Breaking Cedar (Book 2 in Cedar's Series)

By Lori Meyer

Discovering she is protecting a spell that has the potential to release an immense uncontrollable power has thrust Cedar Monroe’s life into peril and there is no turning back.

And as her relationship with Kylan Turner progresses, she begins to wonder if she can truly trust him – considering when they had first met he was a member of the Komodans and tried to kill her in order to gain possession of the spell.

While the Komodans, a group seeking to obtain the spell she is protecting, continue to unleash wicked tricks in order to destroy her, an unexpected betrayal is on the way.

Just when Cedar worries she can't handle on more thing, she encounters added surprises that change her life forever, leading up to a forced confrontation, where she must make a choice. And with this decision will the Komodans learn what it takes to finally break her?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lori Meyer
• Release date: Jun 22, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301056125

Lori Meyer

My name is Lori Meyer. I am a mother of two and an elementary teacher. During the 2008 – 2009 school year, through the enthusiastic encouragement of my classroom full of fourth graders and my own two daughters, I decided to create a story from a dream I had had one night. And from that dream a series grew and then a spin off.From the day I started on that journey of creating a story from a dream, I found I couldn’t help but become hooked. They say once you are bitten by the writing bug it becomes a part of you. I found that to be true and have been writing ever since.I have always been an avid reader, with my favorite stories involving sexy vampires and fierce shape-shifters. But now I find even more enjoyment in creating my own characters and stories.I currently have three short stories and nine novels available as e-books and at amazon you can get them in paperback as well.The novels in Cedar's Series are entitled DISCOVERING CEDAR, BREAKING CEDAR, BEYOND CEDAR, and RESCUING CEDAR. My spin off series (Cole's series) has three novels entitled SOUL OF SEVEN, SEVEN DEGREES STRONGER, and SEVEN'S END . The Worth Duet has two novels, WORTH THE RISK, which is currently available, and WORTH THE SACRIFICE will be published in August.

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Breaking Cedar

Breaking Cedar

By

Lori Meyer

Breaking Cedar

Lori Meyer

Copyright © 2013 Lori Meyer

Front Cover Design by KNM

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, including electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embedded in reviews. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.

For my family and friends who are always there with encouragement

preface

Isn’t it strange how life can take you and place you somewhere you never quite expected?

Well, I had the pleasant experience of discovering that shocker first hand.

One day I was on a path, sure of it all and comfortable, and the next day I ended up on a completely different one, bewildered and all out of sorts.

It was funny, my biggest dilemma used to be whether or not I was going to school on any given day. I was on the girls’ volleyball team at my high school, had really good friends, and a boyfriend I was planning on marrying at some point after high school. He hadn’t proposed or anything but that was where we were headed. Of course, people can’t predict the future, but I was pretty certain about mine.

However, a lot of things changed in the beginning of my senior year. I ended up tossed from that comfortable path. The new one I found myself on brought me many challenging choices and hardships. I couldn’t ignore them and walk away; I had to make some decisions. Although, I guess even if I would have chosen to ignore them, I still would have been making a choice.

After the death of my boyfriend, Trey Matthews, at the hands of my sister, I decided to pursue a relationship with Kylan Turner – someone I had been suspicious of at first and still didn’t know all that well. My sister, whom we believed to be dead, was alive and had joined the Komodans – a group hell bent on destroying me in order to obtain a spell. This spell unlocked the way to immortality and had the potential of unleashing an immense uncontrollable power. And even though I was concerned it might end up killing me, I continued to carry on the burden of protecting that spell, which had been handed down through many generations of my family.

I have learned that when life throws curve balls and the player isn’t at the top of her game, a strike out is almost inevitable.

starting back

It was incredibly difficult coming back to school. I had a lot to contend with which didn’t help the struggles I already had with school work. It was now even more difficult to concentrate in class. I would find myself thinking about losing Trey, my new feelings for Kylan, and how many more times I would have to face the Komodans. They were still after the spell, which meant I remained in danger.

Having friends around me did make it a lot easier to cope. And I continued attending volleyball practices – just to watch – and every game to cheer us on. If the stupid cast on my hand came off in time, I would be able to play in the last few games. Our volleyball team seemed unstoppable. Since it looked as if we had a really good chance to make the play offs again; it was a good possibility my cast would be removed in time.

Kylan would tutor me in the classes we had collectively. We would spend a little bit of time in school together too, but my friends made it difficult – they didn’t trust him. And I was afraid to push too much and end up losing them. Considering I was still a bit unsure of Kylan myself, I couldn’t risk losing my friends. I needed them now more than ever.

My first dealings with Kylan were not pleasant – beginning with threats and close calls and ending with my hand getting broken. Then shortly after that incident, things changed between us. During a battle with the Komodans, he protected me. And later when he snuck into my bedroom for the first time, he revealed he loved me.

My dilemma now was whether or not to try to bridge that gap between my friends and him.

While conflicting emotions continually waged war in my head, I was often tormented by the fact that I had fallen for someone else so soon after losing Trey. And the circumstances surrounding his death – Kylan, as well as myself, being a huge reason he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and the fact that my sister was the direct cause of his death – added to my turmoil.

When Kylan turned from the Komodans and wanted forgiveness, I almost immediately gave him a second chance. Thinking about his change of heart, I came to the conclusion that if I would ever face a similar situation with my sister, I was pretty certain I would forgive her too. Yet sometimes, the fact that I could even consider that option made me feel as if I were betraying Trey in some way. It just wasn’t an easy situation.

And now with the real question: did I love Kylan and consider him my boyfriend? He was someone I cared a lot about and he cared for me but we had yet to go on a first date. And what was even crazier, I hadn’t even let him kiss me – other than on my forehead or cheek but no lip action. Well, that wasn’t entirely true; it wasn’t that I didn’t let him. That would make it sound as if he had tried and I pushed him away. No, he knew I wasn’t ready yet for that next step, so he didn’t even make an attempt. And boy if that didn’t make me fall for him even harder and want to pursue him no matter what my friends thought.

So, I decided to join Kylan at lunch, and deal with the fall out from my friends later. When I walked into the cafeteria, I spied him sitting by himself. Pulling out a seat, I sat down across from him and tossed my lunch bag onto the table.

He gave me a huge smile. What brings you into my neck of the woods?

I couldn’t help but return his smile; it was difficult not to. Although I had only known him for a short while, the strong feelings his presence elicited from me were extremely hard to ignore. Delivering some food to my sick grandma. Are you the wolf? Because if so, I shouldn’t be talking to you.

He chuckled. Aren’t you a little old for fairy tales?

Hell, I think I’m living some wretched fairy tale right now. After pulling out my sandwich and bottle of water, I set them on the table – with a little more force than was necessary.

As I brought my gaze back up, my eyes met Kylan’s. His seemed to be searching mine for something; maybe a hint of assurance that deep down I did know he was there for me. I did; but some days it was really rough. So many things had happened so quickly that I didn’t think my brain had had the opportunity to fully process it all yet.

Hopefully, I get to be your Prince Charming. He gave me one of his irresistible boyish smiles.

Leaning into the table, I let my voice drop to just above a whisper, in case anyone nearby was listening. I haven’t figured out how to get my friends to warm up to you yet. They aren’t exactly sure what all happened that day Trey died and I can’t exactly explain it to them. They are a little suspicious of you. Although I shared only a small amount of the apprehension my friends had concerning Kylan, I never voiced it to him. I was certain the more I got to know him, the more it would fade away until it was completely gone. Besides, enough guilt ate at him about all that had happened and I didn’t want to hurt him anymore.

Hopefully, I can find a way for you and your friends to trust me. But don’t worry; I won’t push myself on them. They’ll come around. I couldn’t help but detect a little melancholy in his voice. Things hadn’t been easy on him either – losing his dad at a young age and then dealing with a manipulative stepfather and stepbrother, who influenced him to join the Komodans. But then as he struggled with me as he was carrying out the Komodan’s biddings, he discovered that there was a better way to fill that emptiness.

Just then Pete and the rest of the guys flooded into the cafeteria – a rowdy crowd as usual. Pete shot me an anxious glance and then a frown. None of them came over; they just sat down at their normal table.

Tawnie and the girls bustled in shortly after them.

The girls headed over to the table and joined Pete and the other guys.

However, Tawnie leaned over and whispered something to Kirsten and then strolled on over to where I sat with Kylan.

Hey, what’s up you two?

Just hanging out. No school work for Kylan to help me with today so we’re just catching up. I don’t get to talk to him much in school.

Tawnie sat down beside me. I’ve been trying to work on Pete with that. I don’t think it’s working though. That group we hang out with is so pig headed. Her face twisted in exasperation. She was the only one of my friends who had accepted Kylan.

Tawnie Benice – more like a sister than merely a friend – was someone I could always count on. Anything from little problems – like our friends not wanting me to associate with Kylan – to things on a much larger scale – the stuff no one wanted to deal with. Like the time when I went through one of the most difficult experiences of my life – the loss of my sister or so we had thought at the time. While I was what I would describe as catatonic at that time – a state that made most people uncomfortable and completely unsure how to act – it didn’t stop Tawnie from being my refuge. During that period, uncertainty kept my other friends at a distance, where Tawnie remained my life jacket, as I was drowning in the deep dark waters of depression, waiting for the coast guard to come pull me out.

I appreciate your help but don’t get Pete mad at you over this. We’ll figure something out. I still get to see Kylan late at night.

Kylan shot me a nervous glance.

She knows you sneak in my window after my parents go to bed to come talk to me. I never have to worry about telling Tawnie anything. Besides, I had wanted to know what she thought about it.

Kylan looked over at Tawnie and lifted an eyebrow. And what are your thoughts on my late night visits?

I chuckled to myself, thinking about her shocked expression when I told her and she thought Kylan and I were rolling around on my bed without our clothes.

Tawnie laughed, maybe thinking about that same incident. Well, we all know I was totally crushing on you when you first came to our school. So I really don’t have a problem with the two of you hanging out. I think you’re pretty cool. And if I didn’t have Pete, I might even be jealous.

I laughed and shook my head. I knew her all too well; she’d never be jealous. Instead she trusted my judgment and was genuinely happy that I had found someone who cared so much for me.

Tawnie stood up, pointed her thumb over her shoulder, and gave us a smile. I better head over to the gang. I don’t want them to think Kylan stole me from them too.

After she left, I picked at my sandwich, not really having much of an appetite.

Kylan finished his last bite of turkey surprise – at least that was what was listed on the menu – before continuing. I don’t mind that they don’t like us hanging out together. I don’t want you to be stressed about trying to make this work. They’ll come around and if not I’ll just have to settle for our late night meetings.

I shook my head. I don’t want you to have to settle. It’s not fair to you. Maybe the more they see me with you the more comfortable they’ll get with the idea.

Reaching across the table, he took my unbroken hand in his. Then his dark eyes met mine – a hundred unspoken emotions deepening the color of them. I’m happy with whatever time I get with you. I can share.

Little tingles shot up and down my spine.

Lunch time was almost over and there were only two more classes to drag through, Sociology and Trigonometry. Kylan was in my trig class so that was something to look forward to.

I’m going to watch volleyball practice after school. Sure you don’t want to come along and watch too? I finished my bottle of water and replaced the cap.

I think I might wait and come watch when you’re practicing again. Then it won’t look so obvious to your friends. How long until your cast comes off? He slowly got up from his seat.

I followed him over to the garbage cans to throw away my trash. Two, maybe three weeks, depending on how it’s healing. I go to the doctors next week.

After disposing his tray on the counter, Kylan gently grabbed my hand and walked me to my Sociology class. A few students stared, probably because they were used to seeing Trey with me.

Outside the classroom door, he softly kissed my forehead. See you in Trig. Then he turned and walked away.

In Sociology, we were studying how the cultures in various countries are similar and different to ours here in America along with the effects the foreign country’s history had on its culture.

After the teacher split the class into partners, she handed out the rubric. We were to research the culture and history of a particular country and then create a power point to be presented to the class.

I got paired up with Brad Westly. He had had a crush on me before Trey and I started going out. And the way he was looking at me again made me uncomfortable. As his eyes raked over me, something unidentifiable crossed behind them. I mentally shivered.

Hopefully, we could each do some research on our own and then one of us put the power point together – I was thinking him. I didn’t know if I wanted to hang out alone in the library or computer lab with him. There could be some ideas swirling around in his head since Trey was no longer in the picture. He was a very nice guy and all but I wasn’t interested.

Brad and I were given the country of Sweden to research. Ms. Glasten then allowed the last thirty minutes of class for the partners to plan out ideas for their project and work out a schedule to meet outside of class to work together.

Brad moseyed over, ran his hand through his brown, wavy hair and plopped down in the desk beside me. Then he captured my gaze in his hazel one. "Hey, don’t worry too much about this project. As long as you research some of the information, I’ll put the power point together. And I won’t even