The Chosen: An Urban Fantasy Novel

By Aurora Grace

What if there’s so much more to the world you see?
When Elizabeth Summers jams on the brakes to avoid knocking into a man standing in the middle of the road, she is thrown into a world of angels, demons, and gods. A world where a shadow organization, the Elect, will stop at nothing to get her.
There’s no one she can turn to but Ian Knight. He has saved her once, and he promises to protect her.
But Ian is part of the Elect, one of their very best.
Will he give up all he has ever known and all that he’s been taught for Elizabeth? And with enemies in two separate realms, will Elizabeth and Ian ever be safe?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Publishdrive
• Release date: Jul 18, 2020
• ISBN: 9798666948002

Book preview

Chapter

One

Maybe I should just give up driving. Maybe then, Elizabeth Summers would stop having her nightmares, and she’d never have to watch herself die over and over again.

Elizabeth stared at her car’s key fob in her hand. Will it work?

I said decaf. This clearly isn’t decaf. The shrill voice at the counter drew her attention.

It is, ma’am, Laura Green, the barista, said while wiping her hands on her dark blue apron.

The woman in a maroon yoga pants and white tank top rolled her eyes. "I know it isn’t. I can taste the difference."

Laura’s chest rose as she angled her face down. It seemed her favorite barista had had a long day.

I want to see your—

Why don’t you make her another cup and get her one of those gluten-free cookies? Elizabeth interjected. On me.

She had dropped by the café for a slice of cake and another shot of unnecessary caffeine. A decaf would have probably been the better option for her, especially with the nightmares.

Yoga-lady adjusted the shoulder strap holding her mat. You don’t have to do that.

I want to, she said. I feel like you deserve a treat. More like needed it.

Yoga-lady scowled and opened her mouth, seemingly ready to make a bigger deal of things.

And you’ll have to tell me where you got your yoga pants, Elizabeth continued. They look so good on you.

Yoga-lady’s mouth snapped shut.

Laura took the chance to slip away, and Elizabeth asked yoga-lady about her class. They chatted until Laura came back with a fresh cup of coffee and a brown bag. Here you go. She handed the things to yoga-lady with a bright smile.

Elizabeth waved as yoga-lady left, then moved forward to pay for the additional purchase.

You didn’t have to do that, Laura whispered.

Elizabeth knew she did. This was one of Laura three jobs, and she needed every penny from her jobs to take care of her five younger siblings. Her parents loved having children. They just didn’t like to take care of them.

Elizabeth and Laura were both eighteen, but lived completely different lives.

Elizabeth had every advantage given to her.

But despite all the advantages, she hadn’t achieved anything. She had turned out … ordinary.

She shoved the thoughts from her mind and brought her phone close to the scanner. I don’t know what the yoga studio is teaching, but it definitely isn’t helping her release stress.

Laura laughed. Thanks, Liz.

It’s nothing.

Her family had more than enough money. Elizabeth had a trust fund that would make sure she and her children never had to work a day in their lives. She could write a check for Laura and solve all her problems. It wouldn’t even make a dent in Elizabeth’s accounts, but Laura had adamantly refused.

Don’t you dare, Laura had told her. I can make my own way in life. I’m not looking for a handout.

So, this really was the least Elizabeth could do for her.

They continued chatting while Laura made her coffee. It was already after nine at night. The café had several customers spread across three tables, but there wasn’t anyone else in line.

Big event coming up? Laura asked. You’re here later than usual.

Yeah. We have a charity ball coming up on Valentine’s Day. And today had been one of those days. Everything that could go wrong did.

The venue was flooded with water from a broken pipe. A few of the items on auction had to be pulled, which meant she had to search for new auction listings.

Are your parents forcing you to marry someone you don’t know?

What? Elizabeth’s parents would never force her to do anything she didn’t want.

I don’t know. What problems do rich people face?

Elizabeth glared at her.

Here. Laura handed her the coffee. Decaf.

She arched a brow.

You look tired.

Haven’t been—

Sleeping well. Laura folded her arms across her chest. Are you ever going to tell me why?

Elizabeth shrugged a shoulder.

Liz.

I’m fine. She flashed her signature sweet smile—one she’d mastered through years of charity balls and company functions. How could she complain about a nightmare when Laura had actual problems to worry about? Don’t worry.

Laura held up her finger. One minute. Then she disappeared into the back, coming back with a cake box. Mango cheesecake.

Elizabeth’s eyes widened. I only ordered a slice, she whispered, not wanting anyone else to hear.

And it’s only half a cake in here.

She frowned.

We discard all cakes three days after delivery. Today is the third. Laura pushed it across the counter. It’s still good for at least three more days in the fridge. I’ve kept a cake in mine for a week.

Are you sure you won’t get into trouble for this? I can pay for it.

Laura rolled her eyes. It’s going into the trash anyway. She leaned forward. But don’t go around telling anybody.

Elizabeth grinned. She had a coffee machine at home, but she loved the cheesecakes here. It was just what she needed after a day like this. Yes, ma’am.

Laura held her gaze for a moment. Seriously, Liz. Are you okay?

No. Elizabeth struggled to keep the smile on her face.

Since turning eighteen, Elizabeth had been plagued with nightmares of a car accident. At first, she’d just pushed it from her mind. But seeing herself die over and over again for six months straight was seriously messing with her head.

I’m fine. She jerked her chin toward the counter. Customer’s waiting.

Laura nodded. If you need to talk …

I know. She waved and headed for the door.

For months, Elizabeth had been wondering. Was her nightmare trying to tell her something? Was it a premonition? A warning?

And the man in her nightmares. The man with the light gray eyes. Who was he? Why was a stranger in the car with her?

Elizabeth shook her head. Stop. She was obsessing again, which wouldn’t help.

If you need to talk … Perhaps she should find a therapist. Maybe she had some unconscious trauma that was causing her nightmare.

Elizabeth almost laughed aloud. Hidden trauma. What hidden trauma could she have? She’d been sheltered her whole life. She hadn’t been abused, hadn’t been lacking.

She skidded to a stop when a man cut in front of her as he exited the café.

Elizabeth glanced up at him.

Their gaze met.

Those gray eyes.

Scenes of her nightmare flashed across her mind.

She could hear herself screaming as her car flipped.

The man with the light gray eyes, the shade of clouds right before a storm, was right next to her in the car. He would reach out for her. He always did.

But he never reached her.

She was always thrown from the car.

Elizabeth tightened her grip on her coffee cup. She felt her heart drop as if she was on a rollercoaster ride. She knew what was coming next, but she couldn’t stop the fear from overwhelming her as she saw herself plunge into the icy lake.

A rush of cold wind against her face woke Elizabeth from her trance.

She sucked in a breath and swallowed.

Liz.

She whirled around to see Laura. Her brows knitted together, and her gaze swimming with concern. It was the same way her parents had started looking at her.

Are you okay? she asked and picked up the cake box Elizabeth dropped.

That man is the key.

Elizabeth turned, but the man was gone.

Liz.

Sorry, Laura, but I’ve got to go. Elizabeth pushed opened the glass door and ran out of the café.

She took two steps to the left, then turned abruptly to search the other end of the street. Ah! she screamed as hot coffee spilled over her hand and onto the man she’d slammed into.

Ian Knight kept his eyes on his charge as he moved through the relatively empty streets. He’d never been to Chelan, but he’d seen this street more than a dozen times.

A man moving toward him stuffed his hand into his front pocket.

As the man pulled out his cellphone, a gold ring fell out along with it.

Ian bent forward and grabbed the ring in mid-air.

If he hadn’t, it would have rolled into the manhole. Hey. Ian tapped on the man’s shoulder. You dropped this.

The man’s eyes widened when he saw what was in Ian’s palm. Thanks, man. It’s my wedding ring.

Ian already knew that. He’d seen it in his vision, seen the man pulling at his hair over the loss of his wedding ring.

Ian wasn’t here to save the ring, though.

He flashed a smiled and turned his attention back to the blonde several feet ahead of him. Her hands were stuffed in the pockets of her beige parka. Her black tote bag hooked over her right shoulder.

She was the reason why he was in Chelan, why he knew this street like the back of his hand. She was the reason why he knew the man would drop his ring.

Tonight’s job wasn’t anything exciting, though. He just needed to make sure the woman didn’t head down the back alley on her own.

That way, she wouldn’t run into the man who would end up killing her.

Who exactly was the woman or the would-be murderer? Ian didn’t know.

He’d been trained to keep the disastrous things in his visions from happening. The reasons behind them didn’t matter.

His vision showed him every detail that led up to the event he was supposed to prevent. He already knew what the blonde he’d be saving looked like. He knew what she would be wearing, what she would be doing.

Everything was crystal clear, as was all his visions. All except one.

Ian pushed that out of his mind. Focus. He needed to keep his eye on his charge. One mistake and the blonde might end up dead.

He couldn’t allow that.

These visions were a gift, a gift only the Chosen had.

By who? Ian didn’t know either.

All that mattered was that he was saving lives. Tonight, it would be the blonde in the beige parka.

He already had a plan, as he always did with every charge he set out to save. He would spill the red cranberry juice he’d bought onto her. Then he would apologize and insist on getting her a cab.

He would follow the cab, of course, and make sure that his charge got home safe.

Then he would head back to the compound and await another vision.

The door of the café to his left swung outward, barely missing him.

What the … Ian slowed his step.

This wasn’t in his vision.

A woman ran out onto the sidewalk, stopping right in front of him.

Ian frowned. He could’ve sidestepped the woman and continued on his way, but he didn’t.

Something was wrong.

Everything was supposed to play out exactly as his vision. So far, everything had.

Ian looked ahead at his charge. She was supposed to reach into her bag and take out her phone right about … now.

And she did.

Ian peered at the door that had swung close. It shouldn’t have opened. This woman shouldn’t be blocking his way.

His visions had never been wrong.

The mysterious woman whirled around.

Her.

Time seemed to slow as he watched her brown hair drift from her movement. How had Ian not realized it?

She was the one.

The woman screamed as coffee from her cup spilled onto her hand and his black jacket.

I’m so sorry, she said, but she wasn’t looking at him. Instead, she craned her neck to look over his shoulder.

Ian didn’t turn to see who or what she was looking at.

He couldn’t.

He couldn’t take his eyes off her. This is her.

This was the woman in the recurring vision. The one that wouldn’t go away. The one he didn’t have control over.

For the first time, Ian didn’t have all the details he needed. He couldn’t see where the car accident would happen. He just knew it would, and he knew it would happen soon.

The woman swiped at his waterproof jacket and took a step to the side. I’m so sorry, she said as her eyes continued to search the street behind him.

Ian’s gaze roamed across her petite heart-shaped face. You’re her. He was sure.

She lifted her chin, and her amber eyes met his. Excuse me?

Ian stared into her eyes, memorizing every chocolate-brown fleck within and the tinge of olive green that surrounded them.

For once in his life, he forgot about his purpose—his charge.

Her eyes flitted to the side, and she glanced over her shoulder as she asked, Are you okay? She carelessly used the edge of her white jacket to dab at the coffee on his jacket.

Her own hand was still covered in coffee, but she didn’t seem to care.

Ian couldn’t speak.

For six months he’d been having the vision. For six months, he’d been wondering why he couldn’t get more details out of it. All he could think about was that he might fail her.

Now he could finally see her face. What’s—

I’m so sorry. I was—I’m sorry. She flicked the coffee off her hand, reached into her bag, and pulled out a pen. Here. She scribbled something on the cup she was holding and pushed it into his hand. My number. I’ll pay for your jacket. I’m sorry, but I need to go.

She tried to step around him, but Ian grabbed her arm.

He couldn’t let her go. He just couldn’t. Why is she in such a rush? Are you in danger?

She would have to be alive to be in the car crash, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t in danger now.

Somewhere behind her, a car honked.

His mystery woman jumped and looked over her shoulder just as another piercing honk streaked through the cold night air.

Ian already knew that would happen. He’d heard the car honk in his vision, and that finally reminded him of why he was there. His charge.

He had a life to save.

In his moment of distraction, his mystery woman pulled away from him and ran down the street.

Ian took two steps after her before stopping himself.

He pulled his phone out and took a photo of the number. He twirled the cup around, but there wasn’t any name. With a sigh, he discarded of it and hurried forward.

It didn’t take him long to find his charge. After all, he already knew her movements.

Ian couldn’t help but glance over his shoulder every now and then. The woman was no longer in sight, and something tugged in his chest. Worry? Anxiety?

It didn’t make sense. He never cared about his charges. They were simply jobs he had to complete.

But everything related to the woman had been anything but ordinary.

Chapter

Two

"D o you want to have breakfast together?"

Elizabeth swung her blue tote bag up her shoulders. I can’t, she said to her mother. I have to head out to the resort to see the damage to the ballroom. We may have to change to another one. Or … She shuddered. We may have to find another venue altogether.

Her mother glanced over her shoulder. But it’s getting dark out. Why don’t you get Sally to do it?

She’s already meeting me there, but you know how making such decisions stresses her out.

All the more she should learn. She won’t remain an assistant project manager. She’ll become a project manager someday.

Which is why she’ll be there with me—working overtime on a Saturday, boss.

Her mother laughed softly and pulled her close as she put her arm through Elizabeth’s. Do you want me to drive you there?

No.

Her mother’s smile remained, but her eyes darkened with concern.

I’m okay, Mom.

I’m your mother, Lizzie. I’m always going to worry about you. Especially when she thought her daughter was losing touch with reality.

Last night, Elizabeth had searched the streets for an hour. She wasn’t sure where she should go, but she’d continued walking. She had only one thought running through her mind: finding the man with those light gray eyes.

She had missed five of her parents’ calls. When she finally called them back, they were yelling frantically into the phone. First with concern, then with anger.

And she was wrecked with guilt when she finally got home and saw their shoulders slumped with relief.

She had expected anger to follow, but it never came. Her mother fetched her an electric heated blanket, while her father made her a cup of tea. They peppered her with questions on where she’d been. Not because they wanted answers, but because she looked pale and they wanted to know if she needed a doctor.

And that was why she had to pull herself together.

She had to stop doing this to them.

Let me get your father. We’ll all go together. Your father and I can wait for you at the café, and we can have breakfast together.

Elizabeth shook her head. I’ll drive. I want to. I need to.

Her mother’s brows twitched.

I’m done letting the nightmare rule my life.

Did you dream about it again last night?

Elizabeth nodded. But screw it.

Her mother frowned at her.

The more I allow myself to obsess over it, the more I’ll keep dreaming about it.

Her mother nodded slowly. Okay. She stopped halfway down the stairs. I want you to promise me something. I don’t want you to go after strangers, no matter what color their eyes are. Do you hear me?

Elizabeth pursed her lips.

You said you’re done letting the nightmare rule your life, her mother reminded her.

Okay, she said after a moment.

And call me when you get to the resort.

Yes, ma’am.

The doorbell rang just as they got downstairs. Her mother peered over at the security panel. Nate.

I just left.

Her mother chuckled. You should just tell him you’re not interested. Men don’t get hints, darling.

I love you.

Her mother leaned over and gave her a peck on her cheek. Drive safe. Remember your seat belt.

Always do. Elizabeth ran to her car. Once inside, she pulled out her phone and dropped her bag on the passenger seat. She was about to plug her phone into her car’s phone holder when the electric cello of Wonder Women’s theme broke the silence.

She stared down at the unknown number. Did Nate change his number?

She considered ignoring the call, but was worried it would be something important. Hello?

Hi, I’m the guy from last night.

She swallowed as she thought about those light gray eyes.

The one you spilled coffee on, he went on.

Oh. She sighed and shook her head. She needed to get those eyes out of her mind.

You sound disappointed.

No. She laughed nervously. I—never mind. I’m so sorry about your jacket.

Ian. Ian Knight.

Elizabeth Summers. She glanced over at the door that opened into the garage. Oh, no, she said when the door opened. Hang on. She plugged the phone into the holder and started her car as Nate jogged over to her.

Her mother remained at the threshold, giving her a I’m-sorry shrug.

Elizabeth swallowed her curse and plastered a smile when he knocked on the driver’s window.

She pressed on the button to roll up the garage door before lowering her window. Sorry, Nate, I’ve got to go. She glanced over at her escape route.

I thought we could—

I’m running late already. Bye. She clicked on the button to roll the window up and drove forward. She gave Nate the back of her hand without looking at him.

Once she was out of the house, she sighed.

Sounds like you’ve just made a successful escape.

Elizabeth had jumped at Ian’s voice, forgetting he was still on the line. Yes, I did. And without a scratch to my car, too.

Ian remained quiet.

It seemed he was ready to get down to business.

I’m so sorry about your jacket. How much is it? How would you like me to transfer the money?

It’s nothing a dry wash can’t fix.

I’ll pay for that, then.

How about you buy me coffee instead?

Coffee? She pursed her lips. She couldn’t remember much about Ian, her mind too focused on the man with the gray eyes.

I could buy you coffee if you want. Or lunch. To celebrate your successful escape.

Was Ian asking her out on a date? No one had asked her out before, except Nate. But her neighbor didn’t count.

Now? Elizabeth groaned when a drop of rain splattered on her windshield.

I don’t think I’ve ever felt this rejected before.

She laughed. I wasn’t groaning about that. It’s raining here. She looked up at the dark sky. I hate driving when it rains.

Where are you? I’ll come and pick you up.

Oh, no. It’s okay. You don’t have to do that.

I want to.

You’re being awfully nice. Elizabeth drew a breath through her nose. Was it because he knew who she was? Or specifically whose daughter she was? Her parents were both extremely successful in their industries, and people had tried to make use of her to get closer to them.

I don’t mean to creep you out. You said you hate driving in the rain. I’m a good driver, I promise.

She drummed her fingers against the steering wheel.

She would love to pull over by the side of the road and have Ian pick her up. Anything to avoid driving in the rain.

Elizabeth glanced down at the clothes she was wearing. She’d thrown on the first thing she pulled out from her closet. She didn’t give it much thought until now.

Black knitted sweater over a white collared shirt. Dark blue jeans. Black cashmere coat.

Elizabeth jammed on the brake.

Elizabeth? Ian called out, probably because of the piercing screech of her tires. Elizabeth.

She was wearing the exact ensemble she wore in her nightmare.

Elizabeth started to shrug off her coat. If she wasn’t wearing it, she wouldn’t get into the accident, right?

Elizabeth Summers.

She stopped and stared at the phone. I’m sorry, she muttered. I keep forgetting you’re on the line.

Are you okay? What happened?

Nothing. She looked over her shoulder, then up at the rear-view mirror. There weren’t any cars behind her. She was lucky she wasn’t on the highway.

Which was why she really needed to get a grip on reality.

The nightmare is nothing more than a nightmare. She relaxed her grip on the steering wheel. There’s this resort—

I’d prefer to pick you up.

There’s no need. I have to drive myself there. This would prove—once and for all—that her nightmare wasn’t anything she had to waste time on.

Sounds like you’re trying to prove a point.

To myself, yes, she said and stepped on her gas pedal. If you’re up for it, I can text you the address of where I’m going. I can meet you there.

You sure I can’t drive you there?

I’m already in my car.

Don’t text and drive.

She grinned and rattled off the name of the resort. Just ask the concierge to direct you to the café. See you there.

See you soon, Elizabeth.

She ended the call and adjusted her grip on the steering wheel. I’ll be fine.

Everything would be okay. Elizabeth kept telling herself that even as the rain grew heavier as she drove.

Soon, morning felt like night.

The rain, coupled with swirling dark gray clouds, drastically restricted her visibility. She could barely see what was outside her car, but stiffened as a sudden chill ran through her.

Instinct.

Or fear. Irrational fear.

Still, Elizabeth reduced the already nominal pressure she had on the gas pedal as thunder rumbled in the