Scorched Souls (Chosen Book 3) Read online

  Copyright

  www.EvolvedPub.com

  ~~~

  SCORCHED SOULS

  (A Chosen Novel – Book 3)

  Copyright © 2016 Jeff Altabef and Erynn Altabef

  Cover Art Copyright © 2016 Mallory Rock

  ~~~

  ISBN (EPUB Version): 1622533178

  ISBN-13 (EPUB Version): 978-1-62253-317-6

  ~~~

  Editor: Whitney Smyth

  Senior Editor: Lane Diamond

  ~~~

  eBook License Notes:

  You may not use, reproduce or transmit in any manner, any part of this book without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations used in critical articles and reviews, or in accordance with federal Fair Use laws. All rights are reserved.

  This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only; it may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please return to your eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  ~~~

  Disclaimer:

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or the author has used them fictitiously.

  FREE GIFT

  Thank you for picking up your copy of Scorched Souls, and (we assume) the entire Chosen series. We hope it gets your heart racing! As a thank you for that, and for joining Jeff Altabef’s newsletter list, we’d like to offer you a free gift.

  ~~~

  Jeff has written a short story, Enemies of the State, which is a companion piece featuring some of the memorable characters—and all the excitement—of Jeff’s suspense thriller Shatter Point.

  ~~~

  You’ll receive this story by email when you sign up at FREE GIFT.

  Other Books by Jeff Altabef

  CHOSEN

  Book 1: Wind Catcher

  Book 2: Brink of Dawn

  Book 3: Scorched Souls

  ~~~

  SHATTER POINT

  ~~~

  RED DEATH

  (Releases November 26, 2016)

  ~~~

  www.JeffAltabef.com

  ~~~

  What Others Are Saying about Jeff Altabef’s Books:

  ~~~

  WIND CATCHER:

  “This is an enjoyable read for all ages that goes by as fast as the authors can unspool it.”—Kirkus Reviews

  ~~~

  “Many young adult books revolve around young adult decision-making processes, but the joy and excitement fueling Wind Catcher is that Juliet’s search for truth doesn’t end with its emergence, but with the bigger picture of what she’ll choose to do with it. That’s the heartbeat of a powerful saga that fully immerses readers in all the possible scenarios that can stem from one’s choices in life—and the reason why Wind Catcher stands out from the crowd.”— D. Donovan

  ~~~

  “Wind Catcher is one of the best thrillers for YA that I have read in some time. ... If I hadn’t had to eat and sleep, I would have read it right through without stopping. It is just that good!”— S. Price “Suze”

  ~~~

  “What an amazingly unique story!! I can honestly say I have never read anything like it! I loved the strong Native American themes running through it as well as the deep plunge into the rich culture then and now. This story seemed to quench my thirst for knowledge of the more supernatural aspect to the Native American history and storytelling and I loved the creativity of the authors. Even though this is, in essence, a young adult book, I was literally kept at the edge of my seat while reading. The plot has some very intense situations as well as mature threads running throughout the story. I love that our authors see our “young adult” crowd as more than older kids; they see them as very intelligent and can handle the more mature themes including murder and secret societies. And come on, who doesn’t love secret societies?”— Amy @ Read to My Heart’s Content

  ~~~

  SHATTER POINT:

  “An original gripping, saga. From genetic manipulation and twists of fate to cold-blooded murder, scenarios change with a snap but succeed in bringing readers along for what evolves into a wild ride of not just murder and mayhem, but social inspection.” Donovan, eBook Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

  ~~~

  “The book combines my favorite aspects of my favorite authors into one. James Patterson – the master of the psycho killer who kidnaps girls, Patricia Cornwell – scientific thriller, and Dean Koontz – really spooky plots.” – Kat Biggie, No Holding Back

  ~~~

  “An amazing read.... This is one of those books that no reader will be able to part with until they reach the end, I guarantee it.” Reynolds, Readers’ Favorite

  ~~~

  “The plot immediately exploded a cast of intricate characters, an evolving plot that you don’t know where it’s going to take you from one chapter to the next. Every time a protagonist emerges a stronger character and story is unleashed and the result is an intriguing book that I just loved.” – Escapology Book of the Month for July 2015

  Dedication:

  For my amazing and talented co-author and daughter, Erynn. I could not be more proud of you. I’ll never enjoy writing another book as much as I have this series with you. As Juliet would say, “It is good.”

  - JA

  ~~~

  For my incredible co-author and father. He has inspired me, and continues to fill me with awe every day with the care that he gives to others.

  - EA

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  FREE GIFT

  Other Books by Jeff Altabef

  Dedication

  Prologue - Barrett

  Chapter 1 - Juliet

  Chapter 2 - Juliet

  Chapter 3 - Juliet

  Chapter 4 - Juliet

  Chapter 5 - Juliet

  Chapter 6 - Juliet

  Chapter 7 - Juliet

  Chapter 8 - Connor

  Chapter 9 - Connor

  Chapter 10 - Connor

  Chapter 11 - Connor

  Chapter 12 - Juliet

  Chapter 13 - Juliet

  Chapter 14 - Connor

  Chapter 15 - Juliet

  Chapter 16 - Connor

  Chapter 17 - Connor

  Chapter 18 - Juliet

  Chapter 19 - Connor

  Chapter 20 - Juliet

  Chapter 21 - Connor

  Chapter 22 - Connor

  Chapter 23 - Juliet

  Chapter 24 - Connor

  Chapter 25 - Juliet

  Chapter 26 - Juliet

  Chapter 27 - Connor

  Chapter 28 - Connor

  Chapter 29 - Connor

  Chapter 30 - Juliet

  Chapter 31 - Juliet

  Chapter 32 - Juliet

  Chapter 33 - Connor

  Chapter 34 - Connor

  Chapter 35 - Juliet

  Chapter 36 - Juliet

  Chapter 37 - Connor

  Chapter 38 - Connor

  Chapter 39 - Juliet

  Chapter 40 - Juliet

  Chapter 41 - Barrett

  Chapter 42 - Juliet

  Chapter 43 - Connor

  Chapter 44 - Juliet

  Chapter 45 - Juliet

  Chapter 46 - Juliet

  Chapter 47 - Connor

  Chapter 48 - Connor

  Chapter 49 - Juliet

  Chapter 50 - Barrett

  Chapter 51 - Juliet

  Chapt
er 52 - Connor

  Chapter 53 - Juliet

  Chapter 54 - Juliet

  Chapter 55 - Juliet

  Chapter 56 - Connor

  Chapter 57 - Juliet

  Chapter 58 - Barrett

  Chapter 59 - Barrett

  Chapter 60 - Juliet

  Chapter 61 - Connor

  Chapter 62 - Juliet

  Chapter 63 - Connor

  Chapter 64 - Juliet

  Chapter 65 - Connor

  Chapter 66 - Juliet

  Chapter 67 - Connor

  Chapter 68 - Juliet

  Chapter 69 - Connor

  Chapter 70 - Juliet

  Chapter 71 - Juliet

  Chapter 72 - Connor

  Chapter 73 - Juliet

  Chapter 74 - Connor

  Chapter 75 - Connor

  Acknowledgements

  About the Author

  What’s Next?

  More from Jeff Altabef

  More from Evolved Publishing

  Barrett

  Summoned like a pet. What did I do now?

  I trudge to the sanctuary, my legs heavy. I’d rather be anywhere else. A trip to my father’s private refuge can only mean one thing—bad news.

  The last time was the worst. My father sat in his chair, his face as expressive as a stone mask when he informed me that my mother had died in an accident while traveling. He acted as if he were simply relaying the latest news, nothing more important than the weather. Before the information could sink in, he dismissed me with a wave of his hand and turned back to whatever super-secret, critically vital, all-consuming task he needed to attend to at that moment.

  Of course she was traveling. She had to get away from him!

  I stop at the edge of a steep canyon that circles the sanctuary—like a moat. Created from pure Alphian crystal, the round building glows in the silky darkness. I used to think that the sanctuary floated in the air, but in the daylight you can see how it stands on a thin natural rock formation that rises from the planet’s core like a pedestal.

  I sit at the edge with my feet hanging over the side and sigh. He knows I’m here, but he wants me to wait. He always wants me to wait.

  To pass the time, I construct long lists of how I’ve disappointed him; everything from failing to be first in my pre-school class to my reluctance to pass all my tests on his timeframe. By the time I’m reasonably certain I’ve included everything, I remember to straighten my back and lift my head high. At least I can feign confidence. After all, I’m no longer a boy.

  A reddish energy bridge appears before me that spans the gulf to the sanctuary. Only my father can conjure energy strong enough to use as a bridge.

  For a second I consider turning away, but that would be cowardly. Better to face the problem head-on.

  My father waits for me in the center of the chamber. He stands rigid, almost seven feet tall, with ivory skin, and cobalt eyes that glow with violet flecks. A shimmering white robe with a black hood and black sleeves falls loosely over his thin frame and down to his bare feet. A simple pendent with a crimson crystal hangs around his neck. His face, as usual, is unreadable.

  My father always wears a robe made from black and white fabric, the colors of a logician. Black and white symbolizes truth and falsehoods—the only two possibilities that logicians accept. Those ruled by emotion wear robes of solid black, and the few spiritualists among us wear different shades of gray, the gray representing the ambiguities in the universe and the spiritual realm.

  Not yet of age, I wear the scarlet robe of the uncommitted.

  I used to think my father was a god—an arrogant, all-knowing, pompous, and unfeeling god, but certainly some type of divinity. He looks that perfect. Now I know better.

  The walls turn a dark gray, and a crystal glows orange and flickers like a torch in the center of the room. I head towards it, let my father sit first, and then drop in the second chair next to the fire crystal.

  My father only communicates telepathically, so I have no idea what his voice sounds like, but in my mind, his thoughts sound deep and dark, and they rumble.

  “When are you going to take the test?” he projects. “You are just three months short of your eighteenth birthday.”

  I had hoped he had some other reason to summon me, but that was wishful thinking. The only topic he ever wants to talk about is my reluctance to take the final test. It’s as if our conversations are an endless loop, replaying the same worn-out words over and over again.

  Alphians divide our society into four official levels depending upon ability. To pass from one level to the next, one must satisfy a test, each becoming progressively harder. Only a few Alphians take the test to advance to Level One, the top category.

  I’ve passed the other tests, but they make the final one extraordinarily difficult, to push the limits of the candidate’s mental abilities. Failing means certain death—unable to handle the strain, the brain simply explodes. Naturally, I’ve been reluctant to take this last test until I’m sure I’ll pass.

  He can’t seem to understand that.

  Unofficially, there’s a fifth level called the Elites. No test identifies someone as an Elite, but Alphians can recognize them by the strength of their minds. Only a handful of extraordinarily powerful Alphians reach that stature, my father being one.

  “There’s no time limit,” I project back to him. “I’m the second youngest Level Two on the planet. Most people who take the final test are well into their twenties.”

  Of course he knows all this, and it won’t change his mind.

  My father’s eyes stay neutral, but he rubs the bald dome of his head—the one sure sign he’s angry. “You are not most people. I took the final test before my fifteenth birthday. If you delay much longer people will doubt your unique nature, and it will look bad for the family. The genetic match between your mother and I was perfect.”

  I look away; my mother’s death is still an open sore.

  “You must take the test before Cassandra,” he presses. “She’s two months younger than you, and it would be embarrassing for her to complete her tests first.”

  Oh yes, there it is. Cassandra. The daughter of his archrival.

  I can almost see the weasel calculating votes and wondering whether he’ll lose the Leader position if she becomes a Level One before me. He’d rather I die than delay taking the test.

  I try hard to keep the sarcastic tone from my thoughts but fail miserably. “I understand, father. I don’t wish to embarrass you.” At least no more than I normally do, I manage not to project.

  What will he say if I fail the test?

  He’d probably blame Mom’s genes. That way the fault wouldn’t lie with him, and he’d limit the loss of face.

  “Good, but talk of your test is not why you are here. We have other matters to discuss. A situation has developed on Earth in our conflict with the Deltites.”

  My senses sharpen, and I narrow my eyes. “A situation?”

  He glances upward and a three dimensional globe of Earth shimmers into existence, floating above us. “As you know, Earth is a high value target for the Deltites. They want to take over the planet to use humans against us. With humans on their side, they would become dangerous. Many Alphian lives would be shed before we defeat them, if we defeat them.”

  “Yes, I studied the Counsel’s debate in my classes.” I glance at him. “We established the secret orders for the four Chosen. By mixing our DNA with human DNA, the Chosen should retain some of our abilities and have a chance to defeat the Deltites and save their planet.”

  “Yes, that’s the official record.”

  When he hesitates, I realize that I’ve only learned part of the truth.

  He leans forward. “I led the team that established the societies. The real purpose behind the Chosen is more complicated than the official version. Of course, what I tell you now is a secret and must remain confidential between us.”

  He locks eyes with me and I nod—my telepathic ability tempor
arily stolen from me. He’s never shared a secret with me before, and I’m sure I won’t like this one now.

  “The Chosen will be facing an Elite Deltite, one who is substantially stronger than an ordinary Level One. In short, someone who might even rival my abilities. So what chance do they have?”

  “Very slim.” I shrug one shoulder. “But Earth is their world. They deserve the opportunity to defend it.”

  “Don’t be stupid. They have no chance! Knowing the logical conclusion of their contest, I devised the real plan.” The slightest trace of a wry smile twists his lips. He’s proud of his scheme. “Once the Deltites take Earth, what will they do first?”

  It takes me only a heartbeat, the answer obvious. “They will convene their own counsel of leaders on the planet. Earth will become their headquarters.”

  The violet specks in my father’s eyes burn brighter. We’re facing each other as we sit on the chairs, but suddenly it feels as if the distance between us has melted away. “Exactly, and if the planet were to explode while that counsel was in session, their entire leadership would be killed. Without Elites to lead them, they would be vulnerable to attack. We would be able to wipe them out easily.”

  I lean back in my chair; he’s dumped a bucket of ice water on my head, and the chill settles into my bones. “So the Chosen were set up to fail. You’ve planted a bomb on the planet to explode when the Deltites take over.”

  He nods, a smug self-congratulatory grin on his face. “A Heart Stone to be precise. It was the only logical action to take.”

  Bile burns my throat. “But billions of humans live on the planet.... They will all die. They have souls.”

  His thoughts rumble in my head. “You spend too much time with the priests! They are fools! Only Alphians have souls. Humans are a necessary sacrifice. It’s the only sure way to stop the Deltites. We must use the lesser species to preserve our way of life.”

  I close my eyes and shut him out of my mind for a moment. Humans are close to Alphians in DNA. They have freewill, a moral system, and religions of their own. They pass all the priests’ tests for beings with souls. No wonder this plan of his is a secret. The priests would object and half the planet would follow them. Alphian society would rip down the center.