Embraced
Aligned Hearts Book 1
E.C. Land
Contents
Acknowledgments
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Epilogue
Embraced
This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are all products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblances to persons, organizations, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Embraced. Copyright © 2021 by E.C. Land. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations used in articles or reviews. For information, contact E.C. Land.
Publisher: Knox Publishing
Cover Design by Charli Childs, Cosmic Letterz Cover Design
Editing by Jackie Ziegler, Knox Publishing
Formatting by E.C. Land, Knox Publishing
Proofreading by Kim Lubbers, Knox Publishing
Created with Vellum
For those who believe in me and keep pushing me to be the person I am today.
Acknowledgments
My Husband and Kiddos – To my husband who has always been the one to support our family. If he didn’t encourage me to follow my dreams and give them a chance, I wouldn’t be where I am now. He’s put up with my ramblings and throwing ideas around no matter how annoying I can be about it. Also have to be thankful for him being there to send me inspirational music when I need it most. My kiddos, who find what I do, as they put it, cool and want to know how many words I was able to get in each day. They also like to try and help me come up with plot ideas. Some are just as wicked as my own. I also enjoy the fact they come to me when they need help with finding things wrong in their own work wanting to understand better in how things are supposed to be done.
My Brothers – No matter how much we go through, they’re always there for me. One may not be here in body but is always around in spirit. My oldest brother for being proud of me and not having a problem saying it.
My Betas – You guys rock! Thank you all for being the first to read the stories as they come alive. It means the world to me. Especially when you all start to get mad. That’s when I know I’m doing something right. And in doing so pushing me to keep going with all the different plots that form in my head. I’m thankful to you all for being ready and willing to read and give your input.
My Knox Publishing People – If it wasn’t for you all being helpful and encouraging when I need it, I don’t know what I’d do without you all. You’re all wonderful in your own right and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The biggest thing I’ve got to say I’m thankful for most, is the fact I’m able to be around those who understand the way my mind works. Each and every one of you have earned a special place in my life, one way or another.
Liz – My sister from another mister, my best friend and Publisher/Boss. You’re my go to when I need it. If not for you, I don’t know if I’d ever be where I am today with my writing. Thank you for always pushing me and encouraging me.
Diane – Without you taking everything on for me, I wouldn’t be able to focus the way I do on my writing. Thank you for everything you do. You’re not just my PA, you’re my friend and I couldn’t ask for a better friend than you.
Kim and Jackie – I know I’m a pain in the rear; however, you both put up with me. Thank you both for taking on all of my work. I love the fact I work with you both on each of them. Also, the fact when it comes to something I miss, you help me understand how to correct it, so it doesn’t happen again.
Trigger Warning
This content is intended for mature audiences only. It contains material that may be viewed as offensive to some readers, including graphic language, dangerous and sexual situations, murder, rape, and extreme violence.
Proceed with caution. This book does entail several scenes that may very well be a trigger to some.
Also, tissues are a must with other scenes.
Not for the faint at heart.
If you don’t like violence and cannot handle certain subjects, then this is not a book you’ll want to read.
Playlist
Dead Man Walking – Crucifix
My Way – Crucifix
The Dreamer – Crucifix
Desperado – Crucifix
Traveler – Upchurch
Dreams of Mine – Demun Jones
Lions Den – OverTime
Kill for Mine – OverTime
In the Shadows – Jelly Roll
Just Hold On – Savannah Dexter ft. Adam Calhoun
Chernobyl – Crucifix
Miss Me – Hard Target
Irish Translations
A chonách san ort – it serves you right
go dtachtar le d’anáil thú – that you may choke on your breath
mo chuisle – my pulse
fuck mo shaol – fuck my life
Da – Father/dad
iníon/iníonacha beloved – beloved daughter/daughters
deirfiúr beag – little sister
soith – bitch
bréagán – whore
Embraced Hearts
The beating of my heartbeats
Thumping for the one
It carries me forward
My heart can break
As easily as it can heal
If it breaks the pain will hurt
Yet it will heal at the one who embraces
No matter who it were to be
The one who holds my heart
Will forever hold the key
The key that heals the pain
Along with hold it close
Embraced hearts are one
One and the same
Connection between two souls
That will love and embrace
~E.C. Land
Prologue
Bridget
“Where are you going, Bridget?”
