Sun Rays

By CB Jensen

Ray Bennet has been trying to forget the pain of her past for far too long when Kyle Walker moves into town, bringing mystery and excitement. Though Ray has never been interested in much more than her studies, she finds herself captivated by his intensity.

It isn't too long before she discovers Kyle is hiding a secret about a world of Sorcery, a world he originates from. Though this new world intrigues Ray, it just might be connected to her painful past.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9781638813439

Book preview

Copyright © 2022 CB Jensen

All rights reserved

First Edition

NEWMAN SPRINGS PUBLISHING

320 Broad Street

Red Bank, NJ 07701

First originally published by Newman Springs Publishing 2022

ISBN 978-1-63881-341-5 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63881-342-2 (Hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-63881-343-9 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

To my husband, for supporting me through the thickest of waters and inspiring what true love looks like

Chapter 1

Dad, Dad! What’s going on? Where are we going? I cried with fear.

Shush, baby, my father said with quick but quiet words. I tried hard not to shake with fear as it crept through my spine. There was this sharpness in my father’s voice, an edge I had never heard before, and it frightened me.

In the entirety of my five years, my father had never made me feel anything but special, but there was something different about him tonight. I could tell I wasn’t the only one scared; he was too. The car suddenly came to an abrupt stop, and he threw it into park, then turned to face me. With his blue eyes full of tears, he spoke in a quiet but firm whisper.

Don’t you move a muscle, you understand me?

The fear in his voice struck me to the bone; all I could do was nod. As quick as he had said those words, he was out of the car and out of sight, although in a split second I saw him turn and take one last look at me before he was gone. I blinked back tears, and within a second, crack—there came a horrifying noise. A noise that made me jump, sitting straight up, and with that my eyes flew open.

I rubbed the tears from my eyes before they could escape, and then stared into my pitch-black room as time felt irrelevant. There was only one thing on my mind: the reoccurring nightmare I’d had since I was five years old and asking the same questions repeatedly. Why had my father left me in that van twelve years ago? What was the loud noise I’d heard? And would the pain ever go away? I turned just in time to see my clock hit 7:00 a.m. and my alarm blare to life with the words from one of my favorite songs. I sat up in bed, wiping the few tears that escaped from the side of my face while stretching my stiff muscles. I let the music play for a few minutes as I got up and walked to the window. I pulled back the curtains, letting the rays of sunlight peeking up over the mountains hit my face. There was something about the sunrise that made all my fears disappear. My mind drifted back to what my father would say before leaving on deployments. It was his way of saying he loved me.

Ray, you will always be the sun that shines through the clouds. My brows furrowed as my eyes closed, allowing the hurt to sink in for only seconds, knowing he didn’t say it the last time I’d seen him, and then swiftly pushing it aside.

My recollection didn’t stop there as I watched the sun continue to rise. My thoughts wandered back to the sunsets on the beach on the rare occasions my mother and father would take me. Us building sandcastles bigger than our car and my father teaching me to swim. There had been an unfortunate evening when I had been pulled under a wave and was unable to find the surface. I began to panic as I felt my lungs burn with salt water, but shortly after, I burst through the epipelagic layer that had held me captive, allowing relief for my lungs. My father had pulled me from an unforgiving sea as only a five-year-old could see it as. Odd as it sounded, I had never felt safer wrapped in his arms.

He was a man who served his country in the Navy and only found the time for trips every once in a while. I wished we had more pictures from those trips; those were the moments of my father I clung to. We were never much of a picture family, though, and even when we did take photos, my father was always the one behind the camera.

Two pictures of my father are all I have—one of him and my mother on their wedding day, the other one in his Navy uniform. I kept that one with me in my wallet. He was a captain and looking to become a general before disappearing. Rumors went around about that being the reason for his disappearance, but I’ve never been sure what to believe.

After taking a deep breath, I hit the button on my phone, relieving my alarm clock of its duty, and headed to the bathroom to get ready for school. As I got to the bathroom, I turned to look at myself in the mirror, eyeing myself with disgust. I stared at the brunette tumbleweed on my head reaching about halfway down my back, still showing some of the curls from the day before. My blue eyes weren’t particularly complimented by the circles under them, although my eyes were my favorite quality. They were one of the only things I actually inherited from my father; other than that, I was told my mother and I could pass as twins. Which I took as a compliment. Men were always flaunting themselves at my mom, offers she didn’t often take, though. We were around the same height, with the same olive-toned skin and upturned button nose.

After getting ready, I headed down our old creaky stairs that ended at the foot of our front door and turned to walk down the little hallway that led to our kitchen. Our kitchen looked like it was straight out of a ’90s magazine matching our little ’90s house. The light wooden cupboards curved around with white countertops sitting below them and winding into the bar that sat in front of our table. Our appliances were all white but in desperate need of cleaning.

As I walked into the kitchen, I saw my mother waiting at the table for me with breakfast ready. Giving her a tired stare and then receiving one of her famous smirks, she finally spoke.

Well, a good morning to you too, sunshine. Laughing, I sat down.

Mmm. Waffles. I grinned, and we started our breakfast.

Ray. My mother broke the silence. Do you have plans tonight?

Well, Lindsey and I are supposed to study for the midterm in chemistry for tomorrow. Why?

Lindsey was my best friend and had been for as long as I could remember. We grew up together and were basically sisters.

Well, there’s this guy Stephanie knows, and he asked me on a date.

Stephanie from work? I questioned.

Umm, yeah. She took a bite of her food.

I thought you found her annoying. I eyed my mother while cutting a piece of my waffle loose.

Yes, it’s more of a courtesy. You know how I am with dating. Anyway I just told him I would cook him dinner.

Here? I couldn’t help the shock while laughing and returning that smirk she had given to me earlier. My mother hadn’t been on an actual date in months and never asked for the house to herself.

So you told him you’d cook for him, as a courtesy? I mocked some more.

Yeah, I guess something like that. She was intentionally ignoring the sarcasm.

This actually meant something, and she was trying to keep it discreet. She didn’t like me to know that she ever dated. I think it has something to do with my dad, although she never talked about it. Every time the subject of my father got brought up, she didn’t have a lot to say. She always babbled on and on about him being a busy man, and although he loved me, it would have never worked out between them anyway. Nothing she had ever said made sense to me or explained why he left me in that beat-up old van so long ago. She always told me not to worry about it; she loved me, and that’s why she would protect me under any circumstance. By the end of it, I always ended up dropping the fight I had so eagerly gone into. I pushed hard for information one time, but my mom became so defensive and began to cry, I dropped the whole thing. I ended up just holding her in the moment of despair. I could see how much it upset her just to think about it, and I never wanted to be the one to cause my mother so much pain.

As a result, I haven’t ever found out what exactly happened that night. All I know is that a security guard found me at some crating docks off a Florida beach in the van; he then called the cops because I refused to get out of the van or talk to him at all. The police officer had found my mother from the phone number that was written on my backpack. After my mom picked me up, we immediately went home, and my mother had packed up our whole life into the back of my father’s truck. After a very long drive, we ended up in Delta, Utah, where we’ve been ever since.

Ray, please try to at least look happy for me, my mother said, pulling me back into the conversation.

No, I am! I’m glad you’re happy, I finally blurted out.

Good, ’cause he seems really nice, she said, smiling ear-to-ear.

So what’s his name? I asked as I stood to put my dish in the sink.

Ryan, Morrey.

Oh, very nice. I could see that. Melissa Morrey, I stated casually but in every way trying to annoy her, and my mother gasped.

It’s barely even a date! All I could do was laugh as I grabbed my keys and books for school. I told her I loved her and headed out the door. Our front door was greeted by several icy steps that went into a curved sidewalk and led to our driveway, where my truck sat waiting for me.

Living in Delta, Utah, with a population of a little over thirty-five hundred people meant everybody practically knew everybody, and if you didn’t know someone, you knew someone who did. Getting from one place to another took no more than ten minutes. I lived only a couple of blocks away from the school, which meant it took little to no time to get to school every day. As I pulled into the parking lot, I studied the same sign I had every other day. It read DELTA HIGH SCHOOL, HOME OF THE RABBITS in bold letters. It’s hard not to take pride in that sign; we’ve taken state in everything besides swimming and baseball in the last four years. It’s pretty miraculous for a school that has an enrollment of 508 and a graduating class of only 98, putting us in the A2 division. It’s crazy to think in just three months, I’ll be graduating and be deemed an adult in the eyes of Utah State.

After getting to school and parking, I immediately found Lindsey. She met me at the hood of my truck, laughing at the ugly noises it made. The exhaust was way too loud and spat out a thick gray smoke, which I knew meant it was possibly burning oil. I just didn’t have the money to get it fixed at the moment. I kept a pint of oil in the back, and that felt sufficient enough for the time being. The only thing Lindsey hated more about my truck than the noises it made was the way it looked. The black paint had been chipping for years and had now begun to rust.

Lindsey made the same silly remark I’d heard a million times as I jumped out.

You really need a new car before it actually breaks down and leaves you stranded on the side of the road. She laughed. Plus, you’re a lady, you should have a car to match.

I ignored the lady comment. Yes, because me breaking down on the side of the road would be so inconvenient for you! I sarcastically murmured while laughing.

It would, she snapped back. Seeing as then I’d have to come pick your sorry ass up!

We both laughed, but deep down I knew she really didn’t understand. The truck was my father’s, and I wouldn’t trade it for any fancy car in the world. Lindsey’s father died when she was young, one big thing we had in common to bond over when I first met her. Although not having a father hadn’t affected her the same way it had me. Her mother was a lawyer, the best lawyer in the state, so she never went without and always had all the brand-new toys. For example, the new shiny black Lexus that sat straight across from my beat-up old 1995 Ford F-150. Although I really couldn’t complain; my truck had always got me from point A to point B. To go along with the money she had, she was beautiful and always had guys chasing after her. She had long legs, blond hair, and dark eyes. Guys really just couldn’t fight it.

I felt a chill go through me, and I zipped up my jacket. We had just moved into February, and it had been a cold year. Snow still hung around, and every part of me clung to the inside of my coat. As we walked from the parking lot to the school, Lindsey was bursting out of her seams with excitement. I could tell she was just waiting for me to ask, so I thought I’d amuse her.

What are you so shaky about?

Ninety-nine.

I scrunched my face with confusion.

You’re counting wrong, you start with one, I said sarcastically. She rolled her eyes and gave me an annoyed look. I laughed, shaking my head, before giving in. What are you talking about?

Ninety-nine people are graduating from Delta High School this year. Which was one more than there was last week, and I guessed that made top news in a small town, along with excitement.

Are you saying… I spoke with an odd tone. Someone new moved in with three months left of school?

I know, right! Anyway, David said he moved here with his dad from Miami. David was the student class president and also Lindsey’s new fixation at the time, not that he didn’t adore her back. Lindsey had a real soft spot for guys with green eyes, and David had green eyes the grass would die for. Lindsey smiled, and I couldn’t help but return it. It was good to see her happy.

Miami, huh? I stated with curiosity. I had always wanted to visit Miami and see the Army base my dad was stationed at. Lindsey’s eyes glistened as she continued.

Yup. I also heard he’s really cute! I laughed as I couldn’t help but say what came straight to mind.

Oh, yeah, did you hear that from David too? I finished with a smirk. She gave me one of her evil looks, but couldn’t hold back a smile.

Shut up! Her voice came off a little high-pitched, but then she explained. Cara—you know, David’s sister—was there when this kid was enrolling and says he’s something to kill for. Her eyebrows swiftly rose up and down.

Sure, I said. Tell yourself whatever makes you feel better. I was trying to drift away from where I knew this was going. She rolled her eyes but smiled with seriousness.

If he’s as hot as she said, even you’ll like him.

What’s that supposed to mean?

You don’t like anybody, she stated flatly as very matter-of-fact.

And?

Well, nothing’s wrong with it, but if you’re not gay then there has to be some guy out there you’ll drool over. I couldn’t help but laugh at her as she winked at me.

Well, you can have this one. I’ll get the next one. I winked back, and knowing me too well, she ended the conversation with a laugh of agreement.

Lindsey was always trying to set me up with guys. She wanted so badly for me to find love. She would joke that I was going to be single forever because I wouldn’t give any guy the chance to win me over. I couldn’t help but let her have her way and go out on the occasional double date to make her happy. It just never ended the way Lindsey wanted it to. I wasn’t sure if I just wasn’t interested in the cowboys at our school or if it was all men. I sometimes thought what happened with my dad had messed me up for life. Maybe I just didn’t find them attractive, or maybe I was just too scared. Whatever it was, I wasn’t too worried about it at this point; I had college in the fall and hoped that would lead to me becoming a doctor and figuring out all the things I was so eager to leave this town for, then maybe I’d try the dating thing.

*****

After Lindsey’s very persuasive attempt to get me a date, we split and headed off to our first class. Our days alternated between A day and B day. It was A day; Lindsey and I didn’t have any classes together on this day but would have a class together tomorrow. My first class, I was a teacher’s aide, which I usually used as a free period to study. Today, Mr. Greeman wanted my help grading a few of the freshmen’s English papers. I’d had him for English every year since I was a freshman, and he knew me well. He trusted me to help out by guiding the papers in the right direction. I honestly couldn’t believe how patient that man was with a few of the students’ writing, but knew I should be the same. After grading them, I quickly handed the papers back to those who were in the class and put the rest on Mr. Greeman’s desk. I used the rest of the time studying for my chemistry midterm; it was all I could think about. Chemistry wasn’t my best subject, and if I wanted to get into a top D1 school, I had to ace it to keep my 4.0. The freshmen were in their reading groups when the bell rang. I leaped to my feet, waiting to get past the crowd that had formed around the door.

Making my way to my locker, I began the combination, but before I was done, our exchange student from Brazil passed me in the hall.

Hey, Ray, are we still on for a study session at lunch? she stated in her beautiful accent.

Of course, Marcia. I’ll be there. Table by the door? I smiled at her, and she nodded, still walking in the opposite direction.

Focusing back on my locker, I tried my combination and it didn’t open. I glared at the lock, thinking I must’ve messed up. Again I tried and failed. I began to get irritated as the time to get to my next class was drifting. Trying again, the lock firmly stayed in place, and I felt myself becoming angry. I swiftly hit my locker out of frustration. Immediately, I felt chills run through me as I became flustered, which didn’t happen very often. I looked around to see who was looking at me, and with no surprise, quite a few had their eyes lingering as they passed. Embarrassment leaped into my cheeks in a blush as I took a deep breath. Looking back around, surprise hit me when I saw my locker was now slightly open. I felt silly but opened my locker quickly, grabbing my history and calculus books so I wouldn’t need to come back after my next class. I threw my locker shut and hurried off down the hall.

Chapter 2

I walked into history flustered, thinking I would be late due my locker issue, and realized someone was sitting in my seat. As I got closer, I realized I didn’t have a clue who it was. In such a small school like ours, there wasn’t a face you didn’t know. Immediately, I knew who it was and regretted walking up so close to the desk. He turned, realizing I was looking at him,

Sorry, am I in your seat? With every fiber in my body, I tried to find any words to say, but nothing was coming to mind. I froze; all I could do was stare into the crystal-blue eyes that smiled back at me. Feeling paralyzed and slightly creepy with the silence still growing, I was relieved when Abby, who sat next to me in class, walked in.

Hey, Ray, did we move seats? she asked with confusion.

Umm, I managed to spit out with the same confusion she had.

Mrs. Jensen then walked over to clear up the misunderstanding.

Ladies, this is Kyle Walker. He’s new to school. I hope you’ll make him feel welcome. There is an odd number of students in the class now, and with the semester already started, I’d like him to sit next to someone to get caught up. Is that all right?

Yeah, we both said, nodding our heads. Abby’s reaction was a bit more eager than mine, but we were both wondering who she was going to have help him and with much relief she added, Kyle, this is Ray’s seat—with a hand motioning toward me. Abby, are you okay in this free seat in front of Ray? I would like Ray to help Kyle get caught up.

Sure, Abby said bittersweetly with a wink in my direction. She clearly found him attractive and was jealous it wasn’t her catching him up.

Perfect. You’ll be right here, Mrs. Jensen said with her hand on the table. I shot a glance back at Kyle as he smiled with understanding and slid his books across the table in front of his seat.

I then proceeded to take my seat, but was stopped when he glanced up and said, Ray…that’s an oddly beautiful name. He pulled his fingers through his dark hair.

I immediately felt shy but smiled with a smirk and said, Thanks. I picked it myself. He chuckled as we both sank into our chairs.

The class was going by quickly due to how distracted I was. Every time he would glance in my direction, I felt my face flush. What was wrong with me? I had never been so intimidated by someone that I was left speechless just by the way they looked at me. Before I knew it, the bell rang, and I was scrambling to grab my books. Before I could bolt, Mrs. Jensen stopped us.

Ray, do you think you could find some time to go over what’s already been discussed on this with Kyle so he’s not lost on the test next week? I struggled a bit to find my response.

Uh…yeah, of course. I could feel his eyes on me as I spoke to her.

Perfect. I’ll see you both in class on Wednesday. She gave a small smile before walking back toward her desk.

I gathered up the rest of my books, and we both headed toward the door.

So are you free soon? Kyle’s voice cut in.

What? I gasped from surprise.

He looked at me for a split second before adding while holding up his book for me to see. To go over the material? I nodded as we walked into the hall and down toward my next class.

Oh, yeah. What was wrong with me? With that, he let out a chuckle, and I quickly gathered my thoughts. I’m pretty busy today, but I could meet before school tomorrow or during lunch? I replied.

Why don’t we plan before school tomorrow? He gestured.

Perfect, in the libra— I was replying when I was shoulder-checked hard. My books went flying, and I hit the floor.

Freak! I whispered. This was the type of thing that happened when I didn’t look where I was going. I felt my cheeks burn as I immediately got to get