Inheritance (The Dark Gifts) by Willow Cross Read Free Book Online Page A

his body wanted to change.  He sat on the couch beside his sister pretending to watch television with his teeth clenched and muscles ridged. 
    After several minutes Sarah noticed his condition.  Grabbing the remote from his hand, she muted the TV, and laughed, “What are you doing?  You look constipated!”
    “It’s not funny,” Jason’s strained voice answered.
    Sarah laid a hand on his arm. “Don’t fight it, Jase, it’s not worth the effort.  You won’t hurt me.  I can tell you right now what will happen; you will change and then haul your big butt up here on the couch, and lay down.  That’s all, nothing more.  Don’t worry.”
    “I would've hurt you the other night.  I remember grabbing you.  I knew it was hurting you, and I didn't care.  This is a bad idea.”
    Raising her hand to his cheek, she ran her fingers from his temple to his chin.  “You won't hurt me.  It took you off guard.  You know it's coming, all you have to do is let it happen.  I really believe it's worse when you fight it.”
    He nodded, but moved farther away.  “Turn around.”
    “I’ve already seen you naked,” she laughed.
    His deep voice changed pitch as he spoke.  “Please.”
    Sarah turned her head to the side and held a throw pillow in front of her face.  “Better?”
    Standing against the back wall, Jason removed his clothing, let his guard down, and allowed the change to take him.  The transformation was less violent this time.  His body shimmered , giving the impression of an image in a vibrating mirror.  As the vibration grew stronger, hair burst from skin to cover his body.  Bones shifted and elongated, but the snaps and cracks that had frightened her the last time did not accompany this change.  Within seconds, it was over. 
    Exactly as predicted, nothing happened.  Jason sat on the floor watching her.  She laughed and patted the couch, “Come on, get up here.” 
    As Jason put his front paws on the cushion beside her, the old wooden frame creaked and groaned. 
    “You better be careful.  This is old and worn out.”
    Jason gave a slight whimper and laid his head in her lap.
    Without hesitation she stroked his head, enjoying the feel of his soft fur under her hand.  “It’ll be okay.  We’re going to be just fine.  Ugh!  Lay still, you’re heavy,” she said as he attempted to get comfortable.
    Sarah must have fallen asleep for a time because she awoke confused and upset.  Jason sat in front of the cage door intently watching the stairs.  His ears twitched and wiggled as they leaned forward on his head.  When she heard the noise the second time, she realized what must have awakened her.  Sounds of breaking glass tinkled in the distance, and something scratched at the basement door. 
    Jason issued a low, deep growl.  He glanced between Sarah and the door, and whined.  Sarah knew what he wanted.  He wanted out. 
    “Absolutely not,” she whispered loudly.  “You’re not going out there.  They are trained and have been doing this longer than you.”
    Jason looked at the basement door and growled again.  The scratching noises had stopped, but rustling could be heard behind the door.  A loud crack reverberated as something, or someone, fell against the door causing it to split down the center.  A second blow would send the two halves flying off the hinges.  Jason howled in rage, shoving against the barred door. 
    “Stop!” Sarah screamed.  “You’re going to hurt yourself.”
    The massive wolf turned to her and looked pointedly at the covered basement window just outside the cage. 
    “Oh yeah.  I never thought of that,” she replied.  Sarah quickly pulled the keys to the door out of her pocket and unlocked it. 
    Once outside, he pushed it shut and stood guard, blocking anyone from entering the cage.  They could still hear rustling noises upstairs and the sound of wolves growling.  One barked several times before a fight broke out.  Growling and barking,