G.o.d, I want you, I unintentionally projected. I wasn"t embarra.s.sed though. I was thankful of the honesty our telepathic abilities bestowed upon us.

I want you too, Ella. I want you more than my next breath.

With our foreheads pressed together, we were both panting, unable to catch our breath between pa.s.sionate kisses.

Suddenly, my mom"s voice cut through both our thoughts, as loud as if she were in the same room with us shouting next to the bed.

Ella! Oh, Ella, please tell me you can hear me. I need you to come back to me. My mom"s words were a desperate plea, as if it were her last hope to communicate.

As soon as her voice echoed through my head, Jonah jerked his head up and looked around the room.

"Jonah, are you ok?" I asked out loud, worried he may have heard her.

"I did hear her, Ella. She said she needs you to come back to her. Back where?" he asked, sounding perplexed.

"How can you hear my mother"s voice? I thought her voice was just a dream. A figment of my imagination. My memories."

Jonah shook his head as he said, "I don"t know how or why, but she is definitely communicating with you, Ella."

We both sat still, Jonah still hovering over me, positioned between my legs as I gripped his strong biceps with my fingernails. After several minutes of waiting, staring, and exchanging thoughts, we didn"t hear any more from my mother. Writing it off as a fluke, I smiled up at him and brought my head off the pillow to meet his lips.

Just as my lips pressed against his warm, soft skin, I heard her again. This time, even stronger.

Ella. I can sense you. I know you"re there. Wake up!

I looked at Jonah and his lips were moving with the words my mother was saying.

"Jonah, that"s not funny," I scolded as I started to push him off me. The fact he would make fun of this situation was infuriating.

His lips began to move again with my mother"s words. Wake up for me, darling. Things have been so lonely without you. Come now. Wake up. Wake up!

I shook my head and backed away from him, frantically crawling backwards until I ran into the headboard. I felt the tears threatening to brim my eyelids, but the sharp p.r.i.c.k of tears was nothing compared to the confusion that wracked my brain.

I felt my body slip, free-falling through blackness. You know those dreams where you feel like the bed is tipping backwards and you"re sliding precariously close to the edge, ready to fall with the slightest breath? Well, I had already plunged into the darkness below. I couldn"t actually feel anything. I could only sense I was falling, like you would imagine wind ripping through your hair and weightlessness overtaking your senses.

Wanting to see Jonah"s face again, I desperately tried to think of him, worried this whole thing was just another meditation experiment gone bad.

The feeling of falling into a never-ending abyss suddenly came to a halt. Not so much with a jolt or any sense I had landed, but just the feeling that it was done, that my mind had imagined the falling and I was secured snugly in my bed.

Faintly, I heard the sounds of machines beeping. Cold, sterile air coated my sensitive skin, giving me goose b.u.mps all over my body. The smell of disinfectant a.s.saulted my nostrils, making me very aware my Jonah was nowhere near.

I felt a warm, soft hand stroke my forehead as I attempted to open my eyes. I winced at the pain brought on by the barrage of bright lights above me. My eyes were coated with the stickiness you feel when you"ve been asleep for too long and my vision was covered in a thick haze.

"My Ella. Oh G.o.d, Ella. You"re here!" I heard my mother"s voice shriek through obvious strained tears. The sound of her high-pitched excitement made me jump.

I slowly turned my head and tried to focus on my mother"s face. She was really here? But how?

"You"re in the hospital baby. It"s ok. Don"t cry," she a.s.sured me as she continued petting my forehead. Was I crying? Of course I was. The one person I wanted as much as my mother was no longer next to me. He said he wouldn"t leave.

I felt like I wanted to talk, wanted to ask what the h.e.l.l was going on. But I couldn"t. My voice just would not work.

My entire body ached. Every muscle felt weak and horribly painful. Almost like I had a full body charlie-horse doing spasms under my skin.

Since I couldn"t make my voice work, I just stared at my beautiful mother and let my mouth and mind form the words I couldn"t seem to say out loud, "What happened?"

In an attempt to push away her uncontrollable sobs, my mom sucked in a ragged breath and said, "You"ve been in a coma for six years, Ella."

Next in the Soul Seers Series: Eyes of the Soul Purchase links available on Rene"s website at www.renefolsom.com

Number 18.

Michael Loring.

Her.

The decision had been made, and once made, there was no going back. Never going back. But why would he go back anyway? What lay ahead was much too sweet to pa.s.s up.

Robert stood in the shadows, leering out at the people that pa.s.sed by-who were laughing and enjoying their feeble existence. They pa.s.sed by him, sparing him merely a brief glance before returning to whatever idiotic discussions they were sharing with their moronic friends; completely unaware as to what lay in wait within the man lurking in the shadows.

He was dressed inconspicuously, not at all standing out-just how he liked it. He was wearing a dark blue windbreaker with the zipper up all the way, his faded black jeans hugging his legs rather tightly, gaining the attention of a few of the young teenage girls that pa.s.sed by. He gave a slight grin in return to their stares, adding to his harmless act. He had the charm, the good looks, and the wit to stay as far under the radar as possible. It had served him well all these sinfully delicious years. He may only be twenty-seven, but his count was higher than most forty year olds.

Seventeen.

A twisted smile found its way onto Robert"s face.

Her.

The woman was short, with raven-colored hair that fell just below her chin in soft, silk-like strands. She was dressed in tight blue jeans, a purple blouse covering her supple upper body in such a way that it complimented her perky little b.r.e.a.s.t.s. She was lean, with square shoulders and a proud stance. When he was done with her, that proud stance would turn into a slouch and those lively eyes of hers would become dull with shame. She would become another number, special number eighteen, just like the rest. She would be nothing more than a number, nameless and without a soul. Once he was done with her, he would move on to the next number, and then the next, and then the next...

She was the prey tonight. It was too late for her now. The decision had been made and once made, there was no turning back.

In the midst of the carnival, the woman argued with what Robert a.s.sumed to be her boyfriend. Some big jock dressed in a gray hoodie and cargos. They appeared to be arguing over what prize to achieve from the shooting range. The woman kept pointing to some large, fluffy bunny, while the boyfriend was jabbing his thumb at a plush lion with a ruffled mane. The poor vendor looked absolutely uncomfortable as she waited for the two to finish their bickering. Robert chortled slightly at the sight of the lovely couple.

Soon they will be broken, just like the others.

Robert would have his fun with the woman, and once he let her go...the couple would deteriorate. The woman would never be able to expose herself to another ever again-too ashamed of what happened-and the boyfriend would eventually leave her to be with someone not as damaged. Robert saw it all the time with his victims. He would watch from outside their bedroom windows as they argued themselves into a pit they could never come out of again. All thanks to the fun Robert oh-so-loved to have.

Robert reached up, perked the collar of his windbreaker, and blended in with the crowd, moving like a snake towards the couple. He would follow them, wait for his opening patiently, and then strike.

He weaved through the crowd until he was close enough to hear their words. They were definitely arguing over what prize to win-the bunny versus the lion. The woman seemed to be winning, as the look on the boyfriend"s face was much more strained than her own. Eventually, the boyfriend exclaimed loudly that she had indeed won and he yelled at the vendor to get the bunny for the woman.

The poor little girl couldn"t grab it from the hook fast enough.

The boyfriend handed the bunny to his girlfriend and she instantly went from argumentative to sweet as she clutched the stuffed rabbit to her ample chest and cooed at it. She thanked her boyfriend-Daniel she called him-with a tone coated in so much sugar even Robert had to blanch. However, the boyfriend said nothing about it and just grumbled as they continued away from the booth-Robert trailing a few feet behind.

Robert followed them for about half an hour before he overheard the woman saying something about a campsite. So they were camping out in the woods, huh? Robert couldn"t hold in the demented grin that split across his cheeks. This woman was going to be the easiest catch of all...

Daniel-the-boyfriend took the rabbit and said he would meet her there because the woman had to use the restroom. He complained that she took too long for him to just wait outside. He said he"d get the fire going and see her there. She nodded, gave him a quick peck, and they separated.

Not yet...

She went into the ladies room. Robert remained in the shadows, ignoring the obvious opening. It was too public-anyone could walk in and ruin the fun. Besides, Robert enjoyed the screaming, so he needed somewhere a bit more...secluded.

After about ten minutes, the woman emerged from the restroom and scanned the crowd quickly before setting off in the same direction Daniel-the-boyfriend had gone before. Robert followed, careful not to make it obvious he was tracking her. They pa.s.sed by other young couples and playful children as they paraded around with balloons and cotton candy. Robert smiled at all the children as they ran past, even kneeling down to say h.e.l.lo to one when the woman turned to look back in his direction. When she turned back, he left the confused little girl alone and continued to stalk his prey.

When she broke the perimeter of the carnival and made her way towards the woods, Robert hung back slightly around the booths so as not to seem obvious. When she was almost completely swallowed by the trees, Robert gave chase at a brisk pace. He applauded how casual he looked as he walked towards the woods away from the carnival. He looked just as una.s.suming as he wanted, and anyone who may spot him would think nothing of him entering the woods because he looked so innocent.

Innocent... He gave a low laugh. The t.i.tle couldn"t be further from the truth.

Robert made sure his footfalls were light as he stalked her through the dark forest, his brown eyes locked firmly on the slightly faded figure of the woman a few feet ahead. He was at the perfect distance behind-far enough away not to be noticed, but not too far to lose her. She continued walking unaware. Robert licked his lips in antic.i.p.ation.

The woman paused, turning to look back in his direction. Robert quickly slid behind a tree, ghosting into the darkness perfectly. He watched her intently, watched her stare into the darkness for a few moments before continuing. Robert soon followed after her.

They walked for a full ten minutes. How far away had they set up camp? Robert was a little surprised they were so far out from civilization, but it did not matter. It just made his job a lot easier. They would soon be cursing their foolishness.

Robert quickened his pace, nearing the woman with hungry eyes. He could feel the antic.i.p.ation swelling inside of him, increasing his heart rate and hardening his length to its full extent. He was ready-whether or not she was changed nothing.

Not yet...

Robert wove around a few trees, letting her stop and look around in confusion once again. His eyes gleamed with malicious intent, and he waited until she started walking again before pushing off from the tree and following.

Almost...

It was dark in the forest, nearly completely swallowed in blackness, illuminated solely by the moon overhead. Robert waited until she was in a more well-lit area before making his move.

Now!

Robert shot out from the darkness, charging the woman with his incredible speed. She had barely enough time to turn around before his arms were around her and she was his.

Daniel sighed as he tossed another log into the blazing fire in front of him. He sat down on a foldout chair he had brought along for this campout, kicking his leg up and down as he waited for his girlfriend to arrive. Where was she?

He lifted his gaze slightly to the stupid stuffed rabbit sitting on the other side of the fire, staring at him with small, black b.u.t.ton eyes as if to taunt him. He contemplated tossing it into the fire just to spite his girlfriend, but knew that if he did she would probably toss him in after it.

"Where the heck are you?" Daniel grumbled to himself, running a hand through his messy brown hair. He gave a second sigh and leaned back in his seat, staring into the fire with a sullen expression.

A noisy thud followed by a loud gasp caught Daniel"s attention. He whipped his head around with a deep frown on his face, scanning the barely lit area until his eyes landed on a lump on the ground. It moved-making a slight noise to show it was human. Daniel stood, walking over to the figure until he could see its face.

"What the-?" His eyes widened at the sight.

Robert knelt at Daniel"s feet, his face bloodied and bruised from what could only be a pounding. His left eye was swelling horribly, nearly fully closed with a purplish tint to the puckered skin around it. His lip was cut in three different places, blood dripping from his equally bruised chin to his legs, which were dirty from kneeling in the dirt. The man looked up at Daniel through a curtain of dirty red hair, his only visible eye pleading for help.

"W-who..." Daniel stammered in shock at the man"s appearance.

"P-Please..." Robert gasped, trying to breathe properly through the panic that was coursing through him-his heart hammering painfully against his ribcage. "H-Help-"

Robert was silenced as a foot planted itself into his back and shoved him forward, his forehead hitting the ground first, followed by the rest of his abused body. Daniel"s eyes shot up to the owner of the foot that had kicked the red-haired man to find the pet.i.te woman with raven-colored hair that Robert had been stalking, looking perfectly healthy and clean aside from a few beads of sweat on her brow.

Daniel stared at the woman for a moment, taken aback by her sudden appearance, and then eased slightly. "Alexa," he greeted somberly. "I was beginning to worry about you."

The woman-Alexa-gave a loud snort. "What? You think I wouldn"t be able to handle myself out there?"

Daniel crossed his arms over his broad chest, shaking his head. "You were taking forever. I was starting to think this guy would be a bit too much for you," he said, a slight grin spreading across his features as Alexa frowned.

"I would have been here sooner," she said, choosing to ignore his snide remark...for now, "but this guy took for-f.u.c.king-ever to make his move. With all the openings I gave him, you would wonder if he was really interested at all..."

Daniel snorted and looked down as Robert slowly lifted his head to gape at Daniel, mouthing "help me" over and over. Daniel raised a brow and then leaned down slightly towards Robert.

"Help you?" Daniel said, shocking Robert. "Why should I? You were preying on my girlfriend like she was some kind of meat. Why should I help someone like you? Someone who has probably preyed on many other women, leaving them b.l.o.o.d.y and scarred for the rest of their lives. You"re a sick man-one who doesn"t deserve the luxury of life."

"I-I-I..." Robert stammered, leaning on his hands to stare at Daniel with his good eye wide. "A-Are...are you cops?"

Robert"s blood ran cold when a wide, amused grin spread across Daniel"s face. "A cop?" he echoed, chuckling. "Do I look like a cop to you?"

"C"mon, give him a break," Alexa said, walking around Robert to stand at Daniel"s side. "His head"s all messed up. I gave him maybe...forty-percent strength, so he"s going to need a minute to think clearly."

Robert"s good eye widened further. Only forty percent? She had roughed him up harder than any man alive could. How could she have only used forty percent of her strength?

"W-What...are you?" Robert wheezed.

Daniel and Alexa gave each other a glance, both beginning to grin. "Let"s just say...we can be a bit loony from time to time," Alexa answered, staring at Robert with those wide, green eyes of hers.

Robert stared back at the two of them as they grinned at him maliciously. They were crazy-more demented than Robert ever was. In front of him stood his mortality-the punishment for his crimes. His heart began to beat faster and his breath hitched as he began to turn, struggling to his feet in a desperate attempt at escape.

"Ah, ah, ah," Alexa cooed, stomping her foot down onto Robert"s ankle to halt his feeble attempts at standing, at freedom. He yelped, turning back to stare at the woman in horror. Her grin grew ever wider, amused by his actions. "We can"t have you running off before the fun begins, can we?" she said, turning to Daniel. "Daniel, would you do the honors?"

"With pleasure," Daniel cackled, walking towards Robert. The red-haired man began to hyperventilate, clawing at the dirt to try to get away before the other man reached him. But it was in vain, as the pressure Alexa was putting down on his ankle was too much for him to break out of. He whimpered when he felt Daniel kneel down by his other leg, grabbing it by the heel of his foot and lifting it into the air.

"W-What-" Robert turned as Daniel raised his elbow, driving it down into Robert"s knee, bending it backwards with a sickening crack! Robert howled in pain as Daniel drove his elbow into his knee a second time-further breaking his leg to immobilize him.

Daniel and Alexa sighed in delight, relishing in the shrill shriek that tore from Robert"s throat. They smiled at each other, both backing up away from him as he reached down to clutch his broken leg, still screaming.

"Oh my G.o.d!" Robert wailed, rocking back and forth. "You f.u.c.king maniacs! You"re both f.u.c.king psychotic!"

"I guess you"re right," Alexa said, shrugging slightly, completely calm despite the fact Robert was still howling in pain. "It"s obvious that our states of mind aren"t in the right place. At times we may seem a bit...evil, but our intentions and actions are nothing but nature running its course."

"Really, when you think about it," Daniel added, glancing at his partner with a smirk. "We"re actually the better of two evils when it comes to...our kind."

"Y-Your...k-kind...?" Robert shook, his face growing pale as he felt warm blood filling up his pant leg, where he knew a bone was sticking out.

Alexa laughed, covering her mouth as if flirting with her counterpart, completely ignoring Robert. "Oh, Daniel, you"re absolutely right. We"re sort of the good guys, huh?"