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The Beginning
Another piece of paper landed on his notebook, a small strip rolled up tiny.
This time, there was only a phone number.
Hunter felt like someone had punched him in the stomach and he couldn’t remember how to breathe.
Then he pulled out his cell phone and typed under the desk.
Come here often?
Her response appeared almost immediately.
First timer.
Beamis was facing the classroom now, so Hunter kept his gaze up until it was safe. When he looked back, Kate had written again.
I bet I could strip naked and this guy wouldn’t even notice.
Hunter’s pulse jumped. But this was easier, looking at the phone instead of into her eyes.
I would notice.
There was a long pause, during which he wondered if he’d said the wrong thing. Then a new text appeared.
I have a theory about boys who picture you naked before sharing their name.
He smiled.
My name is Hunter.
Have you read all the Elemental books?
Elemental
Storm
Fearless
Spark
SPIRIT* The Elemental Series
BRIGID KEMMERER
KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP.
All copyrighted material within is Attributor Protected.
Table of Contents
The Beginning Title Page Dedication ACKNOWLEDGMENTS CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER 2 CHAPTER 3 CHAPTER 4 CHAPTER 5 CHAPTER 6 CHAPTER 7 CHAPTER 8 CHAPTER 9 CHAPTER 10 CHAPTER 11 CHAPTER 12 CHAPTER 13 CHAPTER 14 CHAPTER 15 CHAPTER 16 CHAPTER 17 CHAPTER 18 CHAPTER 19 CHAPTER 20 CHAPTER 21 CHAPTER 22 CHAPTER 23 CHAPTER 24 CHAPTER 25 CHAPTER 26 CHAPTER 27 CHAPTER 28 CHAPTER 29 CHAPTER 30 CHAPTER 31 CHAPTER 32 CHAPTER 33 CHAPTER 34 CHAPTER 35 BEYOND THE STORY Copyright Page
For Bobbie—
You’re my hero
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I always start with my mother, and this time is no exception: without my mom’s encouragement, support, and constant guidance throughout my life, I would not be where I am today, and this book wouldn’t be in your hands. Mom, you’re a constant inspiration. Thank you for everything.
Mandy Hubbard is my amazingly talented agent and the only person to know about the unicorn I have chained under my desk. (Oh, crap. Now you all know, too. Shh, ’kay?) Mandy, thank you for everything. I’m so excited to be on this journey with you.
Alicia Condon is one badass editor, and it’s very possible I do a little happy dance every time my phone lights up with an e-mail from her. Alicia and the rest of the team at Kensington have been nothing short of amazing, and I’m grateful for all of their hard work on my behalf. I would be remiss in not extending special gratitude to my fabulous publicist, Vida Engstrand, for all her help whenever I need it.
I wrote my acknowledgments for Storm and Spark before I knew how awesome the team at Allen & Unwin (my Australia /New Zealand publisher) would prove to be, so I need to say it three times here: thank you, thank you, thank you. Eva, Jodie, Lara, and the rest of the “Onions,” you are beyond compare. Thank you for everything you’ve done to make the Elemental books a success.
Many, many people helped make Spirit come together. Bobbie Goettler and Alison Kemper Beard have been my faithful friends and critique partners since the very beginning, and without their help, this book wouldn’t be what it is. Ladies, as always, you’re amazing mothers, amazing writers, and amazing friends, and I wouldn’t be here without you.
Readers! Book bloggers! Librarians! Teachers! You are all amazing. I have met so many amazing people since beginning this publication journey, and it would be impossible to name you all, but please know you have all touched me deeply. I love (and try to respond to) every e-mail/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads/ carrier pigeon/etc. message I receive. Thank you all for your support.
I do owe special thanks to a few amazing bloggers and friends, who took a chance on a debut author and independently put together an amazing blog tour last April: Sarah from Saz101, Brodie from Eleusinian Mysteries, Badass Bookie Lisa, Braiden from Book Probe Reviews,