Teen Fury: Embraced

By Amanda Torrey

Sixteen-year-old Felicia Murphy has learned the pitfalls of letting the snakes in her head control her life, and she has no intention of letting them interfere in her future. She knows it’s not her duty to dish out vengeance, but, oh, the temptation...
Battling near-constant headaches bites, but with Ryder by her side, she’s able to keep the Fury at bay. She doesn’t care that Meg, her biological-mother-from-hell, has escaped Mercy’s prison and will be playing dirty to get Felicia on her side. What she does care about is having a perfect night at the prom and successfully debuting the new mentor room for the troubled kids in town. She refuses to play into Meg’s sick, twisted games.
Lines become blurred when Felicia’s best friend is brutalized. Felicia knows she could have prevented the pain if she had been willing to wield her one secret weapon. What once was black and white now becomes soiled with shades of gray.
Will this self-discovery encourage her to embrace her craving for vengeance? And if so, will Ryder be able to accept her for who she has become?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amanda Torrey
• Release date: Apr 7, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301930210

Amanda Torrey

When not writing, Amanda enjoys hanging with her kids, reading, playing in nature, obsessively checking Facebook, visiting Disney World (as often as possible), ROAD TRIPS, and going to the movies. She loves meeting new people, and especially loves to hear from readers!

Book preview

1

When I spin around in this girly, frilly prom dress, I almost feel like a normal girl and not some vengeful, paranormal freak with snakes that emerge from my head when I’m angry. And to my best friend, Jade, I’m still just a girl. I intend to keep the secret as long as I possibly can. Maybe forever.

Jade shakes her head at the fluffy confection of a dress and sends me back to the fitting room with a red dress I never would have chosen—too sexy for me. But I know she won’t relent until I show her how obnoxious the look is for me, so I squeeze into the slinky thing in spite of my reservations.

I struggle with the zipper and try not to inhale too forcefully, not wanting the sequined seams to split.

Jade’s shriek deafens me, or at least I wish it did so I could block out the high-pitched happiness.

Yes, yes, oh my God, yes!

You’re funny. She ignores my dry reply and continues to gush, thrusting matching high-heeled shoes at me.

Are you nuts? You know I can’t walk in these things.

Plenty of time to practice. Besides, Ryder is so tall that if you wear these, you might be able to actually reach him for a kiss without having to stand on your tiptoes.

Okay, this makes me smile. Thinking of kissing Ryder always improves my mood.

I fiddle with the front of the dress.

It’s way too low in the front.

Like that’s a bad thing?

For you, maybe not. But my girls prefer to be more modest.

I’m sure Ryder-poo won’t mind having a little glimpse…

Now I’m blushing, and my reflection proves that my skin now matches the red of the dress.

I don’t think red is my color.

Jade studies me, her arms crossed in front of her. She chews the inside of her lip as she ponders my concern.

Without a word, Jade leaps out of the fitting room area and returns with the same style of dress draped across her arm, only this time the color is a soothing sea foam. Me likey much better.

When I step out of the fitting room, I know we found the right dress. Jade is actually speechless.

How exciting is this? Who would have thought that we’d both be sophomores with gorgeous senior boyfriends? I’m so glad you decided to go to the prom. I would have died without you. Jade hugs me tight, and I allow myself to revel in the normalcy of this day.

My shoulders are sore from all the training Ryder and I have been doing, so I pull away from our hug with a slight wince. Ever since we found out that Meg, my biological mother and also a real life Fury (turns out that mythological stuff isn’t all make-believe), escaped my biological father’s prison, he’s been paranoid that she’s coming for me. Can’t say I haven’t worried about the same thing, since she so desperately wants me to use my Fury for her benefit. Now that she’s on the outs with the other gods for breaking their agreement, we’re all a little more afraid of what she’ll do.

But Jade knows none of this, because how do you tell your best friend this story without having her think you’re insane?

What’s with the serious face? We just found the perfect dress for you—this is cause for celebration! Jade dances around the small fitting room area, always the free spirit. You had me nervous. Only one week until prom. ’Bout time you made some time for the important stuff.

Getting The Shack ready for the opening of the mentor activity room is important stuff, Jade.

Jade rolls her eyes and sticks her tongue out at me, but I know she also values the work we’re doing for the troubled kids in town. She’s been an active participant in getting things ready, especially promoting it in her newspaper column. Donations have been pouring in thanks to her publicity.

Are you okay?

Jade grabs my arms, and it’s a good thing, because I feel wicked faint. Keeping the Fury contained is hard work. The thing gets stronger every day, and the urge to unleash it is powerful. But Ryder has taught me many strategies for keeping the snakes inside, and I have no desire to have bloody tears ruin this beautiful dress. I take deep breaths and concentrate on my happy place. Ryder’s arms.

I’m okay, just getting hot in here. Can you please unzip me?

Jade helps me out of the dress, and I pay at the counter as I struggle to stay upright. My head pounds; the pressure against my head hurts my eyes. I barely register the cashier gushing about the dress and how fortunate I was to be able to buy something off the rack so close to prom time.

Jade must notice that I’m fading away, because she grabs the bag for me and ushers me out to the fresh air.

I haven’t passed out in ages, not since the Fury first emerged. I have no intention of doing so now. Ryder will be swinging around to pick us up in a little bit, and I want to spend some more girl time with Jade before he arrives. I so don’t want our moments to be spent with her worrying about me and me worrying about falling face first onto the pavement.

The pressure behind my eyes and in my scalp builds in intensity. Moisture gathers in my eyes, and Jade’s face swims in front of mine. Are bloody tears gathering? Have snakes broken free from my hair follicles? I feel too disconnected to know for sure. I’m not angry about anything, so I don’t know why the Fury would emerge.

My thoughts spin round and round like a tilt-a-whirl at the carnival. My stomach protests, and nausea hits me. I start to fall—down, down, down—sure that I’ll hit the ground, certain that a cracked skull is my destiny. What will happen if my skull cracks open? Will the snakes slither free? Or will they continue to be part of me?

Strong arms steady me from behind. Jade is still in front of me, looking over my shoulder.

I know by her expression it’s not Ryder holding me up. I close my eyes and can’t help but lean back, and as soon as I breathe in, I know who is keeping me from a concussion. I just don’t know what he’s doing in my presence.

2

The dreaded feeling of vertigo passes as quickly as it came. I pull away to stand on my own feet, grimacing at the headache but trying to drive the pain away with positive thoughts. (Ryder is constantly preaching mind over matter to me.)

What are you doing here? I realize I’m avoiding eye contact, but I don’t wish to analyze my reasons at the moment.

Is that a way to treat an old flame? I hear the grin in Zane’s voice, and when I make myself look at him, I force an indifferent frown. Ryder, Ryder, Ryder. Keep my thoughts focused on Ryder, the best boyfriend ever.

I’d hardly consider you an old flame. More like an inferno of a mistake.

Jade gasps, then moves on to a nervous giggle.

Ouch. Zane winces with his eyes, but his smile never leaves his perfectly sculpted face. Okay, point taken. You’re madly in love with that other guy, and he probably wouldn’t like you talking to me.

I straighten my spine at that remark. I’m my own woman.

The first part is true, but I’m the one who doesn’t like me talking to you. I turn to Jade, whose eyes are as big and round as the chocolate chip cookie we shared before going into the dress shop.

I’m wounded. Zane puts his hands over his heart and fake-stumbles backwards. Jade giggles, obviously falling for his charm. Can’t say I blame her since I’ve fallen for it in the past, too.

Yeah, yeah. Poor wounded Zane. Something flashes in his eyes when I speak these words, but the emotion passes before I can decipher. His cocky grin returns and fills his green eyes with laughter.

He reaches out to grab my arm and I pull away reflexively. He leans his head closer to mine.

Can I talk to you privately for a minute?

Ha. As if.

Jade steps forward and links her arm with mine. There’s nothing private between besties. You can speak in front of me.

I smile at Jade, rest the side of my head against hers, then lick my suddenly dry lips. There are some things she doesn’t know, and things I’d really rather he didn’t bring up in her presence.

Zane arches his eyebrows, daring me not to comply with his wish for privacy. He’d love to out me in front of everyone. I guess I should be grateful he’s resisted the urge thus far.

Fine, you can have one minute of my time. No more than that.

Jade tightens her grip on me, then releases my arm with a dramatic sigh.

"Guess I’ll just stand over here and study my nails while you two meet privately." Her eyes narrow when she looks at Zane, like she’s blaming him for every bump Jade and I have had in our relationship. Those feelings are partially accurate, though she can’t possibly suspect the true reasons for my past actions.

I’m sorry, Jade. I’ll be just a sec. Pinky promise.

Zane leads me to a storefront a few paces away, guiding me under the archway, and I take a deep breath to ward off the feeling of being cornered. Just a minute, just a minute, just a minute.

I suppose you’ve heard Meg escaped.

My heartbeat quickens, and my knees feel too weak to hold me. Yeah, I got that memo.

Things have gotten worse.

Did they find her? I’ve spent the last few days tiptoeing around, praying she’d get caught before she contacted me. I’m so done with her. I’ve worked really hard the last six months to get my life back to normal, so when Ryder first told me she escaped, he tried to insist that I go to Mercy’s realm to hide out with my biological father until they could capture her. But prom is coming, and no way am I missing the opportunity to have a normal time with my abnormal boyfriend who can travel between realms. Besides, the mentor room is almost ready for the kick-off celebration, and I refuse to let those kids down. They get enough of that in their regular lives.

Not exactly, though I’m pretty sure I know what’s going on. That’s why I need your help.

My help? No way. I try to move past him, but he’s too fast and moves to block my way.

Felicia, you’re the only one who stands a chance against her.

My laugh is deep and slightly maniacal. Me, stand a chance?

Not gonna happen. I’m never falling for your tricks again, Zane, so move over so I can get by. Your minute is up.

He grabs my arm, desperation marking his face in sharp lines and making his grasp a little tighter.

It’s not a trick, Felicia. Meg has—

He stops mid-sentence as he’s being pulled off me by my true savior: Ryder. Ryder steps between us, giving his back to Zane as he looks me over to see if Zane hurt me. The concern in his eyes warms my soul, even though my gut is rolling, sending icy shards of fear up my esophagus.

I’m fine, Ryder. Zane and I were just talking. I grab my head, the pain of the snakes becoming overwhelming again.

You’re hurt.

No, really, I’m good. Just a headache. I was just getting back to Jade.

Zane moves so he can see past Ryder. It’s not good to keep your Fury suppressed like that. The pain will only get worse. You can’t keep it contained forever, you know.

She has control. Leave her alone. Ryder keeps his eyes trained on me, even while he speaks to Zane. I reach up to brush the worry off his face. He rests his forehead on mine, and I match my breathing to his. The headache vanishes.

I’m okay.

Jade rushes over, pushing her way past both guys to get to me. Ryder steps aside, glaring at Zane. Jade helps me move away from the storefront, holding my arm like I’m a child and constantly asking if I’m okay.

I’m fine, really. Thanks for helping me get away from the testosterone storm.

Holy tornado. When I put my hands on them to get to you, I thought I was touching statues. They are so danged hard… Jade stops mid-sentence and we both burst out laughing.

I look over my shoulder to see Ryder following a few steps behind, a knowing grin on his face. Zane is nowhere to be seen.

3

Ryder drops Jade off at her house first, then takes the long route to get me home. I’ll never get over how small my hand looks in his, and how calm and warm he makes me feel. So even though my house is a five-minute walk away from Jade’s, I don’t mind at all when it takes ten for him to drive me home.

When he walks me to my door, he pulls me close to him for a long, romantic kiss. His lips are the perfect combination of soft and firm, and he has a way of turning me to mush with his slow, deliberate teasing that quickly turns passionate. With his body pressed against mine, I almost feel like we have melded into one person.

The house door whips open, and I jump away from Ryder, embarrassment flooding my cheeks. Sadie, my biological half-sister-I-never-knew-I-had, stands there staring at me like I have snakes growing from my head. I touch my head to make sure I don’t. She’s looking serious even for her, and I know instantly something is wrong.

Ryder must have the same thought, because he asks before I do.

Come in, I don’t want to be overheard.

She moves away from the door, fiddling with her sleeve as she walks, her head darting back and forth as if she’s afraid someone is coming to get her.

I quicken my step and put my hand on her shoulder, attempting to reassure her that she’s not alone. She jumps back as if scalded, and I pull away so as not to offend.

She immediately goes into apology mode, which is getting kind of annoying after six months of her being constantly sorry about something. Sadie was raised by our biological mother, Meg the Fury, and was treated poorly since she didn’t have a Fury of her own. Zane brought her to me after the whole ordeal with Meg, and she’s been living with my mom and me ever since. She’s starting to get more normal, but she’s still jumpy at the slightest provocation.

Sadie, can you tell us what’s wrong? Ryder broaches the subject, interrupting her stream of stuttered apologies.

Oh yeah, I’m sorry, I just, um…

I pull out a chair for her to sit, then pour her a glass of chocolate milk from the fridge. This usually calms her nerves.

Thank you so much. I’m sorry to be a pain.

Stop apologizing. You have nothing to be sorry about. I smile in what I hope is a reassuring manner.

It’s just—

Really. Stop apologizing. Realizing my tone was a little harsher than I intended, I take a deep breath and try again. You look really worried. Is everything okay? Where’s Mom?

She’s fine! Oh no, I’m sorry to worry you! I mean, I’m— She sighs and folds her fidgety hands in her lap when she sees the look I’m giving her. It’s Zane.

I relax my shoulders a little. He must have come to her, too. Zane’s a big boy and can take care of himself, so no need for me to worry.

Okay, what about Zane?

I reach back to pat Ryder’s hand as he massages my shoulders. I appreciate the comfort considering the world has been made of eggshells lately and my shoulders have been pack mules for the tension.

Sadie looks at Ryder, then back down at me. I gesture for her to spill whatever info she has to share.

His mom. She was taken. He thinks Meg took her. Sadie fidgets so much, she almost knocks over her chocolate milk. She could be in danger.

Her eyes are bright and full of tears. With her blonde hair falling in her face and her shoulders slouched forward, she looks more like a five-year-old than an almost fifteen-year-old.

I try to reassure her.

It’s okay; Meg took care of Zane’s mom. They were friends after Meg avenged the rapist. She won’t hurt her. I try to tell myself my words are genuine, but part of me wonders if Meg will stop at anything to get her way, even hurting those she once professed to care about.

Ryder squeezes my shoulders gently, signaling for me to try to relax my tense muscles. I breathe in and release the anxiety.

You really think so? I mean, why would she take her out of her house when she was sleeping if she meant no harm?

Maybe she was lonely. You know how Meg is. Besides, she has to be careful since Mercy’s on her trail.

My words make sense, really they do. I send a silent prayer that they are as true as my intentions, and that Zane’s mom is really okay.

Are we done here then? I stand abruptly, shaking the table a bit. I have to get to The Shack.

Well, there’s one other thing. Sadie pauses, her lower lip quivering as she studies the wood grain on the table.

Her hesitancy bugs the heck out of me, but I try to remind myself that she’s a young girl, scarred by the abuse she suffered in the Fury world. I reach across the table and put my hand on hers, offering whatever reassurance I can.

She lifts her eyes to me, straightens her shoulders in what I can only assume is her best effort to be brave, and hiccups as she says, Zane is missing now, too.

4

H e’s not missing. Ryder and I just saw him before we came home.

He’s gone. I know it. Sadie pushes away from the table and carries her glass to the sink, managing not to drop it in spite of her shaking hands.

I look at Ryder, now standing beside me, and try to stop wrinkling my brow in concern. Of course I’m not worried—why would I be?

Ryder puts his arm around me and pulls me to his side. I allow the comfort of his embrace to seep into my soul. He’s like an IV full of courage, injected directly into my veins.

There’s an easy way to find him. I send