The Windhaven Witches Omnibus Edition : Complete Paranormal Suspense Series, Books 1-4 by Carissa Andrews (graded readers txt) 📕

Wade chuckles, “It’s not that at all.”

“Then what is it?”

“Honestly, I have no idea. I guess I’m so used to being apart, I don’t want to suffocate you,” he says, shrugging sheepishly. “Stupid, right?”

“Not at all,” I say, reaching for his waist and pulling him close. “But from now on, we’re riding together. Deal?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He chuckles.

“Since you’re closer to the school, I’ll come to you,” I say glancing up just in time to see him open his mouth in protest. “No arguments.”

His lips pinch shut.

“Promise me,” I say.

“Fine,” he mutters through clenched teeth.

“All right, now that that’s settled, I’m going to head home. I’ll see you at six,” I say, standing on my tiptoes and pressing my lips to his.

Surprisingly, he bends in, pressing his body against mine until he pins me against the side of Blue. The force of his kiss takes my breath away and I raise my right hand, entwining my fingertips into his dark hair.

“Get a room,” someone yells out beside us.

We separate out of surprise and I turn to see Dominic jabbing his index finger into his mouth.

Wade’s entire body goes rigid under my touch and his face pinches tight. The last time the two of them were in the same space, Dominic told him his kind shouldn’t be anywhere near me.

I still have no idea what any of that was about, come to think of it.

“We better get outta here,” Wade says, refusing to move his gaze from Dominic until he’s gotten into his vehicle and driven off.

Nodding, I reach for my handle and get inside. I roll down the window and lean out for one more kiss. “See you in a bit.”

“See ya,” he says, pressing the palm of his hand against my cheek.

I pull out of the parking lot, keeping my eyes on the rearview mirror. Wade stands beside his car until I turn the corner and can no longer see him at all.

Sighing to myself, I head home on autopilot.

How is it possible to have such opposing thoughts and feelings warring inside me at the same time? On one hand, I trust Wade with my life. On the other hand, I can see where Cat and Colt are coming from as well.

When I get home, I park in the middle of the big loop, right beside the large weeping angel statue. Leaving my backpack on the passenger seat, I head straight for the front door. The house is relatively quiet as I open the door and walk into the main entryway. Rather than call out for my dad, the way I normally would, I make my way to my bedroom.

As I enter the space, I turn back and close my bedroom door as quietly as possible. I don’t know why I feel the need to be sneaky about this, but it’s been a while since Abigail appeared to me. It also doesn’t help that a part of me feels like this is an idiotic reason to summon her.

When I turn around to face my bedroom, Abigail stands beside the large picture window, gazing out over the courtyard. It’s almost as if she sensed my request before I sent it.

“Abigail?” I say, stepping into the middle of my room.

Turning around, her gown flows ethereally at her feet. It simultaneously touches the ground and doesn’t, which somehow seems completely normal.

I take a moment to consider my questions. Finally, I let go of a deep breath and say, “There are some strange things happening and I could use your advice. I don’t have anyone else I can really talk to about it.”

Her expression softens and she smiles. Silently, she clasps her hands together in front of her body and waits.

Glancing down, I take a seat on the end of my bed. “Some graves have been desecrated in both Windhaven and Mistwood Point. Rumors are flying around the academy in town and people think Wade had something to do with it. At first…I thought they were being ridiculous. But, now I’m not so sure.”

Abigail tips her head to the side and floats forward. “How exactly were the graves desecrated?”

I bite my lip. “Bodies were dug up. Well, here, at least. In Mistwood, the columbarium for Wade’s grandpa was damaged and his urn removed.”

“And why do you believe the two are intertwined?” she asks, listening intensely.

“Because the police do. They think magic was involved,” I offer.

After a moment’s contemplation, Abigail asks, “Have the bodies been recovered?”

I shake my head. “Not so far.”

“I suggest proceeding with caution. I would not presume to suggest who or what is doing this horrendous act, but it is our duty to protect the dead. Not just raise them,” she says, her voice tapering off.

“What do you mean?”

“If the dead are being desecrated, as you have said, the time has come for you to become versed in your gifts, Autumn. More than what any school may be able to teach on this subject,” she says softly.

“Okay, and how exactly do I go about doing that? It’s not like information is super-forthcoming. Plus, Dad’s not around much to ask. And you’re not exactly the epitome of straightforwardness,” I say, frustration building.

“I wish I was of the living; it would make things far easier for you. I’d always wished to train a daughter,” she says with a tone mixed with sorrow and nostalgia. “Begin by learning more about the manor and its location. My energy to corporealize wanes quickly, so I am but a guide, pointing the way. However, trust that the manor is the key. It will help you unearth what could be headed your way,” she says. Her essence begins to flicker and she reaches out, trying to capture my attention. “Trust in this—if the bodies are not found and laid to rest, much worse things are sure to follow.”

Chapter 7

New Doors Best Left Closed

I stare out the passenger window of Wade’s car, watching the dead-looking trees