Infinite Harmony (24 page)

“We’ve got lots of time ahead of us,” she said, feeling the words out as she went. “They’re not all going to be easy. Hopefully not many of them will be this hard, but if they are, we’ll keep going, knowing every day things will get a little bit easier, until one day, we’re back to good.”

The sunlight reflected off the review mirror, spotlighting Joshua’s face.

Ada didn’t care what he said, he was still an angel.

“As long as we’re together, I’m willing to endure the bad days.”

Joshua shot her a crooked smile. “Even the ones without chocolate?”

A smile of her own managed to break through the heartache. “No chocolate? I did not sign up for days like that.”

“You don’t know what the future will bring,” Joshua said, sagely. “What if we exhaust the world’s supply of cocoa? Then what are you going to do?”

“What am I going to do? What are you going to do, Mr. I-Eat-A-Whole-Box-Of-Ding-Dongs-For-Breakfast?”

“What about you, Ms.—“

The music in the car suddenly went silent. It was only a split second, but in that time all the joy in the car died a quick death and was replaced by a sense of dread.

“Incoming call. Jase Donovan.”

It was just a phone call. It could have been about anything. But Ada’s heart stayed constricted, and Joshua’s face was taut as he jabbed the pick-up button on the steering wheel.

“What is wrong?”

“It’s SHP,” Jase said. “They’ve made their move.”

Joshua’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. “Angel?”

“Angel’s safe, but Lizzie and Layne—”

Even though he was driving and it was horribly dangerous for him to do so, Joshua closed his eyes and took in a deep but shaky breath. “Are they alive?”

There was an unbearable pause, and then, “We don’t know.”

Acknowledgements

First drafts are ugly. Second drafts are ugly. Third, fourth, and fifth drafts? Ugly. Without my lovely beta fish - Emily, Tory, Claire, Samantha, Amy, Tessa, Alecia, Kathryn, and Tori - and my editors, Gwen and Leslie, this book would still be ugly. Thanks for making me look good, ladies.

Victoria Faye Alday has been making my covers since she sent me the most fabulous image I ever saw as fan art for
Destiny Binds
. Not only is she insanely talented, she’s a wonderful person and great friend. I honestly have no idea where I would be without her.

My Alpha Pack is the friendliest, most awesome group of supporters in the world. I am grateful for each and every one of you.

Thanks to all of my author friends who continue to inspire and encourage. A double-dose of thanks to Samantha. You rock.

While Ada is imaginary, cystic fibrosis is not. Thank you to Jodie Lawrence, Crystal Hargrove, and Lexie McCarty for sharing your journeys with me.

To the family I was born with and the family that I’ve chosen, thank you for your unwavering support and keeping me sane-ish. I love you all.

The Timber Wolves Trilogy:

Destiny Binds

Time Mends

Fate Succumbs

Timber Wolves Companions:

At First Sight

All We See and Seem

Shifters & Seers:

Fragile Brilliance

Infinite Harmony

About the Author

Tammy Blackwell is a Young Adult Services Coordinator for a public library system in Kentucky. When she’s not reading, writing, cataloging, or talking about books, she’s sleeping. You can follow her on Twitter (
@Miss_Tammy
), write to her at
[email protected]
or visit her at
www.misstammywrites.com
.