Forever Marked (Marked Series Book 1)

by Jesse Lorenzo

  “This is just the beginning.”

  Dalton ended the call then pressed the button for his assistant. Susan walked into his office brusquely.

  “Yes, Mr. Claiborne? What can I do for you, sir?”

  “Susan, I need you to get my agent on the line immediately, the one who handles international properties please. I am interested in acquiring properties around Scotland. Have him set up some tours. Tell them I want them ready by the time I arrive. Book my first class seat for the next available flight out of here.”

  “Scotland, sir?”

  Dalton glared at her. He didn’t like to be questioned. His annoyance was made clear in the tone of his voice, giving off a dangerous warning. “Yes... I have a few loose ends I need to tie up there.”

  Confused, she looked up. “What is it for, sir? Why not send a rep up there? You are needed here, and you are booked solid with board meetings all week to discuss the future of the Reno Project.”

  Dalton stalked over to her, gritting his teeth menacingly. She averted her eyes downward, knowing full well that he didn’t like being questioned. She had seen what he’d done to other employees, even witnessed what he’d done to those who’d wronged him. When Susan started to quake in fear, he smiled, clearly enjoying her discomfort.

  “Let's just say, I will be going for business... and pleasure.”

  To be continued in the Forever Marked Series with

  Book 2: Beyond Redemption

  To my Lord and Savior. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

  ~Phillippians 4:13

  To my loving Hubby. I sacrificed countless amounts of time and energy away from my family, in order to write this book. Your love and support means everything to me. Thank you for putting up with me. I love you so much Eggie. I did it!

  Womb-mate! Thank you for listening when I told you I was doing something new and crazy. You pushed me to write chapter after chapter so you could be the first to read it. You were the first person to truly believe in me. You were my biggest fan-girl from the very beginning! I love you twinny twin.

  Thanks mommy for reading to us at an early age. I’m so happy I was born in a family of book lovers. Daddy!!! Your over exaggerated storytelling and crazy antics helped fuel my imagination.

  To my Chicken Soup Chicks! Thank you for welcoming a crazy nut job newbie like me, into your group. For putting up with all my questions and uncertainty. You all are the best group of people on the planet. I’m truly proud and blessed to call you my friends. I can’t imagine waking up and not talking to you all on a constant basis. We have many inside jokes, shared stories and endless memes. I look forward to meeting you all in person someday. It will happen.

  To my amazing Beta readers/critique partners: Sam Destiny and B. A. Dillon, Thanks for putting up with all my exclamation marks!!!! Your patience, advice and hard work you’ve invested on FM has been an unforgettable learning experience. I’m so grateful to you both and I cannot thank you enough for all of your support and for believing in me. Love your faces off!

  To my PA Tori the terminator Carlson. You are a machine. Thank you for all your help and being so bodaciously amazeballs. You rock. The end.

  Kendra! Thank you so much for putting up with my crazy messages and excited nervousness. Your work blew me away.

  Airicka Phoenix. Thank you for my awesome book cover and banner. I’m so in love, you did an amazing job and I had a blast working with you.

  Sarah Ann… My beautiful mind mate. You helped keep me sanely, insane. Our job as government spy decoders is waiting for us! And remember… They’re just noodles.

  To my extended family on both sides who were excited with me and supported me through this exciting journey. Love all you crazy guys. To my oldest friend Shannon who couldn’t wait to read it. Love you, hun.

  And last *but certainly NOT least* Thank YOU, my amazing readers. You are epic and I love you. Thank you for going through this journey with me.

  I’d love to hear from you, good or bad. Your feedback will help make the next book better. THANK YOU!

  I grew up in Upstate New York, but my heart belongs in Arizona. If given the chance, I’d gladly trade in frost burn for sunburn. I grew up causing all kinds of trouble with my twin sister/partner in crime. My wild over-exaggerated story telling grew along with my love for reading. I am a proud wife and mother of three beautiful daughters, and two fur babies.

  With the support of my hubby and the encouragement of my womb-mate, I put pen to paper and let my imagination run free.

  I love coffee, peanut butter cups, Angry Orchard, and OF COURSE reading! I enjoy all genre. Paranormal, thriller, romantic suspense, dystopian… you name it.

  I’d love to get to know you all, so hit me up. I love to gab.

  Go ahead. Don’t be shy!

  Where to get ahold of me:

  Facebook:

  https://www.facebook.com/authorLadyJ

  Goodreads

  https://www.goodreads.com/LadyJ-author

  Twitter: @LadyJ_Author

  Instagram: @ladyj_author

  Email: LadyJauthor@yahoo.com

  Keep reading for a sneak peek at

  B.A. Dillon’s A Vision in Time!

  Available now!

  A VISION IN TIME by B.A. Dillon

  Copyright© 2015 B.A. Dillon

  All Rights Reserved

  This is a work of fiction. All characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Prologue – Mia

  Simple Gifts

  I have never been more grateful for a week off, time with family and friends, and this delicious dessert table layered with so many goodies. My co-worker, Scott, made his ten-layer chocolate cake again, but what I’m really scoping out is Emma’s apple pie and homemade ice cream. The sugar keeps calling me back to the table.

  This is truly a Thanksgiving to remember. Luke’s injuries have healed enough to be released from the hospital, but Emma is still hovering over him like he’s a child. She looks incredibly tired, and I have to wonder why we didn’t decide to postpone this event until the weekend. Luke’s dad, Charlie, offered to host Thanksgiving this year. My mom and I tried to change his mind while we were pacing the hospital waiting room a few days back, but he wouldn’t hear of it. He said we would be celebrating, and here we are. Luke, Shane and Isaac, along with the rest of the Street Crimes Division of the Tampa Police Department, managed to bring Javier Rivera’s operation to its knees. Thank God! People who mess with kids need to leave this planet.

  Emma is a rock. I am so in awe of this woman, it’s easy to understand how Luke fell head over heels in love with her. Last year she struggled with terrible nightmares. Finding Luke and surviving his latest undercover stint almost makes me believe in happily ever afters. When I see her try to hide a yawn, I decide it’s time to intervene. “Ok, that’s it pal. You and Luke need some rest. You are officially diverted to the guest room for the next couple of hours.”

  “Mia, I need to finish wrapping up all the left-overs, and then I promise I’ll sit for a while,” she mumbles through another yawn.

  “Nope. Not buying it. My mom and I can handle it. And, if you continue to argue with me, I’ll call in reinforcements and bring in the big guns. I have KJ’s phone number.”

  “Leave my son out of this. No need to call KJ. I’ll take Luke into the guest room and rest a bit, but get Katie and Julia to help you. I’m a little worried about your mom. What happened to her today?”

  “Emma, I don’t even know how to answer that. When we were getting ready to leave my condo, she walked right into the sliding glass door. That’s how she got the bruise on her forehead. She claims one of the girls closed the door on her when they were feeding the cat. To be honest, I’m more than alarmed. The other day she asked me to pass the salt, and it was sitting right in front of her
. We’ve experienced so many incidents over the past few months; I’m petrified to let her drive my kids anywhere. Last Sunday, she fell into her pool. That was the last straw. I’m taking her to the doctor tomorrow for a full physical.”

  “Yeah, I think you have reason to be concerned. Let me know what I can do to help.”

  “Well for now please go rest.”

  “There’s one more thing we need to talk about,” she mumbles again through a yawn, but then looks at me with a most serious expression.

  “What?” I voice with a noteworthy attitude. Emma continues to stare straight through me, waiting on me to start talking. “What, Emma?”

  “Come on, Mia . . . the elephant in the room? We need to talk about what happened Saturday. You need to talk about it. I bet you haven’t said one word to anyone.”

  “Wrong. I had a brief conversation with my mom that day, but . . .” Biting down on my bottom lip, I search for a way to change the subject. “My mom knows. My mom understands.”

  “But your mom is dealing with whatever is going on with her vision, and doing her best to stay strong for you and your girls. Mia, talk to me! We all witnessed whatever that was firsthand. Did you give a statement to Isaac?”

  “No, and before you say anything else, I’m not going to. At one time I thought Isaac might just be the perfect guy for me. I’ve had a major crush for months. Now he looks at me like I have three heads! Let this go, Emma. I’m really okay.” I begin to search the room for an escape, or any reason to get away from Emma’s concerning gaze. Continuing, I make one last ditch effort to shut this conversation down. “I had some kind of vision. It helped the guys find Luke and prevent a catastrophe. Be grateful, and let it go.”

  “Mia, because of you, Luke is here today. The two of us, with the help of those incredibly handsome guys over there, saved him. I owe you, friend. Someday, I’ll figure out a way to properly thank you. But for now, here’s Dr. Johnson’s card. She can help you, Mia. Her practice is all about helping people like you and me interpret dreams and visions. Shelley Johnson saved me, which in turn saved Luke. My dreams were memories, Mia. She guided me, and helped me find answers. You had a full-blown vision, and you nearly passed out. Call her.” As she turns to walk away, she gently slips Dr. Johnson’s business card into the back pocket of my jeans. Now I feel like I’m carrying a hundred pound weight.

  Typically when this crew gathers together, we’re a party in the making. But today has been rather subdued as everyone attempts to process the events of the past few weeks. Isaac has been huddled up with Luke’s dad for most of the afternoon. The two must share some special bond. Charlie has been an incredible host today, spending a tremendous amount of time with my mom. It was sort of cute watching them play cards earlier. I think that’s the most fun she’s had in weeks. Just maybe we’ll get through the holidays unscathed, and we can all relax and enjoy ourselves.

  As I head into the dining room to make one final clear of the table, I can feel him behind me. Isaac Miller isn’t just a good-looking man, he’s every woman’s dream. This guy is so gorgeous I have to wonder why he doesn’t have a Miss America blonde on his arm at all times. He’s tall, but not too tall, maybe six foot two. He seems to wear his sandy brown hair high and tight, the norm for this All American country boy who doesn’t seem to understand the word casual. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him in a t-shirt. I wonder if his wardrobe only consists of long sleeve dress shirts. I bet he’s a man who likes wearing a designer tie. But I’ve always believed a man’s eyes are the windows to his soul. One look into Isaac’s green and gold flecked irises spikes my blood pressure, sends my heart racing, and puts me into a tumultuous cycle of lust. Crap! Two dates. Two simple meetings for coffee was all it took to send me spiraling out of control. But then the calls stopped, and he claimed work was to blame. Saturday he called me babe and held me like I was someone special. But here we are again, tip-toeing around like we barely know each other.

  “Mia?” Crap! Now what? “I’ll help you. I’ve been hoping to get you alone for a few minutes.” Crap! Alone for what?

  “Great! Can you grab the last two bowls? I just sent Emma and Luke into the guest room to rest, and it looks like everyone else just got roped into a rousing game of Go Fish with my girls.” Rounding the corner of Charlie’s kitchen, I barely get the platter of turkey on the counter when I feel his arms come around me. Before I know it, his mouth captures mine with a deep and frantic kiss. Just when I’m about to lose myself in his kiss, I remember my children, my mother, and my closet friends are less than twenty-five feet away. “Isaac! What are you doing?”

  “If you have to ask, then I’m doing it wrong,” he chuckles against my neck. “I’ve wanted to do that since Saturday. We need to talk. We have so much to talk about, but I’m hoping talking will lead to more. Actually, let’s start with more first.”

  Not able to break away, his lips meld to mine once more. This time as his lips rest on mine, I feel his hands tremble as he cups my cheeks. Without thinking about the eleven people in the living room, I pull myself closer to his body, needing his touch. When I feel him begin to pull away, I nearly whimper. Barely audible I whisper, “Isaac, I . . . I need to . . .”

  “I know what you need, beautiful. We need some time alone. Is there a way to make that happen tonight? Besides, we have a lot to discuss. I let my new job take over my life and forgot for a moment how much I want to know you,” he whispers before kissing me soundly once again. “I’ve been worried about you. When you ‘saw’ Luke being held by Rivera, my heart nearly stopped. I need to know you’re okay, babe,” he murmurs while running his tongue up my neck.

  “Oh, God! Isaac, please . . . I don’t want to talk. Please, I don’t want to think or talk about what happened yet. Let’s just be spontaneous tonight. That is, after I figure out what to do with my kids and my mother.”

  “So what you’re saying is you just want to use me for my body?” he murmurs moving to the other side of my neck.

  “That’s what I’m asking for. Right now, that’s what I need.” I plead as I kiss the sensitive spot under his jaw. With my mind traveling a million miles an hour, I desperately attempt to come up with a babysitting scheme.

  “Mom!! Mommy!!” Sophie wails from the living room.

  There’s nothing like motherhood to dampen the mood. “Guess it’s not gonna happen tonight, handsome,” I murmur as I graze my lips over his.

  As his forehead drops to mine, he exhales a heavy breath right at my mouth. “Damn! Rain check?”

  As I turn to step into the dining room, I sigh, “Here’s hoping it pours tomorrow.”

  Chapter One – Mia

  With a Little Help from my Friends

  There are three things I love about today. One – the spread laid out at this barbeque is absolutely amazing. Scott and Brandon, the best cooks among us, along with the rest of the gang, really outdid themselves this year. Two – knowing that summer vacation is just a few weeks away, makes having to go back to work this week almost bearable. And finally – the best part of today – having the chance to avoid kids for a few hours and hang with adults. Katie and Shane’s annual Memorial Day barbeque is most definitely the highlight of my three-day weekend.

  There’s only one problem, and her name is Emma Finch. I can feel her eyes burning straight through me before she even delivers one word. And then it’s out, one simple question that I have no intention of answering. “So, you want to tell me what’s going on?”

  “I . . . Emma, there’s nothing going on.” I stammer attempting to change the subject. Emma is an intuitive little bitch. Damn! How are we gonna keep this a secret? “It’s great news, huh? Katie and Shane will make terrific parents. I know they’ve waited a long time to have kids. They must be ecstatic.”

  “Yes, yes, they’re thrilled, as am I. Now, quit trying to change the subject. You can keep telling yourself that nothing is going on, but I can feel the sexual tension. If the two of you keep pulling all of that into our space,
I’m gonna have to take Luke home early tonight. For the record, Isaac isn’t as good at hiding his feelings as you are. He’s a nervous wreck . . . keeps giggling like a little school girl.”

  “Emma, honestly I don’t know what you think you see. I’m incredibly jealous though as you are one lucky woman. Luke looks at you with such love. That look is a beautiful thing.”

  It’s more than beautiful; it’s a true happy ending. Who would have guessed that a chance meeting at this Memorial Day barbeque a year ago was the beginning of an incredible love affair. Luke Myers simply stole Emma Finch’s heart, and they fell madly in love. Emma looks great, finally at peace after the pure hell she endured last fall. It’s amazing what true love can do. Her nightmares are gone, and they’ve made a life together. Watching the two of them makes me want my own happily ever after. I want what they have. What am I saying? No I don’t! I’ve opened myself up to that nonsense before – only to get burned. I have a life full of love with my girls and my mom. Who needs a big strapping man anyway? Ughh!

  “Mind if I steal her away, Mia?” Lost in my own thoughts, I have no idea what Luke just said. “Mia?” Luke asks again while pulling Emma’s hand to his lips.

  Barely audible, my response is clipped. My mind wanders back to Isaac sitting across the room and I find it difficult to tear my gaze away. The green and gold of his eyes almost makes them look like marbles. Man, I’d love to run my hands through his soft sandy brown hair. “What? I’m sorry. Sure, take her away! She asks too many questions anyway.”