Barnes And Noble Ender's Game Novels & Stories

His shoulders sank in defeat, unwilling to accept what he saw. When it came time for Vincent to give his speech, I was eager to leave Wayne behind. But in the next instant, I was lifted clean off the ground, his arm locked tight around my waist. The madman dragged me toward the restroom and reached for the zipper of my gown. "Arden has a small birthmark on her lower back! You say you're not Arden—if you don't have it, then I'll—" Before he could finish, a fist sent him crashing to the ground.

He simply smiled with a look of relief. The apple rolled to the ground, picking up dirt. From the start, Zach had been provoking Jessica on purpose. I looked at the blood spreading on the ground and at Zach's collapsed body, then at the frail and blind Jessica. I understood it all. This was Zach seeking redemption using Jessica. At the very end, Zach seemed to see me. His eyes were pleading. "Annie, now that I did this, will this make you feel any better?" As my own body faded, I realized this might be the last thing I would ever say. I looked right at him and gave a cold, cruel smile.

His soft and tender tone sounded so far away to me. He used to speak to me like that, once upon a time. Now, his tone held nothing but impatience. “Cyrus said he's only going through the wedding to make it up to you. After six years, the least he could do was give you an official title as his wife. Still, I'm the only one he truly loves,” Serena gloated in the voice message. I chuckled. “Sure, then I wish you two a happily ever after.” It was time. I put the medical report, the used tissue, and Serena’s earring on the most prominent spot on the dining table, then I took a cab to the airport.

Her cheeks were flushed with satisfaction, and dark red marks covered the soft skin above her chest. Even the black lace dress I had bought for our anniversary had been stained with a few suggestive spots of blood. The room was filled with loud, crude men. Whistles and teasing laughter echoed through the air. “Ms. Jones finally ended her single life tonight.” “So? Was Eric good enough to make your legs give out?” Their eyes shifted toward me, followed by another round of whispers. “Shane is pathetic. He spent years acting like a loyal dog around her, and he still did not get her first time.”

My reputation was torn to shreds, a crown of shame placed upon me, and she wouldn't even give me a single explanation. Lance suddenly broke free from the bodyguards, pulling a fruit knife from his pocket and pressing it against his neck. “Sienna, you can’t say yes! I’ll die right here if you do!” For the first time, I saw a flicker of emotion in Sienna’s eyes, but her lips stayed steady, “Die if you must. Just get out of my way.” I watched the undercurrent of tension between them. For the first time, I felt like the intruder, a ridiculous, unnecessary clown.

The plea in my eyes was obvious, yet Clara remained unmoved. At some point, my vision blurred. I tried desperately to hold back the tears, but the emotion surged stronger, like waves crashing against the shore. Perhaps she sensed something was wrong with me, because she loosened her grip on Ethan’s hand. “Look, Nathan. Ethan and I have known each other for over twenty years. I can’t just ignore him. “It’s only a game. Don’t take it so seriously. Three minutes will pass quickly.

“You are mine, Jaiyana.” The End

~ The End ~ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

At last, my fingers flew across the screen, sending a message into the night. Staring at the white walls above me, a sudden flash of clarity swept through my mind. It was as if a weight had lifted. Born into a family like mine, with a father like him, I had always tried to save as many people as I could. What more could I expect in return? Maybe I was simply born to pay back the Chandlers.

“I’m coming. Keep your pants on…” She heard the door open, and then a muffled thud, before it closed again. There was a long pause. “Who was it?” She called out. There was no reply. “Tyler?” She heard footsteps down the hall. “Is everything okay, Tyler? Who was at the door…?” She turned and froze. Chris Arren stood, blocking her into the u formation of the kitchen. He held an odd looking gun in his hand. “Hello Aislen.” The End of Book One. Stay tuned for Book Two, The Pack’s Triquetra!