Beautifully Unnatural: A Young Adult Paranormal Boxed Set

by Amy Miles

  The last year she’d been struggling with the human aging process. His heart ached, watching her body deteriorate. She did so much for Sammy and him. They’d be lost without her.

  “Why not?” Sammy nuzzled the dog. “He’s adorable.” She looked up at him, understanding dawning in her eyes. “Oh, I get it. The dog’s for Gabby.”

  Alexander didn’t like the way Sammy enunciated Gabby’s name.

  “Yes.” He helped Grace up and kissed her cheek.

  “You should take him to Gabby’s and get him settled, but be home by dinner. I’m making your favorite, son. Lasagna.”

  “Grace, you shouldn’t—”

  “It’s no trouble. I wanted to.” Grace shooed him away. “I’m not in my dotage, you know.” She shuffled back inside.

  Alexander faced Sammy. “Come on. You need to go work your magic and convince her to keep him.”

  “Oh, I’ll go, but only because I want to see how you spin this one.”

  ****

  Gabby opened the door to find Alexander, Sammy, and a dog with a bright red bow around his neck.

  “What’s this?” she asked, her voice tense.

  “A present. I hope your dad doesn’t mind. He needed a home and I thought he’d be good company for you at night.”

  Were they serious? This mangy rust colored mutt was a gift? Sammy and Alexander looked so excited though. How could she say no? “What’s his name?” Gabby asked, bending down to pet him.

  “Patronus,” Alexander squatted next to her.

  “How obvious,” Sammy muttered.

  “What?” Gabby looked up at her, noticing Alexander’s glare. The animal appeared malnourished and in need of some major TLC.

  “Nothing,” Sammy said.

  Alexander scratched the dog’s ears. “It means protector in Latin.”

  “What kind of dog is he?” Gabby tried to sound excited, but all she could think about were the fleas and ticks he probably had crawling all over him.

  Patronus flopped on his back for her to rub his belly. Okay, maybe he wouldn’t be so bad.

  “The guy at the groomers said he was a beagle-terrier mix. He also has some whippet in him, so he’ll run fast.”

  Yep, a mutt, just like her. Gabby ran her hand down his belly, feeling all the bones in his ribs. Hadn’t he ever been fed? He reminded her of the dog from the Haunted Mansion ride at Disney World she’d been on once as a little girl.

  “I’ll have to ask my dad, and get some dog supplies.”

  “The supplies are covered.” Alexander got up and retrieved several plastic bags from his car.

  “I’ve gotta get home. Stacy’s due in a few.” Without another word, Sammy took off through the woods, waving goodbye over her head.

  Alexander followed Gabby inside. As they stored everything in the kitchen, he said, “Why don’t we take him with us to work on the boat, then I’ll drop you at practice later?”

  “Hope he doesn’t chew anything up.”

  “Patronus is two, so I doubt you’ll have a problem. But if you’re worried about him chewing furniture or something, I can keep him with me while you’re at practice. Figured I’d pick you and Sammy up after anyway.”

  “Wonderful.”

  So, he’s gonna be lukewarm today, is he? And just yesterday, she thought she’d melt from the heat of that kiss.

  Mother, if you’re up there can you help me out? Explain to me why sometimes he seems so close and at others so distant? Coming over with a picnic basket, but leaving without a reason. Taking my hand when we walked but dropping it quickly as if I had the plague, planting unexpected kisses. Bringing a dog as a gift. Are all guys this confusing?

  In one breath, she wished her mother would answer, but in the next she was thankful she didn’t hear her voice…or any voice in her head.

  “You okay? Whatcha thinking about?” Alexander led the way to the boathouse while holding the leash, but Patronus kept twisting his head around, watching her.

  “Nothing much.”

  He didn’t ask again. Instead, they walked in silence, only the sounds of twigs breaking under their shoes and birds chirping overhead interrupting them. For the first time since yesterday, the tension in her shoulders melted away, and a glimpse of peace welled up inside. Every time Alexander came around, the darkness dissipated like the dew on the leaf in the morning sun. She hadn’t experienced this much freedom from the beastly swirls of insanity since her mother was by her side. At the same time, he kept her guessing about everything, which was exhausting.

  Patronus pounced inside the boathouse and grabbed a twig. Growling and twisting his head, he played tug-o-war alone in the corner. Gabby walked over and twirled the handle to open the cracked and chipped window slats. Spider webs and bug carcasses hung along the wire meshing. She maneuvered around some old boxes and stood next to the boat resting on an old trailer.

  “I think the temperature’s cooler in here today, maybe a chilly ninety-two, or ninety-three.” Alexander grabbed a hammer from the toolbox. He crouched under the motor, which he’d propped up on two wooden planks. She looked inside the boat and started hefting old boxes out from the seats and floor.

  Patronus nestled into a corner, panting as they worked.

  “How long do you think it will take to fix the engine?” Gabby hoped it would take weeks or better yet, months. Maybe they would even have to order parts and wait for them to come in. The longer it took, the more time she could spend getting to know Alexander.

  “I don’t know yet. Depends on how much we find wrong.” Alexander hammered the propeller blade two more times, but it bent the other way instead of straightening. “Ugh.” With his hand held out he asked, “Can you hand me the needle-nose pliers please? His bicep flexed as light reflected off his bronze skin.

  Gabby grabbed the pliers, handing them to him. As he took them, he squeezed her hand, sending a ripple of tingles up her forearm.

  “Phillips screwdriver,” Alexander called out.

  She handed it to him, and once again, he squeezed her hand.

  Alexander slid out from under the motor for a second and smiled. “You know your tools.”

  She shrugged. “Father taught me at a young age. When I was nine, we restored an old Mustang together. Mom would bring us out lemonade while we changed the oil or cleaned spark plugs.”

  The sun rose high in the sky as Alexander tinkered with the propeller. Gabby grabbed a wrench and removed the main bolt holding the head on then whacked it until she knocked it lose. Removing the head, she discovered the condition of the motor. “Hey, there’s a lot of corrosion. Do you have any sandpaper?”

  Alexander slid from underneath with a funny look on his face. “You do know a lot about engines.”

  “You want to take a look?” Gabby stepped to the side to allow Alex room to stand.

  He leaned over the engine at her side and nodded. “Yeah, it does.” He scratched his head then patted her shoulder. “You are definitely handy.”

  His touch sent a warm sensation deep to her core.

  Alexander stretched his arms out and arched his back. His t-shirt rode up, revealing tight ab muscles and more bronze skin. He caught her staring. She averted her gaze and hoped the heat of the room would mask the flush in her cheeks.

  Alexander wiped his hands clean on a towel. “Let’s break for lunch.”

  “Here you go.” Gabby turned to hand a sandwich and some fruit to Alexander.

  He propped up next to her on his elbow and tossed a grape in her mouth.

  She stifled a nervous giggle.

  Even with her hair pulled back in a ponytail, sweat poured down from her temples. Yet, Alexander sat next to her, looking cool and comfortable.

  “How come you never seem to sweat?”

  Alexander patted her forehead dry with a napkin. “I’m used to the heat, I guess. You said you lived up north for a few years, right?” Gabby nodded her head in confirmation. “You’ll probably be used to it by the end of summer.”

&nb
sp; “You mean just in time for it to get cold?”

  “It never gets cold here. It might get down to the fifties during the middle of winter, but sometimes we go swimming on Christmas Day here. Although on a few occasions, we’ve had below freezing temps.”

  Alexander got up and brushed the dirt off his shorts. “Thanks for your help. What else did you used to work on with your father?” He popped another grape into his mouth and she couldn’t help but stare. His lips were full but strong. She longed to feel them against her own again, but didn’t have the courage to make a move.

  “My dad. I used to help him work on cars. Your ‘67 Mustang is one of his favorites.”

  He knelt down and reached under the engine to collect his tools. “Yeah, it’s pretty—”

  A loud crack echoed through the boathouse as the wood planks snapped and the motor crashed down on his hand. A flash of light blinded her. In the light, she swore she could see a vision of wings exploding as a feeling of great joy and sadness mixed together enveloped her.

  Patronus barked wildly, but it sounded far off. Her heart raced, but her body relaxed into a blissful lull. The smell of fresh rain filled the air and she closed her eyes to welcome the comforting embrace of love.

  The moment her vision cleared, she dove to the floor by his side pushing a still snarling Patronus out of the way. “Alex!” Gabby’s body went cold despite the heat. She jumped up and tried to pull the motor off of him, but it wouldn’t budge. She grabbed a plank, trying to use it as leverage. But before she could manage, Alexander pulled his arm free and sat up on his knees.

  “Oh my God! We have to get you to a hospital. Can you walk?” Gabby tugged at his elbow, trying to lift him from the floor.

  “No. It’s okay, I’m fine.” Alexander hid his hand in his shirt and turned away from her.

  Patronus whined and settled a few feet away with his head resting on his paws.

  “Let me see.” Images of all the broken bones and stitches she’d experienced tending to her father over the years came flooding through her mind.

  “You don’t need to, really.”

  Gabby pulled at his arm with shaking hands, the feeling of dread nearly consuming her. “I’m used to dealing with injuries. I can handle it.”

  Reluctantly, Alexander’s arm pulled free to reveal no damage.

  Her pulse continued to drum against her neck with a furious beat. “I-I don’t understand. Your hand should’ve been crushed or at least bruised or cut.” Gabby rotated, bent, and pulled on his hand, but nothing seemed to be wrong.

  “It didn’t fall that far. My hand didn’t get hurt. The engine hit the ground and startled me but I wasn’t trapped,” he said, his voice smooth and calm.

  “No-no, I saw it fall. Your hand was smashed.” Her mind reeled. The sounds…her vision…the blinding light. She stumbled back from him and doubled over, bracing her hands to her knees, trying to catch her breath. The tickle in her brain returned. No, she wouldn’t have an episode, not now.

  “No, really. I’m fine.” He shuffled closer and took her hand in his, brushing his lips across her palm. “See, it works perfect.”

  The tickle in her brain slowly subsided and her pulse returned to normal. She wanted to tell him what she saw. Was it the same angel that had saved her from whatever happened in the ocean? Could there be some sort of guardian angel, her mother, watching out for her? Did her mom approve of Alex? Her mind churned with questions.

  “Come on, we need to get you to cheerleading practice on time or Sammy will ground us both.” Alexander squeezed her hand and her mind cleared.

  He took Patronus’ leash in one hand and slid his fingers between hers as they left the boathouse and meandered through the woods toward the school.

  She didn’t know why all these crazy things had been happening to her. Heck, she’d probably be stuck in an institution by winter, but for now, this guy by her side made her feel…happy, less lost and somehow whole, in a strange way. If nothing else, he was better than mind-numbing pills. She stopped walking and Alexander turned to her.

  “What is it?” He released Patronus’ lead, letting him run around in circles, chasing leaves and sticks.

  “I’m glad you’re okay.” Gabby swallowed hard. “I don’t know you that well or anything, but I enjoy hanging out with you.”

  He slipped his hand to her side, tugging her closer. His eyes reflected the sun overhead, peeking through the tree branches. “I like being around you, too.”

  Gabby mustered all the courage she had and cupped his face with her hand. Her heart swelled, the way it did when he’d touched her before. She brushed her lips against his and thought her heart would leap from her chest.

  He leaned away, snapping his fingers for Patronus to return, but in the next breath, his hand slid up her back and he snuggled her into him. His fingers ran through her hair, brushing it from her face. “This is wrong,” he whispered, but before she could ask why he nudged her lips back to his.

  Warm, strong lips pressed to hers and a high, like no drug she’d ever taken before, soared through her mind and body. His tongue parted the seam of her lips, and she thought she’d lose herself forever in a fog of euphoria.

  The world around them disappeared and she swore they floated off the ground in a cocoon of pleasure. She didn’t even care if she flew to the heavens, the height didn’t scare her for the moment. Were all kisses like this? A connection with someone, deeper than any she’d ever experienced?

  Patronous snarled and barked, breaking their connection. He pulled away panting, but rested his forehead against hers.

  “Wow,” he mumbled.

  That one word was all she needed to hear to know he felt the same connection she had. Dare she hope life could be getting better? “I agree,” she sighed more than said.

  Patronus erupted in a frenzy of barking and snarling, his attention focused on a tree up ahead. They both turned to see what troubled him.

  As Alexander released her and marched to retrieve Patronus, a cold shiver shot through Gabby’s body.

  “What is it, boy?” Alexander called out.

  “Patronus, come here.” Gabby patted her legs and whistled for him. “What if it’s a snake or something? I don’t want him to get hurt.” She looked at Alexander with pleading eyes.

  “No need to concern yourselves. It’s just me.” Forras walked out from behind the tree, but didn’t approach them. “I guess your new friend here doesn’t like me.”

  Gabby ran up and held Patronus back by his collar.

  “He has good taste,” Alexander quipped.

  “I was coming by to see if Gabby needed a ride to cheerleading practice. Since she’s cheering for our team and all.”

  “What do you mean by that?” Gabby bit her tongue, wishing she hadn’t asked.

  “I started thinking about your little fainting spell yesterday. You didn’t faint from the heat, did you? Or was it that you don’t like being at the top of the pyramid?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I just got dizzy, most likely from the heat and not hydrating enough.” She refused to admit she was scared of heights, not to Forras. Not only could she sense he would tease her mercilessly if he knew, she just didn’t like him.

  “You’re scared of heights, aren’t you? Did you hear that, Alexander? Your girlfriend’s scared of heights. I assume you’re scared of flying, too.”

  She gasped, how would he know that? Her skin crawled at the way he articulated each word. “I’m not scared of anything. If you don’t mind, I need to get to practice and I’m not going to be able to hold Patronus back much longer.”

  “See you later.” Forras chuckled as he meandered away. “Scared of flying, that’s an interesting twist. Isn’t it, Alex?”

  Tempted to release Patronus, to let him rip the jerk to shreds, she kept her grip on his collar, not wanting the dog harmed. “Why does he care so much if I mind heights or not?”

  “Do you?” Alexander asked with a cold stare.
r />   ****

  “Grace, I’m heading out to pick up Sammy. Would you mind watching Patronus for a while?” Alexander pulled Patronus’ collar off and rubbed his ears.

  Grace came out of the kitchen through the set of swinging doors. “Certainly. Can I ask you a question though?” She wiped her hands on an old dishtowel and pulled a chair from the dining room table, gesturing for him to sit down next to her.

  “Sure.” Alexander shifted his weight, staring down at Patronus before taking the offered chair.

  “Where did you get him? The dog, I mean.” Grace leaned down, patting Patronus on the head. “And don’t tell me the pound. This dog is special and we both know it.”

  How does she do that? Grace always knew the truth. He could never get anything past her.

  “I guess you could say he adopted me. He followed me home the day I first met Gabby. After that, I’ve seen him around sporadically. Yesterday, he refused to leave my side. It might sound strange but I think it was his idea to guard Gabby, not mine.” Alexander chuckled.

  “I thought so.” Grace placed a hand on Alexander’s shoulder. “He chose you for a reason. This dog is an angelic creature. I think you’re receiving a little heavenly assistance.”

  “Do you really think so? I knew dogs hated demons, so I thought he would deter Forras from entering her house but I have a feeling this one could do much more. I hope you’re right.” Alexander took her hand and moved closer, until he was eye to eye with her. “You were right. I had, well…um…some sorta…reaction to Gabby.” He cast his gaze to the floor. “I thought Patronus could keep her safe from me, too.”

  Grace leaned over and lifted his chin with her finger, meeting his gaze. “You did the right thing, son. In time, you’ll learn more control. Like everything else, time will heal this, too, but for now you could cause a great deal of harm to you both” She gave him a sad sort of smile. “If you’re not careful we could all suffer.”

  The clock on the mantel chimed five and he jumped to his feet, ignoring the nagging feeling he should heed her warning. “I have to go. It’s getting late. Thanks for keeping him. I knew Gabby wouldn’t want to leave him at her house.”