The Changeling Read Online Free PDF Page A

lot surrounded by a dozen spectators.
    “Doug, don’t push,” I snapped.
    “Okay, okay, sorry.” He threw both palms up and backed away a half step. “We still good?”
    I was peeved, more at myself than him, but I managed to forge a smile and nod.
    On the drive home he acted like nothing had happened, but I knew he was upset by my reticence. I struck up a conversation to focus his attention on Mitch, which allowed me to do the same. At the moment, Mitch was my paramount concern. When the Jeep pulled down to the cottage garden, I sensed several Fae gathered about. Great!
    Drevek was sitting on a bench with Sara next to him in human form. She acted as though she was trying to keep a ten-year-old entertained, but I knew better. Mom and Dad were at the garden wall talking to a Fae in human form just on the other side, and two more Fae lingered a few feet away, concealed by the darkness. Billy was behind the Jeep. He’d followed me to practice and stayed close the entire time I was gone.
    The muscles in my chest tightened as Doug turned off the ignition. I stared at the Fae standing across from my parents, but I couldn’t see her face. Only a Fae, I thought, would not look to see who was approaching it from behind.
    “Who’s the brunette?” Doug asked.
    “I’m not sure.”
    “She’s beautiful.”
    She was. In fact, she was nearly radiant, even dressed in a heavy overcoat and thick shoes. Her long black hair was more lustrous than mine, and her pale skin had a bluish glow under the moonlight and gas lamps.
    There was no wind, but the air was even colder than it had been in Bentonville. I wasn’t sure if that was the reason I suddenly felt a chill or not, but I moved closer to introduce myself. As I came to within a few feet of her, she turned to face me, and I nearly gasped.
    She was the beautiful brunette from the island—the one who’d called me “insolent” and said she didn’t make bargains with mortals. My shield flared up immediately and I heard a little voice in my head.
    “Cool it,” Sara said so that only I could hear her. I shot her a quick glance, and the next word she popped into my mind was, “Caretaker.”
    My inner dialog flared up. You have to be kidding. Why doesn’t Ozara just douse me in gasoline and hand Chalen a book of matches?
    I hadn’t considered it, but of course the Unseelie had to have a representative on the Weald. But why her? Hadn’t she been punished for her role on the island? Was she really the best the Unseelie had? Is Ozara on crack?
    Her voice was silky. “I’m Cassandra, and you must be Maggie?” With fluid grace, a warm smile formed on her perfect face as she extended her pale hand for me to shake.
    “Yes, I’m Maggie,” I said without taking her hand.
    She smiled more broadly, knowingly, and let her hand drop. She knew I recognized her.
    “So, you’re the new caretaker?” I shot an accusatory glare at my parents and Sara.
    “Yes, Chalen asked me to take over for him while he’s travelling.”
    Doug extended his hand and introduced himself. He was enamored with her, entranced, really. I cringed when she shook his hand, worried that she’d rip his arm out of its socket.
    “Oh, the boyfriend?” She raised an eyebrow and grinned at him.
    “I wish,” he said, rolling his eyes. If my parents hadn’t been standing right there, I’d have blown him into the side of the barn.
    “Honey,” Mom started, “Cassandra just came down to introduce herself. She’s already done wonders with the caretaker’s cottage. It doesn’t even look like the same place.”
    “Your hands are perfect,” I said. “Not a single callus—amazing.”
    Cassandra smiled at me. “I always wear gloves.”
    “We’re going to take Mitch inside, so don’t be too long,” Mom said, oblivious to the clue I’d left.
    “How is he?” I looked back over to Drevek, who was slumped over on the bench.
    Mom said he wasn’t any better yet, but she seemed relieved, saying the doctor