Destined to Kill: A Destined Novel (Destined Novels Book 1) by Jourdyn Kelly Page A

lived alone. Not many high schoolers do. They, of course, don't know my whole story, only that I was emancipated and that's the reason I can live by myself and not be in a foster home. At least that's what I told them. To get into the real story would mean having to explain much more than I could. I already have to deal with my friends feeling sorry for me knowing my parents were no longer alive. Of course, they are all curious as to how they died, but are courteous enough not to ask me about it too much. Only Amanda has asked me about them, and I made up a story of how they were killed in a car accident. What else could I say? They were murdered and I set them on fire?
    Lunch with Amanda had been interesting. She stuffed her face with Jake's famous juicy burger and fries while she talked non-stop about Robby and their long, non-existent love affair. I tried to listen, but a dull ache had replaced the sharp pain I had felt in the school cafeteria. It was a familiar feeling, but I didn't want to think of why. We had left school to get away from the watchful eye of Mr. Galloway, however for some reason I still felt like I was being watched. Of course, Amanda was annoyed with me because my attention was not completely on her. I apologized, telling her I had cramps and just needed to go home and get some rest. She reluctantly forgave me–I think.
    The cramps excuse wasn't exactly a lie. I just don't know why I'm having them now. Today has been very odd, I decide. I haven't felt this connected to my past in a very long time and, frankly, I don't like it.
    A nap. That should help. I will merely sleep off the cramps and the odd feelings. Seems reasonable enough. I'm feeling optimistic as I head towards my bedroom. Then I feel the pain again, and it brings me to my knees. This time, with the pain, came a craving I haven't felt in so long that I almost don't recognize it.
    "What in the hell is going on," I whisper in the empty bedroom. I concentrate on my surroundings, willing myself to remain in the present and not slip back into my past. Taking deep breaths, I wait for the pain to subside. I sit there, rocking on the floor, holding my stomach. The hunger makes my head pound, my eyes burn and my teeth ache. Crap. This can't be good at all.
    "Get a grip, Ana. You're just thinking about the past because of what happened in school today. Let it go." I crawl to my bed and pull myself up into it. Pulling the covers over my head, I wait - and pray - for sleep to come.

 
    The cool breeze caresses my face as I creep down the dark alley. Unfortunately, it carries with it the stench of the garbage that lines the way. My boots click on the street, eerily echoing as I hum a cheery tune that doesn't quite fit the scene. I sense the group of guys watching me from the dead end, and I know exactly what I am walking into. It's what I want.
    There are five of them and they look menacing enough with their tattoos and piercings. They're all big–either muscular or just fat–and I would guess that each of them had to be near the 300lb mark. Perfect. Their smiles are ominous and I can hear them making vulgar suggestions about what they want to do to me. They're speaking in broken English and Spanish, but I understand every word, as well as their intentions. It's not too difficult to know what they want from the beautiful girl who's stupid enough to walk down the dead end street by herself. Obviously, I am asking for it.
    "Hey there, Mami. You come here looking for some fun, you found it." This comes from what looks to be the ring leader of the pack. He's huge and muscular and has a face that I don't even know his own mother could love. When he smiles, I can see he has a diamond grill. At least that's what he wants everyone to think, but I can tell–even from this distance–that the diamonds are actually fake. So, he's a guy who wanted to seem more important than he really is.
    I force myself to look timid. "I'm just out for a walk. I don't want any