Ink Cursed: Shifter Squad Next Gen, #1

Chapter One

I KNEW IT WAS GOING to be a bad day the moment I heard my guardian stirring in her bedroom. Her feet thumped to the floor, then she stomped over to her closet to get dressed, muttering beneath her breath the entire time.

Sitting at the dining table, I glanced around the tiny cottage to make sure it was tidy. I always got up early to make sure everything was in order, but I had to work quietly. It would be a very bad idea to disturb the witch’s slumber.

The cottage was sparsely furnished and was made from worn old logs. It was enchanted so the temperature always stayed the same. The kitchen was to the right, the living room was to the left and the miniscule dining room sat directly between the two. Irene’s bedroom was to the right of the kitchen. My room was at the back of the cottage, with the bathroom acting as a buffer between our rooms. Her den was to the left of the living room.

An ugly orange couch and matching armchair hunkered in front of the fireplace. An iron cauldron rested above the unlit logs. A small TV was mounted above the mantle. I was only allowed to watch television for a few hours after dinner. At least I had plenty of books to read in my spare time. They lined the shelves of a bookcase to the left of the fireplace.

My scan didn’t take long. I couldn’t see any dirt, or anything out of place, but that didn’t mean I would escape from punishment. It didn’t take much to make Irene angry. Sometimes, all I had to do was look in her direction and it was enough to set her off.

The door to her bedroom creaked when she opened it. Dread made my entire body tense up as I pretended to study. I could feel her glaring at me in hatred that she didn’t even try to conceal as she stepped into view.

What are you staring at? she asked belligerently when I glanced at her to judge her mood. Somewhere in her forties, she had shoulder-length dark brown hair and fine lines around her eyes. She might have been pretty if she hadn’t always looked so stern. Slender in build, she was almost too thin. She wore designer jeans and a green shirt that I was pretty sure was made from silk.

Nothing, I muttered and returned my attention to the book.

The witch strode across the room and I instinctively cowered away from her. Her fist shot out before I could try to shield my face with my hands. Sharp pain exploded in my cheek. Don’t use that insolent tone with me, missy! she hissed. Get out of my sight! I don’t want to see your fat, ugly face until you’ve learned how to be civil!

Leaving the book on the table, I fled from the woman who ruled the cottage like an evil queen in a fairytale. I glanced over my shoulder to make sure she wasn’t following me, then quickly strode down one of the old paths into the woods.

The track I’d chosen led me past a small pond. I stopped to stare into the crystal-clear depths. I studied my face, but it didn’t look excessively chubby to me. I was nowhere near as thin as Irene, but she always made me feel like I was grossly overweight. I looked fairly normal, with long dark brown hair and brown eyes. The black tattoos that had been magically branded onto my right arm, chest and the right side of my neck were the only things that really stood out.

Looking beyond my reflection into the water, I shivered. One of my earliest memories was of nearly drowning in the pond. I’d waded out too far, then had sunk to the bottom. I hadn’t known how to swim and had frozen in panic. I remembered looking up to see my guardian standing there, staring down at me. Only three years old back then, I’d understood that the witch had weighed up whether she would bother to rescue me, or if she would let me die.

She’d finally waded into the water and had hauled me out of the pond. Even now, fourteen years later, I could still remember the cold, calculating look in Irene Dawson’s eyes. I sometimes wondered why she’d bothered to save me, when she clearly hated my guts. Apparently, she wasn’t alone in that regard. I’d lost count of how many times she’d told me my own parents had tossed me away like trash when I’d barely been an hour old.

A breeze ruffled my hair, carrying the scent of something dead hidden in the underbrush with it. Wrinkling my nose at the stench of rot, I walked deeper into the woods, wishing I’d worn something warmer. My threadbare dress was several years old and was far too small for me. It was hard to breathe now that my boobs had filled out so much. The raggedy hem only came to my mid-thigh. None of my shoes fit me now, so I only wore them when I had to. My feet had toughened up from going barefoot most of the time.

It was cool in the valley near the mountains during the fall. This was my favorite time of the year, when the leaves were colorful and the scenery was breathtaking.

I meandered for a few hours, then came to a stop when I neared the skull of a bird that had been nailed to an oak tree. To go any further would result in agonizing pain that I never wanted to suffer through again. Trying to pass through the magical ward once had definitely been enough. Birds, animals and insects could pass through the invisible barrier, but humans couldn’t cross it. Irene was the only one who could come and go freely from the patch of land that belonged to her.

I watched in envy as a rabbit left its burrow and hopped past the oak tree. It paid no attention to me at all, knowing I was harmless. All of the animals knew me. I’d grown up here and had spent the past seventeen years roaming the forest. I knew every path, every tree and every hiding spot within a one-mile radius of the cottage. That was the limit Irene had set that I could explore. The cottage wasn’t my home. It was my prison.

A small sigh escaped me at that brutal truth. It was cruel that I was trapped in the isolated woods, but it was apparently for my own safety. Irene had found me stuffed in a garbage can in an alley and had rescued me from certain death. She’d told me I wasn’t human. I was some kind of horrible monster, which must have been why my parents had abandoned me.

My warden had cast spells on me after she’d taken me to her cottage. They had a dual purpose of making me look human and preventing me from becoming a monster. If the witch’s spells ever failed and I reverted into the creature that lurked inside me, I would supposedly slaughter anything that came within my reach and I would revel in the carnage. If the people in the nearby town of Wrenvale ever saw what I really looked like, I’d be hunted down and slaughtered for sure.

This is for the best, I said, trying to convince myself of that fact yet again. Supernatural creatures were feared and hated by humans. Irene had told me that entire species had been wiped out after the near apocalypse that had happened twenty-six years ago. She’d homeschooled me and had taught me everything I needed to know about the world. Hearing about the horrors that went on in the cities was enough to make me want to stay hidden in the forest forever.

Although my guardian’s methods to control me seemed harsh, I knew she was right to imprison me. I could feel something inside me that was desperate to escape. It had emerged from its long hibernation shortly before I’d turned fifteen. My senses had grown sharper and I’d become slightly stronger and faster.

A couple of weeks after my fifteenth birthday, the monster inside me had almost broken free. I’d woken up in the middle of the night to find myself standing in the woods. The creature had risen up and had taken over my body. It hadn’t stopped at the skull of the bird. It wasn’t human and it didn’t understand the warning signs.

My stomach lurched at the memory of the beast attempting to force me to cross the invisible boundary. Burning pain had swept through me, forcing the monster to withdraw deep inside me again. I’d fallen to the ground and had screamed myself hoarse. It had been a full moon that night. Silver light had pooled around me, shining almost too brightly for me to bear.

Irene had heard my screams and had followed them to me. Just like when I’d almost drowned, she’d looked down at me with cold eyes. My screams had only ended when she’d chanted to halt the spell. You see, Alex? she’d said smugly. You can’t let yourself become a mindless monster. You could have killed everyone in Wrenvale if my spell hadn’t stopped you from leaving my territory.

Although it had felt like my entire body had been on fire, I hadn’t been wounded physically. What am I? I’d asked, still shuddering from the aftermath of agony.

I don’t know, she’d said, staring at me in disgust and pity. I’ve never seen anything so hideous in my entire life when I found you in that trash can and I never want to see it again.

With that, she’d reset her spell, then turned on her heel and left. When I’d recovered enough to walk, I’d trudged back to the cottage and collapsed onto my bed. The witch had cast a spell on me that had put me into a coma for the rest of the night and for the following two nights. When I’d woken up, more tattoos had been branded onto my skin. The only symptoms that something had happened had been a low fever that came and went during the next few weeks.

Ever since then, Irene had knocked me out with a spell to keep the beast at bay every time the full moon came around. Her magic might be enough to keep me unconscious, but it didn’t stop me from dreaming. What I remembered of my dreams was always the same. I ran through the woods with the wind rushing around me. I was faster than everything else and anything smaller than me was prey.

I didn’t always run alone in my dreams lately. I vaguely remembered seeing a creature that looked partly like a shaggy wolf and partly like a large, muscular human running beside me. His eyes shone gold in the moonlight. While my fur was black, his was silver. We didn’t look quite the same, yet I felt a strange kinship with him. We never spoke as we hunted together. Words weren’t necessary. Our only goal was to feed and to satiate our ravenous hungers.

One thing I remembered was that I was far happier in my dreams than I was when I was awake. While I might be a monster when I was asleep, at least I was free.

Chapter Two

A SHRILL WHISTLE SOUNDED in the distance and I winced at the piercing tone. Irene was calling me to dinner, which meant I’d been standing at the boundary of her property for far longer than I’d realized. I didn’t have a watch, but the sun was receding from the sky. I’d been daydreaming for several hours without even realizing it.

Sensing I wasn’t alone, I peered through the trees to see a pair of amber eyes staring back at me. A huge gray wolf with black markings stepped into view. Its tongue lolled out and it seemed to be grinning at me. I knew I should have been afraid, but my breath caught in my throat at the animal’s majesty. It stood about a hundred yards away and seemed as fascinated with me as I was with it. Then the whistle sounded again and the wolf winced and vanished into the trees.

I raced back along the trail with an uneasy feeling following in my wake. The monster stirred, then went dormant again. My eighteenth birthday was rapidly approaching. Was that milestone going to trigger another escape attempt from the creature that was trapped inside me?

I knew I should have informed my custodian about this development, but fear stopped me from saying anything. If Irene found out that my beast was stirring again, she would take drastic actions to keep it contained. She already knocked me out for the three nights of the full moon. Would she finally grow impatient with the burden of looking after me and end my life once and for all?

The cottage came into view and I slowed down to a walk. My fear increased when I realized it had only taken me a few minutes to reach the cabin and I wasn’t even winded. It was a sure sign that my body was gearing up for more change. The creature was getting stronger, just as I’d feared.

What took you so long? the witch grumbled when I stepped into the cottage.

Sorry, Irene, I said, keeping my eyes lowered submissively. I wasn’t about to admit that I’d been lost in a daydream.

Wash up, then set the table, she ordered me. As usual, she didn’t apologize for punching me in the face. She would have to be able to feel remorse for that to happen.

I nodded wordlessly, then hurried into the bathroom, glad to escape from her ire. When I’d washed up, I set the table that was only big enough for two people. We sat down and Irene said grace, then we ate our meal in silence. As always, there was no meat on our plates. My warden didn’t want to tempt my beast out by giving me animal flesh to dine on. Our diet consisted of dairy products, fruit, vegetables, grains and nuts. It was probably a good thing I’d never eaten meat. My monster couldn’t crave what it had never tasted, right?

After dinner, I did the chores I should have done during the day. Luckily, my duties were light this time. I only needed to dust, vacuum and scrub the bathroom and kitchen. I wouldn’t need to wash our clothes and linens for another couple of days. When I was done, I took a shower, then read for a while and went to bed. As always, I woke up just after dawn. Irene wouldn’t wake for another hour or so, so I had the bathroom to myself. When she finally woke up, I’d tidied the house again and had eaten my breakfast.

I’ll be leaving for a few days, Irene said after she sat down and began to eat her cereal. Her tone was brisk and she didn’t bother to look at me.

My fingers tightened on teacup. Where are you going? I asked. I was old enough to look after myself, but a trace of fear still shot through me at the thought of being left all alone.

You don’t need to know the details, she snapped and glared at me. I’ll be back in time for the next full moon. My shoulders hunched at her accusing tone. It was on the tip of my tongue to confess that my beast was getting stronger, but she went on before I could speak. I’m running out of supplies to cast my spells. The ingredients don’t grow on trees, you know.

I’m not a witch like you, I muttered in a rare show of defiance. I have no idea where you get your ingredients from. I’ve never even left these woods.

Irene’s fist slammed down on the table, making me jump at the threat of violence. I don’t like your tone, girl! she hissed. If it wasn’t for me, you’d be dead. I saved your life and the least you could do is show me a little gratitude!

Sorry, I mumbled, flushing at her rebuke and cringing away from her fist. Her temper was fouler than usual lately.

I don’t know why I bother to take care of you, the witch said with a sneer. You don’t appreciate anything I do for you.

Fear held me in a vice, but I forced myself to finish my tea. Irene vanished into her conjuring room, leaving me to clean up her dishes. I could hear her moving around even though the door was shut. My hearing seemed to be getting even sharper, as were my other senses. The den was one of two rooms in the cottage that I’d never set foot in. A ward kept me out, just like the one around her property kept me fenced in. Debilitating pain awaited me if I attempted to cross the threshold.

I’ve left you some books to study while I’m gone, my warden said when she finally emerged from her private sanctum. The television won’t work while I’m away, so don’t bother trying to watch it.

This was far from the first time she’d left me on my own, but she always felt the need to remind me of the restrictions she’d set. While the TV was powered by magic, the rest of the appliances ran on normal electricity. Can you buy me some new clothes while you’re gone? I asked and gestured at my too short, threadbare dress. I’ve outgrown my wardrobe. It had been three years since she’d last done any shopping for me and she still hadn’t replaced any of my old clothes.

Do you think I’m made of money? Irene asked snarkily, planting her hands on her hips. I can barely afford to pay for the food I put on the table, let alone buy you new clothes! the witch ranted. You’ll have to make do until I can afford it.

I had to bite my tongue to stop myself from pointing out that she bought new clothes for herself each time she went out on her mysterious errands. I could get a job in Wrenvale and buy my own clothes, I said sullenly to her back as she headed to her bedroom to pack.

Irene didn’t even turn around as she snorted out a derisive laugh. You have no skills, Alex. Exactly what sort of job do you think you could do?

I could learn the skills I need, I said, raising my voice a little so she could hear me. I didn’t dare follow her into her bedroom. Like her den, it was her private domain, even if she hadn’t warded it to keep me out.

Do I really need to remind you yet again that you aren’t human, you stupid girl? she asked as she packed a few changes of clothes into her suitcase. The only thing suppressing that disgusting creature inside you is my magic. Why did I erect the ward to keep you in and to keep the humans out?

So I can’t escape and kill them if I turn into a monster, I said wearily.

She appeared in the doorway, carrying her small black suitcase. Exactly, she said in satisfaction, then swept her gaze from my head to my toes and back up again. How do you feel? she asked. Have you noticed any changes?

Irene wasn’t asking how I felt out of concern for my welfare. She wanted to know if the beast was stirring again. I feel fine, I lied and willed myself not to flush guiltily. Everything is normal. The truth was that I didn’t want more tattoos. The pain of having them magically imprinted on my skin hurt almost as badly as trying to pass through the invisible barrier. It took a few days for the pain of being branded to fade even though I seemed to heal faster than normal. The bruise on my cheek from being punched had already faded away.

I should only be gone for three or four days, the witch said as she headed for the door. If I don’t return before the full moon rises, you know what to do. She cast me a warning look, then let herself out and closed the door behind her.

You forgot your broomstick, you horrible old cow, I muttered, then snickered quietly. As far as I knew, Irene couldn’t fly. She had a car parked somewhere on the outskirts of her property. I’d never seen it, so I didn’t know what it looked like.

I’d stealthily followed the witch a few times as she’d headed out on her excursions in the past. I always lost her when she reached the ward and I couldn’t go any further. Irene always returned three or four days later with her precious ingredients and other items she’d bought. Once a week, she headed to Wrenvale to shop for food. Other than that, she didn’t go out very often.

In a way, we were both trapped in the cottage in the woods. The main difference between us was that she could leave at any time, but I didn’t have that luxury.

Chapter Three

IT WAS EERIE BEING left alone in the woods. I wasn’t scared of the animals, although bears and wolves sometimes ventured close to the edge of the property. None of them ever crossed the invisible barrier. It was almost as if the large predators knew it was dangerous to draw closer to the cabin. Instinct seemed to warn them away.

A faint chill ran down my spine and I knew I was no longer alone. I turned my head and saw the ghost that haunted the forest standing right behind me. She was faded and wispy and floated a few inches above the ground. She wore an old-fashioned black dress and her light blonde hair was up in a messy bun. It was hard to tell how old she was, but she was somewhere over thirty. The spirit looked at me sadly, but she didn’t speak. She’d been here my entire life, but Irene couldn’t see her. The witch thought she was just an imaginary friend.

Hey, Virginia, I said with a smile. I’d given her an old-fashioned name, since she’d probably died well over a hundred years ago. The phantom smiled back at me, then drifted through the door into Irene’s conjuring den. The barrier didn’t stop her from coming and going as she pleased.

It was stupid, but I felt a bit better knowing the ghost was around. It made me feel slightly less alone as I sat on the couch to read the books my caretaker had left me to study. My attention kept wandering as I read the boring book. My schooling was pretty much done, but there were still plenty of things for me to learn. I wasn’t interested in biology, but I forced myself to keep reading anyway.

I took a break for lunch, then resumed studying until it was dinner time. I ate my usual salad, then headed outside for some fresh air. Virginia drifted outside after me. She’d hung around all day, which was unusual. The ghost kept glancing at me expectantly, as if she was waiting for me to do something. She never responded to any of the things I said. I’d probably faint in shock if she ever actually replied.

Walking barefoot through the woods, I took the paths at random. To my surprise, Virginia followed in my wake. I meandered for a while, then ended up at the pond where I’d come so close to drowning. It had seemed like a huge lake when I’d been small. Now that I was nearly an adult, it looked tiny and harmless.

Frogs, insects and birds hopped, flittered and flew around the area. The smell of death was even worse than it had been yesterday. It hung in the air and was almost thick enough to taste now.

An unnerving feeling rose inside me as the sun began to sink from the sky. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up, but I didn’t know why. It felt like some kind of indefinable danger was closing in on me. Virginia drifted closer to me, then shocked me by reaching out to touch my face.

The bone deep chill that emanated from the spirit lanced through me and I felt something inside my head click. I stumbled back, tripped over my own feet and fell onto a shrub. My hand landed on something squishy and a noisome smell enveloped me. I looked down to see I’d stuck my hand in a dead animal that was covered in maggots and ants. With a sound of utter disgust, I scrambled over to the pond and dunked my hand in the water to wash the goo off.

When my hand was clean, I wiped it dry on the grass, then looked at the ghost. Virginia was glowing with a faint phosphorescence in the growing gloom. What did you do to me? I asked