Chapter Twenty-Four

It was supposed to be a fun night. And it started out that way—the music, the splashing and laughter, the night had been an ideal distraction from the mess her life had been lately.

And she was having fun… until Tyler Simms showed up.

His jacket was open over a dark blue thermal shirt, and even from yards away the color made his eyes stand out. For a moment she let herself look at him. His hair fell over his forehead and Alex felt her hand twitch to sweep it aside. But then her gaze was pulled from him as she noticed Lauren Miller standing close to him. Too close. Jealousy shot through her as the girl placed her hand on his arm and smiled flirtatiously.

"I'm sure no one would protest if you stripped down to your skivvies," Lauren said.

As a few cat-called in agreement, Alex felt a rush of dislike for the girl. Even more so as she watched Tyler gawk after Lauren as she stripped away her clothes before jumping into the pool. Alex turned away, trying to shake off the jealousy that had settled in her gut. From the corner of her eye, she saw Tyler approaching. She took a deep breath and quickly made sure her features conveyed disinterest before she turned to look at him.

"Didn't expect to see you here," she said, hoping that was indifference in her tone.

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

Alex raised her gaze to his and saw hope in his eyes. "You and Lauren seem pretty friendly." The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them and she hated how petty she sounded.

"You don't get to be jealous. You broke up with me, remember?"

"I know," Alex snapped. "And I'm not jealous."

Worried her sudden rush of feelings would slip, she turned from him, using the pretense of refilling her cup. She was aware of his sudden nearness as he took another step toward her.

"You're the one who said you didn't want to be with me, Alex," he said, his voice close.

The hurt and confusion in his voice made her shoulders drop. Her throat was tight as she spoke. "I didn't say I didn't want to be with you."

"Oh, that's right, you can't be with me."

Fed up, Alex spun back to go off on him but he was already halfway across the room, hands clenched into fists at his sides. She started to follow when the lights flickered and the room was thrown into darkness. A few panicked shouts echoed off the walls before the flood lights kicked on.

Her gaze immediately found Tyler through the dim light. He was frozen in place as his eyes darted around the room before he quickly ducked into the locker room.

Not wanting him to have the last word she hurried after locker room was dark but she could just make out his silhouette. He stood in the middle of the room, and even though the light was faint, she could see he was shaking.

Her anger faded a bit. "Are you okay?"

He didn't reply. All she could hear were her classmates' laughter and splashing from the next room.

"Tyler?"

"Go away," came his strained voice through the darkness.

"No," she said stubbornly, anger flaring up again.

Tyler let out a small growl before stalking across the room and kicking open the door leading outside. Frigid air rushed inside, causing goosebumps to ripple across her skin. Alex wrapped her arms around her waist. The bikini did little to keep her warm.

"Tyler!"

She watched as he moved quickly across the grounds. Alex followed once again, her bare feet sinking into the wet ground as she ran to catch up with him. Clouds skirted across the sky, casting them into shadows.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" she yelled at his retreating form. "And why do you keep walking away?"

Tyler spun so fast Alex nearly collided with him. "Because I can't be around you anymore!"

Alex's heart sputtered in her chest, but the flutter quickly vanished. She was depleted of emotion; angry and exhausted from the drama she found herself so heavily involved in.

She let out a breath, reprimanding herself for following him into the cold as a hard shiver raked her body. "You're making this harder than it needs to be."

"I'm the one making this harder?" Tyler laughed, though things were far from amusing.

Their breaths wafted in clouds before them. Alex narrowed her eyes, knowing the direction the conversation was heading and daring him to go there.

And he did. "You want to be with me, but you can't be since Reid threw a fit because for once in his life, he didn't get the fucking girl!"

Alex opened her mouth to deny it all, to defend herself but…hearing her reasoning for breaking up with him fall from his lips… it sounded stupid, naïve.

It was true—but if Reid had thrown a fit for not getting the girl, Tyler was throwing a tantrum about no longer having her. And she was tired of it. She said as much and watched as he lifted his chin, brows furrowing.

"Being around you," he started, not bothering to deny her words, "but not being with you…it's like a torture."

Tyler closed the distance between them as he spoke and reached for her. His trembling fingers felt like ice against her anger-flushed skin.

Her gaze turned hard on him. "Well, let me make it easier for you."

His hand dropped to his side as she stepped out of his reach, hurt and furious understanding flashed in his eyes.

"You say you can't be around be around me." Alex crossed her arms over her chest, a barrier from the cold as well as Tyler. "That it's torture? Then stay away from me, and I'll stay away from you."

With that, Alex turned and hurried back across the grounds the way she had come.

Reid leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest as he waited for the others to arrive.

It was Pogue who had suggested a guy's night out but it was Caleb who so desperately wanted to help fix the broken group. So, Caleb had set out earlier that night to try and convince Tyler to join in on the night. Reid doubted he would show and he certainly wasn't going to hold his breath. Though he and the youngest Son were still roommates, they were barely on speaking terms. After several attempts to fix what he had done wrong, Reid had stopped trying. Apology after apology was pettily brushed aside, the latest still went unaccepted… the ball was in Tyler's court now.

Reid sighed, his gaze moving impatiently around the bar.

As usual, Nicky's was crowded. The atmosphere thrived—the space by the jukebox and speakers was packed with sweaty people dancing along to the music, while the area at the other side of the bar where the pool tables were, was nearly just as crowded.

From the corner of his eye he saw Caleb approaching with Pogue close at his side. To his surprise, Tyler followed a few steps behind, hands deep in his pockets and shoulders tense.

"About time," Reid said by a way of greeting. He jerked his head in the direction of the pool tables. "We've got next game against Aaron and Kyle."

Pogue rubbed his hands together and grinned mischievously as Caleb sat down at the table. Tyler barely looked in Reid's direction before moving to the bar.

"He showed," Reid noted, unaffected by Tyler's coldness.

Caleb let out a huff of breath. "It took some convincing."

Reid almost rolled his eyes. He was tired of Tyler's pouting and moping, and was definitely not going to let his bad mood ruin the night. If Tyler wanted to sulk by the bar the entire time, Reid wasn't going to stop him.

Over the lull in the music, as a song ended and the next began, Aaron called to him.

"Let's go, Garwin," he hollered. "I'm ready to take your money."

This time, Reid did roll his eyes. He stood and looked over his shoulder to Tyler, his go-to partner, then clapped Pogue on the shoulder.

"Shall we?" he asked with a smirk.

Pogue shrugged off his jacket and tossed it over the chair in front of him. "We shall."

Tyler watched from afar as Reid circled the pool table, gauging his next move. While Reid wore his usual arrogant smirk, Aaron Abbot's frown was deep. The game had only just begun and Pogue and Reid already had the game.

He didn't want to be there. Actually, he hadn't wanted to come in the first place but the eldest Son was so close to begging that Tyler only agreed so he could shut him up. Caleb's desperation was clear…he wanted so badly for Tyler and Reid to make up. But now, as Tyler watched Reid stand smugly to the side counting several twenty-dollar bills, anger swelled up in his chest, quickly joined by resentment.

His emotions were always spinning and shifting—anger, fear, sadness, resentment, but never joy. Not lately. Not in what seemed like ages. The realization of his near constant depression spiked his anxiety.

Suddenly, the bar was too crowded, the music too loud. He leaned forward and gripped the bar top, his knuckles white as he tried to regain control himself.

You're alone, a voice whispered in his head.

Tyler's gaze darted around the crowd but no one even glanced in his direction. There he stood, surrounded by dozens of people yet he never felt so alone. His looked to his brothers. Surely one of them would notice his distress… but then again, they hadn't noticed the change in him. It had been months since his Ascension, since he felt…normal.

Caleb, Pogue and Reid stood laughing as Aaron demanded a rematch. Happy. They were happy without him.

It was hard to breathe now. Tyler closed his eyes, dropped his head and tried to block out the world around him when a cool breeze brushed his face. The unexpected fresh, cold air was a welcome distraction. His breathing turned even and his heartrate slowed, the anxiety disappearing as quickly as it had come.

Tyler straightened slowly and looked to the front door where the breeze still wafted through. His stomach tightened at the sight of Alex stepping through the front door, brushing snow from her loose blonde hair.

Of all the people…Tyler thought, wishing he would have stayed in tonight.

He shouldn't have been surprised to see her. Ipswich was a small town with few places for social gatherings, and with Nicky's being one of the few, as well as most popular, he should have expected to see her.

Alex smiled over her shoulder to Sarah and Kate, who both rubbed their coated bodies for more warmth. Pogue appeared at Kate's side, scooped her up in his arms and kissed her lips before leading them to the pool tables.

Alex paused, and as if sensing his stare, her blue eyes met his. Neither smiled; their gazes held for a few moments until Alex looked away and followed after the others.

Yep, definitely should have stayed home.

He pushed forward, aiming to head for the door but his feet carried him to Alex. He noticed Reid already had Alex in a conversation, their arms nearly brushing from their closeness.

Tyler forced himself to look away, to ignore the spark of anger in his chest. He fixed his gaze on Sarah who stood in Caleb's arms. She smiled as Tyler approached.

"Don't worry," she began with a laugh. "We're not here to ruin guys' night. Just grabbing food to go."

Tyler attempted a smile but it came off more as a grimace, because just feet from him was Alex. He found her gaze for the second time that night."Hey, Alex."

Alex's smile was tightlipped, the action not quite reaching her eyes.

"Hey," she replied, then turned her attention to Kate as she appeared with three large bags in her arms.

"Got the goodies, let's go!" Kate grinned at Pogue and kissed his lips, promising to see him later tonight.

As Sarah kissed Caleb goodbye, Alex slid a glance at Tyler. Her expression was unreadable which was agitating and made his thoughts race.

Is she still upset? Does she hate me? Still want me? Or…is she happier without me?

She doesn't look upset…Obviously, she hates you…No, she doesn't want you… of course, she's happier without you, the voice laughed mockingly, they all are.

That's not true, Tyler thought, though self-doubt and insecurity began to weigh heavily on him. He needed to know where her head was at. He stepped close to her, ignoring Reid.

"Can we talk?" he asked.

Alex blinked up at him slowly and didn't step back though they stood nearly chest to chest.

"I can't do this again," she answered, her voice low. "And I think you made yourself clear last week."

Tyler was aware of the others watching now. "Just a few minutes."

"No."

"Please, Alex, I just- "

Alex's eyebrows furrowed over narrowed eyes. "I said no, Tyler." Her voice was hard and the words cut.

Tyler's face flushed and his mouth went dry. She does hate me…

Without another word or a glance at the others, Alex left. Sarah and Kate followed after her and both offered Tyler sympathetic looks as they passed.

Seconds passed and still Tyler stood staring after Alex. Someone cleared their throat from behind him and he was pulled from his numb stupor. He didn't need to look to know it was Caleb who placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Tyler shrugged off his hand and flexed his fingers to bring feeling back to them.

"I- uh… I'm going to head out." He hadn't even finished the sentence before Caleb started nodding in understanding.

There was pity in his eyes. Pogue wore the same expression. Reid however, shook his head.

"Yeah, Ty, go on." Reid said. "Leave so you can go pout."

Tyler's gaze snapped to the blonde Son as Pogue stepped forward, placing himself slightly between the pair.

"Reid," Caleb warned. "Knock it off."

"No," Reid replied with a glare. "I'm sick of walking on eggshells around him. 'Don't mention Alex. Tyler's having a rough time with the break-up'. Get the fuck over it already."

Fury flared in Tyler, the feeling so sudden and intense that Tyler propelled forward and lunged at Reid. A pair of strong arms stopped him quickly and held him firm. Tyler fought against Caleb's embrace while Pogue stood now facing Reid to proactively stop any advances made on his part.

"Fuck you, Reid! This is all your fault!"

Reid took a step forward but Pogue put a hand on his chest, stopping him.

"You're right," Reid admitted. "And I can't undo what I did. But she made her choice and she doesn't want to be with you. You think moping and feeling sorry for yourself is going to change that?"

Power rippled within Tyler, anticipating release. It called to him, provoking him to Use as he struggled against Caleb. His heart thudded painfully in his chest as if his blood had thickened from the pulsing power in his vein.

With one arm wrapped around his torso and the other on his left arm, Pogue dragged Reid toward the back door that led to the alley way.

Words flew from Tyler's mouth but all sound was muffled by the blood rushing in his ears. Blurred faces drifted in his peripheral as he realized Caleb was practically carrying him from the bar.

Tyler stumble over the gravel as Caleb shoved him into the parking lot. Though spring was just around the corner, snow fell softly from the sky, the cold seeping into the exposed skin of his arms and neck.

"What's gotten into you?" Caleb's voice was near a growl. His dark eyes were narrowed and his quick breathing caused small puffs of clouds to dance in the air between them.

Tyler steadied himself, feeling the fury vanish and leave him depleted of energy. He noticed his own breathing was ragged.

Caleb held his arms wide, waiting for Tyler to explain himself.

As if it were a simple thing to do…

Tyler opened his mouth to answer—I don't know. I'm losing control. Help me… There was so much he wanted to say but everything became stuck in his throat. Instead he shrugged and smoothed out his wrinkled shirt.

"I'm fine," he lied.

The eldest Son straightened but his eyebrows furrowed deeper, clearly unconvinced that Tyler was anywhere near fine.

Alex could feel Tyler's gaze on her.

It was hard to ignore. While she remained a mask of disinterest, he was easily readable. His blue eyes, bordered by dark circles, held a longing that threatened to splinter her resolve. But Alex held firm, turning her attention to the window where snow piled high on the sill; it's cold sent frost across the glass like tiny webs of crystal. It was a brisk day out, not uncommon for mid-March, the bare branches swayed in the strong breeze as snow swirled at an almost continuous rate. It was pretty—a white, flawless blanket laid across the grounds of Spenser Academy, not yet touched by footprints or tire tracks.

From the corner of her eye she caught a glimpse of white blonde hair. She could feel Reid's piercing blue eyes and vaguely wondered if either Son had learned much in the class lately with their attention always on her. She spared him a glance as the bell echoed down the halls, signaling lunch time. Alex scooped up her books and headed for the door, and just like every other day, she watched Tyler dart from the room.

It had been almost three weeks since they last spoke, the conversation being the final straw in Alex's patience. Now, he stared at her majority of third period as if torturing himself.

She had just filtered out into the hallway when Sarah appeared at her side. "Are you coming to lunch today?"

"Nope," Alex said with a pop of the 'p'.

Sarah let out a low groan of frustration. "You have to eat something."

Alex pulled a protein bar out the bag hanging from her shoulder and gave a tightlipped smile.

Sarah rolled her eyes. "You can't avoid him forever."

"I'm not avoiding anyone."

"Oh okay," Sarah answered, unconvinced. "I'll see you later?"

Alex merely waved as she ducked down a hallway to her left.

The further away from her peers, the quieter it became. The only sound was from her footsteps as she weaved through the halls, content to roam. She wasn't exactly avoiding anyone; she was just tired of the tentative conversations and awkwardness. Tyler wasn't talking to Reid and Reid wasn't talking to Tyler, and Tyler wasn't talking to Alex but she always found him staring at her. It was too much drama. And she knew, at the root of it all, it was because of her.

She had allowed Reid to pursue her, had wanted him to, and on her terms, they had hooked up. Then Tyler had kissed her that day in the park and everything changed. She had fallen for Tyler, and all the while without realizing, Reid had fallen for her.

Alex sighed and toed the floor as she paused in front of the window overlooking the courtyard. The snowfall had slowed, the flakes bigger than before, and had coated everything in sight. A slight draft caused her to shiver and suddenly she longed for warmer weather. She dreamed of the brisk spring wind ripping through her hair as she rode her motorcycle, which sat in her aunt's garage until the end of winter.

Her gaze moved grudgingly over the snowy landscape. She was nearly convinced spring would never come.

A headache throbbed at Tyler's temples, refusing to go away. A glance at the clock told him it was nearing two in the morning. He squeezed his eyes tight and begged for sleep to come but to no avail. Sleep was a rare thing lately. And when he was able to, he was haunted by shadowy nightmares.

It had been almost three months since the Ascension, and each day that passed Tyler found himself struggling against the pull of Power. Tonight, like most nights lately, his self-control was weak as Power itched in his veins provokingly. Tyler blinked into darkness with heavy eyelids, and though he tried to breathe steadily to control the racing of his heart, anxiety keeping its beat quick.

Control it. Fight it.

The memory of Caleb kneeling beside him after his Ascension replayed in his head, reminding him to fight the impulse to Use.

But he wanted to Use. He wanted to surrender. The temptation was always there, and alongside the constant desire were the whispers in his mind. A voice pleading with him, encouraging him to give into the power, and more often than not he would listen and get lost in the ecstasy. The moment was blissful, fleeting and overpowered any worry of addiction or consequence.

Tyler rolled out of bed and grabbed a sweatshirt and shoes from his closet, not sure where he was going but his feet seemed to know as they carried him from his room.

The hallway was eerily quiet as he moved passed the spare bedrooms of his parents' house and down the stairs. Once in the foyer, he peeked down the hall in the direction of his parents' room. All was still as he turned and walked out the front door, careful to close the door behind him.

It was a bit easier to breathe with the fresh air like ice in his lungs as he trekked the familiar path to his personal haven. The branches knocked against each other in the biting wind, and soon he found himself in the open field he had frequented a thousand times. He found fleeting comfort in the one place that had always provided peace, but even now in the silence the lure of Power still beckoned him.

During the day, school and homework kept him busy enough, however in the dead of night when he was left only to his thoughts, it was hard to resist the urge to Use. He flexed his fingers as the desire began to overwhelm him. His nerves tingled as Power gathered, flashing fire across his eyes—

Tyler squeezed his eyelids shut and clenched his hands into fists. Adrenaline coursed through his veins merging with the power readily waiting for release. Every muscle in his body tensed. It would be so easy to surrender, to feel the rush and high of Using, especially now in the silence of the night.

A quick release was all he needed.

Let go…surrender…

The voice was always just a brush against his subconscious, insistent and persuasive.

When he opened his eyes, they were black as night.

Tyler fell to his knees, breathing heavily. Eyes closed, he savored the exhilarating sensation of Power licking through his veins.

Once more, the voice cooed seductively.

He could feel the Power pulse in desire at the thought. Temptation to Use again, to continue the high caused his insides to twist eagerly.

"No." The word came out soft, more like pleading than refusal. It wasn't the first time he had responded to the voice in his head, and doing so now tipped him towards insanity. He had given in so many times to Power, to his sadness and anger…to the voice.

He focused on the dampness seeping through the material of his clothes. He concentrated on his hands, numb from the cold, and the chill sneaking up his legs. By the time the urge to Use passed and the whispering voice faded, he was nearly frozen. Goosebumps were thick on his skin and when he finally opened his eyes, he balked at the sight.

The field was charred black.

Numb from more than just the cold, Tyler looked up to the now pink horizon. Dawn.

It had taken hours to him to gain back control of himself, longer than it ever had.

Author's note: I know it's been a long time, trust me but stay with me! After a move to a new state, being separated from my husband due to Covid, raising two kids while taking care of a sick dog, I'm FINALLY back on track!

Additional Author's Note: The next chapter lies in wait and will be up by Friday. ;)