Last Light (Until Dawn, Book 1)

by J. N. Baker

  Of course, I looked. The plane moved sluggishly across the long runway, the earth disappearing behind us, crumbling into what looked like a bottomless pit. We were going too slow. The engines whined in protest as the pilot tried to pick up the pace, racing against Mother Nature. It looked like she was winning. The heavy jet lifted for a second before grinding back down on the landing gear. People bounced around inside the cabin, crying out as the interior lights flickered on and off.

  The earth gave way and we were airborne. I prayed to a god I hoped to hell was still listening that we’d stay that way. Outside the window the ocean expanded through Nevada. It chased after us as we gained altitude, eating away at the land with no sign of stopping.

  No one would survive that. No one.

  As the plane climbed higher and began to level, a collective sigh of relief filled the cabin, along with a few cheers. I pulled my gaze away from the window and glanced across the aisleway to my right, finding a laughing Cody leaning forward and clapping Josh on the shoulder. Beside him, Cindy and Annie embraced, smiles on both of their tear-streaked faces. I turned back toward the window and Alec’s golden eyes met mine. He reached over and took my hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze before lifting it to his lips and kissing my palm as he’d always done.

  I leaned back in my seat and exhaled. I wasn’t sure where we were going, or even what the future held for us, but we were alive—for now.

  Had to count our blessings, however few there may be.

  Coming Soon

  The adventure continues in Night Falls, the second book in the Until Dawn series.

  Coming 12/12/2020

  Available for pre-order now!

  Acknowledgments

  First and foremost, I want to thank my husband for his constant support. If it weren’t for him and his many suck-it-up-buttercups and locking me away in my writing cave, this dream would have never become a reality.

  I also want to send a huge shoutout to my wonderful editing team. Tina, you truly helped to make Last Light what it is today. Your knowledge and advice was invaluable. Shannon, your eye for detail was amazing. You really helped to polish this story into a shining gem. You ladies are editing rock stars.

  Thank you also to the talented Daqri at Covers by Combs for her creativity and ability to bring Zoe to life in such a stunning way. I can’t wait to work on more covers together in the future.

  My alpha reader and dear friend, Sevan, thank you for diving head first into Zoe’s world and always pushing for more pages—and more Markus. I value your opinion so much. I have loved having you along for this crazy journey.

  To my beta readers, you are all so wonderful. Thank you for being part of this story and for loving Zoe and the whole gang as much as I do. Your support has meant the world to me.

  And last, but certainly not least, Shannon. My brilliant writer buddy, thank you for the endless advice, referrals, wisdom, and oodles of patience. Last Light made it to the finish line, and you were a large part of that!

  About the Author

  Teacher by day and writer by night, J.N. Baker has been telling stories since she was old enough to read them. With a passion for both urban fantasy and paranormal romance, J.N. Baker loves to write post-apocalyptic stories with complicated, badass female leads that have no filters. She believes that a sign of a good book is the sudden urge to throw it across the room and run to pick it back up. A healthy dash of steamy romance doesn’t hurt either.

  J.N. Baker lives with her husband and new daughter on their farm in California. When she isn’t writing or teaching, she enjoys curling up with a good book, a glass of wine, and one of her many furry critters.

  Find her page on Facebook to follow more of her writing shenanigans.