Soul Slam, Soul Warriors Book 1

Chapter Five B

"The night of the summer solstice and a full lunar eclipse. A magical night."

"Doesn't seem magical to me." A war waged within. Happy versus sad. Excited versus scared. Normal versus crazy. "The client was in a hurry, but very precise. He planned how to do the job and the exact timing. Fitch even had to deliver the piece right after the heist. Usually, we lay low and let things cool off for a day or two."

No way did Fitch know of its magical properties. If he had, he would've done the job himself.

I needed to get home and hand over the amulet. I wanted to hug Tina and Doug. Their hugs comforted me, too. Fitch would hide me from the Society. He had to. I needed to learn all I could before Xander and I went our separate ways. Separating would be best for both of us. "What else do I need to watch out for?"

He examined the full moon as if analyzing its dips and craters. "The Society said I'd learn everything once I received the power at a special anointing ceremony. Besides telling me, after tonight, I couldn't touch anyone." He shrugged, but the shrug looked stiff not casual. "That's why the Society kept me away from people because they didn't want me to get used to a person's touch."

"That's cruel." Would I no longer be able to hold Tina and Doug? I was their substitute mother. Reading to them, listening to them, and just talking to them. My sadness dipped to a new low, clogging my chest and choking my heart. I couldn't imagine growing up without any comforting touches. I had lived for years like that and didn't want to experience it again.

Fitch wasn't the most affectionate man so I took care of that need for the little ones. Sounded like the Society wasn't affectionate either. "Have you never been hugged before?"

Xander shook his head.

"Never?"

He shook his head again.

"I'd offer but..." I glanced away. Heat flamed my cheeks like the fire living under my skin. I can't believe I even hinted at hugging.

What would it feel like to be the first person to hug Xander? What would it be like to kiss him? I turned back and stared at his mouth. Full, manly-lips. Strong nose. Melt-me smile. Who would he choose for the honor of his first kiss?

Certainly, not me. Not with my plain looks that I tried to play-up with make-up. Not with my boyish build. Not with my unnoticeable clothes. And especially not if I zapped him with one simple touch.

Plus, I didn't want his kiss or his touch. Did I?

Another kind of warmth swamped me and I pushed it away.

What I wanted didn't matter. I couldn't touch anyone. At least not until I figured this power stuff out. Pulling back my shoulders, I straightened my spine.

He stiffened. "Do you hear that?"

I shook my head. I wasn't even sure I'd heard voices in my mind.

"Chanting. Egyptian chanting."

A sing-songy sound sighed through the trees.

My throat went dry. "Is it the Society?"

"I don't know many other people who speak ancient Egyptian." Xander stood and peered around, listening.

His head angled over wide shoulders. The sheet he wore didn't have sleeves and his muscles bulged on his forearms. He stood in a wide stance.

I tilted my head and listened for the chanting. Had their singing called me to them? "What're they doing?"