Seven Degrees Stronger (Book 2 in Cole's Series)

By Lori Meyer

While Cole wrestles with his control and temptations, Tenna’s fears and apprehensions about finding her sister mounts. But with new threats on the rise and a secret exposed, she may not have much choice in the matter. And as Cole grows dangerously linked in his tie to the immense power in the cave, there is only one solution. And he’s not exactly thrilled about it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lori Meyer
• Release date: May 24, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310305214

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.

Book preview

Seven Degrees Stronger

Seven Degrees Stronger

By

Lori Meyer

Seven Degrees Stronger

Lori Meyer

Copyright © 2014 Lori Meyer

Front Cover Design by KNM

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

For my family and friends who continue to believe in me

Preface

As I stared down at the beautiful girl – who had finally fallen sound asleep – lying across my chest, I still had a hard time convincing myself she was real. I had to be in the middle of the most wonderful dream. She couldn’t be here; it was completely enigmatic. Yet living proof was snuggled up on me on the couch in my living room.

I shuddered as the memory of the horrid events that led me to this precious moment tore through my mind. Almost three days earlier, I had accidentally killed her when I destroyed her father. Or so I had thought.

When her father had forced me to summon an immense power that my family had been trying to keep others away from for generations, things snowballed completely out of control. She and her father had vanished in a bright light which was the result of my absorbing too much of that power. Incidents like that were one of the main reasons it was so imperative I kept my distance from that power.

Those were the worst few days of my life. And considering I’ve been kidnapped, lost my mother for a time, and fight an ongoing battle with an intense craving to go seeking that immense power that really shouldn’t be messed with, that was saying a lot.

I possessed some rather unique abilities that allowed me to move and blow up things by merely manipulating the air around me. For as cool as that may sound, it definitely had its drawbacks. For instance, while fighting Tenna’s father, who was determined to get that power all for himself, I not only destroyed him but thought I had killed my girlfriend too. Too much of a good thing is never a good thing.

When she showed up on my doorstep almost three days later, disheveled, battered, and all alone, I couldn’t begin to grasp the workings that had brought her back to me. That remained a mystery. But it was okay because I got a second chance with someone who meant the world to me. And I wasn’t about to screw it up this time.

Chapter One

While Tenna took a shower and changed into clean clothes, I couldn’t help waiting for her right outside the bathroom door. It was silly to think she could disappear from the safety of my home, but in my life anything was possible and I wasn’t taking any chances.

So for now, I intended to keep her in my sights almost 24/7. My mom had allowed Tenna to stay with us for the time being. However, if I had my way – and I always did whatever it took to get my way – she wouldn’t be leaving me . . . ever. She had no remaining family, so when her father died she was left with no one else.

Well, no one who would be able to step in as a guardian. The day Tenna returned to us, my grandmother had called to tell us she discovered that Tenna had a twin sister somewhere. Her mother had kept that bit of information secret from Tenna’s father and hid the girl. She worried he would use the twins to his advantage. Tenna’s mom had wizard blood flowing in her veins and since Tenna took after her father and was a shape shifter, we suspected that Tenna’s twin received the wizard blood.

So as long as no family stepped forward to claim her, I reasoned she could stay in any home that would be happy to have her. And boy if that didn’t fit my family to a T.

My mom assured me that while there were no guarantees Tenna would be permitted to stay with us indefinitely, she would have my dad talk with some of his friends who had connections with foster care and such. That didn’t settle all that well with me and everyone knew what happened anytime I was unsettled.

But I decided to lay low for a little while and see how things would pan out. Maybe my dad would be able to convince them she would have a secure home with us. If we brought up all of the times I protected her in the not so distant past . . . well, that had to count for something.

And as if that wasn’t enough to worry about; Tenna was determined to search for and find her twin sister. She worried she was in danger and wouldn’t be content until she knew for sure that she was safe and sound. And I was just as determined to help her no matter what the cost.

About forty five minutes later, Tenna emerged from the bathroom fresh and clean – wearing one of Jade’s old black sweatshirts and a pair of black yoga paints – and looking a little less washed out.

Not being able to help myself, I wrapped my arms around her and tugged her to my chest. I haven’t told you I loved you . . . in almost an hour. I love you. I pressed a kiss to her forehead. It feels so good to have you back in my arms. I snuggled her even closer.

I missed you too, like crazy. She pointed her thumb over her shoulder and into the bathroom. Where should I put my dirty clothes and the washcloth and towel?

We’re throwing out those clothes, if you don’t mind. I don’t want reminded of losing you. Although, I’m sure I’ll still have nightmares even without the little reminders. The memory of the fight with her father – when I destroyed him and thought I had destroyed her too – had burned across the landscape of my mind leaving scorched earth in its wake. I never wanted to experience that again. I’ll hang up your wet stuff.

While Tenna stood in the doorway, I quickly gathered her old clothes – barely sparing them a glance – and tossed them into the wastebasket and then hung up her wet washcloth and towel.

When I finished, I rejoined Tenna, took her hand, and led her toward the living room. You can wear some of Jade’s stuff for now. She won’t mind. Then maybe Jade can take you shopping tomorrow after school. I stopped suddenly, pulling Tenna to a halt in the process. I turned to her. Holy shit! Are you ready to go back to school tomorrow?

Tenna laughed – but it was far from humorous – and ran her fingers through my slightly unkempt dark hair. I’ll be fine. I’ll just tell people what I told the police. Besides, I need to get back to normal, Cole. Or as normal as our lives will ever be. Her eyes held a distant longing in them.

Man, I hated to see her in so much pain.

The two of us continued into the living room and sat down on the couch. I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close. Well, at least tomorrow is Friday so you can start out easy and then have the weekend for a little bit of relaxing. I’ll help you catch up on any work too. Hey, just like when we first met.

Sighing, Tenna leaned her head back against my shoulder. I hope this isn’t the start of a pattern. I don’t want to have to play catch up all the time. I like to make good grades. I want to get into a good college someday and try to live as normal of a life as possible. Sadness dripped from her words.

I turned Tenna’s face so I could bring her beautiful turquoise eyes to meet my dark ones. We will. Look at my parents. Yeah, things are still freaky around them but they both hold down jobs, they have three kids, and they have friends they go out with sometimes. We’ll be okay.

She gave me a curious look. You still talk as if we’ll be together, forever.

We will. I’m not letting you go, Tenna. I hope you don’t want to let me go either.

A faraway look passed behind her eyes. No. I don’t want to let you go, ever.

Just then, my mom poked her head in the doorway. Tenna, can I get you something to eat?

Looking sheepish, I ducked my head down. I’m sorry. I should have asked you that as soon as you got out of the shower.

It’s okay. I’m not hungry right now. I can’t understand why not. But I’m sure when the hunger finally hits, I’m going to be starved. I could use something to drink though. Some of your awesome iced tea? Tenna gave my mom a small smile.

I will get you a tall glassful. Let Cole know when you get hungry. If we don’t have what you want here, we’ll go get it. My mom turned to head to the kitchen.

After switching on the television, I clicked to a channel that currently aired one of those cop shows. It was really just for background noise. When you are up for it, we should probably go see if we can figure out how you ended up at that peach orchard. But for right now, I just want to enjoy holding you close. I gave her a little squeeze to emphasize my point. Maybe in a few days or so we could go check things out. I’ll talk to Gram too. My immortal grandmother dabbled in what many would claim was witchcraft, but she sure had a knack for helping us out during our numerous times of crisis.

Just as Tenna settled back against my shoulder again, the front door closed. I’d almost forgotten that the rest of my family didn’t know the great news.

From the blend of several voices, it was easy to assume that my dad, Lily, Jade, and Rand had all arrived at the house at about the same time.

Swiping a strand of Tenna’s long black curls behind her ear, I whispered, Brace yourself.

When the four of them stopped in the hallway at the living room door, the chattering stopped. Jade and Rand were the first to notice Tenna sitting on the couch with me.

Jade blinked, her eyes grew wide, and then she burst into tears, burying her head into Rand’s chest.

He wrapped his arms around her and led her into the living room to sit on the recliner, pulling her onto his lap. Then he nodded his head at me and shot me a grin.

What’s wrong with Jade? So what if Cole has the television –. Lily poked her head into the room, eyes locking on Tenna like a heat seeking missile. Oh my God! Tenna! she screeched.

Lily shot off like a rocket, practically throwing herself into Tenna’s arms. She wrapped her little arms around Tenna’s neck and held on for dear life. There she sobbed into Tenna’s shoulder.

It’s okay, Lily. Tenna stroked her fingers through Lily’s dark brown waves and then kissed the top of her head.

Now that almost all of the girls were crying, Rand figured it was time to pop the question. Bro, what the hell?

A miracle, Rand. Nothing shy of a miracle. I pressed a kiss to Tenna’s cheek. I couldn’t get any closer considering Lily was still attached to her. So many bad things happen to us, I guess this was the one good thing to help balance it all out.

A moment later, my mom appeared in the doorway with a glass of iced tea for Tenna so she and my dad headed into the room. They crossed the space and took a seat on the opposite end of the couch from us. My dad gently pried Lily from Tenna’s neck and curled her up on his lap while my mom handed Tenna the glass.

After accepting the drink, Tenna took a huge swallow, almost downing three fourths of the contents in one gulp. Then she shrugged her shoulders. I’d apologize for the rudeness of that, but I’m dying a thirst.

Everyone chuckled.

With Tenna free from Lily’s iron grasp, I pulled her to my chest and wrapped my arms around her again. Tenna is going to stay with us since she has no more family. Well, other than a possible twin sister out there somewhere. I announced to my family.

When four pairs of baffled eyes shot to me, I could only shrug.

My mom then stepped in to fill everyone in on the details of her conversation with Gram. Gram said she’d be over later tonight or tomorrow. We need to discuss what we want to do next as far as finding out if this in fact is true and if so where do we even begin searching.

We are so lucky, Son. With his free arm, my dad reached over and put his hand on my shoulder and gave it a squeeze. Just like with your mom, deep down I had to believe she wasn’t gone from us. He gave me a warm smile and nodded his head. Where will Tenna be staying? In Jade’s room?

I thought that would be as good a place as any for right now. Of course, this is all contingent on what the courts have to say about where to place her. My mom looked at my dad for a minute. We were hoping maybe you could pull some strings and if it is true that there isn’t anyone else to claim her or previous arrangements made by her father, that we could become her guardians.

I’ll see what I can do. I believe we would have as good a chance as anyone else out there. Unfortunately, or fortunately for us, there isn’t a high demand for teenagers. Now with infants, that’s a completely different story. I’ll make some calls tomorrow. He looked over at Jade who had stopped crying but had remained silent. So what do you think about gaining a roommate?

She nodded her head, her voice shaky. I think we can rearrange some furniture and make it work. I’d love to have Tenna stay with me. Maybe we could replace the futon with an actual bed. Jade wiped some stray tears from her cheeks and gave a weak smile. And I won’t kick you out of the room for waking me up when you’re having a nightmare. That had happened once; Jade didn’t particularly enjoy being awoken from her sleep.

Well, then it’s settled. Other than a bed. My dad patted my mom’s leg. "I guess that’s up to the two of us. I’ll be in charge of purchasing a bed if you handle getting her the bedding. I have no idea what frilly stuff girls