Rise of a Rector

By Heather McCorkle

With graduation~and the hell of the last two years~behind her, Eren is hoping to finally explore her relationship with Aiden and deepen the bonds with her Society. But it seems there's no rest for a soon-to-be legendary Mayan warrior of the apocalypse.

From the green hills of Ireland to the jungles of Mexico, and deep into lands unexpected, Eren and Aiden will stop at nothing to discover all they can about their rare power in an attempt to alter destiny. Learning about ancient secrets that no one can remember proves to be more than challenging with Eren seeing old ghosts at every turn though. Worse yet, behind the ghosts lies something darker and far more deadly than any of the trials she has endured so far.

In the jungles of Costa Rica entire villages are dying inexplicably. Near the carnage live a group of channelers who are hiding a thousand year old secret, one that could change the very fate of the planet. But the ghosts of Eren's past have other plans, plans to seize the thread of destiny~and Eren~and manipulate both.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Compass Press
• Release date: Feb 16, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301767021

Heather McCorkle

I am an author of fantasy, in all its many sub-genres. Helping other writers and supporting fabulous authors is one of my passions. When I'm not writing or surfing my social networking sites, I can be found on the slopes, the hiking trails, or on horseback. As a native Oregonian, I enjoy the outdoors almost as much as the worlds I create on the pages. No need to travel to the Great Northwest though, you can find me here, on my blog, and Monday night's on Twitter where I co-moderate the #WritersRoad chat with my good friend TS Tate.

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Prologue

Elisabeth

It was raining, again. The rain made it hard to track her prey and it always seemed to be raining in England. She’d take the snow of her homeland over this wet mess any day. Sure it was still hard to pick up an energy trail in the snow, but not nearly as hard. Grinding her teeth in frustration, she stepped inside the pub as she attempted to ring some of the water from her long braid of black hair. Little irritated her more than having to resort to asking the locals if they’d seen her prey. Yet, here she was, forced to do just that.

All heads in the crowded room turned to her. Eyes narrowed. She ignored both their looks and the hostile energy rolling off them. Small towns were always like this and she was growing weary of it.

Doing her best to look charming and friendly while soaking wet, she made her way through the crowded room up to the bar. On the way she subtly scanned the room, taking note of how many people were in it and where they were located. Broken up by the liquor bottles and glasses, the wall to wall mirror behind the bar gave her a great view of everyone who was packed into the tiny room. ‘He’ wasn’t among them. But she knew that without looking. At this range she’d feel him long before she saw him. He had an unmistakable energy signature, and he was her twin brother after all. That was what made this so hard. Not that it was her first official Hunt, but that it was her brother she’d been sent after.

Smiling sweetly at the bartender, she slipped onto a stool and asked for water. The middle-aged man lifted his bushy eyebrows and crinkled up his large nose.

Not enough falling from the sky for you, lovely? he asked.

She tried to blow a lock of hair from her face and laughed as it clung. While she didn’t feel the slightest bit light-hearted or humorous, she was good at faking it when she needed something. The bartender smiled and relaxed under the weight of her charm. When he passed her the water she touched his hand. Her fingers lingered on his a moment too long. He blushed and she knew she had him where she wanted him.

After drinking half the water she reached inside her trench coat and pulled out a picture. She set it before him and waited for his eyes to shift from her chest to the picture. It took a while.

I wonder if you could help me. My brother and I are backpacking and got separated. Have you seen him? she asked.

Ah yes. You missed him by little more than an hour. I recommended Mandy’s B&B to him. It’s just across the street, the bartender said.

It was just as she suspected. This was the only pub in town so of course he’d been here. Since their parents had died he’d taken up drinking. There was no way he’d pass up the only pub in town. Such a flaw made him almost too easy to track. Catching him was an entirely different matter though.

Thank you, she said as she stood.

Tucking the photo back into her coat, she placed a few Euros on the bar and turned to leave. Pulling her hood on, she stepped out into the wet darkness and melded into it. She crossed the cobblestone street and slinked onto the opposite sidewalk. It was raining so hard had she not possessed the ability to see the energy of living things, she may not have been able to read the sign for Mandy’s B&B which was edged in moss.

This time she couldn’t just walk in the front door. He would hear or feel her long before she could discover what room he was in. From this distance she was safe from detection, but once she came within a hundred feet or so of him, all bets were off. While she had extensive training as a Hunter of her own kind, unfortunately so did he. This was the problem she faced any time she got close to him.

Taking note of all the doors and windows on the front of the two-story building, she ducked down the alleyway. Around the back were several balconies overlooking a river and a grove of trees. In the daylight it was probably a lovely view but on a stormy night like tonight it just looked sinister. Peering into the rain, she tried to catch sight of his energy trail. She picked up a trace of it on one of the balconies on the second story. A faint light emanated from the room, probably a lamp. Could she really be lucky enough to have finally caught up to him? She didn’t dare hope, not yet.

Pouring a touch of her power down into her legs, she used it to help her leap up to the balcony some twelve feet above her. She landed with practiced ease just inside the railing. The French doors were ajar, their sheer curtains billowing in the breeze. In only a second her eyes scanned the cramped room and she determined it was empty. Traces of his swirling red energy clung to things in patterns that criss-crossed the room. Slinking inside via the shadows, she headed for the bathroom door. Only darkness spilled from the tiny crack beside it. Going completely still, she reached out with her power, searching for the weight of his. But he wasn’t here anymore.

As always, somehow he had known she was coming. Their skills as Hunters were almost equally matched but he possessed a cunning desperation that kept him one step ahead of her. It wasn’t surprising considering how much he had to lose. Her heart sank, anchored down by the despair of failure.

A bright trail of his red energy caught her eye. The trail led to a piece of paper on a desk up against the head of the bed. It fluttered in the breeze as if trying to escape the paperweight that anchored it down. His energy swirled about the paper in a bloody-looking maelstrom. Stepping into the cone of light the lamp cast, she reached for the piece of paper. It was a note. Frustration raged through her and her body shook as she fought the impulse to channel the energy rising inside her.

He had time to write a note! How can he be so much better at this than I am?

Forcing herself to calm down, she read the note.

Elisabeth,

You can’t change my mind and you can’t stop me. I release you from any sibling obligations. Stop hunting me. It isn’t I who need to be saved, it’s our kind. Together with Eren I will be a part of something great, something that is going to change the world as we know it and elevate channelers to their rightful place in it. Be happy for me.

–Luke

It took a lot of effort, but she made her shaking hands fold the note and place it in her pocket. Everything was always about Eren. How had his mind become so twisted up around that girl? Eren would be the death of him if Elisabeth couldn’t stop him. How could he be such an idiot?

Soon she wouldn’t be the only Hunter on his trail and the others wouldn’t be satisfied with stopping him. While he had done terrible things and probably planned on doing worse, he was still her brother. If she could just catch him before it was too late she was sure the elders of the Romanian channeler Society would go easy on him.

But if I don’t get to him in time. If he kills someone, or worse. . .

She refused to let her mind go down that path. She would catch him in time. Even if he wouldn’t fight to save himself, she would fight for him.

She ran out of the room and leapt from the balcony into the darkness. He couldn’t be more than an hour ahead of her. If she hurried, tried just a little harder, maybe she could catch him in time.

Chapter 1

Eren

This was not how Eren had pictured spending the last day of her senior year, but it had to be done. Her best friend Caitlin clutched her hand so tightly it was starting to cut off the circulation. If they didn’t get this over with soon her fingers would go numb. Eren’s cousin Fane stood to Caitlin’s left looking as though he was sharing her misery, which he probably was considering how close the two of them were. How Caitlin had managed to keep her and Fane’s relationship from her parents this long was a mystery to Eren.

Caitlin’s colonial style house loomed before them, blocking out the rising sun. A few more steps and they would be at the door. Eren shook so much she couldn’t tell if it was her hand shaking or Caitlin’s. It wasn’t just Caitlin’s relationship with Fane that she was confessing to her parents. Caitlin had become part of Eren’s Society, Eren was her Rector. Normally that would be a good thing to tell one’s parents. But, Eren wasn’t exactly a normal Rector and their Society was far from ordinary.

Eren was half-Mayan and half-Irish. Her boyfriend, Aiden, was Irish. Caitlin’s boyfriend, Fane, was Romanian and Mayan. Among channelers it was frowned upon to mix the races for fear that they would lose their culture and forget their history. Some even believed mixed couples couldn’t have children. Most channelers were moving away from such archaic thinking but unfortunately Caitlin’s parents weren’t among them.

A wave of calming energy floated over Eren, reaching out to encompass both Fane and Caitlin. It relaxed them all instantly and the pressure on Eren’s hand eased. She looked up at the source of that energy, the amazing and handsome young Irish man to her right, Aiden. The sunlight outlined his muscular frame and spilled across his brown and black hair. Like so many times before, she wondered how she had scored such an incredible boyfriend. He had sensed their discomfort and immediately tried to ease it. She loved that about him.

We don’t have to do this now, Aiden told Caitlin.

Caitlin flung a long blond curl from her face and thrust her head high.

Oh yes we do. I’m proud to be part of this Society and I’m tired of hiding it. If my parents don’t like it, that’s just too bad, she insisted.

Eren gave Caitlin a huge smile, trying to hide the sadness in her eyes, and hoping Caitlin didn’t feel it in her energy. The very idea that Caitlin would risk her parents disowning her because she was a part of Eren and Aiden’s Society rocked Eren to her core. Since her parents’ deaths last year, Eren had come to respect the bond of family so much more. But the Society bond was something altogether different, and just as powerful.

Still clinging tight to Fane, Caitlin let go of Eren’s hand and opened the front door. She led the four of them through a foyer and into the living room where a TV droned in the background. Caitlin’s parents sat at opposite ends of a large leather couch. Her mom was engrossed in a book and her dad watched TV. They both looked up the moment the four of them stepped in the room. The hostile way Caitlin’s dad glared at Caitlin and Fane’s clasped hands made Eren want to step up beside her, but she resisted, for now.

Mom, Dad, I want you to meet my boyfriend, Fane, Caitlin said.

Eren admired the confident, no-nonsense tone of Caitlin’s voice.

Caitlin’s dad’s eyes bulged and he rose slowly to his feet, looking as though he thought he either hadn’t heard her right or was still processing the information.

What? he demanded.

Ignoring his question, Caitlin swept her arm out toward Eren and Aiden. I’d also like you to meet my Rectors. You know Eren Donovan and Aiden O’Reilly, she said.

Her formal tone made a smile twitch at the corner of Eren’s lips. It was tradition to introduce one’s Rectors to their family in such a way, but it was the last thing Eren had expected from easy going Caitlin.

Caitlin’s mom’s book tumbled to the ground as she stood and moved to her husband’s side. She glared from beneath her short blond curls at each of them, her sharp gaze finally settling on Caitlin. Eren noticed that while there was weight to her gaze, there wasn’t a substantial feeling of power. Caitlin’s parents were obviously not Rectors, which would hopefully make this a little easier.

If this is a joke Caitlin, it isn’t funny, her mom snapped.

Not at all, mother. I’m completely serious.

Eren could feel Caitlin’s anxiety rising and she instinctively reached out with her power to calm her. The crease in Caitlin’s brow eased and she took a deep breath as she smiled at Eren. Caitlin’s mom’s gaze shot to Eren and her eyes narrowed.

Caitlin’s dad let out a derisive snort. This is nonsense. A half-Romanian, half Mayan boy? Be practical Caitlin, mixed couples can’t bond or form a Society. There’s no way these two can be your Rectors either.

His face began to turn red and his fists clenched tight. Eren hadn’t expected a warm welcome but she had been hoping for better than this. She didn’t want this to be hard on Caitlin and definitely didn’t want it to ruin her relationship with her parents.

I know how hard it is to believe Dad, but it’s true. You always hoped I would get into a powerful Society and I have. Eren and Aiden are able to access both sides of their power—no one has been able to do that for hundreds of years! You can’t get more powerful than that, Caitlin argued, her words running together in one long string.

Eren pushed power out to her again, lending her strength.

You can’t possibly believe those rumors Caitlin, this is ridiculous! her mom exclaimed.

The small woman’s right cheek quivered slightly, a sign that she was having trouble controlling the urge to channel energy. From the aggressive feel of her power, she wasn’t a healer channeler like Caitlin, she was a warrior. Eren did not want this to come to a fight.

It’s true. I’ve seen it with my own eyes, Caitlin said through gritted teeth.

Caitlin’s mom shook her head and threw her hands up in the air. The tension in the room mounted, feeling as if someone had turned up the heat.

Her dad shot to his feet. Don’t speak to your mother in that tone! Go to your room young lady. You’re forbidden to see any of these kids again! he shouted.

His power splattered across them like hot embers from a fire. Fighting back a retort, Eren stepped to Caitlin’s side, followed by Aiden. Caitlin’s dad glared at them and his hands started to glow with orange and purple energy. He grabbed Caitlin’s arm and tried to yank her to him. Eren and Aiden’s power flared, raising Caitlin’s and Fane’s along with it. The combined power pulsed out like a sonic wave, shoving Caitlin’s dad back. He stumbled into his wife and they both tumbled to the ground in a tangled heap.

Caitlin didn’t move to help them. Instead she reached over and grasped Eren’s hand.

Sadness filled Aiden’s eyes as he shook his head. We were hoping you could accept this and still be part of her life, he said.

Standing slowly, Caitlin’s mom fixed them with a hard glare.

We will never accept this. You’re just children, you don’t know what you’re doing, she said.

Straightening to his full height—which was close to six feet since the end of the summer—Fane took a step forward. Mr. and Mrs. McGrath please, we may be young but that show of power proves we’re a bonded Society. Caitlin is our family now as much as she is yours, more even. But we’d like your blessing, he said in a voice that sounded much older than his sixteen years.

That he could be so calm and proper even under such circumstances almost made Eren smile. She was pretty sure that even after a hundred years she wouldn’t possess his eloquence. Her smile wilted as Caitlin’s dad gave them all a look that might have been able to kill if he’d had the power of a Rector.

You’re absolutely right Fane Moldovan. She is more a part of your family than ours now. Any girl that would bond herself into a family of serial killers and call a mixed blood her Rector is no daughter of mine. Get out of this house, all of you, he demanded.

Eren’s gaze flicked to Fane and she saw his eyes widen and his jaw clench. His lips remained firmly pressed together. He wasn’t going to defend himself. Caitlin looked like she wanted to do it but was too upset to find the words. As much as she wanted to say something, Eren knew there was no point, this man wouldn’t listen. Still, she was so furious she wanted to slap him.

Fane’s aunt and uncle were the ones who had killed both Eren’s parents and Aiden’s. Since he’d grown up in Romania, Fane had never known either of them. They had fled here to Spruce Knoll Colorado after being exiled from their Society in Romania. The couple’s son, Luke, had tried to kill Aiden and Eren to please his parents, but it had backfired on him. Unfortunately, they had also been Aiden’s adopted parents. Their treachery ran very, very deep.

I’m sorry you feel that way. We’ll get Caitlin’s things and leave, was all Aiden said.

While his words were calm, Eren could feel the anger boiling just beneath the surface of his skin. It felt like she was standing next to a bubbling lava flow. Aiden’s energy wouldn’t hurt her, but she was afraid of what it would do to Caitlin’s dad if he kept his attitude up.

No, you’ll leave now. Caitlin can pick her things up off the lawn tomorrow, Mr. McGrath snapped.

Aiden let just a bit of that power spill forth, pulling Eren’s along with it. She felt it splash across Mr. McGrath in a scalding wave and heard him catch his breath. Her whole body felt warm but it was as though she was immune to the pain, like holding a hot pan with an oven mitt.

Don’t make this any harder than it has to be, Aiden made the words a command.

For a moment it looked like Mr. McGrath was thinking about challenging Aiden, then fear shown through his bravado and he took a step back. Caitlin’s mom stood there looking shell shocked, tears welling up in her eyes.

Come on Caitlin, let’s go get your things, Fane said in a gentle tone as he turned her away.

Putting an arm around her shoulders, he led her from the room. As she walked past, Eren saw tears clouding her blue eyes and felt a surge of protectiveness. Knowing Caitlin, those tears would never touch her cheeks but the knowledge of her pain was enough to enrage Eren. Once she heard their footsteps reach the top of the stairs Eren stepped in close to Mrs. McGrath. The woman flinched back as if she was afraid of Eren’s touch.

When you come to your senses you can visit your daughter at my grandfather’s store, Eren told her.

Not waiting for a response, Eren spun away and stormed upstairs, Aiden close behind.

It took the four of them less than an hour to load all of Caitlin’s things into the trunk of Eren’s Passat. Caitlin barely said a word the entire time. The tears in her eyes dried. The rigid set of her jaw and the deep crease between her brows made it clear her pain had turned to anger. Eren wanted so badly to say something that would make it all better, but there were no words that could fix a parent’s rejection.

Mr. and Mrs. McGrath didn’t interfere. In fact, they never even came out of the living room. Considering the murderous look that was working its way into Caitlin’s eyes, Eren decided that was a good thing. Having lost her own parents, she felt horrible taking Caitlin away from hers. But this was different. The bonds of power ran deeper than the bonds of blood.

Eren watched in the rearview mirror as Caitlin got in the car and leaned her head against Fane’s shoulder. Caitlin didn’t say a word, she didn’t cry, and she didn’t look back.

Chapter 2

Eren

Sunlight warmed Eren’s back as she stood in front of the mirror next to her bed and smoothed down the dark satin, unisex graduation gown. With her long black hair down it wasn’t easy to pin the cap on her head but she managed. Taking a step back, she tried to assess how she looked. She knew it was supposed to make her feel scholarly but it didn’t. It felt as though the outfit stripped her of her individuality and made her one of the masses. She was proud of herself, but not of her school.

A pang shot through her heart as she looked in the mirror, seeing her mom’s hair, her dad’s eyes. If only they could have been here for this. Moisture shown in the blue eyes she shared with her dad, making her grateful for the waterproof mascara Caitlin had lent her.

Hey Eren, can I borrow your hair dryer? Caitlin called from the bathroom.

Of course, it’s under the sink on the left.

A few minutes later Caitlin came out fussing with the cap, struggling to get it just right atop all her golden curls. Laughing, Eren rushed to her side to help before she could destroy the poor thing. When she stepped close to her it felt like she’d walked into a thick fog of frustration and anger. Rather than let it infect her, Eren pushed the negativity away and blanketed Caitlin in soothing power, easy as a thought. Her shoulders relaxed and she breathed a deep sigh as she let Eren fix the pins in her hair.

They might not get a clue today, or even next week, but some day they will, Eren said, knowing she was thinking of her parents.

Caitlin smiled at her but shook her head.

I’m not mad because they aren’t coming to graduation. I’m mad because their narrow minds refuse to see how amazing you all are and how lucky I am to be a part of your Society, Caitlin explained.

Eren felt like she should have guessed Caitlin would be mad about that. Most likely if her parents never came around Caitlin would have no regrets and no desire to look back. Sometimes she wished she could be a bit harder, more like Caitlin.

Raising her eyebrows and cocking her head, Caitlin smiled at Eren.

And just what is that look for? Caitlin demanded.

All four of us are lucky.

Caitlin laughed heartily as she threw an arm around Eren’s shoulders and led her from the room. And here I thought it was because of these horrendous outfits! she exclaimed.

Laughing and making fun of their caps and gowns, they made their way downstairs. Knowing this wasn’t going to be an easy day for any of them, Eren was glad they at least got to start it with laughter.

~

Graduation was just as horrible as Eren had imagined it would be. Speeches droned on and on, awards were given, and videos were played. Aside from handing out the diplomas, everyone ignored the fact that the four of them were even there.

It was pretty much a reflection of how the entire senior year had gone. While people made way for them, they had also ignored them, including most of the teachers. Neither Eren nor Aiden had been allowed to compete in martial arts because the elders thought they were a danger to the other students. Eren’s maestro, Chac, hadn’t even argued over the decision, which kind of hurt her feelings. Fane had made champion in the Romanian style and Caitlin had come in second in the Irish style, but there was no mention of their achievements during the graduation ceremony.

When the class rose to its feet and tossed their caps high, the four of them turned and left. It felt great to Eren to throw that cap away, almost like she was tossing aside the shackles of this backwards thinking little town. Finally they’d be able to get on with their lives and be a Society without the judgmental eyes of these people always upon them.

Tears shone in Aunt Sylvia’s eyes as she hugged Eren, Caitlin, and Aiden. Uncle Alin, and grandfather, moved in for their own hugs once Aunt Sylvia let go of Eren.

We’re all so proud of you, my dear. Your mother and father would have been to, Grandfather whispered in Eren’s ear when he embraced her.

It was all Eren could do to choke down a sob that tried to rise. Tears sprung to her eyes but she managed a smile when he pulled away. Light flashed, followed by a soft click. Eren turned away, dabbing at her mascara.

Ah come on sweetie, you have to let me get pictures! Aunt Sylvia said.

Eren nodded and did her best not to fidget for the many poses that Aunt Sylvia insisted upon. Finally, the adults climbed into Aunt Sylvia’s Jeep.

Aiden pulled Eren into a tight embrace, engulfing her in his spice and pine scent. She let out a long breath and felt the tension in her muscles slowly start to give way.

Are you okay? he asked in that wonderful deep voice of his that hinted at just the slightest Irish accent.

She nodded and smiled, knowing it wasn’t convincing. He raised an eyebrow at her.

I will be. I’m glad it’s over. You guys go, Caitlin and I will be over as soon as we change, she said.

Fixing his striking green and yellow eyes on her, he slowly pulled away, his hands trailing down her arms and fingers, drawing the energy out between them. The touch left her tingling in the most wonderful way.

He and Fane squeezed into the Jeep, waving as they drove away.

Come on girl, I’m dying to get out of this fashion disaster, Caitlin said as she looped an arm through Eren’s.

Eren laughed and let Caitlin pull her toward the sidewalk. Leaving the school grounds for the last time left Eren with a tremendous sense of liberation.

Once they changed into more comfortable clothes, they started the short walk to Fane’s house. Fane’s parents—Aunt Sylvia and Uncle Alin—had planned a party of sorts at their cabin. There wouldn’t be many people there, unlike most graduation parties occurring tonight, but Eren liked that just fine. The only people she wanted to see would be there.

The day was so hot that Eren and Caitlin hurried from one spot of shade to the next. Since the road was lined with aspen and spruce trees it wasn’t hard. The yellow aspen leaves and the tall spindly white and black trunks stretching as far as the eye could see, made the day seem that much brighter. Eren was grateful she’d worn sunglasses. For it to be so hot in May probably meant they were going to have a scorching summer, and Eren was going to miss it. There would be no swimming in the river with her friends, no walks through the forest together.

I wish you guys were coming with us. I can’t stand the idea of not seeing you until next year, Eren complained.

The plan was for her and Aiden to leave for Ireland in a