Beauties and Beasts

by Jenna Aileen

  “I thought you were dead.” I whispered.

  “I know, I know, I’m sorry I didn’t find you sooner. I was…lost for a little while—but I’m back now.”

  I nodded my head and hugged him again.

  “Kathryn, listen, there’s something I have to tell you and it might be…difficult for you.”

  “What do you mean?” I asked, pulling away and giving him a questioning look.

  Just as Conan opened his mouth to speak a low, mournful howl pierced the air. I jumped at the sound, all the little hairs on the back of my neck prickled up. He cursed.

  “Conan who is that?”

  “We have to leave, right now.” He grabbed my arm, but I jerked away.

  “What the heck is going on—Ryan is back at the house by himself—”

  “Kathryn we need to leave now, it’s dangerous to stay,”

  “We’re not leaving without Ryan!” I shouted, taking off toward the house.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  First things first, I’d like to thank my Savior Jesus for giving His life for me, and for giving me this creative mind—all I have is His.

  I’d also like to thank Ian for being one of the first people to read the book all the way through and actually liking it—even though you just read the first and crappiest draft…

  Thank you Luke for listening to my crazy ideas and not complaining…too much. Thanks to Theresa, you’re awesome and my best writer friend and I can’t wait for you to publish your stories and share them with the world and become a famous author.

  Thank you, mom, for teaching me how to read, and to dad for always being such an encouragement to me.

  Aidan, thank you for being a cool writer friend, you’re awesome and creative and such an inspiration.

  Rachel J, you’ve been there for me since forever, thank you for always being so sweet and encouraging.

  Thank you to my all-time favorite artist, Mat Kearney. Yes, I gave Abel your last name, because I’m a dork. And to my favorite band, NeedtoBreathe. I obsessively listened to your music while I wrote this silly story. Many thanks to you guys for keeping me company at two in the morning during my crazy writing sessions.

  ALSO, special thanks to all the haters for being stupid enough to voice your dumb opinion and giving me the opportunity to prove you are absolutely wrong about me. ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Jenna Aileen was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and currently resides in Montgomery County with her family and crazy, fluffy cats. She enjoys writing (obviously,) eating food, and going on crazy adventures.