Exclusive excerpt: 'All But Lost' by Jillian Neal

Today we're sharing an excerpt from Jillian Neal's paranormal New Adult romance All But Lost, book six in her Gifted Realm series. All But Lost comes out Tuesday (March 10).

About All But Lost (courtesy of Realm Press):

With the quick lock of their eyes on one another, the passion ignites. Their bodies speak volumes that can never be shared. As long as Dan Vindico keeps Fionna Styler between him and his bed sheets, she'll be safe. If anyone finds out about the two of them, she'll be at the very top of every Interfeci hit list. Keeping anyone from knowing that his world now rises and sets to the rhythms of her body is all that matters.

The Realm prepares for a long anticipated trial, the birth of the new Crown Governor's baby, and the wedding of the century. Everything is going according to plan until one night threatens to unravel every precaution and every safeguard Dan has set to keep Fionna safe. If he doesn't end the Interfeci soon, he's going to lose everything, including Fionna.

Dominic Wretchkinsides, head of the Interfeci criminal organization, goes several steps too far, and Dan declares war. They meet in a heated battle where the winner takes all and there are no holds barred. Could getting everything he's wanted for so long cost Dan Vindico everything he already has? Can he keep Fionna safe or will everything he's worked for be All but Lost?

EXCERPT

"This is Vindico," Dan demanded of the phone.

"Dan, it's Cahill," the Gifted police officer that was running the switchboards confirmed. "Wretchkinsides somehow managed to get several of his guys back in the country. Fitzroy just called. Nic just bought dozens of AK's and Mac 10's. They're headed to D.C. Pravus is with the dealer, and we got him on an interstate cam on 64. I can't think where he might be heading if it's not to the Haydenshire's, Dan. Everyone knows the big shindig is there today."

Feeling his heart seize and his blood run cold, Dan was momentarily unable to speak. This is quite an undertaking, dear. Wretchkinsides' malignant voice echoed in his memories. But realization finally jolted through his entire being. He was going to end them. This was his chance. No more lies. No more hiding. He'd tell the world tonight that Fionna was his.

"He's not coming here. He's not getting that far," Dan spat furiously when he regained the ability to speak.

Every Iodex officer that heard the conversation on their phones wore the same stunned, terror-filled expression. Governor Haydenshire had casted Logan's phone and pulled the signal into his own. He'd heard everything Cahill had to say.

"Let us know what you want us to do," Cahill urged.

"Will do." Dan hung up the phone. His heartbeat rang in his ears. With a deep breath, he set to work. "So sorry folks, but the party is unfortunately over. Please move quickly to your cars and head home."

Determination rose like bile in the pit of his throat. Today was the day. It was all going to end. He was going to end the hatred, end the violence, end the threats. He was going to have a life with Fionna, a real life. He wasn't walking away this time until Dominic Wretchkinsides was dead.

He pulled Fionna into him forcefully. "I love you so much, baby. And this is it. I'm done, Fi. I'm not playing his games anymore. By tonight, I'm going to tell the world that you're mine."

"Dan, stop, you're scaring me." Fionna trembled.

"It's okay, baby doll. I promise you. I will take care of everything." He kissed her passionately, no longer caring who saw him. "I'll come to Will's and get you when it's all over."

"Daniel, just what are you planning, son?" Governor Vindico demanded.

"This is my show, Dad. Just stay the hell out of my way."

"Okay, each partnered team should have a vehicle. Everyone meet me at the Senate building," he ordered the Elite teams. Gesturing to Rainer and Logan, he barked, "You two, come with me. We're making a quick stop first."

He'd come up with this plan as he'd paced the halls of his house the night before. This had to work. It was their only chance.

When they arrived at the Senate, Dan sprinted to his office. Dogged determination cast Garrett's face. "All right, listen up," he called to the teams. "Dan is not going to lure Wretchkinsides in and then get himself killed. We're going with him, right beside him, and we're ending this with him. This is it, gentlemen. This is what we've been working for all this time. So let's get this done for all the people that he's tortured and killed. Let's do this for my brother, for Amelia, for Samantha Peterson, for Governor Lawson, and please, let's do this for Dan. He deserves to be able to bury the dead and go on with his life."

His speech visibly moved the entire team. They stood ready to fight beside their leader, to fight for good, to end evil, and to take the opportunity to make their world a safer place.

Vindico returned to the waiting teams. "This is Pravus, for those of you who might not know." He held up a mugshot photograph of Pravus for everyone to see.

"As you heard, he is currently traveling with a great deal of weaponry. So keep your guard up constantly, gentlemen. Wherever this show goes down, we are shooting to kill until you get to Wretchkinsides. He's all mine," Vindico sneered hatefully.

Rainer's stomach knotted. He wasn't going to let Vindico end his own life just to be the one that took out Wretchkinsides.

Find out more about Jillian and her books at jillianneal.com.