Free Channeler's Choice by Heather McCorkle Page B

Knoll. But, at times like this, one would come in very handy.
    They gathered their bags and set out for Fane’s house. The streets were virtually empty but Eren couldn’t shrug the nagging feeling that they were being watched. Bridget was long gone and the only people in sight were a few kids walking home. Across the street a group of Romanian boys glared their way. When she looked closer, she realized they were Luke’s friends. Aiden must have felt their eyes too because he shot them a look that could kill. The boys turned their backs and hurried off.
    Without Luke they were harmless, but their presence made Eren nervous regardless. Last October one of them left four deep cuts down the length of her back in the fight that had resulted from Luke’s plotting. They were only fading pink lines now, but Eren would never forget their intent. Those boys had been willing to kill her for Luke. But since she had defeated Luke and shoved his power back down, his minions held little threat over her, she hoped.
    At that moment, part of her wanted to tell Aiden about the letter. But she wanted to be able to take care of herself and she knew the letter would only upset Aiden unnecessarily. Besides, she had disintegrated it. There was no proof it existed anymore. Part of her was afraid he wouldn’t believe her. And Luke was in Romania, Aiden couldn’t do anything about it even if he did believe her.
    Aiden lifted her hand and kissed it. The soft, slightly damp feel of his lips distracted her, as it was probably meant to. Sighing, she relaxed and enjoyed their idle conversation as they walked. She became so lost in their discussion about upcoming movies that it felt like only a minute later when they turned down the gravel drive to Aunt Sylvia and Uncle Alin’s house.
    Though she only moved out a month ago, Eren couldn’t help fell nostalgic as they walked up the tree-lined drive to the little cabin. She loved her grandfather deeply and enjoyed living with him and getting to know him, but she missed her Aunt Sylvia.
    Fane opened the front door and called for his mother. Not loudly, like most kids would. With a family of channelers there was no need. His parents would feel the press of their power as soon as they entered the house. Eren and Aiden stepped in behind Fane and Caitlin and closed the door. The delicious smell of a slow-cooking pot roast drew them into the kitchen.
    Bent over the open oven basting a huge hunk of meat was Alin, Fane’s father. He slid the rack back inside, closed the oven, and stood. The blues music he loved so much poured from the radio on the counter. He turned around, looking like he was expecting to see them. Even in a chef’s apron he managed to look debonair and handsome.
    Eren glanced at Caitlin and almost laughed when she grinned and mouthed ‘wow.’ Shaking her head, Eren dropped her books and backpack next to Fane’s on the coffee table.
    “ Hey kids, it will be a few hours before dinner is ready,” Alin said.
    His gaze flicked over Caitlin and Fane’s clasped hands and he looked at his son expectantly. Fane impressed Eren by not letting go of Caitlin’s hand.
    “ Father, this is Caitlin McGrath, Caitlin this is my father, Alin Moldovan,” Fane introduced them.
    “ I’m very pleased to meet you, Sir,” Caitlin said.
    Eyes widening, Eren shot her a look. Caitlin was always kind of dark and sarcastic, Eren hadn’t realized she could be so proper. Apparently, neither did Aiden because he had to disguise a laugh as a cough.
    “ It’s a pleasure to meet you. Would you like to stay for dinner? I know Sylvia would love to meet you as well,” Alin asked with a smile that was nearly impossible to say no to.
    “ I really wish I could, but I’ve got a history paper due and my parents won’t let me stay out too late,” Caitlin said. The disappointed look she gave Fane made it clear that it wasn’t an excuse.
    “ Perhaps another time then,” Alin suggested.
    “ Absolutely,” Caitlin