Cover reveal is fast approaching, although maybe not fast enough for my excited impatience to share this story with the world. So I’ve decided to share another little glimpse of my upcoming novel release with you. I mentioned in my last post that of the twins, Chance often is the one who exudes big brother energy. I think that sentiment comes through in what I’m sharing here. I adore both boys as characters. Writing Chance was a different kind of challenge. He’s a thinker, methodical, and not afraid to take the lead. This selection is his POV. Enjoy!
Chance
My frustration comes out as a sigh. The temperature is still dropping outside. Night will fall soon. Even with the van running and the heat going, it won’t contend with freezing and we would run out of gas before dawn. I make another executive decision.
As I reach for the door handle, I feel Becka’s hand on my forearm. When I meet her eyes, she has that searching look. I think it’s sanity she wants, but I don’t know how much of that I can offer.
“Is this also fairy magic?” she asks quietly, gesturing vaguely out the window.
The question hits me in the chest like she punched me so that, for a moment, I just stare. I glance at the bundle that is my brother and say, “I hope not. I’m gonna get us a room.”
I hope not, but I think so.
I go through the motions in a daze. I pay the clerk in cash. One room, two beds, smoking. It’s on the ground floor, the woman informs me. She’s probably in her forties, overweight, bottle blonde. She isn’t very friendly about the whole thing. I get it. Eventually, she’ll have to try to go home in this impromptu blizzard or be stranded at work. I guess I’m not being friendly either. She passes me two key cards.
I slowly pull the van around the parking lot, squinting through the snow to see the numbers on the doors until I find our room. The tires slide a little when I hit the brakes, but I manage to get us parked. I hand one key to Johnny and pocket the other.
As Johnny and Becka start unloading some stuff, I climb into the back seat beside Lucky. When I say his name he doesn’t stir. I gently pull the blanket back some and press my fingers against his cheek. I bite down on the curse that tries to come out. Despite being snuggled inside his hoodie and a blanket for over an hour, his skin is cold to the touch.
“What have you done?” I mutter, shaking him by the shoulders.
The Nameless will be available August 1, 2023 in paperback and for Kindle.
Aj Elmore, Author 