Witching Time (The Wild Hunt #14) - Yasmine Galenorn Page 0,77

family. Just like I can’t bind you to promises about yours. Speaking of which, I’ve never asked you before. I know who Herne’s parents are…but who are your parents?”

Kipa raised his eyebrows. “Well, my mother is Kuu, goddess of the moon, and my father is Ukko.”

“I thought Ukko was married to Rauni.”

“Yes, but you have to understand the gods have different social mores, especially in my culture. Kuu wanted a child but had no mate. So Rauni gave Ukko permission to sleep with her. She got pregnant with me. I have a good relationship with my stepmother, too. Rauni’s incredible and formidable. I can’t tell you how many binds she’s bailed me out of.”

“So you all get along?”

“More or less.” Kipa shrugged. “Oh, I’ve been smacked down for the crap I’ve pulled over the years, but Rauni’s always been there for me. My own mother tends to be…skittish. She’s truly got her head in the stars, so to speak. Her focus is the sky and the cycles of time. Why she wanted a child, I’m not sure, because half the time she seems to forget that I exist. But I hang out at my father’s home a lot, and he and Rauni have always been good to me.”

I nodded, wondering if anybody ever had a “normal” childhood. In fact, was there really a true definition for a normal childhood?

“All right, you win. I’ll see you in a few days. I’m still visiting my daughter. What? All right. Raven!” Curikan shouted, peeking his head around the corner. “Your grandfather’s on the phone. He wants to talk to you.”

I swallowed. I didn’t talk to Dougal much, but when I did, I always felt like I was on display. I took the phone.

“Hello, Grandpa?”

“Phasmoria told me all about what your fool of a father was planning to do. She also told me it was your idea that I put a stop to it. You’re a smart one, I’ll give you that. Your father would kill himself in no time over in Annwn. I won’t ever let on why I called him, but know this: I am not about to let him run off to live in Y’Bain. I’m requiring him to come stay with me for a while, so don’t you complain overly much.”

“I understand.” I wasn’t sure what to say, given my father was watching me. “How are you doing, Grandpa?”

“Good, good. Got myself a fine bit of horseflesh the other day and was it ever tasty. Your father needs toughening up and I’m going to see what I can do. But don’t you worry. He’ll be happy enough here, and by the time he’s done with his visit, he won’t be going anywhere except to live near you.”

“That sounds lovely,” I said, forcing a smile. I suddenly wondered if Phasmoria and I had done the right thing. Curikan had never said a bad word about his father, but I wondered if that was to spare me bad thoughts about Dougal.

“It will be all right, child. I’m not going to box his ears. And who knows, maybe one of these days, you can come over and visit me? You’re still a wee lass as far as I’m concerned. Although I, in no way, approve of this Exosan nonsense.” Dougal cleared his throat. “Put your father back on, now.”

“All right, thank you, Grandpa. I’d love to come visit you one of these days.” I handed the phone back to Curikan. He gave me a quick nod, then returned to the dining room.

“Raj hungry,” Raj said, bumping into my leg with his head.

I hadn’t even noticed him entering the kitchen. “Oh, right. Kipa, can you finish making breakfast while I give Raj his food?”

“Sure thing, love.” Kipa turned back to the stove and the pancakes, while I decided to take the easy way out and gave Raj cat food. It was an expensive treat, but easy to fix. I opened the can, glancing over at Kipa. Was he angry with me? “Are we good? I mean, are you mad at me for…you know.”

“You mean am I angry you manipulated the situation? A little bit…but Raven, love, as much as I hate to admit it, you were right. However, and I’ll be blunt because I want there to be no misunderstanding: Don’t ever try that with me. You say whatever you need to right to my face. I can accept a lot, and I’ll always listen to what you have to say before making a