Soul Life (Soul Series - book 4)

By Annie Nadine

As we reach halfway through the Soul Series we finally start getting some answers to some of the questions that have plagued us the most. What has been Taru’s plan all along? Who is Jiel? Will Baden and Annie ever reach the alter? And will Annie finally be changed into a snatcher?
But with these questions answered, so many more come up and bring us into a whole other world no one could have ever guessed was out there. A supernatural world that Baden and Annie had been bound for from the very beginning.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Annie Nadine
• Release date: Dec 17, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463961285

Annie Nadine

CONTACT ME: www.facebook.com/annienadine I grew up and currently reside in Newcastle, Australia. I enjoy spending my time in my fantasies, always have and I think I always will. I began my love of writing in my early teens with poetry. I branched out to novels in my late teens and though poetry is still a love of mine, I find myself becoming more lost in my novels as the years pass.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1:

Baden ran through the trees. His tears were falling fast but because of the wind and the speed he was running at they were drying quickly. He could see perfectly through the night but his emotions were interfering with most of his senses. This is why he didn’t sense that someone was near.

Suddenly something collided with his chest so hard that it threw him back over a hundred feet. He crashed into a huge tree and it broke at the trunk causing it to tumble over into the still forest. He regrouped himself quickly but he didn’t have any energy to fight, his soul hurt too much. When he was standing he didn’t bother to move.

What do you want, Taru? He asked defeated.

Taru ambled out of the trees holding the huge log she had used to wallop Baden across the chest.

And what do you think you are running from? She asked menacingly.

What does it matter to you? He spat the words. She does not love me Taru! You cannot use her soul for the sacrifice because she does not love me unconditionally.

Taru had never seen Baden vulnerable like he was just now and it made her uncomfortable.

You are a fool if you think she does not love you! She hissed. You are a fool for leaving her!

She kissed Oliver! He yelled, letting the pain rip through him. She loves Jory! Goodness knows how she feels about Eli! Taru started laughing at his words.

I can assure you that it was not for enjoyment that she kissed that slug, Oliver! As for Eli, he is a weak excuse for a man, she reasoned. And would you like to know something, Baden?

No! He yelled angrily.

I will tell you anyway. Her smile was crooked and strange as she looked at him. As far as her feelings for Jory, in comparison to how her soul lights up when you are near, it is a bright contrast to how it flickers weakly for him.

How would you know? He asked irritated that she was trying to help.

All you see is her soul when you are near therefore it is always alight with joy you imbecile! She rolled her eyes. When you are gone her soul dims and even when Jory is around it is hardly enough to light a match let alone her loins. When you are near it is like a blazing inferno.

Baden looked off into the night to contemplate Taru’s words.

You think that love is easy? Taru’s tone was mocking. It should not be a burden but it definitely is work because no one is perfect. Life is full of trials but if you choose someone then make it work.

Why are you doing this? He couldn’t understand why she was trying to help him.

Do you want to end up like me, Baden? She asked. I have hurt everyone that I claimed to love…do not become the beast I have.

As Taru’s words fell onto the wind they haunted Baden. He was running away from the one he wanted because he couldn’t forgive her, after everything she had forgiven him for.

The last I saw of Annie she was in the barn. Her heart was far beyond despair Baden… She waited until he was looking at her. I think she may do something irreversible.

When Baden caught onto what Taru was saying he didn’t bother to stick around. He ran back to the manor, towards Annie. Hoping with everything in him that he wasn’t too late.

Taru threw the branch to the ground and stood there for a moment with a smile on her face. That was until Jiel decided to make an appearance. No words were spoken between them. With nothing but a fierce look between them, one of anger from Taru and one of pleasure from Jiel, she left him to revel in his small victory. Now that Baden was going back to Annie, Jiel’s plan was back in motion.

As Baden came upon the barn he could hear Annie sliding the rope around her neck.

Annie! He yelled into the night. He heard her footsteps along the wood. He reached the door and as he did he looked up and saw Annie, she was about to step off the ledge.

Goodbye, Baden, Annie whispered.

NO! He yelled with a desperateness he never felt before. The words burned his throat as he tried to hold back tears. How could she be doing this?

Moving faster than ever before, he made it to the rafters just as she stepped off. He grabbed her quickly, he had no time to try and be gentle and she was jerked back midair. It caught her off guard and she gasped, having no idea what was going on. He pulled the rope from around her neck and whipped his wrist to snap it from the rafter, letting it drop down into the hay. He spun her around in his arms and she looked up at him stunned by his presence.

Annie. He breathed her name with relief as he pulled her into his arms. Never do that again! She buried her face into his chest and let her tears fall.

I am sorry! She yelled desperately into his chest. I am sorry for not showing you how much I love you.

Baden let them both drop into the loose hay atop the rafters and held onto her with all the relief in the world. They lay there wrapped in each other’s arms.

Promise me that you will never do anything like that again! Baden begged. Annie, never try to do that again! He was panicking, fearful that she could even come to the conclusion that killing herself was the only option.

She cried into his chest trying to regain her breath. She held onto his shirt as if it was her lifeline.

I am sorry, she kept repeating, over and over again.

Baden took her face in his hand and forced her to look at him. It was hard for her to see through the tears and the dim light but she could and it calmed her heart to see his beautiful face.

Annie, please promise me that you will never do anything like that again. His voice was soft and full of tears as he looked down into her face. The face he loved.

I do not know why, I just…I could not take it anymore. Everything I had been through was worth it if only I had you and then when you left… She rambled trying to make sense of why she was about to do what she almost did.

Annie, Annie, he said to calm her and she stopped talking as she looked up into his face. Promise me, he begged. She saw how desperate he was for her to promise him.

I promise, I promise, she vowed breathlessly.

She was confused as her emotions started to level out. What she was about to do frightened her because she had not been thinking straight, she had let her emotions rule her and it had almost killed her. She was shaking a little from the adrenaline and the cold. Baden gathered her closer to him and rested his face in her hair in relief.

I love you, Baden, she whispered. I love you with all of me and I am sorry that I have not shown you that. I will, I will show you if you please just stay. Her voice was so small that no one else would have been able to hear her but he could.

I should not have just left, I should have stayed and we should have talked about it. I was just hurt and…

No, she interrupted. She looked up at him, needing to see his face. I made you feel like second best when I should have made you feel second to none. I was acting like some stupid adolescent not being loyal to you. You deserve better and I promise I will do everything I can to prove that.

Annie, I missed you, he whispered.

He had heard everything she had said and he didn’t mean to seem like he had just ignored her but he had to tell her how he felt, he needed her to know. With everyone else gone and the selfishness of others out of the way he could show her how he really felt about her return from Oliver.

When I saw you in the library my heart completely stopped. My relief was paramount when I saw that your soul was unmarred by what you had been through. I am sorry! I am sorry that I did not protect you better. I was falling apart without you.

You did everything you could, Baden. Your brother kept where I was from you. Thank you for what you did, for searching for me. She touched his face, needing to feel his skin.

Eli? Baden clarified. He came for you?

Yes, he helped me escape and he followed me home to ensure I was safe. Annie started to realise how ungrateful she had been to Eli.

Annie, I love you. He was frantic to say it so he said it again. I love you.

Baden, I love you.

Their words turned into kisses as they desperately needed to show each other how much they cared. Each kiss turned more passionate than the last. They grabbed at each other, pulling each other as close as they could get. Their love was stronger now as they had been through so much. For all their time apart they had not lost their fervor for each other. Annie grabbing his hair and Baden holding tightly onto her thighs. Hay stuck to their hair and clothes but they didn’t care. They had each other and they promised to love each other and they would work through everything for each other.

Soon he was kissing down her neck and chest. Her breathing was heavy and she didn’t care how far they went, in fact she wanted them to be as close as they could possibly be. She started unbuttoning his shirt and he did nothing to stop her. She pulled it off his back and felt along his bare, smooth chest, down to his pants. He started unbuttoning the back of her dress as she unclasped his trousers but she didn’t get very far. In an effort to move closer to him she pushed her foot against the ground but accidently kicked the lantern off the ledge. It fell onto the ground, spilling the oil and igniting a fire below them.

They kept kissing through the havoc until Baden decided that the fire could cause more trouble than it was worth. He peeked over her shoulder, reluctantly moving his lips away from her chest.

I probably should put that out, he said. He wanted to keep going but the fire was just going to spread. He looked at Annie who was looking as disappointed as he was by the interruption.

Probably, is all she said.

Using all the will power he had he ran down and used a blanket to suffocate the fire. When he was done he made his way back to Annie in the rafters. He sat down next to where she lay and just stared at her.

I think that it would be best if we did not continue where we left off, he suggested as he pulled his shirt back on. She looked up at him disappointedly and dropped down against the hay.

I guess, she said fiddling with a piece of hay. He snuggled down next to her and nuzzled his face into her neck.

Do not fret, we will be married soon enough and there will be nothing stopping us then. He grazed his teeth along the skin of her neck and she shivered from delight.

And when might that be? She asked grabbing his hand and moving closer to him.

Whenever you like. He continued to focus his attention on her neck.

Let us forget all the others we invited and let us get married tomorrow, she proclaimed and it made him look up at her. His surprised face slid into a smile and he pulled her closer.

Truly? He asked not sure if she was joking.

Truly. We have all of our true friends here. There is nothing stopping us is there? Unless you are uncertain? She asked vulnerably.

No, not at all, he assured. Not at all.

They smiled at each other as if they were conspirators as they snuggled next to each other in the hay.

Far off in the distance Taru heard the two repair their love and it brought relief to her soul. Relief that didn’t last long as she felt a little conflicted, now she was going to have to go through with her plan. There was going to be an end to centuries of searching but which end would it be? Now everyone was in danger again, especially Annie.

CHAPTER 2:

The next day Baden and Annie tried to organise the church but it was booked until a week’s time so they decided that was close enough. Before they went back to the manor they talked about her being changed and ended up deciding that they weren’t sure how long the process would take, because everyone was different, so they chose to wait until after the wedding to change her. That way they wouldn’t have to worry about having to put the wedding off any longer.

That night they gathered everyone in the library; Martha, Everard, Adam, Stewart, Micah, Healey and Jory. Everyone was wearing just casual clothes, the women in comfortable dresses and the men in dressed-down suits, opting not to wear any of the trimmings. This group was a close bunch and there was no need for pomp.

Annie and I have moved the wedding forward to within a week’s time! Baden announced with a huge smile on his face. He was holding onto Annie’s hand and they looked as smitten as ever.

Everyone looked at them as if they had spoken another language until they registered what they said.

Congratulations! They chorused, rushing over to them to hug them both. Jory remained in the background, not wanting to ruin their moment. He had already done enough of that.

Annie, who will walk you down the aisle? Martha asked.

Welllllll… Annie extended the word for anticipation’s sake. She moved through the group of her friends, reluctantly letting go of Baden’s hand. She walked up to Adam and took both of his hands in hers. I would like Adam to.

Adam stood there overcome by emotions at her thoughtful gesture. He looked around to everyone trying to find words.

This is when you say yes, Adam, Stewart prompted him, rolling his eyes.

Yes! Adam proclaimed and pulled Annie into an embrace.

For goodness sake man, do not trip her up the aisle! Stewart jested which earned him a hard glare from the ecstatic Adam.

He will be fine, Annie assured with a huge smile. Adam and Annie eased out of the embrace easily and she moved back over to Baden.

When she reached Baden she couldn’t help the yawn that escaped her. He thought she looked adorable and laughed at the sight of her.

We will get you to bed, Baden decided. They both said their goodnights to everyone and went to their room.

Let me practice my walk! Adam said excitedly as he lined himself up between the furniture.

With a look of pure concentration he started mechanically walking down the aisle. Everyone watched, a little confused at what he was going for but was not surprised when he managed to trip on the lip of the rug and fall into the unlit fire place. He got covered in soot and muck and Stewart’s booming laughter was the only one that could be heard. Martha slapped Stewart’s arm and made her way over to Adam, helping him up out of the mess and brushing him off.

I will help you practice a little, she promised trying not to get the dust on her dress.

He may need a bit more than a little, Healey offered constructively. Adam wasn’t offended by Healey’s words but he was offended by the laughter it provoked from Stewart.

You two, Martha said shaking her head at Adam and Stewart.

Upstairs Baden lay next to Annie as she rested with her eyes closed. She had dressed in a simple nightgown and was happy to be in Baden’s arms. A light rain started to drizzle outside but she felt only warmth.

How are you feeling? He asked. He could sense that her soul was quite peaceful.

I am excited to be, Mrs. Baden Brighton. She smiled from ear to ear, keeping her eyes closed. He kissed her forehead feeling rather pleased by the thought himself. Suddenly her eyes shot open and she looked up at him urgently.

What? He asked feeling a little panicked.

What is your middle name? Suddenly she realised that she didn’t even know.

It is Arthur, he informed with a smile. After my father.

Baden Arthur Brighton…it is so distinguished. She liked the sound of his name. Are you curious about mine? She teased.

No. Before she could be offended by his answer he finished what he was going to say. I know that your name is, Annie Louise Belle.

How? She looked at him accusingly.

When I first discovered you I sought out everything I could find about you. He held her closely as they spoke.

That is rather complimentary…though the thought of a stranger finding out so much about me without my knowledge is quite a discomforting one, she mused. He laughed at her observation. His laughter came from a mixture of relief and joy, joy that she was his.

And you are feeling good? He asked again and she looked at him curiously because of it.

I said that I am good. Is there something I should know? She started to feel a little worried.

No, nothing I can think of. I am just making sure you are feeling fine after what happened in the barn. He looked at her meaningfully and now she understood.

I am not going to go jumping off any cliffs nearby, if that is what you are asking, she assured.

I should hope not. But if you are ever feeling like that again, please come to me. He didn’t want her to ever feel that low again.

He usually tried not to peer into her soul to give her privacy but after what had happened he would take a few glimpses now and again to check. Though he failed more often than not because with her soul it was hard to not look at it, it was as if it called to him. With others it was easy to block out but hers it took effort, a lot of effort.

What if you are not there for me to go to? When she asked she couldn’t look at his eyes. He took a deep breath in before he answered.

Let us make this deal right now, my Annie. She liked how he used ownership with her name. Let us promise each other that no matter what, we will work together at what we have to always make it better. We will never walk away in the heat of the moment and we will hear what the other has to say, even when it is hard to.

I promise, she said feeling comforted by his words.

I promise, he mimicked her. Now get to sleep! We have a huge week ahead of us.

Annie snuggled into Baden and soon she was fast asleep, lying next to the love of her soul.

When Baden knew Annie was asleep he slipped out of the room and found Stewart playing a game of chess with Adam in the library.

Stewart, can you do me a favour? Baden seemed focused and this caught Stewart’s attention.

Of course, he said before he even knew what it was.

I need to go see somebody. Whilst I am away can you keep an eye on Annie for me? After everything that had happened it would be crazy for him to leave Annie alone.

Most definitely. Stewart stood and moved a piece on the board and looked to Adam with a smile. Check mate.

Adam looked to the board in disbelief and tried to see where he had gone wrong.

You cheated! Adam accused as Stewart walked out of the room and up to Annie.

Better luck next time, Baden offered before he was out the door and on his way.

He ran through the trees and towards a place that he never thought he would be stepping a foot near again. When the manor was in sight he slowed down as he approached. He knew where he would find Eli, he was in the library. Instead of just letting himself in, Baden knocked on the door to the main entrance and waited for it to be answered. Garrick opened the door, not being able to help the shocked look that came across his face. As usual the older gentleman was dressed immaculately, poised ready to serve.

Would you please ask Eli if he would care to see me? Baden asked politely.

Garrick stood there a moment and it almost seemed as if he would refuse him. After a brief pause Garrick nodded slowly and closed the door to go and check with Eli. Eli already knew that Baden was there so when Garrick came and asked him he wasn’t surprised. He nodded his head after a moment of reflection.

Garrick came back to Baden and didn’t say a word, he knew Baden would already know Eli’s answer. Baden usually didn’t use his abilities unless he needed them, it made him feel more normal if he didn’t, but when he was around Eli his survival instinct kicked in and he was on full alert.

Garrick led Baden to the library where Eli was standing beside his desk. Eli gave Garrick a nod to leave and he left the brothers alone, closing the door to give them some privacy.

Eli and Baden stood there in silence staring at each other. It looked as if Eli had just arrived home from a social event as he was still wearing a full suit, except for the jacket which was draped over the back of his desk chair. Eli had a little stubble which was so unlike him but after Annie had left he had stopped caring about a lot of the little things.

Baden was unassuming as he stood there with his hands in his pockets, wearing his usual casual pants and loose peasant shirt. Even though Baden was the most fearsome creature to walk the planet he still looked approachable. This irritated Eli.

I am probably the last person you expected to come to your doorstep, Baden broke the silence. Eli just nodded. I have not come to cause trouble. I have come to say thank you.

Eli was caught off guard by his words and actually took a step back. Baden expected nothing less and wasn’t offended by his brother’s shock.

You saved Annie and I could not be a more grateful man. Baden was truly thankful for his brother’s intervention, even though he didn’t cooperate with him to save her.

This would be a defining moment for Eli, he could either accept his brother’s thanks which would start to repair a heavily damaged relationship or he could make it all worse.

Well…that was not quite what I expected. Eli took a moment to think about his next words. I presume you know that I did not do it for you and I think that referring to yourself as a man was a rather generous description.

Baden hadn’t expected Eli to be overly welcoming but he didn’t have to be an arrogant, prideful person when Baden was being humble for once.

Regardless of what you think of me, I am still grateful. Baden thought it would be best to leave it at that so he started to turn away.

If I had known she would be silly enough to go running back to you once she had her freedom there is a chance that I would have left her there. Eli didn’t really mean the comment and Baden knew that but it didn’t stop the anger he started to feel.

Baden stopped when he was near the door but he didn’t turn back to Eli. Instead he took hold of the handle and opened the door.

Then I guess it is a good thing you did not know. Baden tried to keep himself under control.

Do not count yourself lucky so soon, Eli warned. After Annie had left, Eli didn’t know when to practice discretion. His emotions became the ruler of his decisions and it did nothing to help him.

You just do not know when to quit do you, Eli? Baden turned to him but remained where he was.

I would say I know just as much as you. Was it three or four years that you wreaked havoc on innocent people’s lives? Even though Eli had been extended an olive branch he refused to accept it because of who it came from. He was too full of pride for his own good and that was why he was lonely, he just couldn’t see it.

Well then count yourself a better man than myself so you can sleep better at night. Baden moved closer to Eli but forced himself to stop, he wanted to let it drop but Eli had other ideas.

I do, every day, Eli tormented. Baden stood there stunned at Eli’s hatred of him.

You are unbelievable, Eli. I came here to say thank you and all you can do is retaliate with hatred. Baden walked out of the room but Eli followed him.

No matter what you do you cannot fool me, Baden. You are still the monster you were before, you just hide it better now, Eli accused.

And you are the stubborn man you always have been, Baden threw the words over his shoulder. He moved to the entrance of the manor quickly and walked out before he turned to Eli and told him what he really thought.

Annie will realise the truth at some point and then she will not be able to stand the sight of you! Eli called through the darkness of the night but Baden was already gone.

Eli went back inside and closed the door. Garrick stood there looking awkward after the encounter.

That could have gone better, he commented, referring to Eli’s actions.

Eli ignored the only constant person in his life and went back to the library, just as stubborn as always.

CHAPTER 3

Back at the manor Annie woke up to find that Baden was gone. She sat up in panic but before it could get the better of her Stewart spoke.

Do not fret, he is just out. He will be back soon, he assured her from his seat across the room.

Annie’s heart slowed with his words. She wasn’t surprised in the least that Stewart was there, she knew why he had to be. She felt safer that he was watching over her. Slowly she started to move out of bed.

Where are you going? He asked, worry obvious in his voice.

I am thirsty. She put on a nightgown and went out the door, Stewart following her downstairs.

When they reached the landing at the bottom Adam came out of the library in a flurry.

It is about time you woke up, Annie! Adam sounded indignant.

It is the middle of the night, she commented thinking him silly.

Stewart, let us rematch. Adam sounded like an enthusiastic child.

You have been waiting all this time for that? Stewart laughed at Adam’s impatience.

Yes. The board is set. Come! Adam walked back into the library and sat himself down in front of the board, staring at the pieces as if they were whispering to him. Stewart looked unsure of what to do.

Let me guess Stewart, Baden left you in charge to guard me? Annie deduced from his stalker-like ways. Stewart looked at her innocently and shrugged his shoulders. It is fine. Your constant presence was probably needed in the bedroom but I am downstairs now and there are numerous snatchers who can account for my whereabouts.

Stewart! Adam called from his seat.

Go. Baden will be fine with it, she insisted. He looked torn for a moment but eventually saw the logic in her words and decided to go into the library.

When Stewart was seated across from Adam, Annie left with a smile as she headed towards the kitchen. She had just poured herself a cup of water when Jory walked in the back door.

Oh! He said surprised to find her there. I thought you were asleep?

Her mouth was full of water and suddenly she forgot how to swallow. She had taken too big a gulp and couldn’t think of anything else to resolve the situation so, as gracefully as she could, she spat the water back into the cup.

I was but I came down for a drink, she explained, holding up her cup awkwardly and wiping her mouth. Where have you been?

Just went for a run. His hair was a bit scruffy and he was wearing casual, light clothing. They stood there for a moment in silence, not knowing what to say. So…I best go pack. He tried to move away but she stopped him with her words.

Pack, are you going somewhere? She wondered.

Yes, I am going back to the institution. He didn’t elaborate, he didn’t want to have to face her about this.

What about the wedding? Are you not going to be there? She felt hurt that he wasn’t going to stay and be there for her.

Well something has arisen and we need to take it to the institution. It is a man you apparently know named, Nathaniel. Jory used the excuse to distract her.

Nathaniel? What? Annie was so blindsided that she forgot their argument.

I will show you. He walked out of the kitchen and she followed, leaving her cup of water behind. They went to the sunroom where Nathaniel’s body lay. Annie stood there staring at it for a good ten minutes in silence.

Why does it look like he is merely sleeping? She asked, completely stunned. She reached out to touch him but then backed out at the last minute.

We do not know why. We are going to take him back to the institution to see what we can gather, Jory explained.

Who is ‘we’? Annie wondered. Were more people leaving?

Well, Martha and Everard will eventually come back to the institution but I will leave ahead of them.

Then why can you not stay for the wedding if they are? She asked.

Well, we do not know how long Nathaniel will be in this preserved state so we need to act fast. So they can stay, I will go. He mainly kept his eyes on Nathaniel as he spoke.

That is an excuse and you know it Jory, she accused. It looks as if he will be in this state eternally! Be honest, you are leaving because of all the mess.

I told you, I cannot remember you…

Jory! Annie had enough of the games and just wanted everything out in the open. I know that you can remember me. After she had a little time to think about her return and finding Jory again she had decided he was merely lying to her for some reason. She just couldn’t see it at the time because of everything that was going on.

I cannot! He argued weakly. He moved away and sat on the lounge across from Nathaniel. She gave him a stern look and he gave in. Fine, I remember everything.

Annie took a seat next to him trying to keep her smile away.

Do not laugh. He said without conviction because he started to laugh himself. Suddenly they were both laughing thinking themselves both ridiculous.

As if I could forget you, Annie. His words became very tender and he was looking at her with those eyes. At one point it would have melted her to have him feel that way but not now, not after what she and Baden had been through.

Baden had come into the manor and Stewart said the last he saw Annie was in the hall. He didn’t seem panicked which made Baden feel a bit better but he would be completely at ease once he