Cursed: Brides of the Kindred 13 Read Online Free PDF Page A

also made her loopy and completely unable to drive or work.
    Since the “migraine periods” were a fairly rare occurrence, Charlie could usually take a day off work and stay in bed when one of them hit her. She didn’t like to do that—it made her feel week and girly. But there was no arguing with the stabbing, grinding cramps that overwhelmed her. They felt like someone had cut open her abdomen and was slicing up her insides with a meat cleaver. She was no good to anyone while she was in that much pain—there was no cure but to take the meds and sleep it off.
    Please, not tonight, she thought, as another, stronger cramp stuck her. I don’t need a bad one tonight. Not when she had the big Kindred to deal with. There was no way she could take her muscle relaxers with him in her house. She would have to remain hyper-vigilant at all times and being strung out on pain meds was not an option.
    Another cramp struck like an angry horse kicking her in the belly and she heard a soft noise that sounded like a grunt of pain from the back seat. Dragging her mind away from her own discomfort, she parked the car and looked in the rearview at her prisoner. The big Kindred’s eyes were narrowed and his jaw was clenched.
    “You have a problem?” she asked sharply.
    “ I don’t,” he replied, frowning. “But—”
    “What is it?” Charlie was ready to get out and escort him into her house. She had to get moving before her period fully arrived. “Come on—speak now or forever hold your peace.” She motioned at him impatiently.
    “Nothing.” He shook his head and looked away. “I am fine.”
    “Good. Now let me tell you how this is going to go.” Charlie held his eyes in the mirror as she talked, despite the fact that it made her really uncomfortable to have eye contact with him for some reason. “First I’m going to get you out of the car,” she said, holding up one finger. “When I do, you’re going to be as quiet and sweet as a little lamb.”
    “A what?” He frowned. “Is that some kind of Earth creature?”
    “It’s a baby sheep,” Charlie said. “And it’s known for its meek and mild temperament.”
    “A lamb…” He appeared to be trying to place it. Suddenly his eyes narrowed. “I know where I’ve heard that—I went out to an Earth restaurant with friends and was served lamb chops with a vivid green goo.”
    “That would be mint jelly, I guess,” Charlie said. Then she got irritated. “Look, we’re getting off subject. The point is, you’re not going to give me any trouble because I’m going to have my Glock on you the whole time.” She drew the gun and held it up to demonstrate.
    He scowled. “I agree that your crude projectile weapon gives you the upper hand but if you think I will sit still and meekly allow you to make me into chops and green goo you are very much mistaken.”
    “Nobody’s getting turned into chops unless they misbehave,” Charlie said steadily. “Is that clear?”
    “Perfectly.” He nodded.
    “Good. So we’re going into the house— my house filled with my stuff. Which means I’m gonna get pissed off good and proper if you break anything or make a mess. I may not be the world’s best housekeeper but I am particular about keeping things in one piece. So no funny business.”
    He blinked. “I wouldn’t dare to engage in humorous activities on your premises.”
    “Good. Because listen up, big fella—you’re huge and I’m just one woman alone—don’t think I don’t know that. What it basically means is that if you put so much as a toe out of line I’ll shoot first and ask questions afterwards. Got it?”
    He nodded soberly. “I understand. I have no margin for error while I am in your domicile.”
    “Got it in one, buddy.” Charlie nodded approvingly. “Okay, so out we go.”
    She climbed out of the car and opened the back door. She expected him to step right out but it wasn’t that easy—the big Kindred was so crammed in he had a struggle getting