Embraced Aligned Hearts Book 1 E.C. Land Contents Acknowledgments Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Epilogue Embraced This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are all products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblances to persons, organizations, events, or locales are entirely coincidental. Embraced. Copyright © 2021 by E.C. Land. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations used in articles or reviews. For information, contact E.C. Land. Publisher: Knox Publishing Cover Design by Charli Childs, Cosmic Letterz Cover Design Editing by Jackie Ziegler, Knox Publishing Formatting by E.C. Land, Knox Publishing Proofreading by Kim Lubbers, Knox Publishing Created with Vellum For those who believe in me and keep pushing me to be the person I am today. Acknowledgments My Husband and Kiddos – To my husband who has always been the one to support our family. If he didn’t encourage me to follow my dreams and give them a chance, I wouldn’t be where I am now. He’s put up with my ramblings and throwing ideas around no matter how annoying I can be about it. Also have to be thankful for him being there to send me inspirational music when I need it most. My kiddos, who find what I do, as they put it, cool and want to know how many words I was able to get in each day. They also like to try and help me come up with plot ideas. Some are just as wicked as my own. I also enjoy the fact they come to me when they need help with finding things wrong in their own work wanting to understand better in how things are supposed to be done. My Brothers – No matter how much we go through, they’re always there for me. One may not be here in body but is always around in spirit. My oldest brother for being proud of me and not having a problem saying it. My Betas – You guys rock! Thank you all for being the first to read the stories as they come alive. It means the world to me. Especially when you all start to get mad. That’s when I know I’m doing something right. And in doing so pushing me to keep going with all the different plots that form in my head. I’m thankful to you all for being ready and willing to read and give your input. My Knox Publishing People – If it wasn’t for you all being helpful and encouraging when I need it, I don’t know what I’d do without you all. You’re all wonderful in your own right and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The biggest thing I’ve got to say I’m thankful for most, is the fact I’m able to be around those who understand the way my mind works. Each and every one of you have earned a special place in my life, one way or another. Liz – My sister from another mister, my best friend and Publisher/Boss. You’re my go to when I need it. If not for you, I don’t know if I’d ever be where I am today with my writing. Thank you for always pushing me and encouraging me. Diane – Without you taking everything on for me, I wouldn’t be able to focus the way I do on my writing. Thank you for everything you do. You’re not just my PA, you’re my friend and I couldn’t ask for a better friend than you. Kim and Jackie – I know I’m a pain in the rear; however, you both put up with me. Thank you both for taking on all of my work. I love the fact I work with you both on each of them. Also, the fact when it comes to something I miss, you help me understand how to correct it, so it doesn’t happen again. Trigger Warning This content is intended for mature audiences only. It contains material that may be viewed as offensive to some readers, including graphic language, dangerous and sexual situations, murder, rape, and extreme violence. Proceed with caution. This book does entail several scenes that may very well be a trigger to some. Also, tissues are a must with other scenes. Not for the faint at heart. If you don’t like violence and cannot handle certain subjects, then this is not a book you’ll want to read. Playlist Dead Man Walking – Crucifix My Way – Crucifix The Dreamer – Crucifix Desperado – Crucifix Traveler – Upchurch Dreams of Mine – Demun Jones Lions Den – OverTime Kill for Mine – OverTime In the Shadows – Jelly Roll Just Hold On – Savannah Dexter ft. Adam Calhoun Chernobyl – Crucifix Miss Me – Hard Target Irish Translations A chonách san ort – it serves you right go dtachtar le d’anáil thú – that you may choke on your breath mo chuisle – my pulse fuck mo shaol – fuck my life Da – Father/dad iníon/iníonacha beloved – beloved daughter/daughters deirfiúr beag – little sister soith – bitch bréagán – whore Embraced Hearts The beating of my heartbeats Thumping for the one It carries me forward My heart can break As easily as it can heal If it breaks the pain will hurt Yet it will heal at the one who embraces No matter who it were to be The one who holds my heart Will forever hold the key The key that heals the pain Along with hold it close Embraced hearts are one One and the same Connection between two souls That will love and embrace ~E.C. Land Prologue Bridget “Where are you going, Bridget?”
