Authors: J. A. Souders
Rebellion (34 page)
I just want to weep in relief. Deep down I knew he was fine, but hearing it lifts a huge weight from my shoulders. I sniff, as more tears leak out from my eyes and I jerk my arm, ripping the electrode from my skin, in my haste to wipe the tears away.
“Sorry!” She steps back a little, speaking a lot louder than I expected, but I don't care. She just said the only words that matter to me right now. “I should have warned you it pinches a little.” She leans back down and the stinging sensation comes back. “Don't move,” she whispers. When I don't, she continues, “Gavin's fine. He's worried about you, but he's still with the Underground. He says, âWe're in this together. Remember?'” She pauses and makes a few more adjustments to the wires on my head, before she goes on. “The Underground already has the results of the last sim. They know the key is the Enforcers. Just one more time. You can do it.”
I shake my head, not really sure I can. What if Dr. Friar is right? What if I've done this too many times already and my brain can't do it this time?
“Yes you can. Do it for Gavin.” She squeezes my arm.
She moves away before I can do anything else and adjusts a few more things around my body while my mind races.
I can do it. I
have
to do it.
Finally, she returns to my head and peers down at the leads there. In a normal voice she says, “We're going to begin the infusion. This may sting a little.” Then, speaking in a voice just above a whisper, she adds, “We have everything we need this time. And so do you. I'm going to restart the program. You know what to do.” She presses the button on the silver remote.
My whole body heats as the infusion fills my veins. The same warm cloudy mist fills my head as it's done more times than I can remember, but this time I don't fight it. I only smile.
This time I won't fail.
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Once again, I have a never-ending list of people to thank for turning my mess of words into a readable book, but since this book is already too long, I'll make it short. *smiles*
A huge thanks to my wonderful agent, Natalie Lakosil, for being in my corner when I needed her the most. And to my editor, Mel, for her awesome insight and patience. And as always, a huge thanks to the cover artist, Eithne, for yet another beautiful cover.
I definitely couldn't have done this without the support of my family, specifically my husband for all the times he saw the simple in the complicated, brought me coffee at three
A.M
. and ice cream for breakfast. And, of course, there's no way I could have done this without my awesome kids for putting up with all the time my imaginary friends took all my attention.
And to my crit partner Liz Czukas for all the last-minute brainstorming, freak-outs, and encouragement. Thank you so, so much. You have no idea how much that means to me.
And to my other crit partner, Larissa Hardesty, thank you for being my friend and confidant.
A special shout-out and thank-you to Laura Helseth (Little Read Riding Hood). Your insight was absolutely invaluable. Gavin and Evie's story wouldn't have been complete without you. Thanks for everything.
And, of course, thank you to God for giving me the talent and perseverance to make my dream a career.
And last but not least, a huge thank-you to all my fabulous readers who loved
Renegade
and
Revelations
and loved and rooted for Evie, Gavin, and Asher. I hope you enjoy the last chapter of their story. I couldn't do this without you. XOXO
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B
OOKS BY
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OUDERS
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J. A. Souders
lives in Florida with her husband and their two children and is an active member of the Romance Writers of America, Central Florida Romance Writers, Young Adult Romance Writers of America, and Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. You can sign up for email updates
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Contents
Tor Teen Books by J. A. Souders
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This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.
REBELLION
Copyright © 2016 by Jessica Souders
All rights reserved.
Cover art by Eithne O'Halon
A Tor Teen Book
Published by Tom Doherty Associates, LLC
175 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10010
Tor
®
is a registered trademark of Tom Doherty Associates, LLC.
The Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available upon request.
ISBN 978-0-7653-3247-9 (hardcover)
ISBN 978-1-4668-0097-7 (e-book)
e-ISBN 9781466800977
Our e-books may be purchased in bulk for promotional, educational, or business use. Please contact the Macmillan Corporate and Premium Sales Department at 1-800-221-7945, extension 5442, or by e-mail at
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First Edition: July 2016