Hold Tight

I’m dealing.”

“I see.” He pulled the collar of his coat up. “By playing outside in this freezing weather?”

“Do you even feel the cold?”

“Not really, but I know you do.”

I pointed with my chin to where Chase sat crossed-legged pretending to steer us through the sea of lava. “I promised him we’d come one last time before it snowed.”

Caden followed my gaze. “He’s lucky to have you.”

“Any sister would have done the same thing.”

“Offer to give up their life for their bratty little brother’s?” He raised an eyebrow. “You’d be surprised at just how wrong you are.”

Maybe, but maybe not. “So will you be leaving? For now?”

I hoped he would. Seeing him made it that much harder to put the past behind me.

He stuffed both hands into his coat pockets. “Your father’s short an employee already with Reed disappearing and all. I figured I’d continue to work with him until the doctor’s office is finished. Two, three weeks tops. And I have my real work here.”

“You still have to keep an eye on Ben.”

“That and people are always finding my crossroad.”

“I don’t suppose you’d leave if I asked you to.”

He smiled and shook his head. “Hell would only send a replacement. Besides, it’s better to live near the demon you know.”

Unless the demon you know had set your boyfriend on fire and said boyfriend would like nothing more than to send said demon back to hell, but I didn’t say that out loud. Instead I said, “I’ve got to go,” and indicated with my shoulder to Chase.

“See you around,” Caden replied with a nod goodbye.

I half-waved and thought, God, I hope not. I knew I would, though. Eventually, he’d have another task for me. I swore I heard Caden stifle a chuckle as he walked away.

I crawled through the tube-bridge and joined my brother. “How’s the sea today?”

“It’s too windy for our ship.”

“It is?” It really wasn’t. Had it been blustery, we would have been at home drinking hot chocolate in front of a warm fire.

“Yeah, don’t you feel it?”

The breeze picked up, yanking my hood off. I looked at Chase in awe.

He smiled. “Told you!”

I put an arm around him, not commenting on the change in weather. If Chase had stirred the air, he didn’t realize it. But he would one day, and I still wasn’t sure how I’d handle a little brother with powers. For now, at least, I used mine to warm the air around us and peered into the horizon, glad we had a future to look forward to.

Acknowledgments

This is one of my favorite parts of publishing a novel, because I get to thank the people who I’ve been blessed to have in my life.

Vince, the person who hears most of my ramblings while I’m conjuring new stories yet never complains and often offers suggestions and guidance. Mom and Dad, whose belief in me never waivers. I couldn’t ask for better parents. Pam, whose advice and encouraging words are always appreciated and valued. Kyle, Cory, William, and Ethan, who may not know it but have contributed to many of my characters’ personality traits.

My readers, whose positive reviews and letters regarding Embrace encouraged me to write this sequel.

My phenomenal editor, Colleen Keough Wagner. This novel definitely wouldn’t be what it is without her vision, deep understanding of the characters, and keen eye for detail. She truly is amazing, and I’m honored to have been able to work with her on a second novel. My publicist, Traci Olsen, who managed to remain calm even when I wasn’t. I’m sure there were times I drove her crazy, but she never admitted it. Grateful thanks to Omnific Publishing and the entire HT Team.

Kym Brunner, Katie Sparks, Pippa Bayliss, and Veronica Rundell—my critique partners and good friends who have helped me through the different stages of writing the sequel. My SCBWI critique groups, whose comments on the earlier drafts were invaluable. I’m lucky to be surrounded by so many talented writers.

Special thanks to C.J. Cantilena, winner in the Vote to Win contest, and runner-ups Alexis Peplow and Dave Martinez for helping to name one of the new characters in Hold Tight. Their suggestions were selected out of the numerous entries, and then readers voted for their favorite. Thanks to everyone who participated in the event. You made it a lot of fun!

About the Author

Cherie believes there’s a little magic in everyone. She also believes in following her dreams and never giving up. Her books are proof of that.

Besides writing, Cherie enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, the great outdoors, and she loves a challenge. While she has had many great experiences, what she finds most satisfying is seeing her children and stories grow into their own exciting and distinct entities.

Cherie lives in Illinois with her family. This is her second book for young adults. To learn more about Cherie and her novels, visit CherieColyer.com.

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