Taking a breath, I decided to come at him another way. I was going, no question, but I would prefer to have some back-up. “Jensen, he’s our friend.” The gentleness in my voice worked on him, at least a little, because his face softened as did his voice. “Come with me.”
“We aren’t going today.” He pushed the point home, as if he thought I’d just fall in line.
My jaw clenched. “Don’t tell me what I am or am not going to do. You’re not my father. I’m going and you should be, too!”
His face remained hard and his jaw tightened. His decision was made, as was mine. I crossed his line in the sand, though I never thought we’d be standing on opposite sides.
Taking several steps away from him, ignoring Dad’s words, I let the venom loose from my mouth. “You’re not coming? I guess you’re not the man I thought you were.” His eyes drilled into me harder, finding their way to my core. “If this is some leftover jealousy, don’t worry about it. I’m done.”
He got pissed. Not caring about the anger I saw cross his face, it was the hurt behind it that almost made me compromise. Screw that. Turning on my heel, I blew through the door. The frame slammed behind me and shattered.
Walking out, two sets of feet closed in behind me. Kale and Stone followed me to the car. We got in. I started it and, without hesitating, sped out into the burgeoning summer day to get my best friend back. I’d have help: brothers who would give their lives for Aric, brothers who didn’t think twice about coming with me.
We just had to get there in time.
* * *
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Acknowledgments
I always wonder who I’m going to forget to acknowledge but know that I try to do it daily. I try to let the people I appreciate know that I do in fact appreciate them even when it doesn’t come to my author life. But here it goes anyway…
There are so many people who put their hands on a book, either literally or figuratively. Then there are the people who unknowingly help you make a book happen.
First, my family, who put up with days of not seeing me because an edit has to get done or who have to understand when I decline an invitation. My time is not always my own and they get that because they support me. I love you all.
I have a great crit partner in Sarah Zolton Arthur who also happens to be a BFF from way back. It’s so helpful to have someone who understands the process and why some things just won’t work. Who gets you and supports you even if a character may not end up with the person they want. (wink, wink) Thanks for giving things a thorough reading before anyone else gets to see it which helps make sure I don’t sound like a complete fool. Sometimes.
Having great beta readers is a must in this life but I have to give a shout out to one in particular. Autumn Reyes, who not only takes rockin’ author photos but was also the second person to read The Gremlin Prince and never let me forget how much she loved it.
About the Author
Heather Young-Nichols has been writing since she was little. After a life hiatus from all things fun, she returned in full force and hasn’t stopped since. It’s unusual to find her without her computer, a book or her kindle unless she’s spending time with her family. And the real fun comes out during baseball season. Then, all bets are off. Heather grew up in Saginaw, Michigan and graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with a degree in Sociology. Although she’s currently living in the country, she’s always been more of a city girl.
Website:
http://heatheryoungnichols.com/
The Gremlin Prince (The Empowered Series Book 1) Page 21
