Hungry Ghost
Page 29
“I should have stayed with Jenna,” Hazel said, finally. “This is my fault. I knew she wasn’t strong enough … ” Hazel’s voice broke off into tears, and Lexie stroked her shoulder. Hazel fell into her chest like a koala bear, clutching her flesh and hair, letting her sobs pour forth to fill the space between their bodies.
Renee padded over, sat beside them, and pulled them both into her arms. Sharm, Corwin, and Mitch followed, and for awhile, the soft echoes of sobs filled the house. But eventually the comfort turned to cuddling, and soon the Pack was lying together on the living room carpet, some sleeping, some just sighing into each other’s touch. Lexie liked the weight, and lost track of where her body ended and those of her sisters began. She opened herself to the feeling of warmth, of belonging. She liked being among these women, her sisters. She belonged here. She was happy here.
She was home.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This book is dedicated to all the people who read Lunatic Fringe and hoped for a sequel. The emails, messages, and hugs I get from you have made this difficult and scary ride absolutely worthwhile.
To Alyc Helms. You make me see the best in myself. Each one of your edits teaches me a new way to be a better author.
To JP. Thank you for once again for sharing your creativity and talent with me.
To Rachel Gold. There isn’t enough sushi in the world to sate my appreciation for you.
To Craig Cady. Thank you for transforming your burden into a gift for me. You do everything with intention, even capitalization.
To Rebecca Ford & Ashley Shepard, for your guidance and polish.
To Liz Upson. You’re the tops, from the bottom of my heart.
To independent booksellers and book bloggers, for keeping it real.
To Shawna Hamic, who bears more than a passing-resemblance to an angel.
To backers of my Kickstarter, especially Matt Walker, Kirsty Heppenstall, Harper Jean Tobin, Donna Thomas, Keith Schwerin, Bucket, Jay Parry, Bran, Ash Miller, Dylan Cox, Sabrina Morgan, Monique Darling, Sonya Harway, Tobias Jaeger, Pauline Driscoll, Arielle McKee, Nikhil D. Majumdar, Sara & Ashley Vibes, and t’Sade.
To Mom & Dad.
To Nanny, for competing with Mom for the title of my Biggest Fan.
To Reid Mihalko, the rock that keeps on rocking my world.
And most of all, to Hans, who inspired me to get better at saying “Yes!” I wish I had said it more to you.
About the Author
Allison Moon is an author, storyteller, educator, and undercover introvert based in Oakland, California. She was a Lambda Literary Foundation Emerging LGBT Writers Fellow. Her debut novel, Lunatic Fringe, was nominated for a 2011 Goldie Award. Hungry Ghost is her second novel. Learn more about Allison at TalesofthePack.com