The sound of the man’s thrashing through the forest filtered through the trees, and I curled into her, frightened. I didn’t want any more of his knives or fists. I didn’t want his hot, putrid breath on my face as he called me devil, abomination, demon, harlot. I didn’t know what harlot meant, but from his tone, I knew it was bad. I wasn’t bad. I was a good girl. I knew I wasn’t human, but I couldn’t help that. I was born to my strangeness just as I’d been born without sight.
“Cover your ears, child, and I’ll take care of this filth,” she instructed, calmly brushing my matted hair back from my face. I knew she was going to kill him, and I knew killing was bad, but she was saving me. I couldn’t find it in me to care for the man who had tortured me and so many others.
“Wait!” I cried as I clutched to her willowy arm. I didn’t want her to leave me. What if she didn’t succeed? I needed to have a little piece of her.
“Yes, dearie?” she answered, her voice like watered silk.
“What is your name? I never knew his name. I want to know your name,” my voice broke – I was so close to breaking myself.
“My name is Iva, dearie, and I’ve been looking for you.”
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About the Author
Annie Anderson is a military wife and United States Air Force veteran. Originally from Dallas, Texas, she is a southern girl at heart, but has lived all over the US and abroad. As soon as the military stops moving her family around, she’ll settle on a state, but for now she enjoys being a nomad with her husband, two daughters, and old man of a dog.
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In her past lives, Annie has been a lifeguard, retail manager, dental lab technician, accountant, and now she writes fast-paced paranormal thrillers with some serious heat.
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www.annieande.com
Also by Annie Anderson
ASHES TO ASHES SERIES
SCATTERED ASHES
FALLING ASHES
RISING ASHES
ASHES TO ASHES VOLUME ONE
SMOLDERING ASHES
ASHES TO MEMORIES
Rising Ashes Page 17