by Lindsey Iler
“Emerson belongs with you and Amilee. We’ve raised her and love her as if she’s our own,” Mrs. Saville argues.
I’m not quite sure why she believes there’s a need to justify her reasons for going to the council. There has been no doubt that, at some point, our end game would be to get their approval. Nothing happens in our world without it.
“And when Emerson is ready, she will come to us. Until then, you have to give her the space she needs,” I argue.
“Until that happens, what are we supposed to do, huh? Allow heathens to roam within Belle Meade? I hate to break it to you, but evil doesn’t quit because the three reigning Angels have decided to go on a sabbatical,” Mr. Saville says. He stands to pace behind the line of chairs.
“I can’t deal with this right now.” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “I thought I lost my sister. A man I believed had my best interest at heart, turned out to be just another bastard looking to gain something from my family. What that is, is still a mystery, but here we are. My family, our families, turned their backs on us far before we were even born.” I stomp toward the door, unable to face them. “And somehow, this makes you believe we should squeeze inside this little box you’re so desperate for us to fit into.”
“Lennox.” My father’s voice is filled with warning.
“Is this where you tell me there are consequences?” I shake my head. “Look around, Daddy Dearest. We are the ones in charge, so when I say we need a minute, I mean, we need a minute.”
As fast as I came in, I leave. Outside, the sun is at its highest, shining down on me. I extend my arms, basking in the warmth. Parked beside the curb is a black SUV. Through the tinted windows, I see Victor rocking his head and shoulders, singing along to whatever song is playing.
“You ready to go?” Edric asks from behind me.
I hear the metal door shut. He’s alone. My father didn’t run after me. He knows I’m right.
“Surprisingly, I’ve never been more ready.” I take his offered hand, the warmth grounding me. He guides me into the back seat.
Victor turns down the volume. “Where to, boss?” His green eyes gleam with excitement. Perhaps he’s ready for a change, too.
“See, that sounds much better than ma’am.” I laugh, leaning my head on Edric’s shoulder. He kisses the tip of my nose, a gesture I hope we’ll never grow out of. “And, Victor, why don’t you pick? If you insist on supervising our adventure, you might as well get something out of it.”
“I have just the place,” Victor says.
We reverse into traffic and head toward the road leading out of town. I take a deep breath and rest my eyes. There’s no need to watch our departure. I’ll feel it, just as I did the one time my mother took me out of Belle Meade as a child. Inside the city limits, breathing is a chore, a means to an end. Edric’s chest rattles a soothing tune, lulling me into a mild slumber.
“Ahh,” I sigh in relief, knowing we crossed over the invisible line.
“You felt it, too, then,” Edric whispers in my ear. “You’re free.”
“We’re free.”
The thing about freedom, what no one tells you, is that it all comes at a price. Sometimes you know when you cash it in; other times, it searches you out.
Whatever is desperate to find me can come searching. I’ll always be ready for whatever goes boom in the night.
After all, I am an Angel, and I’ll be coming for them.
If you think this story is over... you’re wrong!
Bones of Belle Meade will be releasing in 2019 and I can’t wait for you to see what they’re up to next!
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Acknowledgement
This part always feels harder to write than the actual book. The tiny section at the back of the book is the place where I get to thank everyone who has helped me. The problem is I can never find the right words to express my gratitude, but every time I try, so hold tight while I try to do this!
Like always, I have to thank my husband, Bryan, for a multitude of reasons. Mainly for keeping me sane during the whole process. You are forever my cheerleader and I can’t thank you enough for your encouragement.
To my readers, if it weren’t for you, I’m not sure this book would have ever been finished. Your excitement every time I posted and shared anything about these characters helped me write the next words. Your continued support means the absolute world to me.
To Katie, you freaking rockstar. This book has been a journey and as usual, I wouldn’t have survived without you. You continuously show me an abundance of support and with every release, I learn something new from you. Like to stop making my characters eyes and head move, and that he can’t be sitting and standing at the same time. Thank you for everything you do and your friendship.
To Julie Deaton, the proofreading goddess. To be honest, without you I may have continued thinking Mr. Gregory was Mr. Reynolds, and vise versa. Haha! You took my story on your schedule at last minute and I’m so thankful for you. I said you can’t get rid of me, and I mean it. Prepare yourself.
To the bloggers, you all are AMAZING! Truly! Thank you for taking a chance on something new from me and your willingness to share my work on your blogs! Without you, our books would sit very lonely, and you forever have my gratitude.
Lastly, to my children, you’ll never read this, but a large part of my soul feels guilty by not acknowledging you. You put up with a scattered brained mom some days, you eat cereal while I’m on deadline, but one thing you never go without is my love. Even with my hands on the keyboard and my eyes on my computer screen, I see you and I hear you. I’ll never stop taking time away from my fictional babies for you.
More from the Author
Our Worlds Series
When Our Worlds Collide (#1)
When Our Worlds Fall Apart (#2)
When Our Worlds Stand Still (#3)
When Our Worlds Ignite (#3.5)
When Our Worlds Go Silent (#4)
Standalones
You’re to Blame
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About the Author
Lindsey Iler is the author of several mature young adult/new adult romances. Recently, she has jumped into Paranormal Romance. She’s had her feet planted in the state of Michigan since she was born and she still lives there with her husband and four kids.
When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with family and friends, listening to music, reading (obviously), and hopefully just enjoying every moment in life. She has a twisted sense of humor and tends to speak honestly.
Lindsey falls in love with every character that pops into her head and is notorious for writing long chapters in her notes on her iPhone. It's embarrassing how many started/unfinished projects are on that thing. She finds inspiration from music and the people around her.
