What the Heart Desires

by Kelli McCracken

  Dylan’s head twisted from side to side as he mouthed the word don’t. Layne wasn’t doing any better. The erratic beats of his energy shook her soul deep. She urged him to leave, to turn around and go before Nate changed his mind and started a war that killed them all.

  And just as the thought went through her mind, the Dark Benders charged forward. Battle cries sounded as they charged toward everything and everyone that she loved.

  * * *

  It only took a second for Dylan to pass Adalyn back to Hope. She wrapped her arms around her niece before she and Anna ducked between Spencer and Isaac. Mason used his sound waves to inflict deafening tones on the men blocking the path to the cars. Once it was clear, he pushed both women ahead of him. They sprinted down the trail while Mason did one last turnabout. When he was sure no one pursued them, he bolted down the path.

  Now that Adalyn was safe, Dylan focused on his other task. Saving Heaven.

  Rain poured from the sky. What was once a mist transformed into a full-blown storm. Cold drops pelted his face. Chaos unfolded by the second, yet those remaining upheld their defense against his father’s men. Nicholas worked with Spencer and Isaac, most likely feeding them information he was reading in their enemies’ thoughts.

  Dylan found his mother with Garrett and Zeke, doing the same. Her skills weren’t as keen as Nicholas’s were, but whatever information she provided them helped. Garrett had two benders encased in a sphere of water. Both were holding their breath, but their widening eyes said their time was almost up. Then their mouths fell open.

  Zeke was using his abilities to shift the ground underneath a group of five benders. Bar-shaped stones formed around them, trapping them against a rock positioned a few feet away. The closer Zeke grew, the more the stones moved forward. The rock prevented the Dark Benders’ retreat. Cries rang out when the stones collided with the rock, crushing all five.

  Though Scott and Dane had passive abilities, they were good at throwing punches. Both swung their fists, taking out some of the Benders who’d been caught off guard by one of the Keepers. Layla didn’t throw any punches, but the large branch she found served as a perfect club. She even cracked the skull of a Bender who’d crept up on Isaac.

  As Dylan turned toward his father and Heaven, he spotted Layne in the distance. Not only did he have fire shooting from both hands, he was using it to battle at least twenty Benders. Twenty more waited in the wings, ready to spring into action.

  Dylan proceeded in his direction. He was willing to offer some type of assistance, but Heaven’s panicked cries deterred him. His father pinned her arm behind her back while his other hand wrapped around her throat. They stood less than twenty feet from the cliff. Chills raced down his spine, stirring his anger back to life.

  “Leave her alone,” he shouted at his father. A few long strides brought him ten feet from where they stood.

  “I can’t do that, Dylan. I’m sorry.” His father showed no remorse. “She’s poison, Dylan. Loving her will destroy you, and I can’t let that happen. I need you, son, and she stands in the way of everything I want. She always has. I’ve waited for this moment far longer than you know. It all ends today.”

  “What ends?”

  “Your soulmate’s life.”

  Nothing could describe the emotions storming through Dylan. Anger didn’t come close, even if it was the strongest negative emotion. Whatever burst within him sent fire sparking through every inch of his body. He was going to kill his father. If he didn’t remove his hands from Heaven, he would end his life today.

  When her eyes fluttered from lack of oxygen, the fire inside him exploded.

  Thunder boomed as a flash of lightning zipped across the sky. Each silvery white branch lit up the ground beneath it, revealing a sight he couldn’t bear—Heaven’s life slowly dwindling.

  He couldn’t control his anger, couldn’t stop himself from pointing at his father and yelling as loud as he could. “I said, leave her alone!”

  Lightning struck the spot where he and his father stood. Smoke and dirt flew everywhere. His father disappeared from his sight, but he didn’t search for him. He stared at the electric current arcing between his fingers.

  He found Heaven in the same spot as before. Instead of standing, she kneeled on the ground beside a large crater. Inside the crater lay his father, facing the ground and motionless.

  A twinge of hope filled him. Had he killed his dad and ended the reign of terror threatening their lives?

  The question remained unanswered as the ground rumbled around them. Pieces of earth broke away. A deep line branched out from the crater, splitting the narrow section of ground where Heaven knelt.

  Falling rock echoed from the valley below. He had just enough time to dive over the crater his dad fell inside. His chest hit the ground, knocking the air from his lungs as he and Heaven’s palms slapped together.

  Then the section of ground she was sitting on fell away.

  The weight of her body jerked him forward, dragging him across the fresh dirt the lightning uncovered. He wasn’t sure if he’d stop moving, but when he made it to the new edge of the cliff, he gripped an exposed tree root and hung on for life.

  He glanced at his other hand, the one gripping Heaven. Her body dangled from the edge of the cliff. The three-hundred-foot drop overlooked trees as well as a river. He didn’t know which she’d hit first if she fell, and there was no way in hell he was going to find out.

  “Heaven,” he shouted, struggling to hold on. “Don’t let go. Hang on just a little longer.”

  Rain poured in her face when she looked up. “I don’t know if I can. Your hand is getting harder to hold. There’s too much water.”

  “Don’t. Let. Go.” His voice grew frantic, but not as much as when he cried for help. The thunder drowned out his first attempt, but when it passed, he called for help again.

  Shouting invaded his thoughts. He recognized Layne’s voice as much as the fear in his tone. The quicker he approached, the more hope formed in Dylan’s heart. They could do this. They could pull her away from the cliff and get her to safety. She would be okay. They would all be okay.

  Then Heaven’s hand slipped.

  “Heaven, hang on. Please. Hold on for Adalyn, for Layne, for me…”

  The weight of her emotions crushed his soul. He sensed every ounce of pain he’d caused the night before, as well as the guilt she felt for hurting him. Most of all, he sensed how much she loved him, how much she would always love him, even though she loved Layne too.

  The woman who owned his heart gazed into his eyes. “I’m sorry.”

  Her words stung his heart. The grip he had on her hand loosened. As Layne fell beside him, he thrust his hands lower, begging Heaven to reach for him. It was too late.

  Her body plummeted toward the trees.

  One word rang through the valley, one word that cried from two voices—

  “Heaven!”

  Afterword

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you for reading What the Heart Desires. I hope you enjoyed the story. If so, I ask that you leave a short review on the website from where you purchased the book. Reviews help little indie authors like me spread the word about my books.

  I hope I didn’t leave you on the edge of your seat or ready to scream, but if so, rest assured there is more to come. I hope you’ll join me in the next adventure as well. Writing a novel takes time, so please be patient for Soulmate #5. It is always my goal to provide you with a quality story. Thank you for your continued support.

  About the Author

  Most days you’ll find Kelli McCracken knee deep in chocolate bars, coffee, and kooky characters. She is a connoisseur of chocolate, professional percolator, and a master in the art of procrastination.

  “Writing a novel is like running a three ring circus. It’s chaotic, characters don’t do what’s expected, and they leave you with a trail of shit to clean. I’m the ringmaster of insanity. Welcome to the show.”

  Kelli lives in
Eastern Kentucky where she resides with her husband and children. For more information about the author, visit her website at http://www.kellimccracken.com

  Other Works by Kelli McCracken

  What the Heart Wants (Soulmate Series, Book 1)

  Are there soul connections that run deeper than love?

  Dylan McBride is tired of his rock star lifestyle. Between the nosy press and crazed fans, all he wants is to be left alone…and find the angel who’s been plaguing his dreams.

  When he meets Heaven Lewis, he knows she’s the one—from his dreams—for his future. There’s more than physical attraction drawing them together. Dylan can sense Heaven’s emotions with ease.

  Being involved with a celebrity is the last thing Heaven wanted, especially since her previous relationship nightmare. Yet resisting Dylan doesn’t come easy. Something about him pulls at her heart…and her soul.

  As the mysterious connection between them deepens, outside influences and a family secret threaten to keep them apart. Will Dylan lose his chance with Heaven, or will both surrender to What the Heart Wants?

  ~ * ~

  What the Heart Needs (Soulmate Series, Book 2)

  Bound by destiny, can their love survive those that would tear them apart?

  Dylan McBride thought he had it all when Heaven Lewis agreed to marry him. Yet the secrets surrounding them continue to build. Dylan’s father won’t accept his relationship with Heaven, but Dylan refuses to let his dad come between them. Even if it means giving up his life as a rock star.

  His refusal brings a turn of events that may cost him Heaven’s life. The only person he can count on for help is Layne. While his best friend agrees to help, Dylan can tell Layne is keeping secrets of his own.

  Amongst the chaos, Heaven is adjusting to her newfound abilities when she discovers they’re evolving. As if psychic powers aren’t enough to deal with, someone is making threats on her life. Threats that will unravel family secrets and put friendships to the test, all for What the Heart Needs.

  ~ * ~

  What the Heart Takes (Soulmate Series, Book 3)

  Compelled by fate, will he sacrifice everything to save her?

  Dylan McBride has never liked hiding—from his fans, the press, or his father. He’s left with no other choice after his father threatens Heaven’s life. Protecting his wife and unborn child is the only thing that matters. He’d do anything to save them. Even tolerate a connection she shares with her Keeper, the man sworn to protect her, the man he used to call his friend.

  Layne’s struggling with his pryrokinetic abilities, as well as accepting his role as Heaven’s Keeper. As if kissing her didn’t make things awkward enough, he learns that their connection is more complicated than he ever imagined. So complicated, it affects not only his mind, but also his soul.

  Though he’s taken to his Keeper duties, Heaven senses a battle between Layne’s heart and soul. A battle that’s preventing him from accessing his abilities. There’s only one sure way to help him. Their friendship must deepen. But nothing is ever easy, and she soon discovers there’s a thin line between love, hate, and What the Heart Takes.

  ~ * ~

  Only in Time (Mystique Antiques Series)

  Time doesn’t always mend a broken heart.

  Jonah McCabe made a mistake—a horrible mistake that’s haunted him for the last six years. In one night, he lost everything. His future. His happiness. His oldest friend and confidant, Ally Jacobs.

  Then fate interceded. A last minute favor has him coming face to face with his past—every beautiful inch of it. Regaining Ally’s trust won’t come easy, and time is running out once again.

  Can Jonah make things right in a race against the clock, or will he lose Ally forever?

  ~ * ~

  Longing for You (Touched by Magic Series, Book 1)

  “Have you ever had that, Cassie? Have you ever had a guy worship everything about you?”

  One wicked argument and six years later, Theo McCabe is back in hell. Savannah, Georgia. If not for his brother, Jonah, he wouldn’t be in his hometown…or recording his band’s first album.

  He sure as shit wouldn’t have run into Cassie Clarke.

  Determined to have what he’s always wanted, he sets out on a mission to right a wrong committed against his brother. Doing so will require Cassie’s help, and if she agrees, his plan will be in motion—his plan to seduce her.

  He refuses to leave town until she desires him as much as he desires her. The only way to accomplish his goal is to prove he isn’t the bad boy she remembers. Yet the more they’re together, the harder it is to stick to his plan.

  There’s a reason he’s always wanted Cassie. She affects his body like no other woman, but this time, she’s affecting his heart too. Making her want him will be a challenge.

  Leaving her once he did would be hell.

  ~ * ~

  Heartstrings (Heart & Soul Series, Book 1)

  “You’ve suffered a terrible tragedy, Jo.” That’s what my doctor keeps telling me. All I know is that I’ve lost everything—my ability to play piano, six years of my life, my will to live…

  The only thing keeping Jocelyn 'Jo' Hayes from falling apart is her brother, Brighton, whose past is sketchier than her mind. Brighton’s hiding secrets. He refuses to give Jo the answers she needs, but after she meets the mysterious Adam, she decides to keep secrets of her own.

  As Jo’s recovery fluctuates, Adam’s purpose in her life grows more confusing. Then Paxton Carr shows up at her door. His resemblance to Adam sends Jo’s on a quest to discover the truth and regain her memories.

  But the truth doesn’t always set someone free. Will Jo find the missing pieces of her memory and solve the riddle she calls life, or will the ugly truth destroy what’s left of her mind?

  Acknowledgments

  Writing is a journey of ups and downs, joys and sorrows, anticipations and fears. I can honestly say I’ve felt many emotions while writing this book and series. The high moments are great, the low ones aren’t. This is why writers need a good support team to help them along the way. My team is the best. They’ve gotten me through some rough points and this is my opportunity to say thank you.

  To my children, who possess this amazing power to make a bad day better with a simple hug. You are the lights of my life, the reasons I get up everyday and do my best. I want you to be proud of me the way I’m proud of each of you. Thank you for thinking I’m the best mom ever. I love you all with each and every breath I take.

  To my husband, I think I fall more in love with you every day. You are the most generous man I know and you will always be my hero. Thank you for supporting my dreams. Thank you for loving me when I can’t love myself. Our life together hasn’t always been easy, but it’s priceless. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. I love you, always.

  To my mom, for doing it alone and not giving up. So you weren’t a gourmet chef. Big deal. You provided a home with lots of love and good memories. I think in the end that’s what parents want most—to give their children a good life with many happy memories. You did that and more for me. Thank you. I love you, much.

  To Lisa, for the smiles, long chats, inspiring pics (even the hot guys :D), and for showing me that loyal people still exist. I’ll never regret my decision to publish because it brought us together. Thank you for encouraging me, inspiring me, and for caring. I look forward to many more years of friendship and laughs.

  To Tracy, I think I’ve learned more about life from you this past year than anyone. You’re an amazing, strong woman who’s taught me that faith is about believing the odds won’t beat you. It’s about trusting in what we can’t see, yet knowing without a doubt that whatever happens, we’ll make it through. I’m happy you’re a part of my life and that you won’t be leaving it anytime soon. I admire your perseverance and your courage. Thank you for all you do.

  To Jackie C, for reminding me why I started and why I should never give up.

  And to Elena, my rock
, my best friend. I can’t count how many hours we’ve spent chatting about our lives, both personal and professional. You always find a way to make me see the bigger picture and to keep pushing myself forward. You pick me up and brush me off when I’ve fallen flat on my face. I will never in this lifetime be able to repay you for all you’ve done for me. Thank you for being my friend, my ass-kicker, confidant, and soul sister. Thank you for getting me. You are a godsend. I can’t imagine my life without you and pray I never know what it’s like. I love you, chica. You are my forever friend.