Book excerpt: The dark didn't end with the light. He lost his future. She fights to survive. More secrets, more betrayal, and a love that was meant to fail before it even began. My name is Weston, but my friends call me Wes. Though, I don't have many left. Two years ago, I lost my dream. My future. My best friend's sister stumbled across a secret she had no idea existed-her secret. Friendships were betrayed. Unexpected alliances were formed. My loyalty was tested, but I blindly stood by their side. What I didn't realize was that following them into the dark would cost me everything. My friends. My scholarship. I was driven by anger and resentment toward the people I had once trusted with my life. Until I met her: King. My name is Kingsley Monroe. At least, that's the name I go by these days. I didn't plan this. I wasn't supposed to stay. Keep moving, he ordered. Then, one fateful afternoon changed the course of my future. I ran into him: Weston Sheats-literally. I stayed in the shadows for over a year. Eventually, my need for him to notice made me step out of the dark. I wanted him to see me once. I swore I wouldn't let him get close, I would not get attached. I failed. I fell-hard. An unexpected turn of events was the wake-up call I needed. I had to tell him, come clean. But would he accept my past? Who I am? Realizing there was no future, I did what I was supposed to do months ago...and I took the one thing with me that could've made a difference for both of us. ** Author's note: Because of the Dark (BOTD) is the fourth book in The Dark Series and considered an INTERCONNECTED standalone. Please be aware that if read as an interconnected standalone, BOTD will contain SPOILERS about the plot in the other books. This series is intended for MATURE (18+) readers. BOTD is a dark, new adult, contemporary, suspense romance. It is labeled dark due to the themes that may be considered TRIGGERS for some. Reader discretion is advised.