Shadow of the Serpent Curse: A Dark Dystopian Fantasy (Infernal Crystals) by Niki Livingston

Author:Niki Livingston [Livingston, Niki]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Unbound Wonders Press
Published: 2023-02-09T05:00:00+00:00

Gina

My phone rang again. I flicked up the holograph screen and saw Fawn’s name as the caller, for the fifth time.

“Not happening, Fawn.” I swiped reject, silenced the ring and notifications, and closed the screen. “It’s my only day with my family, and you won’t ruin this as well.”

I stepped out onto the back porch with a plate of cookies in one hand and a pitcher of milk in the other.

“Who wants dessert?”

“Me!” Braxton and Audrey screamed in unison.

Mason took the pitcher from me and poured everyone a glass of milk as I set two cookies on each plate and then placed the rest in the middle of the table. I sank to my chair and smiled at my babies as they dug into their sugary treats. Mason winked at me from across the table before taking a bite of his chocolate chip cookie.

A day exploring the woods with my family had been just what the doctor ordered. I needed to forget about the big world and its problems. This was where I belonged, and I would do anything to keep it protected.

The mountains and setting sun were the perfect backdrop for the sparkling lake. I loved the ocean, but being at a higher elevation with the forest life surrounding me calmed my soul. If I could hide away here with my family forever, I would do it in a heartbeat.

“What are you thinking about, Mommy?” Audrey’s sticky fingers gripped my wrist.

I grinned and pulled her into my lap. “That being with you and Braxton and Daddy is like heaven on earth. This was the best day, and I don’t want it to end.”

“Me too.” She sighed and melted into my embrace. “We can just live here.”

“But I am learning how to surf,” Braxton said, crossing his arms over his chest and moping against the back of his chair.

“We have two homes.” Mason ruffled Braxton’s hair. “This one is for when the forest critters call for us to return. Until then, we have school and work and best of all, surfing.”

“Thank you, Dad,” Braxton said, smiling again. “Audrey always gets her way.”

Audrey sat up straight on my lap. “Do not!”

“Do too!” Braxton yelled back at her. His young shifter teeth emerged with a hiss.

“Hold it back, Braxton,” Mason snapped. His hand hovered inches from Braxton’s shoulder, ready to grab him if he started shifting.

Braxton’s shifter teeth sank back into his jaw, and he turned his glare to me. “This is all your fault.” He jumped from his chair and stomped into the house, slamming the door behind him.

“I wish he would die,” Audrey whispered just loud enough for me to hear.

“Audrey! Never say that again.” I picked her up and turned her to face me. “Do you hear me? Never again.”

“But he’s so mean.” She scrunched her nose in disgust.

“Never again. Understood?”

“Fine.” She slid from my lap, sulked past Mason, and stepped gingerly down the porch steps to the small yard. Her toes curled into the grass and she looked back at me.

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