Not Your Average Fairy Tale (Not Your Average Fairy Tale #1) (21 page)

Ash

I held Kendall's hand as we descended the stairs and couldn't wipe the goofy grin off my face. I was with the girl I loved, and she loved me too.

"Kendall?"

Ellie's voice rang through the house, and Kendall turned to give me a sly smile. She led me into the family room, where Ellie was lying on the couch reading a book.

"Would you mind helping me with something, El?" Kendall asked.

Ellie put her book on the table, not looking up. "Sure," she said. She lifted her head and her eyes met mine. They widened, and her mouth dropped open.

"Is this ...?"

Kendall nodded.

Ellie jumped up and squealed. "Ash! I finally get to meet you!" She ran over, and I was sure she was going to hug me, but she stopped about a foot away and stared. "Wow. You weren't kidding," she said.

"Ellie ..." Kendall said, her cheeks flaming.

"Nope, she wasn't," I said.

They both laughed.

"I'm Ash. Nice to finally meet you for real," I said. I held out a hand and she took it.

"I've heard a lot about you. You'd better treat my sister right. She's my best friend and I don't ever want to see her hurt."

"You've got it." I grabbed Kendall's hand and gave it a squeeze.

"Can you still do magic?" Kendall asked.

I raised an eyebrow. "Of course."

"Show me something!" Ellie said. She bounced from foot to foot, and I understood why she liked to dance. She never stopped moving.

I lifted a hand, feeling the magic flow, stronger since I'd broken my wand. I released a small amount and smiled. "Go look at Kendall's room," I said.

"What did you do?" Kendall said, hitting my shoulder.

Ellie took off up the stairs, and I heard her laugh. "Holy crap! Kendall's room is clean! He really is magic!"

I got a glare from Kendall, and slid my arm around her shoulder. She leaned into me, and I relaxed. It was good to be near her again.

"Show off," she muttered.

"Always."

Shenelle paced the alley, staying away from the street so she couldn’t be seen.

Placing her hands on the stone wall, she closed her eyes, replaying the scene in her office over and over.

He was smart. That much was clear. Not to mention powerful. More so than he probably even knew. She smiled. He wouldn't be able to control it. He'd have to seek her out sooner or later.

"I thought I'd find you here." A deep voice resonated against the cold stone walls. A figure crept from the shadows, his presence alone making Shenelle shiver.

"Linkin," she breathed.

Darkness filled the alley. Tendrils of it crept closer to Shenelle, not stopping when they reached her. They wrapped around her wrists like rope, and she watched in fascination as they pulled her toward the figure standing in the midst of it all.

An older, taller version of Ash waited for her. His golden eyes gleamed, sending chills down Shenelle's spine. He reached for her hands, lifting each one to his lips.

"It's been too long," he said.

"Yes."

Tingles ran through her body as he pulled her close, his lips brushing her own. He brushed a few strands of hair from her face and studied her a moment before speaking.

"Am I too late?" he asked.

Shenelle nodded. "He wouldn't come."

Linkin swore, but didn't take his eyes off her. "We need his magic, Shenelle. It's the only way–" He shook his head. "No matter. He'll find us sooner or later. He won't be able to control his power for much longer."

"I know."

"I would have arrived sooner, but my human had more 'important' things to do." He glared into the darkness and Shenelle heard the sound of chains dragging across the ground.

A man came into focus. His hair was gray, his bearded face sullen. His eyes were clouded, and Shenelle noticed his wrists and ankles were bound with golden shackles.

"He's still alive?"

Linkin nodded. "He's been my 'master' for thirteen years, and still hasn't managed to use up any wishes. My doing, of course."

"Extraordinary," she whispered. "I never thought I'd see the day when a djinn controlled a human."

He lifted a hand, placing it on her cheek. "This is only the beginning, my love."

She shivered at his touch. His presence stirred emotions she hadn't felt in years. He hadn't aged a bit. The way he carried himself, calm and confident, nearly had Shenelle in a stupor. Oh, how she loved him. It was stupid of her. She knew all too well what love did to a person, but she couldn't help it.

A thought crossed her mind and she bit her lip nervously. "Please tell me he found you," she said. "I tried to give him information on your whereabouts, but we didn't have a lot of time. The council was after him and I had to–"

Linkin smiled and motioned behind him. "Don't worry. He's as clever as his mother."

A cloaked figure stepped forward and when he pulled his hood off to reveal his face, Shenelle relaxed. "Dax. You're safe."

Dax grinned at her. "Hello, Mother."

There are so many people I need to thank, since this book would be nothing without them.

I'd be nowhere without my critique partner, Katie Dodge. You've helped me so much in my writing journey so far. I'm indebted to you and hope I can return the favor someday. Also, my very first beta reader, Megan Park, who caught a character with two different last names when no one else did. Sam is very grateful. Also, for Kasie West for the wonderful feedback and support. I'd also like to thank my crit partners, betas and friends, Abby Fowers, Ruth Josse, Melanie Fowler, Michelle Merrill, Jolene Perry, Renee Collins, Jenn Johansson, and Candice Kennington for all of your love and support the past year. It's been rough, but you helped me make it through it! Also, to my friends and my blog readers, old and new. You guys keep me going, even on the worst days. Thank you.

Last, but not least, I'd like to thank my husband David, and my sweet kids who have been with me through my entire journey. I love you all more than you'll ever know. A big thanks to my husband's awesome family for encouraging me. Especially to Talea and Marci for reading my book when it was just a crappy draft. To my parents, Robert and Cheri Wardleigh, for their love and never ending support. I'd never be who I am today without you. A big thank you to Chakell and Braeden for being the best siblings a girl could ask for and for listening to all of my crazy story ideas and not hurting me. And a very special thanks to my sister, Chaleese Leishman. This book would be nothing without you. Thank you for believing in it and reading every single draft a zillion times. And for naming most of my characters. Love you.

Chantele Sedgwick
is a young adult author, harpist, and major book nerd. She loves happy endings, Kit Kats, and (judging by her bookshelves) buying way too many books. She is the author of
Not Your Average Fairy Tale
and
Not Your Average Happy Ending
and
Love, Lucas.
She resides in Utah, with her husband and four children.