Gifted Connections: Book 2(106)

My eyes widened in surprise and shock.

Jemmy, Rachel, and Dawn had been close enough to hear him, so they immediately dissolved in laughter.

Drake held out his hand and repeated himself. “Trust me. Kiss me.”

I took his hand and let him draw me in. I stood on my tip toes and let him capture his lips with mine. He gently cupped my face, and I lost myself in his kiss as he opened my mouth, his tongue tangling with mine. I was vaguely aware of the catcalls and whistles. I was lost in his touch. I wanted more of him.

He finally broke our kiss, and at my groan of displeasure, he gave me a smile, even though he was red. He was generally not into public displays of affection, so I was surprised by his boldness.

I turned around, feeling my cheeks warm. I saw that the other team had caught up and Rose was in the front of the group, shooting daggers at me with her eyes, while most of her teammates called for an encore.

Drake smiled at me again before he turned and created a force field around Jemmy, Rachel, and Dawn. I watched in amazement as he raised his hands. The force field became a sphere around them, now hovering above the earth.

The girls squealed in surprise, before they grabbed onto each other, laughing nervously. I could see the studied concentration on Drake’s face as he continued to lift them. He barely spared Sam a glance as he said, “When they clear the fire, push them to the other side.” He then shouted to the girls. “Yell, when I can release you.”

“Okay,” they shouted back, but their voices sounded distorted.

“Did you just have Blake…boost you?” Michael asked in awe.

Jaxson, Noah, and Troy began laughing. “This isn’t a video game,” Troy finally said. “There’s no boosting.”

“But-but I’ve worked with him before, and he’s never been able to lift his shield, let alone carry people in it,” Michael stuttered.

“They’re connected,” Terrance shot his team member an annoyed look. “I’m sure you’ve heard of people becoming stronger through their connection.”

Michael mumbled something, clearly embarrassed.

I reached over and patted his shoulder with a smile. “It’s okay. I’m learning too,” I whispered.

He gave me a grateful smile.

“Now!” We barely heard the yell on the other side.

“We’re good,” Jemmy yelled, her voice clearer now.

Drake dropped his hands down to his side. “She makes me stronger,” Drake confirmed as he gave me a level look.

I smiled at him as I heard an angry huff behind us. I didn’t have to turn to know Rose had walked closer.



It was nearing eleven by the time we hoped were encountering our last obstacle. We were all getting exhausted. I was regretting only eating a banana at breakfast that morning, and my sleepover. Okay maybe not my sleep over—that was worth the lost sleep—but I was definitely exhausted and hungry.

The moment we got close to the obstacle, some of our team started crying or screaming.

I was struck with an immense feeling of loss and fear as I looked down at the water. Its depth was unfathomable and wide, but there were rocks jutting out that we could walk on. What was concerning were the large creatures under the water’s surface.

“It’s an illusion,” Jaxson said as tears rolled down his face.

“They’re going to eat us!” John screamed as he turned to run in the opposite direction.

I blinked for a moment, something wasn’t right. I could feel it deep in my bones. Realization dawned as I felt the presence above me. I just couldn’t see them.

“Stop!” I yelled. “John, come back,” I commanded him.

He resembled a cat that was about to get a bath. He was coming back, but utter terror was in his eyes.

I walked over to Jace and Jaxson and grasped both of their hands. “There’s an empath, instilling fear and sadness in us and an illusionist making us believe there are…river monsters?” I explained to them as chaos reigned around us.

Jace nodded, seemingly unaffected by the other empath. Did that make him stronger?

He smiled down at me and caressed my cheek. “I can’t feel it,” he whispered, confirming my belief.

“Let’s do this,” I said with determination. I knew with a group our size it would require all three of us working together. Jace and I pushed the feelings of comfort and warmth towards Jaxson and waited for him to get himself together.

“Holy crap,” Jaxson muttered as he wiped his face. “Now I wish I hadn’t snitched on you,” he looked at Jace. “I forgot what that felt like.”

Jace started chuckling as he turned to explain to me. “When he annoyed me as kids, teens even, I use to torment him with fear. He told Dad, and I was grounded for a month. I had to skip the homecoming dance that year,” he said with mock bitterness.

I giggled imagining that. Jax would have tried to push his older brother’s buttons. He would have wanted to be included in everything. I could see the older guys wanting to have time to themselves. Jace had a lot of patience, but even he had limits.

“Ready?” I looked at them with a smile.

“When you are,” they said in unison.

I closed my eyes and gripped their hands. I immediately felt the warmth filling me. I swore I heard the scampering of the squirrels nearby, and the birds singing above, like they were inches from me. I felt the breeze caress me. I smelled the water, dirt, leaves. The breeze caressed my skin. All my senses were so acute, so sensitive.