Authors: Karice Bolton

Tags: #Teen & Young Adult, #Romance, #Paranormal, #Science Fiction & Fantasy, #Fantasy, #Paranormal & Urban, #New Adult & College, #Paranormal & Fantasy

Lonely Souls (30 page)

BOOK: Lonely Souls

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One of the sorcerers pointed his wand in my direction, and I dove out of the way as the stump that was my shield exploded from the thundering spell that was meant to destroy me. Holding my bow, I stayed low through the brush, as Logan pounced on the sorcerer who cast harm my way. The screams echoed through the air as Logan made it a painful process warning the others.

Trevor was still lifeless in the clearing, and I wondered what spell Logan had cast on him and if it was deadly. Shaking the last thought, I saw the opening that was waiting for me. I needed to get near Logan. Now was the time to finish as a team.

Logan was casting spell after spell, creating fires in between him and his targets throwing them off just enough. The strategy behind it was brilliant. Once he extinguished the flame they’d all be lined up waiting for us. I didn’t know if he intended for me to be part of the equation, but I was going to be. I ran in between one of the walls of fire that he was about to extinguish.

The heat from the fire was intense as I stood next to him, breathless from all of the running and adrenaline.

“Nice work, but we aren’t quite there yet,” he replied, not looking into my eyes, and I knew why. He didn’t want me to see the darkness, and now wasn’t the time to tell him it was okay. That I understood.

“I’m ready,” I whispered, readying my stance.

The flames vanished instantly, and I began my assault as the low hum of the black sorcerer’s chants began reaching me. Arrow after arrow flung toward the intended victims, and I was relieved at how many of them I hit even though I was starting to feel like I did at the covenstead. I knew time wasn’t on my side. The sorcerer closest to Logan lunged at him, and Logan disappeared before my eyes only to reappear in between two of the sorcerers coming behind me.

“Whoa,” I whispered.

Logan cast a spell on the sorcerer to his right, while he grabbed the sorcerer’s neck to his left, crushing it with an ease that under normal circumstances would have scared me.

Looking around the field, I realized we had almost completely destroyed them all. One last pair of glowing eyes began running towards me as it threw sparks my direction. Dodging each spell, the exhilaration was running through my veins when Logan’s voice shouted, “
Non Impetus.”
as I saw my pursuer freeze in place. It was an awesome sight.

“I noticed you didn’t make it temporary,” I laughed, looking around the meadow seeing absolutely nothing. “I can’t believe this just happened.” I was still in complete disbelief that I didn’t crumple under the pressure. In fact, I’d say under the circumstances I soared.

“What do you want to do with this one?” Logan’s voice was almost back to normal.

“I think I’ve gotten enough target practice for a lifetime, so can you just send him back to where he came from?” I asked, not really sure if that was a possibility but after seeing Logan vanish before my eyes, I had no idea.

“Sure thing, Triss,” he nodded and rambled off a spell I didn’t want to hear.

“We make a pretty good team, baby,” Logan’s words sang to me as I spun around to see him.

“No, Logan!” I screamed, seeing Trevor come up behind him, wrapping his arm strategically around Logan’s neck, crushing him. The quickness of Trevor’s grasp rendered Logan helpless as he collapsed to the ground.

“No,” I screamed, the tears flooding down my face.

Logan’s body went completely limp as my cries met Trevor’s laughter.

My world was spinning, as my eyes looked into Trevor’s seeing nothing but evil. I had finally allowed myself to experience the love I had been trying to hide from, and the moments I had with Logan were worth every second of despair I was experiencing now.

“Baby, what’s the matter? You thought your little hero would save you?” Trevor snarled.

Straightening my arm, my grip tightened on the handle of my bow as I looked into Trevor’s soulless eyes. This was something I doubted I would be able to forgive myself for, but I wasn’t going to allow myself to become brainwashed. My mother still needed saving, and I wasn’t going to let Logan’s sacrifice be for nothing.

“He already did,” I whispered, raising my bow up in front of me, centering Trevor in my line of sight. “You just wouldn’t get it.”

My fingers wrapped around the bowstring as I prepared to draw it back when Logan’s eyes opened quickly. Not wanting to give anything away, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath steadying myself. He was alive!

“You aren’t going to try to shoot me are you?” Trevor said laughing. “You don’t have the guts.”

“The more you keep talking, surprisingly, my courage level raises,” I barked.

I knew Logan was up to something, but I felt I was still entitled to some fun with Trevor since he threatened to take away my happiness more than once.

“Do you want an arrowhead, flames, or electricity?” I asked innocently, drawing the bow back, hoping Logan would be able to finish him off for me instead.

Trevor closed his eyes and shook his head, “You are ridiculous, Triss.”

“Am I?” I laughed as Logan jumped up, forgoing magic and just landing a right hook to Trevor’s sweet spot, rendering him unconscious.

Dropping my bow, I ran over to Logan hopping into his arms, kissing every exposed part of him with tears streaming down my face. Experiencing the magical highs and the desperate lows was worth it in every sense imaginable. I would never allow myself to become a Lonely Soul. Experiencing this love was worth every circumstance and emotion that might follow.

“I love you so much. I thought I’d lost you,” I sniffled.

“I told you not to worry,” he whispered. “But my throat is a little sore.” He made a little coughing sound, with his eyes sparkling mischievously. I placed my lips gently on his neck and began following my way up to his lips.

“Let me help you out a little,” I murmured, kissing him once more.

The darkness of the night was being replaced with the morning light, making way for new beginnings. I was ready for whatever the future held as long as I had Logan by my side. We knew where my mom was, and it was time to bring her home. We were ready for the battle in front of us. I’d gotten a taste of the fight, and I was going to be okay.

“I think it’s time I teach you a few of those healing spells,” I offered, breaking away from his embrace.

“Agreed,” Logan said, touching my cheek ever so softly. “I’m really proud of you.”

“Thank you for the snake. You were right,” I said, looking into his eyes. “Maybe I am more than a healer.”

“I’d say so,” Logan replied, smiling.

“What should we do with him?” I asked, looking down at Trevor.

“I’ve got some ideas. I think he’ll come in handy,” Logan grinned, with the devilish look in his eyes that I so loved.

I looked down at Trevor partially wishing he wasn’t still breathing, and I scolded myself for thinking such thoughts. I finally began to understand the taste of power that Logan had spoken about, and I promised myself I wouldn’t fall victim to the dark side as we began our journey together.

COMING FALL 2012

BOOK 2 in the Witch Avenue Series

ALTERED SOULS

It is the choice of the mind

That breeds foul presence

It is the choice of the heart

That creates the divine

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Karice Bolton is a paranormal romance/urban fantasy author living in the Pacific Northwest.

Karice married the love of her life who she met in high school, and she still can't get over how cute and funny he is. They have two English Bulldogs that are the cutest bullies in the world, and they use their cuteness to get what they want. Karice loves the snow and gravitates towards the stuff as often as possible! She enjoys skiing and tries really hard to snowboard, but often makes a nice little area to sit while everyone zips by on their boards. She enjoys writing, and she also loves to read just about anything with print.

Karice would love if you stopped by her blog or FB page to find out the latest news on giveaways and upcoming releases, or you can just send her an email. She loves hearing from her readers and responds as soon as she can.

TO CONTACT THE AUTHOR PLEASE VISIT HER WEBSITE AT

WWW.KARICEBOLTON.COM

[email protected]

FOLLOW HER ON FACEBOOK or TWITTER

@KARICEBOLTON

Table of Contents

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

BOOKS BY KARICE BOLTON

PART I