Hit and Run by Maria Frankland (best books to read for students txt) 📕

new to this whole world, and I’ve never seen the golden eyes on someone with skin as dark as yours before. It’s really really beautiful.”

Her smile broadens. “Thank you. In my family back in England, it is so normal. It’s quite fun to hear a new perspective.”

Cy stares down at her and his eyebrows raise approvingly. “I sure am lucky to have someone so beautiful, inside and out, choose me.”

Amalia nudges him. “Quit it, you. I don’t think it would be too appropriate for me to kiss you senseless in front of your entire family.”

Jed groans and speaks up from behind his brothers. “I think I’m going to vomit.”

Everyone laughs and Amalia winks at her Intended.

Hagan makes his very noticed appearance into the group and everyone gets silent. “I’m glad each of you has made it here tonight. With the changing of the seasons comes new possibilities and new opportunities for growth. We are all here to bond as a family and feel the love of the ones who have passed.” His words touch my heart and I can’t help but think of my parents. “Now, Gram has brought some plants and shovels for everyone, so let’s get to it.” He claps his hands together once.

I’m shaken by the words from the stoic Hagan. His warm smile for all in attendance makes me think twice about him. Maybe I judged him unfairly.

Gram places a bag of gardening shovels, gloves, and various kinds of plants I couldn’t name if I tried my hardest, onto the ground. Everyone stands and each person takes something from the pile.

Gavin places a green and red plant in my hands and grabs a shovel for himself. “I’ll dig up the dead plants, and you can put the new ones in their place.”

Gram joins Gavin and I as we start to replant various herbs and seeds. “Hey sweeties. You picked a great spot to start.” I look at her, confused, and she points at the headstone nearby. It reads CEDRIC LEO COLE.

I flip around to Gavin. “Your dad,” I say and he nods with a sad smile.

Gavin places a gentle hand above his dad’s grave. “I always start planting here.”

Gram touches Gavin’s shoulder. “They’re the best plants in the whole place.” She smiles, the wrinkles around her eyes deepening.

“Why exactly do you guys plant all of these here at a cemetery? What meaning does it have?” I ask.

Gram answers me, sounding excited. “So, you know by now that a family built from an Intended bond is very connected, and not only emotionally.” I nod. “Generations ago, this spot was chosen as the final resting place for all of the Cole descendants. Now, planting herbs and healing plants on top of the bodies of deceased family members sounds so creepy, I’m sure. But, when a Seer passes on and is buried, the magic and power from within them transfers to the earth.”

“So, does that mean these simple plants become magical when they grow here?” I ask.

Gram nods rapidly. “As strange as it may sound, yes. These healing herbs and remedies are more than just botany combinations that help ailments. They are actually filled with ancestral magic, and the right ones put together in the right way can do so many miracles.”

I glance down at the red and green plant in my hands. It feels so normal, and smells like dirt. I can’t imagine it could have any magical use. “What is this plant for? What can it do when the magic reaches it?”

Gram comes closer and studies the leaves and roots in my hands, feeling the texture of it between her fingertips. “Ahh, this one is commonly known as coleus. It’s very beautiful and fantastic for the heart.” She points to another group of the same plant that is larger and has been growing much longer. “Those there have been growing in this cemetery for twelve years. The magic in them is great. When they grow here, not only are they still good for the heart, but for a Seer, they can heal a heart that has lost the connection of its Intended.” Her eyes grow sad.

I stroke the soon-to-be miraculous plant. “Did you and Camilla use this plant when your husbands passed?” I ask, hoping i’m not bombarding her too much.

“Yes. It’s quite delicious in a tea, and it works wonders.” She wraps me in a hug and does the same for Gavin before heading to speak with more family members.

Gavin crouches and digs up a rotted plant from the ground with his small gardening shovel. He puts his hand out and I give him the coleus. He places it in the dirt and fills in the empty space with his shovel. If only I had real faith in my future. Then, I could come back here each year and watch our magical plant grow, but at this moment, my future only feels lost.

Chapter 8

I cannot stop the thoughts that threaten to never leave me alone. I know I have such a wonderful life here with Gavin and his family. I also have friends that I plan to keep for life, and that’s really the issue. If I want to keep these people with me, I need to give us that life, and protect them. I need to go straight to the danger and stop it before it can hurt everyone because of me.

Since the other night at the cemetery, I’ve had an idea in my mind. Maybe a stupid idea. Actually, I’m sure it's completely bonkers, but I’m going through with it anyways, if I can.

Alexa has left me in Gavin’s library while she does some laps around the house. It’s a normal occurrence, now that everyone is on extra alert for Barron. The moment she walked out, I immediately dove into research.

After scanning many of the books, I pull out one titled: “The Intended Bond: A History.” I flip through the pages, hoping to find some sort of answer on