Embracing the Wolf - Book #2 (Anna Avery) (33 page)

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Authors: Stephanie Nelson

BOOK: Embracing the Wolf - Book #2 (Anna Avery)

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Wade ended up leaving the mountain after I told everyone what had happened with Chelsea. He didn’t say it, but I knew her death and betrayal hurt him. Maybe he felt guilty for not making his move sooner, thinking it could have helped take her mind off her previous boyfriend. Since I had been with her in the end, I knew nothing Wade could have done would have helped. Adam informed me that some werewolves would either commit suicide or go insane from not being able to handle their inner beasts. No matter who pulled the trigger on the crossbow, Chelsea’s blood was on my hands. Her life changed the moment Eve learned she knew me.

I fingered the necklace I had taken off her, a bird emblem made out of mother of pearl. It was a reminder that things are not always what they seem, and the heart can drive a person to do crazy things, but mostly, it was a reminder that I was responsible for an innocent woman losing her life.

“You ready?” Elle called through the house.

“Yeah, just a second.” I headed into my bedroom to retrieve my purse and found Anthony playing with my cell phone.

“What the hell are you doing in my room?”

He held up my phone and tilted it back and forth. “Programming my number into your phone,” he said. “I told you, once the truth was out, there was no avoiding it. Enjoy your trip, and keep an eye out for my messages.” He handed me my phone, moving past me with a smile on his face.

“Anthony,” I said in a harsh whisper, hoping no one could hear us. He turned, crossing his arms across his chest. Again, I thought about how much he and Adam looked alike, and I hated it. “Please, just stop. Just forget about what happened, and let me be happy with Adam.” If there were any truth to the removal of the Chante bond, then I wouldn’t have to plead with him. I yearned for that day.

“You knew the rules before I kissed you, Anna. You cannot deny you felt something, so I will do everything in my power to make sure you remember it.” Without another word, he turned and headed down the hall. My stomach plummeted when Adam stepped into view. He smiled at me, and I felt it like a jab in my chest. He deserved someone better than me.

“You ready?” he asked. “Elle’s having a cow out there.”

I cleared my throat and shouldered my purse, dropping my cell inside. “Yeah, I’m ready.” I held the tears back as I headed down the hall toward the only man I had ever loved. It was just like me to screw something this perfect up.
Run away before things get too serious
, my inner voice said, reminding me of my relationship M.O. Maybe kissing Anthony was my subconscious way of self-sabotaging what I had with Adam.

As I moved toward Adam, I made a silent vow that I would do everything in my power to rid myself of the strange reaction I had toward his brother. I just hoped New Mexico held the answers.

Embracing the Wolf Playlist

“When she says Baby” — Jason Aldean

“She’s Country” — Jason Aldean

“Say Goodnight” — Eli Young Band

“Bring it on Home” — Little Big Town

“A Little More You” — Little Big Town

“Flute of the Moon” — Native American Flute

“Catch My Breath” — Kelly Clarkson

“Perfect” — Sara Evans
(Anna & Adam’s song)

“If I Didn’t Have You” — Thompson Square

“Different Breed” — Carter’s Chord

“Only With You” — Jason Reeves

“Trying” — Lifehouse
(Anthony’s song)

“You” — Chris Young
(Adam’s song for Anna)

“Turn Me On” — Norah Jones

“You’re Going Down” — Sick Puppies

Music plays such an important role in my writing. I cannot write without it otherwise, I stare at the screen like a zombie. I hope you guys enjoy the songs I’ve selected for
Embracing the Wolf’s
playlist.

Stephanie Nelson never dreamed of becoming an author. As a teen, Stephanie wrote notebooks full of poems but never imagined writing a novel. She began reading paranormal books in her mid-twenties and fell in love with the alluring monsters and twisting storylines. It was her love of books that gave her the idea to write her own. Her first book, Craved, reached #1 on the Amazon bestseller’s list and #5 on the Barnes & Noble bestseller list. Though an author’s life is a very complex and busy one, she loves every second of it.

Stephanie lives in the Midwest with her husband and their furry children. When she manages to drag herself out of her office, Stephanie enjoys reading, fishing, playing video games and spending time with her family.

Connect with Stephanie

www.Stephanie-Nelson.com

www.Facebook.com/AuthorStephanieNelson

Twitter - @stephnel1

To be an author you have to be a little insane. Our minds are constantly running, filled with things most sane humans don’t think about. I have to thank the following people for helping keep me on the right side of insanity.

First, a HUGE thanks to my husband, Eric. I never would have proceeded with this whacky idea of writing books had you not encouraged me to do so. Perfection is a myth, but you’re the closest to it I’ve seen.

Next, I have to thank my writing buddies who let me know I’m not alone in my journey. Your guys’ friendship and support helps get me through some tough days.

I have to thank my family for their continued support. You guys amaze me every day and I will forever be grateful for having you in my life.

To my FANTASTIC readers who encouraged me to finish this book as quickly as I could. You have no idea how thrilled I am that you guys love Anna as much as I do. You guys are the reason why I do what I do. A million thank you would never be enough.

Thank you to my editor, Madison Seidler of
Madison Says
, Kristin Leigh of
Kristin’s Editing Service
for proofreading, Amanda Lenz for being an awesome beta reader, and
Mel Gannon
for the awesome cover.

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