Psychic Secret: An Urban Fantasy Academy Romance (Psychic Academy Book 1) Read online

  Contents

  Title

  Copyright

  Promo

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Epilogue

  PSYCHIC PRODIGY (Free Novella!)

  PSYCHIC LIES (Book 2)

  Author's Note

  About the Author

  NEWSLETTER

  PSYCHIC

  SECRET

  PSYCHIC ACADEMY BOOK 1

  SAMANTHA BELL

  Copyright © 2019 Samantha Bell

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN: 9781697445404

  This is a work of fiction.

  Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either

  the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner.

  Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead,

  or actual events is purely coincidental.

  Cover art by Danielle Doolitle at DoElle Designs

  PSYCHIC SECRET

  All I wanted to do was survive exams and graduate high school. Too bad that all blew up in my face - literally.

  Apparently, I have psychic powers and I am very bad at controlling them. After two run-ins with dangerous villains that scare my destructive powers right out of me, I get brought to the Psychic Training Academy - a government run facility meant to help people like me become “useful”.

  Now I’m caught between my old normal life and my new crazy one. During the day I have to study for exams and at night I need to train in hand-to-hand combat…oh and try not to fall for my two sexy sparring partners.

  When a Rogue Psychic starts wreaking havoc, I join in on the fight. When my best friend gets kidnapped, it gets personal. I’ll need to discover what my powers can really do if I want any chance to win.

  *****

  PSYCHIC SECRET is an upper YA/NA Urban Fantasy with a hint of slow-burn love triangle romance!

  Book 1: PSYCHIC SECRET (10/2019)

  Book 2: PSYCHIC LIES (12/2019)

  Book 3: PSYCHIC TRUTH (TBA)

  CHAPTER ONE

  “Hey, Daniel.”

  I always knew who was calling before I picked up. It was a neat trick when I was a kid and caller ID wasn’t mainstream. Now, no one believed me when I answered my iPhone, because there was no such thing as surprises anymore. My abuela always said that technology took the magic out of life, and while I was grateful for it, sometimes I couldn’t help but agree.

  “Bianca!” Daniel sounded out of breath. “I’m sorry. Running late. Be there soon.”

  I peeked into the window of the door leading into our classroom. “No worries, the other group is still trying to sort out some technical difficulties.”

  “Ok, see you in five!” Daniel hung up.

  I pocketed my iPhone and leaned against the wall with a long sigh. I didn’t like class presentations and all this waiting had my nerves buzzing. I looked up at the ceiling; the tiles had water stains. Only a few more weeks and I’d be out of here for good. I never liked school very much, much to my parents' disappointment. I had no idea what I was going to do after graduation. I wish I had a plan like Daniel - he was going to State University for forensics.

  I told everyone I was taking a gap year to make up my mind, but the closer I got to graduation, the more nervous I became. Everyone was accepted into schools or going backpacking. I would be stuck here in limbo.

  A minute later, I heard shoes thumping down the hall. Daniel slid around the corner, clutching his laptop against his chest and his backpack swinging from his other hand. He stopped to catch his breath before giving me a lopsided grin.

  “You made it,” I said.

  “Yep!” Daniel handed me his laptop and our fingers brushed together. He pulled away quickly.

  I suppressed a smile. Daniel and I had been best friends since we were kids and I knew he had a huge crush on me, even though he’d never admit it. I liked him too, in a weird way. I just couldn’t ever see us dating. He was more like a brother than a boyfriend.

  Daniel was a good-looking guy - dark curly brown hair and hazel eyes. He wasn’t too tall but taller than me. He had a broad chest and looked stronger than the average nerd, but I didn’t think he worked out. He wore square glasses and button-up shirts even in causal situations. He was definitely the kind of guy that you could take to meet your parents.

  I turned my head to the sound of clapping from the classroom. “Ok, that would be our cue,” I said. “Ready to get this presentation over with?”

  #

  “Geez, if I ever have to talk about George Washington again I think I’ll throw up!”

  I laughed and nudged Daniel playfully. “Come on, the presentation went great.”

  “Yeah, but I’m so glad it’s over. You know I prefer science over history,” He replied before taking a bite of his sandwich.

  “I guess so.” I looked down at my food but nothing seemed appetizing. My stomach was still queasy from being in front of the class. Thankfully, I hadn’t tripped up on anything I said and the teacher seemed to like it. I honestly didn’t care, as long as I passed.

  My other bestie, Jessica, plopped down on the chair across from me. She had art supplies tucked under her arm and was breathing hard. “Oh my God, guys,” She breathed. “I seriously don’t know how much more of this I can take.”

  “How much of what?” I asked.

  Jessica brushed her chestnut curls out of her face. “The final art project will be the end of me. I’ve been up until past midnight every day for the past week trying to add finishing touches on my portfolio for college.”

  “I thought you were accepted?” Daniel asked.

  “Conditional acceptance.” Jessica cringed. “It’s so stressful.” She glanced over at my lunch and her eyes perked up. “Are those pupusas? I love your mom’s cooking.”

  I slid the container of cheese-stuffed tortillas over to her. “Knock yourself out. I’m not hungry.” I gazed around at the groups of people chattering throughout the cafeteria and was lost to my own anxious thoughts.

  #

  Daniel walked me home like he had every day since junior high.

  “You doing ok?” He asked after our conversation had faded into silence. “You’ve seemed kind of down all day. It’s not cause I was late, was it?”

  I shook my head. “No, of course not.” I smiled and continued. “I’m fine, really.”

  Daniel stopped on the sidewalk and put his hand on my shoulder. We were standing in front of my house now. “I know something’s not right,” He said. “You’re my best friend, Bianca. You can tell me.”

  I sighed. There was no hiding he truth from someone I had known since I was a kid. “You’re right,” I admitted. “I’m really worried about what’s going to happen after graduation. Everyone else seems to have it all figured out and I’m just going to be left behind.”

  “Hey, don’t think that.” Daniel touched my cheek before blushing and pulling his hand away.
“I mean, you’re a smart girl with so much potential. A gap year is nothing to be ashamed of. Not many people have themselves figured out by the time they’re seventeen.”

  I glanced at my house and then back to him. “What about you?”

  Daniel laughed. “I think forensics is the best way for me to get into a job like my dad’s. That’s why I want to do it.” He must have read my mind because he continued. “And Jessica has always been an artist, so it’s a no-brainer for her to pursue graphic design.”

  “I’m just average at everything.” I sighed.

  “No way!” Daniel protested, looked around and the lowered his voice. “You’re the most amazing, kind, intelligent, innovative girl I know. You will find your calling. I know it.” He let go of my shoulders. “One day something is going to light a spark in you and this will all make sense.”

  I smiled and hugged him. “Thanks, Daniel. You’re a good friend.”

  “I try my best,” He said and looked away to disguise how red his face had gotten. “Anyway, I should get going.” He motioned down the street toward his own house. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

  I nodded. “Sure.”

  I was almost at the front door when he turned and called back. “Oh, don’t forget! The field trip is tomorrow.”

  I waved in response and let myself in.

  My house was nice and well kept, but not too big. A three-bedroom bungalow with two bathrooms and a big office that my parents shared. My dad was an attorney and my mom worked as a freelance Spanish interpreter. She worked from home and my dad commuted downtown. The house was quiet and smelled like coffee, which meant my mother was probably in the office working.

  I padded down the hall quietly so I wouldn’t disturb her. I passed the first bedroom and felt my chest clench. My abuela had lived with us my entire life and had passed this spring. The hurt was still raw whenever I thought of her. I paused and then pushed the door open. My mother hadn’t changed a thing. Her bed was made perfectly, her few clothes and belongings stacked in the closet and a statuette of the Virgin Mary by her bedside. It still smelled like her perfume in here. I rubbed my arms and shivered.

  “I miss her too.” My mother’s voice came from behind me.

  I turned around. “Oh, Mama, I’m sorry if I interrupted your work.” She must have heard the door open; this room was adjacent to the office.

  My mother shook her head and put a hand on my shoulder. “Not at all. Let’s have some coffee.”

  I let her lead me to the kitchen where she prepared fresh coffee and cookies for a snack. I watched her work in the kitchen like a machine, knowing where everything was without even having to think about it.

  My mind began to wander and I glanced into the living room. My favorite family photo hung on the wall. It was of my parents, abuela, and me.

  My mother’s family had fled El Salvador during the 1980s. She met my father when they were both attending Purdue University; he was studying law, and she was studying modern languages. They got married and settled down in Michigan after they graduated. My abuela fell ill after the death of her husband and she moved in with them. They adopted me a year later.

  I looked nothing like my parents; my father was Mexican-American and my mother from El Salvador. I was pale, with almond eyes and dark, straight hair. My birth mother was Korean, but I didn’t know much more than that. I never thought of it anyway, because my true family was here. I had no brothers or sisters, but my family ties were strong.

  My mother set down a steaming cup of black coffee in front of me. “What’s bothering you, mi cielito?”

  I had been through my worries what seemed like a million times already today. I sighed. “Just worried about what to do after graduation. ”

  She sipped her coffee and gave me a knowing smile with a twinkle in her eye. “You’ll figure it out,” She said. “Just because the world is moving fast, doesn’t mean you need to try to catch up to it. Everything at your own pace. You’ll be fine.”

  #

  Afterward, I headed up to my room to prepare for the field trip tomorrow. I wasn’t exactly thrilled about going to an art museum, but anything was better than having to sit through an afternoon of boring classes.

  I felt a strange yet familiar tingle and glanced down at my phone. It felt as if someone would call me, but the screen remained blank. I frowned and shrugged it off.

  “One day something is going to light a spark in you and this will all make sense.”

  Daniels words floated through my head again. Maybe I was just losing my mind, but I had a funny feeling about tomorrow.

  CHAPTER TWO

  “Welcome to the Detroit Institute of Arts,” Our guide rambled on about the history of the building we were standing in. “The Institute was founded in 1885, but was moved to this site in 1927.”

  I fidgeted, already growing restless in the cold room as the echoes of voices and footsteps filled my ears. I glanced over at Jessica, who was absorbing everything the guide said. Her eyes were wide, so big she almost looked like an alien. I suppressed a giggle.

  “I wish I was that passionate about old stuff,” Daniel whispered to me as we watched Jessica wriggle her way to the front of the crowd.

  “You’re that passionate about science stuff,” I countered. “You and her are really just two sides of the same coin.”

  Daniel shrugged.

  We trailed behind the rest of the group. We were supposed to be taking notes for an essay after the visit, but I just snapped pictures with my iPhone camera instead.

  Daniel shoved his hands in his pockets and walked lazily around, looking at the paintings. I followed him, thankful there was someone as disenchanted here as me. Our teacher and the guide were talking animatedly and most of the other students were consumed in the art.

  Part of me felt bad. I mean, I should love the history and beauty around me, but something else was hanging over my head. I couldn’t quite place it. The eerie feeling that I had felt yesterday was returning.

  Then, something caught my attention. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a shadowy figure slip through the hallway. I stopped and blinked. It must have been my imagination. People don’t creep around art galleries in the middle of the day. I looked over my shoulder, but the guide had continued on into the next room with the group of students following like hypnotized zombies.

  I couldn’t shake the feeling. With one more glance I checked to make sure I wasn’t being followed and then slunk off in the direction of the shadowy person.

  The long marble hallway led to a heavy wooden door. There was a velvet rope across it and a sign that read: EXHIBIT CLOSED.

  I paused and took a step back. My curiosity always got the best of me. How many times had I gotten mixed up because I just couldn’t help myself? Like when we were kids, Daniel and I went exploring a construction site and I twisted my ankle in a pot hole; or last year when Jessica and I pretended we were going to a sleep over and instead went to a college house party that had to get broken up by the cops?

  There was a sound from the other side. Something metal falling to the floor. The clatter echoed.

  I should have known better, but yet again, I didn’t listen to that voice inside my head. I sucked in a breath and placed my hand on the doorknob.

  “Bianca,” Daniel whispered.

  I turned around. Daniel was coming down the hall. “Oh,” I said let go of the handle as if it had burned me. “What’s up? I got separated from the group.”

  “I was coming to look for you.” He stopped a pace away from me. “Are you ok?”

  I opened my mouth to reply when another crash echoed from behind the door. We both spun around.

  “What was that?” He asked.

  “I don’t know,” I reached for the door again. “That’s what I was checking out.”

  Daniel didn’t hesitate. He lifted up the velvet rope. “Let’s go see, but be careful. Might be a thief or something.”

  “In the middle of the day?”

 
Daniel shrugged. “Hey, my dad works for the FBI remember? I’ve heard stranger stories that that.”

  “What do we do if it is a thief?” I whispered.

  Daniel held up his phone. “911 is always the best choice.” He grinned.

  I nodded, slipped under the rope and twisted the knob. I was half expecting it to be locked, so when the heavy wooden door opened, I let out a gasp.

  The room was dark inside. I peered into the gap and saw nothing but darkness. I looked back at Daniel, who gave me a reassuring nod and we entered. It took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the dark. I held my phone in front of me, using the flashlight to look around.

  The room was nearly empty. There was a thick layer of dust on the floor and tables.

  Daniel directed the light from his phone to the floor. There were footprints in the dust. “Ah ha,” He breathed. “I’ve found a clue.”

  I rolled my eyes. “You read too much Sherlock,” I said.

  Daniel shrugged my sarcastic remark off and looked around. “Well, whoever it was, I guess they’re gone now.”

  I shone the flashlight on the walls. There were framed paintings dotted randomly and empty hardware in between. The room was small, probably for private events or something like that. But now, it just looked like it was used for storage.

  There was a metallic sound of something falling to the floor. Daniel and I both twisted around to a stack of crates against the far wall. Something glittered in the light from our phones. The weird feeling surged through me again. Whatever it was, I had to have it.

  I stepped forward, but Daniel caught my hand. “Come on, I think we should go and report this to security.”

  “Getting cold feet already?” I teased. He had matured since our childhood adventures, but I didn’t expect him to back out now. “I just want to see what it is.”

  “I don’t think we’re alone in here.” Daniel whispered.

  That got my attention. I held my breath, listening for any sound of movement. He was right; stuff didn’t fall out of boxes on its own.