Hooked (Never After, #1)

by Emily McIntire

Maybe people never change, and it’s only our perceptions that alter the view.

I learned at a young age—six, to be exact—that people were more interested in how I could serve their well-being instead of them caring about mine.

“And if you’re a good girl, maybe I’ll show you the real reason why my mouth should be illegal.”

“Just remember that whenever things feel bleak, all situations are temporary. It’s not your circumstance that determines your worth, it’s how you rise from the ashes after everything burns.”

“Bad form, Peter,” James grits out. “Not quite a fair fight.” He looks past my father, locking his cloudy eyes on me. He licks his lips, blood dribbling from the corner of his mouth. “Don’t say it,” I hiss, my stomach twisting until it tears. “Don’t you dare say it.” He smiles, and I swear to God the sight makes me want to die. “The greatest thing I’ve ever done in my life was to love you, Wendy darling.”

James says that sometimes true love requires sacrifice. Well, I’ll sacrifice my soul a thousand times over in order to stay with his.

“That’s my girl,” he says. I grin against him, warmth spreading through my chest, my arms wrapping around his neck. “Only yours, James Barrie.” “And always yours, Wendy darling.” He kisses my jaw. “Every night.” “And straight on ’til morning.”

And to think, it all started with a little bit of faith. Misplaced trust. Missing pixie dust. And a villain who just needed to steal a little love.