by W. J. May
The Huntress.
EPILOGUE
A great feast had been held that morning in celebration of Derik’s reign of terror and dominance being over and a new life beginning. Caleb and Dru had spent a large chunk of the day in the infirmary getting patched up and made well before taking a long nap to help recover from their sleepless night.
Dru woke to the soft fingers of her mate brushing through her hair, her body curled around his, cheek on his chest.
"Hey, beautiful. Sleep well?" His finger pressed just under her chin, causing her to lift her head and meet the passion of his kiss. She leaned into him, tightening her legs around his as she embraced the promise of a future filled with hope and love.
"I did. This has been the longest three days of my life." She laughed and collapsed back onto his chest as he lazily rubbed circles on her exposed back.
"I know, baby. Let's spend the rest of our days living out the dreams we've both had of a better life."
She nodded and looked up toward him, his dark blue eyes filled with passion and love. "We’ll have to help the vampires, should they come to call. Lilith and I have a blood oath between us, so I have no choice."
He visibly flinched then nodded, his jaw locking in place. "I understand. We’ll worry about that when the time comes. I think the humans might be a bit of a bother as well, considering all of their activity of late."
"Do you think we should move the pack again? Vamps on one side and humans on the other." She sighed, her fingers playing down the strong muscles of his chest and abs.
"No, that's too dangerous. I think we just have to make our presence known and stand strong when opposition comes our way."
"Do you think the Hunters will come back for us?"
He breathed in deeply, something changing in his demeanor. "Without a doubt, they will."
"Is it because of the dark haired Huntress with the bright green eyes?"
He looked down at her, his face losing expression. "Yes."
“Was she trying to kill you?”
“No. She was trying to kill Derik in order to protect me, but she doesn’t understand that honor is the greatest trait among our kind.” Caleb reached out and touched her arm.
"Was she looking specifically for you?"
"Yes, and she has been for a very long time."
"Do you love her?" Dru asked, her chest pulling tight at the very thought of it.
"I do."
Dru pulled from him and sat up, jealousy, fear and pain slamming into her as she looked over at him. "I knew something was up. You saved her from both me and Derik during that first fight, and then last night she tried to save you. How can you be with me and love her, Caleb?"
He sat up and pulled Dru toward him, his strong fingers holding the back of her head. He kissed her with more passion than she imagined possible, and her body melted at the taste of him, despite her lingering confusion and doubt. He kissed her again, long and hard, her breath lost and lungs burning by the time he pulled back.
"Caleb, answer me. How can you love her and be with me."
He smiled and buried his face against her neck before pulling her on top of him. "Simple, baby. She's my sister."
It was a shame she’d have to die.
About the Author
Kate Thomas is the author of the Equilibrium Series, a five-book supernatural new adult series, with plans for a few more series in 2015, as well as the new Resounding Series. For more information on the timing of her 2015 releases, please visit her website.
She is a CPA by trade, a church planter and entrepreneur at heart; however, writing and reading are passions she just can't help but indulge in. With more ideas than one person should be allowed, she is blessed to have a muse that doesn't seem to take a vacation and more energy that one might consider healthy.
She writes under the following pen names:
L.A. Starkey - Young Adult & Middle Grade Paranormal
Isabella James - Sci-fi/Fantasy
Lauren Elizabeth - Adult Contemporary Romance
For more information about the upcoming releases by Kate please join her mailing list.
Resounding Desolation, The Resounding
Series Book I is scheduled to release
early summer 2015!!
Enjoy the Book? Want More?
Check out these other great titles by Kate and her alternate personalities:
The Core, Equilibrium 1 (New Adult) by Kate Thomas. There’s something strange about David, something that goes beyond the way he makes Ellie feel. He’s wealthy, poised, and a complete enigma. With nothing to lose but her heart, Ellie goes in search of the truth—a search that leads her down an eye-opening path that reveals secrets about the world she thought she knew. The Core is missing and someone must step up and stand between the light and darkness, holding each back and maintaining equilibrium. Book II of this series is scheduled for the end of May 2015. The Core
The Soul Keeper Series by L.A. Starkey. Deceived (Book I), Destroyed (Book II) and Descent (Book III). This YA Paranormal series is a modern day love story about the implications of having more than one soul mate, and having to choose between the two of them. The decisions of the gods has left the next generation, their heirs, torn between fate and reality, and the balance of the future hangs in anticipation of what's to come. Soul Keeper Series
Howl at the Moon, the Liarus Detective Series #1 (MG). Released February 2015. Eighth graders, Ben, Jake and Leah need cash, and mowing lawns in the winter just isn’t cutting it. Their need for cash births the Liarus (Liars R Us) Detective Agency! Their first client is Old Lady Smitz, who is said to have murdered her three sons and husband. She’s missing a family heirloom, but it’s not just any old trinket, it’s the crest of Lykoi. There are only two rules: No girls are allowed and never seal a deal with the witch doctor. Disregarding danger, these three discover that money is usually more trouble than it’s worth! Howl at the Moon
Book 7
Seventh Mark
Hidden Secrets Saga
Part 1 of
Book I
By
W. J. May
Copyright 2013 by W.J. May
Hidden Secrets Saga:
Download Seventh Mark part 1 For FREE
http://www.amazon.com/Seventh-Mark-Part-Hidden-Secrets-ebook/dp/B00H17FQCC
Seventh Mark part 2
http://www.amazon.com/Seventh-Mark-Part-Hidden-Secrets-ebook/dp/B00H129F0G
Marked by Destiny
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OC90BD6
Compelled
Coming 2015
Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-_vVYC1gvo
Website: http://www.wanitamay.yolasite.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-WJ-May-FAN-PAGE/141170442608149
Cover design by: Book Cover by Design
Edits by: Regina Mitchell
Book III – Marked by Destiny Coming 2014
Book IV – Compelled Coming 2015
Book Description:
Like most teenagers, Rouge is trying to figure out who she is and what she wants to be. With little knowledge about her past, she has questions but has never tried to find the answers. Everything changes when she befriends a strangely intoxicating family. Siblings Grace and Michael, appear to have secrets which seem connected to Rouge. Her hunch is confirmed when a horrible incident occurs at an outdoor party. Rouge may be the only one who can find the answer.
An ancient journal, a Sioghra necklace and a special mark force life-altering decisions for a girl who grew up unprepared to fight for her life or others.
All secrets have a cost and Rouge’s determination to find the truth can only lead to trouble…or something even more sinister.
*Warning: There are werewolves in this story... and they are not friendly.*
** Warning #2: This book will end on a cliff-hanger. Book 2 picks up where this book ends.**
If you enjoyed Seventh Mark and love fantasy books with werewolves (or vampires),
let me suggest a favorite book of mine by Chrissy Peebles, Crush:
This is book one of a young adult, vampire series.
The Crush Saga Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/4eMF8KXEUc4
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FBRKH8M
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00FBRKH8M
His precious touch could prove deadly…
When Taylor Sparks moves from New York City to Big Bear Lake, California, her life is forever changed when she meets a hot guy with winter-blue eyes named Jesse. Their attraction is instant, the chemistry undeniable. But sadly, things aren't adding up. Taylor wonders what her 'crush' is hiding. When her new friend, Fred tells her his suspicions about Jesse being a paranormal creature, Taylor laughs. But when Fred turns up dead, she believes every warning he ever told her.
Taylor is shocked to learn that Big Bear Lake isn't just glittering lakes, towering pines, and breathtaking mountains...there's more...way more than meets the eye.
Will Taylor dive into a paranormal world she knows nothing about? To be with the one her heart can’t live without?
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual person, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
All rights reserved.
Copyright 2013 by W.J. May
Cover design by W.J. May
No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in articles and reviews.
Acknowledgments
To my husband and kids – Love you and all our crazy ways. I wouldn’t change it for anything!
Proper thanks—with jumping up and down cheering, waving hands and shouting at the top of my lungs needs to be sent out to:
Kellie Dennis from Book Cover by Design, who blows my mind with her talent on creating covers. Double thank you!
Chrissy Peebles, for being such a great writing buddy and always available and willing to help. Thank for you for pushing met to get this story out, I’d have never done it without you.
Regina Mitchell, a lovely editor who I have no idea how she finds the time to edit so fast.
And above all else, to my Lord and Saviour who gave me this wild imagination.
Chapter 1
Ear buds stuffed in, I cranked the volume on my iPod and clicked my exercise shuffle. I jogged down the gravel driveway and turned to follow the last bit of sunset. If only I could draw or paint…
Crossing an intersection, I headed left and let my legs carry me away from the small houses, run-down yards, cracked door screens and broken-down cars into a block of bigger houses. The lawns rolled further away from the sidewalk and the houses grew farther apart. Maybe one day I’ll buy a place like this. I snorted at the thought.
Even though I’d never admit it to anyone, a part of me is cursed. Like poison running through my veins, I’ve always believed it would catch up with me. I didn’t know the whys or hows, but deep down it seemed inevitable.
Except now fate intervened, and for once in my life, thank goodness. If it hadn’t, I wouldn’t be here, in this awesome place on the other side of the country. The whole curse thing was probably just in my head.
I gazed straight in front, between the old giant trees lining the roads. The jagged pink and white peaks reflected snow from the remains of the setting sun made me appreciate the beauty of nature. West coast, oh yeah! I smiled, unable to keep the giddiness inside. I’d lived all my life in Niagara Falls, but this—words couldn’t begin to describe this beauty.
Inhaling real fresh pine scent, not the kind from cleaning agents from the past two days, I savoured the moment. If Family and Children Services hadn’t approved Jim and Sally’s request, I wouldn’t be seeing real mountains for the first time. As quick as the bubble came up, it burst.
Next January I’d be eighteen and no longer at the benefit of the government. Jim and Sally were decent foster parents, but they also made it clear they couldn’t afford to help me with college. I quickened my pace. I didn’t want to think about where I might be in a year.
You’ll be on your own…no family. Nothing. Unwanted again. The imaginary little devil on my left shoulder laughed at me.
Music shouted in my ear, “You’re supposed to be alone. Alone…lone…lone…” I glanced at my left shoulder and pretended to flick the imaginary devil off, nearly crashing into the old high-stoned wall lining the neighborhood. Regaining my balance and focus, I pulled the iPod out of my pocket and skipped to the next song.
Street lights flickered on. My eyes had grown accustomed to the darkness without even letting my brain know. I should turn around before it’s completely black. Didn’t want to be out on my own when I barely knew the area.
A gap ahead in the high wall caught my attention. Curiosity won. Instead of heading back, I pushed forward. A public park entrance came into view. Heavy black iron gates led me onto a smooth paved entrance. A large raised garden split the road in two.
A plaque set into the garden’s stone wall made me smile. End of an Era. From the raised stones peeking behind the garden flowers, this was a cemetery, not a park. The owner obviously had a sense of humor along with the desire to create one of those resting places with a welcome. A twenty-something looking woman whizzed by on roller blades, waving as she passed.
The pathways were lit up with those new solar green energy lights. I took the first lane along the outer border and slowed my pace. The tall slate and marble gravestones were erected on the left side with an ancient forest lining the right. As I jogged, I passed through a part of the cemetery that must’ve been the original lot with worn-down, ancient-looking stones. I paused or weaved between the stones to read the odd one: “1886 John Hartzel -- 18 years of age, 1892 Patrick O’Reilly -- died too young, Tammy Fortune 1802 -1822.” What’s with this place? Can’t come here if you’re over thirty?
Squinting, I jogged closer to a raised tombstone with a concrete angel resting on top. Using my hand, which carried my iPod, I rested it on the corner of the stone to steady myself. I leaned forward for a better look at the inscription. Poor thing, same age as the others. I straightened and pushed off to finish my run. The cord from my iPod snagged the angel’s head, yanking the buds from my ears—the iPod went flying from my hand.
“Crap!” I skidded to a stop on the damp grass and used my palms to hug my ears. It hurt like a bitch. I glanced up at the stone figurine and grimaced. Imagine trying to decapitate an angel. People were probably rolling in their graves right now.
Double crap! My iPod. It better not be busted. Night had fully descended, which didn’t work in my favor. I got down on my knees and began groping in the dark, futilely trying to scan the grass. The little solar lights were useless. “Of course, I had to buy the black case,” I mumbled and shook my head as I crawled to check under a nearby bench. Cobwebs caressed my face, which had me doing a karate twitch dance as I tried to knock off any possible spiders and remove the webs.
A twig snapped, followed by a muffled laugh.
I froze, waiting, tense, my head cocked to the side. It was dead quiet. As it should be in a cemetery. No noise. Not a sound.
“Dummy.” I got out from under the bench, sat up and brushed off my sweatshirt. It’d taken months to save for the iPod. I dropped down to search again clawi
ng at chunks of grass. I’m not leaving till I find it, even if I have to swallow some hairy, icky spiders.
“You lose something?” A low, gruff voice broke through the dark. “Or are you digging your own grave?”
Chapter 2
My heart leapt to my throat. I smacked my head on the bottom of the bench. “Flippin’ heck!” I scrambled back, rubbing the sore spot, paranoid about how high my butt hung in the air. My luck, it was probably some graveyard rapist.
The stranger said nothing. All I could see was the outline of a pair of dark with white Converse sneakers. I noisily sucked in a rapid breath, not realizing I’d held it.
“Sorry,” the husky male voice said, sounding amused. “I didn't mean to startle you. This probably isn’t the best place to sneak up on someone.” He cleared his throat. “Are you looking for something?”
His voice turned soft, but masculine. Not the kind of voice you expected to hear in a cemetery.
Then again, what kind of voice would one expect to hear?
I glanced up then fell back on my butt. A boy standing a few feet away from me definitely didn’t belong in a cemetery. Too tanned, too blond, too…wow, hot.
Very tall, especially from where I sat on the ground. I had to make an effort to drag my eyes away from his face. Even in the dark, his blue eyes flashed against the moonlight. He had the blondest hair I’d ever seen, like a Viking’s.