He didn’t return her greeting, just took another drink.
“I’m sorry, Shane.”
“For what? Getting yourself killed?”
“I’m not going to get killed.”
“Why aren’t you letting me go? Surely two pairs of hands are better than one.”
Anastasia folded her arms, not missing the jab he’d taken at Dakota. “Dakota is going, Shane.”
He rolled his eyes. “Yeah, perfect fucking Dakota.”
“What the hell is your problem? I know you liked me but—”
“Loved you.”
Anastasia’s mouth hung low, and her eyes widened.
“Yeah, I love you, Anastasia. Have since the moment I met you. So don’t come at me with that like bullshit. You don’t feel the same? Fine, whatever. But don’t you dare try and lessen how I feel.”
“Shane—”
“Not interested. Just don’t die.” He turned and left, leaving her starting after him. “Hey,” Brady said as he approached her from behind.
Anastasia turned to him and forced a smile. “Hey, you.”
“Mom says you’re going back to try and kill Vincent.”
She nodded.
“Are you going to be all right? I know I’m not fully trained yet, but I really think I could help.”
“Dakota and I will be fine,” she promised.
“I just, I think of you like a sister, you know?”
She smiled and wrapped her arms around him. “I know. And you’re the little brother I always wanted to annoy.” She messed his hair up and stepped away.
“Just be careful.”
“You too. Help your mom keep things going around here.”
“I will. And Anastasia?”
“Hmm?”
“Don’t worry about Shane. He’ll come around. I’m just happy that you have Dakota back.”
She smiled at the boy who had been forced to grow into a man way too soon. Eighteen and going on thirty. “Thanks, Brady.”
Anastasia made her way back to sit next to Dakota. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pressed a kiss to her temple. She studied the faces around her again with new strength.
This is what she would fight for. These people. Her family. She glanced at Dakota, who watched her, flames reflected in his fierce blue eyes. He was her center, her focal point, and with him beside her, she would walk through the fires of hell without flinching. He was the very strength inside of her, and for the first time in her life, she believed she had all she needed to defeat Vincent and get their lives back.
These people, this laughter and love that surrounded her, were what made it all worthwhile. She closed her eyes and nuzzled closer to Dakota, her light in a war against darkness.
She had finally made peace with her past and, in doing so, had secured her victory over the future.
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From The Author
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Thank you so much!
Jessica
For my Grandmother
My Grandmother with my oldest kiddo 2012
Without my Grandmother introducing me to her love of reading, none of this would be possible. It started with Highlights magazine and other small books, which turned into me obsessing over GooseBumps and Harry Potter.
When I turned sixteen, she introduced me to romance through Nora Roberts’ world, and ever since then I haven’t looked back!
She’d find a new author or series she loved and would tell me, and I would do the same. I can’t tell you how many times we read and re-read JR Wards Black Dagger Brotherhood Series, or Karen Marie Moning’s Fever Series.
In fact, when I went into the hospital to have my first kiddo, she brought me a hardback copy of Iced by KMM, which had just released.
Even though she’s gone, I still make notes of my favorite authors and new books I find out of habit. It’s been nearly three years since she passed, and I still reach for the phone every time I want to share something.
So this is for all those times she shared stories with me-
All those times we stayed up drinking home made Kahlua-
All those phone calls-
And the text message that was never returned.
I love you Grandma Carme, this book was for you and I hope you know how much it meant to me that we shared so many worlds together.
Also By Jessica Wayne
FANTASY
A Tethered Duet
Collateral Damage
Their Own Time: A Trio of Time Travel Novelettes
The Prophecy Series: The Complete Series
Phoenix
Fighter
Sorceress
siren
unity
Cursed Hearts: The Complete Series
StarCrossed
Amria
Supernova
SUSPENSE
the corrupted series
deceived
concealed
Terminated- Coming Soon
Betrayed- Coming Soon
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
A Year Of Love
About the Author
Jessica Wayne was born and raised in southern California where she and her family trained horses. She grew up traveling to different competitions, as well as showing sheep and rabbits for 4-H and the FFA.
After moving to Texas with her family, Jessica joined the Army National Guard where she served for seven years.
From the moment her grandmother introduced her to Nora Roberts’ wonderful world of romance, Jessica knew she wanted to create her own stories and share them with the world.
She has been writing full time for the past four years, and is a stay at home mom. She currently resides in Texas with her husband, three children, and two fur-babies.
You can get in touch with her using any of the links below:
E-mail
Reader’s Group
Phoenix Page 23
