Phantom Mist

By Rebekah McClew

I can't blame the parents that raised me, they loved me. But when the demon hunters came to claim me as one of their own I had no choice even though every moment I spend with them is a moment closer to the world finding out my secret. A secret that in a heartbeat would turn them all against me. My only solace is the time I get to spend in the dreamscape with Rose, she might very well be a figment of my own creation but she is the one thing I can't live without.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Center One Books
• Release date: Oct 7, 2014

Rebekah McClew

Currently published with Center One Books, Rebekah McClew is slowly moving over to self published books. She is an American author.

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Family Secrets Book Three

Phantom Mist

Rebekah McClew

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Phantom Mist - Center One Books

Kingsley, Michigan - All rights reserved

Copyright 2014 Rebekah McClew

Smashwords Edition

Piper and Arhwin you will always be in my heart and alive in my dreams. Thank you Emily Nolan for being the most wonderful grandmother to me and one of my greatest inspirations.

Books By

Rebekah McClew

Family Secrets:

Secrets of the Night

Obscured Darkness

Phantom Mist

Hailstorm

Stand Alones:

Mortal

For a complete and up to date list of books by Rebekah McClew please visit Center One Books.

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Copyright

Chapter One

Elston

Jacob,

You are expected early in the morning; there are important matters that need to be tended to, clear any plans. If you fail to appear there will be consequences not just for you but for your family as well.

Signed Elston

Reading over the letter addressed to me requiring that I mandatorily show, no excuses. At least he was straight to the point. I was curious what he wanted and what the sit in was for? Did he plan on making me a demon hunter also? That had been all others knew that Elston did. He had no other life. Mother had cleaned and run his household for several years, as she said it was easy since most of the time he wasn’t there. He would leave for long periods of time. All that was needed had been to clean up a bit and make sure the pantry was stocked for when he would get back.

Folding the paper up and putting it away in my pocket I walked away from the house and took off for the beach. Since it was daylight the chance of coming across other humans had been more likely, I took my time and ran at a human speed heading to Abbeys aunt’s cottage. At least I didn’t have to worry about when she would be getting there, I dropped her off safely the night before. I would have to let her know I wouldn’t be able to be around for her tomorrow.

Dorrina her aunt was hanging up clothing outside on the side of the cottage to dry as I came up to the door. She was always in a rather cheerful mood smiling at me as she saw me coming and then she would turn her attention back to the laundry.

Go ahead and go inside; Abbey is in there waiting for you Jacob. She didn’t even bother to look back at me as she looked busy trying to get the clothes hung.

Opening the door slowly Abbey was sitting on their fainting couch with a woven blanket on top of her. How could she be cold with weather this hot? Even our cottage had been extremely hot with the sun beating down on it. Their cottage wasn’t sheltered from the sun any more than ours had been. Walking over to her I knelt down before her.

Sorry I can’t do anything today. I’ve been feeling well for a while but I started to feel ill again. I need to relax for just a few days and then I’ll be back to normal. Dorrina had mixed up an herbal medicinal tea for me. Abbey Smiled rather determined.

Abbey didn’t seem worried but more confident as she drank whatever that odd smell was in her cup.

Are you okay? Do you want me to go get your father or bring you somewhere? No one in my family had been sick and fortunately rarely did. Except I wasn’t sure what I should do for Abbey if anything?

No, I’m fine right here, my aunt is very good at taking care of me, besides its nice not being covered with leaches for once. I don’t feel as bad as I usually do. Who knows I might even feel better by tomorrow afternoon? It was nice seeing her smiling; at least she wasn’t sick feeling enough to be sluggish or worse. But then she could be acting this way not to worry me.

I have some bad news myself, I have a letter from Elston and he expects me to come tomorrow for some sit in. I don’t really know what they’re doing however I don’t think it’s going to be too long. So as soon as it’s done I’ll come back here afterward. I’ll stop by home since mother seems to be worried about it. I’m sure it’s going to be fine. I tried to sound convinced since I wasn’t sure how much she knew about the rumors of Elston.

It’s probably better; you would probably just be bored here anyway. I was just reading the poetry that my aunt had written. Its long but I always loved romantic poetry. She hopes to maybe have a public reading of it someday. She writes more of a free verse, more thoughts and no rules to her writing. I’ll probably finish reading it tomorrow; my eyes are getting too tired to read anymore right now and it’s hard to concentrate on it when it’s written in another language. She held up the many pages that had been hand tied together as she set it on the tiny table next to her.

I could read it to you if you don’t mind? Not sure if she wanted to be read to after all I usually only read for my little brothers and sister.

Yes, that would be wonderful. I could lay here and relax, as long as you don’t mind. It is girly. She picked up the paper again and handed it to me.

I don’t mind at all, I get a lot of practice having younger siblings. Taking the papers from her I tried to make sure the page it had been opened up to didn’t close. She had a small slip of paper across the side marking the poem that she had stopped at. Looking it over, it had been written in Portuguese. Translating it the best I could into English I started reading the passage.

Beautiful vibrant colors adorn harmonic music tickling the ear

Such sweet aroma filling the air laughter and good times my dear

Comfort sitting in a chair knowing loved ones are there

Warmth of an embrace and a smile from those who care

Nothing spectacular needed just to be there

Holding your hand not a word needed

From your kiss the scene is completed

How wonderful this celebration is

How moments like this could never be traded

True treasured moments Caught in a time capsule of sorts

Forever to share to look back with genuine love

Amazing how moments like these can be

Just to know how lucky you are

I’m always worried about blending in

Showing them only what they want to see of me

Watching how free you are to express yourself

Wishing it were me as I stroll away from watching such a lovely family

There was so much hidden behind her words. There had been times when my family had been celebrating a birthday or anniversary without having to hold back or question if they are hugging too tightly, they just reacted naturally being themselves. Never having to hide or be anything other then what they were. Thinking about this made me curious if Dorrina felt this way, after all she wrote it. Realizing I was lost in my own train of thought again I looked down at Abbey. She was peacefully sleeping. Careful not to lose the page I moved the paper to mark the new page and set it back down on her table. Pulling a small chair up to the side of her I watched as she slept, occasionally stroking the hair from her forehead back away from her face.

Off and on she awoke and we would simply talk. The last time she slept I had finally stood up and started to leave. I had told her I would be back as soon as I could. Dorrina no longer messing with the clothes had been busy all day collecting eggs from her chickens or pulling out potatoes and carrots from her garden. Seeing that I was slightly watching her she spoke.

You’re welcome any time you wish to come here. You make my niece very happy. It’s better that she be here when she is sick. The cures my brother employs for her are not always the best. As you can guess I don’t exactly fit the lifestyle he would like either. I grow all my own food that way I can stay independent of everything. I grow my own herbs for cooking and medicine. At times others have come here for herbal remedies. However I do not peddle them intentionally. I could hear you reading to my niece, she loves reading however it makes it hard when she’s not feeling well. You live a very unusual life, sort of fitting that you read that particular poem. Do you know why Elston is calling on you instead of another? Smiling at me it’s as if she knew.

I relate to the poem a little more than I thought I would. I hadn’t given thought to Elston. I assumed that it was because my mother worked for him, maybe it’s why he thought of me. It’s not like I even like hunting or stand out. My brothers are more known for hunting. Do you know him well? Mother really doesn’t talk about him or his place at all. Shrugging my shoulders I wasn’t really sure what she was getting at.

Jacob, every action from now on will alter your future greatly. Follow me; I have something to show you. Some believe and others do not; this will be left up to you. Walking behind her I followed her back into the cottage. She put both chairs next to her kitchen table.

I have traveled a lot. I like to learn as much as I can and the more I learn the more I understand. Different cultures have taught me to branch out, to be much more open minded. To save my energy and not worry so much about the lesser problems and fight for the tougher ones that need it. Taking a soft bag just about the size of her hand off the shelf near us, she opened up the end.

I had never seen the bag before as she poured the contents out as they landed where ever they did on the table. It had looked as if there were a bunch of sticks, stones and very small bones of some sort. She had definitely caught my curiosity. As I watched she looked over them at times her expression would turn to expressions of sadness to happiness. Then shaking her head she pulled out a deck of cards and spread those out in an interesting way and began to look those over.

Still not satisfied she went over to her desk. One quick glance at me she pulled out a crystal ball. She also took out a small box, sitting down again setting the crystal ball in the center of the table. As she was concentrating on the ball both of us could see it fill with Liquid red. I was amazed when out of nothing the color showed. Not that I could see except what was being shown to her. It showed an image of blood running down. Behind it there were three people. Neither of us knew who they were, except the one had reminded me of someone, not that I really wanted to explain who it was to her. She might only think that I was crazy, losing my proper senses.

Your life will be influenced and affected greatly by these three people. One has the intent on killing you while the other two will try to save you. Soon to come, you will be involved in a great struggle with those hidden in the shadows for the control of a stone. Many over the years will die because of it. You will be a guardian of the lesser stones. Because things have now been set in place as I had seen many years ago, I will be leaving earlier than planned. I will see you again when you least expect it. I may be hated for what I do however the hatred is nowhere near what you will soon be facing if you’re not careful. The future is never written in stone since it is always changing. However if you make certain choices it won’t be hard to see what will become of you. She didn’t go into the reading too much feeling it may sway or make me act in a way that might not be best. Sometimes it was best to let the future come as it is meant to rather than to find out ahead of time.

I just wish I could do more for you, life is going to get very confusing and difficult for you. Just remember not everyone is out to get you however there will be many who are. Just be careful, this means your life and those you love. Even the unseen loved ones can be hurt.

I should probably get going, it’s getting dark out and I’m sure my mom or dad will want to talk to me about my letter. Standing up not wanting to be rude however I wasn’t sure how to take the information she just gave me. Not wanting to insult her which is why I figured I would use the logical excuse.

Just be careful. With that as her last words she turned and left the room.

It wasn’t too dark out however I still took my time getting back home. Not that I was ever worried about walking in the dark, there was nothing that scared me or even a danger to me. Getting close to home the candles were still lit illuminating the living room. As I thought Geneva and Lloyd had been waiting for me. The rest of the kids had gone to bed and were sleeping. They had chosen this time since they did not want the rest of the family asking questions. Without waiting for them to ask I pulled the letter from my pocket and handed it to Lloyd. Watching him read it over, shaking his head then handing it over to Geneva.

Your mother has just told me about your gifts. Even though I wish she had told me earlier so that I could have helped protect you. I understand why she did it, and it did keep the family safe. Smiling at me in a mischievous grin slightly shaking his head it hadn’t taken much to guess what he was thinking.

At least now I know how you never came back empty handed when we hunted. A few of those kills caught my attention but I thought I was over thinking things. At least with the rest of the family not knowing our dreams are still protected, except you could really be in danger now. I would tell you to take off and hide however since Elston is a hunter he would track you down like the many others. You must hide your gifts at all costs. Elston is a demon hunter and the very thing he hunts are ones like you, he makes no exceptions. I don’t want to scare you except this situation is not good. Elston believes you’re a human. At all costs you have to keep up that appearance. Tomorrow when you go just watch how the others act and take notes from them. Just try to relax and hopefully this won’t be as bad as it could be. Now go get some sleep I want you rested when you go. Standing up Geneva was the first to retire to her room. Lloyd sat in the living room for a while after I had gone to my room. My other brothers never heard me come in. They were still sound asleep.

As I drifted off to sleep I had been thinking about nothing other than Abbey. Then I saw her face as I found myself standing in a very familiar place. I had dreamed about her my whole life even being obsessed with her, which I had tried to control ever since I met Abbey but it would still be difficult to stop thinking of her.

Who’s Abbey? Is there another joining us today? She looked happy to possibly meet someone new. Rose now looked at me with wide eyes and excited that I had come. I hadn’t been here with her in a long time. But then I started to think about what Dorrina had told me. Even unseen friends are able to be hurt. Does that mean she is real or could be used against me?

Abbey is a new friend. But she’s not feeling well so she’s not joining us. Not feeling too good about doing this I knew I had to start even now. Not to just preserve myself but Rose also if she could be affected. I followed her as I usually did. Racing across a field keeping up with each other where no normal human could have. She was always excited about seeing me. In here she was so much more, stopping only when we came to our favorite spot in a huge wide open field beside the lake.

Here we would practice playing with swords. Her family had her taking lessons so we would practice as she would perfect her gift. We also practiced self-defense since she was so hopelessly clumsy or at least it had been what she explained to me. She had told me many times she wasn’t very fast until she was here with me. Her life outside of here had been completely different. We practiced a few types of martial arts at least to give her a variety of self-defense moves.

Today was no different. We goofed around. Told each other the usual jokes, talked about our lives. Then that’s when I decided to tell her about Elston and what my parents had talked to me about. Then I told her about Dorrina and what her reading said. Then I said something I wish I never had. She was the last person I ever wanted to let go of.

If things are going to get as dangerous as they are, I can’t risk having you get hurt. I love you too much. If I can find a way to be with you again I will search for you. I will be able to live through a lot but if I lost you I don’t believe I would want to make it through that. I love you. Taking Rose in my arms I held her close to me breathing in her scent.

I never wanted to forget her but I can’t risk her life. I need to know I will be able to make her safe and come back one day to her when it is safe. I could tell she was crying, her body vibrated a bit as she cried in my arms. I never wanted to let her go. My heart broke as I knew I was the one who was hurting her. It was to keep her safe but I still hurt her. I stayed there a lot longer then I probably should have but I just could not get myself to let her go. Then finally I realized the morning was rapidly coming regardless if I was ready for it or not. Leaning back from her I gave her a kiss on the cheek.

When it’s safe I will be back, if you’re ever in danger I will come to you. But only if you’re in danger, I don’t want to risk your life if it’s not necessary. My love, I will find a way to stay with you some day. Not being able to say another word I knew if I didn’t leave now I wouldn’t ever leave.

Waking up a few hours before I had needed to, I sat up in bed. My brothers still sound asleep. I got up and had seen the clothes my mother laid out for me. Apparently she wanted to make sure I was ready and making a good impression. Out in the living room Lloyd had fallen asleep on the couch. Walking past him as quietly as I could I didn’t want to wake him. Instead of taking the family wagon or horse I chose to walk. That way I could get control of my thoughts and prepare myself before I did get there.

The walk helped a bit. I was able to get into the right frame of mind. There had been others as Geneva had hoped for. So I would be able to observe and watch how the others reacted. Many of them had been my age and a few older ones. Most of the older ones were of massive body build. Even the ones my age looked stronger than I had. The door to the castle stayed open as a butler of sorts directed us to the room we were to wait in for Elston.

There were black mats made out of woven cloth with the letters 'DH' in the center of each one in bright red. Each of us had been instructed to sit on the mat with our legs crossed. None of us knew what to expect, we all almost gasped out loud when Elston walked into the room. He dwarfed every man here with his muscular build. He was so huge and dressed all in black other then the letters DH over his heart which was in red.

Today we are going to learn how to contact each other in a dream quest. We will be handling a lot of activities and we will be doing hunting, workouts, many different types of physical exercises. As well as learning special powers in our dream quest. As we contact you each time, you will feel my hand on your shoulder calling you even though I am not with you physically at the time. Each time you go into this form you will meditate your way in. Otherwise if we need to, we will draw you to us without meditation. Now we will begin with meditation. Any of you familiar with it go ahead and start as we teach the others. Then he went on to explain meditation and the steps that were required.

I had watched the faces of the others who were all there and each had the same expression. One of uncertainty and some self-assured making it clear they had been proud for being chosen. The meditation wasn’t that bad, I had done this myself by the beach only with my eyes open. I loved listening to the water as it flowed clearing my mind from any stress and any irritating sounds.

The boy next to me looked roughly my age, as he listened and tried to follow instructions, the look of surprise never left his face. I assumed this wasn’t exactly what he was expecting, which he also confirmed to me.

Leaning over to me he whispered, I thought he was the great demon hunter, seems like we should be learning how to fight them instead of sitting in a circle talking about it. My name is Kendon by the way.

I’m Jacob, I really didn’t know what to expect. My mom works for him but I never hear anything about this place.

Where do you live? I live in the grove close to the beach on the far east side.

I live near the woods by the beach on the west side. Not too far away. So I take it your looking forward to the killing part? Finally his expression did change to one of uncertainty.

Not really, I just wanted to learn how to fight. I work out a lot but I don’t ever get a chance to practice with weapons. If you don’t know what you’re doing it's hard to practice with others unless their serious like you are. I use my bow a lot. I make my own targets and practice. Nearly perfected my shots, but the killing I could do without. Mom said to keep my mouth shut on this but I don’t know if I’m really against these supposed demons or not? What do you think? Looking at me he seemed pretty serious.

I don’t really know, I’ve never known any demons myself. Neither have I had any problems with them so not sure why their considered a threat? I don’t practice enough with my bow myself, I probably should.

Hey I know, let’s get together and shoot. Maybe even get in some sword fighting, not that I know what kind of fighting we will be doing. But if we pick partners I pick you.

Sure, sounds good just let me know when you want to hang out and we can do things. Depending on what kind of fighting we are expected to do I’m sure I’m going to need more practice. Since it doesn’t look like we have a choice in this. As Elston finished talking at the other end he came and stood at our end and continued with instruction.

I think partly to hear what we were talking about and partly to get us to stop talking. This went on for several hours. Then as we all found our way to the same created dreamscape Elston announced that next time we would be learning hand to hand battle and to be prepared for our turn when we get called. Then we were let out of the castle. At least this had been easy and not difficult at all to get through. I wasn’t sure what to expect especially if I were out or at home when he called me. Did it mean he would pull me in right there and my body would drop? Would I look possessed by others when this happen if they were to see? I’ve lived here all my life and I had never seen anything that might suggest they were part of this.

Heading home to let Geneva and Lloyd know I was alright I knew they would worry until I did get home and explained how the day went. I had only been there perhaps for a few hours. Most of it had been lecturing and making sure we were all able to make it into the same dreamscape. Most of the speech had been discussing the dreamscape even though I found my mind wondered quite a bit. There was a code of secrecy except there really wasn’t much they wanted us to be secretive about that others couldn’t figure out on their own.

I had walked with Kendon down the long dirt road heading away from the castle until we hit the split in the road. Talking for a while with him he seemed like a pretty nice guy. I decided I would still be careful and not share with anyone my secret but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to be able to practice with him, I would just have to tone it down a notch depending on what we were doing. As we parted and he went his direction I finished walking home. Both Geneva and Lloyd were standing outside anxiously waiting for me. As I got closer I started talking.

It’s not as bad as I thought it would be. Still don’t know why he chose me but oddly enough we meditated. It all seems like a mental game. We are supposed to learn how to fight soon but they would call on us when it's time. Not sure how that’s going to work but I know I’ll tone it down when I find out what we are doing. Just seems like a bunch of fluff and nothing too hard. I just don’t understand why he hates demons? I get it that they killed my parents but humans have done the same so what makes them so dangerous? Is it that they have extra power or something or is it just a matter of fearing what they don’t understand? If it’s because they have the potential of doing harm then I guess every human is guilty also. Shrugging my shoulders the way I usually did when I didn’t understand something.

It’s not natural not to die. Where these powers come from no one knows other than some assume they are in us, as humans we are either too weak or do not know how to cultivate them. You of all people should be happy to kill a demon not just for what they did to your parents but to yourself as well. Because of that demon you might never be normal, you will always have to hide your affliction. This is where your mother and I disagree. She calls it a gift, I consider it an illness. Even if the sessions are easy don’t underestimate them. That’s when mistakes are made and you can’t afford to make any. Pleased that at least this morning had gone alright Lloyd went in and told the two older boys he was ready to head into town.

Instead of teaching my younger siblings this morning Lloyd decided to take with him. He wanted them to learn the family business so he planned on introducing them to it at a young age. That only left my little sister as mom took off to attend different homes. Both made it clear they would be home late. Mother had a social function she had to go to and father would be taking longer teaching the younger ones how to work.

I had promised Abbey that I would come to see her as soon as I was finished. Keeping my promise I had told my little sister that we would be meeting up with a friend of mine and that I would finally teach her how to swim. I wasn’t sure if this session thing would take a lot of my time so I might as well get her swimming lessons in while I still could. I just hoped that Abbey was feeling better. At least Vivian seemed excited not only to get away from the cottage but also to meet