Apocalipstick (Hell in a Handbag Book 1) by Lisa Acerbo (best motivational books for students .TXT) 📕

mountains, and crooked nose spoke to the possibility of a life of extreme sports. “You most definitely have better food than on the road. I hear you have a green thumb and have become a garden master. Must be a lot of hard work, but it’s so worth it. Dinner was amazing.”

She tried to look for marks on his neck, but if the bites existed, they stayed hidden. “Thanks. The group has really come together to make this place home,” Jenna said.

“Your group is lucky.” Jim sat stiff. His face was clean-shaven, and he’d buzzed his hair back to a crew cut. His intelligent eyes assessed Jenna when he spoke.

“We support each other, and I love the garden almost as much as the horses. I hope we’ll get a whole menagerie of farm animals soon.” Jenna smiled. “Lilly’s already pitched in. Anyone who wants to weed is more than welcome. Some mornings, I get outside and my work is done. Someone around here must have a secret green thumb. I wish they’d tell me, so I could thank them.”

“I loved the greenhouse too,” Lilly said. “It was great to see. and the plantings are going to be amazing when up and running.”

“I’m working on it. The windows are all fixed and the flats for the plants are up. If anyone wants to move plants with me in a couple of weeks, I’d love it.”

All three of her companions were eager to help with the greenhouse project, but when the conversation continued, Jenna’s gaze wandered. Scars dotting Lilly’s thin, pale neck and arms were the most obvious. When Jim’s long-sleeve shirt rode up, she could see scars running along his arm. If Mack also had marks, he hid them well.

The evidence against the new arrivals was weak. The scars appeared healed or healing. They could have easily been part of the rough time on the road. Everyone has scars these days, both internal and external.

Jenna chatted away with the group and was beginning to think maybe the situation had been blown out of proportion. Once relaxed, they all seemed happy and thankful for their new place to call home.

The hand squeezing her shoulder had Jenna pivoting. Aiko stood behind her.

“Sorry to interrupt your little pajama party Jenna, but a word please.”

“See you guys later,” Jenna said.

Aiko flicked her plaited hair behind her, one hand balanced on her sculpted, curvaceous hip. She puckered candy pink lips.

“I thought you were on watch with Caleb?” Jenna asked.

Aiko ignored her question. “You have no right to get involved in Quentin’s life, or ask him what he’s doing, and who he is doing it with. You made your choice, and Quentin made his. Believe me, Quentin made the best decision.”

“No offense to you, but he’s my friend. I didn’t try to upset him. I wanted to make sure he was doing the right thing for himself. Maybe the problem is a lack of communication between the two of you. He’s always welcome to come talk to me. He’s a big boy and can express his own opinion on the subject.”

Aiko chuffed. “I know all about you. You believe you’re tough, you’ll get any man you want, but face it, you are only human. You’re nothing when compared to us. Why would anyone want you when they could have someone better, someone from the New Race? Caleb is only with you for one reason. A food supply. Once he gets over the initial thrill, don’t doubt for a minute, he’ll return to one of us. Get ready for disappointment.”

“Caleb and I care about each other.” She spat the words through gritted teeth.

“Listen and listen well.” Her icy voice froze the words she spoke. “Tundra has a whole new philosophy, and I admire her for it. There is a new way of life coming, and humans are at the bottom of the food chain. Enjoy your time with Caleb now, because when he sees the light, he’ll recognize you for what you really are—a tasty treat.” Aiko cackled and tore from the room.

Jenna stood alone and confused. Tundra and her group were serious trouble, but she had no idea what to do about it.

As the days went by, trouble did not visit the inn. In fact, everything ran efficiently and without problem throughout the weeks following. Temperatures dropped, but the New Race could install solar panels and gather enough wood to last the winter. The greenhouse was up and running thanks to Lilly, Mack, and Jim. Emma, Jackie, and Jenna perfected their skills at canning foods and learned to make killer tasting preserves. Gus brought back chickens to add to the menagerie, and all the animals thrived. They’d be able to feed the animals over the winter with all the hay the group gathered, and corn grown. Even Streakers had turned rare, with only one far-away sighting when a scavenging party went out.

Mack, Jim, and Lilly didn’t complain, worked hard, and became more social. Yet, Jenna worried. One day when Mack took off his coat, his shirt rose high, and Jenna couldn’t help but notice bite marks. It incensed her no one else shared her concerns, but she felt like a hypocrite being involved with Caleb. Similar marks appeared on Quentin too. New Racers feeding on humans had become normalized. While Caleb had discussed the issue, it might not be voluntary with Peter, he hadn’t heard anything and was reluctant to go to Tundra. No one had a problem with the new arrivals, except for Jenna.

Jenna kept her angst about the new arrivals at bay but wanted to understand what was happening on a rational, scientific level. As her relationship with Caleb deepened, she decided to trust him. If he needed to share her blood to make him stronger and healthier, she’d let him.

Maybe there was something sensual to the experience, and that’s why the newbies let it continue.? She was curious, but curiosity kills the cat.

If she went through with it, she’d understand what Lilly had to