Hunted (A Sinners Series Book 2)

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The author makes no claims to, but instead acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the word marks mentioned in this work of fiction.

Copyright © 2015 Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki

HUNTED by Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki

All rights reserved. Published in the United States of America by Month9Books, LLC.

No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Published by Month9Books for Georgia McBride Media Group

Cover by Kimberly Marsot

Typography and title design by Regina Wamba of Mai I Design

Cover Copyright © 2015 Month9Books

PRAISE FOR BRANDED

“Dark, intense, dangerous. We fell head over heels with the forbidden romance between brave heroine Lexi and swoon-worthy hero Cole. And Zeus? Best dog EVER. A must read for fans of the adrenaline intensity of
Shatter Me
and the totally hot guys of Jen Armentrout.” —
Justine Magazine

“A riveting and exciting dystopian read that will have you at the edge of your seat. I could not put it down and was entranced by this dark and unique world!” —
Ben Alderson, Booktuber at BenjaminofTomes

“
Branded
is a fast paced, heart pounding, and swoon-worthy read that will make you fall in love with this dark and twisted world.” —
Sasha Alsberg, Booktuber at ABookUtopia

“It was page-turning, intense, emotional, and so much more! This is one dystopian filled with so much you just want and need in a book! I loved that Ketner & Kalicicki had me hooked from the start making me climb more and more into this book with each page. I really felt like I was taking to a whole other world and sometime got lost in what was going on around me!” —
Bella, Blogger at Paranormal Book Club

“The concept of this book was amazing. From the very first page, I was on edge. I read this book in one day, it just wouldn’t stop being exciting.” —
Amy, Blogger at Reading Teen

“I just can’t stress how much I love this book!
Branded
will DEFINITELY go into my TOP FIVE FAVORITE BOOKS OF ALL TIMES!!! If you haven’t read
Branded
, then stop what you’re doing NOW and READ IT!!!!” —
Alicia, Blogger at Addicted Readers

“Wow! What a story! What a set of characters! What an ending! Now I’m ready for the next book!” —
Lisa, Blogger at A Life Bound By Books

“WOW! I want more. And I want it now. There are several revelations at the end of the story that leaves the reader hungry for more. Take it from me, you will enjoy this book so much, that you won’t be able to it out of your head. It’s just an amazing story that will blow you away.” —
Savannah, Blogger at Books With Bite

“This story is emotional and scary. This book literally brought the saying ‘on the edge of my’ seat to life. My heart was pounding with almost every chapter. I loved that feeling! I haven’t read a book in a long time that left me feeling nervous and twitchy. I was dying to know how things would go for Lexi in the HOLE. And the ending was O-M-G! —
Damaris, Blogger at Good Choice Reading

“Fast paced and fun,
Branded
has something everyone will love. Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki have created a unique dystopian romance that’s sure to stand out in today’s market!” —
Lindsay Cummings, Author of
The Murder Complex

“I read until my eyes shut, and couldn’t wait to get back to find out what was going to happen next. The battle scenes were AMAZING!!! It was a story beautifully told, and described, and has you straight front-and-center with the characters. All I can say is…add this to your lists!!! You won’t be sorry!!! Oh… and HURRY WITH BOOK #2, Abi and Missy!!!” —
Cameo Renae, bestselling author of the HIDDEN WINGS Series

“I LOVED this book! I went back and forth between biting my nails and swooning. Yes, quite the combination of emotions but it was awesome! This is one messed up society that I just couldn’t get enough of. And the romance, oh man oh man oh man. Cole is something else, ladies. RAWR.” —
Celeste, Blogger at The Book Hookup

“It isn’t often that a book can completely engage me from the start but right from the very first paragraph this book held me within its pages and did not release me from its clutches until the very last word. BOOM! I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a nail biting read with constant twists and turns, a lead kick-ass female that you would gladly call your friend and a lead male that you want spider monkey because he is that amazing.” —
Nancy, Blogger at Tales of A Ravenous Reader

“The writing was strong, I fell in love with the characters and was totally wrapped up in the world. There was a swoon-worthy hero, a strong heroine, a forbidden romance (and I mean REALLY forbidden) and a super evil bad guy. Now, I don’t normally read Dystopians but this one had me HOOKED!!!” —
Aesta, Blogger at Aestas’s Book Blog

Abi

My mom, Lisa.

My second mom, Sally.

My Mamie, June.

Missy

My mom, Jennifer.

My mom, Denise, gone too soon.

“The air is thick with dust and death.” — Lexi Hamilton

The rusted gray car is a luxury we haven’t had in some time. I smooth its faded red upholstery and sink into Cole’s body beside me as the chatter of the 2044 engine lulls me deep into thought.

A breeze blows through the window, whipping my hair around my face. I indulge myself in a smile, enjoying the smell of ocean spray, forgetting where I am momentarily. To imagine sun-kissed beaches, long summer days, and happier times. But something inside won’t quite let me be.

I know this road like I know the curves and edged places of Cole’s body. The dark gravel lines of the road, fading into smooth sand with occasional palm trees dotting the horizon, reminds me of the few photos my mother possessed in her bureau. It’s familiar, comforting, and makes me smile as I close my eyes, trying to shake the uneasy feeling.

I remember how it looked years ago when my parents used to vacation here. Vibrant, full of laughter and life with rows of waterfront houses, people, and clear blue water as far as the eye can see. Now, it’s empty, desolate, a shell of its former self, and half-covered by sand. Neglected and abandoned by people who know better than to return. I sit up and rest my elbow on the window ledge, while inhaling deeply. Despite the wars, there’s an inherent beauty here, one I refuse to let go of.

Cole’s right hand moves to my knee, and I tense under his warm touch. He squeezes, forcing me to jump as a giggle escapes from my lips.

“You okay?” He steals a glance and then returns his eyes to the road.

“Just thinking about how much has happened in the past few months,” I say, feeling my face heat up as I turn toward him.

“Everything that’s happened?” I see the corners of his mouth curving upward. His dimples make me lightheaded. I can’t stop the blush that spreads over my cheeks.