Gifted Omen: Gifted, #2

By John R. Sankovich

She vowed to stay out of trouble. With her archenemy hellbent on vengeance, it's a promise she'll have to break…

 

Rebecca Stevens is just trying to keep her head down. Desperate to rescue her father from prosecution, the sixteen-year-old superhuman has agreed to not use her powers. But when her nemesis, The Collector, kidnaps her dad in revenge, she has little choice but to resume her heroics.

 

Trapped between the fiend's villainous forces and the new threat of the U.S. military, Rebecca struggles to work out whose side she's on. And with friends turning into foes, the reluctant champion fears she can't even save her family, let alone the world.

 

Backed into a corner and wrestling with chaos, can the tortured teenager turn certain defeat into victory?

 

Omen is the captivating second book in the Gifted superhero urban fantasy series. If you like believable characters, jaw-dropping twists and turns, and thrilling edge-of-your-seat action, then you'll love John R. Sankovich's fast-paced adventure.

 

Buy Gifted: Omen to embrace fate today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Sankovich
• Release date: May 24, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393414797

John R. Sankovich

Even as a young child I was always conjuring up stories and filling them with colorful characters, sharing them with anyone and everyone who would listen. Since then, I’ve progressed quite a bit to formulating longer and more complex stories and sharing them with much larger audiences. When I'm not writing, I'm an avid Carolina Panther fan, video game player, and a Walking Dead aficionado. I wouldn't be able to do this with the support of my family, wife, two daughters, and son. Along with our zoo at home with 3 dogs, 3 frogs, a turtle, leopard gecko, sugar glider, a cat, and numerous fish. You might be surprised that with all these possible distractions, I still manage to write on a daily basis.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Rebecca plucked the picture frame from her dresser and sat on the end of her bed. Her mother looked so lovely in the photo. Dressed in a red dress for the anniversary party, her father had thrown for their twentieth, a bright smile shone through the panes of glass and Rebecca’s heart ached. If she never used her powers would her mother still be alive? Rebecca grimaced, dabbed at her eyes, and telekinetically set the frame down. Being without the vibrating energy caused her to pause. It had become stronger over the past few months, almost to the point of another limb. If she didn’t have her gift, she wouldn’t be who she was now, but if her mother was still alive, would her life be normal? Probably not. Rebecca rubbed the tears from her cheeks and collapsed onto her bed. The squeak of springs covered her soft sobs. Grief washed through her, numbing her as she pulled her knees to her heaving chest. At least it kept the pain at bay. So much for being strong like her father saw her.

Due to her powers, Ulysses forced her and her family to leave Peakside. Ulysses, the new mayor, since her father stepped down, allowed them to return home to gather their belongings, but he never allowed them back. She embraced her gift, and it cost her family everything.

As the sun rose into the fall morning sky, the pit of her stomach grumbled. Wiping her eyes, she stood, checked the mirror and plodded into the hallway. She noticed a light from beneath her father’s bedroom door. He gave up everything to move to this new home and accepted her powers without complaint. Now he was living off of their savings, and it was her fault. How long would that last? Biting her lip, she shook her head, as muffled sobs came from behind the door. A fresh tear trickled down her cheek. How could she make this better?

Becca?

She blinked and swallowed the knot in her throat before she turned.

Yasmine stood in the doorway, her swollen belly covered with a baggy sweatshirt, a sweet smile grew on her lips as she waved her closer. Can you help me?

Sure, what do you need? Rebecca sniffed and dabbed at her eyes to hide the tears.

Alex is still asleep and I’m hungry and these stairs are hard to navigate. She sheepishly grinned. Dark circles and unkempt hair proved how little she slept now.

Rebecca’s eyebrow tweaked with surprise. What do you want me to do?

Not what you’re thinking. Just hold my hand. My balance is not what it used to be. Yasmine clutched Rebecca’s hand as they moved to the steps.

She bit her cheek with disappointment at the thought Yasmine wanted to Rebecca to use her power and escorted the wobbly Yasmine down the steps. Rebecca couldn’t imagine what Yasmine went through since her father had cast her out because of her relationship with Alex. She could have a gifted child in her, so she made the choice to leave Peakside. Another thing, they could blame Rebecca for.

Thank you, Yasmine said as they reached the ground floor. She exhaled deeply.

Sure. Rebecca followed Yasmine to the kitchen. She took up her spot on the bar stool and plucked a banana out of the fruit bowl.

Yasmine waddled around the kitchen, pulling out pans and a carton of eggs. She set the pan on the stove and glanced at Rebecca.

Rebecca bit into her banana. What’re you making?

Scrambled eggs. That’s about all I know how to make?

You need to work on that soon to be a mommy. Rebecca’s father cleared his throat. He motioned for Yasmine to sit. I got this.

He glanced at Rebecca and smiled. Hey honey. How are you?

I’m good. How are you? She took another bite of banana and noticed the dampness on his cheeks. He hid his sadness behind his well-practiced smile with an uncanny expertise, but it didn’t fool her. He rolled his shoulders and grabbed a few eggs with shaky hands.

Don’t get too full, I’m making my special spaghetti for dinner tonight. Her father cracked the eggs. Moments later he was moving around the kitchen with a purpose, just like he used to do as mayor. Besides the eggs, he was also firing up bacon and grabbed juice from the refrigerator. The carton of juice tilted off the counter and she caught it with her gift and slid it back onto the counter. Her father didn’t even notice as he tended to the spiting bacon. He danced to his own beat as he flowed all around the space. The smell filled the kitchen and brought back glorious memories of a time less complicated.

Mr. Stevens, can I help? Yasmine said.

He stopped and eyed Yasmine. Call me Dad, we’re family. He motioned to her belly with his spatula.

Yasmine smiled and sheepishly said, You’re right, Dad. Can I help?

The glow on her father’s face was infectious. He handled the lack of power from being the mayor to a house dad a lot better than Rebecca ever expected. Yeah, come here, I’ll give you some tips. Keep the bacon from burning, so flip it often.

Yasmine shrugged. I can try. She pushed the slices of pork around the pan, the grease spit at her. She squealed and shied away from the stove.

Yasmine, have you guys thought of a name yet? Rebecca dropped her peel into the trash.

Boy will be Joseph, and a girl will be Gwen.

Her father tilted his head at the mention of the names before he finished the eggs and turned off the burner. Doing good. Keep an eye on it. I need to get the pancakes started. Despite the grief they shared, Rebecca enjoyed the way her father was now. More attentive, more easygoing, and just round more.

Have you girls finished your school work from yesterday? Her father interrupted her thoughts.

Maybe Dad, they both said.

You’ve got about another twenty minutes, get any schoolwork done before breakfast. He pointed toward the office with his spoon.

I need to learn how to do this, Yasmine’s argument failed.

You’ll have plenty of time to do it, but right now get your schoolwork done. He shooed them out of the kitchen. You still need to get your diploma.

Rebecca darted past Yasmine. She wanted the better chair.

The morning chill from the office energized Rebecca. Cold always did as she had experienced the opposite so many times two months ago. She booted up the computer and logged into her online courses. No classes to finish today just like she thought, so she quickly opened a web browser and went to the local news site.

Nothing spectacular. A few stories about car accidents and the new mayor made a few budget changes. A few small stories about gifted people making noise around the world. Nothing too big, just a few small crimes. The lack of news about The Collector or any attack by his Followers scared her. What would they do now? Try to live peacefully? She doubted that.

Yasmine entered and noticed the site. Still checking up on Peakside, eh?

Rebecca closed the browser and spun her chair toward Yasmine who plopped into the open seat next to her and turned on the other computer. She navigated the menus and still had two assignments. Rebecca grinned, she loved being the good student.

Damn. Yasmine rubbed her belly and scooted closer to the desk.

Better watch your language mommy. Rebecca logged out of the computer and ignored the glare on the back of her neck. Your baby might have the mouth of a sailor at this rate.

Rebecca wore her smile with pride. The doorbell rang, and she stopped in mid-step and shifted her attention to the door. Her fists curled and her telekinesis swirled within. Dad, did you invite anyone for breakfast?

No. He danced around the kitchen flipping pancakes to some unheard music.

The answer she didn’t want to hear. The smoked glass hid the guest, but Rebecca noticed the person was large by the shadow. The doorbell rang again. She shook her head, why would someone ring the doorbell, if they were attacking? The terror subsided, and she leashed her gift. She opened the door to find Kellen on the other side. His bright smile relieved her of any remaining hesitation. He held a small bouquet.

Thought I would drop by to surprise you for breakfast. He handed her the flowers and flipped his dark brown hair out of his deep brown eyes.

Rebecca sniffed the fresh scent, stood on her toes, and kissed him. His warmth tingled throughout her and his Old Spice smell enveloped her. She shivered as he kissed her and traced her collarbone with his free hand. He always found the right buttons and she melted into him even further. The one normal thing in her life.

A hawk’s screech brought her out of her bliss and Kellen moved a stray lock of hair behind her ear. She stared into his eyes until she realized where she was. On her porch. Anyone could watch and anyone was as she turned to find Alex, his brown hair stuck up in odd angles, standing at the bottom of the steps. His rumpled t-shirt and sweats didn't look like the perfect football star from last spring.

Hey man, wanna stop giving the squirrels a show. He patted at his hair.

Kellen and Rebecca straightened. The chill of the morning breeze curled her toes. Kellen followed her inside. Alex and Kellen did their bro hug, and they all continued to the dining room. The moment lost in the chaos that followed.

Yasmine sat at the far-right corner of the table and Alex squeezed next to her. He kissed her, and she tried to contain his wild hair with her hands. They both laughed at the act. So motherly. It would be adorable if it wasn’t her brother.

Rebecca sat next to Kellen and her father brought out a few various plates with a stack of pancakes, piles of bacon, and a large bowl of scrambled eggs. He took in his feast and sighed. I hope you all enjoy.

Looks great Mr. Stevens. Kellen grabbed a piece of bacon. I’m starved.

When aren’t you? Yasmine laughed.

Rebecca studied her father as he slumped in his chair, dark bags clung under his eyes. Did he even sleep last night, or was he crying all night long? She sympathized; he was trying to do it all with two super-powered kids. If anyone was a hero, it was him. She hid her frown as she scanned the table. Her new, stronger family. She silently thanked her luck and reached for the bacon.

Everyone else fixed their own plates with Alex making Yasmine’s because she couldn’t reach the items with her super large belly.

Yasmine, do you need him to feed you too? Kellen joked as he poured syrup over his pancakes.

Yasmine glared at Kellen as she bit into her scrambled eggs. Be careful before I make you wear breakfast.

You wouldn’t waste it on me.

She cocked her eyebrows. Want to test me?

As knives and forks clinked against the plates, Rebecca noticed her father. His food remained untouched and worry lines creased his forehead. She wanted to ask him what was wrong but knew his answer before she asked. He wouldn’t tell her anything, still believing he was protecting her from harm. She thought she proved her strength, but he still treated her like a little girl. Maybe he couldn’t handle her now she was growing up so fast and her powers became stronger. Maybe he thought he was protecting her by hiding stuff. Parent’s could be so infuriating like that.

After the meal, Alex and Yasmine returned to the living room to watch one of Yasmine’s many favorite television shows they recorded from last night. Rebecca studied her father for a moment before Kellen urged her away.

Dad, do you want us to help you clean up?

No, go enjoy your day. I got it. He took a single bite of eggs. His plate still full.

Hesitating, Rebecca shuffled after Kellen, who seemed eager to get to the back patio. She left a small crack in the door and caught the sight of her father rub his face like he used to when he was mayor of Peakside. Something was definitely wrong and she would find out before the day was over. She had to press him to trust her because she could handle it.

Kellen leaned against the granite railing and stared up at the mountainside. The sun peeked over the tips of the trees. He took her hands and kissed them.

Becca, you know I love you right?

Yeah. This was never a good start to a conversation. She eyed him, the way his throat bobbed, a nervous tick in his left eye. Not good at all, she braced herself.

Then don’t get mad when I ask you this okay?

She yanked her hands free and stepped away. Her heart thudded in her chest as she folded her arms, too early for this today. Her mind raced for possible avenues where this conversation would head. None of them positive. If you mention my powers I’m going to—

Why? Why do you get so mad about this topic? The plea in his voice grated on her nerves as she put more distance between them.

Because we’ve been over it a dozen times and every time it’s the same result. I’m not hiding, I want to be free without the responsibility of everyone depending on me It’s not something I want any part of.

Kellen ran his hands through his hair. This was the topic for sure and he wanted to go over it again. Not like they hadn’t discussed almost weekly now. She fumed, her gift rose with her temper. Closing her eyes, she tried to keep the growing power from spilling over. Control was still something she could lose, which is why she remained hidden. She didn’t trust herself with life and death choices as she’d already failed before.

Go ahead, ask me. You know the answer but ask, anyway. She tapped her fingers on her biceps, daring him.

The people in Peakside talk about you. The way you saved them from The Followers and they want you to come back. He didn’t hesitate, she admired his consistent pressure, but held her ground.

I don’t want to be a superhero, I want to be left alone. My life is good here. Why do I need to save everyone? The familiar buzz of her power seeped into her fingers. Her muscles tensed in preparation.

Kellen stepped forward, but her gift held him back. Touch would be the last thing he would get. Ulysses does a decent job protecting the people, but sometimes, he’s the problem.

This was new. What do you mean? Her gift faltered with her surprise and he stumbled.

I’ve seen things. Kellen headed into the barren garden area. His silence unnerving.

What? What do you want me to do about it? You want me to go in there and just remove him from power? I can’t do that. You know that. We had a deal.

Who cares about the deal? No one. Especially the people he abuses, Kellen said the anger clear in his words as he leaned against a tree.

If I go back, they throw my Dad into jail for breaking the law. I can’t have that. You’re putting me in an impossible situation.

Have you even asked your Dad?

Kellen stop it! I’m not a hero. I did what I did to get what I have now. I have no interest in using my telekinesis like that. The hurt in his eyes stung her. She telekinetically lashed out and flipped over a nearby patio chair. She continued to look for news about The Followers despite not wanting there to be any stories. Maybe Kellen was right. Maybe deep down, she needed the action. No, she sighed and cracked her knuckles. Her telekinesis bounced within her stomach. So many conflicting feelings.

Kellen moved to the edge of the tinkling fountain and stared at his reflection in the water. What if I can’t stand watching you like this? I know what you can do, but you’re too scared to help those who need it.

That’s not fair. I can’t. You’re asking me to break the law, the laws that my father negotiated so I could keep my freedom and my power. I can’t do that, he sacrificed so much. Do you want me to have no powers?

Kellen stood and stormed toward her. Fury filled his eyes. Then I was wrong. I thought you were stronger. Forget I even asked.

She tried to restrain him with her hands, but he shook her off. Using her power to stop him would have only made things a million times worse. She slumped to the patio bench as Kellen stormed out of sight. She heard the front door slam shut and tears fell. He asked her for help and she turned him down again. What if Peakside had become as bad as he said? Maybe the news was covering up the stories? This was crazy. It wasn’t on her to save everyone. Why couldn’t he accept that?

She looked up at Alex and Yasmine standing in the kitchen doing dishes. Yasmine approached. Becca, you okay?

No. I think me and Kellen just broke up. How sad was it she wasn’t even sure? She blinked and Alex went after him. Damn, why was she so weak?

Yasmine studied Rebecca and then put the dish down. She waddled to Rebecca. Every couple fight occasionally. You two just need time apart. Yasmine led her to the dining room table and set Rebecca in a chair and grabbed a container of ice cream out of the freezer. This will help.

Alex returned, breathing hard and his face red. Hope filled Rebecca for a moment, but Alex shook his head. Didn’t catch him. Sorry Becca.

Her head fell, and she cried. Her power was useless for moments like this.

CHAPTER TWO

In her room, Rebecca stared out the window. Very few stars speckled the black sky. The darkness scared her, yet the sounds of nature comforted her as she wished she hadn’t fought with Kellen. Her first fight and she hated it, she reached for her phone, but a soft knock at her door stopped her from dialing. Her father stood in the doorway. He held a steaming mug out to her. The strong scent of lemon tea invigorated her, and she wrapped her cold fingers around the warm mug. Thank you.

Her father remained still, his eyes softened, You want to talk about it?

She shook her head. The tea soothed the bubbles of sadness inside. Kellen left in a huff, could her father understand? Would he want to hear what they fought over? The tired look on his face, the wrinkles of stress at the edges of his mouth, and she feared he might feel guilty if she told him the truth. No, I need some time. She took another sip. Thank you, but I’ll be fine.

Okay. If you need to chat, I’ll be here for you. He smiled and watched for a moment. You can trust me with anything.

I know Dad, thanks. He left, and she tightened her grip on the mug, the heat rose through her arms. She wished she had her mother here to talk to her about her first real relationship. She sat at her desk and resumed looking out the window. She flipped her phone in her hands as she contemplated calling Kellen again. The tips of the trees swayed in the distant wind. Peaceful. The moonlight illuminated the outline of the snow-capped mountain in the distance. Soon the winter would reach the valley. She opened her contacts and hovered over his name. Maybe a quick text instead, but her fingers froze. She could think of nothing. The phone dropped with a thud and she shoved it off the end of her desk.

Her father’s footsteps faded as she dipped the tea bag in the steaming water a few times. A hand touched her shoulder and Rebecca jerked, her mug flew from her hands. In a beat, she spun, mentally caught the mug, and faced the uninvited person, ready to defend herself.

Blink stood next to her bed, dirt and grime coated his usually pleasant face. He sagged onto the mattress as Rebecca’s heart rate returned to normal. Even his normally well-kept hair was matted to his head by sweat. A few scratches crisscrossed his biceps and dried blood coated his nails. Able to focus on her breathing, she floated the tea to the desk with only a few drops splashing over the sides of the mug. Blink’s anguished face caused her heart to thud in her chest and she mentally shut the door. Feeling his need for comfort, she sat next to him. The springs squealed under the added weight, and she remained silent, unsure what to say.

He sighed and ran his hands through his hair, drops of mud dropped to her white comforter. Sorry about this. I forgot the rules. He winced, and she noticed dried blood along the back of his neck. What had he been through?

You're forgiven, she weakly slapped his arm afraid he might break from the slightest touch.

You okay? He lowered his eyes and a slight smile cracked his lips. Even though he looked like hell, he still cared about her feelings.

The heat of anger left as she nodded and forced a smile. Something in his eyes made her problem seem insignificant compared to whatever he was dealing with. She tucked her own issue deep down and studied his face. His bright blue eyes had faded, dark, deep bruises lined his left cheek where someone probably pounded on him. It wasn’t unlike him to get beaten for being a gifted person around Peakside. He still had the ability to enter and leave the place because of his teleportation, but she wished he would stay away from town. You in Peakside again?

That obvious?

When are you going to learn?

Not until I find her. He dabbed at the wound on his neck and rubbed the blood between his fingers. I miss her so much.

What brings you by? She crossed her arms over her chest, now realizing she was dressed in a thin t-shirt and flannel pajama pants.

I needed to talk and you’re the only one I trust. His mouth clicked shut. What's wrong?

She bit her lip and nodded. I'm fine, I’m guessing you still found no leads to Natilee.

More dirt splattered as he shook his head. Yeah, not a single clue anywhere. It’s like she vanished. I don’t get it.

You’ll find her. How are things out there?

Crazy. Peakside is insane. Trinity is everywhere and recruits flow in all the time. I’ve almost been captured three times tonight alone. He cracked his back and wobbled to his feet. A grimace shot across his face. He gripped his ribs.

It’s really that bad? Kellen’s plea still played at the back of head. How come?

His raised his eyebrow calling her clueless. Pain crossed his face as he adjusted in his mud-coated shoes.

I know what Kellen’s told me, but is it really like a prison?

He nodded and limped to the window. It’s not even any of the Followers. It’s scary out there, Ulysses has it out for our kind. Wants us eliminated from existence. He bit his lip to hide the pain as he turned to her.

The moonlight shined on his face. Fresh tears cleared trails through the dirt on his cheeks. Regret surged through Rebecca as she played with the energy in her palm. She had learned how to manipulate it so she could feel and play with it like a stress ball. I think you should stay out of there for a while. It’s only a matter of time before they get the jump on you. She took a sip of her tea to hide the quiver in her lip. Can you do that?

He nodded. Nope, the resistance needs her. They need a leader and she’s the best bet.

His words stung. She didn't need him picking on her too. The constant pressure made her want to scream, but she bit the inside of her cheek and ran her hand through her tangled hair. It didn't help. Rebecca’s power surged with her rising anger. If it’s not Kellen, it’s you. Get off my back, seriously. I want nothing to do with the resistance.

Blink’s gaze hardened, and he approached. Her gift shielded her from his advance. He slowed like hitting a wall of cotton. You need to get out of this safe nest and see what the world’s like out there. You’re capable of stopping The Collector, Ulysses, hell you could probably run Peakside. Yet you stay here and hide. What good is that? Who are you helping by staying here?

His voice bounced off the walls and slammed into her from all sides. She half expected someone to come running. She knew what he wanted. The same thing everyone else did. They all want her power, her strength, which she still didn’t have complete control over. That’s not fair. I made my choice why can’t anyone accept it? I’m not a secret weapon. I’m helping my family.

Natilee’s out there. She’s hiding from the maniac who wants our kind dead, yet you don’t care. You’re content just to stay here where it’s safe. In your bubble. Blink limped in front of the window.

What’s wrong with that? For the second time today, she was arguing over this. A tingling began at her temple. Why shouldn't I look out after myself? Who was out there fighting all those enemies before, me? Right? You didn't almost lose everything because you couldn't keep a secret. I wish I never came out. It’s ruined my life. I lost my mom and any semblance of a normal life. What’s wrong with me trying to hold what little I have left?

I want you to realize that this place will only remain safe for so long. Do you really think The Followers will leave you alone? How about Ulysses, when he feels strong enough, he will come after you too? You need to stop them before they take more from you. They know you exist, The Collector won’t let you live in peace. Hell, peace will never be yours unless you take it. Blink clenched his fists, veins pulsed in his neck, as he struggled internally.

She opened her mouth to spew out the hatred she wanted to, but instead nothing came out. She snapped her mouth shut and stared at Blink. He was right. A nagging sense at the back of her head rose. The satisfaction on Blink’s face hurt even more. He got through to her and he knew it. Damn, she couldn’t keep his intense gaze and looked at her phone on the floor. Kellen had a point.

You feel it too? He rested his hand on her shoulder and she didn’t realize she was shaking until he steadied her. Dizziness washed over her and thankfully, he kept her from collapsing. She let out a slow breath and focused on the comfort of her gift as it wrapped around her like a blanket.

She did. The feeling of being trapped was real. She hesitantly nodded. Get out.

Blink’s hand snapped back like something bit him. He rubbed his fingers and stepped away. I’m sorry to bother you. I won't do it again. He lowered his head, gave her one last look of desperation and vanished.

The tension in the room should have left with him, but instead it settled on Rebecca, suffocating her like someone had put a pillow over her head. Desperate for air, Rebecca opened the window and looked out over the darkened hills stretched out before her. A stiff fall breeze washed over her. She sucked in a deep breath of cold air and looked down at her gravel driveway. Her father’s car sat there, silent, pine needles had collected in a fine layer over it. Were they hiding? Yes, because it was the only way to keep everyone safe. She sighed, unable to shake the feeling Blink left behind.

From the shadows, a limping man approached the house. Usually she would say something, but the feeling she got from this man kept her silent. He plodded up the stairs and onto the porch, a moment later the doorbell rang. Rebecca sat frozen as her father answered the door. From her angle, she could only see the man’s muddy boots.

Rebecca made out only a few muffled words, mistakes will be paid for. The man coughed and started back down the driveway. Her father followed and grabbed the man’s shoulder. The man spun back and shoved her father’s hand off his shoulder. Be careful, they’re coming. They’re coming for all of us. We knew it would only be a matter of time once he got loose.

The man limped back into the woods. A few moments later, the roar of a dirt bike filled the silence. Who was that? She didn’t recognize him, but he sure knew her father.