Soul Journey (Soul Series Book 1)

By Miranda Shanklin

It has been many lifetimes since the cycle began.

The cycle that still haunts Annisa Lawson.

A spell cast in desperation to help, which only caused heartache.

Now, Annisa has found her way out of the varying repeats of her past; only to bring more danger to herself, and those around her. Now she must learn to survive with the help of her friends: Chase, Penelope, and Landon have all gone through each life cycle with Annisa. Sometimes helping, sometimes hindering. Now that Annisa has broken the cycle of their collective punishment, she finds that she needs her friends more than ever to keep their enemies, known, and unknown, at bay. As the group of friends learn of their souls' journeys through their many life cycles, they must also learn to control the magick they have discovered within themselves and each other, in order to defeat the most feared assassin in their world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Miranda Shanklin
• Release date: Sep 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310222597

Miranda Shanklin

Miranda Shanklin lives in Central Illinois with her husband, two children, and the family security system, a 100 pound lab named Fido. Paralegal by day, mom/wife by night, she writes during those rare but precious moments of downtime. An avid reader her entire life, Miranda's dream was to someday become an author. That dream was realized in 2015 when her handsome and intelligent husband said three beautiful words: go for it.

Book preview

Just because my mom is the realtor who sold the house to our new neighbors, and she found out they have two teenagers about my age, shouldn’t mean that I have to welcome them to the neighborhood. I would much rather be at the beach with my amazing boyfriend Landon and all our friends on this last Saturday of summer break. Since I don’t want to start my junior year of high school, or my sixteenth birthday next weekend grounded, I am walking up to the door of my new neighbors.

When the door opens and reveals the most gorgeous guy I've ever seen, I can’t help but gawk. After a few minutes of just staring at each other, he shakes his head as if to clear it from a fog. Can I help you? I fight against the very strong pull I feel toward him and finally regain enough of my common sense to respond. I live next door. I just wanted to welcome you to the neighborhood and the town.

He seems to be just as distracted as I am. I have no idea why he would be. Just as it’s starting to get awkward standing there staring at each other, neither of us seeming able to figure out what the sudden intense feelings could possibly mean, a girl about the same age appears next to him. She smiles at me with a knowing look in her eyes as she introduces herself. I’m Penelope Taylor.

I immediately feel very comfortable with her, as if I can completely trust her with anything. I push all the confusing emotions and thoughts to the back of my mind to be dealt with later. I don’t want to look like some kind of weirdo just standing here staring at them both. I finally manage to smile and respond to them.

Hi. My name is Annisa Lawson. I was just telling your brother that I live next-door. I wanted to come by and welcome you to the neighborhood and the town. Looking more to the guy that I was trying very hard to not just stand there and stare at, I continued, I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.

He seems to have regained his composure too as he smirks at me. My name is Chase. It's nice to meet you Annisa he responded. I feel butterflies in my stomach when I hear him say my name. I suddenly have an idea where I can try to get to know them both a little better. And, I can see if this weird intense feeling that I know both of them and can trust them completely will lessen. Since this is the last Saturday of summer break most of the school will be down at the beach. There’s a bonfire every year for one last night of fun before school starts up again on Monday. If you two would like to go with me, it might be nice for you to meet some of the other people before school starts. They turn to each other and shrug their shoulders. Penelope speaks for them both, That sounds like a lot of fun how do we get there?

Don’t worry about that. Since I won’t be sixteen or get my license until next week, my dad will take me, drop me off and pick me up after. We can pick you up on our way.

Chase glances at Penelope as if to gauge her reaction. I turned sixteen last month. My parents got me a car. I can drive us there. He hedges. If your parents are alright with you riding with someone they don’t know, that is.

I'll have to talk to them and let you know. I reply. There was never a reason to consider this so I have no idea how my parents will feel about that. This is a very small town. Everybody knows everybody.

Let me see your phone. Chase replies reaching out toward me. I'll put my number into it so that you can just call. Then you don’t have to walk all the way over here again just to let us know.

Put my number in there too while you’re at it. Penelope nudges him. She still has that look in her eyes, as if she is watching Chase and I interacting and she knows something we don’t. I give them my number when he is done so they can put it in their phones before walking back to my house to ponder the interaction, and my reaction to both of the new neighbors.

Stepping into the house I find my parents in the kitchen making lunch. Well, the neighbors seem nice. I tell them cautiously. My mom watches me with the same knowing look in her eyes as Penelope. It’s weird.

Turning away from my mom’s watchful gaze, I voice the question I still don’t know the answer to expect. Dad, Chase said that he turned sixteen last month and his parents bought him a car. If it’s okay, he said he could drive us down to the beach for the bonfire. Then you don’t have to drive us and wait up to come get us later. I add, He mentioned that I should make sure it was alright with you both if I ride with someone you don’t know before we plan on it.

Before my dad can reply, mom breaks in, That’s fine, honey. Dad’s head whips around with obvious surprise. Brad, don’t look at me like that. Mom cuts him off before he can speak as she goes back to making lunch. She's almost sixteen and will be driving herself in a week. She's also been riding with her friends for a couple of months now. I see no reason not to trust her judgment. She rationalizes.

Dad furrows his brow, frowning clearly showing he doesn't like this turn of events. When he doesn’t say anything more, I send a quick text to Chase letting him know it is alright with my parents. For good measure, I also ask if he and Penelope can come to the house to get me, come in, and at least meet my parents. Maybe my dad will feel a little more comfortable about the whole situation then.

I help finish lunch and we sit down to eat. The whole time we are eating, I am trying not to think about my reaction to the new neighbors or the fact that Chase has yet to respond to my text. As we are finishing cleaning up from lunch, he responds that they will be at my house around seven to meet my parents then head down to the beach. My dad seems to be a little relieved when I tell them, but only a little.

I decide to take a nap since I will be out late tonight. Mom is still watching me like she is trying to gauge my reaction to something. I get a little nervous because I can’t figure out what she would be looking for and I just want to be alone with my thoughts for a little while.

As soon as I close the bedroom door and know I am alone, I let all the confusing emotions come forward to try to sort through them. I am completely flummoxed by my reaction to the new neighbors. Closing my eyes, I try to relax and just let the thoughts run where they want. When I have a problem I can’t figure out, sometimes just letting my mind work on its own is the best way to begin working through whatever is bothering me. Of course it doesn’t always work. This is one of those times.

Laying there, letting my mind wander, I come to a problem that I've pondered on many occasions and have never been able to figure out. Why now? Who knows.

I stare at the ceiling for answers, there are none. I have a charmed life. I'm the captain of the cheer-leading squad. I'm in love with my boyfriend who is the captain of the football team. I am liked by everyone in town. I help anyone I can and will talk to everyone. I don’t believe in cliques and trying to be better than anyone else either. These are the facts. Why it is then that I always feel like I'm different and don’t quite fit in baffles me. Even when I am surrounded by my friends and we're having a great time, I feel like something is missing and that I'm just playing along in a life that doesn’t belong to me. As I have pondered this many times, my mind doesn't linger on it long. I haven't been able to come to a resolution yet and I’m no closer now.

Instead, my mind jumps to the immediate attraction and connection I felt when Chase opened the door today. I look at a picture of Landon on the table. If I'm in love with him as much as I have always thought, why would I be so attracted to someone else? This is the main issue I am having. This could completely turn my whole world upside down. My feelings for Landon haven’t changed, but now I also feel a strong pull to Chase. I’m not fickle. I'd experienced this pull and attraction since I was little every time I am around Landon. What does it mean that I have the same feeling meeting Chase? I don’t know how I can possibly come to any conclusion on this new development quickly. It’s too foreign.

I let my mind move on to the next confounding subject. When Penelope came to the door, I felt like I'd finally come home, like I've known her my whole life, and somehow could trust her with anything. Since I have just met her and don’t have anyone that I trust that much, not even Landon after so many years, it is a very unsettling thought even as it isn’t. Landon doesn’t know how much I feel like I don’t quite fit in, or that I am always wondering if I really fit in anywhere. Why do I suddenly have the urge to talk to Penelope about it? Somehow I know that she would understand and believe too, that she would be able to help me feel better about it all. Rolling over, I am no closer to figuring out my emotions or strange reaction to Penelope and Chase. The last thing my mind conjures is an image of Landon, then Chase. They are the last conscious thoughts I have before I drift off.

My afternoon dreaming is vivid. In it, I am in a different time and place. I look different, but I know it is me. With me are Landon, Penelope and Chase. We have known each other our whole lives and are very close. As I look at Penelope, I know she is my sister, and is trying to help me with something. As I look at Landon and Chase, I feel complete confusion on what to do. I can feel that I am in love with both of them. They are looking at me with dejected looks, waiting for me to respond to an unasked question. Penelope turns to me and says, I’m sorry, I didn’t know it would come back on us all. I was just trying to help.

There is a guilty feeling overtaking my emotions as I reply. I know you never meant to hurt any of us. This is entirely my fault. If I had been able to decide and let one of them go, you never would have felt the need to try and help.

When mom comes in to wake me up for dinner, I am somehow even more emotionally scrambled than when I fell asleep. The dream had felt so real, like I'd lived that experience, but it felt like long ago as well. I couldn't even tell what year it was then, the surroundings seemed old as I remembered them upon waking. There was no way that I'd lived it.

Once again, I push the confusing thoughts to the back of my mind and go down to join my parents for dinner.

Chapter Two

Chase and Penelope ring the doorbell at exactly seven o’clock. Answering the door to invite them in, they follow me to the living room where my parents are watching TV. Mom, Dad, this is Chase and Penelope.

Mom immediately smiles and stands up. Dad also stands up, although grudgingly with a scowl on his face, sizing up both Chase and Penelope. He does a quick assessment of Penelope, but studies Chase a lot more closely. I am uncomfortable with his stare. Chase seems not to notice it at all. Mom playfully smacks dad on the arm, Quit trying to intimidate the boy Brad, he's just giving her a ride to the beach. She then focuses her attention on Chase and Penelope. Hi, my name is Tori. This is my husband, Brad. Don’t mind his scowl, he's just overprotective of Annisa. He doesn’t like that she's growing up. Thank you for coming in to meet us. I know it seems a little old fashioned, but we like to know whom Annisa's spending time with. As your new neighbors, we thought it would be nice to meet you too. Comes out in a gush as she fidgets with her necklace.

Chase and Penelope seem to relax a little at her comments. Chase speaks up in response, I’m Chase Taylor, this is my sister Penelope. It's nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Lawson. Mom grimaces, Please call us Tori and Brad. I always feel so old when someone calls me Mrs. Lawson. And, we're neighbors, so there's no reason for such formalities. She exchanges a look with Penelope that leaves me wondering if they have met before. They seem to pass an unspoken message between them. I can’t imagine what it could be. I don’t know if anyone else notices. After that initial look though, they seem to avoid each other’s eyes as the conversation moves on.

Dad finally gets over his overprotective urge and decides that Chase and Penelope are acceptable. He meets Chase’s gaze before extending his hand, waiting to test the boy’s grip. It's nice to meet you both. I hope you like it here. Annisa can introduce you around to some of the local kids tonight, and show you around the school on Monday too if you’d like. This is a very friendly town. Everyone is willing to help anyone who needs it here. If you need anything just let us know.

Chase seems like he is working really hard to impress my parents. It is really nice to meet you both. I am sure that Annisa will help more than she knows just by showing us around. It is really nice to feel so welcomed when we have not been here long.

Penelope and my mom are both smirking as Chase is talking. I watch them suspiciously, knowing there is something going on that I don’t know about. Penelope interrupts before Chase starts to ramble. I’m sure my parents will be contacting you to introduce themselves. I think it is going to be great to have friends right next door.

I am anxious to get to the beach so I interrupt before we get stuck here talking. We need to get going. Everyone else is probably already at the beach.

Dad scowls and mom smiles. Mom replies before Dad has a chance to say anything. We don’t want to keep you from the fun. Thank you for coming in to meet us, now you kids go and enjoy the last night of summer.

I am surprised to see a Ford Fusion in the driveway. For some reason, I pictured Chase driving a Mustang or some other sports car. He notices the surprise on my face, scowling, My parents thought it would be a safer vehicle than the Mustang I wanted.

I laugh. I was actually just thinking how I would have pictured you driving a Stang. I understand the safety concern though. My parents bought me a Ford Edge for when I get my license, instead of the Focus I wanted. My dad said he would feel better about me being in a larger vehicle like the Edge.

At the car, both Penelope and I reach for the door handle to the back seat. I'll sit in the back. It'll be easier for you to give him directions from the front. She remarks.

I navigate to get to the beach. It's a short drive. With me watching the signs and giving him plenty of notice before each turn, we don’t do much other talking. The party is already in full swing by the time we arrive. I think the whole high school might be here. We get out of the car and head towards a group of people that I hang out with often.

As we walk up, Landon immediately comes over, gives me a quick kiss and announces, I was starting to wonder if you were going to make it tonight. I feel self-conscious about him kissing me in front of Chase, which makes me hesitate for a second. 'That's weird', I think. I've never felt that way about Landon kissing me in public before. I sneak a glimpse out of the corner of my eye at Chase. He has an odd look on his face, like he doesn’t like Landon being that close to me.

I turn to face Chase and Penelope, moving a step away from Landon. This is Landon. Landon puffs out his chest and gives Chase a smug look. Her boyfriend. I frown at him. Landon, this is Chase and Penelope, my new neighbors. Chase smirks. It is great that Annisa is right next door so I can ask questions and have a friend right there all the time. Landon’s jaw tenses but he keeps his fake smile plastered on his face. I’m not sure what exactly is happening, but I am guessing it is a male show of testosterone. I don’t have the patience to deal with them trying to one up each other so I ignore it as I roll my eyes at them acting like they are in a competition. Turning to the others in the group, I interrupt what I am sure is going to be a long drawn out version of how each of them is better than the other. This is Chris and Beth, Robert and Danielle, and Jeff and Amanda. Landon is tense. His jaw is clenched as he steps between me and Chase. They are still watching each other with guarded looks.

Penelope rolls her eyes. It’s really nice to meet you all. Don’t mind my brother, he is just learning manners. Chase frowns. Sorry, I am a little tired from the move. It is nice to meet you. I’m sure we will get to know each other better. My friends are all fascinated with new people. Rarely does anyone new move to town.

I take Chase and Penelope out into the crowd to mingle with some other people. Landon comes with us, staying really close to me. It’s odd for him to be so clingy. Usually at parties, I go mingle and he stays in a single spot he likes and lets people come to him. He doesn’t usually stand so close when we are together. I get the impression that he is trying to mark his territory or something in front of Chase. This thought is confirmed when instead of taking my hand like he usually would, he puts his arm around my waist and pulls me closer to him as we are walking. I am annoyed by him acting like I am a toy that he isn't going to share.

It's really hard to walk in the sand like this. I tell him as I move a bit away from him so I can walk without stepping on his foot. I glance sideways at Chase and Penelope as I put space between Landon and me.

Chase wears a smug look across his face. Penelope’s has no expression. Looking back over to Landon, he is scowling and glancing over at Chase like he is trying to figure him out.

The rest of the night goes pretty well. I am able to get my message to Landon that I am not going to be treated like a piece of meat, without having to actually call him out on it. Chase seems to find it amusing each time I gently extract myself from Landon and his clingy actions, but stops short of laughing out loud. Penelope and Chase meet most everyone in the school and seem to fit in well. Chase is a junior like me. Penelope is a sophomore though, so I make sure to introduce her to people that will be in the same grade, and possibly some of her classes so she will know people that she runs into throughout her first day at school, not just the other juniors I introduce to Chase.

Too soon, it’s getting late. Chase, Penelope and I are saying goodbye and getting ready to head home. Landon turns toward me, What are we going to do tomorrow?

Actually, I was going to see if Chase and Penelope wanted me to show them around town a little. That way, they'll be able to find what they need and not have to wander around looking for everything. I reply plainly.

That sounds great! It'd be nice to know how to get around, where to go and where to avoid without having to learn on the fly. Chase adds before Landon can respond.

Landon’s face falls as I watch. Oh, I thought we could spend the last day of summer break together. It’s no big deal though. You guys have fun. His words don't match the look on his face or in his eyes. I am annoyed enough with him to not really care. I’m also annoyed enough now not to invite him to come along.

I know he is trying to guilt me into doing what he wants. He's never done that before. I am not going to let him start now. I reply with a frown. I’m sure we will. It'll be fun to see the town from the perspective of someone who hasn't lived here their whole life. I can see this is not the reaction he is hoping for. He is openly sulking. I will have to sit down and talk to him about his behavior later, when it is just him and I. I don’t understand why all of a sudden he is being possessive and clingy. There must be a reason though, and I want to get to the bottom of it before it becomes a big problem between us. When I glance back at Chase and Penelope, Chase has another smug look on his face. Penelope looks like she is distracted and deep in thought.

The drive home is quiet. Chase has a good memory. He gets us back home without me giving him any directions, which is a good thing since I am lost in my thoughts about the day and my reaction to everything that has happened. When we get close, I tell him to park in his driveway and I will walk back to my house. It’s just across the yards. I rationalize out loud. He parks in his drive as asked, but stands beside his car watching until I am safely at the front door and