Read Shadow Blood: Kallen's Tale (Witch Fairy #4.5) for Free Online Page A

she is not the type of person to let her selfish desires interfere with her children’s happiness, though. 
     
    The transition back to their bodies is simple.  When they are close enough, they are sucked in.  Like an octopus sucking up a stray fish.  Their eyes pop open just like an octopus’ would, too.  Which is eerie.  Even their wide grins do not really take the edge off from the eerie factor. 
     
    “We’re back,” Xandra’s Aunt Barb says.  She stretches her arms wide.  “I never thought it would happen.”  Looking around, she says, “Where are we?”  She is in awfully good spirits considering what she just went through.
     
    “You’re in the Fae realm,” her brother tells her.  “We brought your bodies here so if the Shadows tried to follow you out, they wouldn’t be set loose on the human world.”
     
    Barb nods.  “Good thinking.  Very smart of you.”
     
    Her brother gives her a funny look.  “Thanks.  Um, I’m guessing you two need a little time to rest after your ordeal.”
     
    He doesn’t get to continue.  “No, I’m fine,” Barb says waving her hand at the idea.  “Just need to get used to being in this body again.  I think I’ll manage that best if I’m up and walking about.  Perhaps I could get a tour of this lovely house and realm?”  She turns to Xandra for an answer. 
     
    To my growing impatience and dismay, Xandra says, “Sure, I guess.  If you’re not too tired.”
     
    “Perhaps it would be best to start with just the house for now,” Xandra’s father says.  “We don’t want her to overdo it.”  I could kiss him at the moment.  I will not.  I do not want cold lips when I kiss Xandra’s warm ones.
     
    “What a worrywart,” Barb says as she stands up.  She stumbles with her first step but is able to right herself before she falls.  “I guess I do have to get my sea legs back again,” she laughs.
     
    She is acting very peculiar.  I do not remember her being this animated or overly cheerful.  She seemed distracted and shy when I met her in her realm. 
     
    Xandra looks at her doubtfully.  “Are you sure you don’t want to wait a few minutes?”
     
    Barb stands up straighter.  “I’m fine, really.”  Great.  I am tempted to hit her with a sleeping spell.  She is taking away from my private time with Xandra. 
     
    “Follow me.  I’ll introduce you to everyone after I show you around,” Xandra says walking to the door.
     
    “Can I come?” Zac asks.
     
    His mother gives him a stern look.  “No.  You’re going to rest.”
     
    His lip goes out in a pout.  “How come Aunt Barb doesn’t have to rest?”
     
    “Because I’m not her mother.”  I feel for him.  I remember being a boy of his age and being left out.
     
    “Ready?” Barb says in that overly cheerful voice she has developed. 
     
    A very long twenty minutes later, Xandra and her aunt find us in the kitchen.  Hunger has trumped the need to shower for Grandmother, Tabitha, Kegan and me.  Funny how I never even thought about food when I was waiting for Xandra.  I must love her if worrying about her can turn my hunger off.  I take another bite of the sandwich Tabitha made and at least some of my impatience abates.
     
    “Everyone, this is my Aunt Barb,” Xandra says when they walk into the room.  “Aunt Barb, this is Isla, Kallen’s grandmother, Tabitha and Kegan.  You already know Kallen.”
     
    “Hello!” a voice calls from the terrace out front.  Great, Alita is here.  Yes, she is a good friend but she is also another distraction for Xandra.
     
    “Come on in!  We’re in the kitchen,” Xandra calls out to her.  To Barb she says, “That’s Alita.  She’s a good friend of mine.”
     
    Alita pokes her head into the doorway.  “You are smiling, so I assume all went well?” she asks.
     
    Xandra smiles.  “Yup.  Alita, this is my Aunt Barb.”
     
    “Nice to meet you,” she says as she comes farther into the kitchen.