Entrusted

By Ava O'Shay

High school senior, Emma, grew up in the foster care system and wasn’t sure what to expect when the handsome newcomer set his sights on her. Always the caretaker, Emma struggles to help him through an abusive past while trying not to lose herself. Under his thumb of control Emma is told to quit the cross country team and to never see her best friend, Greg, again. Standing up for herself, Emma attempts to break free, but Luke isn’t willing to let go. When Greg warns her Luke is only after her heart, she thinks he’s jealous. But when Luke tells Emma she’s a vessel created to hold the heart that contains his powers and others will come for it, she begins to see Greg wasn’t being metaphorical. Put in the middle of a battle over a heart Luke claims is his and one Greg says he’s been sent to protect, Emma doesn’t know who to trust. When an altercation between Greg and Luke leaves Greg badly injured, Luke disappears, but not before promising Emma he will return for what’s rightfully his and destroy anyone who stands in his way.
When Emma takes the fall for the fight she is removed from her group home and shipped off to a small coastal Indian reservation to live with an old Navajo woman. Soon nightmares begin and bring a mysterious Native American Shaman, Solomon, into the perimeter of Emma’s dreams, offering her protection. Emma refuses to accept his help, heading Luke’s warnings.
As Emma is swept into a world of Native American Legend she struggles to protect herself and those around her, turning friendships away. When Solomon, the warrior from her dream walks into the local grocery store she begins to question whether she can protect herself on her own.
Drawn to Solomon, Emma struggles with the feeling that she is simply a pawn in a fight for the powers her heart holds. But their newfound friendship reaches a climax when Emma is nearly drowned and Solomon instantaneously appears to save her life. Emma must look at him with new eyes as he hints at the powers he possesses and their undeniable connection, while she reexamines her own supernatural gift of telepathy.
As Solomon unravels the truth about Emma’s past, she continues to questions his true intentions. Solomon, knowing he can’t risk losing Emma, slowly unravels the mystery and realizes Emma is the missing key to an age old fight between good and evil and is the vessel holding the powers Luke believes are truly his. Powers Solomon stripped from him in a battle between brothers centuries ago. Emma must quickly learn to accept her place on the reservation and prepare for the ensuing fight for her life. But when Emma hesitates, Solomon sacrifices his own life in exchange for hers. In a final battle Emma must decide whether to fight for the life she has been given and the love she has found or set the evil Luke holds back out into the world. Unsuccessful at killing Luke, but temporarily free of his hold, Emma saves Solomon and they return from the battle, beaten, bruised and exhausted, but ready to face Luke when he returns again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ava O'Shay
• Release date: May 20, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311147554

Ava O'Shay

After many years trudging through the social awkwardness of high school and the whirl wind of college romances I finally landed in the Seattle area writing about the hell, horror, and don't forget hot romance of youth.I love all things outdoors and can be found hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, or doing anything that will work up a good sweat, *winks* I love to interact with my readers and meet them at signings.

Book preview

Chapter One

BEFORE THE CAR CAME to a complete stop I knew whoever was inside had a hold on me.

Is that a new one? Greg slid off the trunk of my car and started stretching for our run.

Guess so. I shrugged.

The car pulled along the sidewalk and the man driving got out. I followed Greg into the grass and attempted to look casual even though my heart was racing.

Put your tongue back in your mouth. You haven't even seen who's in there yet. Maybe it's a girl, he teased. Greg was my running partner and my only real friend.

There's just something... I let my voice trail off when the back door to the car opened and a boy about my age stepped out.

My heart pulled in my chest when my eyes fell on the large black and purple bruise covering the side of his face. His lip was split open and a faint line of stitches held a gash across his cheek closed. I wanted to see his eyes, to know whatever happened to him hadn't broken him. But he kept his eyes cast down. He hoisted his bag over his shoulder and followed the case worker into the yard.

Hey Emma. The case worker nodded at me.

Hey. I raised my chin in a quick nod.

They walked up to the front door just as Mrs. Farrar, the head of my Therapeutic Group Home, opened it. Frank. So good to see you. She stepped back against the door to allow them to enter. And this must be Luke. Welcome to The Ridge.

Luke, I thought to myself. I was transfixed by the immediate pull I felt towards him. My eyes stayed glued to his back. Somewhere I heard Greg saying my name over and over, but ignored it. I was about to tell Greg to shut up and let me enjoy this moment of... of I don't know what, when the guy turned and looked right at me. The expression in his eyes made me feel like he could see every secret I possessed. I shivered feeling completely exposed.

Emma. His voice bushed over me, wisps of my hair floated away from my face, carried on one simple word.

Seriously? Greg moved directly in front of me. His hands on his hips. Seriously. He said again. Wipe the drool off your face and let's go. I don't have all day.

I shook myself out of the trance I'd fallen into and jogged down the grass after him.

Greg and I ran on the high school cross country team and worked out all summer in hopes of making it to State. With my thoughts full of the new guy at The Ridge I barely noticed when we made it back to my house. Disgusted by my obvious distraction Greg left me to run the extra two miles to his house. I made my way into the back yard and started my cool down stretches. I'd sprawled out in the grass to stretch my quads when a shadow fell over me. I brushed at the long strands of blonde hair escaping from my ponytail and shaded my eyes. He stood with the sun on his back making it difficult to see his features. A halo of light shone around him. His proximity made the pull I'd felt earlier almost unbearable. I sat up and scooted back. I was afraid I'd hurl my body at him if I didn't get some space.

I'm Luke. He extended his hand.

Emma. I wiped my hand on the front of my shirt then reached out to take his.

He easily pulled me to my feet keeping my hand tight in his. My eyes scanned over him. Luke was tall and lean. His black t-shirt fit snug against his well-defined muscles. A light scent of soap came off him. His black hair, cut short and neat, was damp around his temples. He must have showered while I was gone. That thought alone made my stomach clench. His skin was light brown and if it hadn't been for the beating he'd taken he would have been perfect. But it was his brown eyes I lost myself in. There was an unnerving connection between us. In all my life, short as it was, I'd never felt so drawn to someone. So connected. So completely at a loss for words. I gave myself a mental head slap. This was not the calm, cool, collected Emma everyone relied on. I couldn't risk falling for a guy that from the look of his face, was more screwed up than me.

Hate to see the other guy, I laughed nervously.

A look of indifference came over his face.

I'm sorry. That was inappropriate.

His eyes narrowed while he continued to assess me. The air around us filled with an uncomfortable stillness until he finally broke our stare down and looked over my head at something behind me.

I didn't fight back. His voice was rough. I smacked myself again for being so insensitive. I knew better than to joke about stuff like that. I did live in a group home for God's sake.

I'm sorry, I whispered.

Don't beat yourself up about it Emma. They'll get what they deserve. Eventually they all do. He let my hand drop and walked back into the house.

I hoped he was right.

Chapter Two

"SO HOW'S THE NEW guy." Greg leaned against the row of lockers.

Good I guess. Some sort of court thing is going on with his dad. Haven't really talked to him. I grabbed my books so we could walk to class together.

His face was jacked up. Greg shuddered.

I didn't want to admit how insensitive I'd been about the whole thing so I just agreed.

Did his dad do it to him?

I don't really know. I tried not to let the impatient tone come out in my voice. I already told him I didn't talk to him. What is it with all the questions. You interested in dating him?

Greg stopped walking.

I turned around and glared at him. What?

After the mouth open, drool-fest you preformed yesterday I'm surprised you haven't jumped on him and pledged to have his children. Greg walked past me, brushing my shoulder in a shove.

I chased him down. What's your problem?

Em. He shows up all beat to shit and I know you. You've already devised a plan on how you're going to save him. You have baby bird syndrome. He kept a steady pace down the hall.

I grabbed his arm to stop him. What the hell is baby bird syndrome? Why are you being such a dick about this.

Greg lifted the brim of his ever present baseball cap to readjust it over his blonde hair. A telltale sign he was either irritated or nervous about something,

Baby bird syndrome is when you go out and find little lost souls to take care of. You don't pay attention to anything except saving them and forget to watch your back. Then the angry mama bird comes along and pecks the shit out of you. Greg poked me hard with his fingers.

Ow. Stop it! I swatted at his attack.

Every time you do this. And God knows Emma there's a long list. It ends with them taking advantage of you, then leaving The Ridge and you crying a river about how you're worried you didn't do enough for them or you let them use you. He readjusted his hat again. Don't do it with this guy. I may not be there to pick up the pieces this time.

I gritted my teeth together. I don't do that. Okay maybe I did but it wasn't fair he was calling me out on it.

Jesus, Em. Greg rolled his eyes and reached out to me.

I stuck my hand in his face stopping him from touching me. Don't. And don't threaten to leave if I don't do what you want. I turned my back on him and stomped off to my next class.

Why am I the only one you won't take shit from? Stop letting people manipulate you! His voice called after me. I didn't turn around. I couldn't believe he thought I was such a push over. I liked to help people. There was nothing wrong with caring about others.

I was seething from my conversation with Greg and wasn't paying attention where I was walking. I passed by the front of the class on my way to my seat when Loren the school bitch stuck her foot out and tripped me. My books went skidding across the floor. A strong hand wrapped around my elbow, lifting me and righting me before I crashed to the floor.

I got you. He pulled me into his body.

My eyes shot up to meet Luke's grin.

Um, I said.

Luke raised an eyebrow.

I'm okay. I pulled away. My skin tingled where his hand touched me.

I watched the muscles in his back go tight under his shirt when he bent to retrieve my books. I blew out a breath. I was not trying to save him. I'd be lucky if I could save myself from falling any harder for him.

Luke returned with my books and a glare for Loren who didn't look overly impressed with my savior.

Do you have this class? I tried to look casual wondering if he could see my heart beating under my thin t-shirt.

American Lit? He held up a folder with a schedule stapled to the front.

Yes. This isn't your class though. Here look. I pointed at the name written on his schedule. Your class is down the hall. On the right.

Thank you, Emma. My heart swelled at the sound of my name.

Luke stopped on his way back into the hall and gave me a wink. Even with the distance between us I could feel the pull he had over me.

I'll meet you at the cafeteria if you want someone to sit with, I called out before he was engulfed in the mass of students.

I'll be there. He waved over his shoulder before disappearing into the hall.

Luke was waiting outside the cafeteria doors after our last morning class. He was deep in conversation with a girl. The overpowering tug my heart felt whenever I saw him started again. Luke's eyes shot up as if he felt it too. A smirk formed on his lips. He straightened and walked towards me completely ignoring the fact the girl was still talking.

His eyes never left mine as he moved towards me. The noise in the hall disappeared. We were in a vacuum. Just him and I. Visions of his lips touching mine flashed through my mind. His arms holding me tight, never letting me go.

He stopped in front of me and pulled me from my fantasy with one word. Emma.

Pull it together. I chastised myself as my pulse quicken.

He leaned in. I froze.

His lips grazed my ear. In time Emma. Our lips will meet when the time is right.

Holy crap. Where my thoughts that transparent?

I laughed nervously and cleared my throat. Should we eat?

Yes Emma we should, he smiled.

Inviting Luke to join Greg and I at lunch hadn't sounded like a bad idea when I suggested it....most ideas sound pretty good until someone puts a fist in the other one's face. The tension between them was palpable the minute Luke got within a few feet of Greg. Greg was the most laid back guy I'd ever met however his casual slouch turned into a defensive posture the minute Luke and I sat down. I wondered if this wasn't a hold-over from our conversation this morning.

Greg this is Luke. I ignored their male posturing.

Greg's jaw clenched.

Luke this is Greg, I kicked Greg under the table and tried my best knock it off look.

So are you from around here? Greg's voice sounded strange and he was staring at Luke like he'd just eaten a baby.

Luke looked like he was trying to suppress a laugh and he shook his head no.

So where are you from? Greg continued to push. He shifted away when I tried to kick him again.

Luke cocked his head to the side and commenced in a stare down with Greg, still not answering his question.

I jumped when Greg's chair screeched across the floor hitting the wall behind us. Em let's go, he ordered.

What? No I'm eating. What the hell?

Come on, he ordered.

I tried to read Greg's expression. I'd never seen him so agitated. I'm going to finish my lunch. I'll see you at practice.

Greg's eyes moved from me to Luke and then back again. See you at practice, he mumbled before walking away.

Luke remained quiet, picking at his lunch with a plastic spork.

Is he your boyfriend, he finally said.

I'd chugged a mouthful of water and almost spewed it across the table. I put a hand over my mouth, choking it down. Luke lightly patted me on the back. Each time his hand touched me I felt the connection between us spark.

Finally composing myself I croaked, No. Greg's my best friend.

He seems...possessive. Luke's voice was deep and mature. Not the squeaky sounds that came out of half the boys in school.

He looks out for me. I tried to play it off as not the psycho possessive behavior he'd shown a few minutes ago.

Luke tilted his head and looked up through his lashes, then said in a take your clothes off kind of voice, Do you need looked out for Emma?

Chapter Three

I FOUND LUKE LEANING against the outside wall of the gym when I was on my way to cross country practice.

Hey. The more I saw him the better I was getting at hiding my need to hurl myself into his arms. At least I thought I was getting better. I'm not sure Greg would have agreed.

Emma.

I shivered when he said my name.

He pushed off the wall and stood in front of me. Running a hand down my arm he tilted his head. I'd like to spend the afternoon with you.

My arm warmed where his fingers trailed to my wrist. The same tingly feeling from earlier began to surge through me. I wondered if he could feel my pulse speed up under his touch.

My voice failed me. I cleared my throat trying to find it again. I'd love to after practice.

Luke shifted his weight. He brushed a loose hair off my cheek with the back of his fingers. Now would be better.

I have practice. I really can't miss it. I let my gaze trial over the bruises and cut marring what would have been an exotic face.

His hand rubbed up my arm again. I understand. Luke walked past me towards the parking lot. I wanted to run to him and wrap my arms around him. I wanted to be the one to make his life better. Even though Greg's words haunted me I knew he was wrong. I needed this too. I needed someone to need me. To care about me. Even if it was short lived. The pain of them leaving was worth the days where I felt like someone really loved me. Besides I put in so many extra hours running it wouldn't hurt to miss one day.

Luke wait, I called after him. Let's go.

The smile he gave me made whatever trouble I was going to be in worth it. Thanks Emma, he said in his sexy voice.

We headed back to where I'd parked my car. My phone buzzed over and over in my back pocket. I knew it was Greg wondering where I was.

You probably should get that, Luke said.

I shot him an apologetic smile and pulled my phone out. Swiping my thumb across the screen I saw Greg's first text.

Greg: R U OK?

Then three more came through one after the other.

Greg: Where R U?

Greg: Is something wrong?

Greg: Text me

I quickly texted him back.

Me: Im fine. Luke needs me. Talk 2 U later

His response was almost immediate.

Greg: What!?

Then my phone began to ring.

I have to take this. Go ahead and get in the car. I'll be right there. I handed Luke the keys and turned to walk a few steps away. When I answered Greg didn't even give me a chance to say more than hello.

What the hell Em? We have a meet coming up. You can't skip practice. If he needs to talk he can talk to one of the counselors. It isn't your job to be his rock. Dammit Em you're doing it again. I waited for Greg's rant to finish before even trying to break in.

Are you done, I asked.

Em. His voice broke my already aching heart.

Greg don't do this. It's just one day. I'll call you later. I got to go. I hung up before he could respond.

Luke had settled in the driver's side and was fiddling with the radio when I slid in. You have a license?

Luke stared at me for a minute before his sly grin turned up one side of his mouth. Yes Emma I have a license.

I cleared my throat. Do you want to go back to the house?

He shook his head.

There's a park with some walking trails. We could go there, I suggested.

Tell me where to go. Luke backed my car out and headed to the exit.

It wasn't far and it only took a few minutes for us to work our way out of traffic and into the parking lot of the nearby park. The park toys where nestled in a lower grassy area surrounded by trees following the shoreline of the river.

Luke climbed out and made his way to my side of the car. He held out his hand to help me out. Wrapping his fingers snuggly around mine he led us through the trees and along the path, stopping every few steps to toss a rock into the flowing water.

It's nice here, huh. I said.

He looked up from where he was retrieving a rock and nodded. He nodded a lot.

So how do you like The Ridge so far? I asked.

Come here, his voice held a sense of danger I wasn't use to. It intrigued me. I let him pull me down onto a cluster of rocks near the water.

I like it here. Thank you Emma.

I didn't do anything. I picked up a stick and drew small circles in the mud.

You gave up something important to you to spend time with me, he said.

You look like you needed a friend. I kept my eyes on the images I was making in the mud.

A friend?

My insides went to Jell-O.

Luke reached out, lightly grabbing my chin between his thumb and forefinger and pulled my gaze to his. "I know you feel it, his words brushed over my cheeks. My hair fluttered around my face and I closed my eyes. His voice filled my head, surging through me. I opened my eyes, surprised, when he reached around to tug the band from my long blonde hair, letting it tumble around my shoulders. Wear your hair down."

I suppressed a moan itching to escape. Without thinking I reached up to touch his cheek. He turned his face into my hand and kissed my palm. His eyes closed and he wrapped his fingers around my wrist.

I feel like I know you, I whispered. Why do I feel like I know you?

Luke laughed and a far-away look filled his eyes.

I'd left my family, he began.

I didn't say anything. He needed me to listen.

I didn't like what they asked of me so I went out on my own.

I couldn't believe he was on his own.

How old are you? He surprised me with the question.

Seventeen. Eighteen in a few months, I answered.

He shot me his sly grin again. Me too.

Why are you are The Ridge? He changed his focus.

I shrugged. I've been in foster care since I was a baby.

Why are you at The Ridge? he asked again. I knew what he wanted to know but I didn't like talking about my unsuccessful attempts at getting adopted.

My families didn't really work out. I started digging a hole with my stick.

Why not? He continued to pry.

I thought you wanted to talk about you. I shot him a look.

I'm sorry. Luke loosened his grip on my wrist to rub his fingers in small circles on my palm.

I flicked at the mud with the stick again. No need to be sorry. It wasn't your fault.

I felt his body move against mine. I glanced up to see a strange smirk on his face. Almost like he thought the idea was funny. But it wasn't funny. My whole life I gave everything to other people, opened myself up to them and each time something horrible came of it. Family after family suffered some tragedy after I entered their lives. Some drastic event made them return me like a pair of shoes that didn't fit. I understood their feelings. When a family member suffers an accident or an illness it is hard on the loved ones left behind. It's just I thought I was one of those loved ones. But I never really was.

A large black crow landed on a rock beside us and let out a caw breaking the silence that had fallen between us. I jumped. Luke let out a loud laugh. I punched him in the arm, only making him laugh harder.

Stop it. I couldn't stifle my own laughter. It scared me.

Are you afraid of birds? Luke got serious.

No.

He dropped my hand and rubbed his face. The crow settled in on the rock.

My father did not like the way I chose to live my life. He sent my brothers to find me and bring me back. I didn't fight them. However you can see we continue to disagree about my life choices.

I reached up to touch his face again. He grabbed my wrist, stopping me. We should go.

Your brothers did that to you? My breath caught when his hand tightened around my wrist. Tears rimmed my eyes as the pain increased at his touch. You're hurting me, I whispered.

His tone was menacing. Under the direction of my father.

A tear escaped sliding down my cheek. I'm sorry.

Luke shook his head then opened his hand releasing his hold. I'm sorry Emma. My anger is misdirected.

I wiped my cheeks with my sleeve, then cradled my wrist in my other arm. I didn't want Luke to know how badly he'd hurt me. My wrist ached like it was crushed.

Luke trailed a finger down the tears on my cheek. His words came at me like a light breeze through my mind. I have waited so long for you.

Chapter Four

"I GOT THIS FOR you," Luke rolled onto his stomach and dangled a pendant from his finger.

We'd been sitting in the grass at the park, enjoying the crisp air of fall. Luke and I made our way to the park a few days a week. The days I could get out of practice with an excuse of illness or a fake counseling session.

You didn't have to get me anything.

Luke filled my locker with rose petals the day after I'd found out he'd fractured my wrist with his grip. Then again after he yelled at me for refusing to skip practice before last week's meet. Two days ago a small box of petals appeared on my pillow. Those followed an accidental shove into the side of my car when I forgot to pull the band from my hair after practice. This was the first time he'd given me a gift unattached to one of his outbursts. I reached out to touch the small charm hanging on thin silver chain.

It's a raven. Like the one that landed by us the first day we came here. To remember me when I leave. He brought my hand to his lips and kissed the soft brace wrapped around it then trailed kisses over my fingertips. And to thank you for covering for me with Mrs. Farrar.

I shrugged. If she knew Luke put his hands on me he would have been moved to another house. When are you leaving? It was happening again. I laid my heart out and he was leaving. Everyone left. I tried not to show my hurt.

Soon. The decision will need to be made soon. He rolled onto his back, resting his head on my lap. I will miss you Emma.

My pocket vibrated with an incoming text.

Luke stiffened.

I ignored it. I knew it was Greg and he could be persistent.

I shifted to the side and withdrew it from my pocket.

Give me the phone Emma. Luke's voice was frosty. His mood could change on a dime.

No worries I got it. I held the phone up so he couldn't see the screen and swiped my thumb over it. I didn't want to ruin the day.

Luke sat up on his knees to face me. I said give me the phone.

I froze at the coldness filling my heart.

The phone, he said again.

I held it tight in my hand, refusing to give it up when Luke reached out to grab it. I shifted keeping it just out of his reach then scrambled to my feet and moved away from him.

I'm not playing Emma. Luke got to his feet and advanced towards me.

I said I had it. I continued to move away from him.

I needed to erase the text before Luke took the phone. I wasn't one hundred percent sure what this one said. Greg's usual texts included the words asshat, douche, and shit head, amongst other terms of endearment for Luke.

Before I could turn and run Luke grabbed me around the waist and took me to the ground with a thud, knocking the wind out of me. Give me the God damn phone, he snarled into my face.

I struggled to catch my breath while he pried my fingers from the phone and pushed himself off of me. I remained sprawled on the grass trying to breath..

Are you with shithead? Luke read out loud. I am assuming he is referring to me.

I sat up but didn't attempt to stand. I wasn't sure what Luke was going to do for this act of defiance or if his emotions were appeased by throwing me to the ground.

Stay away from Greg. Luke threw my phone at me, hitting my cheek with a thud.

Luke leaned his head back stretching his arms out to the sides and drew in a deep breath. I watched another creepy crow flutter to a perch on the branch above Luke. Seemingly calmer now, he leaned over and ran his fingers through my hair, stopping to grab a handful. I swear if I see you with him again... his voice trailed off. Without another word he walked back to my car and leaned against it.

I picked up my phone and followed.

I'm going to see him again. We compete together. I walked past Luke and unlocked the door.

Luke turned around and rested his arms on the roof of my car. Emma I love you.

My eyes shot up to where his chin rested on his crossed arms. No one. Not a single soul ever said those words to me before.

Don't say it if you don't mean it. He wasn't playing fair using those words with me.

He pushed off the car and walked to where I stood then took the keys out of my hand and set them on the roof of the car. I can't help if I am possessive. Everything has been taken from me. You are my chance to get it back. I will not let anyone stand in my way. I'm sorry I hurt you. Please take the necklace.

My chest pulled