Hidden Scars: Scars of Days Forgotten Series, #2

By Natalie J. Reddy

This urban fantasy adventure is perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Cassandra Clare.

 

War is coming.

 

Wren's been pulled into a world of secrets and deception. The step-sister she didn't know she had is the leader of a global Resistance and Wren's friends are trapped on the opposite side. 

 

As she tries to find her place in this new world, Wren's forced to witnesses first hand the brutality that Wesley and the Psi Council are capable of. No one is out of their reach. No one is safe. 

 

When the man she's falling in love with is taken captive, Wren must be willing to risk everything to get him back. Even herself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Natalie J. Reddy
• Release date: Dec 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393761204

Book preview

Fear shone in my sister’s eyes as she carried me in her arms. My head was spinning as it flopped against her shoulder and my eyes were heavy. Sleep threatened to pull me under, but I fought against it.

Tipping my head back, I was able to make out a blur of stars through my watery eyes. They seemed to hang above me without a care in the world, and at that moment I wished more than anything to be a star. To float up into the sky and just shine without the suffocating weight of fear trying to hold me down. That's what I wanted. Instead, my cheek stung with a cruel reminder of how dark the world could be. And how much there was to be afraid of.

The usual chirping of crickets was absent, making everything feel wrong. Instead, the sound of my sister's gasping breaths and the crunch of gravel underfoot were the only things I could hear.

My sister stopped next to Daddy’s old blue car. The door groaned on its rusty hinges as she pulled it open and placed me on the passenger seat. She buckled me in before swinging the door closed. I hunched down in the seat, my head sagging against the window. I managed to keep my eyes open and I watched as my sister scrambled into the driver’s seat and shoved the key in the ignition. Without a second glance, she peeled down the long driveway that led up to our house. Gravel pinged against the bottom of the car as we made our way to the road. The moon peeked out at us in a bright white glow that lit up the old dirt road along with the headlights of the car.

I swallowed the dry lump in my throat. Where—where are we going? I hugged my arms tightly against my body, missing the soft warmth of my stuffed bunny Mr. Bun Bun. I wished I had him with me and that he hadn’t gotten left behind in the tunnels with the bad men who had killed my mommy and daddy. I shuddered at the thought of the bad men’s bodies. Their eyes had bulged before blood had dripped from their ears and nose. My sister hadn’t laid a finger on them and yet somehow she’d killed them. I couldn’t understand it.

We’re going someplace safe, my sister said. The moonlight caught on her white blonde hair, making her look like an angel, or maybe a fairy. But the fear in her eyes reminded me that this was no fairy tale. We’ll stay there until I can figure out what to do next and where to go.

My eyes widened. You won’t go without me, right? I shivered, my feet were still bare and my nighty was doing nothing to ward off the chill. But it wasn’t the cold that made me quiver, it was the idea of being left alone.

My sister glanced at me and took my hand in her own as she drove. Sleep bunny, you have nothing to worry about, okay?

I frowned. I wanted to argue, to make her promise not to leave me. But as I opened my mouth, a new wave of exhaustion washed over me and my eyes fluttered shut.

Sleepy, I was so sleepy.

We may not always be able to be together, little sister, I heard her whisper as the car bumped over the road and I drifted off, But I’ll always watch out for you.

I sucked in a breath, my stomach lurching. The new memory vanished as quickly as it had begun. My fingers shook as I gripped the thick bark of the tree I leaned against. Memories that had been hidden from me as a child had been popping in for unexpected visits whenever they wanted.

Tears burned my eyes as I took another shaky breath. I stood there for a long moment, my eyes closed as I tried to come back to myself. As a child, it was easy to miss the details. It was easy to miss the shake to my sister’s voice or the glint of fear in her eyes. But I saw them now.

Every time a new memory snuck up on me it always took my breath away. It was like I was reliving the moment, feeling and experiencing every part for the first time. But not just feeling it for the first time, also seeing it for more than I would’ve as a little girl.

The joys of having a wall torn down in your mind.

I drew in one last breath. My legs felt stronger so I opened my eyes and pushed away from the tree. I swiped a couple of loose tears from my cheeks and turned. A group of people stood further up the path, their eyes glued on me.

Great.

I had an audience. That wasn’t awkward at all.

It was hard enough when the memories started coming back in my dreams, but now they came whenever they liked. When I was showering, walking, eating, or even in mid-conversation. It made things freaking uncomfortable. I remembered more and more now but there were still blank spaces. Spaces I wasn’t sure I wanted to fill anymore.

I tucked a loose strand of blonde hair behind my ear and started walking towards the Mess Hall. The people watching me seemed to lose interest, or at least they’d stopped openly staring at me as I walked past.

I crossed the Resistance compound, strolling past old cabins that seemed to be barely holding it together. If you could trust the few flakes of paint that stubbornly clung to the outside of the cabin I was staying in, it used to be red, but who really knew? I don’t know how old the Bible camp we were living at was, but I did know it was in desperate need of some TLC.

I’d been at the compound for close to three weeks. Half of that time had been spent recovering in the infirmary. I hadn’t exactly arrived in mint condition. Getting buried in a cave-in and breaking down walls in your mind kind of messes you up. After I got out of the infirmary, I stayed with my sister for a few nights in her cabin but now I was finally in a cabin of my own and I was grateful for the emotional space.

I glanced at the wristwatch I wore. It was a generic digital thing that was standard for everyone at the compound. Cell phones weren’t allowed at the compound, neither were computers or any unauthorized contact with the outside world. I upped my pace. I was late meeting Misha for breakfast. A breakfast he insisted I be at. Apparently hiding in my cabin and not coming out wasn’t an option anymore.

Within a few short minutes, I was outside the Mess Hall, a large building that housed the kitchen and cafeteria-style eating space. Psi and humans brushed past me, strolling through the doors at a leisurely pace. Misha wasn’t there yet. I felt my breath stick in my throat. Maybe he was already inside? I tugged at the hem of my shirt. I really didn’t want to go in alone to find out.

I’m not that hungry anyway. I decided and turned to leave when a hand clamped down on my shoulder.

You weren’t about to stand me up, were you? a deep voice with a Russian accent spoke from behind me.

I glanced over my shoulder at Misha who was looking down at me, a single brow lifted. His black curls hung loose around his face. They were damp, like he’d just had a shower. The scents of wintermint and citrus drifted towards me.

I huffed a nervous laugh. Of course not.

He rubbed the stubble along his jaw. You sure about that? His lips were pursed like he was holding back a smile.

I narrowed my eyes at him. I don’t know why you think I need to go in there. Everyone will just stare at me like they did last time. The last time I’d stepped foot in the Mess Hall was right after I’d gotten out of the infirmary, over a week ago.

And they’ll keep staring if you’re always hiding. Misha pressed a hand to the small of my back and pushed me towards the Mess Hall doors. Besides, you’re still nowhere close to gaining back all the weight you lost.

Have you ever thought that maybe I’m happy the way I am? I shot back, dragging my feet as he pushed open the door and held it for me.

Skin and bones isn’t a good look on you. Now get inside before I drag you in. He leaned towards me. "I guarantee that will get you stared at."

I huffed but stepped inside, letting him take my elbow and escort me to the growing food line. The Mess Hall was one large cafeteria-style room, although more rustic looking than most high school or college cafeterias. The walls were made up of light sanded wood and there were large windows along two of the walls that brought in a decent amount of natural light. The walls had faded posters of Bible verses and Christianese tacked up on them. Hung on the wall behind the serving station was a banner with huge looping letters that said, ‘Give us this day our daily bread.’ The whole thing felt kind of superstitious to me. The Bible verses in the Mess Hall and crosses carved above the doors of the cabins. But who was I to judge what brought people meaning?

You hungry? Misha grabbed two trays from a stack and handed one to me.

I took a good look at the food for the first time and my stomach rumbled in response. I guess so.

Good. Misha snatched up two plates and two sets of cutlery, setting one of each on my tray. As the line moved he proceeded to make sure I got a heaping helping of everything that was being served.

This is way too much food, I protested as my new roommate Rosa, added the extra scoop of scrambled eggs Misha requested for me.

You need it.

I opened my mouth, but Rosa shook her head and her long black-brown ponytail swished. Don’t argue with him. I’ve told you, you need some meat on those bones.

Speaking of meat… Misha nodded to the bacon, ham, and sausage lining the serving station. Rosa nodded, making sure I got a helping of each.

Misha motioned for me to follow him to a nearby table.

I slid into a chair across from him. If I eat all of this I’m going to be sick.

Take your time and eat what you can. He bit off a chunk of toast.

I picked up a forkful of scrambled eggs and pushed it past my lips. I chewed slowly, the fluffy, butteriness of the eggs dancing across my tongue. I swallowed. I feel like everyone’s staring.

They are. Misha shrugged.

Gee, thanks. I rolled my eyes. That makes me feel so much better.

"I wasn’t aware it was my job to make you feel better. His mouth quirked in amusement. You’re the sister of a rebellion leader, and you threatened to stab her in the neck. People are going to stare for a while."

It wasn’t like I did it without cause.

To be fair, I hadn’t known that Maeve was my step-sister. I’d known her as Wendy back in the city. It wasn’t until after I’d been kidnapped and taken to the Psi house that I’d been told her real name. Wendy had been my friend, and then I was told that she was a murderer. She sent people to get me, and those people killed my ex-boyfriend, Jesse… terribly. At least, I’d thought she’d sent those people. Turned out it wasn’t true.

No one is saying there wasn’t a good reason for what you did, Misha said, cutting his ham and sausage into tiny bite-sized pieces. But good reason or not, people are curious and cautious. He forked a piece of sausage into his mouth and chewed once, twice, three times, before swallowing. Give it time. It’ll pass.

Before I could respond, a tray clattered down on the table and I looked up to see Manny. I hadn’t seen him since he’d dug me and Misha out of the cave-in. He had a thick beard that would make the biblical Moses jealous and today his short-cropped hair was hiding under a brown fedora with a speckled feather tucked in the brim. He grinned at me as he pulled a chair out next to Misha.

"Mind if I join you, hermano? He nudged Misha. He didn’t bother waiting for a response and plopped down into the seat. Hey, Wren." He nodded in my direction. His thick Mexican accent made my name sound a little different, and I kind of liked it.

Hey, I said around a bite of hash brown.

I don’t think I formally introduced myself when we first met. Last I saw you, you were kind of out of it, and then unconscious. Manny smirked and stood to reach across the table and took my hand. Emmanuel Perez, at your service. He bowed.

Um. Nice to meet you, I murmured. I’m Wren.

I know. His beard tickled my knuckles as he lifted my hand to his lips. It’s very nice to meet you, Wren. You can call me Manny.

I blushed and Misha cleared his throat.

Manny released my hand and shot Misha a shit-eating grin before dropping back down into his chair.

So... the food here is pretty good. I lowered my eyes to my plate.

Of course it’s good, Manny said. My little sister runs the kitchen. He looked over his shoulder and grinned at Rosa. She made a face before waving her ladle at him and turning back to the man in front of her. Rosa’s the best cook out there. He pushed a large portion of syrup soaked pancake into his mouth. And if you think this stuff is good, he motioned to my plate, You should try her enchiladas or homemade tortillas. He closed his eyes and moaned, "Cielo en la tierra."

I lifted a brow.

Heaven on earth, he translated.

So, Misha pointed his fork at Manny’s hat, What’s with that thing?

Manny’s teeth flashed and he reached up and flicked the brim. You mean my fedora?

Misha grunted.

What? Don’t you like it? Manny pulled it off and flipped it in his hands before popping it back on. The girl at the store said it made me look jaunty. I had no idea what that meant, but I liked the way she looked at me when she said it. He raised a brow, his grin widening.

Misha sighed. She told you it looked jaunty and you just bought it?

She may have also used the word sexy and sealed the deal with her phone number. Manny shrugged.

Misha rolled his eyes and I couldn’t help the smile curling up the corner of my mouth.

What? She was cute, and I look jaunty. He winked at me and it was my turn to roll my eyes.

What a shameless flirt. I pushed the thought towards Misha’s mind, although it was totally possible that Manny heard it too. I was still figuring out the whole mind reading thing the Psi did and how it worked.

You got that right, Misha muttered before looking at Manny. Did you ever learn what jaunty meant?

Manny scoffed. "Of course I did. And I’ll have you know, I am a very jaunty man. ‘Sexy jaunty’ to quote mi nueva amiga."

Misha shook his head and pushed to his feet. I need coffee. His lips pursed like he was trying not to laugh. I’ll get you something. He nodded in my direction.

Hey, can you get me a coffee big guy? Manny called after him. Two creams, three sugars, please.

Misha didn’t respond as he walked away.

I pushed the hashbrowns around on my plate. I’d only eaten my way through a quarter of the mountain of food and my stomach felt like it would burst if I took one more bite.

They’ve had you on a pretty short leash since you got here, huh? Manny said as he spread some jam on his toast.

I guess. I shrugged. I’ve only been here two weeks.

Two and a half.

What? I met his brown eyes.

You’ve been here two and a half weeks, he said.

You’re keeping track? I raised a brow.

I keep track of all the pretty girls who come through here, and two and a half weeks is long enough to go a little stir crazy. Especially if you only have Mr. Grumpy to keep you entertained.

I glanced over at the drink station where Misha was filling a cup with coffee. I’m surviving. I looked at Manny. And there are far worse people I could be spending my time with, I said, my voice clipped. I’d kept the company of people far worse than Misha, and I was pretty sure he was one of the good ones.

Oh, believe me, I know. Manny lifted his hands in surrender. He’s one of the best guys to have in your corner. I trust him with my life. He leaned forward He’s just not the guy you go to for a good time.

I leaned back in my chair and crossed my arms. I guess that depends on what you consider a good time.

Anything that would put a smile on your face. Manny bit his lip, grinning.

Wow, I snorted, Do these lines ever work for you?

He laughed. Usually.

Well, I’m smiling, I said, smirking. I guess watching you crash and burn is my idea of a good time.

Ohhhh! Manny exclaimed, clutching his chest like I’d stabbed him.

Conversations around us noticeably paused and the shift in energy seemed to radiate through the room. I glanced at the tables next to us to see people were watching. I ducked my head, my face burning. Can you maybe try not to look like I’m attacking you?

Manny straightened in his chair and glanced at the table next to us. At ease people, she’s unarmed. And I think collectively, we can take her. He winked in my direction.

The people around us chuckled but eyed me warily as they turned back to their breakfasts.

Wow, Manny said, Trying to stab your sister sure earned you a reputation, didn’t it?

Looks like it, I muttered, shoving the food around my plate. I don’t get it, you guys have superpowers. I wouldn’t think that I should give anyone that much to worry about.

It was almost laughable that people seemed as concerned about me as they did. I mean, I was human surrounded by a compound full of mostly Psi. Psi who could harness psychic energy and use it to do things like read minds, heal people, and fight an opponent without needing to actually touch them, just to name a few.

Manny was a Psi who had the ability to use his mind to shift his form. Meaning he could turn himself into a freaking wolf! And they were worried about me? It was ridiculous.

People around here like to worry. Manny swiped a piece of my toast. You mind? he asked, biting off half the piece.

Doesn’t look like it matters if I do.

So serious and grumpy. Manny chewed. We really need to get you to loosen up and have some fun. He made a face. Or whatever counts as fun around here.

I lifted a brow. Aren’t you people too busy for fun? You know, preparing for a war and whatnot?

The Psi Council, who governed the Psi were tired of living in the shadows and hiding their existence from humanity. But they didn’t want to share power with humans, they wanted to enslave them. My step-sister, Maeve, was a leader of a movement of Psi and humans together called the Resistance. She and the few humans who knew about the Psi’s existence were doing their best to counteract The Council and keep them from going through with their plans. But so far, The Council showed no sign of standing down, which meant war was coming.

I’m never too busy to have fun. Manny wiggled his bushy eyebrows. Especially with pretty girls.

I couldn’t help myself. I laughed. It felt good to be around someone so carefree, even if he was a ridiculous flirt. This might be the first normal conversation I’d had in weeks. You’re shameless aren’t you?

Eh. Manny waved a dismissive hand. Shame is a useless emotion, completely good for nothing.

What’s good for nothing?