Damned and Cursed (Book 2): Witch's Kurse by Glenn Bullion Page B

was finally found weeks later.   She was bounced between abusive foster homes, until finally wedging herself into Jack's life.
    He smiled as he thought of his daughter.   Like him, she could survive any challenge.
    "I'm proud of Tiffany," he said, finally glad to be able to say something he meant.   "It's good to hear she's adjusting okay."
    "Let us know if you need anything," Tom said.   "And don't forget Halloween's coming up.   I'm sure a bunch of us will be taking the kids around.   You're welcome to join us, if you want."
    He cringed at the thought of spending an evening with mortals not named Tiffany or Erica, but managed to put on a fake smile.
    "Appreciate it."
    Tom and Vie said their goodbyes, and Jack was blissfully alone once again.   A few of the unhappily married wives ogled him as they climbed in their cars, gossiping with each other like little girls.   Jack snarled and crossed his arms.
    The teachers finally started leaving school, and Jack spotted who he was looking for.   Tiffany was the mortal who made Jack realize he was still capable of love.   Erica was the woman who made him think there may be something beyond a one night stand.
    Erica adjusted her purse on her shoulder as she said goodbye to another teacher.   Her eyes fell on Jack, and he read her features as easily as reading a book.
    He was in trouble.
    There was a hint of a smile.   She was always glad to see Jack.   But a volcano bubbled under the surface.   Her eyes were serious, her movements tense.   Her right hand was clenched around the loop of her purse.   She brushed her hair back behind her shoulder, but not in an attempt to be seductive.
    Jack admired her as she approached him, while he still could.   He had the feeling it'd be difficult to appreciate her figure while she was bitching him out.
    "Hey there, sexy woman," he said as she drew nearer.   "Has anyone told you you're the hottest teacher in this school?"
    "Just a bunch of fifth graders," she said.
    He hugged her tightly and kissed her on the lips.   She returned the kiss and stepped back at arm's length.
    "So, my first PTA meeting," Jack said.   "How did I do?"
    "Oh, it went great.   I especially loved how you embarrassed my boss in front of everyone.   And then you ripped on every parent in the room.   What did you call them?   Idiots?   Oh and let's not forget how you managed to work in a Nazi reference."
    He smiled.   "Hey, you're the one who said I should come."   He paused.   "No-hugging policy, Erica?"
    She rolled her eyes.   "Of course it's a terrible idea," she admitted.   "And that would have come out on its own in a few weeks.   You didn't have to make my job harder by verbally bitch-slapping Galloway in front of everyone."
    He laughed at her choice of words, then put the smile away when he saw she wasn't amused.
    "What do you mean?   Make your job harder?"
    "Galloway knows we're dating, and I know she doesn't like it."
    "Hey, I don't like her fat nose, but I'll just have to deal with that, won't I?   Tiffany's not in your class anymore, so they can't yell favoritism.   You can date and have nasty, dirty sex with any guy you want."
    "Shh, Jack!"   Erica searched the parking lot.   "People are still leaving."
    "Okay, look…." He took a breath, mustering courage to say something still unfamiliar to him.   "I'm sorry.   I didn't mean to make your workday harder.   I won't go to any more PTA meetings."
    She sighed and took his hand.   "As much as I hate to admit it, you got parents actually talking .   They were actually discussing ideas and speaking their minds, not just sitting there listening to whatever Galloway had to say.   Or sleeping, for that matter."
    He put a hand to his mouth.   "People actually sleep at the PTA meetings?   That's just terrible.   I'm outraged."
    "Yeah, I'm sure you are.   Anyway, you're not banned from the PTA meetings.   To be honest…it was funny watching her face turn red."
    Jack pulled her