Excerpt: 'In Plain Sight' by Senayda Pierre
Senayda Pierre shares a peek at her new paranormal romance, In Plain Sight.
About the book:
"Hide in plain sight. Grandfather's mantra is forever ingrained in me."
Sahalie is the last of her lineage, bearing supernatural abilities gifted by the Spirits. She knows that in order to unlock her full potential she needs to find her mate. Yet in order to protect herself Sahalie knows she cannot reveal her secret abilities nor share her lineage with anyone but her true mate. She feels an instant and an undeniable connection with Yuma. Her Spirit Animal, a sassy little red fox is also drawn to the man's Spirit Animal, a powerful tiger.
The problem?
Yuma is the son of an Elder. An Elder's son means Yuma is neck-deep in community politics and drama. And she wants none of that. While Sahalie tries to deny their connection, the pull of true mates is evident and soon they find themselves unable to stay apart.
"What is it about you Sahalie?" I voice the question that's haunted me since I first locked gazes with her.
Yuma has a very difficult decision to make… Will he follow his heart and Spirit Animal's wishes and claim Sahalie as his true mate or will he uphold his duty to the communities and follow through with an arranged mating?
Yuma's life-altering decision will affect everyone… not just him and Sahalie but the future of all their communities.
Senayda sets the scene for us …
Senayda: Sahalie has just prematurely returned from college after her grandfather passed away. She is part of a community that bears supernatural abilities gifted by the Spirits. She's in mourning and has debated missing another bonfire, but her Grandfather's Spirit Animal, a black fox, comes to persuade her otherwise. Sahalie is the last of her lineage and cannot reveal her secret abilities nor share her lineage with anyone but her true mate, who just so happens to be at this bonfire.
I've chosen this scene because it shows her interaction with not only her Grandfather's Spirit Animal but also with the Element Wind. I wanted to give readers a glimpse of this paranormal love story that features a sassy fox, lovable tiger and a couple that's destiny impacts everyone in their communities.
EXCERPT
Sahalie
"You're here to tell me I have to go tonight." I stare at the black fox sitting outside my window staring expectantly back at me. I'd often dreamt of Grandfather since his passing but this is the first time his Spirit Animal has made his presence known. I'm relieved yet wary to see the furry troublemaker again knowing that Grandfather still isn't reunited with his Spirit Animal.
My hands itch to scoop him up and hold him close. As a child, Grandfather's fox would spend countless hours with me. I envisioned something different for our reunion. The fox huffs before turning around and trotting away. Apparently that's all that needed to be said.
My body slumps in defeat. My internal debate got the Spirits attentions. The bonfire is a nonnegotiable for all unmated members of the community and those who haven't formalized their pairings. The Elders haven't spoken to me since Grandfather's funeral. I figured they wouldn't even miss my presence tonight. Guess not; time to suck it up and make an appearance.
It had been so easy to forget about the community's expectations while being away at college. Maybe I can sneak away early… The low growl beneath the window advises otherwise.
Stepping out into the fresh crisp air helps ease my uncertainty. My little red fox yips with excitement as she bounds out the front door colliding into Grandfather's fox. They roll around on the ground for a few minutes playfully wrestling with each other. She's just as elated to see him as I am.
I wrap the leather jacket around my body welcoming its warmth. The smells of the forest are a welcome change. Although Ojai offered to pick me up I prefer having the flexibility to sneak away at any time. It's an easy thing to do with the Ducati. The sleek black speed bike always draws eyes but it offers me the tranquility and privacy I often require. Grandfather had given his blessing and gifted me with this beauty on my 21st birthday. It's the kind of gift that keeps on giving. Seriously! It's like a new wave of life breathes into me whenever I'm on that bike.
The foxes jump on ready to go. It takes a minute to adjust to having two Spirit Animals on the speed bike as compared to one but it's well worth it. While I long for Grandfather to be reunited with his Spirit Animal, I selfishly welcome his fox for as long as he wants to stay.
The Ducati vibrates beneath me as I take off. My little red fox tilts her face up enjoying the ride. She's completely fearless while on the bike, much like me. The sun slowly descends, changing from bright yellow hues to a warm orange color. The fresh mountain air invigorates my senses as the bike speeds down the winding highway. My eyes focus on the passing scenery. Trees blur past at blinding speed. The bike is an extension of me. On the road I forget all my troubles. It's the closest I'll ever get to flying before my other Spirit Animal, the bee, claims me. Grandfather always claimed that when that day comes, after I am mated, I'll be able to accomplish the impossible with the two Spirit Animals. I'm guessing his fox doesn't count. Only time will tell.
After I hit puberty I'd been visited by a beautiful red fox with amber-colored eyes. Instantly I knew she was my Spirit Animal. She's always been by my side, even through college. It's amazing how many people on campus were nonplussed with seeing a fox trotting alongside me. I never corrected someone when they assumed she was a domesticated pet. The less the humans know, the better it is for everyone.
The mountains loom before me. I turn onto a narrow path leading to the lake. I decrease my speed as a cloud of dirt and leaves trail behind the bike. There's a good crowd out for the bonfire. I park my Ducati next to the other motorcycles. The heavy weight of unfamiliar stares presses down on my shoulders as the foxes hop off the bike. Many people don't remember me and I'm okay with that. I prefer to be one of many countless faces at these kinds of things. I don't want to stand out. I don't need to be a household name.
The trees whisper encouragement as I reticently look around. Wind senses my apprehension and sends a warm breeze to reassure me. Whispers of soft air caress my face and hair. I cherish their concern and attentions.
Find out more about Senayda and her books at senaydapierre.com.