The Happily Ever After Search Read online

  Copyright ©

  Amanda Kay, Author

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by means mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission from the Author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events or persons, living or dead are purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names or featured names are assumed to be the property of their respective owners and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or in part, mechanically or electronically, constitutes a copyright violation.

  Published in the United States of American in June 2014; Copyright 2014 by Amanda Kay.

  The right of the Authors Name to be identified as the Author of the Work has been asserted by them in accordance with The Copyright, Designs and Patent Act of 1988

  Self-published by Amanda Kay

  Cover Art by Cover Me, Darling

  Copyright 2014 ©

  Language: English

  Dedication

  To my readers. Thank you for continued support.

  Without you I wouldn’t be able to share all the craziness in my head.

  Acknowledgements

  To my parents and my family you know how much I love you and how much your support has meant to me. To my husband, thank you for not only loving me, our daughter and son, but loving this country enough to serve it. You are my hero.

  The blogging community, without you, indie authors, like myself would never see the light of day. I am grateful for all you do.

  To fabulous writers/authors I have gotten to chat with and get to know over the last few months. I am grateful for everything.

  To my Beta Readers, thank you for taking the time to read this book not once, but twice. I am beyond excited to release it to the world.

  To my PA, Jen. I love you, thank you so much for all the hard work you have done. Without you I don’t think I could do this.

  To my street team. My Fairies are the best and I appreciate all you do in getting my name out there.

  To an amazing editor, Brenda, who took a chance on a new genre for me. I am so happy to have found you. Here’s to a busy schedule.

  And finally to my readers, I would not have made it without you. I am so thankful for you.

  CONTENTS

  PROLOGUE

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  EPILOGUE

  Life never works out as planned. Tai and Raiden were madly in love, living a fairy tale. One document from the Lukas family crushed it all. Threatened everything they had built. Tai never doubted, but something inside Raiden snapped, and now they both had to hold on for dear life.

  Raiden

  DAMN IT! This was not happening to him, to them. How did he not know this document existed?

  “Raiden?” She gently questioned from behind. She didn’t flinch when he showed her the document she just accepted. No, there was a way out of this. He wasn’t going to put her through this change. There has to be another way. “Raiden, stop it. I can handle it, all I need is you.”

  He turned to face her standing just barely standing on the porch her arms crossed. “I refuse, Tai. I made a promise to you. I won’t break it.” She shook her head and returned inside. She was annoyed with him. She expressed if this was what needed to be done, then let it happen so they could get on with the planning of their future.

  “Fuck!” he shouted to the morning breeze. This was killing him. He promised her she would never have to change to be with him and now...well now he didn’t know what to do or think.

  He was the luckiest bastard in the world because he had Tai. His behavior, since receiving this piece of garbage Kai dropped off three weeks ago, was threatening his future with his soul-mate.

  Tai

  To the world,

  So it’s been a few weeks since I needed to write but damn it, I NEED TO WRITE!

  One choice...

  One sacrifice...

  Happily ever after...

  I’m beginning to question its existence. I don’t know why Raiden is so hung up on this, it’s my choice. It’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make, no doubt in my head. Raiden however, isn’t having any of it. He’s been moody as hell for the last three weeks. We’ve been fighting and I’m just defeated. I don’t know what to do. How can I make him understand? This is my choice, my sacrifice to accomplish our happily ever after. ~Tai

  Tai shuts her journal everything was going great. Everything was far too perfect, Kai just couldn’t let things alone, so of course, he dealt a blow to Raiden. One Tai was afraid he wouldn’t recover from, which would mean she’d be leaving. No, Damn it! Screw the fucking Lukas family. She wasn’t letting Raiden go. She had been down that road once before and it nearly crushed her. When she said YES, she meant it. He wasn’t going to push her away, but for now she needed to let him have his space. Without thinking, she dialed the only person who could help take her mind off this and Raiden’s insecurities.

  “Hey, Tai.” Her maid of honor, Bethany answered.

  “Hey, Beth. You Busy?” she sighed.

  “Shit, Raiden’s still being irrational about that document isn’t he?”

  “You know it,” Tai replied flatly.

  “Come on over. Jordan is working and I’m off today. You know I like company.”

  “Be there in fifteen,” Tai said ending the call.

  Raiden

  “I’m going to Bethany’s, be back later,” she called, barely looking in his direction. Damn, she was running to Bethany in order to vent about him and his behavior. He didn’t blame her, in fact, he blamed himself.

  “Tai, before you go.” he paused, he wasn’t sure what to say. He’d been apologizing over and over and sorry just wasn’t enough anymore. He sighed running his fingers through his black hair.

  She crossed the space separating them, “I love you, too, playboy.” She winked placing a light kiss on his lips before turning to leave.

  He took his phone from his pocket and dialed one number. He needed to talk to him again, the only one besides his father who wasn’t doing well that was able to put him in his place with good old-fashioned advice.

  “Raiden. How’s my baby girl?” Dale spoke.

  “Hi, sir. Wish I could say she was great, but she’s not. She’s mad at me. She just went to Bethany’s for girl talk.”

  “You still harping on that document, son?” Raiden exhaled.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Son, I know there is more to the process, but you have to let Tai make the choice. She loves you, Raiden, whatever choice she makes, if it means being with you, she won’t regret it.”

  “I know. I just...I just wish she didn’t have to make it.”

  “I know, that’s because you love my daughter, which is why I granted you permission to marry her in the first place. It will work out, Raiden. Just trust her, son.” And there it was, his advice ‘just trust her, son.’

  “I will, sir.” The call ended and Raiden thought about what Dale had said. He does indeed just leave Tai to make the choice she wants and
never regret it. He just wished she didn’t have to make it. He felt like this document and choice was betraying his promise to her that she would never have to change for him.

  He knew she was willing to go through with it. Raiden had to sit back and let whatever was going to happen to happen. It was that reason that he was becoming moody and snapping at her. He just wanted a loophole, wanted to make this choice just disappear. He was running out of time.

  Three Months Before

  Tai

  She was waiting with Raiden at the same airport she arrived at about five months prior. Boy, life had turned out far different than she expected. She didn’t regret a damn thing about her decision, nope not one thing. She was pressed against Raiden’s front watching for her dad to come from the direction of the gate. What more could a girl want? Then she spotted what else or rather who else she needed, her dad. She twisted from Raiden’s hold and he smartly released her. In a full sprint, she took off towards her dad crashing into him, but not before he was able to catch her in his arms.

  “I’m happy to see you as well, baby girl,” he said into her ear.

  “I’ve missed you, dad,” she replied, looking up at him.

  “Me too. Is he here?” Tai knew he wanted to meet Raiden officially. She nodded and led her dad by the hand to where she had left Raiden.

  “Hello, Sir,” he said the moment they reached him extending his hand, which her dad took firmly.

  “Does Tai call your dad sir?” he asked amused.

  “No, he won’t allow that,” Raiden answered glancing quickly at Tai who shrugged.

  “Neither will I anymore. Dale, please.” Tai smiled and was glad her dad had extended this, but had waited till he actually met Raiden and was able to fully give him the father stamp of approval. “She looks happy, keep her that way.” His tone was firm and Tai saw Raiden’s eyes widen a little as he nodded. Her dad winked and then laughed. The guys finished exchanging greetings and Tai was ready to show her dad where she had been living and how she had been taken care of.

  Raiden

  Tai’s dad was exactly what he expected him to be. A man dedicated to his daughter, a man who wanted nothing but the best for his only child.

  “Thank you for coming, Dale,” Raiden said as the car soared towards Aishan. Home sweet home.

  “I wanted to see my baby girl, I should be thanking you for making that possible.” Raiden smiled over at Tai in the passenger seat.

  “How are things with Jordan here?” Tai smiled at Raiden and nodded.

  “Jordan’s actually a good guy, he’s falling hard for my best friend, Bethany.” Tai looked happy with his answer.

  “Tai, baby girl?” his questioned tone made Raiden worry, but Tai didn’t look worried at all.

  “I’m not expecting you to be nice, dad.” Tai laughed. Raiden understood, after all, it was Tai’s mom that Jordan cheated on Tai with, Dale’s wife.

  “Good, but maybe I’ll decide I might like a word with that boy. Don’t you dare cheat on my baby girl, son.” The warning was clear. Raiden swallowed hard.

  “Never. She’s my everything.” He reached for her hand bringing it to his lips. She mouthed, ‘I love you.’ He mouthed back, ‘Love you, too, sweetheart.’

  “You guys look very happy. I’m glad my daughter found you, she’s lucky,” Dale said, but Raiden knew it was him who was the lucky one.

  “No, Dale, it is I who is the lucky one.” Tai smiled brightly at him.

  Tai

  Her dad was getting settled and Tai and Raiden were sitting on the porch together just enjoying the alone time. Lately, things have been a little stressful. It seemed like right after Raiden proposed, Lee’s health spiraled downward. She leaned her head against his shoulder. “What are you thinking about, playboy?” He kissed her cheek and began running his hands across her shoulders, squeezing gently. It felt good.

  “My dad. I know the rules about our wedding, but I don’t want him to miss it either. Mom’s already gone and can’t be here,” he sighed.

  “Three months work for you?” She didn’t need a big wedding she just needed Raiden, but she needed a little time to get things organized and planning wise. She knew it would just be her and Bethany.

  “Three months isn’t a long time, sweetheart. I want you to have the best,” he replied sadly. She knew it was what he would always want.

  “Three months is plenty of time, and just so you know, playboy, my dream wedding revolves around my dad walking me down the aisle and you waiting at the end of it.” He kissed her cheek and relaxed pulling her tighter into him.

  “Well, I can guarantee you that part,” he laughed.

  They resumed silence between them, a comfortable silence that allowed them to just feel each other’s love. That was something Tai never doubted especially, in moments like this.

  Raiden

  “Can I have a moment alone with my daughter, Raiden?” Dale’s voice broke through his and Tai’s peace.

  “Of course. I need to go talk with dad and Bethany called, said it was urgent.” He frowned and Tai watched him closely.

  “Kai?” she questioned and he shrugged truth was he wasn’t sure.

  “I don’t know, sweetheart, but hang out with your dad and don’t worry about it.” He didn’t want her fretting about this stuff. He knew she would and he would always keep her in the loop, after all, it affected her life, too. He couldn’t tell her what he didn’t know.

  He was in his office, “Bethany, what’s up?” he asked after she answered the phone.

  “Gloria,” was all she said. Damn, that didn’t help.

  “What about her?” he pressed.

  “She’s ummm...Kai’s bringing her to work still,” he sighed.

  “This isn’t good if Kai is still using her. This isn’t good at all.” She returned his sigh.

  “Ear to the ground, Bethany. If Kai still has tricks, I need to know them. He’s not taking Tai or Aishan from me,” he growled. Nope that wasn’t happening.

  “For sure, Raiden. Got to get back to work.” And just like that the conversation was done. He always cared about Bethany. He wanted her to find happiness.

  He stalled in his office. He needed to go check on his dad, but he hated going up to his room because he was just losing his fight. ‘Three months, please I just need three months.’

  Tai

  “I’m glad you’re here, dad,” Tai smiled looking out into the meadow.

  “Me, too, baby girl. You’re happy?” It was said like a question, which bothered Tai. She and her dad were close and she hadn’t hidden anything from him. He knew she and Raiden were happy, but also that it wasn’t without hurt.

  “Yes, dad, I’m happy.” Her dad nodded solemnly. “Dad, what’s wrong?” she asked.

  “I’m...not sure how to put this, baby girl, but it’s lonely. I’m lonely,” he sighed. Tai understood. First, the divorce and then Tai leaving.

  “I have a solution, dad.” Tai said with amusement in her voice.

  “Really, baby girl, and what is that?” his amusement mirroring hers.

  “Move here, the house is big enough.” His eyes widened and Tai patiently waited for him to process this.

  “Hmmm...,baby girl that’s a good idea. Tell you what, when I come back for the wedding, I’ll be back to stay.” Tai threw her arms around him. She wanted her dad around, she missed him, too, but she couldn’t leave Raiden. Her dad was dealing with a lot and Aishan was the perfect place to let it all go. He pulled back cupping her cheeks. “Does Raiden know about this?” Tai shook her head.

  “The idea just came to me, but I’ll talk with him about it.” Her dad nodded.

  “I don’t want to cause problems, Tai.” She fiercely shook her head.

  “It won’t, dad. Raiden likes you. Probably because you remind him of Lee.” He nodded at her again and smiled. Tai loved the thought of her dad living in Aishan. Being near him was the only thing she had been missing the last few months. Raiden was great, but having her d
ad around would complete the picture.

  Raiden

  “Son, come in please.” Raiden walked over to the chair near his dad’s bed.

  “How’s my daughter-in-law?” Raiden couldn’t help but smile at that reference. He and Tai weren’t married yet but that didn’t matter to his dad. Tai was his daughter-in-law already and that made Raiden soar.

  “She’s good, visiting with her dad, Dale.” His dad nodded.

  “I forgot he was coming in, I hope to meet him at dinner.” Raiden nodded. “What’s going on, Raiden?”

  “Not sure, but Bethany says Kai is bringing Gloria to work every day. Still it makes me fucking nervous.” His dad rubbed his chin while thinking about what Raiden had just said. Raiden just watched and waited.

  “I can understand that, son, but don’t focus on what he might be planning. If you do that you’ll end up losing Tai. Focus on the wedding and your relationship.”

  “I’m trying to do that. And speaking of the wedding, Tai suggested getting married three months from now.” His dad’s face lit up and he knew it was because Tai had thought of him in that decision.

  “Is she sure?” Raiden just nodded. He couldn’t wait to marry the beautiful Tai, the woman who owned everything he was. “Okay and you have decided to let her remain human and any children will be half-breeds?” Raiden felt a small frown touch his lips as he nodded again. It was indeed what he wanted but he was afraid of his dad telling him that it wouldn’t be possible. “Good job, son. I’m proud of you for not forcing that upon her.” Raiden smiled. Thank goodness, he had made a promise to Tai and he would hate to then have to break that. It wouldn’t be his fault, but it didn’t matter because it would still be him going back on his word.

  Tai

  They were still looking out into the meadow they had spent the last hour or so catching up, but the truth was, she wanted to be back in Raiden’s arms again. “Am I interrupting?” he questioned, pulling her against him make her squeal.