Tethered
(Birth Right #1)
Author: Brandi Leigh Hall
Release Date: October 29th 2013
ISBN: 1492872148 (ISBN13: 9781492872146)
Genre: New Adult, Urban Fantasy
(Birth Right #1)
Author: Brandi Leigh Hall
Release Date: October 29th 2013
ISBN: 1492872148 (ISBN13: 9781492872146)
Genre: New Adult, Urban Fantasy
Series: BirthRight #1
Summary
No matter how hard you fight it—destiny has a mind of its own!
Since foreseeing the imminent death of her parents six years earlier, Chloe has lived a simple, not-so-charmed-life away from her remaining Wiccan family.
Zero magic.
No close friendships.
While struggling to bench-press more guilt than any nineteen-year-old ever should.
But fate intervenes and forces Chloe to return home. As if being an in-the-closet-Seer wasn’t bad enough, now she has to spend summer break with the snarky sister who hates her—and the magical birthright she was hell-bent on denying for all eternity.
Luckily, meeting Mr. Perfect takes the edge off her endless family drama. Hunter’s twenty-five, sometimes old-fashioned in a Jane Austen hero sort of way, and more delicious than molten-lava cake. But the more she tries to hide her family’s magical secrets from this ever-present stranger, the more quickly she realizes he’s hiding a few doozies of his own.
Will the lies and betrayal destroy their relationship before it really begins? Or will learning of their tethered future create an unbreakable bond neither can deny? Either way, their hearts will be forever entwined by destiny.
Since foreseeing the imminent death of her parents six years earlier, Chloe has lived a simple, not-so-charmed-life away from her remaining Wiccan family.
Zero magic.
No close friendships.
While struggling to bench-press more guilt than any nineteen-year-old ever should.
But fate intervenes and forces Chloe to return home. As if being an in-the-closet-Seer wasn’t bad enough, now she has to spend summer break with the snarky sister who hates her—and the magical birthright she was hell-bent on denying for all eternity.
Luckily, meeting Mr. Perfect takes the edge off her endless family drama. Hunter’s twenty-five, sometimes old-fashioned in a Jane Austen hero sort of way, and more delicious than molten-lava cake. But the more she tries to hide her family’s magical secrets from this ever-present stranger, the more quickly she realizes he’s hiding a few doozies of his own.
Will the lies and betrayal destroy their relationship before it really begins? Or will learning of their tethered future create an unbreakable bond neither can deny? Either way, their hearts will be forever entwined by destiny.
Excerpt
He eyes me curiously. “Why, were you afraid I was stalking you or something?” Once the
words roll off his tongue, a snicker bursts from his lips.
My face heats up. “Of course not! It just occurred to me after you
left yesterday I had no idea why you were here...when you knew why I
was. So now I know.”
“Now you know.” Mischief spreads across his face, his eyebrows
lifting with his crooked smile.
“So, if you see me back here a lot over the next few days, you won’t go thinking I decided to stalk you after all, will you? Because if we’re here—on the same floor—seeing the same doctor—we’re bound to run into each other from time to time. I wouldn’t want you worrying for your safety or anything, so I figured I’d put your mind at ease before it has a chance to run away with itself again.”
He laughs almost under his breath.
“So, if you see me back here a lot over the next few days, you won’t go thinking I decided to stalk you after all, will you? Because if we’re here—on the same floor—seeing the same doctor—we’re bound to run into each other from time to time. I wouldn’t want you worrying for your safety or anything, so I figured I’d put your mind at ease before it has a chance to run away with itself again.”
He laughs almost under his breath.
Seriously? Oh, he’s clearly
enjoying this. But I’ll play along. Why not? “Your consideration is touching.”
I lift my hand to my heart. “But if you should happen to change your
mind about stalking me, please just give me a heads up first. I’d be more than
happy to provide you with my itinerary. I know how daunting your schedule must
be, so I wouldn’t want to subject you to any difficulties which might further
endanger your well-being.” I tilt my head, batting my baby blues for affect.
“If you like, I could even leave a ladder outside my window...or binoculars in
the tree across the street. You know...just in case.” Feeling just a tad cocky
from my rebuttal, I return the same sideways smirk he’s now giving me.
“You see, I knew you were a good woman from the first moment I
laid eyes on you. Most aren’t willing to be so accommodating.”
“Well, the way I see it...you risk your life to protect strangers
every day. It’s merely my civic duty to repay your kindness. I’m nothing if not
old-fashioned.” I re-cross my legs, trying not to seem too confident.
He leans forward, elbows resting on his knees. “Well in that case, I
promise to let you know when I decide to stalk you.”
“When...?” My eyes open wide.
The second he laughs, I jump in right along with him. How could I not
with that amazing, smoky laugh of his? He does seem to be enjoying this just as
much as I am.
“You’re a lot of fun, Miss Chloe. And a lot quicker than I expected. Very
pleasant surprise.” He smiles. His gorgeous, mocha eyes caress my soul.
Deep breath, Chloe. “Yeah well, you caught me on an off-day
yesterday. But I’ll be sure to bring my A-game from now on.” I bump my knee
into his as I lift my brows flirtatiously.
“I’ll hold you to it, you know. Comic relief is in short supply
around here.” He nods towards the emergency room entrance.
“Yeah, hospitals tend to have that effect on people. I can’t imagine
why.”
An adorable blush lights up his cheeks. I don’t know if I ever
realized just how sexy it is when a guy gets embarrassed. Though, I’m sure just
about any look would be attractive on
Hunter.
“So, what do you do for fun in this town, Miss Chloe?”
“When you figure that one out, you can let me know. I
have absolutely no idea. Lived in San Diego for six years, remember?”
“Oh, that’s right. Well, perhaps some evening after I decide to stalk you, maybe I’ll lure you to my car
with some candy. Then we can drive around and figure it out together.” He leans
back, eyeing me from under half closed lids as he grins.
“Well that all depends on how long it takes you to start stalking me.
I can’t wait forever you know.” I do my best to look serious, but I can’t quite
tell if I succeed.
He tips his head back, belting out a hearty laugh. “Fair enough.”
“So would it be presumptuous of me to ask how old my perspective
stalker is?”
His jaw drops. “I’m appalled! How dare
you ask me such a personal question? You have some nerve, madam.” His acting
skills are lacking, but who cares. He smiles. “I’m twenty-five. So will you
bestow the same courtesy upon me, Miss Chloe?”
Suddenly uncomfortable, I re-cross my legs, again, then start
bouncing my foot. “Are you sure you really want to know?” Well, it was fun
while it lasted. I know I’m way too young for him, and now he’ll know too. I’m
such a dumb ass for asking his age. Idiot!
“Of course I do. It can’t be that
shocking.”
“You sure about that?”
“Oh come on, it can’t be that bad.”
I hold my breath for a few seconds, then exhale. “I’m only nineteen.”
My shoulders tense as I get ready for the big let-down.
“So you’re still in school then?” His head tilts to the side.
“Yup. Only two years left, thank god.”
“Hmm. I don’t know if I can stalk someone who’s underage. I could get
arrested for harassing a minor, you know.” He attempts a serious tone.
“First, I’m not a
minor...and second, I’d say that’s the least
of your worries if you turn out to be a stalker.” Ha. Take that, Hunter Payne!
“You do have a point.” He shakes his head while looking at the
sidewalk.
“Of course I do.”
Author
Brandi
lives in central Pennsylvania with her fur-ball cats (Onyx and Klepto),
where she spends most of her time attached to her laptops,
reading books, appeasing her sweet tooth, and watching TV for
motivation.Growing up in a haunted house inspired Brandi’s fascination with the paranormal, so it only made sense that she’d write Urban Fantasy books for both teens and adults.
Brandi hasn’t been lucky enough to meet her soul mate (yet), so she writes paranormal tales of those who have. Her stories combine magical elements with real-life issues, strong female characters, semi-old fashioned men and family values, woven together and told from an emotional, first-person perspective. She enjoys writing sweet stories that teach girls it’s okay to speak your mind and be independent, career-driven, and not worry about fitting in to society’s mold.
In addition to the BirthRight Novels, she also has four additional adventures she’ll be writing over the next few years, so stay-tuned.
You can follow Brandi at:
http://www.BrandiHall.net
http://www.facebook.com/BrandiLeighHall
http://www.twitter.com/BrandiLeighHall
http://www.pinterest.com/BrandiLeighHall
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