Quinn's Christmas Wish by Lawna Mackie Read Free Book Online Page A

building. “Young Quinn, you don’t know what you’re are dealing with. Neither does Samuel.”
    He shook his head, trying to make sense of the drunkard shaman. “What do you mean?”
    “She’s a beauty, but not of this world. Do you understand?” Jack asked.
    Panic gripped him. How did he know about Jazira? “You’re drunk. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
    Jack took a swig of whisky and blew it out in the snow. For a moment he stood perfectly still, then pointed at the dissolving snow and spoke. “It’s always the same, young Quinn. Lost Lake holds many souls. I’m not sure Christmas will be merry this year.”
    Unable to speak, Quinn turned and ran with his lungs heaving. Sometimes he knew certain things would bring on the spells, perhaps over exertion, stress, or even the weather. He never knew for certain, but he knew he had to get home, and he hoped with all his might Jazira would make it safely to the cellar.
    He rounded the corner. Not far from home, he noticed them. It just wasn’t meant to be his night.
    Billy Ellis, Norman Strump and Thurston Winlop stood not more than three feet away from him.
    “Well, look what we have here, guys,” Billy chided, rubbing his gloved hands together.
    Quinn’s heart thudded with fear and his stomach recoiled with apprehension. He’d pretend to ignore them. Slowly, he stepped to the side, prepared to go around them. Thurston stepped in front of him, blocking the way.
    “My Pa told me he saw you in the park after school. Whatcha been up to Quinny?” Billy asked sarcastically, moving toward him.
    “I have to get home, Billy. My mom will be looking for me.” Quinn replied quietly.
    “Well, we can almost see your house from here. I don’t hear or see her,” he mocked, shaking his head.
    Quinn stepped backward and spun around, smashing into Norman. He was trapped. Thoughts dashed through his mind in a rush as he tried to remember what Samuel told him.
    “We could be brothers, Quinn. My Pa’s real fond of your mom.” Billy laughed.
    Anger made his fist clench. He bent to the side, not taking his eyes off Billy, and set the lantern in the snow. “You will never be my brother. And your despicable father will never have my mom,” Quinn responded angrily.
    “My father always gets what he wants,” Billy spat out.
    Thurston and Norman laughed and snorted.
    “That will never happen!”
    Billy reached out and shoved Quinn’s shoulder.
    Quinn stepped away from him, trying to imagine which fist Billy would strike with first. He watched the right hand tighten into a ball.
    “I see I’ll have to deliver another message.” Billy swung, but Quinn ducked, missing the blow. He’d done it, but he’d also infuriated the round-faced bully. This time when he swung again, Quinn threw a punch of his own, landing his fist right in to Billy’s nose.
    Red trickled from his nose and despite the fact Quinn knew he shouldn’t be happy, he was.
    Billy’s hand reached for his nose and he cried out with anger.
    “Now you’re gonna pay. Don’t just stand there you idiots. Grab him!”
    Quinn turned to run, but Thurston grabbed him by the back of the coat, yanking him over. Quinn stumbled and fell into the snow. Instantly, Norman pounced on top of him. It was pointless. Billy’s goons held him to the ground while the bully kicked and punched him repeatedly.
    No matter how hard he tried to pull away or turn his head, he found another fist. He could taste the blood pooling in his mouth. His vision swirled and his hearing muffled. It couldn’t happen again. It just couldn’t. He could feel the spell coming on.
    Suddenly, the beating stopped. And he vaguely heard what he thought was a growl. Though one eye was swollen and everything seemed blurry, he could see her. Jazira approached them slowly and methodically, with a menacing growl and teeth bared.
    Billy screamed, and the others turned and ran frantically. Before he could get away Jazira knocked him to the