Mortal Defiance (Dark Betrayal Trilogy)

  A smile curled his lips as leaned down and tenderly kissed her.

  “Hey! Lovebirds! You’re going to want to see this.” Weylin stuck his head out the door and motioned that they should come inside. He looked at them curiously and then around the yard. “I didn’t know Melanie’s mom was redoing the back yard.”

  Paden grabbed Ree’s hand and they chuckled as they ran back to the house. Inside, everyone was seated around the television in the den. The news was on and there was a picture of Ree’s home and Sophie’s shop.

  “Two bodies have been found amongst the remains of the fire downtown. The police are still searching for the owners of the house you see on the screen.” The broadcaster looked into the camera with a serious expression. “These students are wanted in connection to the fire and destruction.” Ree’s school picture was flashed on the screen, along with all of her Guardians. There was a snapshot of Roland someone must’ve taken with a camera phone. “If you see any of these teenagers, please contact the police immediately. Our source says that they’re likely to stay in town. If you have any information on the disappearances or the fires, you can call our Crime Hotline.”

  Ree sat down on the sofa and stared at the screen. Underneath all of their pictures were little labels that said ‘wanted’ and the Crime Hotline flashed in large white numbers.

  “Oh, geez. I’m a wanted criminal.” Weylin blew out a frustrated breath and leaned his head against the sofa. Melanie’s mother made an upset sound from under her breath and got up to go ready rooms for everyone.

  A knock sounded on the door and everyone froze. Ellie looked at Ree worriedly. No one should have been able to get to the house. Ellie had replaced her wards and even humans would have felt themselves compelled to leave the house alone. Whoever was waiting on the porch was not human. Ree stood up and walked toward the door. Paden darted in front of her, while the others ranged around the room in preparation. Ree pulled the power into herself and was amazed at the amount she was able to hold. Looking around the room to make sure everyone was ready, Paden carefully unlocked the door and swung it open. Ree sucked in a deep breath when she saw the three women standing on the porch.

  “Alastriana, it’s time we talk.” Brigid smiled sadly at Ree and her friends. Behind the Celtic goddess was a beautiful woman wearing an owl broach pinned to her blue sweater, and Hecate, her silver hair shinning in the moonlight.

  Stay tuned for the conclusion of the Dark Betrayal Trilogy

  Coming March 2012

  Acknowledgments

  First, let me thank my family and friends for their never-ending support. My husband worked long hours at his day job, only to come home and watch our munchkin every night so I could write. My daughter often dragged me away from my computer and reminded me that there was life outside my books. She helped me keep my sanity and deserves to be thanked. My sister has been my biggest supporter since day one. If you’ve enjoyed these books, you owe her a thank-you, too. She’s the one that kept at me to write them! My mother has been a large supporter of my writing, staying up into the wee hours of the night and driving hours just to come see my first book signing. My father has always believed in my writing. In fact, he still brings up the short stories and *gasp* terrible fan fiction that I wrote as a teenager. (May the universe smile on me and never let any of those things see the light of day.) I have to thank my mother-in-law, once again, for helping make the beautiful covers for the Dark Betrayal Trilogy. I love all of you so very much.

  I can’t forget to thank all of my writing friends! The Paranormal Plumes are a group of writers that write YA novels with paranormal themes. I’m honored to be a member of their group and proud to call them my friends. Not only are they all talented writers, they are hilarious, loving, and supportive people. Plumes, you complete me! It’s like finding my long-lost family. I have to give a shout-out to the IC, as well. These ladies and gentlemen have provided laughs, muses, inspiration, and support on a daily basis. Sometimes even hourly! They’ve been my writerly backbone for a very long time now and I can’t imagine being where I am today without them. Anne, my amazing editor, is another friend that deserves a large thank-you. She has helped make sure my books are the best they can possibly be. The day I snagged her as my editor was a very lucky day. Not only is she brilliant and a master wordsmith, she is an absolute hoot. I always look forward to chatting with her and even her editing comments leave me in stitches.

  I really want to thank my readers. When I wrote the acknowledgements for Mortal Obligation, I had no idea if anyone would bother to read it, much less like it. You guys have blown me away with your support and enthusiasm. I know it’s hard to believe, but every time you guys tweet my links, leave reviews, and drop me notes, I get excited. It’s an amazing feeling to share my stories with people that are just as excited about them as I am. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

  Finally, I need to thank all of the book bloggers. You guys help spread the word about books that you enjoy. Readers can come to you guys and find a place where other people share their love of books. More than that, many of you were willing to take a chance on a little, unknown indie like me. You guys have helped spread the word about Ree and her friends in ways that I never would have accomplished on my own. Your honest reviews have made me a better writer. I hope you all know how much I appreciate the work and thought you put into your blogs and reviews.

  You can contact Nichole on her website, Facebook, GoodReads, and Twitter.

  www.NicholeChase.com

  http://www.facebook.com/#!/author.nicholechase

  @NicholeChase

  http://www.theplumessociety.com/