Tangled (A BirthRight Novel #3)

By Brandi Leigh Hall

A Sweet Upper YA / NA Urban Fantasy

If you were forced to choose between trading your life to save a loved one—or staying alive to save the world—which would you choose?

With the impending battle closing in, Chloe and her magical family must work with a former rival to fulfill the Prophecy. Yet neither side knows the true Evil their up against, or who might be taken out in the process. But in the moment of truth, Chloe’s compelled to make the most unimaginable decision of her life. Will love of family—or the fate of the world—dictate her defining moment? And more importantly, will she be strong enough to accept the ripple effect caused by her choice?

The Epic conclusion of The BirthRight Series.

CONTENT RATING: PG-13
No sex, passionate kissing, moderate swearing, moderate violence

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brandi Leigh Hall
• Release date: Oct 31, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311957771

Brandi Leigh Hall

Brandi Leigh Hall lives in central Pennsylvania with her fur-ball cats (Onyx and Klepto), where she spends most of her time attached to her laptops, reading books, appeasing her sweet tooth, and watching TV for motivation.Growing up in a haunted house inspired Brandi’s fascination with the paranormal, so it only made sense that she’d write Urban Fantasy books for both teens and adults.Brandi hasn’t been lucky enough to meet her soul mate (yet), so she writes paranormal tales of those who have. Her stories combine magical elements with real-life issues, strong female characters, semi-old fashioned men and family values, woven together and told from an emotional, first-person perspective. She enjoys writing sweet stories that teach girls it’s okay to speak your mind and be independent, career-driven, and not worry about fitting in to society’s mold.In addition to the BirthRight Novels, she also has four additional adventures she’ll be writing over the next few years, so stay-tuned.

Book preview

A woman's wedding day is supposed to be the happiest of her life. Full of hope—and wonder—and the dreams of what may come.

But what if that's not the case?

What if you already know what the future holds for your life together?

And if your future holds no surprise, or the hope of raising children, would you do it anyway?

A year ago, if someone had asked me that very question, I’m almost positive I would have said, No friggin’ way!

But today, as I stand here looking at the smiling guests, the handsome groom, and my delighted family, it’s never been clearer how much I’ve changed.

At the end of the day, being happy is what matters most. So to hell with the rest.

Okay, ladies. Anthony, the wedding planner, squeezes in between us. It’s show time! Chop-chop!

Gram hugs Dhelia before turning towards Aunt Morgan and me, a tear cascading onto her cheek. You look so beautiful. My old heart’s ready to burst.

Don’t cry, Gram. I dab her face with the back of my hand.

It’s tears of joy, dear. . . I promise.

Places people! Anthony wails.

The procession obeys, moving towards the open doors of the ship-deck without argument.

My stomach spasms as I glare down the aisle, imagining falling on my face from these wretched four-inch heels Dhelia forced me to wear. I seriously don’t know what she was thinking.

When my turn finally arrives, I put one foot forward and hope for the best.

The violin music swelling around me, I release a tiny exhale.

This will all be over soon, Chloe. There’s no need to be so jittery.

The curious eyes from the crowd land on me, their smiles adding to my nervousness. And way too many of them are strangers.

Who are these people?

I’m not sure whose brilliant idea it was to have a spur-of-the-moment wedding on our family’s Caribbean Cruise. Remind me to mix up a special sleeping potion for them later.

I clutch the flowers in my hand with so much force I wince, moisture seeping across my palm from their broken stems.

But I ignore it.

I look up to find Hunter, but his attention is on the A.D.H.D. ring-bearer refusing to stand still. A smirk lifts the corners of his perfect mouth as he reaches down to squeeze the shoulder of a passenger’s adorable four-year-old son.

Hunter whispers something that makes the little boy giggle.

And he stops.

Just like that, the ball-of-energy calms.

Wait a minute. Dru? I look to my Empathic brother who’s sharing a knowing glance with the man I love.

Uh huh. Just what I thought.

Ok. Well done, boys. Well done.

Hunter lifts his head in my direction.

He smiles, his dark eyes sparkling under the string of lights competing with the stars.

The anxious pang bouncing through my insides ebbs to a faint twinge.

I exhale, soothed by the unconditional love I see before me.

The man I nearly lost.

The man who put his life on the line to save me.

The man I plan to spend the rest of my life thanking.

Sudden pressure behind my eyes warns me to shift my thoughts before I turn into a weeping-ball-of-goo in front of the guests here to see my family’s happy occasion.

Only ten feet to go.

I inhale and hold my breath, willing my feet to cooperate as I make my way up the three steps of the platform.

I climb to the top and take my place next to Dhelia, and of course she snickers when she notices the nervous beads of sweat on my nose.

She’s such a bitch. I’ll get her back for these damn shoes!

I blow out a heavy breath, never so thankful to stop walking in all my life.

I turn towards the men, desperate to find my calm center in Hunter’s eyes.

He winks.

I avert my gaze as a tingling blush spreads across my cheeks.

It’s been nine months, and still, he has the same effect on me.

I shake my head.

Oohs and awes drag the bridal party’s attention towards the aisle.

And like an Irish princess on display, Aunt Morgan makes her way up the pink, rose-pedaled aisle, her adoring father linked with her arm as he beams.

I turn to take in Michael’s expression.

So handsome with a dark tan, his mouth hangs open as he watches the woman he’s spent a lifetime loving, finally moving toward him to become his wife.

A day he never thought would come.

A day Morgan had given up hope for.

But fate made other plans for these childhood sweethearts.

Michael turns to his two best men, his long-lost twin boys, Ash and Aidan, and embraces them.

Finally, this family who spent twenty-one years separated, are about to become one. A happier day has never existed for these two people, painfully torn apart by the ignorance and deception of Michael’s father.

They might not get to experience childbirth, first words, first steps, birthday parties, puberty, or first crushes, together. But there will still be many firsts to look forward to with their sons.

The future might not hold surprise and wonder of what may come. But they have the rest of their lives to make up for everything they’ve lost.

I guess you could say their relationship is happening in reverse. But the most important fact is, it is happening.

They are finally together.

And I don’t think anyone—or anything—could ever come between them again.

Not Mr. Russo.

Not a Prophecy.

And certainly not magic.

Morgan and Pap make their way up the steps, and Michael reaches out to hug his soon-to-be father-in-law.

A choked up Pap smacks Michael on the back a few times then places Morgan and Michael’s hands together.

Pap turns to walk away, lifting a hanky to wipe the glistening tear descending his cheek.

Awe, I just love that man. The snarky, tough guy, is nothing but a big softy.

Everyone turns back to the front of the deck as the ship’s Captain raises his hand to begin the ceremony.

My aunt and the love of her life, face each other. Morgan, in the pale yellow sundress she planned to wear for a family dinner, and Michael, in his white linen pants and shirt.

No floor-length, lacey gown, or tuxedo. Just Michael Russo and Morgan Crawford, eager to solidify their commitment to one another, once and for all.

Captain O’Leary goes through the motions of performing an abbreviated ceremony, and looks up from his book to say, The couple would like to share personal vows they’ve each prepared. He lifts his hand. Michael . . . .

He smiles at Morgan. Most of us look back on our childhood and try to pick out the earliest memory we have. For many, it’s a traumatic experience, or a major life event. But for me, it was the very first time I met this beautiful creature on the sidewalk in front of my house, on a hot summer’s day. Morgan had me at, ‘Get off my tricycle, jerk-face!’

The crowd laughs, especially my aunt.

"I remember nothing before that day. And it didn’t take long for me to realize who’d be wearing the pants in our relationship. But I didn’t care, as long as this raven-haired-beauty was mine. Granted, it took a few years for me to wear her down. And once I did, I never looked back. She was the girl of my dreams.

"And although we’ve spent more than twenty years apart, there has never been another woman to capture my heart the way Morgan did. Sometimes, I think I always knew we’d find our way back to one another. God knows I prayed for it enough. So I can’t tell you how blessed I feel to have this woman back in my life. No man could ever be more humbled, than to be given a second chance, with the only person he’s ever truly given a damn about."

Tears stream down his chiseled face, but he ignores it. Instead, he reaches out and cups Morgan’s face in his palm.

"Morgan, if you’ll let me, I would love to spend the next sixty years making up for all the time we’ve lost. And I promise, no matter what’s thrown our way, I will never leave your side, again. No matter what! I promise to always be there for you and our boys. You will always have my unconditional love and support, and there is nothing in this world or beyond, that could ever make me doubt what we have. I will never waver. Or stray. You have all of me in this life—and the next. From this moment on, I will go through the rest of my days a complete man. I am no longer broken. You have given me my life back. I love you, Morgan Crawford." Michael reaches out, wiping the tears that must be messing up her make-up.

Morgan, what would you like to say to Michael? asks Captain O’Leary.

Where do I begin? She exhales, shaking her head. "I was broken as well. More than broken. I was devastated. The day you walked out of my life, an enormous wall took your place, and no man ever had the courage to climb it. I had given up on ever finding happiness again. And I was okay with that. It kept me safe. It kept me from ever feeling pain again. I guess you could say I went through the last two decades completely numb. Sometimes I wondered if there was even any love left inside of me to give.

"But when fate brought you back into my life, it was as though all the pain and anger had been wiped away. Like it never existed. And suddenly, my heart was full of love again. I suppose it had truly never gone away, I simply buried it under all the pain. But what I feel for you now is a million times stronger than it ever was back then. It’s as though it continued growing, all those years I thought it had withered away.

"I’ve heard of people being given a second chance at love . . . but I never believed it could happen to me. So I consider myself the luckiest woman alive, to have the love of someone as honorable, and kind, as you. I don’t know how I existed without you in my life, Michael. And I promise you, we will never be apart, again. If you let me, I will spend the rest of eternity proving just how much I love you. And I promise, with our new child, we’ll share everything together we missed the first time around."

What? No way! So that explains why she hasn’t been drinking on the cruise.

What did you say? Michael asks, the surprise fixed on his face makes my heart swell.

"It looks like we’ve been given a second chance with everything, my love." Morgan reaches up to wipe his tear-stained face.

Oh my god, I didn’t think it was possible to be happier than I was a minute ago. Michael tugs her into his arms and kisses her.

Not yet, not yet! the Captain shouts. We’re almost there. Rings please?

Hunter snatches the pillow from the ring bearer, unties the bows, and quickly hands the rings to the Captain.

May these rings be blessed as the symbol of this affectionate union. These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go, may they always return to one another. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home they build together be such a place that many will find there a friend. May these rings on their fingers symbolize the spirit of love in their hearts.

The captain hands the first ring to Michael. Michael, in placing this ring on Morgan’s finger, repeat after me: Morgan, I give you this ring as a symbol of our everlasting love and unity, and with this ring, I thee wed.

Morgan, I give you this ring as a symbol of our everlasting love and unity, and with this ring, I thee wed. Michael smiles as he slides the ring on Morgan’s finger, and presses a kiss against the top of her hand.

The captain hands the second ring to Morgan. Morgan, in placing this ring on Michael’s finger, repeat after me: Michael, I give you this ring as a symbol of our everlasting love and unity, and with this ring, I thee wed.

Michael, I give you this ring as a symbol of our everlasting love and unity, and with this ring, I thee wed. Morgan’s hands shake as she slides the ring on Michael’s finger.

"May you always share with each other the gifts of love, be one in heart and in mind, and may you always create a home together that puts in your hearts, love, generosity, and kindness.

"In as much as Michael and Morgan have consented together in marriage before this company of family and new friends, have declared their unity by giving and receiving a ring, are now joined.

"You have pronounced yourselves husband and wife, but remember to always be each other’s best friend.

And so, by the power vested in me by Maritime Law and by the state of Florida, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride. Again. Captain O’Leary closes his book with a grin.

Michael pulls her into his arms and kisses her as though his life depends on it. When they finally come back up for air, the happy couple turns to face the family, cheeks only a tad flushed.

The groom raises their clasped hands in the air. My beautiful bride and I are having a baby!

Joyous cheers fill the deck.

A more blissful couple has never been seen.

My amazing aunt—and the love of her life—have truly been given a second chance. At everything.

It’s impossible to express just how happy I am for her. After everything she’s been through. After seeing first-hand the years of grief she felt. No one has ever been more deserving of a happy ending.

Tears fill my eyes as I watch them walk down the aisle through the crowd of well-wishers.

And what are you daydreaming about, Miss Chloe? Hunter moves in beside me, nestling me into the crook of his arm.

Happily ever after, I suppose. I look up into his chocolate eyes.

Well don’t be gettin’ any ideas in that pretty little head of yours. You’re gonna have to wait a little longer now.

I scrunch my face. "I still say it’s not fair. It’s hardly my fault that vision showed me the engagement ring I’d be wearing."

True. But you need to be surprised when it happens. So if I don’t make a plan, hopefully that means you won’t be shown the ring again.

Ya big goon, I wasn’t shown the vision so I could see the ring. I was shown the vision so I would know Xander’s not dead, so I could stop beating myself up.

Yes, I realize that. But you’ll just have to humor me. And I promise . . . when the moment is right . . . I’ll pop the question. I think it would be best to wait, though, until everything with the Prophecy is behind us. Once we save the world, we can plan our future together. I swear!

I pretend to give it serious thought, hoping he twitches a little.

Pinky-swear? I lift my pinky in the air.

Hunter wraps his long pinky around mine. Pinky-swear.

Okay, fine. But I still say it’s cruel and unusual punishment to make me wait so long, when I already know it’s coming.

"My darling, Chloe. Isn’t knowing I plan to make you mine, enough? Can’t you be satisfied knowing how much I want to be your husband . . . and the father to our beautiful children? He exhales a heavy sigh. We’ll only have one proposal together. And I want it to be the kind we’ll tell our grandchildren about, because it was such a storybook day in our lives. Do you really want to deny a man such a perfect moment?"

Oh geez. He had to go-for-the-guilt, didn’t he? Damn it.

With my soft underbelly exposed, I get up on my tippy toes and hold his chiseled, sun-kissed face in my hands. "Okay. You win, Mr. Payne. How can I possibly deny you anything when you put it so eloquently?"

Thank you. That’s just one of the many reasons I love you so much. You’re so damn sensible. Hunter places a tender kiss upon my lips.

You know, if you ever want to leave the FBI, you could have a great career in sales.

He grins. I’ll keep that in mind.

Shall we join the others?

That’s probably a good idea. I need to make sure Dru isn’t breaking my little sister’s heart.

You’re kidding, right? Haven’t you noticed the way he follows her around like a lost puppy? I’d say if anyone’s heart is at risk, it’s my darling brother, the Empath. Sierra doesn’t seem all that interested.

Hunter turns to find the two in question, smiling when he spots his sister with his back to Dru. I suppose you might be right. I was really beginning to regret inviting my parents and Sierra on vacation with us, but maybe I shouldn’t worry so much about it.

Of course you shouldn’t. Dru would never hurt her anyway, are you kidding? He’d never want to piss off his hero.

His hero?

"Oh come on, don’t pretend you’re oblivious to the way he looks up to you. It still amazes me how quickly he went from not trusting you, to worshiping you. It’s kind of adorable."

Hunter smiles as he watches Dru trying desperately to get Sierra’s attention. I suppose you’re right.

Of course I’m right. I’m wise beyond my years, remember?

Who on earth ever said that?

Hey, don’t make me throw you a beatin’!

Stop teasing me.

Watch it, Mister. You might be double my size, but I’m not afraid of you. I can pull some magical-mojo outta my bag and kick yer ass good-n-proper.

Wait a minute. I thought you were a Healer, not a punisher?

Well I’m on vacation, so I can be whatever I wanna be. So don’t mess with me.

Hunter’s head falls back and he laughs as though he’s heard the funniest joke, ever.

"It wasn’t that funny."

Come on, Miss Chloe. We’d better join the party before you turn me into a toad or something.

Well it’s better than a puppy! I quip.

Ouch! He shakes his head, remembering the animal he shape-shifted into, to save me. But if memory serves, you were the one insistent on keeping the puppy around, were you not?

Oh, whatever. Let’s go. I’m suddenly famished.

Come on now. He grabs my arm as I attempt to flee. "Don’t pout like that. The only time your lips should ever be pursed, is when you’re puckering-up to kiss me."

"At the rate you’re going, you won’t be getting that anytime soon."

He squeezes me up against his chest. Not even if I do this? He grazes the side of my neck with his fingertips, goose bumps dancing across my skin in response.

Not even then! I try to sound firm, but fail. Miserably.

"Well what about if I do this?" He kisses my neck, the tip of his moist tongue tracing a line down to my shoulder.

Nope.