Damned and Cursed (Book 2): Witch's Kurse

by Bullion, Glenn

  Kevin took a deep breath. It seemed every other night Tiffany had a bad dream. Some were quick and fleeting, others lasted most of the night. She'd come downstairs for breakfast looking like she hadn't slept. He was sure her father being gone had something to do with it.

  But they seemed to be getting worse.

  "No," he said. "Not yet. Go get my coat from downstairs."

  She eyed him curiously, but he smiled, reassuring her. He went to Jack's bedroom as she went down the stairs.

  The pocket-watch still sat on the nightstand.

  "Don't worry, Jack," he said. "I won't break it."

  He scooped it up and nearly ran into Leese in the hallway. She giggled for a moment and kissed him on the lips before handing the coat over.

  "What are you going to do?" she asked.

  "I want to see what she's dreaming."

  "What?!" Her voice raised somewhat.

  "Shh. Keep it down. Don't worry, it's safe. It's just a little twist on a spell I read in my family's book."

  "I don't know. I don't like this."

  "Don't worry."

  "What do you want me to do?"

  "Just keep me company."

  She smiled. "I can do that."

  He grabbed two potions from his coat and mixed them together. Leese sucked in a breath as the potion turned green, lighting up the room. He sat on the floor next to Tiffany's bed. Holding the pocket-watch in one hand, he let a few drops fall from his new potion to the watch.

  "Okay," he said, clutching the pocket-watch. "I'll see you soon."

  Kevin reached out and gently took Tiffany's hand. Leese smiled at him and ran a hand through his hair. He returned her smile as his eyes slowly closed. The pocket-watch pulled at him, and he wondered if the drowsy sensation was what Jack felt whenever he used it.

  His eyes didn't quite shut when Leese suddenly disappeared. He was awake instantly, searching the bedroom before him.

  "Leese? Where are you?"

  He turned to look at Tiffany, but she was also missing. The bed looked like it hadn't been slept in. Jumping to his feet, he backed up, unsure of what was going on.

  "I'm asleep," he guessed. "I have to be."

  A young, girlish scream made him jump. He ran into the hallway, but it wasn't the hallway he was expecting. Jack's house was long gone. There were fewer doors, and pictures along the wall. Instead of the normal stairway to the left, the hallway emptied into a larger space. A dining area was to the right, a kitchen to the left. A living room lay beyond that.

  Kevin was in an apartment.

  The scream came once again, and he could see her. Tiffany leaned whatever weight she had against the living room door. It shook violently, the doorknob turning.

  He forced himself to stay calm, despite the racing in his chest. It was difficult to believe his heart could actually race. He ran his hand along the wall, feeling its texture. Dreams, and the human brain, were amazing.

  Tiffany didn't see him as he stepped into the dining room. Tears ran down her face, and all he wanted to do was go to her. But he was just an observer. There was nothing he could do.

  She wore the same clothes she did during the school day. Her little feet were dug into the carpet, her legs shaking with each rumble of the door. Food was scattered on the floor in the kitchen, all the cupboards open. A lone framed picture sat on the dining room table. Kevin leaned down to investigate, and saw a couple he didn't recognize. Posing with them was a young child, maybe three or four years old, that bore a striking resemblance to Tiffany.

  "Hey! You!"

  He looked up to see Tiffany staring directly at him. Kevin turned to see if someone was standing behind him, and immediately felt silly.

  "Me?"

  "Yeah! Help me with this door! I can't hold it."

  Kevin didn't move. He simply stood still with his mouth hanging open. The door shook one more time, nearly opening, but whatever strange logic happening in the dream allowed Tiffany to hold it shut once again.

  "Now!" she shouted.

  He jumped, his legs finally able to move. If there were any doubts he was walking through a dream, they were gone in an instant as he joined Tiffany in the living room. The room was completely empty except for an old TV in the corner, a couch against the wall, and a huge bathtub in the center. It made no sense whatsoever, but he remembered his own dreams seldom making sense.

  "Uh, I'm not sure if I can do anything," he said. "This is your dream—"

  "Move the couch! Before the monsters get in!"

  Kevin did as he was ordered. The fabric on the couch was very real to the touch. He was surprised when the couch actually moved. He shoved the couch across the floor. Tiffany stepped aside enough for it to fit behind the door, then ran to his side to help push.

  He could hear noises on the other side. Very familiar.

  "We have to hurry," Tiffany said. "They're gonna break in and kill us."

  "Tiffany, what's going on—?"

  "My mom died. My dad…he left me. I'm all alone."

  The door shook once again, and a panel finally broke. Kevin's jaw dropped as a dark, clawed hand reached through, frantically searching for anything it could grab. The snarling and roaring registered in Kevin's mind.

  Demons.

  "They're coming," Tiffany said. "Oh my God oh my God."

  She grabbed Kevin's hand and pulled him to the hallway. He took another fleeting glance at the kitchen, at the mess Tiffany had made. Was everything they were experiencing completely a dream, or were there memories mixed in?

  "So much for just being an observer," Kevin muttered. He'd have to remember to update his spell-book. "Tiffany, I have no idea of what you've gone through. But you do have a dad—"

  The door burst open. Dream or not, Kevin's heart fluttered when he saw four demons work their way inside, shoving the couch aside.

  Tiffany tugged on his hand. "Come on!"

  They went into her bedroom, which was an odd side. Her own bed, complete with Spongebob Squarepants sheets, was against the wall. There was more junk and candy wrappers on the floor. That was it. No dresser, no TV, not even a closet or windows.

  She slammed the door shut.

  "The bed! Help me move it!"

  Kevin almost refused, until the door started to shake. Tiffany helped him with the bed, shoving the bottom end against the door. He tried to think of what was happening. Bad old memories, mixed with bad new ones.

  The demon attack in an office building outside BWI airport. Kevin, Victoria, Alex, and Jack had dealt with it. But the memories made him shake from time to time, and he was a witch. He was actually experiencing what it could do to a young girl.

  "Tiffany, it's me, Kevin. Do you remember me?"

  "Kevin," she said, looking at the floor. "No."

  "Listen to me. You do have a dad, and he loves you very much."

  Tears streamed down her face. "No. He left me after Mom died. I remember…eating garbage. And foster homes. And the monsters—"

  He dropped to his knees and grabbed her shoulders.

  "All that's in the past." The door shook behind them, and Kevin couldn't help but be afraid. "You have a family, and they'll protect you against anything. Do you remember Aunt Victoria? You've got me now, too. I'm like your older brother."

  "I don't have a brother or aunt."

  "You do now. Man, dreams suck." The door continued to shake, the wood splintering. "You have a father now that loves you very much. Jack. You remember Jack, right?"

  "Jack…" she said, her gaze darting back and forth. "Daddy!"

  "Yes, Daddy. He definitely wouldn't let these stupid demons do anything to you."

  Suddenly, Jack was there. He shoved the couch aside and threw open the bedroom door. Demons scattered in all directions as he grabbed the first one he saw and punched it in the nose. It let out a comical shriek, probably something Tiffany had seen on TV.

  "Dad!" Tiffany shouted.

  The dream representation of Jack paused long enough to give his
daughter a wink. Then he was off and running down the halls, chasing demons. Kevin smiled at the halo floating above Jack's head. Tiffany's subconscious had a strange way of seeing things.

  "Whenever you have a bad dream," Kevin said. "You think of Jack, or even me. We'll take care of things, okay?"

  She nodded, and reached out to hug him. Suddenly the bedroom faded away, Tiffany along with it.

  Someone was shaking his shoulder, and he blinked. Leese was on one knee next to him, a look of concern on her face.

  "Kevin. Tiff," she said. She reached out and touched both their hands. "Are you guys okay?"

  He turned his attention to Tiffany as he set the pocket-watch on the floor. She was awake now, sitting up in bed. Real tears ran down her face, and he felt terrible for making her go through her nightmare.

  But then Tiffany smiled. She pushed herself out of bed and forced a hug on Kevin. The breath rushed out of him as Leese put a hand on her back.

  "I had a bad dream," Tiffany said. "But then Jack and you were there, helping me. Taking care of me. You said you were my brother."

  Leese looked like she was about to cry herself. She reached out and squeezed Kevin's shoulder. He tried to release Tiffany, but she wasn't willing to give up her death hug just yet. She was not the same girl from when Kevin first stepped through the portal into Jack's home.

  "You got it," he said. "You've got a lot of people now, Tiff."

  "And me, too," Leese said.

  Tiffany let go and turned to hug Leese, giving him a break. He smiled as he watched the pair.

  Leese was no longer angry with him, and neither was Tiffany. Hopefully the intensity of her nightmares would lessen somewhat. He also had a job.

  Things were finally moving in the right direction.

  CHAPTER 26

  Jack waited impatiently as he knocked on the door for a second time. He tried to turn the knob, but it was locked. Gritting his teeth, he paced back and forth on the landing. He carried a brown bag in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. His patience was at its limit when he knocked for a third time.

  "Hold on!" Marie called. "I'm coming."

  The apartment door next to Marie's opened. An older woman poked her head out, wearing a robe with curlers in her hair.

  "Do you mind keeping it down out here? Some people are trying to sleep."

  He took a sip of coffee and examined the cup.

  "Have you ever had hot coffee thrown in your face before?"

  He took a menacing step forward, rearing the cup back. The woman's eyes grew wide as she slammed the door shut. Jack heard her fall in her apartment. He smiled to himself as he relaxed and took another sip.

  Marie finally answered the door. Her hair was a mess, her eyes half open. She wore sweatpants and a baggie shirt, looking very different from the beautiful creature he saw not long ago. It was amazing how ugly a few hours sleep could make a person.

  Jack thrust out both hands.

  "Coffee. Donuts. Get dressed. Let's go."

  "It's six in the morning."

  "Yes. Morning. That's when we agreed I'd come back."

  "I got two hours of sleep."

  "That's not my problem. I'd figured you'd be doing cartwheels for fifty grand."

  "Is it okay if I take a shower first? Is that in the contract?"

  Jack's jaw tightened, and a slow smile spread across Marie's face. She was toying with him, and he was falling for it.

  "Yes, please take a shower. You stink."

  She walked away from the door, allowing him to enter. He followed her and closed the door behind him before setting everything on the table. He watched her figure bounce as she walked down the hall. Sloppy appearance or not, her shape still stood out. He was curious as to her senses. All werewolves had keen senses, but some chose to embrace them more than others. Was she aware that he was watching her?

  "So, you don't sleep," she said, disappearing into the bedroom. "What did you do after you left here?"

  "Watched a movie at the hotel. And I called my daughter, got her out of bed. I'll pay for that one later, I'm sure."

  "You have a daughter?" She reemerged wearing only a robe, pausing long enough at the bathroom door to hold his gaze. "You mean a woman actually let you have sex with her?"

  Jack said nothing, only letting out a half smile. She was fishing for information that she didn't need to know.

  "I'll be out in a few minutes," she said.

  She closed the door behind her. He toured the apartment once again, to kill time. His travels brought him to her bedroom. He looked through her closet, admired her clothes, opened the dresser drawers.

  "I can hear you out there," she called.

  He scooped what had to be his favorite pair of underwear in one finger and opened the bathroom door. Steam greeted him. Her lovely silhouette moved exotically behind the cheap shower curtain.

  "Do you honestly wear these panties?" he asked, holding up the Wonder Woman underwear.

  Marie opened the curtain just enough to stick her head out. Her expression said it all. Horror, irritation, anger, but with a hint of amusement.

  "Did you honestly just walk in on me while I'm in the shower? And you're looking through my things…again?"

  "Looks that way."

  "Put them back. And do I wear them? You'll never know."

  Jack left, not bothering to close the door. He put the underwear away. As he looked through her bras he found a picture tucked away. It was the same couple from the photo on the dining room table, only this time they held a baby in their arms.

  "Marie," he said. "This picture in your bra drawer. They're your parents. Correct me if I'm wrong."

  Her voice was less kind than before. "Jack, please stop going through my stuff!"

  "You look a lot like your mother. Very beautiful."

  "Put that damn picture back!"

  "Relax. I'm just trying to get to know you a little better. You should be honored. Normally I don't give a shit."

  "Wasn't it you that said it wasn't a part of the deal?"

  "What kind of name is Marie Johnson, anyway? Who handled your identity change?"

  The shower stopped. From the angle he had in the bedroom, he could see her shadow, drying and wrapping a towel around herself. Marie stepped into the hallway, her face flush. Her hair was still wet; she dripped water to the carpet. Jack still held the family picture. She stared at his hand, and he finally got the message, putting the picture away.

  "What kind of name is Jack Kursed?" she countered.

  "A bad-ass one."

  "You just do whatever you want, don't you?"

  "Pretty much."

  "You know, just spending an hour with you, I'm trying to figure out if the money is worth it."

  "Well, we could call the whole thing off." He looked at the drab walls. "And you could have an exciting time in this amazing place."

  "Just shut up. Could I have my bedroom back, please? So I can get dressed."

  They circled each other. Marie refused to turn her back on him, an action he admired. She was a young werewolf, but she was smart. Her lip twitched as she tried not to smile, her hand gripping the towel to hide her body. The towel stopped mid-thigh, and he took advantage of the view.

  "Just take your time," she teased.

  "I am. I actually left a recommendation for panties on the top. And for a bra—"

  "Get out."

  She slammed the door in his face.

  Jack's patience was tested once again as he waited. He could hear Marie dressing in her bedroom. Fifteen minutes passed. Fifteen minutes to put on clothes. Even with two centuries of age, he would never understand women.

  Marie opened the bedroom door, and Jack let out a relaxed sigh. A wonderfully tight pair of jeans, a loose blouse, and simple sneakers. Her hair was still damp, giving it a stringy look. She was certainly one-night worthy. But he still couldn't wrap his mind around what she could have possibly been doing for fifteen minutes.

  "Are you ready?" she ask
ed.

  "Is that a joke? Am I ready?"

  She rolled her eyes as she grabbed the donuts and coffee from the dining room table. Jack smiled as she didn't offer gratitude. He was starting to like her more and more.

  "How do you want to do this?" she asked as they left the building.

  "Oh, no. This is your show. You lead the way. You're my bloodhound."

  "I'm not your anything."

  He unlocked the car. "Try not to shed on the seat."

  They both sat in the car at the same time.

  "It's a miracle Erica was able to put up with you as long as she did."

  Jack's shoulders tensed. Marie's words hurt, and the pain caught him by surprise. She reached out and grabbed his arm immediately, her eyes apologetic. He didn't recoil at her touch.

  "Oh God, I'm sorry, Jack. That was terrible."

  "It's okay," he said, gently pulling his arm away. "Payback for all the dog jokes."

  "No, it wasn't. That was mean, and cruel."

  "It's a mean and cruel world. I can take it. You're right, she was a small miracle. And someone took her from everyone."

  They were quiet a moment, the awkwardness thick in the air. Marie finally spoke, her voice low.

  "I'd like to start at her apartment. That way I can really get her scent in my head."

  It was a quiet ride. Marie ate donuts and drank coffee in silence. She didn't feel the need to fill the emptiness with inane chatter, another positive in Jack's mind. She was focused, driven, yet full of a positive energy. He had no trouble at all seeing Marie revive a dead bar.

  Jack parked in front of Erica's building. He left the car without a word, Marie a step behind.

  "We're just going to walk in?" she asked.

  "I have a key."

  "I have a feeling she didn't give you a spare key."

  "And your feeling would be right."

  They rounded the stairwell. Jack smiled when he saw spots of blood on the second floor landing, from when he beat the mortal who spoke of Erica.

  "Holy crap," Marie said. "Someone got the shit kicked out of them."

  "Yes. Yes they did."

  Jack unlocked Erica's door, but didn't step inside. The apartment was exactly as he'd left it. Marie took a step to move past him, but stopped as she neared the threshold. She let out a deep breath.