Shattered Souls (The Toren Series, Book 1) Read online

  I’m going to die here, in the middle of this street, and I have no idea why. What’s worse is I will never get to say goodbye to Milo or tell him I love him. And even though I have worked hard to hate my parents for giving me up, I’d like to see them before I die. I’d like to see their faces and know where I came from. But none of that is possible. The darkness is quickly approaching; I am dying on my birthday.

  I am about to close my eyes for the last time when a burst of light appears behind Ashton. The light comes from a figure that drops out of the sky. He’s too gorgeous and too glorious to be real. Above him are massive, expansive wings that seem to take up the whole sky. That’s when I know for sure that I am hallucinating. There’s no other way to explain it.

  The angel I have imagined holds his hand out, and a surge of light leaps from his palm and onto Ashton, who slumps over and dies with his eyes open. The angel opens the car door and rushes me out onto the sidewalk. As I give in to the darkness and surrender to death, his words ring out in my head:

  “Summit, you know who you are; save yourself.”

  ***

  I don’t open my eyes when I regain consciousness. I’m afraid of what I will find. I expect to see whatever it is that people see when they die. Maybe a blinding light that leads to paradise or a very hot cave with torment on the menu all day, every day. I place my fingers on my neck and feel a small scar where I was attacked. It should be a big scar, but instead it’s a thin line. I make myself stay calm and listen to my surroundings. I’m not sure if I’m in heaven or hell, but wherever I am, it’s filled with discord and drama.

  “Oh my Omnis! Oh my Omnis! Do you know what you just did—argh! We are so totally screwed!” a girl’s voice proclaims in complete panic mode.

  “What did you want me to do, Parker, just let her die?!” the guy that saved me shouts.

  “I don’t know, Lucas! All I know is that this is bad. This is very, very bad,” the female replies. I’m guessing she’s Parker.

  “I didn’t want it to go down like it did—I didn’t plan this,” Lucas argues.

  “No, you never plan things. You just go off and do whatever you want and leave the rest of us to pick up after you. Do you have any idea what you just did? Do you know what’s coming for her now? What’s coming for all of us?” she says, terrified.

  “You don’t have to keep reminding me; I know what’s coming.”

  “Then why aren’t you freaking out? You broke the treaty! You know what that means,” she barks angrily.

  “I couldn’t just stand by and watch,” Lucas insists.

  “You never do what you’re supposed to do. That’s why Nikki is…”

  “Don’t stop now, Parker, say it.”

  “Lucas, I—”

  “Just forget about it. I gotta go check on her.”

  “Does she know…anything?” Parker asks.

  “No. She passed out on the way here,” Lucas says.

  “You should wait for the rest of the team,” she says.

  “Yeah, well, you know I suck at doing what I’m supposed to do, so…,” Lucas says as he stumps away. A few moments later, I hear his footsteps getting closer. When I can sense him near me, I finally open my eyes. I’m in a small, dimly lit room, lying on a cot. I see trees just outside my window but nothing to help me pinpoint exactly where I am.

  I wasn’t hallucinating before—he does have wings. But believe it or not, that’s not the most surprising thing about Lucas. What holds me captive and makes me damn near weep at the thought of him walking away from me is his eyes. He has these deep, penetrating, cobalt-blue eyes that sparkle and make everything else in the room fade.

  The last time I saw a shade of blue that intense, it was in the country. We were on a field trip with two other group homes. I had gotten lost and ended up in the woods. I was so frustrated, I screamed out loud and looked up at the sky. I saw a slew of stars spread across a brilliant blue night sky. It made me feel…full. I was complete. I wasn’t a little girl lost anymore. I was a part of something bigger. I went to take a picture of it, but I decided not to because the camera would never be able to capture its exquisite beauty. So I stood out there as long as I could, trying to take it all in, sad because I knew I’d never behold that moment again—until now—in Lucas’s eyes.

  When I am finally able to pull myself away from his eyes, I’m taken by his astonishing beauty. He’s six two and has long, warm blond hair that falls just above his shoulders. His chiseled jaw and full lips make it hard for me to remember what day of the week it is or even the month.

  I look down at the rest of him—his body should be studied. His wide, well-defined shoulders, pecs, and washboard abs take up all the space in my head. But while his appearance is inviting, his demeanor is anything but. He stands over me with his arms folded across his chest, impatiently looking me over.

  “Here,” he says as he hands me a nearby blanket. I take it and cover myself up. He clears his throat and shifts his weight.

  “Where am I?” I ask.

  “An abandoned hospital in Wyoming.”

  “Okay…”

  “I guess you got questions,” he grumbles.

  Gee, ya think?!

  “Did you slip me something? ’Cause I’m seeing things that can’t be real,” I admit.

  “Yeah, I know.”

  “So, you did slip me something?” I ask.

  “The wings are real,” he says in a matter-of-fact tone.

  “So…you’re an angel.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Okay. I’m gonna get my clothes and go home. When this trip is over and whatever drug you gave me wears off, I’m gonna come back and kick your ass. And then I’m gonna thank you because, well, you saved my life.”

  “You don’t want to thank me. I rescued you from your attacker, but trust me, I didn’t save your life. In fact, my actions today guaranteed not only your death but also the demise of millions. I should introduce myself: I’m Lucas. I’m the angel who just ended the world…”

  CHAPTER TWO: TALK FAST

  I don’t believe a word of what this gorgeous lunatic is saying but I am alone in a room with him, with no weapons around, so I try not to upset him. I have no idea how delusional he is or what he’s capable of doing. All I know is I have to think my way out of this place.

  “So, what I saw before, they were wings?” I ask.

  “Yeah.”

  “In other words, you’re an angel?” I inquire, still trying to remain calm.

  “Yes.”

  “How come I don’t see them now?” I ask before I can stop myself.

  “If you want to see them, you will. You’ve decided it can’t be real, so…”

  “I see. You have wings that come out when the mood strikes. And also you saved my life and now the world is in danger. That makes perfect sense.”

  “You don’t believe me,” he says.

  “Of course I do. Hey, question: is there any kind of medication you need to take right about now? I’m not saying you’re—not well—I’m saying maybe you missed a dose of something,” I suggest gently.

  “Okay, you don’t believe me. I get that.”

  “Is this the part where you try to convince me?” I push.

  “Do you want me to try?” he replies.

  “What I want is to know if you are under the care of a professional.”

  “No, I’m not.”

  “Then you should be,” I inform him.

  “Given what I just did, probably…” His voice trails off. He’s now in deep reflection.

  “Is this a TV show? Hang on, it is, isn’t it? The show arranged it so that Ashton met up with me in the elevator, made him ask me out and then pretend to try and kill me. So what, pig blood isn’t enough nowadays? You have to find a more inventive way to embarrass a girl?”

  “That’s not what’s happening,” he assures me.

  “Oh please, you look like you just walked off the set of The Bachelor. Tell me about your wings. How do they appe
ar and disappear? Is it special lighting or something? Never mind, where is he? Where’s Ashton?” I bark at him.

  “Ashton is gone,” he replies.

  “Let me guess, he’s calling all his friends so they can have a laugh about scaring the crap out of the freaky outsider with the purple eyes.”

  “Hey, I know we just met, but can you do me a favor and shut up?” he says.

  “Excuse me?!” I reply.

  “You’re in shock. Doesn’t that mean you should be speechless?”

  “That’s it! I’m suing you and the network! You can’t pull this crap on people,” I threaten.

  “There is no network. There are no cameras, and I have no idea what The Bachelor is.”

  “Okay then, is this a cult? I’ve seen documentaries, and if you think I’m giving up all my worldly possessions, shaving my hair, and selling flowers at the airport, you’re nuts!” I reply as I sit up. The room starts to spin uncontrollably and my vision starts to get fuzzy. He runs over to me and sits by my bed. He’s even more stunning close-up.

  How the hell does something that perfect exist?

  “You need to rest for a while. You shouldn’t even be talking, let alone sitting up,” he warns as he places his hands on my shoulders. His touch sends an intense surge down my body. It’s like being zapped by a thousand spine tingling bolts.

  “What is it?” he asks as he removes his hand.

  “You feel good,” I reply.

  ARGH! Damn it, Summit! Say that kind of crap in your head, not out loud.

  “I mean—I don’t feel good,” I say.

  “I’ll get Parker to check on you and make sure you’re okay,” he says as he starts to walk away.

  “Hey—tell me the truth, is this a kidnapping? Because if it is, you should know there’s no one around to pay the ransom. I’m a ward of the state. That’s a fancy way of saying I don’t belong to anyone.

  “Seriously, you could call the group home and tell them you have me. And the best they can do is give you a few crumpled-up bills they may find between the sofa cushions. Well, my best friend, Milo, would give you his prized possession, but honestly, I don’t think you’d get a lot for a signed DVD box set of The Golden Girls.”

  “There is no ransom being asked,” he says.

  “I’ve watched every episode of Criminal Minds. Is this the part where you will torture me because of some deep-seated childhood issue you have?”

  “For the love of Omnis, stop talking! I need to think,” he pleads.

  “WHO IS OMNIS? WHY DID MY DATE STAB ME? WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?” I shout.

  A guy enters the room practically jumping up and down with excitement. He’s seventeen or so, six feet tall, and has warm, honey-brown skin. His full lips are spread out into a wide grin and his almond-shaped hazel eyes are breathtaking.

  “You really did it, Lucas? You brought her here! Very cool, man, very cool! I mean, we’re all probably gonna die but screw it! Let’s go out with a bang, man! Aw man, get over here!” he says as he pulls me in for a bear hug.

  “Hey, get off me!” I reply, pushing him away.

  “RJ, she has no idea who you are—who any of us are,” Lucas replies.

  “You haven’t told her?” he says.

  “I was trying to, but turns out she’s allergic to silence,” Lucas says. I roll my eyes at him and turn away.

  “Oh well, let’s start over. I’m the best-looking angel in the world. No matter what happens, it’s important that you remember that—how did I get to be so damn fine? It’s a gift—and a curse,” RJ jokes. For some odd reason, I can’t help but smile at him, which is insane because for all I know he’s nuts too.

  “Where are the others?” Lucas asks.

  “Right here,” two voices reply in unison. I look over and find two beings standing in the doorway. They are about my age. The girl’s voice I recognize from earlier. She walks over and introduces herself as Parker.

  Parker’s hair is in a single intricate braid and falls off to one side. She’s slightly shorter than me, wears stylish glasses, and has the kind of face that belongs in a beauty campaign. There isn’t one flaw on her or her toned body. Her walk is graceful and confident. She’s wearing long, tan colored, suede knee-high boots, designer jeans, and a matching cashmere sweater. The perfect outfit for fall in Martha’s Vineyard—or so I’ve read. Parker might be the most put-together teenager I’ve ever seen. She’s holding a red fountain pen and a leather-bound journal in her hand.

  “I healed you but you will be weak for a little while. It’s mostly from shock. I’d love to study the effects of sudden trauma on a being with your condition,” Parker says as she comes within inches of my face and studies me. She takes the pen and places it on her left temple and suddenly words form in the air, in some ancient looking writing. The words gather together and slip inside the journal.

  What just happened?

  “Parker, she’s not your experiment, so back off,” RJ says.

  “The more information we know about her, the better off we will be. It could come in handy,” she reasons.

  “The girl just had the biggest surprise of her life. Can you please act like you give a damn? Hi, I’m Ryder,” the guy says as he comes closer to me. Ryder looks like an upscale club kid. He has bright blue hair that falls around his handsome face. His wears a shirt that has the logo of a band I’ve never heard of and large baggy retro-style parachute pants. He has an earring above his right eye and massive headphones around his neck.

  “Of course I care! Do you know how many mixtures had to be created in order to make her forget everything? Summit is a monument to the advancement of modern Orkinology,” Parker reminds him.

  “Modern what?” I whisper.

  “Orkinology is the study of powerful mixtures, herbs, and what the humans would call magic,” Parker says.

  “Oh, of course, Orkinology. How could I forget that?” I whisper sardonically.

  “Sorry about my sister. We may be twins but she has a lot to learn about—well everything that’s not science related,” Ryder says.

  “We’ve been trying to get her to loosen up but no luck. Maybe now that the world is going to end, she’ll lighten up,” RJ says to Ryder.

  “Maybe even get laid,” Ryder says as the two of them share a laugh.

  “That’s not funny. What Lucas did is going to hurt everyone in ways we can’t even begin to understand. Look outside, it’s growing dark. You know what that means,” Parker says.

  “Yeah, it’s called nighttime. Stop overreacting,” Ryder scolds.

  “So you don’t think there will be consequences?” RJ asks.

  “No, I think we’re all going down in flames. I’m just saying maybe we do it with a little grace,” Ryder points out.

  “Everyone just be quiet while I try to figure out what to do,” Parker replies.

  “Do you ever take a day off from trying to be the leader? Because in case you missed it, sis, the leader is over there,” RJ says, pointing to me.

  “Okay, that’s enough! Thank you for giving me good reasons to avoid any and all drugs and hallucinogens. This whole thing has been fun, but I have to get going,” I reply as I stand up and head for the exit.

  “Summit, you can’t leave just yet,” Ryder says.

  “This isn’t going well,” RJ warns his friends.

  “How did you expect it to go?” someone says from the doorway.

  Exactly how many of these hot maniacs are there?

  The new figure in this absurd drama has stark black hair, chiseled features straight out of a romance saga, and is over six feet tall. His penetrating blue-green eyes would hold any girl captive. From the moment he walks in, he eyes Lucas with stern disapproval.

  “This is Phoenix. You can call him Nix,” RJ says.

  “What the hell did you do, Lucas?” Nix demands.

  “Don’t worry about it, I’ll fix it,” Lucas says.

  “Fix it! Are you freaking kidding me? You have just—argh! Why do y
ou always have to be the one who makes this fall apart? Aren’t you tired of screwing up?”

  “Aren’t you tired of pointing it out to me every chance you get? Or is that fun for you?” Lucas demands. “You don’t even know what happened! You just come in here and assume that I messed up. What the hell is that?” Lucas counters.

  “I don’t need to know what happened. It’s not hard to put together. You woke up and decided you wanted to devastate the entire angel and human world and now you’ve done it. Congratulations!” Nix says.

  “Maybe you would have been content to let her die, but I wasn’t,” Lucas replies.

  “You know that’s not what I want! She’s my family,” Nix replies.

  “Oh great! That’s great. So now you guys are not only angels but angel relatives. Seriously, what have you guys been smoking?” I reply.

  “Summit—”

  “Hold on, ‘Baby Smurf.’ I don’t care what you all have been smoking or how much of it. I just want to go home, and I will do whatever I have to in order to get past all of you,” I assure them.

  “‘Baby Smurf!’ I knew I liked her,” RJ says with a big grin.

  “GET OUT OF MY WAY!!!” I shout as I try to get around Ryder.

  “Okay, okay. Just give us a chance to explain everything. And when we are done, if you still want to go, you can go. Deal?” RJ says.

  “Fine. Talk fast,” I order.

  ***

  RJ and Ryder make me sit back down on the edge of the bed and promise not to interrupt them as they explain. Lucas mumbles under his breath and says that silence isn’t really my strong suit. I glare at him. Yes, he saved my life and yes, every inch of him is yum on a stick. But he’s a jerk.

  “Okay, here goes,” Nix says as he exchanges a look with the rest of the lunatics, and then he begins.

  “The creator of Heaven, Earth, and everything in between has many different names. But the oldest name is Omnis. He is maker of all things—including evil. He wanted to make sure that everything had a balance to it, so when he created light, he created dark, when he made the sun, he made the moon, and so on,” Nix says.