Fire Flyer: Book 1 Elemental Bonds Series, a YA paranormal romance. Read online

  Fire Flyer

  Book 1 in the Elemental Bonds Series

  A YA paranormal romance

  Fire Flyer

  Prologue:

  Perfection. There is no other word for sitting on my porch swing, at my beach house. Nothing feels better than swaying back and forth to the sound of the waves lapping on the shore. I can feel the warmth of the summer sun yet take refuge from its intense blaze. The smell of salt in the air. The feel of sea mist, teasing the little hairs, that have escaped my ponytail, is heavenly.

  This is the life, my own personal slice of paradise.

  “You shouldn’t be here.”

  I don’t have to look to know who it is. I can feel his energy a million miles away, even though I’ve never seen his face. I would know him anywhere, my dream man, literally, because I am dreaming after all.

  With my head laid back against the swing and my eyes closed I smile without looking at him, I say, “Since you’re my dream man I really think we need to discuss your happiness level upon seeing me. Can we please take a break from your cryptic messages for once? I was perfectly relaxed before you showed up. Do you even know what relax means?”

  I felt his warm hand come out and cup my face, caressing from brow to chin. I turned and looked at him, or at least the space where I knew he was. I could never actually see anything. But his voice was deep and warm, like honey spiced tea, sliding down a tender throat, and instantly leaving healing in its wake. This was the first time I had felt his touch though. I was more than a little surprised.

  “There are so many things you don’t understand. If I could stay here with you forever I would but it’s not that simple and every time you come here you are endangering yourself and I won’t have that, at least not because of me.” He said.

  I smirked.

  “Oh, dream guy, ever so full of yourself. First of all this is a dream, you always talk like this is really happening, and second of all, even if I could use some kind of voodoo to travel here it would not be for you! This is simply the most wonderful place I could conceive in my mind. I love it here so much. I could never stay away.”

  It was always so hard to exude my normal snarky confidence around this guy. I had no clue what he looked like, but every time I heard his voice I felt goosebumps, and my heart raced at our cryptic banter. I obviously had some kind of damsel-in-distress fantasy going, because he was always talking about how he wanted me to be safe, and it was dangerous to do this. I could tell underneath his arrogance he really just cared about my well-being. How can a girl resist a strong protector type?

  “Of course you don’t come here for me. What was I thinking? It must be for one of the other guys on the beach. Have you never wondered why there is never anyone on the beach on such a beautiful hot sunny day?”

  I felt an alarming sensation start to spread through my body and the little hairs on the back of my neck rose as if to defend me from a threat I couldn’t even imagine. I knew inside myself I could not continue this conversation. I became angry. He was always ruining my happy moments and all I wanted to do was enjoy the sun. Clouds began to darken the sky and I heard a huge crash of thunder. I gasped at the intensity of the coming storm. He put his large hand on my arm. “Trinity, don’t, you can’t do this, you must wake up!”

  As a massive bolt of lightning ripped through the sky I sat up awake in my bed shaking, afraid, and I was sure with sea mist in my hair. Strange, considering I lived in the land locked state of Nevada.

  Chapter 1

  The last hour, of the last day of school, is the longest hour, in anyone's life. It’s really a lesson on torture. There is absolutely nothing important to discuss at that time. The books have been handed in and no one has so much as a pencil. Though our bodies are locked into the desks, our minds are already far away, as we await the buzz of the bell. I myself was thinking about my dream guy. I began having the recurring dream over a year ago.

  I’ll never forget, it was the night of my 16th birthday. It was an awesome birthday. My besties, Courtney and Matt went with my dad and I to Las Vegas. We saw Cirque du Soleil. The performance was so majestic and captivating. I had thought, if magic were real, this is what it would look like.

  After the show, we went out to eat at this fancy restaurant. We drank water out of wine glasses and Courtney gave an impression of a drunk person, that made Matt laugh so hard water went out his nose.

  The day had an extra layer of special, because I got a present from my mom. This would seem normal to most people but my mom passed away 5 days after my tenth birthday. Cancer is an evil greater than I have ever known. It’s the only instance I am aware of where first you go to hell and then you die. That’s only after you have given up your beauty, dignity, and lastly your hope.

  As it turns out people get really reflective when they die because my mom planned ahead to my 16th birthday. After we got home my dad gave me a birthday hug per tradition.

  “Happy Birthday Trinity. I know your mom was with us tonight and she had a special gift planned for you long ago.” He turned to get a beautiful jewelry box. “I didn’t think this gift needed wrapped because the box is the most beautiful wrapping already,” he said.

  Speechless, I took the box and set it on my lap. It was a light brown color like sand and it had etchings all over it. Intricate vines were carved in an unending pattern along the whole middle sides of the box. On the lid there was a carved etching of a tribal sun. Four of the points on the sun were elongated and distinct like for north, south, east, and west. At the end of each point there was a symbol, one for earth, air, fire, and water.

  To me it was so beautiful. I have always loved the sun and any related iconography. My mom was always into new age stuff so it was a perfect blend of me and her. When I opened it there was a crisp folded sheet of paper. I looked at my dad with fear and shock. He gave me a tender smile kissed me on the head and said, “I’ll leave you to it kiddo, see you in the morning.” I looked back at the box, “Good night, Dad.” It seemed wonderful and awful all at once to see her handwriting on this piece of paper that I realized had been in this box for six years.

  My dearest Trinity

  I just know that you have turned into the most beautiful young woman. Please, know that I am with you always, even if you can no longer see me. I’m so sorry for having to leave you. I hope you have overcome the pain of my passing and your days are filled with light and sunshine. I have made you a very special bracelet that I hope will serve as comfort, protection, and a symbol of the unbreakable love of a mother to her daughter. The Ivy design is made out of silver for purity and strength. This middle sapphire is a very special stone I picked just for you. It represents wisdom and protection. The amber stone is also for protection, I fear you will need all the protection you can get. Finally, the rose quartz is the most important for love. Remember that my love for you has no boundaries and always remember the love your father and I shared and make sure you settle for nothing less.

  You are strong Trinity, much more than you know. You have the power to overcome any obstacle. I love you forever, no matter what, and I am always with you, never forget that. I’m so proud of you sweetie.

  Until we meet again, in the great beyond.

  Mom

  I curled up with her letter and my tears and dreamt of a beach house where the sun was always shining, and warm, and the waves brought peace to my broken heart. My dream guy wasn’t in the dreams for a while, he only showed up a couple months ago. In my dreams he was just a vague outline of a guy. I could never see his face and he was rude arrogant and always aski
ng stupid questions. The first words he ever said were, “Why are you here?” It just got weirder and more vague from there. The dreams were starting to creep me out. Maybe I was having a mental break down. Some kind of self-destruction thing.

  Buzz!

  I was out of my desk in a flash, thoughts of my dream guy forgotten as I raced to put the school building behind me for three whole months. As I stepped into the warm sunshine I saw Matt leaning on his car with the passenger door opened. He was grinning at me in all his geek glory. His huge 80’s style glasses and loose blue plaid button-down t-shirt over top of another t-shirt that said, “The truth is out there” with a background of the galaxy.

  “Your chariot my lady.” He cheesed. He helped me into his beat up old pinto and shut the door. As he got into the driver side I said “Why thank you, kind sir.” Hey, we could be as goofy as we wanted, school just let out for the summer, we were free!

  “So where’s Courtney?” I asked sheepishly. I knew he was in love with her, though he would not admit it, even to me. “You’re not going to believe it, she has to go to summer school! I guess she couldn’t pass algebra on her own so if she wants to pass it she has to see Mr. Johnson for six weeks and if she still can’t pass he will pass her for the effort.

  “That’s horrible why didn’t she ask us for help?”

  Matt snorted bitterly.

  “That’s the million dollar question, how could she not come to me when she knows I take college level math classes? I could have helped her. Of course, Courtney would rather fail than take my help. I’m sure she didn’t think she’d end up in summer school. I guess her dad is super mad too, says she’s grounded until she passes this class.”

  I smirked mischievously, “Then I guess we just have to sneak her out tomorrow for Maria’s end of school party. Any ideas on how we do that, oh genius one?” I rolled my eyes at the end so he knew I wasn’t inflating his already large ego.

  Matt was a mega genius. He was already taking college level math and science courses. This means with his head start he would probably complete college two years after high school. However, I am convinced he will create a computer program to end world hunger and be the richest man on earth long before college was over.

  I loved him to death but being around a know-it-all, who knew that they knew it all, could get frustrating from time to time. Math was very hard for Courtney so I could imagine her not asking Matt for help because he would probably accidentally make her feel bad for how hard it was for her and easy for him. She probably didn't want to feel dumb around him. This probably meant she liked him too, the plot thickens, I thought to myself.

  Chapter 2

  We pulled into the mall and got out of the rust bucket. As we made our way to the doors Matt asked, “So Orange Julius first or Barnes and noble?” I giggled. He knew me so well.

  “It’s so a Barnes and Noble kind of day. I need to kick off my relaxing summer with a new fantasy series. I have to use the bathroom first though so I’ll meet you at the Starbucks.” Of course every self-respecting Barnes and Noble had a Starbucks.

  Why did every mall bathroom have to be located at the end of a long badly lit hallway? I liked to be aware of my surroundings at all times. It came from having such a militant dad always barking about safety. He wasn’t in the military but he could have been a drill sergeant dad. I remember when he taught me to ride a bike he put me in more padding than a hockey player. It was ridiculous but I sure didn’t feel any pain when I fell off my bike.

  So, being the observant girl that I was I noticed the people around me. There was a stressed out mom scolding two toddlers and going back into the mall. There were two teen girls ahead of me gushing about how dreamy Zac Efron was. I glanced behind me and quickly faced forward and picked up my pace. There was a man in black behind me. Black jeans black t-shirt and black leather jacket which was strange for May in Nevada. I noticed his black hair was slicked back he was probably about 25 and he was creepy.

  As I entered the bathroom the teens were at the sink applying fake makeup and squealing about the romantic comedy they were about to see. As I was finishing I heard their voices drift farther away. After washing my hands I sent Courtney a quick text.

  Tough break chica don’t worry, we will bust you out for the party tomorrow night. Make sure you’re ready!

  A quick glance in the mirror assured me I wouldn’t scare small children with my appearance. I was far from ugly, Matt said I was cute but to me I was just so average. I was 5’5” with dark brown hair halfway down my back that was always straight no matter what I did to it. I had a small pixie type face high cheekbones small lips a long but straight nose and my best feature was my amber colored eyes kind of like champagne. I liked it best because it was the only thing about me that stood out. The only thing that wasn’t average. Let’s face it, I certainly wasn’t going to win any cleavage awards. Courtney was the one bursting out of her tank tops.

  I stuck my tongue out at myself feeling playful and headed out into the creepy hallway. I didn’t even have to look to notice the man in black was leaning against the wall. My heart literally jumped in terror as I sped up. He was holding an archaic flip phone that he seemed too young for. He oozed creepy and I thought about running no matter how weird it would look. A 17 year old girl can never be too careful. About halfway down the hallway I heard footsteps behind me and I thought he might be following me. I was fighting not to turn around and look when another guy entered the hallway.

  Whoa, hello hot stuff. My heart stopped this time. I swear it stopped when I saw this guy. I should have been terrified he was tall like 6’2” and he was buff. His arms were stretching out his yellow Nike t-shirt. As he passed me I fought not to turn around for an entirely different reason, wanting to continue checking him out. I breathed easier when I stepped into the mall and out of the hallway.

  I quickly dismissed hot stuff as to old for me. He looked like a college boy, and the creepy guy was a distant memory as I entered the line at Starbucks.

  I joined Matt with my very simple yet delicious French vanilla cappuccino. He was all engrossed with something geeky on his tablet. “Look at this Trin, it’s a real bigfoot sighting photo.” Matt loved his conspiracy theories. Even when I squinted I could only make out a black blob. I muttered some half interested sound and set out to find a great book series to enjoy my lazy summer days. While I browsed I breathed deep. What could smell better than new books and coffee?

  Later, after spending at least 45 minutes in the techy store while Matt spoke geek with the guy behind the counter we were ready to leave with our small bounty. When we walked out of the mall it was 7:00 and still sunny. I loved summer. As we walked through the parking lot my mind wandered to the hot guy I had seen and then as if I had thought him into being I noticed him leaning against a tricked out red jeep about three cars down and behind the rust bucket. I tried not to openly stare but I noticed a blonde goddess was with him she was rubbing his arm above his elbow as if to calm him down. She had gorgeous blonde hair cut in a sleek Bob style that was longer, almost brushing her shoulders, and she was petite and curvy. Of course a guy like that would have a beautiful girlfriend.

  Climbing into Matt's old beat up car I buckled my seat belt. I didn’t want to be that silly little girl with a crush but I couldn’t help but turn around for another peek. His eyes connected with mine. Thanks to the sunlight I could tell they were light green or blue and oh, so amazing.

  “Earth to trinity, what are you looking at?” Matt had been trying to get my attention for a while and basically yelled while snapping fingers in front of my face. My embarrassment complete, I turned around and ducked my head.

  “Nothing let’s get out of here.”

  Even though I was hiding I kind of peeked from under my arm on our way out and I thought I saw a smirk on hot stuffs face, and he was still looking at me. He probably caught me drooling or something but as we left I noticed I had goosebumps and the little hairs were standing up on my arm. One t
hing was for sure it was not the least bit cold.

  “So do you have a plan? How will we sneak Courtney out tomorrow?” Matt asked me. “Of course, have no fear I am your fairy godmother and Cinderella will be at the ball. I will text you later with the details.” Matt rolled his eyes at me.

  He came to a stop in front of my simple, ranch style, house. It was the same as every other house in the neighborhood. I barely shut the door before he pulled out in typical inconsiderate teenage boy fashion.

  Chapter 3

  I walked into the house throwing my backpack in the back of the coat closet, happy I didn’t need to think about it for months. “Hey dad I’m home.” My dad came out of his study rubbing his eyes like he fell asleep or was fighting sleep while holding his glasses in his hand.

  “Hey sweetheart how was the last day of school?”

  “Oh, you know, boring, annoying, and long. So glad I only have one year left. I’m officially a senior do I look different?” I teased.

  I had just turned 17 a couple weeks ago. I was one of the three youngest in my class.

  We wandered into the kitchen and sat at the table. I don’t know why we did it but almost every day we chatted at the kitchen table when I got home. Dad was a trust fund baby we always had money and he never worked. I never knew grandpa Ray but I guess he was loaded enough for a few lifetimes. He made a ton of money off of some kind of archaeological find. My dad was into that stuff too. He loved studying ancient languages and writings and learning about astrology modern and ancient. He was always in his study working on some treasure hunt or another. Sometimes he even went on explorations but hadn’t done that in a couple years.