The Memory Witch by Heather Topham Wood Read Free Book Online

some ruse to take me to the forest and offer me up as a human sacrifice. Is that why you brought your nephew? To hold me down while you rip out my heart?”
    “Quinn, get a hold of yourself,” Stella commanded.
    “Stop the car!” I yelled. Mason looked over at his aunt. At her nod, he pulled the car over to the side of the road.
    I threw open the car door. The contents of my stomach emptied onto the moist pavement. I was certainly regretting the alcohol consumed at Tanner’s earlier. The pleasant loopy feeling was long gone and I was left feeling nauseous with a pounding headache.
    “This is the girl you picked to carry on your inheritance?” Mason asked his aunt wryly.
    “It should have been you. Too bad you were born with the wrong sex organs,” she answered sharply.
    I fell back into the car and leaned into the leather upholstery. “I think I’m dying.”
    Stella’s stormy eyes regarded me as the overhead light illuminated the backseat. I closed the door to shroud us once again in darkness. Her hand reached back and I shrunk away. “Here, take this.”
    Her hand was holding out a small bottle free of any labels. I took it from her and gave her a suspicious look. Stella explained, “It’s enchanted passion flower. It will help you feel better. Use the dropper to put 30 drops in your mouth.”
    I wanted to protest but as my stomach revolted again, I came to the decision to simply take the offered remedy. As I swallowed the liquid, Stella remarked to Mason, “It will also knock her out, so we can drive home in peace.”
    My tongue felt heavy as I attempted to retort and felt the world spin around me. Mason was speaking to his aunt, “You could’ve just given her something to settle her stomach.”
    “The drive is almost four hours. Did you want to hear her blubbering the entire way?” Stella inquired.
    The last thing I saw before losing consciousness was a pair of sympathetic blue eyes gazing back at me through the rearview mirror. 

Chapter Six
     
    “Time to wake up.”
    I wasn’t certain if Stella was using magic on me, but her voice immediately brought me out of my slumber. It took a couple of minutes to regain my alertness. I was relieved to find the aftereffects of my drinking had faded. Shaking my head helped clear my thoughts and I exited the car. Mason was removing my suitcases from the trunk while Stella had her eyes fixated on me.
    I turned towards the towering house. A few lamps that burned on the path leading to the entrance cast little illumination on the exterior of Chadwick House, but I could make out most of the details of the structure.
    I was certain Stella heard my sharp intake of breath. The house was large and intimidating. It wasn’t straight out of a horror movie, but it was in need of updating.
    It was hard to tell the color of the exterior, but it looked to be a dark blue color. It had three levels and a massive façade. Dark drapes covered each window and only a single light shone on the main floor. By the massiveness of the house, I guessed there were at least five bedrooms.
    “The property was occupied by Seneca Indians until the early 1800s. The house was built in 1824 and has many of the same features. The original stairways and cooking fireplace are still standing.” There was obvious pride in Stella’s voice.
    The grounds around the house were expansive. The house was set upon a hill and acres of land surrounded the main structure, making it hard to tell where the property lines would fall. If I squinted hard enough, I could make out the lights of the closest neighbor’s house. It was definitely a far cry from the band of houses in my neighborhood.
    “Where am I bringing her stuff?” Mason’s voice cut into my reverie.
    “Put her in the right bedroom upstairs at the rear of the house,” Stella stated and took measured steps towards the front door. I picked up one of the lighter suitcases and dragged it over the unpaved drive.
    Mason fell in step beside me.