LIBERATION (The Clarity Carver Series Book 1) by Jessica Lauren

Author:Jessica Lauren [Lauren, Jessica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-11-23T06:00:00+00:00

WE HEAD IN the direction of the red flag—if that’s even what it is. I clench Renan’s dove tied around my neck, its smooth exterior calming my nerves.

Ezra spots the carving in my hand. “You finished it?”

I open my fist to give him a glimpse. “While you were asleep—you know, just before I saved your life.” I offer a sly grin and receive an eye roll in return.

“Now don’t get smug on me. I’m still one up on you.” He sneers, then studies the carving. “It’s beautiful. But…why a dove?”

I shrug. “Renan lost the last one I made him, so he asked me to carve him another.”

“No, I mean why a dove? Of all birds, of all animals.”

I recall the memories of when Renan was born. The first time I held him in my arms, peace dethroned my every fear. And as I watched Dad lay eyes on his baby son, I could tell Ren had captured Dad’s heart and changed him for the better. From that day on, Dad’s overall presence was eased—something I never thought possible.

“I guess it became my brother’s…symbol, of sorts. At least in my eyes. Because my father anchored us and provided for us. My mother brought love and safety. But from the time Renan was born, he was our peace.”

Ezra muses over my words. “Wow.”

“What?” My cheeks heat in discomfort.

“Just shocked is all. That’s the most you’ve ever willingly told me about yourself.” He gives a warm smile that expels my embarrassment. “So his symbol is a dove. What’s yours?”

“My symbol?” I pause. “I don’t have one. I’ve never really thought about it.”

“Well, if you could choose your own symbol right now, what would it be?”

I knit my brows. “It would have to be something small, independent, not too significant. I don’t know.” I sigh, not caring for this question. “Maybe a rabbit—no, a cat…like one of those street mousers back home that fend for themselves.”

He cringes. “Yikes.”

“What now?” I huff, sensing the oncoming criticism.

“A cat and a bird…probably doesn’t end well.”

“You have something better in mind?”

He hesitates.

I wait another moment. “I knew it. You got nothing.”

He gives a bored flash of his eyes. “Okay, then what would you say my symbol is?”

My smirk fades. I look away as an aching pressure builds inside. Suddenly, I am protective of Renan’s symbol and feel that giving Ezra a symbol of his own would be betrayal. “I don’t know.” Hopefully my firm tone will make him drop the question.

He seems to understand and moves on. “Can I see it?” He holds out a hand.

I untie the shoelace and lower the dove into his palm.

He inspects every inch of it, lightly tracing a finger over each wing. When he flips it over to reveal my initials, he stops. “I meant to ask the other night. You told me your first name is Rielle, but what does the J stand for? Junior, or something?”

“I don’t think they do that for girls.” I snicker. “No, it’s after my mother’s name—Jaclyn.

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