Altered

By Laura Burks

All eighteen-year-old Jenna wants to do is have a slow paced and predictable summer in the small town of New Roads with her grandfather. But on Friday the thirteenth, the unpredictable occurs when she mysteriously hears a voice leading her to a buried book. Jenna is unaware that a secret curse lies within and she's just unleashed its hold. As writings appear in the book strangely matching her vivid dreams, Jenna's curious nature takes over pulling her deeper into the mystery and the connection to her family. What she didn't expect to find was a forbidden love and a choice to save a life. Will Jenna's choice remain a secret? Or did the secret choose her?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9781613090268

Book preview

Altered

Laura Burks

A Wings ePress, Inc.

Young Adult Paranormal Romance Novel

Edited by: Leslie Hodgens

Copy Edited by: Karen Babcock

Senior Editor: Karen Babcock

Executive Editor: Marilyn Kapp

Cover Artist: Trisha FitzGerald

All rights reserved

Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Copyright © 2011 by Laura Burks

ISBN 978-1-61309-026-8

Published by Wings ePress, Inc.

Wings ePress Inc.

3000 N. Rock Road

Newton, KS  67114

Dedication

With most humble and loving thanks for answered prayers, and to my family and friends for their encouragement and unconditional support. The world is a better place because of you.

Every truth has two sides;

it is as well to look at both, before we commit ourselves to either.

—Aesop

One

Friday the thirteenth couldn’t get here fast enough for me. I didn’t consider the thirteenth an omen, just another day in the grueling hot swamp land of Louisiana—New Roads to be exact. Half the population was probably hibernating under a fan, but not me. I’d arrived from Orlando a few hours ago and had already surrendered myself to the pier, soaking up the rays like I’d just pawned the phrase sun goddess. Everything here was just how I remembered, and exactly what I expected.

And then there was a noise. A slight, almost not sure if I heard it noise. I ignored it at first, which is so not like me to do. But as a sudden gust of wind tossed my hair around, I heard it again.

Jenna. A masculine voice echoed from the woods behind me.

I jerked my head in the direction of the voice but saw no one. Did someone call my name? I yelled out as I strained my eyes to focus across the yard and zero in on a person or a voice, but there was nothing. Maybe it was the heat or my imagination playing tricks on me, but this time, it sure sounded like someone said my name.

Pops, was that you? I called out, glancing between the woods and the house, expecting my grandfather to answer. No Pops. No car pulled up to the house. No answer. Just total silence mixed with the exhale of my breath. Oh, come on, Pops. Call my name again, I thought as I waited.

A weird prickle stirred through my veins, almost teasing me to move. No way would I be able to sit and ignore what had just happened.

I hopped to my feet and traveled the wooden planks of the pier. My eyes stayed glued to the trees as I moved in a straight line across the yard. All the way, random thoughts toyed with my mind. Why am I doing this? No one called my name. Pops is still at the store. Go back to the pier. I stopped at the edge of the woods. With the wind continuing to move through the trees and undergrowth stirring the deep scent of pine, quick glimpses of something within caught my eye.

Most people would turn the other way. But I’m not most people. I’m more of a curious type. Still, this part of the woods was unfamiliar to me. I stood there for a moment wondering if I was acting on curiosity or stupidity. Why in the world would I even think of going in there? My strong will and determination to push past any fears, or at least try, was getting the best of me. I wanted to know.

I glanced back at my grandfather’s white, two-story home with its wraparound porch sitting beneath the shade of crepe myrtles and live oaks. My gaze then followed the seclusion of the encroaching woods that surrounded his property. It’s not the middle of nowhere, but enough privacy to make you feel you’re alone. At least, I thought I was alone. If not, hearing my name had just escalated things to a whole new level of what do I do now?

Hello? I called out again. The sound of my voice moved through the air and vanished. All was quiet except for the continuous hum of bugs that made the woods their home. Strange how I had never noticed their amplified sound until I was forced to listen. And for some reason, that really irked me. Why couldn’t they just be quiet for a second and let me focus on a human voice?

After a deep breath, I shoved limbs aside and moved forward, listening to the crunch of dead leaves and the crack of twigs under my feet. The cries of a crow rang loud and followed my every move. But my eyes stayed fixed, determined to make sense of what was ahead. With each passing step, my heart pounded against my chest like a jackhammer. Thoughts of turning back fought with the urge to keep going. Get a grip, Jenna. It’s just the woods. Only the woods, I reminded myself. My hand trembled as I pushed another limb aside. Something unusual was out there.

Adrenaline surged through my body and pushed me to take those last few steps until I reached the edge of a slight clearing. Only it wasn’t just an empty open space. Right in front of me, a few feet away, was a small, neglected cabin. My grandfather’s property has been etched in my mind since childhood. Strange how in all of my eighteen years, I never knew this place was here. Immediately, I took notice of the weathered wood, aged from what looked to be decades. Leaves and pine needles were scattered across the roof and clumped around the edges on the ground.

Hello? Is anyone here? I asked, wondering if I really wanted to know or not. Honestly, I had no plan what to do if someone did answer. And I didn’t think saying I was just in the neighborhood would sound too convincing. If my grandfather was going to answer, now would be the perfect time.

I stepped closer and grabbed hold of the doorknob. Against its metal, my sweaty palm quivered. I inhaled, and with one slight turn, the door cracked open. For a second, I paused to listen. When all was quiet, I leaned my head forward and peered inside. Filtered light from the few sparse windows, clouded with cobwebs, cast strange shadows across the dusty wood floors of the one and only room. Pushed in front of a red brick fireplace filled with ashes sat an old oak table and four worn chairs.

Somewhere beyond reason and sanity, I took my first few steps into the cabin. Creaks from the floor echoed and bounced off the walls, sounding way too creepy, but I continued. As I turned a slow circle, looking around the abandoned wooden box, my nose wrinkled at the strong, musty odor that filled the air from years of being closed from the outside world, and I wondered just how long it’d been. Forty, fifty, sixty years?

Consumed in my thoughts, I moved toward the fireplace. As I did, the toe of my sandal jammed against something uneven, and I stumbled to the dirty, hard floor. The sudden drop to the ground made my stomach sink like I’d been on a roller coaster. With a quick turn of my head to search for the culprit, I saw one plank of wood resting higher than the others. I swung my body around and pushed on the wood, trying to force it back in place. But the edge gave way, and a large piece broke in my hands, revealing the earth below. It was dark beneath the floor. Only it was not just the dirt I saw, but a rectangular-shaped object resting on top. My first instinct was to reach in. I hesitated with my hand above the hole, wondering what else was there that I couldn’t see. But, of course, the inevitable happened: temptation took over.

Whoa. What the...? I mumbled as I pulled out a dusty, tattered hardcover book. Amused by its unusual resting place, I thumbed through the pages, yellowed from age, letting them fall one by one through my fingers. No writing was visible. The pages were totally blank.

Of all the things to bury, and this is what someone chose. I could have thought of something better than this. What good is an empty book? I wondered.

Fixated on the book, I nearly jumped out of my clothes when my cell phone rang, piercing the silence.

Hello? I answered, out of breath.

Jenna, where are you? My grandfather’s voice magnified from the other end. I’m back from the store, and dinner is almost ready. Aren’t you hungry?

Oh, shoot. Have I been gone that long? I’m on my way, I answered.

A strong connection to what I held in my hands was almost impossible to shake. A certain pull not to leave it behind toyed with my inner first reaction to put the book back in the hole. I’m not sure why I felt the way I did, and now was not the time to analyze, so I carried the book with me out the door.

My rushed pace home passed in a blur. I wasn’t thinking of the woods. I wasn’t worried about what was around me. My mind was too preoccupied on where I’d been.

I’m back, I called out to my grandfather as I shut the kitchen door behind me.

He was setting plates on the table when I hurried past him up the stairs to my room to place the dusty book on my nightstand. After scrambling across the hall to the bathroom to wash up, I met him at the table where he patiently sat.

Sorry I made you wait. I pulled a chair out while looking at the spread of food in front of me. Wow! Everything looks so good. I’m starving.

Well, then, let’s dig in, he said, reaching for his fork.

Both of us had a grilled rib-eye steak on our plate with a baked potato on the side, and in the center of the table a basket of rolls sat next to a pitcher of iced tea. I’ve never been a big eater—maybe that’s how I stay so slender—but one thing is for certain, when I’m here, my grandfather always has a spread of food. Whether you’re hungry or not, he’ll tempt your taste buds, for sure.

Pops, I swear, you do spoil me, I teased, before taking my first bite.

No. No such thing as spoiling, just lots of love. He looked at me with such a feeling of warmth in his eyes as he reached to touch my hand. I know I told you this at the airport, but I really have missed you.

I grinned. I’ve missed you, too. Our bond had always been special. I was content that my parents were on the same page with me spending my entire summer break here. And from the look on his face, so was he.

So, where were you when I called? I hope I didn’t miss anything too interesting while I was gone. He raised one eyebrow and grinned. The first sign of a wrinkle was visible on his still youthful face.

In this booming town, yeah, right, I joked, knowing all too well I had found something out of the ordinary.

He smiled before taking another bite of his steak.

Pops, I began.

He looked up, chewing a mouthful of food, his soft brown eyes wide, waiting for my question. I was going to ask about the hidden cabin and tell him I found a buried book, but for some unknown reason, I couldn’t utter even the first word. I’m usually not at a loss for words. What’s up with that? I guess for the time being I would keep it to myself. Interesting as it was, I felt the old place was off limits and should be left alone, at least until another day.

It’s good to be back, I finally said. I worry about you being all alone.

Oh, don’t worry about me, Jenna. It’s been a while since your grandmother passed away, and I’ve learned to adjust. I stay busy, and I’m sure you will, too, he said. I’m glad you’re staying longer this year—that’s even better. Just enjoy yourself, okay?

I always do. I grinned.

So...how has school been? he asked, cutting into his steak. Anything new I don’t know about yet?

Glancing down at the plate as I mixed through my potato, I wanted to avoid answering the second part of that question. I knew what he meant, and it wasn’t just my grades. He was venturing into the boyfriend zone. It’s not that I’m not attracted to guys, but the last guy I thought I liked only wanted one thing. I had no problem telling him where to go. What a jerk. I swear, guys can be so complicated. But how do you say that in a nice way and not hang yourself for trying? After a few seconds, I looked up and answered, School is...school. And as for anything new... You had to go there, didn’t you? You can’t fool me. I know exactly what you meant, I said in a playful tone. No, nothing new in that department, I assured him.

He leaned back in his chair with narrowed eyebrows making him look confused. That’s hard to believe. What’s wrong with those guys in Orlando? I swear if I had someone like you when I was a teenager way back in the sixties, he gestured behind him with a wave of his hand, I would have followed you everywhere.

I shook my head, smiling at him. Pops, you’re just prejudiced because I’m your granddaughter. Anyway, there’s nothing wrong with them or me either. I chuckled. Some guys are nice, like best friend nice. And some are a little too...um...too, well... I could feel the heat rise to my cheeks. I’m sure he noticed. You can’t hide a blush on a fair complexion.

I get it. Know what? It’s fine with me if you wait as long as you want. In fact, he nodded his head. I like it better. No use in rushing. I’m sure you’ll find the right guy soon enough. When you’re older would be nice...after college, older, he suggested with relief in his eyes before taking another bite.

Okay. I know, I know. I laughed. I’ll try to remember that. And that after college part... I teased, raising an eyebrow. No use in finishing that statement.

He cut his eyes my way and chuckled. I’d forgotten how much I missed the eye thing. His own little way of telling me he didn’t miss a beat.

After Pops turned in for the night, I headed to my room. It was the same room my dad grew up in, only now it looks more teenage girl, with a lavender comforter and mounds of pillows.

I slipped into my long night shirt and then sat by the window searching for the moon’s reflection in the pond. Only this night it was not there. Under a canopy of darkness, fog rolled in, shrouding everything in its path with a thick mist. It hovered across the top of the water, inching its way onto the bank like the beginning of a horror film. As I glared out the window, I had an uncanny sensation that someone was out there, watching me. Must be the fog messing with your mind, Jenna. Don’t freak out, I thought.

I closed the curtains, afraid I’d have a nightmare if I didn’t, and fell onto my bed. The book that I couldn’t leave behind was the first thing to catch my attention. I picked it up and began to wipe away what was left of the dust and dirt smothering its cover, only to unmask its worn black face. Although now something new was visible, something that wasn’t clear before, an embossed symbol of a snake coiled around the stem of a black rose. Roses I liked, but snakes...those I could definitely do without. Still no answer came to mind why someone hid the book away, or what the symbol could possibly mean.

Unable to hold my eyes open any longer, I leaned into my soft down pillow, still holding the book in my hands, and slowly began to drift.

The darkness turned to bright sunlight as I slinked toward the woods, drawn to something hidden deep within. In front of me was the cabin. My hand reached out and opened the door to a lurking mist covering the ground. I felt as if I floated above the mist when I entered. Glowing in the middle of the room through a gaping hole in the floor was a book. The book. I felt drawn to its presence like it was calling my name. Without feeling my steps, I knelt down, ready to release it from its dusty grave. No sooner was the book in my grasp than another pair of hands reached out from behind me and pulled at its edge. I jumped at the sight of hands and no face. My senses told me I had to pull as hard as I could. Someone was depending on me. A struggle resembling a tug-of-war began. Somehow, I won. I wanted to rush out of the misty room, but my feet moved in slow motion as a voice called out after me. A voice that sounded feminine, and unfamiliar.

No, leave it buried. Please, come back!

I turned and caught a quick glimpse of a dark-haired guy whose face was a flash of blue. Then, I could feel myself pulling out from under the dream.

I woke to a single bright ray of sunlight from the edge of the curtain, shinning directly into my eyes. I blinked to focus and was shocked to see the book snuggled close to my chest. How unusual and unnatural it was to have slept so stilly during the night. As I stared blankly at the ceiling, glimpses of the dream passed through my mind. Everything felt so real, mimicking parts of my day all over again. Oddly, though, it was way more mysterious and eerie. Going to bed on a full stomach could sometimes cause crazy reactions in dreams. I’d have to remember not to do that again.

When I reached to set the book back in its place, a loud thump caught my attention. I had completely missed the nightstand, and the book had fallen on the wood floor. I threw the covers aside, leaned over the side of my bed, then stopped in mid-breath. The book was open, and bold writing sprawled across the first page.

It was a foggy night when the gang returned. It had been a long time since they rode here together, and there was business to take care of. Someone to deal with that needed to be found. All were together except her. She waited in the dark, not sure of what her return would do to him. The young one, he seemed eager, but he hadn’t earned their trust. Tonight, they ride.

Who rides? What the heck is this? By now, blood had rushed to my upside down head and I had to move. Taking the book in my hand, I pulled myself up and read the page once more. Still, I was clueless and irritated I’d not seen this before. I flipped through the remaining pages, searching for more, but all were blank. Finally, I came to the conclusion it was an oversight on my part. Having been rushed, I had neglected to look closely enough when I first held it in my hands. I set the book back down; the first official day of vacation seemed way more important.

POPS LOOKED UP WITH a big grin when I entered the kitchen. Good morning. He glanced at the clock. Or, looking at the time, should I say...afternoon? You sleep well? You look out of breath, he said, puzzled.

I leaned against the counter and answered, Um...sure. I’m still adjusting to the time difference, that’s all. Time difference was not the problem. But it was the only excuse I could think of in a hurry. The effects of my dream and the unusual writing still lingered in my head and apparently showed on my face.

Oh, glad to hear it wasn’t my snoring keeping you up.

Yeah, that is a problem, I said, rolling my eyes. But, no, not this time. Hey, I almost forgot, did you see that weird fog last night? I mean, I’ve seen fog, but I don’t know. The way it looked seemed different.

Different? You’re not going all scary on me now, are you? His tone made me feel silly for asking such a thing. Of all things to be all weird about, fog. It’s the Deep South; of course there was fog. There were also tales that mysterious curses existed too. Of course, that was if you believed in such things. Not sure I did, and it surely wouldn’t keep me away, but interesting no doubt.

No, I’m not going ‘all scary’ on you. It’s no big deal. I smiled and waved my hand in the air as if the motion of my hand would make it all go away. Away until some other thought took its place.

Although, I was wondering...

Wondering what?

I thought for a second, trying to decide how to word what was on my mind. Have you ever thought of clearing some of the woods? You know, open up the property a little more.

No, not really, he said, shaking his head. Then I would have more to cut. Cutting three open acres is enough for me. Anyway, I like having the privacy. It doesn’t bother me a bit. Why?

I wanted to mention the cabin, too, but felt apprehensive. Not sure how he would react to my being in that old place in the woods and especially my snooping around and bringing the book home. Surely he must know the cabin existed. After all, it was on his property. Still, I couldn’t fight the uncertainty in my gut that that place was not meant for me to find.

No special reason. Just wondering, I answered.

That kind of thinking could have you spending your entire break cutting grass, he said, holding back a grin.

I smiled even though I felt guilty inside for keeping my secret.

Feel like running some errands with me today? That is, if you’re up to it.

Up to it? I was looking for an excuse to change the subject, and it just landed in my lap. Where are you going? Hey, maybe we can go by Shelly’s house, I suggested, perking up with the last statement. I’d like to see her again.

That’s one of my stops before I head into town, he said. Jimmy Grace needs my advice on that old tree in his yard. I’ve been telling him to cut it down, but he’s stubborn, thinks he can wait. He narrowed his eyes with the mention of that old tree. I sensed talking about the tree struck a nerve with him. Of course, convincing Jimmy to make up his mind to do anything always struck a nerve or two. It was inevitable.

Jimmy Grace was Shelly and Danny’s father. He was not much younger than Pops, though, somewhere in his middle fifties. He and Pops had been friends for a long time, making it easy for Shelly and me to become friends. Her twin brother, Danny, I considered a friend, too, but only a friend. To me, he was in that category of best-friend nice. Giving him the impression we could be more was never my intention, although sometimes I thought he would jump at the chance if I did.

Pops ventured to the shed to grab a few tools, just in case Jimmy discovered something else for him to do. I watched from the window. But I wasn’t watching him. My eyes followed the edge of the woods, searching for something more than the obvious. In my mind, I pictured the cabin with me standing inside holding the book.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Pops hop in the driver’s seat of the truck, then I heard the horn blow. I looked his way, and he gave me his hurry-up wave, just in case I didn’t see he was ready. I made sure the back door was locked before closing it and then jumped in the passenger side of his truck. The same truck he’s had for the past five years, a black Ford F-150 he drove with the windows down.

Horn and a wave? Are you sure you didn’t want to call me, too? I teased. You do still have a cell phone, right?

He patted his pocket and grinned before heading out the long gravel drive.

Shelly lived a few miles down the street in a one-story, russet-colored brick home with four steps up the front, leading to a long porch. The two acres of land had several large oak trees sprawling throughout. Pulling into the drive, I could see the one tree in question. Sadly, it had been struck by lightning during the last hurricane and now looked like a lifeless old hag. Jimmy was waiting for us in the front yard, arms folded and leaning against his truck. He hadn’t changed a bit, still tall and lanky. Only this year, he sported a little less hair on top.

As we approached, the expression on his face spoke volumes as a forced grin crossed his lips. He looked as if he already knew what Pops was going to say but was hopeful for something different.

His eyes lit up when he saw me get out of the truck and head his way.

Jenna, you came, too. Shelly and Danny will be so surprised. Jimmy patted me on the shoulder as he spoke.

Suddenly, the front door flew open and