Excerpt & Giveaway: Mutiny by Jacqueline Gardner

Original Title: Mutiny
Series: M.E.R #1
Author: Jacqueline Gardner
Published Date: February 29th 2012

Eric's life aboard a top secret stealth submarine as a member of the government’s M.E.R. program has been about discipline, cunning and survival. As both a soldier and a natural born regenerator, he can heal from any wound, but to stay alive he must accept a vein-burning serum that prevents his DNA from over-mutating. In exchange Eric must follow his Chief Commander’s every order. And never ask questions, no matter the assignment.

When he goes ashore on his first solo mission he runs into a complication he didn't expect; Mariella, the target’s daughter. She’s about to change everything.

EXCERPT

My body made a loud thud when it hit the ground.  I felt the bones in my back snap, sending a surge of pain down my spine.  The impact took the air right out of my lungs but my body started to heal instantly.  I felt tingly as every cell in my body started to regenerate.

Looking up towards the second floor, I saw something I wasn't expecting.  My view was blocked; long dark hair waved in the wind and I realized that someone else was falling.  I instinctively sat up, holding out my arms.  They burned as I caught the body.  But I was used to the pain – and this wasn't the first time I'd fallen out a window and heard all my bones crack. 

The girl didn't scream at all when she slammed into me.  Everyone had seen me fall and I was about to run away without a scratch.  Too many rules had already been broken.  I had to get back to the sub before I caused any more damage.  With or without the flash drive, I couldn't be left behind.

 "Mariella!" cried a woman from the window ledge.  

Mariella looked around and immediately opened her mouth when she saw me.

 "How did you?  Didn't you just . . ."  She glanced up at the window, then back at me.  I had to leave.  It was only a matter of time before everyone would be drilling me with questions. 

 "I have to go," I whispered, jumping up.  I started running so fast, I felt like I was gliding on air.  The wind blew in my ears and I could hear roaring sirens down the street.  Sunrise was coming fast.

 "Hey!"  There was a yell behind me.  It was Mariella, trying to catch up.  I didn't have time to explain anything.  I made myself run faster, hoping to leave this night behind me.

Chilled waves hit my face as I dove into the ocean.  The saltwater helped me calm down.  I glided through the waves like a sea turtle before surfacing to make long powerful arm strokes.  I wasn't looking forward to facing Commander Z after what had just happened.  I could hear him yelling in my head.  I told you not to come back without that file!

Frankie would most likely lecture me about girls and how they always screw everything up.  And that would be right after Brian's fist met my face.  The submarine was close by.  I could feel it.  Soon this would all be over.

A dark metal surface floated in front of me.  I shuddered, reaching a hand out and carefully feeling for a ladder to climb.  The waves crashed behind me rocking the Pugio from side to side.

I grabbed hold of the ladder and started lifting myself out of the water.  My backpack was strapped around my shoulders.  It took all the strength I had to twist open the hatch.  It wouldn't be long before I was dry and thinking up excuses as to why I had failed my mission.

The hatch opened slowly and I looked down into the empty passageway below.  A wet hand touched my ankle.  I instantly turned around with a cocked fist.  But I put my hand down when I saw Mariella staring back at me.

 "What are you doing here?  Are you insane?"  I yelled while Mariella climbed the ladder behind me.  She was soaking wet and breathing heavy from the long swim.  How was she able to keep up?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jacqueline Gardner works as a Story Editor for the production company, Labragirl Pictures.  Her love of storytelling began at an early age when she would make up stories with her grandmother before bedtime.  In early 2010, she completed her first novel and has been stuck on writing ever since.  She resides in Colorado and loves hiking, writing, fantasy fiction, and all things cupcake.

AUTHOR ONLINE: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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