Surfacing the Rim (Piercing The Fold) by Venessa Kimball Read Free Book Online Page B

dream.”
    Without a second thought, I block him from getting into my mind. Blocking my thoughts. Who would have thought that was a supernatural ability?
    I just thought it was a normal reaction for a kid that had been through a lot during his childhood. But, when Sam took Corinna , and Ezra, Nate, and Jesca heard my thoughts that night in Miami, I realized that my only defense was to block my thoughts. It was a gift I needed to perfect.
    Since being here in this small mountainous town, I’ve practiced this ability with the locals. I knew that Sam would come looking for me eventually. It was only a matter of time before the practice would be more than necessary.
    This is that moment.
    The refrigerator door shuts. Sam Crest is standing in the kitchen, holding a bowl of fresh strawberries. He bites into a strawberry and walks from the kitchen toward me. I push the blanket off of me and sit up in one swift motion.
    “You have learned quickly, Alexander, and without my training, I might add. Brilliant. I can’t get even the smallest glimpse into that pretty little head of yours.”
    My resentment for this man has me trembling in anger. I clasp my hands together to gain control. If I lose any more control right now, my hands will be around Sam’s neck.
    Sam’s smile leaves his face. I assume he is trying to read my thoughts, but he comes up empty. Ha! With Sam, reading my thoughts has always been impossible.
    Sam chooses another strawberry to eat and has a seat in the rocking chair across from me. He leans back in the chair, casually crossing his leg over the other, and places the bowl on the table to his left. “Alexander, you must be wondering why I’m here and why you’re having an Astral Projection now after two months. I bet you are also curious about that fiery redhead, Corinna.”
    I couldn’t care less about Sam’s whereabouts during the last two months. But, Corinna’s whereabouts—that had my attention.
    I still feel a pang of guilt from having a hand in her abduction. It’s true that Sam used me as a pawn to bring both Corinna Cain and Jesca Gershon-Sera to him that night at the club, but I still feel responsible for not learning about who Sam was sooner. I could have saved Corinna from him and the rest of the Sondians.
    I shift a little on the sofa, and Sam picks up on my tense body language.
    He leans forward in his chair. “We are in Tokyo, Japan. Corinna is being trained. She’s amazing, Xander. I thought she would resist the implantation of the Sondian Copula because of her Dobrian implant, but it’s had the complete opposite effect.”
    Unbelievable. Sam talks about this so nonchalantly, like it’s everyday conversation on how a family member is doing.
    While Sam talks, I figure he is trying to pry his way into my mind again. Bastard. I stand, cross my arms in front of my chest, and move farther away from Sam, putting some physical distance between us.
    I think to myself, You’re not going to get in, man. I’ve had years to practice this trick. No one will get in here without my permission.
    I ask Sam, “Why are you here? You must need something from me. What is it?”
    Sam picks up the bowl of strawberries again, plucks another one, and pops it into his mouth.
    “I have come to ask for your assistance, Alexander.”
    I try desperately to keep my cool. Rather than lunge at him and wrap my hands around his neck, I run my fingers through my hair. My heart is pulsing in my head from hatred for this man that was supposed to be my father. I’m not doing crap for this bastard.
    I think before I respond. I need to learn as much as I can about what he has planned, even if it means playing along.
    “What kind of assistance?”
    Sam sighs. “It’s a big job, bringing Corinna into her new role. Japan is the perfect environment for the task. Plus, due to the heightened magnetic field of Mt. Fuji with the Aokigahara Forest and the Dragon’s Triangle in close proximity, we will be able to open a