Tethered (A BirthRight Novel) Read Online Free Page A

beat.
    But sitting here listening to the contented chatter brings everything to the forefront. The proverbial elephant in the room; the very reason I left home in the first place.
    Witchcraft.
    They’re all Witches. Other than Pap, every single one of them was born with a magical ability, just as I was. Though, I’m the only one who would do anything to give it back.
    But watching the faces of my loved ones, I can admit there is one thing I do like about being a Witch: our funky, brilliant-blue eyes with a dark ring around the iris. When we use magic, they glow such a bright, radiant blue, one might think there’s an electric current running through them. Even I can’t deny how spectacular they are.
    Which reminds me of a question I was always either too stubborn—or too afraid to ask. “Gram, there’s something I’ve always wondered about. Did our entire family have the same eyes as us?” For some reason, I need to know.
    The room grows silent, her eyes scrunch up as she watches me.
    “What?” I shrug.
    “Well, dear, you know very well that subject has always been off limits with you.” She looks around the table at the rest of the family. “You can’t blame us for being skeptical of your sudden interest.”
    She’s right of course. “Yeah, I know. I’m just curious.” I look down at the greasy bacon on my plate.
    “You’re allowed to be, dear. It’s okay. I’d love to answer questions about the family.” She lays her fork on the side of her plate then crosses her hands in front of her. “You probably never paid attention when you were little, but we’re very different from the rest of the Moon family. Yes, they were all born with supernatural abilities, but I was the first one born with our magical eyes.” She clears her throat. “I’ve always said we were special, and that just proves it.”
    “Humph,” Pap huffs. “What makes this family so special is the superior , genetic boost that I gave it. Where else do you think the damn twins came from, woman? Me! I’m the twin, not you .” He shakes his head at Gram, but then everyone laughs at their banter.
    “Don’t you sass me, old man! I might not have an active power like the rest of the family, but one of my potions can still turn you into a toothless troll.” She pinches his cheek as his eyes widen in animated disgust.
    Watching my grandparents now, it’s hard to believe Aurora and Samuel got the short-end-of-the-broomstick as far as gifts go. Pap obviously isn’t part of the Moon Wiccan bloodline, so he learned magic the old-school way after they were married. Not that he was crazy about the endless hours of studying. Gram even made him take a few Herbology and Botany courses.
    Pap wasn’t much of a believer back then, but because he loved Gram so deeply, he knew the greatest gift he could give her would be to play a role in the one thing that brought her so much joy. And that’s precisely what he did. According to Gram, he complained the entire time. But knowing Pap, I’m sure he did it with sarcasm and a smile. Just like he always does.
    Gram places her hand atop Pap’s and I can’t help but admire her love for him—and for magic. She loves being a Witch and concocting all sorts of potions and spells. No, she’s not the overly commercialized type of Witch with cauldrons and black pointy hats, who rides a broom and twitches her nose. She’d gasp in abject horror if she ever heard someone make such an accusation. For most of the family, Wicca is more of an entertaining hobby. But for Gram, it’s the only way of life she’s ever known.
    I glance across the kitchen to the windowsill where I spot glass bottles of what looks to be calendula, lavender, and a strange blue liquid I’ve never seen before. I’m guessing they’re something new Gram’s working on for her skincare line or homeopathic remedies.
    My grandparents have built a comfortable life for themselves from her gift. Her biggest sellers, however, are the various