Psychic Storm: Ten Dangerously Sexy Tales of Psychic Witches, Vampires, Mediums, Empaths and Seers

by Deanna Chase

  Before she could demand more answers, he continued, “It’s not as bad as it sounds. I’m like you.” Relaxing his stance and placing his hands in his pockets, he shot her a sheepish smile. It was crooked and certainly had the effect of reducing his threat level in her mind.

  Her hazel eyes locked with his onyx eyes. “What do you mean you’re like me? You’re also obsessed with The Bachelor and have a fear of public restrooms?”

  He let out a low chuckle. “No Kate, I’m psychic.”

  Her stomach starting doing flip flops and she wasn’t sure if it was from him knowing her name or his claim to be psychic. Unconsciously, she lowered the pepper spray and stared at him with shock. “How the hell…”

  He cut her off. “I’ve been researching you. I live almost an hour from here in South River and heard about Cori Preston. When I read about a psychic being involved in the case, I wanted to see if you were the real deal.”

  He broke out his crooked grin again. This time it was decidedly less charming. She felt rankled over this complete stranger admitting he was basically stalking her. “And you are?”

  “Yeah, right, sorry; guess I should have introduced myself,” he said awkwardly before adding, “You know the whole threat of mace in my face must have thrown me off. My name’s Declan Brayden.” He gave her an expectant look.

  Knitting her eyebrows together, Kate questioned, “Is that supposed to mean something to me?”

  Her response shook his confidence momentarily. “Well, not to boast, but I am pretty well-known in psychic circles.”

  “So, say you are a psychic…” she paused and gave him a pointed look. “That still doesn’t explain why you’re following me.”

  “I told you I was trying to scope you out,” he responded quickly. His tone of voice was deep with a raspy quality. As he spoke, he kept waving his hands for emphasis. His over eagerness cast doubts on his believability. “I had to see if you were an actual psychic or just another scam artist. I’ve got in touch with others like us in the past. You wouldn’t believe how many supposed ‘psychics,’” he said using air quotes, “are actually full of horse shit.”

  “And what did you gain by following me?”

  “Well, first of all you live a pretty boring life,” he said deadpan. He let out a nervous laugh, but stopped when he saw her scowl. “Anyway, you seem pretty normal. The only places you seem to go are school, work and home. Oh, and that detective’s apartment.”

  Declan paused as a couple of students made their way down the pathway. Stepping out of their way, he moved closer to her. “I haven’t figured out what you could possibly achieve from claiming to be psychic. Most fake psychics run scams to extort money from people and that doesn’t seem to be your M.O.”

  Kate shuddered as she imagined him watching her undetected. The school had been the only place she noticed him. She had never seen him at her job or around her house. The thought of him lurking outside of Jared’s apartment building set her on edge again. Declan didn’t exactly blend into the background which meant he must’ve put in a lot of effort into keeping his identity concealed. Kate hid her discomfort with disdain.

  “Ever hear of calling someone or e-mailing?” she demanded. “It would’ve been a hell of a lot less creepy than stalking.”

  “Again I apologize, but I wanted to know more about you before we met,” Declan stated flatly and shrugged indifferently. It was startling how unashamed he was after admitting he tracked her movements around town.

  “So, what do you want?”

  “Huh?”

  “Well, now that you believe I’m a real psychic, what do you want from me? I’m assuming you didn’t travel almost an hour away simply for my autograph…” Declan was making her nervous and her usual defense when placed in uncomfortable situations was to let Snarky Kate come out to play.

  “Well, aren’t you curious about meeting other people like us? Have you talked to other psychics? Want to swap stories?”

  “No actually. I kind of assumed I was one of a kind. That’s what you want from me—to swap stories?” She knew the disbelief rang through her tone. “Not to mention, you checked me out, but how do I even know you’re a legitimate psychic? You could be an undercover reporter trying to prove I’m a fake.”

  Declan nodded in assent. “True, I see your point. I just thought we could maybe help each other. It’s hard to come by another psychic and I’m curious to see what it’s been like for you.”

  Mulling over his words, she suddenly felt a sliver of hope. What if Declan was legit and she was able to use his visions to locate Max? She wasn’t having any luck, but maybe he could tap into the boy’s mind. He hadn’t elaborated on his own second sight, but if he found a way to connect with Max before Kate did, the boy could be back home with his parents in no time.

  He appeared to take her silence as further dissention and took a business card and pen out of his jeans pocket. He scribbled down his phone number. “Look, I know this is a lot to take in. Why don’t you go home and check me out online?” Declan suggested. “I’ve been involved in a lot of cases over the years, so you’ll see I’m not trying to pull one over on you. When you’re ready to talk again—give me a call.”

  As Declan handed her the card, Kate glanced over it before shooting him a tentative look. “What is it?” he questioned noticing her expression.

  Kate gestured to the front of the card which was a sub shop rewards card. “You have nine hoagie stamps—that’s a big accomplishment. You only have one more until you get a free sandwich, you’re just gonna hand this over to me?”

  Declan chuckled. “Well, you’ll just have to give it back to me when I see you again.” He kneeled down and picked his phone off the ground. After examining it and seemingly satisfied it wasn’t broken from the fall, he placed it in his pocket.

  “You seem awfully confident that you’ll hear from me?” She placed a hand on her hip and cocked her head to the side.

  His conceit was irritating. “Well, once you get past all of my fan club websites, you’ll realize I’m the answer to all of your problems.”

  Rolling her eyes, Kate adjusted her purse. It was time for her to leave and gather her thoughts. “We’ll see about that. I may just end up keeping the card and treating myself to a free hoagie on your behalf.”

  Declan smiled. “Can I walk you to your car?”

  “No thanks, if it’s all the same to you,” she said and turned her body away from him. Kate warned him, “And don’t ever follow me again. I won’t hesitate the next time to use the mace.”

  “Nice to meet you too, Kate,” he said with an arrogant laugh. Kate hoped this piece of work wouldn’t be the only one able to help her gain control over her second sight. Something about Declan seemed off and she didn’t buy his story that he sought her out only to connect with another psychic.

  Turning on her heels, she spun around and headed away from Declan’s unsettling presence. Although she was trying to move forward after everything she had been through, her trust issues were still firmly ingrained into her persona. She had a very small circle of friends and family whom she let down her guard with. Even Jared—probably the most honest and open person she ever met—had been on the receiving end of her mistrust in the weeks following their fateful first meeting.

  Entering her car, she pivoted to see Declan watching her from the lot’s edge with a bemused look on his face. Something in his expression made her feel exposed and she had to restrain herself from lashing out and giving him the finger. Instead, Kate nodded curtly in his direction before pulling her car out of the parking lot.

  Who was this kid? The anticipation was killing her and she couldn’t wait to go home and try to uncover as much about his background as possible. Her emotions swirled as she raced through the streets. Part of her was optimistic that Declan was telling the truth and they would work together to unearth Max’s location. However, her skeptical side couldn’t be silenced. It questioned Declan’s true motivations, but she couldn’t figu
re out what his angle might be. With any luck, investigating him as thoroughly as possible would help her avoid opening up to someone who turned out to be bad news.

  Chapter Five

  After she sifted through article after article on Declan Brayden, Kate leaned back into her desk chair and exhaled. With an enormous backlog of missing persons cases he’d been consulted on, it was hard not to believe the psychic’s legitimacy. In newspaper interviews, he provided the reporters with his back story. Four years ago when Declan was eighteen, he’d been in a near fatal ski accident while vacationing in Vermont. Like Kate, he’d been in a coma before awaking with psychic powers. However, unlike Kate, he craved the spotlight. Besides a massive number of television and radio appearances over the years, there were rumors of a potential six figure book deal headed his way.

  Picking up her phone, she dialed Julie’s number. Julie answered on the first ring. “You’re not freaking out over what to wear tonight, are you?” she questioned in lieu of a greeting.

  “No, I’ve been sidelined by a run-in with that scruffy guy I told you about before. Turns out that he’s also psychically blessed,” Kate explained as she simultaneously stalked his Facebook page.

  “Get out!” Julie squealed. Gaining her composure, she continued, “I mean…this could be a good thing, right?”

  “I guess so. He was sort of sketchy, but it probably would be good to know another psychic,” Kate replied.

  “How was he sketchy? How did he introduce himself?” Julie asked in a rush.

  As Kate relayed the story, she couldn’t help but faux gag as she concurrently read the comments on Declan’s Facebook page. His cocksureness shone through by how self-congratulatory he was after helping others out (Who likes their own status updates?). People lavished praise on him and he ate it up.

  Kate wondered what Jared would make of him. She guessed he would have the same suspicions and wonder why Declan would go to such lengths to seek her out. She may have to play down the part about Declan following her around town. Jared could end up insisting she take out a restraining order against him and Kate wouldn’t get the chance to ask the psychic for assistance in finding Max.

  After Kate revealed his name, Julie logged on her computer to check him out too. A minute later, her friend’s cackle erupted through the phone line. “Holy shit! I think I need to tap into some psychic energy. Especially if being psychic involves attracting every hot guy in a fifty mile radius.”

  Kate faked a yawn. “So not my type. Not to mention, I have Jared,” Kate subtlety reminded her.

  Julie broke out into a fit of giggles. “Looking over his pictures, he does come off as a tool. When your Facebook profile is public, you just don’t put that many pictures of yourself shirtless at the beach. I would have loved to been there when you almost pepper sprayed him. It probably shocked the hell out of him since he seems used to girls throwing themselves at him.”

  Kate peered at more pictures of Declan hamming it up for the camera with his arms wrapped around a different girl in almost every one. Her heart sank over the thought that this could be the only one who could help her. On the other hand, she didn’t want to rush to judgment. Maybe deep down inside—beneath the spray tan and bleached teeth—was a psychic with a heart of gold who would do anything to help those who were lost.

  Julie broke into her thoughts. “Not to abruptly change the subject, but I’m so excited for dinner tonight! I bet the guys are going to get on like a house on fire.”

  More likely Gage would try to embarrass her and she’d threaten to set him on fire, but Kate decided to not burst Julie’s optimistic bubble. Instead she tried to change the subject. “What a strange expression, don’t you think? Who really wants to get on like a house on fire?”

  “You sound nervous. Don’t be! We’re going to have so much fun!” Julie enthused and Kate could picture her friend bouncing up and down with excitement. When Kate didn’t reply, Julie continued in a much more subdued tone, “Plus, I made Gage pledge on his Boy Scout’s honor that he’d be on his best behavior. He’s only joking, you know? He tortures you because you make yourself an easy target.”

  “You’re right,” Kate conceded. “I have to grow up if I’m going to be in a mature adult relationship with an older guy. I’ll try to refrain from throwing food if he promises to not make any fart jokes.”

  “Not to cut you off, but it’s getting late. Time to get beautiful. We’ll see you at the restaurant at seven.” Kate hung up the phone still distracted.

  After one last look at her computer screen, she decided to file Declan for later. Instead of hashing things out with Jared tonight, she planned to have a fun night that did not feature obsessing over annoying psychics and missing kids.

  When Kate walked down the stairs hours later to greet Jared, she couldn’t help, but take a moment to gawk at him. Her body never reacted to anyone the way it did to his. Instantly, her mouth became dry and butterflies exploded in her stomach. Did he have to look that irresistible after probably only ten minutes of preparation? His ebony hair was still damp from the shower and his polo shirt looked new without a single wrinkle in sight. A small amount of stubble had grown on his chin and she wondered how it would feel later against her mouth when he kissed her. Two hours of primping guaranteed he’d feel a little breathless at the sight of her as well, she thought taking another minute to stare undetected at him.

  Her mom and Jared were chatting away as usual. Jared was gazing intently at Darlene while his back leaned against the bar counter. Her mother was telling a story with so much animation she almost dropped the wine glass she held in her hands. It amazed Kate that the two of them got along so well. It wouldn’t seem as though a middle-aged divorcee and a young detective would have much in common. On the other hand, she would’ve never guessed a psychic college student with few social skills would be a great match for a genial police officer either.

  Although Kate would never admit it, it secretly pleased her that her mother liked Jared so much. Sauntering over to Jared, she bumped her hip to his and said lightly, “Were you going to let me know you were here? Or should I worry you prefer my mom’s company to mine?”

  Jared wrapped his arm around her and gave her an affectionate squeeze. “Your mom was just telling me how you were talking about becoming a police officer?” He raised an eyebrow in her direction. She could tell he was desperately trying to keep a neutral expression on his face. Darting a peek at her mother, Kate noticed her covering her mouth with her hand and looking down at the floor.

  As Kate looked at both of their faces, she couldn’t help but feel irritated. Did they have to both act like it was the funniest thing they ever heard? It wasn’t as if she actually planned to be a cop, it was just something she had mentioned while thinking aloud in front of her mother. Her mom should know Kate had a tendency to speak first and think later.

  She untangled herself from Jared’s arms and gave him a frosty smile. “Why is that funny?” she demanded and glared at him. “Afraid of a little competition? I might end up being your boss once I get in the department and start solving all the cases. The only thing you’ll have left to do is go on coffee and doughnut runs for me.”

  He visibly shuddered. “That’s not funny.” His gray eyes quickly scanned her body. Before he spoke, his mouth broke out into a teasing grin. “Don’t take this the wrong way, Kate, but you’re not exactly athletic. Your body is put through hell during the police academy.”

  “I will take that the wrong way. Why would you say I wasn’t athletic?”

  Kate looked at her mother for affirmation. Darlene sighed and walked into the living room without a word to either of them. Probably figured it would be better to not get in the middle of their argument and instead go somewhere peaceful to enjoy her wine.

  “Without any paraphrasing, you have told me before you feel it is fundamentally wrong to run anywhere unless you’re being chased. How are you going to run for miles and miles daily—only stopping to do pushups?”
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  Damn, Kate thought, she had said that. At least, it was nice to know Jared listened to the nonsense she was prone to spout out. She shrugged and gave him a condescending smirk. “Consider yourself lucky that I’m allergic to exercise. Otherwise, you might be out of a job.”

  Jared’s gray eyes locked onto hers and he flashed a bright smile. Any irritation with him instantly disintegrated as his gaze drunk her in. A flush sprang to her cheeks and Kate had to make a conscious effort to not start fanning herself in front of him.

  “Not to change the subject, but have I told you yet how beautiful you look?” he asked hoarsely.

  The unseasonably hot weather had allowed her to wear a summer dress that had been hanging in her closet with the store tags still attached. With a peach A-line pleated chiffon skirt and white scoop neck top, it made her look very feminine. Moreover, the forgiving fabric was comfortable enough that her waistline wouldn’t feel restrained after dinner.

  Her features softened and Kate returned his smile. “Have I told you how handsome you look?”

  She ran a finger along his neckline which had the effect of skewing his collar. As she pressed herself closer to him, she heard his breath catch. Her heart was pounding and she met his gaze shyly. It was reassuring to see the desire in his gaze, but not exactly the perfect timing. The news program her mother had turned on after heading into the living room could clearly be heard. Not the best time for sexual tension to be running rampant between them. Clearing her throat, she took an uncertain step backward.

  “Guess, we should head out,” Kate suggested. “We’re supposed to meet Julie and Gage at the restaurant soon.”

  Jared bit down on his bottom lip to silence whatever he was about to say. After a few seconds, he nodded and took her hand. After saying a brief goodbye to her mom, they headed to his BMW parked outside. She loved Jared’s car. It had all of the gadgets she craved but didn’t have in her decade old Toyota. The air conditioning in her car no longer worked and she had to buy a portable fan to plug into the cigarette lighter. Since Kate didn’t have enough money to buy a new car, she was going to have to stick it out with the old beater until she ran it into the ground.