Tempest Unleashed (45 page)

Authors: Tracy Deebs

Tags: #Juvenile Fiction, #Love & Romance, #Fantasy & Magic, #Royalty, #www.superiorz.org

“Then that’s too damn bad.” Mark’s eyes were dark and brooding and more intense than I had ever seen them as he pulled me close. “You’re
my
girl, Tempest. And this time I’m not stepping aside. This time, I’m keeping you.”

And then he kissed me, really kissed me, and I forgot the long list of reasons we weren’t supposed to be together. Because Mark was mine too.

And
I
was keeping
him
.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Usually, when I write my acknowledgments, I save my editor and publishing house for last, but this time I really have to thank them first. Especially my incredible, amazing, wonderful, and patient editor, Stacy Cantor Abrams, who put up with more from me on this book than any editor should ever have to. Thank you, Stacy, for everything you’ve done for Tempest and me. I appreciate it more than I can say. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

For everyone at Walker Books, who took my dream for Tempest and turned it into not one but two beautiful books that awe me every time I look at them. Thank you so much for all the hard work you put into my books. I love everything about them.

For my fantastic agent and very dear friend, Emily Sylvan Kim, who started me on this journey nearly three years ago now. Thank you for always listening, no matter how outlandish the idea. I can’t imagine trying to do this without you.

For my mother, who is always there when I need her, and who kept my house running and my children fed while I wrote like a madwoman.

For my boys, who put up with the most miserable summer on record so I could finish this book. Next summer, Disneyland. I promise.

And for the three most amazing writers and friends I have ever had the privilege of knowing: Shellee Roberts, Emily McKay, and Sherry Thomas, who make this writing gig so very much fun. Thanks for always being there.

Also by Tracy Deebs

Tempest Rising

Writing as Ivy Adams
The International Kissing Club

Copyright © 2012 by Tracy Deebs
All rights reserved. You may not copy, distribute, transmit, reproduce, or otherwise make available this publication (or any part of it) in any form, or by any means (including without limitation electronic, digital, optical, mechanical, photocopying, printing, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the publisher. Any person who does any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

First published in the United States of America in June 2012
by Walker Publishing Company, Inc., a division of Bloomsbury Publishing, Inc.
Electronic edition published in June 2012
www.bloomsburyteens.com

For information about permission to reproduce selections from this book, write to
Permissions, Walker BFYR, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10010

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Deebs, Tracy.
Tempest unleashed / Tracy Deebs.
p. cm.
Sequel to: Tempest rising.
Summary: Half-human, half-mermaid Tempest must again choose between
land and sea as two boys vie for her affection and the evil sea witch returns.
[1. Mermaids—Fiction. 2. War—Fiction. 3. Identity—Fiction.] I. Title.
PZ7.D358695Tg 2012 [Fic]—dc23 2011037220