Soul Legacy: A Supernatural Ghost Series (The Windhaven Witches Book 2), Carissa Andrews [best books for 7th graders .TXT] 📗

A surprised laugh escapes his lips. “I’ll do some digging to see what I can find.”

“Oh, I’m sure they have superhero costumes down at the local clothing store,” I say, keeping my face forward as warmth takes over my cheeks.

He shoots me a sideways glance. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

After a few moments of comfortable silence, I turn to him and say, “I know this whole thing has been hard on you. It’s nice to see a little more of your normal self coming back.”

Wade’s dark eyebrows tug in and he nods. “Yeah, I’ve felt a bit out of sorts. It’s hard enough dealing with death, but then all the other stuff…it’s been kinda crazy. Plus, I definitely wasn’t expecting the level of scrutiny I’ve been met with the first couple of weeks of school. You know?”

“I can imagine.” I bite my lower lip, trying to decide if I should darken the subject by telling him about my conversation with Abigail and some of the concerns I have. Instead, I stand up, walking a few feet away from the columbarium so I can scan the tombstones. “Where do you think the latest grave robbings were?”

Wade follows me. “I dunno. I only heard they were fresh graves, just like the last time.”

“Do you want to go look for them?” I ask, letting curiosity get the better of me.

Wade narrows his gaze. “Mmmm, I don’t think that’s probably the best of ideas. I mean, people already think I’m guilty. The last thing I’d need is someone snapping a picture of us at the desecrated graves.”

“Oh, good point. I’m sorry, I should have thought of that,” I say, wiping my hand over my face.

“It’s okay. I don’t know why it would occur to you,” he says, glancing around the rest of the cemetery. “You’re not the one they’re targeting.”

“It should have. I guess I just don’t believe all the rumors, so it didn’t even occur to me that someone else might take advantage. It’s not how my brain works.”

Wade bends in, kissing the side of my neck. “And that’s why I love you so much. You have such a good heart.”

My stomach rolls and I frown. “Wade, I have to tell you something…”

His eyes widen slightly as he turns to look at me. Concern is clearly written across his features.

“It’s nothing bad. At least, I don’t think it is…” I say, straightening my shoulders. Immediately I opt then and there to only bring up one thing. “The other day, when you found out your dad was involved with something similar to this…I went home and summoned Abigail.”

“All right…” he says, his silver eyes scrutinizing my every move.

“She thinks we need to be cautious,” I say, fiddling with my pinkie. “She also seems to think the bodies need to be found. It was a pretty ominous message, actually.”

Wade’s eyes narrow and he asks, “Did she say anything else? You know, less cryptic?”

I nod. “She also said something about needing to understand my gifts more. That I’m here to protect the dead, not just raise them. She thinks I should do some digging into the manor, but I don’t really know where to start. I mean, the library had some information, but I got the distinct impression what I need to know won’t be found there.”

“So, what about your dad? Could you ask him?”

“That’s the plan. He’s just been super-busy lately. Between him being gone and me being with you…finding a time when we’re both home has been a challenge.”

“Well, make it a priority to connect with him. Abigail hasn’t steered you wrong so far. If she thinks there’s something important about the manor, you probably want to figure out what it is,” he says, reaching for my hand.

I take a deep breath, feeling better for having told him that piece. It’s like a weight has been lifted and in the spirit of truthfulness, I grab hold of his hand, giving it a squeeze. Perhaps I could draw some truthfulness out of him.

“Wade, I really want to talk about that guy I saw you talking with the last time we were here,” I say, exhaling slowly.

Wade quirks an eyebrow.

“Like I told you, when Cat and Colton had their accident…something strange happened. When the Vodník was destroyed and the souls were released…a man came. The same man I saw talking to you. Obviously, I don’t know who he is, but he was going to take Cat’s soul and I wouldn’t let him. He threatened me, saying he’ll be back. That I had no place meddling with things.”

Wade’s shoulders stiffen and his eyebrows tug in. Releasing my hand, he takes a step away from me, opting instead to stare at the columbarium.

“Wade, look, I know you were lying before about knowing him; I just don’t know why. There’s more going on here than you’re letting on and I don’t know why you’re hiding it. I wish you’d just talk to me. I promise, I won’t be mad. I just want to know what’s going on,” I say, walking up and reaching for his arm.

He lets me hold onto him, but refuses to say anything at first. His eyes rest on the large concrete structure looming in front of us.

Finally, he exhales, gently placing his right hand over mine. “Autumn, you’re right to look for information. Especially after—” His gaze drops to my expectant eyes and he lets his fingertips graze against my cheek. “The thing is, I’m not sure what I can tell you.”

I narrow my gaze, leaning into his touch. “I don’t understand. Why can’t you just open up about it? Are you—is he threatening you?”

Wade snickers under his breath, and he shakes his head. “No, it’s nothing like that.”

“Then tell me. Who is he? Why would he come to collect the souls? Is he like the Grim Reaper or something? What’s really going on here?” I say, searching his eyes for comfort and answers.

“To be honest, I’m surprised you can even