Rite of Passage by Kevin V. Symmons Read Free Book Online Page B

worry.” She squeezed my hand. “It’ll be fine. Robbie, do you believe in me?”
    “Believe in you?” I asked, not sure of her meaning. “Of course.”
    She bit her lip, closed her eyes and touched the pendant beneath her scarf.
    “Shhh. Close your eyes and take my hand.”
    I started to protest, but as soon as she touched me, I was at peace in a way I’d never known. Energy flowed through me, like a mild electric shock. She touched my ankle and the pain disappeared. It was wonderful, like a strong dose of morphine, only better, much, much better.
    I tried to speak.
    Courtney whispered in a language I’d never heard. My head grew very light…
    ****
    Courtney massaged his swollen ankle, blue energy radiating from her fingertips. Slowly she lifted her hand and knelt on the trail in front of Robbie, studying every line and feature. She let her other hand run through his thick black hair, down and over his chiseled chin, touching every angle on the face that now consumed her. It had sounded so simple. Come to America, find him, attract him, use him for the ritual. Then what? They’d been waiting a millennium to fulfill the prophecy. Robert was the key. The chosen one.
    Find him, attract him, use him. So simple, Courtney thought sadly, brushing the tears aside. But it was not simple, not anymore. She stared at Robert, smiling, warmth and happiness overflowing as she thought about every precious moment with him. The emotion was so new and different, unlike anything Courtney had known.
    Love. She’d heard it spoken of so often. It had become a cliché. Now she knew what it felt like. Her mother used the word each night as she tucked Courtney in and kissed her goodnight. “Good night, princess. I love you.” But this love was something so different, so all-consuming and so beautiful she had no way of comprehending it. It filled her.
    Courtney leaned forward and found his hand. Taking it, she bent to his lips, eyes closing as she kissed them softly. “Good night, my prince. I love you,” she whispered as she opened her eyes.
    She stood, trying to focus, to understand what was happening. Courtney had no idea how her emotions had grown so strong so quickly. It wasn’t supposed to happen—not so quickly. Not this way. She should be immune, insulated from human feelings. She repeated the mantra. He is a vessel, a means for fulfilling the prophecy .
    Love at first sight , Courtney thought as she watched him. She’d heard the expression but never believed it. Something from novels and the cinema. She was wrong. Studying him, she was angry and delighted over this strange unexpected thing that had taken control of her. No matter. She must be strong. Putting her hands on his temples, she rubbed them gently. “You will awaken and feel refreshed, Robert. Remember none of what has happened.”
    Courtney backed away. Yes, she loved him. Desperately. But Courtney had a destiny. She had no choice. She must complete the ritual and keep her emotions from destroying them both.
    ****
    “Hello,” I said as I awoke. “Sorry. I must have fallen asleep.” I yawned, feeling refreshed. “I had no idea how tired I was. Let’s head back,” I said, checking my watch.
    “Maybe you should just sit. Relax for a minute,” Courtney suggested.
    “I’m fine.” I stood. A dizzy and disorienting sensation filled my head. I braced myself against a tree. It passed quickly. “I’m sorry, but I have to get back.”
    “If you’re sure everything’s all right.” She smiled weakly, playing with her hair. She looked drawn and weary. “How’s your ankle?” she asked.
    “Ankle? Which one?” I looked at them, curious at her question.
    “No matter,” she said. “I thought you might have twisted one on the trail.”
    “No, I’m fine,” I assured her as we headed toward the village. “Never felt better.”

Chapter Nine
    We arrived at the boardwalk just after four. Courtney walked back toward the car—silent, wearing a pensive,