Predator Girl (A Paranormal Romance)
Page 21
Ilume wasn’t paying attention. All the while, her green eyes focused on me, waiting for an answer.
That night in the care center, I snuck out of bed. I left my space, sniffing my way down the hall. Faint howls echoed from the outdoors, voices of the hunters as they searched for Rex’s body.
Ilume and I spent the evening answering questions, no personal time. Everyone swarmed me, asking how I did it. I explained my father’s research, which led into my stay with the Jackals. That topic caused a small riot, but with Ilume’s help I managed to calm everyone down. After a long discussion about packs and territory, I spoke of Rex’s death, of his traps that he’d set for the Jackals, and how he’d been stealing their territory.
After a long two hours of talk, the Rooks began to disperse, going off to gather their thoughts. I slouched against the wall in the ballroom, Ilume at my side. I asked her about how I was supposed to claim leadership now, since technically it wasn’t I who killed Rex; it had been his own trap.
“You still fought him. You were the one that pushed him out toward the traps, although that wasn’t intentional,” she said. “Plus, I’m still alpha female. I doubt the pack would be opposed to me choosing the new alpha male.”
I stopped worrying after that.
Slipping behind the curtains, I was careful not to disturb her roommates in the care center as I crawled onto Ilume’s mattress. I pulled the blankets over me, snuggling against her side. She rolled over, clean and warm and half asleep.
I whispered in her ear, “Yes.”
“Yes, what?” she yawned, resting an arm on my chest.
I tucked my arm around her back, smiling. “Yes. I’m staying.”
Acknowledgements
I have a handful of people to thank for making Predator Girl possible. My mother, Gudrun, is first. Mom, you’ve been and will always be my biggest inspiration. You taught me to be strong, and to have hope in both good times and bad. Thanks for raising me on monster books and fairytales as a kid. They became the fuel for my own stories. Thank you for never doubting me, and for all the coffee dates when I was down. I owe you some four-pump mochas.
Next, I want to say thank you to my dad, Tim, who is the perfect example of striking out and fighting for what he wanted most. In those moments of despair, when I wanted to give up, you reminded me of all you had to do to get to where you are today as a successful business owner. You gave me your determination, and for that I am very grateful.
I want to thank my high school English teachers, who also didn’t doubt me and got me on the road to being an author. Mr. Kline, I was seventeen when I came to you and said, “I’ve written a book. Now how do I get it published?” You walked me through the steps of writing my first query letter and synopsis and gave me tips for editing. I don’t know what I would’ve done without your help. Thank you. To Mr. McDonald: thank you for introducing me to Writer’s Market. I was clueless until you taught me about publishers. Your knowledge, plus your enthusiasm for my work, gave me inspiration.
Last but certainly not least, thank you to the amazing staff at WiDō Publishing, including my editor, Kristine, and the acquisitions editor, Allie. You guys made my greatest dream a reality. I have fought long and hard for this, and I really enjoyed working with your company. There are not enough thank-yous in the world for what you’ve done for me.
About the Author
Born to the great Northwest, S. B. Roozenboom grew up submerged in fairytales and monster stories. She wrote her first novel in high school, when she was seventeen. Currently, she’s working on three new novels. When she’s not writing, she’s drawing up tattoo designs, exploring the Oregon wilderness, and hunting for her next big book idea.
http://www.theofficialsbboom.yolasite.com