by Melissa Marr
Her eyes widened just enough that Lily was glad Daidí was frowning at Creed instead of scrutinizing her.
Creed smiled, a genuine soul-searing smile that she’d rarely glimpsed in the hundreds of photos she’d seen in magazines, and then with a nod to them both he walked toward the stage that had been set up for him.
At her side, Daidí was silent as they walked to the table at the front of the ballroom where she was to sit like a regent holding court. For all of her father’s suggestions that she mingle with those her own age, he still set her apart. Soon, his colleagues would come and give her gifts. Shayla would arrive and catalogue them, and Daidí would nod approvingly. Everyone would pretend that the people her own age who did approach her did so by their own choice. All the while, she would watch Creed sing for her as if private concerts from global celebrities was her due.
“He’s like you,” Daidí whispered as he seated her at the birthday table. It was a question as much as a statement.
Lily nodded.
On stage, Creed inserted a little earpiece into his ear and nodded at the man who was stationed to the side at a complex looking control board. Creed felt more familiar now, like the unapproachable rockstar in her fantasies. He was safer now that he was at a distance.
“I thought as much from the way you studied him in those journals,” Daidí said with a satisfied tone that made her glance his way.
She caught her father’s hand as he started to turn away. When she tugged him down beside her, he didn’t resist. She kissed his cheek as an excited daughter should and assured him, “I admitted nothing. I never have to anyone.”
“You can with him,” he said.
When Daidí straightened again, she knew that her father had his people thoroughly investigate Creed. No one was admitted to Abernathy Estates without thorough background searches.
As Creed started the opening chords to “Deadly Girl,” his eyes were fixed steadfastly on her and her father. She could feel his words like a lure.
Air. Creed Morrison’s affinity was air.
The articles she’d read all explained that fae-blood were typically associated with one element. Those of purer fae lines had a second. True fae had two or sometimes three. Nothing explained why she had four, and she’d never met another fae-blood she could ask.
Here, though, was one in her home.
The music covered Daidí’s words as he told her, “I want you to talk to him. If he doesn’t give you his contact information, I’ll have Shayla get it for you. You need to know more of your people. That’s why I brought him here.”
Lily glanced from her father to Creed and back again.
“Happy birthday, Lilywhite,” Daidí said.
The real present wasn’t the party, or the jewelry, or even the concert. Her father had delivered Creed Morrison to her like a gift. All he needed was a bow.
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About the Author
Melissa Marr is a former university literature instructor who writes fiction for adults, teens, and children. She is best known for the Wicked Lovely series for teens, the Graveminder for adults, and her debut picturebook Bunny Roo, I Love You.
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Her books have been translated into twenty-eight languages and been bestsellers internationally (Germany, France, et al) as well as domestically (NY Times, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal). Accolades are also domestic and international; they include multiple starred reviews, YALSA Popular Paperbacks Pick, IRA Notable Book Pick, Book Sense Pick (YA and adult), Good Morning America Summer Pick for Teens, Scottish Book Trust, Red Maple finalist, Goodreads Good Choice Award (Horror), RWA RITA award (YA), et al. In addition to novels, Melissa has co-edited several anthologies, as well as published short fiction, manga, and prose non-fiction. She currently lives with her family, Rottweilers, and a half dozen cats in Arizona.
Also by Melissa Marr
Young Adult (with HarperTeen)
Wicked Lovely
Ink Exchange
Fragile Eternity
Radiant Shadows
Darkest Mercy
Desert Tales
Carnival of Shadows
Made For You
Seven Black Diamonds
One Blood Ruby
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Co-Authored With K.L. Armstrong
Loki’s Wolves
Odin’s Ravens
Thor’s Serpent
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Young Readers (from Penguin)
Bunny Roo, I Love You
Baby Dragon, Baby Dragon!
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Adult (from HarperCollins)
Graveminder
The Arrivals
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Writing As Ronnie Douglas
Unruly
Undaunted