Софи Джордан - Firelight

Leaving Will? Not really.

“Let’s not do this right now, Tamra. The fact is, you have to run, too.” Because of me.

What I’ve done makes certain of that. Only the question remains: Will they hate me for it later? Will they leave me to Cassian and the pride and start fresh someplace else among humans?

Or will Mom sacrifice her life all over again? And Tamra’s? For me? I don’t expect it of them. Don’t blame them if they run in the opposite direction without me.

I’ve lost my freedom tonight. I’ve lost Will. Will I lose Mom and Tamra, too?

As Cassian turns the car around and heads back into town, I stare out the window into the night, remembering the awful car ride I took over a month ago when we left the pride. I was so afraid, so unwilling.

Now it’s the same. I’m sitting in the front seat of a car and heading into an unwanted future all over again. Hating that I must go with Cassian, I wonder if I’ll ever find a way back to Will. I don’t expect him to find me despite what he said.

“There will be a reckoning for your actions tonight,” Cassian declares as we race headlong into the dark.

No surprise there. A reckoning. For revealing the greatest secret of my species. For running away in the first place. For Will. Yeah, for Will.

I slide a slow glance at Cassian. An oncoming car casts his face in harsh light. There’s no missing the grim press of his lips. I swallow past the tightness in my throat.

“I’ll try to protect you….” His voice swirls through the air, thick as smoke.

“Don’t let them clip my wings,” I plead.

His dark gaze brushes over my face, softens for a moment. “I’ll try, Jacinda. I’ll try.”

Not much for reassurance. I draw a ragged breath and stare out into the night again. I glance over my shoulder. Big Rock rises behind me, a great slumbering shape.

A sound rises on the night, above the low rumble of the car’s engine. My skin shivers at the bird’s broken call, desperate and unremitting. Lost. Desert quail, Will called it.

Searching for its mate. For family. For home.

I can relate. At the pitiable sound, I close my eyes and lean back against the seat. We’ll be there soon.

I would never have started down the path to creating the world of Firelight without the support and enthusiasm of my agent, Maura Kye-Casella, who never doubted me for a moment when I said I would like to write young adult fiction. For everyone at HarperTeen, your enthusiasm for this project has been humbling. Farrin Jacobs and Kari Sutherland, you’re both marvels. Through your insights, I’ve learned so much about myself as a writer. Jacinda’s life wouldn’t be nearly so tough or complicated without the two of you.

I’m blessed to be surrounded by family and friends who get what I’m trying to accomplish each and every day. You understand the journey, appreciate the struggles, and celebrate the successes with me. No one does this more than Jared. Thanks for getting on this roller coaster with me, honey. To the princess and prince of my castle…these pages wouldn’t be what they are without you. You two make everything worthwhile.

Love and thanks go to my incredible parents, Eugene and Marilyn Michels, for always seeing the best in me. A shout-out goes to my fabulous friend and talented writer, Tera Lynn Childs—you seemed to know I was headed in this direction before I did. Thank you for the countless hours spent talking books, life, and everything in between. Carlye, Lindsay, Jane, Lark, and Ginny—what would I do without all of you? My life wouldn’t be nearly as sweet without the support, love, and laughter you’ve given me.

SOPHIE JORDAN grew up on a pecan farm in the Texas hill country, where she wove fantasies of dragons, warriors, and princesses. A former high school English teacher, she’s also the New York Times bestselling author of Avon historical romances. She now lives in Houston with her family. When she’s not writing, she spends her time overloading on caffeine (lattes and Diet cherry Coke preferred), talking plotlines with anyone who will listen (including her kids), and cramming her DVR with true-crime and reality-TV shows. Sophie also writes paranormal romances under the name Sharie Kohler. You can visit her online at www.sophiejordan.net.

Visit www.AuthorTracker.comfor exclusive information on your favorite HarperCollins author.