Free Sweetwater: The Kihn (The Sweet Series) by Rivi Jacks Page A

Things are going to get tough. The gate is somewhere in this area, and we will need help. Taylor has been working on that the last few days.”
    “Okay... sorry.” At this point, all I want is to go home.
    “Let’s go,” he says. “The night’s getting late.”
     
    After saying goodbye to the Zelts, we hurry to the truck and strap ourselves in. Looking out the back window, Nick shifts the truck into reverse.
    “What are you?” I whisper.
    His eyes slash to mine. He turns back around and shifts into park. We sit with me watching him, waiting. Finally, he answers. “I... am a Reborn.”
    “A Reborn?”
    “I live my life, and I die, and in the next second... I’m born again. I live my life once more and die once more and...” He’s silent.
    I stare at his face, illuminated by the dash lights. “How... how old are you when you die?”
    “Sixty-nine,” he whispers.
    “Every time?”
    “Yes.”
    “How long...?” I’m not sure what to ask. “How many...?”
    “I was born the first time in 1847.”
    My mouth drops open. I close it at once and face the front. I don’t know how to respond. Over time, I’ve discovered sometimes not saying anything is for the best.
    “I’m living my third lifetime,” he confesses. “How long this will go on...” He shrugs. “I’ve spoken to other Reborns and—”
    “Wait!” I interrupt. “There are others?”
    “Yes, many of us.”
    I guess I look shocked because he turns away. “Now, you think I’m a freak.” His voice is sharp.
    “No! I-I don’t think you’re a freak. I’m just having a hard time here.” I look away.
    He tucks a lock of my hair behind my ear. “You’ve been given a lot to think on tonight.”
    I give a short, harsh laugh. “That’s an understatement. Were you going to tell me? I mean, if I hadn’t asked you?”
    “Yes, of course.” I face him, uncertain. “Sofie, we haven’t even had our first date yet,” he points out.
    I give him a little smile before I think of something else. “Does Jake know?”
    “Yes, for some time now.”
    Wow . My mind is reeling. The whole world has changed. “When you’re... reborn... do you remember? I mean, obviously you remember...”
    “Do I remember everything from my previous life?” I nod. “Yes... everything.” He shakes his head. “My parents always think I’m a genius.”
    “I’m sure I’ll have more questions, but right now... I’m in overload,” I admit. And Jake knows?
    He touches my cheek with his knuckles. “How about we save up for our date so we can discuss this some more?” he suggests. “It’s getting late, and the others are probably wondering what’s keeping us.”
    “Okay.”
    “One other thing, Sofie.” I look up at him. “I need you to promise me you won’t tell anyone about me.”
    “I promise. They’d just think I was crazy, anyway.”
    He laughs, but it doesn’t sound happy.
     
    We’re both quiet driving back. I have a lot to think about, and I can’t even begin to grasp how this will work out. The whole world has changed, and most people don’t know it yet. There’s a tribe of... I don’t know what to call them. Nick didn’t call them human, so what are they? How will we defend ourselves?
    Nick takes my hand. “Sofie, try not to worry too much.” I notice he doesn’t reassure me everything will be okay. But it won’t help to get all upset with worry. Yet.
    As Nick opens the truck door for me, I think of something I want to ask. “The night we met, when we shook hands?” He takes my arm to help me out of the truck.
    “Yes?”
    “You admitted you weren’t sure why, but could it be because you’re...”
    “I don’t think so. I’ve shaken many hands and never had that experience before. It’s not happened since between us. It may have been one of those strange things that can happen.” I don’t think he believes that, but I have no answer either. He wraps his arm around my waist as we move toward the house.
    Sawyer opens the