Soul Survivor:The Hybrid Chronicles Book 1

Prologue

Her soul, her heart, calls out to me. It aches for me and I cannot resist her pull. The moment her sparkling blue eyes met mine I knew there was no other choice. I had to save her from her misery. My existence no longer mattered—but hers, hers is now the only existence I thrive for. I slide my arms around her smooth skin, intoxicated with the desire in her eyes. Her lips meet mine and I know this is my chance. I have to save her from this curse, her unfair burdens. My dagger slides effortlessly into her silky skin. For a moment I feel remorse. Remorse that I have to give her back to the Creator, because she is not mine to keep. I carry her tightly in my arms as her life seeps into the sea. My Purpose complete, I deliver our souls to salvation.

Chapter 1

~ Lost and Found ~

I knew the streets would be dark and this was a bad side of town, but something kept pulling me here. I had dreamt about this street for weeks. There was supposed to be something here, something important. I glanced at my watch, almost 7. I really should be heading back to the bus stop, but I don’t want to give up just yet. I still haven’t found what I was looking for. If only I knew what that was. Maybe I can come back tomorrow.

The last the few rays of sunshine diminished as I turned to find the closest bus stop.

Hey, lady! You lost or something? a gruff voice called from the alley.

Great. This is exactly why I needed to get out of this place. I ignored the calling.

Another heckler, Heeellllo! Honey, this ain’t no place for a girl like you after dark.

I kept my body straight and my head focused on the end of the dark street. I could see the well-lit safer part of town a few blocks ahead. I was not about to wait here for the bus.

You better get her before someone else does, another voice called. He was much closer.

I wonder what that means. Why didn’t I ever take self-defense class or buy some pepper spray? That’s right—because I suck at anything that involves minor coordination, which means in all likely scenarios I will trip and accidentally Mace myself.

Excuse me, miss, a low soft voice whispered as he placed his hand on my shoulder.

I whipped around expecting the worst—ready to attempt to flee if necessary.

Hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. Can I walk you to the bus stop? In front of me stood the most sincere set of bright blue eyes I had ever seen. Honestly, the last thing I expected to see was this gorgeous blond-haired, blue-eyed angel. No, I was expecting a more rough-and-tumble type, possibly with tattoos, piercings, and an eye patch. His face was as warm as his touch.

His tousled dark blond hair framed his freshly shaven face perfectly, making him quite breathtaking. He looked so out of place here in the rough downtown part of Aria.

I’m Alex. I think it would be a little safer for you if you let me escort you. He wanted to make sure I got out of the streets safely. He seemed to mean me no harm, and I had this irrational sense of safety with this stranger. He must have mistaken my prolonged silence as apprehension.

So? Is that all right with you?

Oh, I’m sorry. That’s fine. I seemed to have gotten myself a little lost. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

He placed his hand on the small of my back as we walked. Little lost? You a tourist or something?

No, actually I live uptown. I’m a student at Aria U. It’s strange how at ease I was with him—it seemed almost artificial.

Then you should know better than to be around here after dark. He wagged his finger at me.

I should. I mean, I do. A grin spread from ear to ear. I don’t think I’d ever talked to a man this freaking attractive. His stature seemed to add to his illusion of instant safety. Alex was definitely one of the few men I had met who was taller than me. Being 5’11" makes that pool slim pickings. Don’t get me wrong, short guys are cool, I just had a hard time getting over my own insecurities. I had this innate insecurity with height. It’s hard to feel feminine when you were towering over someone. Not that it matters. Back home there weren’t many men to choose from anyway. Small town in the country made for a tiny high school where we all were brothers and sisters. Not a lot of room for romance in a graduating high school class of thirty.

His voice startled me out of my thoughts. We’ve just got a few blocks to go. He paused. Can I ask you something? His eyes twinkled under the streetlights.

Anything. Anything? You sound like a love-struck thirteen-year-old girl. Get a grip, Hailee. He’s just a Good Samaritan.

Why were you down here, anyway? His voice was soft and warm.

I was looking for something. How am I going to explain what really brought me here without sounding like a whack job?

Maybe I can help you then. What were you looking for? He gazed into my eyes.

Not quite sure. I looked at my feet and then back up into his sapphire eyes. I’m a horrible liar, so I might as well give him the crazy truth. Have you ever had a feeling or a hunch you can’t shake? You can’t explain why you feel that way, but you know you have to take a chance on figuring it out?

Maybe. A smirk pulled at his face.

I’ve been pulled to this place for weeks. I was hoping I could find whatever it was before dark, but the sun raced away before I even had a chance to get a good look. He stopped walking and stared at me for a moment, analyzing my words. Great, he thinks I’m a whacko, not that I should care, but still. I prefer to be that nice, quiet girl nobody notices, not psycho-crazy chick.

Are you always so profound? he teased.

By now we were mere steps from the bus stop. No, I’m actually a pretty simple girl.

He grinned and my heart stopped for a second. Alex was definitely the most handsome man I’d ever conversed with. It was nice to have some human interaction. I’d been missing that being away here at school. I wasn’t good at making friends. I always came off needy or weird, so I stuck to what I know—my family, which happens to be four hours away, and myself.

The bus clamoring down the street reminded me this encounter was about to end.

You know, I didn’t get your name, simple girl.

Hailee. My name’s Hailee. I said my name twice, just to be sure I remembered it. I don’t know why I was feeling like a self-conscious thirteen-year-old version of myself all of a sudden. He just asked for my name.

Hailee, the next time you come around, make sure the sun is shining. He looked toward the sky.

Next time? What made him think I would be back here?

You didn’t find what you were looking for, did you?

I don’t know. I guess not. Or did I? Was I looking for this guy? I think that was just wishful thinking.

Well, if you happen to be back around the block, stop by Bill’s Deli. I’ll make you a sandwich. He told me where he works. Should I take that as an invitation to visit?

Will do. Thank you, Alex. The bus door screeched open. Time to go.

Have a safe trip home, Hailee. As I boarded the bus, I looked over my shoulder one last time at the amazing stranger on the sidewalk. I don’t know what it was about him, but he was incredibly intriguing. His attractiveness and benevolence only added to that allure.

Chapter 2

~ Date? ~

I stood a few feet away watching as my new friend Alex unloaded boxes from the small delivery truck in front of the deli. I had debated with myself all morning through class if I should come back. For the first time in weeks, my persistent dream of searching downtown Aria had subsided. Instead, I had dreamt of eating sandwiches with Alex—not half as prophetic, but a message, nonetheless. So, here I stood, watching him like a pathetic weirdo girl.

I wish I was better practiced in the friend-making department. Maybe then I wouldn’t have felt so self-conscious about this. It’s cheesy to say, but he was absolutely enchanting. I’d never been so intrigued by a person—his muscular arms dripped with sweat, his haphazard blond hair fluttered in the breeze, his bright blue eyes sparkled in the sunshine…he was almost godlike. He shut the truck door, looked over, and flashed a quick smile at me. I wondered if he had seen me staring at him this whole time. Hopefully, he didn’t think I was some kind of stalker or something.

Well, he’d seen me, so I could either stand here and look like a weirdo, or cross the street and talk to him like a normal person.

As I approached he called out across the street. What are you doing here? Did you get lost again? he joked as he carried the last few boxes through the side door in the alley.

Actually, I knew exactly where I was going today, I replied confidently.

He walked back out to pick up another box, but instead put his hands on his hips. Really?

Yes, I was looking for you. I want to thank you for yesterday. That sounded appropriate. Friends would do that, right?

And how to you plan on doing that? He raised an eyebrow at me as his blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight. Is he being friendly or flirty?

I paused trying to remember my intended response. I would like to take you out to dinner.

Really? Are you sure this is just a thank-you dinner? You aren’t trying to ask me out on a date, are you? He smirked then flashed a bright grin. He was flirting with me.

Nope. I smiled as heat flushed my cheeks. You need to brush up on your flirting skills, Hailee.

Let me check with the boss and see if I can get away. Only one problem though. His tone turned serious, catching me off guard.

What’s that?

I’m going to have to shower, so that means you’re going to have to go back to my apartment with me. His grin widened.

This feels like a trick…but I guess I can give you the benefit of the doubt.

Come on in. He led me through the side door that opened into the back half of the deli where the slicers, industrial refrigerators, and freezers filled the small space. Considering this part of town, I was surprised at the cleanliness of the deli. I know it was wrong, but I expected it to be dirty and grimy, not all polished like a brand-new kitchen.

Be right back, Alex said as he disappeared behind a tiny door. I assumed it must have been his boss’s office. He was only gone a moment, but it felt like I had been standing in this deli for years waiting. The smell of all the meats and cheeses engulfed me. The breads baking in the oven filled the small industrial space with a comforting scent, reminding me of Mom’s famous homemade buttermilk bread.

Alex reappeared from the tiny office followed by a short, stout, gruff-looking man. He eyed me suspiciously. I guess not everyone around here is as friendly as Alex. This guy is more of what I expected to see last night from the hecklers on the dark streets.

Ready? Alex asked as he ran his hands through his silky blond hair.

I nodded, trying to ignore his boss’s piercing stare as Alex moved past him. He kept looking at me like I was a murderer or something. His eyes were so judgmental. No one had ever glared at me like that before. Talk about unsettling. I wasted no time following closely behind Alex.

We walked to the bus stop in silent tranquility. I felt the need to break our silence, but at the same time it was a comfort not having to speak. It reminded me of the silence my cousin Craig and I would so often share back home.

At the bus stop, I stole a quick glance at my new friend. He caught me and chuckled.

Are you always this happy? I asked. His warmth also reminded me of Craig. Craig was back home working on the farm. We spoke on the phone from time to time, but it wasn’t quite the same as our relaxing evenings spent on the porch swing. We talked about everything and nothing at all at the same time. He was like my brother, the closest I had ever had to a sibling. Right now in this moment with Alex, for the first time in this city, I felt like I was home.

Nope, he replied, staring off into the distance.

Then what are you so happy about? I asked.

Do you always ask so many questions? He continued staring ahead, his tone becoming more serious.

Well, not usually, but you’re different, I looked at the ground, half embarrassed. I wasn’t trying to offend him.

Oh, I’m different, huh? What does that mean exactly? His flirtatious tone returned. He turned to face me this time, pulling up my chin to look into his eyes. I could barely breathe.

I don’t know. I’m not really a big talker, but I don’t know how to take you. You mystify me, I replied. I am not much for hiding my feelings. I’m always an open book, whether or not I like it. So, no matter how vulnerable it makes me, I usually choose honesty over any form of delusion. Plus, I’m a horrible liar, and there’s nothing more demeaning than being lied to.

Take me as I am. He removed his hand from my face, leaving my skin ablaze and my tummy aflutter as he rocked back on his heels. I’m not used to handsome men so delicately touching my face like I’m in a fairy-tale romance movie.

Happy for no apparent reason then? I replied trying to regain my composure. Come on, Hailee. Stop being such a freak about a friend touching your face. Friends do stuff like that. Right?

Happy to be with you. His gaze was soft and warm.

And friends say nice things like that. No big deal. Never mind that I can’t control this sheepish grin accented by blushed cheeks. Luckily, the bus arrived before I had to find another topic of discussion. As he sat down next to me on the bus, his arm slid effortlessly around my shoulders. Friends do this kind of stuff all the time.

~~~

As the bus came to a halt, Alex grabbed my hand. When my foot hit the sidewalk, I realized we were on the upper east side of town where all the rich people lived. Did he live here? I know it’s wrong of me to assume he’s poor considering his sandwich-maker occupation, but I didn’t expect all this.

You okay? he asked as we walked down the street. I was busy staring at the glimmering buildings with their neatly dressed doormen.

Yeah. I’ve just never been here before. My eyes wide and my mouth still gaping open at the high-class accommodations we continued to pass.

You don’t get out much, do you? he asked.

Just my dorm and class. I’m not from here, you know? Where I came from, buildings weren’t this tall or this shiny.

I never would’ve guessed with that hint of twang in your voice. He squeezed my hand.

I smiled. I forgot how strong my accent must sound to everyone here. I hardly notice it. Except when I get really angry or flustered…then there is no controllin’ it. My smile grew as I let my country twang flow freely.

You get angry and flustered? You mean you aren’t always this calm and easygoing?

It’s a rarity. I hate losing control of my emotions, but sometimes things just make you mad and you can’t help it. I shrugged, realizing I sounded like a first-grader discussing feelings.

Well, I hope I never upset you.

I hope so, too. Because you are my only friend in this city.

We have arrived. A short, stout doorman swung the engraved glass door open for us.

Alex nodded toward the man. Thanks, Cliff.

Cliff nodded in reply. The lobby was something straight out of a palace with its cream-colored marble floors and columned doorways. And what place on Fancy Pants Boulevard wouldn’t be complete without an indoor fountain as tall as the ceiling? I knew my eyes were as wide as saucers taking in the pristine sight. I’ve never been in a place so nice. Should I take off my shoes or something? I’m feeling incredibly underdressed in my t-shirt-and-jeans ensemble.

Then my archenemy, the elevator, came into view. My nerves began to buzz and tingle throughout my body. I’d never been a fan of elevators. Maybe it had to do with my lack of exposure to them, or maybe it was some repressed underlying fear from a past life. Whatever it was, they almost give me a panic attack each time I ride in them. I was used to taking the stairs at college and at the dorms, but I didn’t seem to have much choice here. When the elevator doors opened, Alex pulled me right on in. I tried to hide my anxiety from him, but it didn’t seem to work.

Hailee, are you okay? He pulled me to his side.

Mmmhmmm. I started to bite at the corner of my lip.

The elevator started its ascent making my stomach drop to my feet. I nervously began gnawing my nails.

You’re an awful liar. What’s wrong? He hugged me close, attempting to comfort my shaking body.

The elevator. Just not a fan, was all I could manage to blurt out without completely losing my cool.

He hugged me a little tighter. You will always be safe with me. Don’t worry. I don’t think I’ve ever been this close to a man. No, I have never been this close to a man who is not related to me. It’s kind of nice. It is a little surprising how comfortable he is with touching me. I, for one, am more apprehensive about touching others. I hope one day I can be that openly affectionate with new friends.

We can take the stairs down, he said as we rushed out of the horrid elevator and moved down the corridor to his apartment.

He stopped at a shiny red door with the numbers 373 perfectly placed along the top. Alex slowly opened the door and revealed an immense penthouse apartment. Welcome to my humble abode.

As I walked into his apartment, it felt like walking into yet another palace. Everything was marble and granite. The cabinets and furniture were the most beautiful shade of cherry wood and everything sparkled. Note to self: Always wear new shoes and fancier clothes when hanging out with Alex.

I continued to marvel at the vast expanse of the place, along with all of the antiquey-artifact decorative montage he had going on. This place made our farmhouse look like a Neanderthal cave.

This place is amazing, I sighed as I twirled around.

Thanks. Would you like the tour? He did not seem at all surprised by my reaction.

Why not? I shrugged.

Stay close…you may get lost. He grabbed my hand.

Wouldn’t be the first time. And it wouldn’t be difficult to do in this place.

After a quick sweep of the guest room, accompanying bath, master suite, dining room, and laundry room, he took me into his study. Books were strewn everywhere, falling off the shelves, and jammed haphazardly anywhere they’d fit. Most of them looked incredibly old.

What are all of these books about?

I’m studying anthropology and mythology.

Really? That’s great. My new friend is well read and intelligent. Both pluses in my book.

It would be great if I could get my thesis finished and graduate. I’ve been having some issues. A procrastinator, so my friend has a flaw, if you’d call it that.

What’s your thesis on? It must be intense. I wonder how long it took him to read all of these. My eyes flitted from place to place taking in the space.

Angels and how they’ve been perceived in different religions and mythology. His tone was serious with a slight edge of passion.

Angels? Not exactly what I was expecting to hear. I mean, how many men do you know who would study angels?

What?

Great. Now I’ve upset him. Worst friend skills ever.

Nothing. I mean, are there that many stories about them? It is a unique subject to study.

Mounds upon mounds. Take a look around; flip through the books. That will keep you entertained while I clean up. I could tell this was his passion just by the tone of his voice.

Okay. It sounded interesting enough. He must not be too offended since he hasn’t thrown me out yet.

Just make yourself at home.

I reached for a particularly old-looking text that was on his desk. It was open to a page full of symbols and hieroglyphs. They were fairly easy to interpret. The first symbol was a simple shield with a glaring eye in the center, which stood for protection. It was labeled Guardian. The next was a medical symbol, a winged staff. Beneath it, the text read Healer. Farther down the page was a flaming arrow. At first I thought this was a cupid arrow for love, but the description read Messenger. Hmm, I wonder what a Messenger is exactly? This is kind of interesting.

I looked down at the palm of my hand. Beneath my fair skin, my bright blue veins intertwined in a fancy H. I always thought it was odd how bold and bright my veins showed through my skin. I wonder if Mom named me Hailee because of my veiny hands. I scoffed. I was about to turn the page when I noticed a gold-threaded book on the shelf. It looked like a relic that belonged in a museum. I carefully pulled it off the bookshelf, trying to keep from disturbing Alex’s unique filing system.

It was titled Guardians From Above and had a gold embossed shield symbol identical to the one in the other book.

Guardians are the protectors of the Earth, possessing unparalleled strength and vision. Guardians are the most populous of all the angels and most notoriously known by the human race as a protective spirit. Guardians often find love in their subjects due to the bond formed between an angel and