Awaken (Awaken Series Book 1)

by Jaime Guerard

  Someone stepped up to us. “Are you girls alright? Are you hurt?” a man’s deep voice asked.

  I turned my head up and saw a police officer hovering over us. I swallowed hard. As the hurricane of emotion hit, the darkness of my reality swept over me. I could only utter one thing, “Yes.”

  It took me only a moment to realize that something wasn’t right. The officer didn’t offer any assistance at all, but instead stood there eying me suspiciously. It seemed that the corners of his mouth turned up slightly by my agony, and his eyes glistened with a hungry expression that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

  Lapsus?

  “Hey, officer over here!” someone yelled over by the side where more and more people were dragging others up.

  The officer turned to look at who was yelling at him, his hands balling into tight fist. Then he turned back to me, his eyes darkening as the seconds passed. I braced myself for anything, placing my hands on either side of me, bringing my legs to my chest, placing my feet flat on the ground in case I needed to run.

  “Hey.” The gentlemen ran up to where we were. “Come-on! We need your help!” The man placed a hand on the officer’s arm.

  The officer looked down at the guy’s hand and then back to his face, dropping his face low, insinuating that touching him was a bad idea. The tall man let go of the officer’s arm right away and took one step back. “There are several people that need help.”

  “Bentley! Here! NOW!” I looked over and saw a sergeant yelling for the officer in front of me. The other man had already ran back to help the others. Officer Bentley’s jaw flexed. Before he left, he shot me one more terrifying glance.

  I could feel my muscles relax when the officer was at a distance, but my fear hadn’t diminished with Eve still by me.

  I was about to get up when my eyes caught something. A hand gripping the ravine by the fingertips, and Officer Bentley standing over it.

  “Hey!” A female paramedic pointed to the hand, looking at the officer for a split second and then going straight for it. “Someone help me!” She bent down and grabbed hold of the hand as three other people ran over to help. With the crowd, I couldn’t see who they were pulling up. All I was thinking about was Collin.

  “Um, Bre?” Eve tried to get my attention, her voice uneven.

  I said nothing and focused on the people dragging someone up from the edge. If the officer wasn’t helping, could it possibly be him? Could it be Collin?

  “No way!” Eve gasped, rising to her feet and turning to face the other direction behind us. “Bre look!” Her voice shook.

  I didn’t want to turn around, but the urgency in her voice pulled at me. That’s when I noticed the officer wasn’t looking at me or the person over the edge, but behind me.

  I turned and my eyes shot wide. I couldn’t believe what I was staring at.

  To be continued…

  Thank you, God, for guiding me through this incredible journey. Thank you for your faithfulness, love, and ultimate sacrifice.

  To my amazing husband, Nick, and three beautiful boys, Elijah, Ethan and Jayden, who sacrificed many days and nights so I could work on my novel. My world wouldn’t be complete without you. I’m so blessed.

  To my parents, Frank and Karen Robertson, who have always believed in me: thank you for always telling me to go for my dreams and to never give up. To my Grandmother, Anita Robertson: thank you for your love and support.

  For my cousin Alysa Kleiner, who was there when this novel came to me: you have been my biggest cheerleader…I love you.

  For Laural Armster, friend and author, who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself: thank you for the countless hours you spent looking over my manuscript and helping me make it into what it is today. I am grateful for your constant support.

  For Megan Hand, fellow author and friend, who was a source of help and dedication throughout this whole process: your wisdom, prayers and daily encouragement has meant more to me than words can express.

  For my best friend, Jennifer Buckman, who was there for all my struggles, triumphs, tears and successes: thank you for being one of the few people in this world that I know will always be there for me. You are the sister I never had. I love you.

  For my editors Pamela Bettencourt, Chris Van Atta, Thomas Prosser, and Christina Kraker: thank you for taking hours of your time to look over my work and help me make it shine.

  For my media team, whose talents have made this book a reality, thank you. Allie Brennan of B Design, your cover art has made my novel so beautiful; and, Angela McLaurin of Fictional Formats: thank you for your dedication, hard work and countless hours you have spent on my novel. I can't thank you enough for everything you have done for me.For executive producer, Holly Dee, and author, Brett Battles, whose willingness to help me was endless. I will be forever grateful.

  Thank you to my Indie Chix 2013 group, all 20 of you ― I cannot put into words how much your love, support and encouragement has meant to me. I love you all. To my beta’s, The Writers’ Block group, Kindle Buddies, book bloggers and reviewers, your excitement for my work is truly touching ― your constant enthusiasm kept me going toward my goal.

  Jaime grew up in a small town in Northern California. Having a passion for dance and music, she never would have thought herself to become an author.

  In late 2008, Jaime found the pieces of her novel beginning to take form and a story was born. Soon she had a full novel in her hands and a writer was developed. Awaken is Jaime's first published novel. With many features still in the works, this debut novel is just a taste of the action-packed romantic thrillers to come from this aspiring new author.

  Jaime now lives in Nevada with her husband and three boys. Loving life, and living a dream.

  Connect with Jaime Guerard

  Website: http://jaimeguerard.com or http://jaimeguerard.wordpress.com

  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jaimeguerardbooks

  Twitter: https://twitter.com/jaimeguerard