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  Looking in Jesse’s direction, I just nodded and briefly smiled.

  Ella. Such a pretty name, the confident voice said, cutting off all the other muffled voices in my head.

  I looked back toward the pair of eyes swirling with shimmering dark emeralds. I was completely speechless… or, thoughtless.

  For once, Ella is thoughtless. Call the President. Sound the National Guard. It’s definitely a day to remember.

  I’ve never met someone like you, Ella. Someone… someone like me actually, he thought as he looked down and lightly tapped his finger on the table.

  Someone like you? You mean… are you a soul seer?

  He turned slightly in my direction, smiled, and winked. He winked and I swooned. Shit. I never swoon.

  Do you have a name? I thought as I turned my false-attention towards the teacher babbling at the front of the room. I was definitely not paying attention, but I didn’t need him calling me out again.

  Jonah. Jonah Chantrey. You really think my eyes are like dark swirls of shimmering emeralds?

  I blushed as I smiled and bit my lip. Nice to meet you, Jonah. I’ve never met someone else like me either… other than my mother.

  “Well, class,” Mr. Burns interrupted, causing me to start slightly in my seat. Yeah, saying I was on edge was a complete understatement. “Please work on your first charcoal life study over the weekend. There are no expectations. I just want to see where your skill levels are.”

  I picked up my sketchbook and bag as I flashed a small smile at Jonah and made my way to the door.

  Chapter Three

  Ella! Wait! Jonah’s voice practically yelled in my head, causing me to jump in surprise. It really was loud when he projected so strongly. Slowly, I turned and looked in his direction. Girls were cutting him off and attempting to make conversation with the hot new student. He murmured ‘excuse me’s and ‘pardon’s as he turned sideways to dodge their obtrusive bodies. Through his unwanted interactions he thought, I’d like to talk with you some more. Just wait a sec.

  I smiled as I watched him dodge all the bloodthirsty girls tripping him up on his path to me. It really was comical.

  As he approached, he grabbed my hand and laced his fingers through mine causing me to look at him with wide, stunned eyes. Before I could think my protest, he projected, Just play along, please. I need them to think I’m taken. I want them to think I’m with you.

  He wanted them to think he was with me? Nobody has ever shown an interest in me. It’s as if I’ve been nothing but an invisible spec to everyone recently. Get a hold of yourself, Ella. He’s just trying to get away from all the trolls in the room. You just happen to be his escape route.

  I just smiled as I boldly stood on my tiptoes and pecked him on the cheek. If I was going to pretend, I was going to do it right and have some fun in the process. As you wish, Mr. Chantrey.

  I could prominently hear the vulgar protests coming from the flock of girl-minds behind us as we exited the classroom door together. He continued to hold my hand as we walked into the bright sun outside of the art building—both of us grinning like fools.

  “So, Jonah. Are you actually taken?” I asked confidently as I walked with him hand-in-hand. Please, please say no.

  “Not yet,” he answered as he smiled broadly and thought, but I’d like for you to take me.

  I glanced at him with a puzzled look, wondering what he meant, as I asked, “Do you have another class right now?”

  “Not right now. My next class…” he paused as he took his schedule out of his pocket with one hand while still holding my hand with the other. “My next class is in two hours in the ceramics classroom. I think it is in that same building where we just were, right?”

  I nodded and mentally did cartwheels in my head. “Sounds like we have very similar schedules. I’m in the same class,” I said as we headed toward the courtyard at the center of the campus.

  The courtyard was very large and spacious, with spokes of sidewalks separating the well-manicured lawns and leading to the various surrounding buildings. A few scattered oak trees provided minimal shade, but I enjoyed basking in the sun for a moment. The classrooms were usually cold and the sun provided enough warmth for my fingers and toes to thaw.

  I made my way over to one of the larger oak trees and sat down on the grass. This tree in particular had several vines of jasmine twining around its trunk, making it smell absolutely divine. I closed my eyes and took in a deep, refreshing breath, smelling the natural perfume of the flowers lingering in the air. Jonah let go of my hand and sat down next to me with grace.

  The loss of his hand made me frown, but he only kept his hands off me for a moment.

  “Is Ella short for anything?” Jonah asked, turning toward me and touching my shoulder as he fingered one of my errant curls.

  My heart thumped loudly as I nodded and thought, Orella.

  “Interesting,” he said as he stared off with a pensive look on his face.

  “What’s so interesting about my name?” I asked as I enjoyed his touch on my shoulder and his fingers absently running through my hair. I closed my eyes and leaned into him slightly, probably adoring his touch just a little too much.

  “I guess you don’t know the meaning behind Orella?” he asked as he looked at me with wonder. I just shook my head and projected for him to get on with it.

  He chuckled as he explained. “Orella, I believe, is a Latin variant of oracle. An oracle’s telepathic abilities vary from simple clairvoyance and mindreading to precognition and prophecy to telekinesis and mind control.”

  “How do you know all this?” I asked.

  “My father is a precog and sees visions of the future. He has shoved our family history down my throat since I hit sixteen. I’m surprised you haven’t been taught this stuff. Didn’t you say that your mom is one of us?”

  I nodded and looked down at his hand that now gently traced my knee. As much as I enjoyed his random touches, the mention of my mother brought back that feeling of displacement. Complete and utter madness. “My mom died from a car accident when I was nearly fourteen. I didn’t even know what I was until the day she died. I thought I was just crazy.”

  His hand tightened its grip on my knee as he pushed his apology into my mind, his thoughts filled with pity. I’m so sorry to hear that.

  Suddenly, I felt very exposed. Too exposed. Not only could this guy read my thoughts, but now he knew about the one thing that still wakes me up crying each morning. Now I’m sure he thinks I’m a weak little girl with that revelation. I stood up and began to wring my fists nervously by my sides as I shifted my feet from left to right. I suddenly felt the urge to bolt. Coward’s way out, I know. But, if it meant choosing between being a coward or a big crybaby, I’d choose to be a coward any day. Talking about my mom was a sure-fire way to start the waterworks. And I’d be damned if I started crying in front of this man. I needed to go. Now.

  “I’m sorry, Ella. We don’t need to talk about her. I don’t want you to leave.”

  Can we walk around instead? I projected. I can’t stay still. Walking will get my mind off her. We have this entire campus. I’d like to walk.

  He nodded as he stood and offered me his hand along with a sympathetic smile.

  For the next hour and a half, we walked and talked about nothing and everything. While grabbing a bite to eat at the cafeteria, we laughed about past experiences with our soul-seeing gifts. Specifically the funny instances we’ve had with mistaking thoughts for audible interaction. The fact I had someone to talk to about my abilities made me feel like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

  In ceramics class, we had free time to spend on the throwing wheel. He was magnificent with his hands, which brought up all kinds of thoughts in my head. I suddenly wished he wasn’t clairvoyant because, no doubt, he knew where my perverted mind was headed.

  Of course, I couldn’t hide my amazement of his talents, which caused his ego to flare and clay to fly across the room when he attem
pted to show off. If his goal was to make me laugh, it worked. After he was done playing, he actually made a rather beautiful vase, which was taller than anything I could ever attempt to make.

  It amazed me we had so much in common. As we were both quietly working on our own pieces, my mind started going a mile a minute, wondering where he came from, why he was just now starting in the middle of the college semester, why I hadn’t been blessed with his charm until now… Then I began thinking about his dad being a precog. Jonah, did your dad see this connection between us before it happened?

  No. Well, if he did, he didn’t tell me. But, he usually needs to have some sort of association with a subject in order to receive a premonition. Of course, he associates with me. But since we are so very close and emotionally involved, he doesn’t always read me well, Jonah projected as he looked up at me from his wheel. Our eyes locked for several moments before he added, you have the most beautiful amethyst eyes. I could stare at them for hours, like stars blanketing the night sky.

  His striking words made me feel beautiful as I smiled and looked down at my fingers pulling the sides of my bowl up with careful consideration.

  You don’t need my words to know that you’re beautiful, sweetness.

  Yeah, this man was going to be the end of my self-control. Every nerve in my body was aware of his presence. And his charm was borderline cliché, but I could care less. Cliché or not, us women love to be showered with compliments and affections.

  You want to go do something tonight? Maybe dinner? I asked as we continued throwing.

  I have a better idea, he thought with a huge smirk on his face.

  Oh boy! He didn’t need to twist my arm. I’d probably follow him to the moon and back if it meant I could keep staring at that smile of his.

  After class, we exchanged cell numbers and I gave him my address so he could pick me up for a surprise, as he put it.

  After my mom passed, my dad sort of went bat-shit crazy. He apologized to me, but said he couldn’t be around me because I reminded him too much of mom. In all honesty, I understood. It still hurt, but I wasn’t stupid. I knew I was a near spitting image of my mother. Not just physically, but also with my mannerisms and how I talked. I was proud to be like her. To be molded in such close likeness of a strong, beautiful woman was the highest of compliments. But with that pride also came sorrow, because it meant my dad couldn’t stand to be near me.

  I started living with my Aunt Sybil after my mom’s death. Our family was rather well off, so my aunt never had to worry about supporting me. Throughout the years, my father continually funded my account and hers. Thankfully, I had no problems paying for school and no need to work while I got my degree.

  Just because I live with my aunt, didn’t mean I ever got to see her though. She had always been somewhat of a free spirit and marched to the clangs of her own tambourine. Once I became a legal adult, she started spending most of her time traveling. No matter. I didn’t mind being alone. As a matter of fact, I welcomed the solitude.

  That is, until my chance meeting with a green-eyed god today. Now I craved to be near him.

  I wasn’t even home five minutes and my phone buzzed, notifying me I had one new text message. It was from Jonah. My heart began to putter again and I scolded myself for reacting like a teenage girl at the mere thought of him texting me.

  Well, I shouldn’t be so hard on myself. He was clearly worth every extra heartbeat.

  Gathering my bearings and pressing the message button, I read his text.

  I’m so glad I was lucky enough to meet you today, Ella. I can’t wait to spend time with you tonight. I’ll pick you up at 6.

  I couldn’t contain my smile as I texted back, thanking him and telling him I would be ready. He said he had dinner plans with his father already, so I would need to fend for myself before he came by.

  I was thankful actually. Being near him had my stomach so tied in knots, eating may have been a challenge. So, eating alone gave me the freedom to eat light and without the constant cluster of butterflies in my tummy.

  Just thinking about him seemed to muffle all the chattering thoughts of nearby neighbors. I guess if my mind is preoccupied, it has less room to absorb all the other chatter going on around me. And I definitely didn’t have a problem staying preoccupied with thoughts of Jonah. That’s for sure.

  I suddenly started singing an old Nat King Cole song: You’re the Cream in my Coffee. My corny thoughts made me chuckle out loud as I turned on the water and got undressed, humming to the classic lyrics swimming in my head.

  You’re the sail of my love boat… ha!

  After a long, refreshing shower and a quick bite to eat, I was ready to go. Since I still had about a half hour to spare, I decided to curl up on the couch and read from my eReader. My mind couldn’t seem to focus on the words and I had to keep going back to reread. After the third time through the same paragraph, I decided I was just too anxious to pay attention to the book and shut the eReader off.

  About quarter to six, and just as I thought I would jump out of my skin in anticipation, the doorbell rang. I was very excited that he was early. I sprang up from the couch and had to stop myself from sprinting to the door.

  Control yourself, Ella. Jesus.

  I took a couple more deep breaths, waited a few moments, and then opened the door.

  Chapter Four

  My heart dropped as I realized it wasn’t Jonah, but a middle-aged man with a well-groomed goatee wearing an ominous black trench coat. He was very tall and somewhat gangly looking, but his face was handsome and looked slightly familiar.

  “Good evening, Ella. My name is Divinus Chantrey. I’m Jonah’s father,” he introduced as he politely extended his hand out to me.

  Puzzled, I scrunched my forehead and offered my hand in return, allowing him to brush a light kiss along my knuckles, a gesture that had me feeling a bit uneasy about his motives for being here.

  “I know you must be wondering why I am here. I would like to speak with you briefly if you have a moment?”

  Uhh… mind reader? Probably, considering clairvoyance was hereditary.

  “Oh, ahh… yeah, sure,” I blubbered, obviously suffering from a brain to mouth malfunction. I squeezed through the door and stepped out onto my porch, figuring it would calm my nerves to spend some time in the fresh evening air. When I was finally able to put two coherent words together, I said, “I’m sorry. I was just a little surprised to see you instead of Jonah. Is he ok?”

  “Not to worry, my dear. He is fine. He is not happy with my insisting on meeting you, but I just could not help myself. I had to meet the daughter of Delphina Hugh,” he said, shocking me still as stone, as he nonchalantly sat down on the wicker sofa.

  “How did you… You knew my mother?” I stuttered.

  I couldn’t move. The mention of my mother’s name from his lips left me dumbstruck. Is it hot out here? I thought as I fanned myself lightly, hopefully unnoticeably.

  “Ahh, yes. I knew your mother many years ago. When Jonah told me he met another soul seer and, after plenty of coaxing and even some bribery, he told me your name, I just knew you had to be Delphina’s daughter.”

  He sat and stared at me for a moment too long for comfort. I began to fidget wildly under his intense stare. It’s as if he was studying me. Branding me to his memory. Just as I was starting to get a little nervous, he said, “Orella Hugh. You are so grown up. So beautiful. Just like your mother.”

  Ok, that’s it. I needed some answers. This had better be good!

  “I’m sorry. Can you tell me how you knew my mother?” I asked, getting a little more uneasy about his presence and actually, a little ticked off someone would put me through the memories of her death yet again.

  I loved the memories I had of my mom’s life. But, ultimately, I would have to explain her death to this man. And, just the thought of talking about the worst day of my life with a stranger made bile rise in my throat.

  “Del and I went to college together
. She always seemed to keep me out of trouble—that is for sure. I am a bit surprised she kept her maiden name and even more surprised she passed it along to you,” he said as he laughed thoughtfully. I knew why… My mom loved the meaning of our last name. And ever since she told me I was a soul seer, I understood why it was so important to her.

  Hugh—I knew it was a distant German word meaning heart, mind, spirit. My thoughts went to Jonah’s explanation of my first name. Orella Hugh… Oracle Spirit. Damn, my mom was such an amazing person. Even my name rocked because of her.

  Bringing myself back to the present, I stood and stared at this man who was still uncomfortably studying me.

  I could tell he was purposefully blocking his thoughts, although I didn’t quite know how he was doing it or why. I’ve never known anyone to block his or her thoughts from me and the idea was unnerving. “Even though I cannot read your mind, Ella, I know you can read mine. And I know you are probably wondering why I am blocking you.”

  Well, even if he claimed he couldn’t read minds, he was doing a damn good job of reading mine.

  “Yes, I am. I’ve never had anyone block their thoughts from me before.”

  “Ahh, but I am sure you have. You just did not know it. That is actually the reason I wanted to come see you,” he said as a sudden look of sorrow passed across his face. “You see, Jonah told me about the loss of your mother. I was not aware. I know you do not wish to talk about it, and that is fine. I only want to offer my condolences and possibly offer my help.”

  “Your help?” I asked as I finally became comfortable enough to sit in the wicker chair near where he sat. “How can you help?”

  “Well, most telepaths wait until their offspring’s sixteenth birthday to explain their gifts, mainly because the parent needs to be well aware of exactly what types of gifts the child possesses. But, since your mother suffered an unfortunate departure early in her life, and yours, I am worried you may not have anyone to turn to with questions or just to talk about your abilities,” he paused for a moment, scratching his well-trimmed goatee before he continued. “Was your mother able to tell you about anything?”