I rest my head on Heath’s shoulder while Skeet holds my hand and Ax rubs my feet. I’m so unbelievably happy, and I commit this moment to my memory bank as my eyes drift toward the picture of Ethan and me.
I imagine my brother is here. Looking down on the celebration and smiling. Because he was always happy when I was happy. But more than that. He can finally rest in peace because I’m living my life the way he always dreamed for me.
“I love you, E,” I whisper in my head. “Thank you for taking care of me. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for giving me this life. Now it’s time to let me go. Until we meet again.”
I don’t realize I’m crying until the room goes quiet.
“Baby. Is everything okay?” Skeet eyeballs me with a face full of concern. I kiss him softly before doing the same to Heath and Ax.
“I’m perfect. Everything is perfect.”
And as I curl up with my three guys in bed later that night, I vow to cherish this beautiful life I’ve been given, and to never take it for granted.
My happiness has been hard won, but I survived Amber Springs and came out the other side. A little broken. A lot stronger. And at peace now that I know I’ve done the best I can by my brother.
No day will pass where he isn’t in my thoughts and in my heart.
And I will live each day to the fullest because he sacrificed everything for me.
The only love as pure is the love I share with the three amazing men who are my world.
And I intend to spend the rest of my life making sure they know it.
The End
If you enjoyed this book, please support the author by leaving a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads.
If you are a fan of Reverse Harem Romance, have you checked out my Alinthia series yet? Keep reading for more information and a sample!
If you enjoy contemporary romance, I have tons of published books I think you will like! Check out my entire catalog on Amazon here.
Want another emotional, angsty, thought-provoking read? Allow me to recommend When Forever Changes. Keep reading for more information and a sample!
Subscribe to my romance newsletter to claim a free copy of Finding Kyler. Click here or paste this link into your browser: http://smarturl.it/KennedyBoysList
If you need to talk to someone regarding sexual assault, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline in the U.S. at 800-656-4673
If you need to talk to someone regarding suicide, please contact the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in the U.S. at 1-888-333-AFSP (2377) or via email: [email protected]
If you need support/counseling in dealing with the effects of a disaster or tragedy, please call The Disaster Distress Helpline in the U.S. at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
Everytown provides opportunities in person and online for survivors of gun violence to connect with each other, honor the lives of their loved ones, create long-lasting bonds, share their stories, and become leaders in campaigns to support common sense gun laws. You can visit their website here: https://everytown.org/survivors/
Survivors Empowered is a national organization created By Survivors, For Survivors, Empowering Survivors. They provide support and referrals for services to survivors of violence and connect you to a support network of other survivors in your area. You can visit their website here: https://www.survivorsempowered.org/
If you live outside the United States, please contact your local support services.
Acknowledgments
If you have read some of my other books, you will know that I tend to write about topics that are sensitive or controversial, none more so than the subject matter in this book. I write the kind of books that I enjoy reading—books that are entertaining and dramatic, romances that are swoon-worthy, stories that are emotional and angsty, characters and topics that are sometimes dark, but they are always REAL. If you want a light, fluffy romance that is pure escapism from real life, then you will have to look elsewhere!
I always feel a certain pressure when I’m writing my books because I want to ensure I’m presenting the subject matter in an appropriate manner. While my books are meant to be entertaining, I also hope they are thought-provoking, because those are the kinds of books I love to read and are the ones that stick with me for a long time after.
While I don’t live in America, I am still very much impacted by the culture of gun violence and the escalation of gun violence in schools in the U.S. When I watch the news and hear of another mass shooting, my heart aches for the victims, their families and friends, their communities, and those who were witnesses—the survivors who will have to live with those traumatizing moments over and over throughout the rest of their lives. It’s impossible not to feel empathy for those involved. But I also feel for the family of the shooter. Every time, I wonder what their lives are like afterward and how they are treated by a community reeling from the devastation inflicted by one of their loved ones.
The idea for this book grew out of those feelings, and I have focused on that aspect of the story because I wanted to explore the impact on the shooter’s family, namely Blaire. That does not mean I have no sympathy for the victims or their families because I do. And just because there was motive in Ethan’s case, it does not justify his actions. I want to be specific in stating that I, in no way, condone his actions or wish to imply that there is a justifiable reason for taking the law into your own hands. There is no justifiable reason for gun violence in my opinion.
I have put a trigger warning in place because the last thing I want to do is unintentionally upset anyone who has been traumatized by gun violence or lost someone due to gun violence. Nor do I wish to spark any political debate. I’m merely writing a piece of fiction which explores another side to the story, and my hope is that it is thought-provoking and allows people to consider the impact on the family of the shooter. I hope you understand where I’m coming from and that it has given you pause for thought.
As always, it takes a mini-army to birth a new book. In no particular order, I would like to thank my editor, Kelly Hartigan, Robin Harper of Wicked By Design, my assistant Lola Verroen, my critique partner on this project, Jennifer Gibson, members of my beta reading team (Karla, Deirdre, Sinead, Dana, Danielle, Jennifer, Donna.), Book Candy Studios, Tamara Cribley of The Deliberate Page, Sara Eirew for the beautiful photo of Chen Haskin, Siobhan’s Squad on FB, my ARC team, Bobby Kim for his expert marketing advice, all my author friends the world over, and everyone who has helped in some way with this release.
Massive thanks to all my READERS who continue to enable me to write full time. Thank you for taking a chance on one of my books, and thank you for your messages of support, love, and encouragement. I read and respond to all emails and messages personally and you have no idea how much they bolster me on tough days, so thank you!
Thanks to my family and friends for their ongoing support, especially my husband Trev and sons, Cian and Callum.
Feel free to email me anytime—[email protected]—but please bear with me if it takes a little while to get back to you.
The Lost Savior
(Alinthia #1)
Tori King is a normal senior in high school. Head over heels in love with her childhood sweetheart, she is busy making plans for college when a chance encounter with an alien bounty hunter turns her world upside down. Now, she’s experiencing terrifying changes and developing supernatural abilities that leave her questioning her entire existence.
Then the arrival of four hot new guys at school has everyone talking—especially when they become fixated on Tori, following her wherever she goes. She can’t shake them off, and as they grow closer, she finds herself drawn to all four of them in ways she cannot explain. When they finally reveal their true identity, and why they’re here for her, she discovers everything she thought she knew about herself is a lie. Because there is nothing normal about Tori King. A
nd she’s about to discover exactly how underrated normal is. FREE to read in Kindle Unlimited. Download now.
Turn the page to read a sample.
The Lost Savior – Sample
Chapter 1
Tori
“What about this one?” Kenzie asks, pulling a short, gaudy strapless purple gown off the rack and thrusting it at me.
I hand it straight back to her, quickly disguising my distaste. “Not my style, and I think Jensen would have a coronary if I turned up to Winter Formal in something like that.”
She pouts at the mention of my boyfriend. I’ve noticed her doing that a lot since she broke up with Jack, and my heart aches for her. Our superstar quarterback hottie was her ride-or-die guy for the past three years, and I know she’s hurting.
I’d feel the same if Jensen and I ever split—not that that’s within the realm of possibility. We’ve known each other since we were little kids, chasing one another around my parents’ farm, and our coupling is as inevitable as Taylor Swift penning a new song upon breaking up with her latest boyfriend. I smile as his image flashes through my mind’s eye. Thoughts of Jensen always cause my heart to surge with happiness. I’ve known he’s “the one” for years, and I can’t imagine my life without him in it.
Kenzie pouts, planting her hands on her slim hips as she narrows her eyes in my direction. I’m betting I’ve got that dreamy look on my face—the one she always accuses me of when I’m thinking of Jensen.
Can’t help it.
I’m crazy in love with my boy.
“You should dress for yourself, Tori. Trust me, no boy is worth changing your whole personality for.”
“I completely agree, which is why I declined. That dress isn’t me. You know I prefer more of an understated look.”
She rolls her eyes, muttering under her breath. “Such a waste of killer curves.”
I smile, continuing to scroll through the selection of dresses while Kenzie stomps off to the changing room with said garish purple dress in hand. Shopping with my three besties is rarely a drama-free zone.
“What do you think of this one?” Kylie asks, and I look over my shoulder. She spins around, and my eyes skim the length of her. She’s wearing a cherry-red one-shouldered floor-length gown that looks as if it was custom made for her. The vibrant hue of the dress contrasts perfectly with her radiant skin and blonde corkscrew curls.
“Wow, Kylie. That’s a knockout. You look stunning. You should totally get it.”
“I think so too,” she agrees, her smile expanding. “I’ve got the dress; now all I need is the guy.”
“You’ll get a date,” I reply with supreme confidence. Although Kylie’s dating history is disastrous, to say the least, she is never short of admirers. With her bubbly personality, quick wit, sharp intelligence, and gorgeous face, there’s no doubt she’ll get asked to the dance.
“I’m not even sure I want one.” She cocks her head to the side, lost in thought. “Honestly, that last date with Joel Buchanon has pretty much obliterated my faith in the male race.” She shudders at the memory.
“You can always go with Hunter. He doesn’t have a date yet, and he’d be totally cool with going as friends.” Hunter is Jensen’s best bud and an all-around nice guy. I know he’d look after my bestie if she was his date. Plus, he’s decent arm candy, and that never hurts.
She purses her lips. “I might do that, but don’t say anything to Jensen until I’ve thought about it.”
I drag my finger across my closed lips in a zipping motion. “These lips are sealed.”
She walks to my side, grinning. “Found anything?”
“I was thinking this.” I hold up the floor-length dark-blue layered-chiffon dress with the crisscross halter top. Apart from a thin band of beading across the waist, it’s fairly plain and not too revealing.
“That is so you.” Taking my elbow, she steers me toward the dressing room. “Go try it on!”
I step out of the stall a few minutes later, twirling in front of the mirror.
“Perfect,” Kylie exclaims, her eyes twinkling. “You look straight fire. Jensen won’t be able to keep his hands off you.”
“It’s not like he needs any encouragement,” Zara deadpans, throwing me a knowing look. “Since you two did the deed, he’s all over you like a rash.”
I laugh. “I’ve three words for you. Pot. Kettle. Black.”
“I’m happily sexed up and proud.” She winks, casting a glance over her shoulder to look at the rear of the figure-hugging black strapless dress she has on. “The things my man can do with his body.” She licks her lips. “I’m hot just thinking about it.”
Kenzie none too politely nudges Zara aside, hogging the mirror. “We’re sick and tired of hearing about your sex life. Put a sock in it.” Her salty tone is obvious in the extreme.
Zara pouts. “You’re no fun since you broke up with Jack, and you totally need to get laid.”
“If she turns up to the dance in that,” Kylie interjects, jerking her head in Kenzie’s direction, “we won’t have a problem. She’ll be fighting them off in droves.” Kenzie gives Kylie a winning smile before slanting a smug look in Zara’s direction.
Zara is a loyal friend, but she doesn’t tolerate fools or crybabies, and her patience with Kenzie is in limited supply these days. Zara’s ability to bounce back is legendary, so she can’t fathom why Kenzie is still moping around, especially since Jack is dating again and has clearly moved on. But I have sympathy for her. She had their future all mapped out, and it’s more than just a boy breaking up with her—it’s the dissolution of all her dreams.
A sour taste fills my mouth, but I force all thoughts of Jack aside before he ruins my good mood. “I love it, Kenzie,” I say. “It’s much classier than the purple one. The guys will be tripping over themselves to get to you.”
“Aw, you guys.” She pulls Kylie and me into a group hug. Zara rolls her eyes, returning to the stall to change.
We converge on the checkout en masse. Once our dresses are packaged and paid for, we make our way outside the store and into the busy mall. It’s Thursday night, and the place is packed. I check my cell while we walk, tuning out as my friends argue over whether to eat at Chick-fil-A or Olive Garden. I’m not looking where I’m going, busy responding to a text message from Jensen, when I slam into someone. I stumble, losing my balance, and my cell goes flying out of my hand, skittering across the grimy tile floor. I land, unceremoniously, flat on my butt, a shooting pain zipping up my spine. Rubbing a hand across my lower back, I look up and freeze.
The guy looming over me looks like the kind of scary dude my parents have warned me about. With his shaved head, bulging muscles, lip, nose, and eyebrow rings, and his arms covered in tats, he’s a bit of a walking cliché. But it’s not actually his appearance that has me on edge. He could look like that and be a pussy cat on the inside. No, it’s the penetrating look in his eyes and the dangerous vibes he’s emitting that are freaking me out. That and the fact I’m still on my butt and he’s like this deadly menace hovering over me.
I clamber to my feet, brushing bits of dirt off the back of my jeans. Scary dude is staring at me expectantly. “Um, sorry,” I mumble, not forgetting my manners even though the guy is creeping me out. He towers over me, and at five-foot-ten, in my bare feet, that’s no easy feat. He doesn’t reply. He just continues to stare at me, his eyes blazing with interest. An intense chill tiptoes down my spine, and I swallow hard.
When he leans in closer, I instinctively take a step back, cowering under the intensity of his probing gaze. His eyes are a peculiar dark blue—almost black—color that I’ve never seen before. He tilts his head from side to side, sniffing the air and staring at me like I’m some kind of science experiment. The expression on his face is a combination of shock and amused delight, and his weird reaction is giving me a major case of the heebie-jeebies.
I move sideways, but he anticipates my reaction, reaching out to grip my arm. A sharp shock ripples over my skin, traveling instantly throughout my body, like a domino effect. My veins are buzzing, my limbs jerking and quivering, and I sway a little on my feet. The sensation is unlike anything I’ve felt before—it’s almost like I’ve plugged myself into an electrical socket, and I’m feeling the charge from the tips of my toes to the top of my head.
His eyes glimmer with excitement, and a strong sense of foreboding washes over me.
Kylie takes hold of my arm, tugging me away from him. “Let’s go,” she whispers, concern etched across her face. Shooting a nervous glance at the guy, she guides me over to my squad, and we hustle toward the exit.
Although he stays rooted to the spot, the creepy guy watches us walk away, his eyes fixated on me. Nervous adrenaline courses through me, and I gulp over the aura of danger filtering through the air.
Something is very wrong.
I feel it in my bones.
I’m like a zombie as I let my friends drag me down the corridor and out into the frigid night air.
“Ohmigawd! That guy was super creepy,” Kenzie supplies, articulating what we all thought. “And did he actually sniff you?” Her voice elevates a few octaves.
“The way he was staring at you gave me goose bumps all over,” Zara adds. “Do you know him or something?”
I shake my head, feeling distinctly unwell. My body’s strangely on edge, even though I feel simultaneously drained—every limb, every bone, every nerve ending, and every tissue feels limp, weak, as if I’ve been zapped with some energy-draining weapon, yet my mind is churning a hundred miles an hour. Images flit through my subconscious, just out of reach, but my brain is all fired up. “I’ve never met him before in my life. I’ve no idea who he is or why he was looking at me like that.”
“Let’s go to Olive Garden,” Kylie suggests. “It’s outside the mall, and if we leave now, Creepy McCreep won’t know where we’ve gone.”
Surviving Amber Springs: A Stand-Alone Contemporary Romance Page 37