Diamond in the Ruff (Pedigree)

  She glanced at Caleb and could see the emotion in his face. This was what he'd wanted. It was why he was training to become an agent. For the opportunity to someday end the fight rings that had pulled their family apart so many years ago. A series of synchronistic events kickstarted by Bryah.

  He held out his arms as she walked up to him and stepped into the welcoming embrace of her brother. They'd done this together. He released her with a kiss on her forehead. "I’m going to harass the publican," he said, backing toward the bar, his smile growing.

  Darcy pulled her full attention to his face with a grin.

  He shook his head, his finger slipping a tendril of her hair behind her ear. "You really are a diamond."

  "Oh! Speaking of…" Katz said as she reached into her big purse and pulled out a box, which she handed to Darcy.

  Looking down at her, he pulled Corra's hand into his own, rubbing his thumb over her bare fingers. "I want to make it official. Really official, if you'll agree."

  Corra's pulse whooshed in her ears as she stared at his hands, and then her gaze shot to his mother's face.

  Mrs. Karak rolled her eyes and waved a hand. "Go on. I'm not going to try to stop Darcy from doing what he wants to do. Katherine has been quite the spokeswoman for your cause."

  Katz squeed. "I knew you'd see reason, Momma!"

  Mrs. Karak eyed the box in Darcy's hand. "Darcy, that had better be top quality. Did you consult my jeweler?"

  "No, Mother, I consulted the thrift store owner that Corra had a long discussion with over the weekend."

  Corra laughed. "You're kidding!"

  He opened the box and held it in front of her. In it was the antique yellow diamond ring she'd been admiring.

  "That's actually not bad," Mrs. Karak murmured, stretching to see into the box.

  "Not quite a class ring but close enough." Darcy grinned

  Smiling, Corra pulled his face down to hers for a long, satisfying kiss. "Yes, Mr. Darcy Karak, I will go steady with you," she whispered against his lips.

  * * *

  THE END

  Not quite! There are more FUC Academy books coming!

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  About the Author

  Jodi Kendrick is an author living in Eastern Ontario with her family. A history enthusiast and word dabbler most of her life, she enjoys exploring ‘beyond-the-everyday’ and the ‘time-before-now’, discovering relationship threads weaving individuals through time and place. She writes fantasy romance, historical romance and sometimes delves into horror, dark fantasy, speculative and paranormal. She’s rarely seen without flashy notebooks and colourful pens.

  * * *

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