MELISSA

Giving in to darkness-letting it numb my pain. It's the only thing I wanted. The only thing I needed. Until him.

He saved me that fateful morning, and had it not been for his strong arms wrapping around my fragile body, I wouldn't be here to tell this tale. One of unimaginable hurt and suffering-but so much love. A love that is blinding and all-consuming. Full of soul-searing passion leaving me starving for just one taste. One taste of the mountain man that's forever burned into my being.

But like the true b*tch life is, she's deprived me of even that. Maverick is my brother's best friend, and I'm not even on his radar. Too bad I'm not settling for scraps. No. I've been given a second chance at life, and there's no way in hell I'm wasting it.

Buckle up, sweetheart. This girl's on a mission-rules be damned.

HUNTER

I f*cked up. I f*cked up bad.

My mind, heart, and soul betrayed me. They've set their sight on the unattainable-a love that could never be mine.

She's too young, Ericson's little sister, and way too innocent.

Despite what the little spitfire throws at me, I have to stay strong, keeping her at arm's length.

But the jokes on me. I've pushed her too far.

And now that I've lost her for good, am I selfless enough to let her go, or will my body finally claim what's mine?