Channeler's Choice Read online

  Channeler’s Choice

  A Channeler Novel

  By

  Heather McCorkle

  Channeler’s Choice

  Heather McCorkle

  Copyright @ 2012 Heather McCorkle

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of quotations embodied in articles and reviews.

  ISBN: 978-0-9847863-3-6 Hardback

  ISBN: 978-0-9847863-4-3 Paperback

  ISBN: 978-0-9847863-5-0 eBook

  Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

  Cover images from Thinkstock. Cover design by CP Design.

  http://cpdesignandcompasspress.blogspot.com

  First Edition.

  Compass Press release date: 02-27-2012

  For my husband. Without your unflinching support and belief in me none of this would be possible.

  Other novels by Heather McCorkle:

  The Secret Of Spruce Knoll

  Born Of Fire

  To Ride A Púca (coming soon)

  Praise for the channeler series:

  “McCorkle fuses magic, mystery, and myth into one action-packed tale.” ~Judith Graves, author of the Skinned series.

  “Electrifying in every possible way. A compelling read with unforgettable characters that readers will cheer for.” ~Elana Johnson, author of Possession.

  “McCorkle has crafted an enchanting world… You will root for Eren and Aiden.” ~Kitty Keswick, author of the Freaksville series.

  Acknowledgements:

  It takes so many people to bring a book to life that it humbles me when I sit down to thank them all, realizing how many people have helped me along the way. To my newest beta reader and friend who I feel like I’ve known my entire life, Christine Fonseca, I can’t thank you enough for being there. I’m lucky to be a part of the Indelibles, a great group of indie and small press authors who have come together to support one another. You ladies have helped me so much and have saved my sanity more times than I can count. My critique sisters, Linda Gray and Karlene Petitt have been my anchors. Also, thank you TS Tate for helping me polish CC up. Thank you to the #WritersRoad crowd, my wonderful blogging community, and my amazing author friends who are so numerous I wouldn’t dare list them all for fear of leaving even one out. I love you all.

  “Only the strong and wise shall lead us.

  One without the other is not acceptable.”

  ~from Life In A Society.

  Chapter 1

  The cool winter air filled Eren’s lungs as she jogged next to Aiden, doing her best to keep her steps silent. Over a foot of snow covered the forest floor and weighed down the boughs of the spruce trees. Using their channeler’s power to spread out the impact of their steps, they barely sank an inch into the snow. It took a bit of concentration, but after several months of snowy weather, Eren was used to it. Aside from ease of travel, they used their power to soften their steps because a certain amount of stealth was needed for what they were doing; spying.

  The trees thinned as they reached the bottom of a steep hill. Eren indicated a tree near the top of the hill with a flick of her head. They slowed to a walk and crept toward it, crouching low. As she settled onto her belly atop the snow, Eren raised her power enough to keep herself warm. Aiden lay down beside her and they both turned their attention to the valley below.

  The spruce trees circling the valley looked blue next to the mound of snow in their center. Perched atop that mound was a monolithic pyramid of stone that looked as though it had been plucked from a Mayan city from thousands of years ago. But this pyramid wasn’t an old ruin that time had forgotten. It was new, compared to ancient ruins that was. It had been built in the 1700’s when the first settlers of Spruce Knoll had come here.

  Eren remembered the history lesson well.

  Shapes of people moved around the pyramid, drawing her attention back to the present. They were over a hundred feet away, but it was still a bit close for her comfort. There was little choice, though. She and Aiden had to get this close if they wanted to hear anything.

  Thirty or so people began to gather on the plateau atop the huge pyramid. Eren watched them closely, noting their mannerisms and interactions. It was why she and Aiden were here, to watch how a Society worked together. Problem was, since they weren’t a part of this one, they were forbidden to be here.

  Ever since finding out they were both Rectors, she and Aiden had been taking the idea of running a Society very seriously. Aiden wanted to find out everything he could about how a good Society functioned and what the Rector’s roles were. Eren’s Uncle Alin and her grandfather had been quick to take Aiden under their wings and instruct him. Sure, Alin’s motives could be partially from the guilt he felt over all his brother had done to Aiden, but it seemed like more than that to Eren. Alin genuinely liked Aiden and though he never came out and said it, it was obvious he knew how much Aiden meant to Eren.

  As hard as she tried, Eren didn’t share Aiden’s enthusiasm to lead. Before her life as a channeler, she had been Captain of the track team and class President, but that was different. Being part of the Rector couple that ran a Society meant she’d be partially responsible for people’s safety and well being. After what happened this fall, she wasn’t sure she was cut out for all that. How could she make a good leader when people kept dying around her and others ended up having to save her?

  Actually, it was more like after all that happened last year, not just last fall. First, her parents were murdered, she was attacked twice, and then her family was attacked because of her. When she watched her Aunt Sylvia and Uncle Alin fight for all their lives, it scared her almost more than when she’d been attacked. Aunt Sylvia was fearless and well trained. Since Eren had just started learning how to fight, she didn’t see how she could ever be so brave and talented.

  All that considered, it had been a horrible year. However, there definitely had been good parts. She couldn’t help but look at Aiden as she thought that. Somehow she would have to get over her fears and find her own desire to lead. Her grandfather said one didn’t get to choose to be a Rector; they were simply born that way. Eren feared she was going to have to dig very deep to discover the Rector within herself.

  A gentle poke in the ribs from Aiden made her follow his gaze back to the valley below.

  It wasn’t hard to tell who the Rectors were. They stood at the highest point atop the pyramid’s plateau, next to the altar. The rest of the Society gravitated around them. People bowed their heads in respect, and listened raptly when they talked.

  It was only a routine meeting discussing the coming New Year and Eren started to grow bored listening to them, then she noticed something. There was a second couple that people paid almost as much respect to as the first. By the way they talked, moved, and touched made it obvious they were close to the Rector couple. Perhaps leading a Society wasn’t as much of a monarchy as she originally thought. The idea of having friends at her side made the whole leadership thing a lot less scary.

  Just when the cold started to seep through her coat and chill her stomach, Aiden stood and turned away from the valley. Rising quickly, she followed him. She sank to her knees in snow, a quick reminder that she had to focus her energy to spread out the weight of her footfalls.

  Something tickled the back of Eren’s head, a feeling more than an actual sensation. It grew stronger until soon she realized what it meant. They were being watched. The eyes were unfriendly, carrying a heavy resentment behind them. Every h
air along the back of her neck stood on end. Her eyes darted left and right, but she couldn’t see anyone. Whoever they were, they didn’t want to be seen, and they were good at hiding. Her first instinct was to tell Aiden about it, but she couldn’t do that. What if he thought she was being paranoid?

  Ever since last October she had been jumping at every shadow. Luke was gone, she knew that. But for some reason she couldn’t shake her fear. Forcing herself to relax, she ignored the weird sensation until it went away.

  As they ran back through the forest it started to snow again. The sparkling white flakes soon became so thick it was hard to see through their mesmerizing pattern. By then, they had reached the streets of Spruce Knoll and had the sidewalk to guide them. The snow fell so hard that if anyone was looking out their windows, they probably couldn’t even seen Eren and Aiden. Traveling under such cover eased her anxiety a little.

  Regardless of the decreasing visibility, they made it to Eren’s grandfather’s bookstore and residence. Since her Uncle Alin and cousin Fane had decided to move here from Romania, there wasn’t enough room in Aunt Sylvia’s little cabin. It had taken a lot of discussion for Eren to convince Sylvia to allow her to move in with her grandfather. Of course, she would miss Aunt Sylvia desperately—except for her cooking, that is—but she only lived a few miles away and Eren visited often.

  At the back door to Zolin’s bookstore, they paused and shook the snow from their hair. Eren drew her energy back into herself, leaving her face and hands feeling cold and exposed. She was able to channel her energy now without damaging her clothes, for the most part, but she still wore loose clothing just in case.

  The air was cool on her skin, making her hurry to get inside. Just as Aiden stepped in and closed the door behind him, Eren’s grandfather walked around the corner at the end of the hall. He smiled warmly and beckoned for them to follow him back into the kitchen.

  “I’ve just made a fresh pot of coffee,” he said.

  Eren smiled as she kicked off her hiking boots. Much to her delight, her grandfather had been quick to notice her love of coffee. Reaching back to grab Aiden’s hand, she practically speed walked after her grandfather.

  The terra cotta tiles beneath her feet were a bit too warm after being outside. She forgot all about her feet when she entered the coffee-and-cinnamon scented kitchen. Breathing deep through her nose, she savored the smells as she grabbed two cups out of the overhead cabinet. Aiden poured the coffee while she got the flavored creamer out of the fridge.

  Eren’s grandfather settled onto a stool next to the island in the middle of the room. Resting an elbow on the colorful Spanish tiled countertop, he sipped his coffee as he watched them both with a smile.

  Unlike most of the town, her grandfather didn’t care that Aiden was Irish, despite the fact that he himself was Mayan. It wasn’t just that Eren was half-Mayan and half-Irish either. Her grandfather wouldn’t have minded them dating even if she were full Mayan. He was a good man who judged people only on their character, unlike many of the others in Spruce Knoll.

  “It’s a good thing you kids got back, there’s a powerful storm moving in tonight. I called the Murphy’s and told them you’d be staying the night, Aiden. I’ve put some blankets on the couch for you downstairs,” her grandfather said, giving Aiden a hard look as he said the last word.

  The Murphy’s were Aiden’s foster parents. As long as he didn’t do anything illegal and didn’t get hurt, they pretty much didn’t care what he did. After his murderous adopted parents, Virgil and Camilia Moldovan, Eren knew he enjoyed the freedom. Still, she couldn’t help but think the Murphy’s could care a little more.

  “Thank you, Mr. Yaretz, but as great as that sounds, there are some books I have to have for class tomorrow. I’ll make it back all right. I’ll call to let you know I made it,” Aiden said.

  “Suit yourself. And call me Zolin, please. Mr. Yaretz makes me sound my age,” he said with a wave of his hand.

  Eren smiled behind her raised coffee cup. She was pretty sure there wasn’t a title that could make her grandfather sound his age. At three hundred ninety-eight years old he had transcended age- proclaiming titles. As channelers go, he was just starting to move past middle aged and hardly looked a day over forty-five. While they weren’t immortal, at this point in Eren’s life, five hundred years seemed like forever.

  “Aiden, can you help me finish up my paper on Irish history before you go?” Eren asked.

  “Yeah, we should get started on that,” Aiden said.

  When Zolin turned his head away Aiden gave her a wink that made her stomach do flip flops. She couldn’t help it; he was so incredibly cute when he did that.

  “You kids don’t stay up too late now,” Zolin said.

  Eren promised him they wouldn’t and kissed him on the forehead before they left. By now the warm tiles felt good beneath her feet as she led Aiden up the stairs across the hallway. Halfway down the hall on the second floor, Eren stopped and reached up to pull down the attic access ladder. Keeping a careful eye of the sloshing surface of her coffee, she climbed up one handed. Whistling softly in appreciation, Aiden was quick to follow her. Eren slugged him in the shoulder once they were off the ladder.

  “Stop watching my butt,” she whispered.

  He grinned and wiggled his eyebrows at her. Sighing in exasperation, she spun and walked off.

  “What? Just appreciating the view.”

  When first coming up the ladder, they entered a small sitting room with a comfy loveseat and lots of book shelves. As a late Christmas present for Eren, Zolin had added a flat screen TV. Hardwood floors led into a huge bedroom through an archway beyond the seating area.

  Eren walked into the bedroom while Aiden veered off into the bathroom where he had an extra set of clothes. Moonlight shined in through a huge, round window filling the painting nook just opposite the bed with a soft glow. It bathed a painting that hung upon the wall in a ghostly light. It was the first painting she and Aiden had done together, an impressionistic piece of a man and a woman done in only pinks and blues. Almost every square foot of her walls were lined with both her own paintings and those she’d done with Aiden. Aunt Sylvia liked to refer to her room as the art gallery.

  And it practically could have been one. Eren’s painting were that good, or so everyone told her. Aunt Sylvia kept trying to convince her to show some of them, but Eren wasn’t ready. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Aunt Sylvia’s judgment, she did. Sylvia was an art curator with an amazing eye for talent. Eren just wanted a little more time to get used to the idea of the whole world looking at her very personal work.

  Setting her coffee on the bedside table, Eren slipped out of her wet clothes and into her favorite pair of drawstring shorts and a tank top. Picking her coffee back up, she went to stand in front of the window. At both five feet tall and wide, it allowed for a fantastic view of the town center. The window was something Eren had convinced her grandfather to add. As a painter she had to have natural light and Colorado weather didn’t always allow her to paint on the rooftop gardens.

  Besides the light, it offered a beautiful view of the huge, elevated roundabout that was at the center of the four roads which divided the town. The roundabout stood four feet above the street level with four sets of stairs leading up to it coming off each road. It was covered in brick pavers and was circled by four sets of benches separated by the stairs. More than the lovely, old world look to it, she loved the feel of the place. It vibrated with energy. Her grandfather said it was a place of great power.

  The view of the massive, two-story Tibetan Monastery on the corner just opposite from her didn’t hurt either. The architecture of the sprawling structure was reminiscent of Chinese architecture and its red, yellow and gold accents were breathtaking. Eren felt blessed to live among so many unique cultures. Only a few months ago she hadn’t felt that way, but things had changed.

  Soft footsteps sounded behind her and a moment later Aiden was wrapping his arms around her. She
sighed and leaned back against his chest.

  “It’s beautiful isn’t it?” he asked.

  “Um hum,” she murmured in agreement.

  She didn’t have to ask to know he meant the Monastery. Aiden loved architecture and was fascinated by both the differences and similarities among the buildings of various cultures. He wanted to be an architect just as badly as she wanted to be a painter. Some of the plans he had drawn up for buildings and homes were amazing and flawless down to every detail. All of his plans were environmentally friendly from the foundation up.

  Channelers lives were directly tied to the earth and they were therefore very passionate about preserving it, Aiden especially. It was a part of him that Eren had come to find very charming.

  “Doesn’t it give you a headache being so close to that thing?” Aiden asked.

  Looking up at his face, she saw that his attention had shifted to the turnabout.

  “You mean the turnabout?” she asked.

  “Yeah.”

  “What’s the energy feel like to you?”

  His brow furrowed and he scrunched up his lips in a cute way. “Kind of like the pressure the Rectors can give off when they want to, only stronger.”

  Eren thought about this for a moment. “You block the energy out, don’t you?”

  “I never really thought of it that way, but I guess I kind of do.”

  It didn’t surprise Eren. In fact, she should have realized he’d naturally resist the energy. When the power had first come to Aiden, his adopted father would force his energy back into him so he couldn’t channel. He’d been easier to chain up that way. Because of it, Aiden had learned to block the energy of others and stop it from affecting him.