The Spirit Seducer (The Echo Series Book 1) by Alexa Padgett Read Free Book Online

expectant.
    “You’ve been here before,” I said.
    “Many times.”
    The way Zeke and Layla had talked . . . they’d known each other for a while. I swallowed down my jealousy. Just how close were Layla and Zeke?
    I rolled his name around in my head. I’d spent so much time with books; I’d read the Bible twice, so I knew Ezekiel meant “God Strengthens” in Hebrew. Yep, the name suited him just right. But he couldn’t be Christian—not if he hung out with Hisatsinom gods, killing demons.
    “So why would Zeke be named after a prophet for a different religion?”
    Layla shrugged, nonplussed by my question. “I don’t think it’s his original name, but it’s not like he really talks about himself all that much.”
    “So, he—what? Chose his own name?”
    “That’s not what Shakola said. She’s the cloud goddess. She said Masau picked it. Masau thought it sounded very human. Earthly.”
    “So Zeke knows other gods, then? Besides Masau and Coyote?”
    Layla nodded. “He’s always lived here, on the ancient lands. I promise, he’ll do everything he can to locate your mother,” she said, her voice fervent.
    I’d argued with my mom this morning. Now I might never see her again. We hadn’t had a chance to make up. Not properly. I fidgeted.
    I needed to find my mom. Now. I had to apologize. To tell her I loved her. To make sure she was safe.
    “You need to stop thinking so loud. Anyone can hear you.”
    “This wouldn’t have happened if you’d trusted me,” I snapped. My frustration and anger threatened to spill over. I slammed my lips together, locking my jaw. I was well aware of the power of words and how much damage they could do. The silence built until I forced my gaze back to Layla. Weariness glazed her eyes, making them dull.
    “I know, E. Gods. I know.”
    I turned in a tight circle, seeking . . . something. I didn’t know what to do, or think, or even be right now. Layla stood, wrapped her arm around my shoulders, and I leaned into her, shuddering.
    “Why didn’t anyone tell me?”
    “I know you’re worried about your mom, E. I am, too.” Layla’s eyes welled with tears.
    My lower lip quivered. No. I pulled away and stood.
    “I want to go search for her.” I kept my voice firm, my breathing steady. Inside, though, everything hurt and worry flooded my system. Terrible images of what could be filled my mind and I nearly caved in, sinking to the floor to gasp and blubber.
    I managed to hold on. Barely.
    “You can’t. I know it’s hard. But you’re the one Coyote wants.”
    I gripped my hands together as I began to pace the room. “I hate this, Layla. I can’t just leave my mom out there somewhere. Coyote was angry.”
    “You’re not. Zeke’s looking. He’s amazing. If anyone can find her, it’ll be Zeke.”
    I exhaled in a long trail of negativity as my mom had taught me to do. I’d do what I always did when I wanted to redirect my concerns. I’d ask questions, gather information. Learn. Build likely scenarios in my head. Fix the problem.
    “Who is Zeke exactly?” I asked. I needed to know where and how he fit into my life. And why I’d dreamed about him.
    “He’s Masau’s adopted son. He’s lived with Masau since he was a toddler.”
    “Why?”
    “I don’t know. He never told me.”
    “But he’s been protecting me. And you’ve met him before.”
    “Yes. Though, technically, he’s been protecting both of us. It’s just that you didn’t know it.”
    I twisted a section of my hair around my finger. “You know what doesn’t make sense? For me to have a protector. Who are the Four?”
    “That’s not important right now,” Layla soothed. She smiled. “Let’s worry about some other details first, okay?”
    “No. I want to know.”
    “I can’t tell you. Not while you’re this upset.”
    I slammed my fist against the nearest object, a wooden chair. The wood bruised my hand. I turned back to Layla, rubbing the sting out of my skin. Her hair glowed