Free Channeler's Choice by Heather McCorkle Page A

just meant that I didn’t think you guys were dating,” Bridget huffed as she found something to look at on the ground.
    “ You should leave now, Bridget,” Eren said when the girl lingered.
    While she flinched at Eren’s words, she ignored them and looked at Aiden. Considering how his power was snapping and around him, part of Eren kind of hoped the girl stepped close enough to get bit by it. But the part of her that didn’t want her that close to Aiden, made Eren take a step toward Bridget. She moved back.
    “ But, my mom wants Aiden and I to—”
    “ You heard Eren, leave ,” Aiden interrupted her, turning the last word into a command. A touch of his power snapped out at Bridget and she flinched. There was a pinched look on Aiden’s face, like he was struggling with his power. Seeing how hard he was working on controlling his temper, Eren felt kind of bad for wishing his power would harm the girl.
    Eyes widening, Bridget scurried off like a scolded dog. There was something odd about the way she acted, almost as if she really didn’t want to be mean and conniving. But she was, and that, coupled with the longing way she stared at Aiden, was enough to convince Eren that she wasn’t being too harsh with her.
    “ Your girl?” Caitlin asked.
    She was smiling, her eyes filled with a mischievous light. It made Eren grin despite the situation. Fane’s eyes grew wide as silver dollars and he looked like he was about to swallow his tongue.
    “ It just sort of came out. I’m sorry if it offended you, I shouldn’t have presumed,” he said.
    For the first time since Eren had met him last year, he was flustered and unsure of himself. It was cute. Of course, it wouldn’t be if Eren didn’t know Caitlin returned his affection. She turned toward Aiden to hide her smile.
    “ Don’t be sorry. I liked the sound of it,” Caitlin said as she took his hand in hers.
    Fane blushed but didn’t look away from her this time.
    “ When did you turn fifteen?” Eren asked when she realized she had no idea.
    “ Last October. My birthday is the day after Halloween. Things were kind of hectic then so I didn’t mention it,” Fane said.
    He looked considerably relieved to have the conversation move onto something less embarrassing.
    “ Sweet. That would be awesome to have a birthday right after Halloween. Hey, since its Friday, why don’t we all go for a walk in the woods?” Aiden asked.
    Fane gave him a relieved look and Eren realized Aiden was changing the subject to spare him. She loved that he cared about Fane’s feelings that much.
    The idea of a walk in the woods sounded perfect to Eren, no matter the reason. As a channeler she felt the need to be out among nature more than ever.
    Besides, Aiden looked like he really needed it. His eyes were closed tight, brow furrowing in concentration. A few deep, slow breaths later and the anger faded from his power, leaving it glowing a soft, steady green. Opening his eyes, Aiden, helped her to her feet and threw her backpack over his shoulder.
    Such simple chivalry like carrying her things made her heart speed up. None of her other boyfriends had ever done that. But then, none of them had a power that could heal or hurt people, along with a temper that had a tendency to rise with it. The trade off was so worth it, though.
    “ Love to. I’m going over to Fane’s for dinner anyways so we can go for a walk at his place if you guys would like,” Eren suggested.
    “ Is it okay if I call my parents and tell them from your house?” Caitlin asked Fane.
    “ Of course,” he said.
    Unlike the rest of the normal world, most people in Spruce Knoll didn’t own cell phones, including kids, something Eren still found slightly annoying. Due to their close connection to the Earth, channelers were very environmentally conscious and cell phones created waste and used energy. While Eren couldn’t completely agree that cell phones were evil, she respected the beliefs of the residents of Spruce