Chapter Twenty-Three

Fire danced across his eyes as Power coursed through his veins, hungry for release. With his surrender the Power would do as commanded. The wind began to swirl around him in gusts, picking up anything in its path—debris and trash whirled through the air. He had no intention of destruction but as he lifted his black eyes to the sky, a surge of anger swelled in his chest; several trash cans feet from him exploded as he cried out, an emotional roar from deep in his throat. As he fell to his knees, the wind stilled.

Though the action was small and quick but the mere seconds of Use had him panting. Beads of sweat rolled down his temples as he let out a breath of relief. The pain and anger lessened, and he closed his eyes in relief.

"Tyler?"

With his heart dropping into his stomach in shock, Tyler whirled. He thought he had been alone but there Sarah stood feet from him; hesitantly and with her arms crossed tightly as if to fight off the cold.

"Sarah," he said, clearing his throat.

"I wanted to see if you were okay. You seemed so upset I couldn't just not check on you and I was worried about you so I followed you. I didn't mean to follow you- well, I mean, I guess I did …" Her rambling sentence faded as she swallowed. Her eyebrows furrowed in concern. "Are you okay?"

His heart thudded in his chest and the high he felt moments ago was fading fast. The sweat turned cold against his skin as the gentle brisk breeze drifted slowly through the alley now.

No. "Yeah," he lied. "I just needed some fresh air."

"And to Use?" Her reply was quick yet timid.

Tyler could only blink at Sarah. Of course, she had witnessed his moment of weakness, of surrender.

"Don't tell Caleb," he said after a pause of thought. "Please. I just needed to let off some steam."

Sarah bit her lip, contemplating. "I won't. As long as you promise to be careful."

Tyler nodded his head in a nonverbal agreement, but as he watched Sarah turn to leave, he could feel the pull of Power, now stronger than ever.

It had been snowing for days, and like Alex, the rest of Spenser Academy was feeling the onset of cabin fever. With midterms looming in the near future and piles of homework handed out weekly, everyone was itching for a little fun. Suggestions of parties had been denied, some claiming a need for change while others jumped at the chance for letting loose and access to alcohol. Alex could only attend so many house parties before it came repetitive.

It wasn't until the following week that Alex heard an enticing rumor. Word had it that Kenneth, a fellow senior and a member of Spenser's own swim team had snagged the key for the indoor pool from the coach during practice one day and a small party was being thrown that night. And the guest list was exclusive.

"I don't know," Sarah said, her voice crackling over the phone. "You're not only breaking into school but there will be underage drinking. At school."

Alex rolled her eyes as she dug through a box full of her summer clothes. On the other end of the line, Sarah grumbled under her breath, saying something about trespassing while Alex picked a simple blue bikini and stuffed it into the backpack on her bed.

"Well, I'm staying in tonight. You have fun," Sarah said. "And be careful."

"Will do."

With the all of the drama lately between her, Tyler and Reid, Alex needed a night to let loose. At any parties she had been to recently, Tyler was there, but tonight her ex wouldn't be there; none of the Sons would. According to Sarah, Caleb had a planned a guy's night. Probably an attempt to help mend things between Tyler and Reid. Alex was far from offended by the lack of an invitation, having been over the situation since it begun. She had ended things with Tyler and made it clear she wasn't going to be the reason of a friendship ruined. Whatever was left to settle between the pair was now solely between them.

When Alex grabbed her backpack and slung it over her shoulder, a loud meow sounded from the middle of the bed. Connor blinked up at her with sleepy eyes, seeming annoyed as Alex leaned forward to lovingly scratch his orange head. The sound of his purring faded behind her as she pocketed her phone and left the room. She could hear Blair humming to herself when she made it to the foyer; mostly likely getting her nightly cup of tea to enjoy in front of the fire. Alex smiled as she entered the kitchen, shuffling her feet loudly to announce her presence.

Blair wore a set of red flannel pajamas and had her hair pulled into a loose knot at the nape of her neck. Even with the fuzzy cream robe and matching slippers she looked perfectly put together. She turned to her niece with a smile on her face before her gaze landed on the backpack.

"Going somewhere?" Her tone wasn't accusatory or suspicious, merely curious.

Alex lifted a shoulder in a practiced nonchalant shrug. "Just a small get together at school. There are exams at the end of the week." Not a lie but not exactly the truth.

"Ah, well don't be too late," Blair replied. "It is a school night."

"I'll be back before sunrise," Alex teased. With a wave of her hand, she made for the front door, still caught off guard by the difference between her aunt and father. Blair was a trusting person who Alex really liked, while Robert didn't trust his daughter as far as he could throw her. Though during their last interaction, he seemed almost proud. Alex was often perplexed by that reunion; even their phone conversations have shifted from aggressive to civil.

Like always, the drive to Spenser's campus was short and uneventful. The parking lot in front of the school sat nearly empty with only a few cars occupying spots.

Exclusive guest list indeed, Alex thought, happy with the idea of not having to squeeze through a crowd like at the last party. With a glance at her surroundings she could understand why many thought the place spooky. A thick line of trees lined the edge of campus, a barrier to a deep wood, their bare branches reaching toward the night sky like clawed fingers. The moon illuminated her path as she walked around the main school building and skirted into the shadows. Just ahead, a door hung ajar and she could hear the faint bass of music. The echo of voices joined the music as she slipped through the door and stepped into the locker room. Lockers lined the walls, while the bathrooms and showers were to the right.

Pushing open the door out to the pool area, Alex quickly realized the guest list was limited to seniors only. Most splashed around or waded in the heated water of the pool while several others stood around a table that had been set up as a makeshift bar. A speaker playing music sat a safe distance from the water with Kenneth Staker managing the playlist. He spotted Alex and grinned.

"Welcome!" He stood and moved toward her, scooping a cup from the table as did. "Drink for the lady?"

Alex accepted the drink with a smile before taking note of all those present. Aaron Abbot and his buddies were in a game of water volleyball, with Kira Snider and some other girls watching from the side, their legs dangling over the edge of the pool. Alex recognized mostly everyone there and sipped at her drink; her lips puckered as the sour alcohol drink assaulted her taste buds.

"It's not a big deal."

"It is a big deal, Tyler." Caleb leaned forward so his elbows rested on his knees, his dark gaze intent on the youngest Son. "You've Used almost every day for the last week."

"For little things here and there," Tyler replied, holding his arms open as if to show them he was okay. He looked around at the others, to Pogue who lounged back in a chair close to the fireplace where a fire kindled, then even to Reid. The blonde stood off to the side; arms crossed and fingerless gloves stretching over clenched fists.

Pogue leaned forward and clasped his hands together. "Caleb, it's Tyler we're talking about. Sure, he had a rough Ascension but we all Use. Even Tyler's not perfect."

Tyler rolled his eyes and laughed as Pogue stood and ruffled his dark hair like he was a child. Caleb cracked a smile but there were other things to be discussed.

"About the stone…"

"Jesus, do we have to do this right now?" Reid pulled his beanie further down onto his head and zipped his jacket. "We can't destroy it, we aren't going to sacrifice anyone, let's just put it in a drawer like your dad did and ignore it."

A surge of anger sent Caleb to his feet. "Oh, forgive me, is the fate of our future bloodlines hindering your social life?"

"Easy, Caleb." Pogue positioned himself between the two, always the mediator despite his rugged looks and size. "Reid didn't mean to be a dick," he paused to glare at Reid, "But he may have a point."

Caleb agreed, he just hated the fact that the only plausible solution was to ignore the problem like his father had, as well as their ancestors before him.

"Yeah, okay," he said. "Sarah's headed over anyways."

He watched as Reid turned on his heels, only raising a hand in farewell. Pogue clapped Caleb on the shoulder as he moved around him.

"I'm off to Kate's, see you tomorrow." Pogue ran a hand through his hair as he left to room, idly Caleb wondered if he would ever cut his long locks. With an amused grin, he turned back to say goodbye to Tyler but found him still sitting, his gaze on the floor.

"You okay, Ty?"

Tyler raised his eyes to Caleb, though only for a moment before he returned them to the ground. "Did you feel different after Ascending?"

Caleb was surprised by the seriousness in his friend's voice but thought back to the day of his own Ascension. It had been a long and terrifying night, the memory still able to send cold chills over his body.

"Yeah," he answered, narrowing his eyes as he tried to concentrate on the exact moment he received his full Power. It had been in the midst of a heated confrontation with the fifth Son as he fought for Sarah's life as well as his brothers'. "I mean it took a while for me to feel normal again, but I guess I did feel off at first."

Tyler nodded as Caleb spoke, as if his words were exactly what he expected to hear, but still he looked troubled. Caleb sat back down across from Tyler, ready to listen or give advice, whatever was needed.

"I just- I just don't feel like myself." Tyler licked his lips and shook his hands in an anxious manner. And when he looked back up, there was fear in his eyes. "I feel-"

He cut himself off as the sound of muffled footsteps on carpet caught his attention. His gaze raised to somewhere over Caleb's shoulder. His expression turned neutral and his lips pulled into a tight smile.

"Hey, Sarah."

Caleb twisted in his seat and grinned at the sight of her. Her blue eyes met his before glancing from him back to Tyler.

"Am I interrupting?" she asked.

Before Caleb could answer, Tyler rose from his seat and grabbed his jacket from the spot beside him. "Nah," he said. "I was just about to leave."

Caleb stood quickly. "Ty, if you need to talk, we can."

Tyler smiled, an action that didn't quite reach his eyes. "It's nothing. I'll see you guys tomorrow."

Tyler had wanted to be honest with Caleb. About how he was afraid he was losing himself little by little, and how he was finding it more difficult to resist the urge to Use. As much as the consequences terrified him the lure of Power outweighed the fear. The words were on tip of his tongue but he even as he opened his mouth, he struggled to speak; so, when he was interrupted by Sarah's arrival, he felt unexpected relieved. Even now, as he pulled down the street toward school, that relief lingered.

It was an odd thing to want so badly to express his fears yet at the same time, be okay keeping them to himself.

They would think I was crazy, he thought.

Outside the car window, Spenser Academy loomed against the night sky. Lit windows dotted the dorm building to the left and he searched from a particular window three floors from the ground. The dorm he and Reid shared was dark, informing him Reid wasn't there. He wondered where the blonde Son ended up in such a hurry but was glad he wasn't here. Tyler had started staying at the dorms again after weeks of avoiding Reid, deciding it was just as easy to ignore his roommate. Between school and swim practice, the two were constantly surrounded by a crowd. They were only forced to be alone at for a few hours a night, but even then most of his time was consumed by homework. He was glad for the almost constant distraction but at times he could feel Reid's icy gaze on him.

Reid's brushed aside apology still went unaccepted, and it seemed the blonde was waiting for Tyler to make the next step to mending their friendship. He knew the ball was now in his court yet, Tyler had little interest in forgiveness. Reid was the sole reason Alex had broken up with him, claiming she couldn't cause the end of a friendship. The worst part was that as much as he hated the fact that they weren't together, he understood. Alex selflessly put her feelings aside so he wouldn't lose his best friend but what good did that do? It seemed he had lost both of them.

Tyler closed his eyes and leaned his head against the steering wheel. His life was a mess. Maybe things would have been different if he had confessed his feelings for Alex to Reid sooner. It was a hard thing to imagine now but he would never know for sure. With a twist of his wrist, the Hummer's engine shut off and silence settled around him. As he made his way across the parking lot toward the dorm building, he suddenly remembered the party. Kenneth had personally invited him and the other Sons but in the chance of getting caught and kicked off the team or possibly suspended, Caleb suggested they not go. However, he was here now with nothing to do. He cut across the lawn toward the propped open door when someone walked into his peripheral. Tyler's heart skipped at beat at the sight of long blonde hair, and turned quickly. Instead of Alex, Lauren Miller approached. She was a fellow senior, popular and known for her sweet demeanor and beautiful brown eyes.

"Fashionably late as well, I see." Her smile was open and as she slowed her pace, she peeked up through thick, dark lashes.

Tyler tipped his head in greeting, ignoring the disappointment he felt. "You made the guest list."

"Are you surprised?" Lauren quirked an eyebrow and brushed by him. Before she could reach for the door, Tyler stepped forward and opened it.

"No at all," he replied as he followed her into the locker room. The sound of splashing and laughing joined the music, and Tyler listened for one specific laugh. He had seen her just this afternoon yet the chance of seeing her again excited him. He was sure he would recognize everyone in attendance with a quick glance, but his attention was drawn to one person in particular. Alex stood not too far away talking to Kenneth, too caught up in conversation to notice his arrival. The thin-string bikini she wore made his pulse race and he ached to be alone with her.

"Simms! Get your ass in on this game!"

Tyler turned to see Kyle, a member of the swim team wading effortlessly in the water. The volleyball floated before him as he waved him over. Tyler gestured to his outfit of jeans and jacket over a thermal shirt.

"I'm not really dressed for the occasion," he replied.

Beside him, Lauren leaned closer and placed her arm on his arm. "I'm sure no one would protest if you stripped down to your skivvies."

Caught by surprise, Tyler blinked at the girl, aware of her touch. Lauren grinned as those within earshot hooted and hollered in agreement, while a few girls' eyes widened in anticipation. He couldn't help but peek at Alex whose expression was tight, her gaze narrowed on Lauren's hand. Was that jealously in her eyes?

Lauren dropped her arm to lift her own shirt over her head, revealing a ruffled red bikini top. He watched as she stepped out of her jeans, only to toss them aside before jumping into the pool. Realizing he was staring, he dropped his gaze quickly and turned his attention to Alex as she moved to a table cluttered with beers cans, liquor bottles and plastic cups. She stood with her back to him and it was hard to focus on anything other than her backside. He traced the curve of her with his eyes as he followed her, and for the second time that night he wished to be alone with her.

She turned then, slowly and deliberate with her movements as her gaze moved over him to the volleyball game now back in play. Being this close to her, he could see that her cheeks were flushed and the corner of her mouth was turned down slightly.

"Didn't expect to see you here," Alex said, raising the drink to her lips.

Her tone was disinterested yet there was a tightness in the set of her shoulders. Clearly his presence was affecting her.

"I could say the same," Tyler replied. "Though I'll admit I was hoping to see you."

She raised the cup she held to her lips and took a sip. Her expression was impassive as she met his gaze. "You and Lauren seem pretty friendly."

Tyler searched her blue eyes then let out a humorless laugh. "You don't get to be jealous. You broke up with me, remember?"

"I know," Alex snapped, her emotion slipping momentarily. She took another drink, this time draining the rest of the cup's contents. "And I'm not jealous."

Tyler's jaw clenched as she turned from him and picked up a pitcher filled with what looked like green Kool-Aid. Standing so close to her she could smell the scent of her shampoo. He closed his eyes to savor the smell and felt a small spike of pleasure at her nearness.

"You're the one who said you didn't want to be with me, Alex." He opened his eyes as to see her shoulders drop.

"I didn't say I didn't want to be with you," she said, her voice low and strained.

Frustration flared as he was reminded by her once again of her commitment to not be with him. Tyler despised this game. "Oh, that's right, you can't be with me."

His control was slipping and he could feel Power churning in his veins, feeding off his anger. He needed to get out of there before his lost his restraint. His body buzzed as he forced himself to leave Alex's side, hoping distance from her would keep his emotions at bay but the Power quickly overcame him. He had barely taken a dozen steps before the lights flickered, throwing everyone into darkness.

Tyler didn't need a mirror to know there was no color in his eyes…they were black as night.