Release Day Blitz: Hot-Blooded Lust (Federal Agent Chronicles Book 3) by Ravyn Rayne @BlushingRavyn @writeawaybliss

Title: Hot-Blooded Lust (Federal Agent Chronicles Book 3)

Author: Ravyn Rayne

Publisher: Blushing Books

Published: September 4, 2015

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Erotica

Cast in secrets and doubt, an investigation this red-hot is certain to cause an uproar.

Agent Joel Connor receives a phone call that friend of the family and fortune teller Grace Stine was murdered. Agent Kaitlyn Rivers joins him along with the Paranormal, Occult, and Ritualistic Crimes Division heading the investigation.

Sexy and buxom Agent Emily Carter and tanned well-built Agent Franklin Noble could easily be underwear models. Will jealousy and lust tear Joel and Kaitlyn apart or strengthen their new relationship?

Office spankings, lust potions, and fiery romance combine in this romantic erotica.

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Available for FREE with Kindle Unlimited Amazon | Blushing Books

 

Meet the Characters in Hot-Blooded Lust

 

Kaitlyn Rivers

FBI Agent, Kaitlyn Rivers loves her job with the Violent Crimes and Major Thefts Task Force. For years she's worked with Joel and flirted her way into his heart. They are currently involved in a secret relationship, though most of the office knows or will soon find out. Kaitlyn has a record for crashing bureau cars, is a workaholic, and knows how to keep a secret. Other nicknames: Kai.

Joel Connor

Mildly impatient, Joel is the supervisory agent with the Violent Crimes and Major Thefts task force. Recently divorced, he has three daughters that know how to keep him busy. For years he's been interested in Kaitlyn but had intended to keep it professional because he's her boss. He's got a fascination with erotic spanking and disciplining Kaitlyn to keep her in line.

 

Franklin Noble

FBI Agent Franklin Noble works for the Paranormal, Occult, and Ritualistic Crimes Division. Known for being a stud, Franklin likes his job but also likes the taste of women, sampling a new lady every night. Suave, sophisticated, and successful, Franklin has it all. It's no wonder the girls all flock to him. Plus he could be an underwear model, if his FBI career didn't get in the way.

   

  

Emily Carter

FBI Agent Emily Carter works for the Paranormal, Occult, and Ritualistic Crimes Division. With fourteen sisters and no brothers, Emily was brought up Catholic. Known for her looks, men flock to her wanting to buy her drinks, take her home, but never meet their parents. She struggles with dating and finding the perfect boyfriend that cares for her. Emily gets along well with her FBI partner, Franklin, though she knows he's a stud and is careful not to mix business and pleasure.

Excerpt

"Anytime you want to climb on that pole again, Kai, I'm game." Joel grinned. Wiping that smile off his face seemed near impossible. He'd been teasing me about it since the moment I climbed on top of the bar and danced.

"You're never going to let me live it down, are you?" I actually didn't mind, not that I'd tell Joel. My cheeks burned remembering that night. Although I was just doing my job, I knew how turned on it made him. If it weren't for the fact we were in a bar on duty, I'd have given him a lap dance. Joel's tongue would have probably hung out of his mouth. Being an FBI Agent was tough work, most of the time. The few moments where I could have some fun and let loose, why shouldn't I?

Joel's lips trailed a soft path of kisses across my jaw. I curled beneath the sheets of his mattress. "Joel, we can't." Though I wanted to, I wasn't quite comfortable with it. The reason had nothing to do with him being my boss. We were over that. "Your kids are in the next room and the walls are thin."

"They're asleep."

I laughed. "Yeah, for now. You're loud. There is no way it won't wake them up. The neighbors at my place give me slack when I run into them getting the mail."

Joel whined and reached for my hip, pulling me against him. "Then why did you insist on sneaking over? You're such a tease."

"I am not!" I playfully shoved his chest. I tried my best to keep my voice down to a minimum. It's not that I didn't like his kids, I just thought it was too early for us to be doing weekends together. Which is why I opted to sneak over after they were in bed. I didn't think ahead to the fact that we'd have to keep our voices down and that Joel was a loud moaner during sex. Not that I was particularly quiet, but he had the tendency to make sure everyone could hear us.

"Want to play a game?" he asked. His thumb stroked my hip, inching my shirt as the pads of his fingers grazed bare skin.

"Like Monopoly?" I wasn't in the mood for board games.

Joel leaned his head forward, chuckling softly. He reached for me, brushing his lips against mine. I dragged my fingers into his dark, thick hair. "I had something more adult in mind."

"Oh?" My hands paused their ministrations, trying to image what Joel would have thought up. He struck me more as a strip poker kind of guy, but we were already half-naked. Where was the fun in that? Joel climbed out of bed and headed for his closet. I whimpered in protest. "Where are you going? I'm right here."

"I know a game that will be fun for both of us." He brought one of his work ties out from the closet.

"If you're planning on tying me to the bed, you know we have handcuffs for that."

"No need. Unless of course you're naughty. Close your eyes," he said, and I did so, feeling the tie cover my eyes as he secured it at the back of my head. I was blindfolded. This was new for us.

My heart skipped a beat. I trusted Joel, but it still made me nervous. "What do you plan on doing?" I asked.

"Kai, you complained that I'm loud when we have sex. I'm going to make sure that you're the one making all the noises. Better keep your voice down, I'm not sure I locked the bedroom door."

Six Questions with the Author

What are you currently working on?

 I just finished writing the first book in the series Dystopian Reign. The first book is titled, The Victorian Shift. I started the second book late this afternoon and it's titled The Western Movement. It's an interesting blend of historical mixed with dystopian (and of course romance) that follows a twenty-five year old young woman that escapes prison when the facility is under attack.

Tell us a little about your release, Hot-Blooded Lust.

Hot-Blooded Lust is the third installment in the Federal Agent Chronicles. Just like the first book in the series, Hot-Blooded Lust follows the life of Agent Kaitlyn Rivers as they investigate the murder of a fortune-teller, who happens to also be someone Joel knows.

Any more Federal Agent Chronicle stories in the works?

Yes, Fire Licked is scheduled for release in November from Blushing Books. That novel is about a sexy fireman and follows FBI Agent Leslie Hunter.

How do you write so fast?

Good question! I'm very prolific and also task-focused. This is my full-time job, so I treat it as such, spending at least eight hours a day in front of the computer writing (or at least attempting to). I concentrate heavily on meeting a word count daily when I write.

You always have fun swag. What's your favorite piece that you've made?

I love making mini book charms as necklaces and also book boxes that feature my book cover. The book boxes are great for storing goodies when I have a book event. The necklaces (and also bracelets) tend to be a huge hit at events. Everyone always loves them and they're all handmade. I'm always sharing pictures of the goodies on Facebook.

Do you plan on writing any more YA books under your other name, Ruth Silver?

Yes. I recently finished the prequel to Aberrant. It is titled, Cabal. I'm waiting to find out the release date for that young adult novella. I also am (still) working on the sequel to Elfinland (Orenda Book 2). It's half-written at 21k words. I just need to sit down and finish that novel as well.  

Grab the First Book in the Series

   

Burning Desire by Ravyn Rayne

Federal Agent Chronicles Book One

Published May 6, 2015 by Blushing Books

Saving people is FBI Agent Kaitlyn Rivers drug of choice. That's not the only thing she loves about her job. The sexual tension is mounting between Kaitlyn and her alpha boss, Agent Joel Connor. Assigned into an undercover operation to stop a serial child abductor with the pathetic Cole Sommers, Kaitlyn is silently thrilled when Cole is forced off the case and Joel steps in. Intense romance, steamy sex scenes, and a nail-gripping case that will attract fans of crime dramas and thrillers. This action-packed erotica is sure to leave you pleased three times over!

Available for FREE with Kindle Unlimited Amazon

Continue the series

Title: Dating Wars

Series: Federal Agent Chronicles #2

Author: Ravyn Rayne

Publisher: Blushing Books

Published: July 6th, 2015

Finding love in all the wrong places. 

When a serial rapist and murderer targets women on an online dating website, FBI Agent Leslie Hunter must pose as a potential match at a bar. How hard could it be? She's been dating online for years.

While undercover, Leslie meets a handsome gentleman. She can't tell Kevin her profession without ruining the investigation. How long can she keep this man out of danger without revealing she's an FBI Agent?

A taste of pole dancing, phone sex, and spankings combined with a lick of danger. A romantic erotica story that's sure to leave your heart racing and pleased afterwards.

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Available for FREE on Kindle Unlimited Amazon

Prefer paperback?

Grab the first two books in the series in a combined paperback edition. Now available on Amazon!

Excerpt

"Hey sexy." I hear Kaitlyn's voice and my eyes widen glancing up, as the dancers are once again on the bar.

"Kai?" I can't stop myself from calling her by name. I've always seen the dark-haired agent in a pants suit, one rare occasion a skirt. This is something else entirely.

Kevin removes his drink from the bar. "You know the dancer?"

Kaitlyn is up there wearing nothing more than a red g-string bikini. Her brunette locks cascade down her back and her makeup looks like a hooker must have put it on her. She's got thick turquoise eyeliner and lime green glittery eye shadow.

"Long story. We used to work together." It's not a lie but in the way Kevin's mind is ticking, he must think I had been an exotic dancer. Not the case! Though, what harm could come from him believing it to be true? It is safer for everyone, than Kevin knowing I'm working undercover.

Kevin laughs and his cheeks redden. I'm guessing it's the beer. He's looking over Kaitlyn a little too intimately and long for my pleasure.

"Quite a story, I bet," Kevin says. "Maybe you can share it on our second date?"

   

About the Author

Ravyn is a sassy, fun-loving, and adventure-seeking young woman. She loves to travel and can't wait for her next vacation, wherever it might be.

Ravyn writes romantic erotica. She began writing romance novels in college, spending her down time either reading a book or writing fiction. Please don't make her choose between the two, she loves them equally.

She has been published professionally since 2013. Prefer less steamy novels? Try her out here.

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Tsu | Goodreads | Amazon | Blushing Books

   

Ravyn's Available Books

   

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Blog Tour: The House on Sunset By Lindsay Fischer @LinsFischer @GHBTours

The House on Sunset

By-  Lindsay Fischer

Genre- Memoir/Women's Fiction

Lindsay Fischer was once a high school English teacher with dreams stretching far outside the classroom. When her boyfriend of a year-and-a-half cheated on her, Lindsay found herself alone, looking online for a replacement. His name was Mike.

That's where the nightmare started.

The House on Sunset is a memoir, a collection of reminiscences, scattering the ashes of two broken homes and putting them to rest. Each chapter offers a different glimpse inside the cycle of intimate partner violence, where honeymoon phases and traumas coexist.

Everyone could fall victim to abusers. This book bravely displays the reasons a quirky, twenty-something teacher would, and did.

 

Author Interview-

What inspired you to write The House on Sunset?

My eighteen month relationship with an abuser left me ill-equipped to cope. I struggled with PTSD and BDD while my life fell apart (and there was nothing I could do about it). I found blogging as an act of escapism, a way to say what I was feeling without being a burden to those around me who didn't truly understand. When my blog began picking up readers, some of which were other survivors, I realized I was not only helping myself but others through sharing the darkest pieces of me.

After four years of blogging, trauma therapy and connecting with other survivors, I realized my story could use a different platform. Maybe writing a memoir would reach additional eyes. Maybe my family would finally understand what I'd been through.

I hadn't shared my entire story before writing the book. Speaking it wasn't something I was ready for. But having the resource to say, "Hey, I want you to know what happened to me," without actually having to put myself in a situation that felt unsafe was appealing.

The House on Sunset came from all of those fears, feelings and focuses. 


When or at what age did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I was notorious for writing scathing notes in high school to friends who I felt "deserved" my lectures. Funny enough, that was the first time I realized I had some talent. By my second year of college, I was convinced I could never make it as a writer (because that's what society tells us), so I declared my major in English, secondary education. If I couldn't write as a career, at least I could talk about writing.

But the bug never died.

Even though I continued teaching while I was writing my blog, I found myself more fulfilled by the work I was doing outside of the classroom than what I was doing inside of it (and I was a damn good teacher). So I continued the blog, started fiddling with guest posts on various websites, and made a writing career a possibility for myself "later" in life.

My book came out in October of my last year of teaching.

I didn't return to the classroom the following year, determined to use my talents in another form.

Now, I'm a copywriter by day. This shift allows me all-day at my keyboard, whether I'm writing for myself or clients. 


What is the earliest age you remember reading your first book?

I remember reading the abridged version of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer in third grade, followed by the Ralph S. Mouse series and Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. I'm sure I read previous to that, but the books I mentioned above left a lasting impression on me, and I continued searching for books that either allowed me to escape (like Ralph did) or helped me understand emotion (like the others).

I wouldn't say I was a junkie until much later, because I was VERY selective in my reading. If the first few pages of a book couldn't hold my attention, I wasn't committed enough to continue on. A book snob at 9, I guess you could say.


What genre of books do you enjoy reading?

Fiction and non-fiction, I love the classics and contemporary lit. Women's literature too. I particularly gravitate toward memoirs in non-fiction, but I also love poetry. Occasionally I'll pick up something outside of these genres (I go through a love/hate relationship with YA lit), but I mostly stick within what I know I like. (Yes, I realize this is a character flaw and the mark of a terrible teacher, but I'm nothing if I'm not honest here. Sorry.)


What is your favorite book?

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain.

I love watching Huck's internal conflict unfold as he and Jim float down the river. I think Twain is brilliant in that his work has remained culturally relevant into today, and his sense of humor (and use of satire) is what really latches me in.

My dog's name is Huckleberry (Watson in The House on Sunset) because I believe the character to be one of the most honest and complex examples of humanity in any book I've read. The juxtaposition of Tom against Huck, how one blindly follows society's standards (though he's supposed to be the leader) and the other follows - though he struggles with it - his heart a literary gift.

Religion, racism and abuse are all problems within society today. That, to me, is the mark of a good writer. If you can pinpoint societal problems that must be addressed (but we ignore out of fear or pain), then you're absolutely on the top of my list.


You know I think we all have a favorite author. Who is your favorite author and why?

For the exact reasons I've listed above, Mark Twain is - and might always be - my literary hero.


If you could travel back in time here on earth to any place or time. Where would you go and why?

I think I'd like to have a drink with Sylvia Plath or Kurt Cobain. What I admire about artists, even though who struggle, is their honesty. To show a weakness inside of yourself to the rest of the world opens you up to a lot of criticism, yet it allows others to begin understanding mental illness or traumatic response. Who wasn't listening in their lives? What messages weren't noticed?

These sorts of conversations are what pushed me to share my story.

There are people who need my voice right now, so they can begin healing from the same mental illness I faced. And there are other people who need to read a work as brutally honest, so they can better understand domestic violence as the epidemic it has become. 


When writing a book do you find that writing comes easy for you or is it a difficult task?

Writing The House on Sunset was incredibly difficult for me. I faced traumatic response and brokenness I thought I'd mended. Sometimes when I'd write a scene, my mind would open up memories it had protected me from since leaving my abuser. In many ways I was healed through writing, but I also had to learn how to protect myself from hindering my recovery or carrying old battle wounds throughout my day (I was still teaching while I wrote THOS, though I only wrote at home).

I suspect writing the follow-up and anything else that comes to me will also bring difficulty, but I know now how to cope with those things, and I think I'm better prepared to face any demons that want to ride along.


Do you have any little fuzzy friends? Like a dog or a cat? Or any pets?

I have three dogs: Huckleberry, my chihuahua (also a survivor of The House on Sunset); Frank, my English bulldog buddy (who is the only soul in the house who snores louder than me); and Rocko, our American bulldog and my protector.

Frank and Rocko came along with my husband. I never anticipated having three dogs, but our lives are full because of our boys and I love our little family.


What is your "to die for", favorite food/foods to eat?

All time: My family is majorly Italian. We had family dinners at my grandparents' house every Sunday. In terms of food growing up, I was spoiled rotten.

Food kick right now: nachos and barbecue (there are so many places in St. Louis with both) and Vietnamese spring rolls (if you've never wrapped one in lettuce, you're causing yourself a lot of pain. Plus, they add a layer of crispiness to the outside.) Oh, Thai is good too.

I love food. Maybe a little too much.


Do you have any advice for anyone that would like to be an author?

Yes. Write. Don't get so far into your head that you paralyze yourself with the what ifs and maybe nots. Once you begin, you'll find your voice and story. Every writer fears their own ability. We've all whispered, "Do I suck?" to ourselves at some point (the writers who don't are the ones I question). The only difference between those of us who have written a book and those who haven't is that we faced our fears and did it anyway.

Face your fear and write anyway.

Bonus: Your first draft will likely blow. That's okay (and why editing is so, so important).

About  the Author-

Lindsay Fischer graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in secondary education, English. An avid reader and learner, Lindsay took her passion for words into a classroom before starting a writing career. Life pulled her from the classroom, providing an opportunity to use her voice against domestic violence, blogging under the pseudonym, Sarafina Bianco, since 2009. You can find her words at survivorswillbeheard.com and speak directly to her when she hosts #domesticviolencechat on Twitter. Lindsay hopes to be an advocate for women, men and children who still live inside the nightmare of their abuse. She currently lives with her husband and three dogs, including Watson, in St. Louis, Missouri.

Links-

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Author Site ~ Instagram

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Cover Reveal: Beautifully Disguised (Beautifully Disguised # 1) By Kristen DaRay @KristenDaRay @GHBTours

Beautifully Disguised

Beautifully Disguised # 1

By- Kristen DaRay

Genre-YA

Expected Publication Date-?

Twins separated most of their lives sounds like a Disney movie—Annika grew up that way. Her entire life changes when she decides to enroll in her twin brother’s academy for nine tailed fox spirits called Kumihos. However, she has none of the magical abilities she claims. Forced to disguise herself,  Annika lives in constant fear that someone will see through her deception.

Liam’s entire life depends on a lie. To maintain his family‘s social standing, he must convince everyone he is full-blooded Kumiho. When his twin sister shows up at school, everything balances on the edge of a knife. Telling everyone she is an old family friend, he tries to help her navigate this new life pretending to be something she isn’t. Being discovered would expose the family secret and force them both to face their father’s wrath.

When a shaman tells Marick the deceit of a new girl in his life could jeopardize his future, he instantly suspects the clumsy new girl. Something about her isn’t right, though he can’t quite figure out what. He will stop at nothing to get rid of her before she ruins everything.

But when an ancient evil threatens to destroy everything, secrets and lies are the least of their problems.

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Release Blitz: Our Kinda Love by Deanna Eshler @ddeshler @StarAnge13 #Giveaway

Our Kinda Love

What Kinda Love Series #2

by Deanna Eshler

Publication Date: September 12, 2015

Genre: New Adult Romance

Synopsis

Keegan Hughes is a fiercely independent, and annoyingly honest, college senior who believes in the zombie apocalypse. Her "unique qualities" entertain her friends and, unfortunately, attracts the attention of her new neighbor, Adrian Elliott. 

Having been left behind by other men in her life, Keegan vowed to never trust another guy with her happiness. She'll take what she wants from them, but they only get what she's willing to give. When Adrian slams into her life, he tramples all over her rules and boundaries, constantly throwing her off balance 

Keegan can't deny her physical attraction to Adrian, but his hyperactive, slightly delusional personality, is very unlike her usual type-confident, tattooed, alpha male. When Adrian makes a proposal that could benefit them both, Keegan knows it's a horrible idea, but can't resist his plea for her help. 

Neither of them are prepared for the storm that's created when their two very intense personalities come together. Will Keegan get the hell out before Adrian destroys every boundary she creates? If she stays, can Adrian get through his own real-life demons to be the first man in her life to make her a priority?

Purchase Links

Amazon US - Amazon UK - Amazon CA - Barnes & Noble

Meet Deanna Eshler

I'm a Licensed Clinical Counselor, with a masters degree, but I choose not use my degree. In 2013 I quit my job, working with foster kids and families, to stay at home with my 2 kids. That decision is one of my better ones to date.

In addition to my education in counseling, I am certified through EAGALA to provide Equestrian Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP). That training, and subsequent work using horses to help kids heal, is partially where my inspiration for Shy's story began. Watching children, and families, gain insight into their own behaviors through the horses has been an amazing process. I should mention that I'm not currently using this certification either. I like to gather information, training, titles, but I'm not big on utilizing my new skills.

I started reading, for fun, around 2007. I thank Harry Potter for showing me that escaping in a book is the best therapy. Since that time, I have read more than 500 books. This is one thing I have stayed committed to. I prefer audio books, since I can fold clothes and read at the same time, but I usually have a kindle book I'm reading simultaneously.

I decided to write my own novel when I realized there are not enough books in the New Adult genre. This is my favorite genre, thanks to Colleen Hoover and Jamie McGuire. Once I started writing Shy's story, I couldn't have stopped if I wanted to. Sometimes she would wake me in the middle of the night to tell me what the next chapter was about. Writing her story, as well as her horse's-Walker, was an emotional adventure. I hope you enjoy reading her story, as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Social Media Links

Facebook  |  Goodreads  |  Twitter

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Blog Tour: The Ark by Laura Liddell Nolen @LauraLLNolen @XpressoReads @XpressoTours #XpressoBookTours

The Ark by Laura Liddell Nolen
Published by: HarperVoyager
Publication date: March 26th 2015
Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult

SYNOPSIS:

There’s a meteor headed for Earth, and there is only one way to survive.

With her criminal record, sixteen-year-old Char is never going to get a place on an Ark, one of the five massive bioships designed to protect Earth’s survivors. The Arks are reserved for the real goody-goodies, like Char’s mom, dad, and brother, all of whom have long since turned their backs on her.

With Earth on the brink of destruction, Char must use all her tricks of the trade to swindle her way into outer space, where she hopes to reunite with her family, regardless of whether they want to see her or not.

Once she arrives on the North American Ark, Char discovers that the remnants of humanity haven’t achieved the egalitarian utopia they’d planned for. For starters, the “Officers of the Peace” are anything but peaceful, especially since stealing a spot on an Ark is a crime punishable by death…

Goodreads  ~ Amazon ~ B&N

EXCERPT:

My panic disappeared quickly. First of all, it never does any good. Years of burglarizing high-level targets taught me that. And secondly, Cassa had actually kicked me pretty hard. I leaned back, letting the cords on my wrists support some of my weight. I barely felt the pain that spread through my forearms. I closed my eyes. The harsh light from the ceiling collapsed into a crescent, then blinked away. It felt good.

But I couldn’t let myself sleep. Not yet.

The usual noise on the block was gone, replaced by an eerie, soundless vacuum. I had been on lockup for so long that I was no longer at ease with total silence.

In her haste to leave, Cassa had missed the blade in my sock. Not that I could blame her. None of us had showered in a week. My leg was heavier than it should have been, but I managed to kick it up toward my mouth. I bit down on my shoelaces and yanked the knot out, then kicked off my shoe.

The blade itself was trickier, and it was several minutes before I had it between my teeth. From there, cutting the cords was nothing. I pulled on my shoe, leaving it untied, and took off for the commissary.

The only thought in my mind was West. West would come for me. He would smile for me, and it would be a sad smile, but it would belong to me. And I would tell him that he had deserved a better sister, and that I had always been proud that he hadn’t turned out like me. And that I would never forget him.

And he would say that he would never forget me, either, and I would know that I wouldn’t be forgotten. That I hadn’t already been forgotten.
I threw open the door to the commissary and was greeted by a total rager. People jumping on tables, singing, laughing, sobbing. The air was sour with the smell of liquor, which some kind benefactor must have brought in for our final hours. This was no place for my little brother.

My parents must have had the same thought.

When I finally saw them, huddled in a corner, backs pressed against the wall, they were alone in a sea of dirty prison scrubs. West was nowhere to be found. My father had his arm around my mother, but I could tell they had been fighting. Her arm was clenched across her chest, and her face had that blankly pleasant expression she used in public when something was wrong.

My tongue grew thick as I pressed my way through the crowd. When I was close enough to my parents to touch them, my mother cringed, and my father tightened his grip on her shoulder, pulling her hard against him.

I cleared my throat and forced my tongue to move. “Mom, Dad. It’s me.”

Dad’s brows deepened, and his eyes slid away from my face to focus on a place behind me, as though his real daughter might still emerge from the crowd.

“Where’s West?” I asked.

“Your brother couldn’t be here.” My father’s voice was strange, like listening to a once-familiar recording that had grown warped with time.

“What happened to your head?” My mother’s voice was exactly as I recalled: piercing and unhappy. “You’re bleeding. Let me take a look at that.” I flinched as she reached for my face, and she echoed my reaction back to me. “I’m not going to hurt you. It’s going to get infected, the state you’re in.”

“Not if I die first.” My words had the intended effect of shutting her down, but it didn’t feel like I wanted it to. Regret and fear crowded together in my stomach, and I looked away from her. “So, why couldn’t West be here?”

“For Pete’s sake, Charlotte,” my father began, but Mom cut him off.

“His OPT had to leave.”

“You’re not all on the same one?”

“No, we are,” Dad said, and it was Mom’s turn to look away. I stared at her anyway, trying to figure out how they were all going to be together, but West wasn’t here. In this room. “It’s been hard for him,” Dad continued. I flicked my eyes up toward my father, still confused.

“Michael,” Mom whispered.

“It has. It’s been hard for all of us. She should understand that.”

“It’s just not the time.” She turned to me. “But he wrote you a note, sweetheart.”

My mother had not called me sweetheart since I had called myself Charlotte. Dumb, I stared at the torn envelope in her hands. I snapped back to my senses when I saw the attention it was getting from the rest of the room. They were definitely watching us.

My father noticed it too, and stiffened. “We can’t stay here any longer. You were ninety minutes late, anyway.”

Mom wrenched herself from my father’s grip and wrapped her arms around me. I fit my face against her collarbone, exactly like I had as a child. Her voice in my ear was no louder than the slightest whisper. “I never gave up on you. I should have told you that.” Her arms moved down my back, and her grip tightened. “I’m so sorry, Charlotte.”

Everything I had planned to tell them—everything from I never meant to hurt you to please don’t forget me— curdled into a cold wad in my chest, and died in my throat. I tried to breathe in, but I heard myself make a sound like a gasp instead. “Mom. Please don’t leave me here.”

She jerked a little, as though something had knocked against her, and I didn’t feel her breath going in or out anymore.

“Excuse me, Senator,” a voice barked. I opened my eyes to peer over my mother’s shoulder. An armed guard stood a few paces away.

My father reached around my mother, so that for the briefest instant, he was holding me, too. But then he closed his fingers around her wrists, and pulled her arms away from me. “Goodbye, Charlotte. I can’t help but feel responsible for…” he began, then stopped.

I watched them leave, feeling numb, like floating underwater, before sliding the folded paper out of its nest. It was my brother’s handwriting, but not as I remembered it. He’d be thirteen now, not seven or eight, as I always thought of him, so it took a moment to confirm that the lighter, sharper letters were his.

I’m sorry.

Yeah, I thought. Me too, kiddo. Me too.

AUTHOR BIO:

Laura grew up in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where she spent an excellent childhood playing make-believe with her two younger brothers. The Ark is the direct result of those stories and a lifelong devotion to space-themed television. It received a Work in Progress Grant from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Laura has a degree in French and a license to practice law, but both are frozen in carbonite at present. She lives in Texas with her family.

Author links:

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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