. Show me, I said, glaring at him. He knew I would not be happy until I saw it for myself.

No. I'm sorry to butt in, Jasper, but that is not going to happen. Nera, you can't see the book. You have to take our word for it. If not mine, take it from Jasper. It is too dangerous to show you. Bones was shaking his head as he spoke.

Who are you trying to kid? How can a book be so dangerous? You really are a drama queen, Bones. A book dangerous. I laughed at him.

I think we have been through this before, girl dear. Jasper's lips formed a hard line. He appeared to be getting annoyed with the whole Bones/me attitude thing. It's somewhere we can't access—in Mari's palace. Even she wouldn't let you see it. You will have to take our word on it.

Roman showed you what the future holds. Can't you just accept that and be happy? Brie asked.

It's not the future battles that concern Nera, Brie, Bones said, looking at me from under the swath of hair that fell in his eyes. It's more that she will have to fight alongside me that has her annoyed. Am I right?

I stared back, refusing to answer him.

Get over it, Nera. Sully scowled. You're always telling us to deal with it. Take some of your own advice for a change.

I glared at him. Bones and Brie struggled to keep the smiles off their faces and even Jasper looked the other way. He seemed concerned with the hem of his shirt while I threw dangerous looks in their direction.

Isn't there something else you had to tell me also? Like regarding Hugo for example, I asked.

Hugo raised his head at his name and, seeing nothing amiss, put his head back on his paws and went back to sleep.

Well, yes, girl dear. Hugo has been around for some time also. He was my daughter's dog. When you were born, he decided he was yours. I thought it would help you to have him around. Jasper smiled and dropped his gaze back to his shirt.

So he is eight hundred years old too. Anything else I should know about? Feel free to think about it before you answer. I would hate you to leave anything out, I said as I glared at the two men with my hands on my hips and my temper starting to boil.

Bones and Jasper exchanged worried looks and shrugged their shoulders. You may as well tell her, Bones said.

Tell me what?

Well, it's like this, Jasper started. None of us really get to grow old after all.

What the hell is that supposed to mean? I thought that was part of the deal with getting rid of Grandmother Dearest.

That was the general idea, but apparently we had things just a little bit muddled up, Jasper said.

How the hell can you muddle up eternal life, Jasper? It's not like wearing matching socks, you know. It's a big deal. How can you possibly mess that up? I said scathingly at him. I turned away from them in disgust and started to pace the vegetable gardens again, peering over my shoulder at them every few seconds, unable to believe what I had just heard.

Are you sure, Jasper? I heard Sully ask.

Does that mean us too? Brie whispered.

My head whipped around at Brie's question. Does it mean us? I asked, coming back to stand in front of them.

Actually, Nera, we don't know, Bones answered. Its unchartered territory, a human/witch/god cross thing. We don't know how it will work with you kids, yet.

Well, that's just bloody marvelous, isn't it, I snapped. How long do we have to wait to find out? Will we get a letter in the mail saying, 'Happy long life' or something ridiculous ?

Gods live for centuries, Nera, Bones said. A single year for a god is equivalent to five hundred years for a human. You are part god. So are Brie and Sully to a lesser degree, but their blood is much more diluted than yours.

All we know is that some that have mixed blood grow old, but not others, Jasper said in his soothing voice. My sons both had different lives, according to Leona. It's because they were half god, half wiccan that Caleb lived a humans lifetime but Rogan lived for hundreds of years until he was hunted and killed.

What do you mean? Wasn't Rogan my ancestor, the shape shifter? Sully asked.

Yes, he was. I didn't want to tell you the history of Rogan just yet, but it appears that I must. Jasper looked at us sadly as he began his story.

When my dear Leona was killed, both of my boys left home. They could no longer stand to be in this house and I couldn't blame them. I wish that I could have gone with them sometimes. Anyway, Caleb travelled to Northern Ireland where he settled down and raised his family. He apparently only used his magic for protecting those closest to him, believing that any more than that would endanger them. Rogan, meanwhile, had only travelled as far as County Kildare where he stayed for around three years. Then he came back closer to home. Jasper sighed, the sadness clearly showing as his eyes clouded over.

If he came back here, why didn't you see him? Sully asked.

I didn't know he was here. I had heard the rumors about the wolves of course, but I didn't know it was my blood.

How could you not know your own son? I asked.

I didn't know what his animal was, you see. He hadn't done any shifting before he left home, so I didn't know. If I had, don't you think I would have seen him? Jasper slammed his palm on the table, making me jump back. I would have made sure of it. He would have been safe with me. I could've protected him.

I don't understand, protect him from what? Sully asked.

The hunters. Bones spoke for Jasper. He was hunted and killed for the bounty they offered for a wolf pelt in those days.

The last Irish wolf was my son, Jasper whispered I didn't even know.

Sully and Brie sat stunned, watching him as he told the story of his ancestor. Although I had already heard the story, listening to his voice tremor at the memory of his displaced family made the lump in my throat grow bigger.

Why didn't he turn back into a human when they were hunting him? Brie asked.

When you start to change, you must be aware of your lair, or safe place. It has to be protected at all costs. If it is destroyed you cannot change back. You are trapped forever in your alternate state. That is the most important thing I can teach you, Sully, Bones said, leaning over the table into Sully's space, his eyes going dark. Always protect your lair.

How do I choose it?

You don't. It picks you. It is the place where you feel most at ease and where you will make your first change. It should also be away from prying eyes.

I could hear him howl at night while they hunted him. Jasper's voice quivered and I reached out a hand to clench his. If only I had known, he would have been safe here with me.

Jasper had not been ready to share this story with anyone. His heart was still raw, the wound still fresh. My eyes filled as I reached for him.

Oh, Jasper, I am so sorry. I wrapped my arms around him. Is there anything that I can do for you?

No, girl dear, I will deal with it in my own time. But I do appreciate the thought though. He squeezed my hand and turned to Sully.

The reason I told you this, Sully, was to make you very aware of the dangers of shape shifting. Rogan's lair had been destroyed because wolves were easier to trap if they had nowhere to hide, nowhere to return to. Farmers often watched to see which direction the wolves came from and backtracked to search for cubs as well. They all had a bounty on their heads. He took a shaky breath. Rogan was killed in 1786, not far from here. That means I missed out on over five hundred and seventy years with my son. All for the princely sum of five pounds, thanks to Oliver Cromwell's hare brained idea of ridding Ireland of its native wolves.

The Last Irish Wolf. I've heard tales of that from my dad, Brie said. He was hunted for a long time before they caught him. Jasper, what can we do for you? She got up from her chair and knelt close to him, ready to offer him comfort.

I do appreciate your concern, all of you, but this is no longer about me. It's now all about Sully. He must be protected better than Rogan was.

Surely no one would hunt Sully if he was seen, I said. We think more of our native animals now, don't we? Wasn't there talk of reintroducing the wolves at some stage?

That's just the problem, girl dear, Jasper said. People still see them as a predator and there is every chance that is exactly what will happen. Even though there is no longer a bounty on their skins, they are still perceived as killers of stock and not welcomed in the area. I really can't see the local farmers agreeing to the reintroduction of the wolves.

If he was going to be caught, couldn't he change back to Sully? I asked.

If he was seen, do you really think it would be wise to change in public? Imagine the outcry if anyone found out what we are. Bones looked at me, his eyes wide in horror as the thought registered in his mind.

I'm not totally stupid, I said.

Bones merely raised his eyebrows at me.

Oh, give me a break. Explain more how Sully can learn to change, if it's not too much trouble. I glared at him from the opposite side of the table.

Enough you two, Jasper chided us. We can get through the day without this kind of sarcasm. Bones, you would probably be best to explain the process.

As you wish. Sully, you will notice the signs when you are ready to start shifting. Sorry, but it's a bit like changing from a boy into a man and that's when it will happen. Subtle changes, bit by bit and before you know it, you are into manhood, no longer a child. As with changing into an animal, small things will alert you of what is to come. The movement of your muscles under the skin, your eyesight will get sharper, and your sense of smell will develop like that of an animal. We all watched Sully's face as he tried to take it all in. Once you have matured enough to change, you will notice your skin tingle and itch. Once that happens, it's only your mind that is stopping you from manifesting it.

I knew Bones could feel my gaze boring into his head. My thoughts would be clear in his mind because of our connection, but he