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

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 see him. And those who do usually forget after a few days. But I suppose that’s neither here or there,” he says, chewing on the side of his lip. “Ah, the hell with it. I’ll tell you, but you have to promise me—”

A strange, scratching noise behind the columbarium makes him pause. Twisting around, I follow his gaze, but there’s nothing there.

“What was that?” I whisper, holding tightly to Wade’s arm out of surprise.

He shakes his head. “I dunno.”

“Do you think someone’s watching us? Oh god, what if you’re right? Is there someone here taking pictures to incriminate us?” I say, suddenly concerned.

“Stay here. I’ll check it out,” he says quietly, holding an arm out and taking a tentative step forward.

“Not a chance, Angel. We go together. I’ve seen enough horror movies to know you never split up when there are strange noises,” I say, shaking my head.

He shoots me a smirk, but nods. “Fine, but stay behind me. Deal?”

“I can handle myself,” I say, jutting out my chin.

“Fine, together, then,” he whispers, rolling his eyes in defeat.

Together, we take slow, deliberate steps forward, inching our way to the side of the columbarium. The sunlight is dwindling as it sets behind us and casts deep grooves on the small mounds of snow at our feet.

Before we reach the back of the columbarium, the scraping sound erupts again, and a man stumbles out from behind the structure. His clothes are tattered, and his skin is an awful shade of grey. Clumps of hair are even falling out of the top of his head.

Stumbling backward, I cover my mouth to keep from screaming. “What is that thing?” I squeak.

Before Wade can answer, the creature turns its empty eye sockets