“Sammy?” Tonbo asked, lifting an eyebrow. “Blake, my boy, I’m afraid she outplayed us all.”
“But I would have kept Sam in the cage, like you’d said to do, until after the Defenders were all destroyed. Then we could have—”
“Tried to cure Sammy out of her?” Tonbo asked, finishing his sentence again. He sighed. “I’m afraid nothing is ever quite that simple. I didn’t tell you what I saw happening because for one thing, I wasn’t certain it was and on the other, I didn’t want to cause you more pain if I could help it. You’ve already had to make enough tough decisions when it comes to your brother.”
Guess I know how Sam feels now when I keep things from her, trying to “protect” her, he thought bitterly.
Tonbo’s bony shoulders sagged as he scratched his chin. “So now what? We just let them fly away? Enter a world that is not ready for that kind of violence?”
“No. Now, we wait. Let them regroup. If I know my brother, he will take them to his caves. It’s a never-ending underground labyrinth. Perfect for hiding and defending themselves. Let’s just hope they stay put long enough that I can get to her.”
“What makes you think you can get to her?” he softly asked. “Blake, I don’t want to be the one to say this… but Sam might be gone for good. Sammy’s been growing stronger, taking over more and more of Sam’s life, without her even knowing it.”
The ache in his chest doubled, and he had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from wincing. He shook his head. “I won’t give up on her, Tonbo. Sam’s in there. I know she is.”
Tonbo’s black eyes saddened as he gazed back at him. Blake read empathy all over them.
“I’m going to do whatever it takes to get Sam back,” he said firmly, subduing the gnawing ache with new resolution. “And no one will stand in my way, not this time. Not even my own brother.”
* * *
The End
Acknowledgments
With every book I write, I have to say a huge thank you to my family. My husband, Josh, and my three beautiful children who not only support my crazy writing habit but also believe in my books and me. Writing takes a lot of time, which in a family is a precious commodity. I’m so grateful to have their support, love, and encouragement. I couldn’t do it without you guys. I love you so much!
To all the readers of Hidden Monster who have waited patiently for me to finally give them more—your excitement and anticipation has meant the world to me. Don’t worry, book three, Monsters Among Us, is on its way next. Hopefully, the wait will be well worth it! To my Wattpad readers, I’m forever grateful to you for believing in me before I was ever published.
To all my friends and family who take the time to like, share, comment, and cheer me on through social media sites—you don’t know how much it means to me to have your continued support. I wish I could thank each and every one of you personally here.
To my parents, Ralph and Cyndi, and my husband’s parents, Eddie and Georgene, thank you for all your love and support. I love how you keep sharing my books with everyone you can. Thank you!
A special thank you to my friend, Roxanna, for your enthusiasm and love of my books. Your support means so much. To Gail, my writing buddy for life, what can I say? I couldn’t do this without you. I’m so glad you moved in two doors down from me. Who knows if I’d ever started writing again if you hadn’t. To Sheree, thank you for all you do to help me—from the marketing tips to sharing your time with Gail and me. I love how the three of us keep each other going!
A special thank you to all those who created the cover. To Amy Brimhall, with Dramatic Imaging Photography. Not only are you a dear friend to me, but you also take stunning pictures! Thank you for the cover shot and my profile picture. A huge thank you to the gorgeous model featured on the cover, Kailynn Blackwood. I am thrilled you wanted to do this. A tremendous thank you to Marya Heiman, with Clean Teen Publishing, who was the cover artist and mastermind behind this design. I loved that I said, I want a dragonfly on her face, and this is what you came up with. It’s perfect!
To my publishing team and family, Clean Teen Publishing. I am forever grateful you took a chance on a girl with ‘another angel’ story a few years ago! I am so blessed that my stories are turned into beautiful books because of you. To Rebecca, Courtney, Marya, Melanie, Cynthia and all those who proofread, market, and share my stuff, thank you. My heart is full with gratitude!
Lastly, and most of all, I want to thank my God, for blessing me with talents I can develop, enjoy, and share with others. For giving me the strength and courage to face each new day. I know every good thing in my life, I owe to Him!
About the Author
Born in Dekalb, Illinois, Amanda Strong has called Utah, Arizona, Hawaii, Virginia and now New Mexico home. Amanda has been spinning tales since she was a child. Her family still remembers finding her with bright pink glasses, hiding in random corners of the house while scribbling away in one of her many spiral-bound notebooks. You could say some things have not changed.
Amanda began her writing career signing with Clean Teen Publishing in the fall of 2013. Her first novel, The Awakener, book one in a young adult paranormal romance series called: the Watchers of Men, came out in October of 2013. She is currently working on book two, The Watchers, expected to come out in the fall of 2014.
When Amanda isn’t writing, you can find her chasing her three rambunctious children around the house and spending time with her wonderful and supportive husband. On some occasions you can still find Amanda with her not-so-pink glasses, hiding in a corner reading her favorite young adult fantasy novels or working out only to blow her diet by eating ice cream.
@aewstrong
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Find out what happens next in Monsters Among Us; available now!
What if the fate of the world lies with the monster—not the hero?
The world is shifting, and Sammy has complete control. But as hidden truths surface, she starts to doubt everyone who is close to her. The Ancients and Kory have been harboring dark secrets, and it could mean war between the Dragon Fae and the Irukas. With the Defenders as her devoted soldiers, Sam must make some difficult decisions. Should she save the world… or save herself?
Blake won't give up on Sam. He knows he can't trust Tonbo anymore, or the web of lies he's been thrown into. If he hopes to save Sam, he must find the real reason Kory created the bug army. Turns out there could be something far worse than bloodthirsty bugs buriedon the islands, and Blake will have to fight his own inner demons if he wants to save those he loves—including Sam.
In a world filled with mistrust and lies, Blake and Sam must unearth the truth and face their own fears and weaknesses. If they don't, their lives—and the fate of all humanity—will hang in the balance.
Get your copy today!
Also by Amanda Strong
The Monsters Among Us Series
Hidden Monster
Inner Demons
Monsters Among Us
* * *
The Watchers of Men Series
The Awakener
Holy and the Fallen
* * *
Anthology
Twists in Time
Inner Demons Page 29