Read Online Braced to Bite by Serena Robar - Free Book Online Page B

know, but I kind of want to get out of the house. Get a little cool air. Do you mind?”
    “Oh. No. I guess not.”
    We walked downstairs together and I braced myself to look out the window again before we left. There was no sign of my attacker.
    I walked Piper home quickly and she promised to stop by after school with my homework. I breathed a sigh of relief when she entered her house safe and sound. I walked slowly around her yard, checking behind the large boat in her side yard, next to my house and peeking around the white picket fence that separated our properties. Satisfied no one was lurking, I crossed her driveway and entered my front yard. The scent of day-old bread filled my nostrils.
    “I know you’re here. So come out all ready.” A slight breeze kicked up and a dog barked down the street. Other than that, it was quiet.
    “Fine, you want to play games. We’ll play games. I spy with my little eye …”
    He materialized behind me in a flash and touched my shoulder. I turned to face him.
    “Someone who is dead.”

Six

    “ H ello, Colby. Surprised to see me?” He smiled in delight, like a child who was allowed to play with a school chum an extra hour.
    I stood my ground and repeated “He can’t hurt me” in my head until I felt myself relax a little. He’d done his worst to me and I was still here, so I let go of the rest of my fear.
    “Who are you and what do you want?” I was surprised how annoyed I sounded. At least I didn’t sound scared, which was how I thought it would come out.
    “Oh, forgive me. Where are my manners? We have not been formally introduced.” He bowed with flourish, as though we were meeting in a renaissance courtyard and not in a modern-day cul-de-sac.
    “I am Lord Charles Winthrop, at your service, and the reason I am here should be obvious. I have come to take you home.”
    “Oookay then. Listen, Chuck—”
    “The name is Charles.”
    “Whatever. Listen, I’m not going anywhere with you.”
    He seemed genuinely surprised. “But we’re family! My family has always lived together.”
    “Dude, I already have a family. And the guy who bit me and threw me into the ravine is not a part of it, get me?”
    “I’m sorry about losing my temper and throwing you into that gully. I was angered that you struggled so. But my dear Colby, we are family. I am your Creator and your allegiance is to me.”
    “Wow, you are so not getting it. You’re not my anything. I don’t know you, I don’t like you and I have a family who loves and cares for me. So take a hike. Beat it.”
    He was getting angry again, but then so was I. How dense did he have to be? I was never going to hang with him, ever. Couldn’t he see that?
    “I’m afraid this won’t do at all,” he said through clenched teeth. He looked at my house and caught a brief glimpse of Great-Aunt Chloe walking by the window.
    “Don’t even think about it,” I said in my most menacing tone. “You get within so much as ten feet of anyone in my family, I will stake you so fast it will make your head spin.”
    He laughed at me, so full of self-assurance. “Dearest Colby, you wouldn’t hurt me.”
    I stepped closer, until we were practically nose to nose, which meant Chuck was not all that tall. I looked deep into his eyes, making sure I had his complete attention, and whispered, “Watch me.”
    His face lost all amusement. He growled and tried to slap me but I was too fast. I dodged his blow and kicked him in the groin, again. He buckled forward, gasping.
    “I wish you would quit doing that,” he said with a moan.
    “I meant what I said, Chuck. Stay away from me and stay away from my family or your immortal days are over.” I started to leave.
    “Do you really think those Tribunal Investigators are going to help you, Colby?” he managed to get out.
    Despite myself, I turned back to him.
    “Oh yes, I know all about Thomas and Carl. They have been chasing me for awhile now. They are never going to give you one of