by Cameo Renae
I really hoped my grandma Gertie would follow us here. But that was still uncertain. I was just glad to have her back in my life, knowing I could connect with her anytime I wanted.
Rylan and I spent a lot more time together, especially since winter break was still on. He was a senior at Havenwood Falls High and would be graduating soon, but he already had a steady job at Blaekthorn Lumber and Supply.
My dad let him get closer than any other guy had, and even let him take me out a few times, only not on his motorcycle. And Camden sort of tagged along.
For the first time in my life, I felt a sense of stability. That hole I’d had in my heart for all those years was steadily being filled. And I noticed it in my dad, too. Things were finally taking a turn in the right direction, and we were finally becoming whole.
* * *
It was the eighth of January, the first day of school after the winter break, and the night before we had decided to head back to New Mexico to pack our things for the big move. It was also the night of the Festival of Lights—a time when the residents of Havenwood Falls gathered in the town and on the mountainsides, offering tribute to all those who had fallen and lost their lives while protecting the people of the town and its secrets during the massacre of 1876.
Rylan asked my dad if I could go, and because Camden and the twins were going, too, he agreed. After school, Camden and I met Rylan and the twins at the school, and drove up Mt. Mae. We were all given paper lanterns and lighters before we rode the ski lifts up the slopes. There, we met other students from Havenwood Falls High.
I recognized the sheriff’s son Kase in a group of guys, and was introduced to Rowan, River, Zaltana, Julianna, Viv, Breckin, and Zara, who also rode the lifts up. It felt great to be a part of something, with kids my age, especially after being homeschooled for the past three years.
We made a bonfire between a few trees and waited for nightfall.
One of the kids explained to our group about the event. That it was meant to honor those who had given their lives for the town and its residents throughout the centuries. Also, every year on this same night, all residents of Havenwood Falls turned off their Christmas lights for the last time until the next season.
Not long after, we watched as the entire town below went dark, and then stood in a moment of silence.
I couldn’t help but think of my mother. She’d sacrificed her life for me. Gave everything so I could live, and I was standing here because of her.
A bright red flare shot high into the sky from city hall, a sign for everyone to begin lighting their lanterns. Rylan held ours between his hands while I lit it.
I placed my hands over his as a cold wind whipped around us. Our eyes met; the panes of his handsome face illuminated from the lantern’s warm glow.
“You ready?” he asked.
“Ready.”
We let go and watched our lantern slowly ascend. Then, my glimmer appeared out of nowhere and circled around it. Seeing it, knowing it was my mother, knowing she was here to witness it, made me emotional.
Tears pooled in my eyes, blurring my vision as I watched the lantern lift higher and higher, along with the thousands of other golden-lit lanterns filling the onyx sky. It was unbelievably beautiful and so peaceful, and with the darkened town below, it was a wonder to be seen.
Then, as if the moment weren’t already magical, wisps of snow curled and danced around us, and gasps and laughter filled the air.
I turned, looking into Rylan’s eyes, and his gaze softened, making my heart burst. I placed my hand against his cheek, his fingers gently grazed against mine.
God, I loved the way he looked at me, when his eyes looked like molten gold.
I gnawed on my lower lip, which caused a low laughter to rumble from his chest.
He held the sides of my face, then slowly leaned in. The warmth of his breath against my cold cheek sent tingles down my spine and through my belly.
“I’m cashing in my rain check right now,” he whispered, and I nodded.
Heat rushed to my core as his warm lips found mine, sweeping gently across them. I opened to him, and his kiss deepened, becoming intimate. At that moment, I was lost, a paper lantern floating high in the sky above.
“Hey, Rylan.” Camden’s voice yanked me from bliss and pulled me back down to earth. “Rylan!”
Rylan’s lips lingered a bit longer before he pulled away. When we turned, there was a girl standing next to Camden.
“She’s been looking for you,” he said, hitching his thumb toward her.
The girl was around our age, very thin and tall, with long brown hair and dark brown eyes. She looked sickly and tired, with pronounced, dark bags under her eyes.
Still in Rylan’s arms, I felt his muscles stiffen as the two of them stared at each other.
“Keira, what are you doing here?” he asked in a not-so-friendly tone.
“Rylan,” she breathed, taking a tentative step forward, her head dropping. “The pack needs you.”
“What are you talking about?” Rylan bit, “Axel is in charge. He’s more than capable to run the pack.”
“No, he’s not,” she said, her voice trembling. “Lars killed him, or at least we think it was him, leaving us leaderless. We’ve been on the run, trying to survive.” Her hands twisted around themselves. “You’re the rightful alpha of our pack, Rylan. If we don’t get protection, we’re all going to die.”
He shook his head. “I left. I’m no longer a part of the pack,” he snapped, releasing me. As he did, a coldness swept over me.
“Lars has threatened to take over, and the pack is frightened. They need you. We need you,” she said, her eyes pleading. “And although you don’t think you are, you’ll always be a part of the pack.”
“How did you find me?” he asked, his tone guarded.
“You’re an alpha, Rylan. We’re all connected.”
He exhaled loudly. “Where is Lars?”
“Last we heard, he was in Gunnison, probably heading this way.”
Rylan cursed under his breath, his hands raking through his hair. “And where’s the pack?”
“They’re in Montrose, a little over an hour away.” Rylan was clearly disturbed. “I’m sorry,” she said, looking between us. “I had to come. The pack needs a leader, and if Lars finds them, you know what he’s capable of doing. There are only six of us left.”
Rylan cursed again. “I’ll think about it,” he finally exhaled, looking up at her.
“How is your mother?” Keira asked.
He gave her a pained look that made my heart ache. “She’s dead.”
“What?” Keira’s eyes shut tight, and a tiny tear trickled down her frail cheek. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. She stepped closer and handed him a piece of paper. “We’ll be here until tomorrow night.” Rylan took the paper and shoved it in his pocket.
The entire atmosphere had changed as we watched the girl, Keira, walk away. My heart was breaking for her, understanding what she was going through, but it wasn’t my place to say anything.
“What was that all about?” Camden asked, stepping toward Rylan.
“Pack issues,” Rylan exhaled. “I’ll deal with it later.”
“We’ll talk later,” Cam said and walked away. He also knew it was better not to interfere right now.
Rylan walked back to me and laced his fingers through mine.
“Are you okay?” I asked, gazing deep into his hazel eyes.
But I knew he wasn’t okay. I could read his body language and see stress clearly etched on his face. Keira’s news had greatly affected him.
But Rylan was strong, a survivor. I had learned he didn’t like to wear his emotions on his sleeve, and didn’t like to involve anyone else in his problems. He was the type who handled issues his own way. And after hearing what kind of person Lars was, I had a feeling Rylan would avoid bringing his pack into Havenwood Falls. He wouldn’t want to risk the safety of my family, or me, and what he was still building here. If anythi
ng, he would keep the issue outside of town until it was resolved. And that’s what scared me most.
“Hey, you,” he said, kissing the tip of my nose. His signature grin was instantly back, putting a smile on my face. “Don’t worry about me, cupcake. It’s nothing I can’t handle.”
“I know,” I sighed, taking his other hand. I wanted him to know that we were here for him, like he was for us . . . for me. And we would fight for him, no matter what. “We’re all here for you. You know that, right?”
His eyes went distant for a moment. I wrapped my arms around his waist and he hugged me closer to his chest. His wonderful scent wrapped around me, instantly calming my nerves.
“I know,” he breathed, pressing his lips to my forehead. “I know.”
We stood in silence, holding each other tight, watching the last of the glimmering lanterns sail into the endless sky above, until they faded from view.
There were so many new and unanswered questions floating around us. But I still believed in fate and held tightly to it, believing it brought us to this town for a reason.
What did the future hold for us? I didn’t know. But like my dad always said:
We’ll get through it together . . . like we always have.
* * *
We hope you enjoyed this story in the Havenwood Falls High series of novellas featuring a variety of supernatural creatures. Read on for an excerpt of Inamorata (A Havenwood Falls High Novella) by Randi Cooley Wilson. The series is a collaborative effort by multiple authors. Each book is generally a stand-alone, so you can read them in any order, although some authors will be writing sequels to their own stories. Please be aware when you choose your next read.
* * *
Other books in the Young Adult Havenwood Falls High series:
Written in the Stars by Kallie Ross
Reawakened by Morgan Wylie
The Fall by Kristen Yard
Somewhere Within by Amy Hale
Awaken the Soul by Michele G. Miller
Bound by Shadows by Cameo Renae
Inamorata by Randi Cooley Wilson
Fata Morgana by E.J. Fechenda
Forever Emeline by Katie M. John (April 2018)
* * *
More books releasing on a monthly basis.
Stay up to date at www.HavenwoodFalls.com
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About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Cameo Renae was born in San Francisco, raised in Maui, Hawaii, and now resides with her husband and children in Alaska.
She’s a daydreamer and a caffeine and peppermint addict, who loves to laugh and loves to read to escape reality.
One of her greatest joys is creating fantasy worlds filled with adventure and romance and sharing it with others.
One day she hopes to find her own magic wardrobe and ride away on a magical unicorn. Until then . . . she’ll keep writing.
Acknowledgments
First, I’d like to thank Kristie Cook who invited me to be a part of this amazing world. It’s been such an honor and privilege to write alongside all the other outstanding Havenwood Falls authors.
I’d also like to thank the readers. It’s because of you that our stories come to life. We appreciate you.
Inamorata (A Havenwood Falls High Novella) by Randi Cooley Wilson
Two houses. Two hearts. One fate.
Growing up in the prestigious Fairchild house seems like the perfect life, but for Julianna, it isn’t always easy, especially as the granddaughter of a prominent Seelie Court elder. When Julianna’s grandfather passes away, her parents are summoned to the fae island of Tír na nÓg. Not wanting to miss her senior year of high school, Julianna decides to remain in Havenwood Falls with her human grandmother, unaware this one choice will forever change her perfectly planned future.
Lies, secrets, and betrayals rule in the Bishop house, and Rowan Bishop, the youngest of the brothers, is no exception. Unpredictable and uncontrollable, he’s been kicked out of eight private boarding schools. As a last-ditch effort to set him straight, his oldest brother enrolls him in Havenwood Falls’ Sun and Moon Academy—a private school for residents with supernatural gifts.
After several chance encounters, Julianna and Rowan discover a connection full of attraction, mystery, and danger. A connection that lands them right in the middle of a centuries-old feud between the Bishops and the Fairchilds. And when it comes to choosing sides, the cost of their forbidden love will be higher than they ever expected.
Inamorata
With blurry vision and bumbling fingers, I grab the buzzing cell phone off the nightstand and glance at the screen. A groan escapes me when my best friend Zaltana’s name flashes. Reluctantly, I sit up and wipe the fatigue from my eyes. The phone vibrates again, her ringtone feeling as though it’s becoming more annoyed at me with each passing moment I ignore it.
It’s a well-known fact that waking me up before dawn never leads to a positive outcome—I am a seventeen-year-old girl who needs sleep. The phone begins to vibrate again, and I end the internal war I’m having with myself whether or not I should answer. It’s futile. The guilt has already set in.
“It’s two o’clock in the morning,” I mumble through a yawn.
“Oh good, you’re awake,” Zal’s overexcited voice replies.
“I am now. What’s up?”
A long pause ensues before she answers me. “I need a favor, Jules.”
With a low growl, my head falls back onto my pillow. Zaltana Purser always needs a favor.
“What kind of favor?” I try to focus on her words instead of her bubbly excitement.
“Well . . .” she begins in a singsong. “There is this . . . event going on, and I need you to come.”
“What kind of event?”
“A. Um. Sporting event.” Her reply is vague.
I stifle another yawn. “At this hour?”
“I know. I know. You need your beauty sleep. The cool part is they needed a healer last minute, and River recommended me.” Her grin is clear in her voice as she talks about her crush.
“The favor?” I prompt.
“I need a ride home. River went missing, and it’s almost over.”
My gaze wanders to the alarm clock. It is so freaking late. I sigh, knowing how important this is to her. Zaltana is a Native American medicine healer, a descendant of Chief Aquakawwa. Her grandfather, Chief Joseph Purser, is the current leader of the local band of the Ute Tribe. Since she’s seventeen, the elders only allow her to use her powers on the reservation in limited and monitored situations. She wants to make her grandfather proud and honor their tribal legacy, though, so she jumps at any chance to practice and use her gifts wherever and whenever.
“Please, Julianna,” she whines. “I wouldn’t ask if this wasn’t important. You’re my best friend. Don’t leave me stranded with a bunch of high school seniors.”
“We’re high school seniors,” I remind her.
“What if my powers go all haywire, and I accidentally kill a vampire?”
I cringe. She has a point. Zal isn’t the most predictable with her healing abilities.
“Fine,” I groan. “Where do I need to meet you?”
She breathes a sigh of relief. “Mount Alexa. Midway up.”
“North of town?” I whine. “You’re lucky I live in the Heights now.”
“My firstborn is yours. Oh, and wear something cute.” She hangs up.
Wear something cute? I stare at the ceiling of my new bedroom, wishing everything I’d brought with me was already organized so I could get dressed faster. I sigh, my gaze floating around. Maybe I should have let my grandmother’s staff unpack for me when I first moved in and she made the offer, but the thought of strangers touching my things, my books, my clothes—it makes my stomach churn.
I hate the idea almost as much as I hate being here. Ten months. That’s all.
Tossing my covers off, I force my body out of the comfort of my
bed and place my feet on the soft, plush carpet before turning on the dim white twinkle lights surrounding my bedroom.
I’ve been at the House of Fairchild for a few days, and there is still so much left to do before school starts on Monday. I frown, looking around. With all the cliché antique-white furniture and pink flowers decorating this room, you’d think I was a Disney princess instead of the daughter of a notable Seelie fae. One who is about to take his seat on the Seelie Court.
I miss my parents. Our home. I like routine; I like predictability; I like organization. I hate clutter and messes. And, right now, my predictable, carefully planned-out life in the small town of Havenwood Falls, Colorado—where I’ve spent my entire life—is full of chaos and disorder. Everything had been perfect, until it all fell apart when my grandfather died.
My fingers twitch with the urge to use my fae powers to fix the clutter, but I ignore my inner voice and let the unpacked boxes stay where they are. What’s one more day at this point?
Plus, using my powers in my grandmother’s house is a definite no-no. My grandmother, Miss Mary Beth Fairchild, is a human. She becomes anxious when I use my gifts for trivial matters—like cleaning or unpacking boxes. As the matriarch of one of the town’s notable families, she likes to remain in good standing with the town’s Court of the Sun and the Moon, which oversees all things supernatural. A use of power by an underage fae is not something the Court encourages.
I blink slowly, ignoring my littered surroundings, and attempt to calm the fae energy that flows through me. In January, I turned seventeen and went through my “awakening,” coming into my full fae gifts. Since then, I’ve been practicing with my parents to hone and fine-tune my abilities. I guess all of that will have to be put on hold, now that they were called away.