Darkness To Lite

Prologue & Chapter 1: Jack

We cannot become what we want to be by remaining what we are. -Max Depree

Prologue:

She stood there before me. Tears marked against the flesh of her cheeks. The last image of her, her screams, her sadness... her fear. I felt the sting. My life being sucked from me with each pulse against my chest. The shocks running through my veins, awakening me. I knew now that I had purpose and with that last thump against my chest I was damned if I'd allow my life to end... like this.

Chapter 1: Jack

"Jaxon, time for breakfast." The sound of Elizabeth voice brought an instant smile. Hearing her as she calls for our boy. Another smile creases... our boy. "Jaxon" She shouts once more for him to get breakfast and as I turn there they are two blue eyes staring dead into mine. "Are you hiding from mommy?" I ask in a low modulate tone he nods with a boyish grin. Nearing the edge of the bed I grip around his waist and pull him in. "You do realize if you want to hide you have to be very careful, mommy can be quicker than we expect." He giggles and it's by far the best sound yet. "Jaxon... where are you hiding now?" I widen my eyes. "Uh oh... quick" Raising the covers over him. "Jack ..." Lifting a finger to my lips I wink and point to the blanket. "I can't seem to find Jaxon anywhere." She grins and leans to where he hides. "Really? That's odd I could've sworn he was somewhere here." I joke as she lunges forward and begins to tickle him. The giggles roar alongside our laughter and for a moment its picturesque.

Until... there's a knock and I awaken from what seems to have been anther daze. "Mr. Hyde are you alright?" I glance and come to realize I'm in my office. "Mr. Hyde?..." I turn and look to the entrance of my office. Where stands my petite and demure assistant, Alice Grace. "Yes, Alice. My apologies. I'm fine. Is there something you needed?" She remains still with subtle green eyes and her hair tight into a very precise bun. She treads in lightly, in her green cardigan and buttoned down blouse. The small flesh exposed that of her legs, still hidden at her knees. An innocent young girl to which at any moment could break. My eyes wander and a small part of my subconscious speaks to me. 'You know you can have her bent over this desk at any given second. Screaming your name as all those other nameless sluts.' Exhaling i shake my head as she goes to speak, a sense of nervousness embarks "Yes, sir. I have Mrs. Parker on the line. She'd like to know when a possible meeting would be best." I huff, waving my hand dismissively "Have her meet me on Friday. With the rate of her newest novel a mere week would suffice at a jump in the sellers." She steps back and gives an admirable smirk upon exit, perhaps even a hint at a giggle. I sit back and shut my eyes for a moment. Controlling my inner thoughts at who I once was. Elizabeth and Jaxon make way through my mind. It was now 2years. 2years since that day... the day I awoke expecting her return. The day she disappeared from my life and nonetheless with my boy. It was that day that I truly began to see. Sight baring the deepest pain if ever endured. Far more than that of taking a bullet but of losing the only will for breathing once more. As I reopen my eyes and take in where I sit I thank her. With Elizabeth came purpose, yet with Jaxon came my focus. Taking my credentials, I decided on a new beginning. Leaving what was and embracing what is. Moving to where I currently reside, New York City. A city of promise and where anyone can truly recreate themselves. I turn and gaze out from my high-rise view, catching the distant glimpse of the empire state as it kisses the blue sky. I came with nothing but a past that I wanted to escape and freelance editing under my belt. Choosing to start fresh I worked for unknown authors some of which were great until I read hers. She was my first author to ever sign on with me and the only woman I'd ever allowed in my life since Elizabeth left me. Avery Parker, far beyond her time she was beautiful and her words, relentless. Allowing true escape into literature she was a cultural phenomenon that with me by her side became the highest ranking author in 2015. Had it not been for her Jax publishing, Inc. We would barely make note and now we've got the top 20 bestsellers in the New York Times. She'd taken a seat for a while, giving herself a very much needed break from writing until her newest novel. One of which had little promise in comparison. Considering how far we'd come I was no longer one to grin at others despair. Well at least of those that I cared for. Avery wasn't use to negative light and needed me most now, but I needed to think, truly grade my mind to which direction we should go.