One question lingered like a neon sign. What happened to Will? I wondered if he was okay, or if he was secretly in cahoots with Jake and somehow got beat up in the process. I’d find out in a few weeks when winter break was over.
Even though Will had called two dozen times since that awful night, I ignored every call. Erased every voicemail. Pressure built behind my eyes. I was too afraid Will was in on the plot. Call it magnetic charm or a latent self-destructive streak, but for some reason I felt drawn to him. No more. I couldn’t let him get any closer. Couldn’t let that night repeat itself.
If I let my mind wander down the what-if road, I’d be consumed by the shadows of what could’ve happened.
Before I left Montrose, my trauma counselor told me, “Don’t let the darkness consume you.” And that stayed with me.
I couldn’t dwell on that horrible night forever. I had to find a way to shove it aside and move on. Or it’d eat me alive.
Instead, I vowed to focus on the good things in my life—to feed my spirit with much-needed light. Angel, as I had taken to calling him lately, did come to save me when I need him. He helped me find me unlock my gift, and help me choose the right path. Which brought me to the next step in my journey. Staying with a warm and welcoming family who could protect me and train me to fight my own battles. Probably the safest place I could be right now.
I unfurled my limbs from my self-made cocoon. The shadows dissipated, and a sense of calm enveloped me like a warm blanket. I was safe. And I was stronger than I ever thought I could be. Soon, after Seer training, I’d be even stronger. I smiled at that thought, even as my fingers curled into fists. Seer training was just the next step in my journey.
Montrose Paranormal Academy, Book 2: Crossing Nexis releases in Fall 2020.
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MORE BOOKS BY BARBARA HARTZLER
THE MONTROSE PARANORMAL ACADEMY SERIES
Montrose Paranormal Academy Book 1: The Nexis Secret
Montrose Paranormal Academy Book 1.5: The Nexis Awakening
(Exclusive freebie for email newsletter subscribers)
Montrose Paranormal Academy Book 2: Crossing Nexis (Fall 2020)
Montrose Paranormal Academy Book 3: The Nexis Conspiracy (Fall 2020)
Montrose Paranormal Academy Book 4: The Nexis Crusade (2021)
DEVOTIONAL
Waiting on the Lord: 30 Reflections
To learn more about the world of Montrose Paranormal Academy or find me on social media, check out my website: www.barbarahartzler.com
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Barbara Hartzler is the author of the Montrose Paranormal Academy Series, the story of The Seer—a.k.a. one girl with a gift to see the unseen world of angels. Not to mention the two secret societies vying for her allegiance. Montrose Paranormal Academy, Book 1: The Nexis Secret is inspired by Barbara’s college experiences and peppered with anecdotes from her teen missions trip to New York City.
She’s always wanted to write, not necessarily about angels, but the idea was too good to pass up. As a former barista and graphic designer, she loves all things sparkly and purple and is always jonesing for a good cup of joe.
So grab a cup of coffee and peruse her website at www.barbarahartzler.com. You can read her blog, explore all the behind-the-scenes extras in The Seer’s Vault, or learn more about her writing journey, fun facts, and The BARBARA awards for best fiction (mostly YA).
Look for Montrose Paranormal Academy, Book 2: Crossing Nexis, coming Fall 2020. Or join her mailing list Barbara’s Angels for all the latest updates. You can also check out her Montrose Paranormal Academy VIP Readers Club on Facebook with all kinds of MPA extras.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
No writer is an island, and I am no exception. For you, my faithful reader, thank you so much for taking the time to live alongside my characters in this story. It truly blesses me to know you’re out there, reading my words. Many thanks to my husband, Sam, who encouraged me to keep going even when I couldn’t see the light of day. I’m so grateful you understand how an artist works, that when inspiration strikes at one in the morning you just rub my shoulders and tell me to do what I need to do. Your love and constant support buoyed me up more than you’ll ever know.
Thanks to my editors, Rachel Garber and Rachelle Rae Cobb for you invaluable advice in the updating of this book. Also, thanks to Grace Bridges of Splashdown Books, and Liberty Speidel for their encourgement of earlier versions of this book. And Deb Raney, who encouraged me when I was down and was excited enough about my writing to show an excerpt to her editor. You have no idea how much that meant to me, so thank you.
Stephanie Morrill, thanks for being my sounding board when I was struggling through all the ups and downs of publishing. Your advice and encouragement meant more than you know. To all of my fabulous ACFW KC West writer friends who critiqued my work and brainstormed with me, Lora Young, Susan Hollaway, Donna Geesey, Sally Bradley, Christina Rich, Dan Schwabauer, Susan Mires, Holly
