The basketball flew gracefully through the air and hit nothing but net. Jessi said as she grabbed the ball, "Nice shot Declan!" She'd never played basketball before but it looked easy enough.

She attempted to dribble but took just a little too long because he swiped it away, went back a few feet and took a jumper. The ball hit the backboard and went in for two more points.

"So Declan, you dribble like this?" She started whipping the ball against the court, bringing it between her legs while she avoided him and went in for an easy lay-up. It went in; she was down by two.

She noticed Declan's spirits rise instead of sinking as she'd expected. He loved the challenge.

She smiled because she liked challenge too. He expertly dribbled the ball and stopped an arm length away, feinted to the left then circled to the right running out to three point territory before turning and firing. The ball had a graceful arc in the air but landed squarely on the rim and ricocheted almost directly into Jessi's hands.

Jessi learned quickly in physical pursuits and was confident in all her abilities. She'd seen Declan make a slam dunk while practising. She decided it was her turn and jumped nearly three feet into the air before slamming it home. They were now even.

Declan seemed to get serious. Because she wasn't advancing he took a clear shot from 15 feet, one he could take with his eyes closed when unchallenged. He missed as the ball hit the rim again and fell into Jessi's hands. She took the jumper from the same place and hit nothing but net.

Jessi did not do anything by half measures. When she competed, it was to kill. Every shot Declan took from the outside hit the rim and practically fell into her lap on the rebound whether she jumped or not. After several shots she felt his mood change. He was frustrated, angry. She was up 20 to 4 when she pretended to misread his play and he went in for an easy slam dunk.

When his success didn't help his mood, she felt it was time to finish the game. Without turning toward the net she ran into three point territory before lobbing it over her shoulder while still running in the opposite direction. As she knew it would, it went in. She turned and smiled at him while he got the ball and dribbled into position. He hadn't seemed too surprised when she'd done that shot. He was gritting his teeth.

He went left then right. Quick as lightning she moved up just as he was moving back to the left and cleanly grasped the ball before it bounced onto the court. They hurriedly switched their positions. He stood back and motioned for her to come at him. Smiling, from 20 feet out she dribbled the ball forcibly into the court in front of her as though it had been a bounce pass to Declan but it flew high into the air and circled the rim once before going in. "Yes!" she exclaimed and she flashed him a smile of victory. She opened her arms wide and said, "Here Declan, let me give you a victory hug."

Her smile faded as he turned around, disgusted at himself for having missed so many shots. The sensation was so strong she didn't follow.

***

Amanda smiled to herself in her bedroom mirror. It was time to initiate her plan to corrupt Kyle. Although she understood he was still unable to fully control himself with his new ability, she figured it might actually assist her in her plans. Under her clothes she had a new red bathing suit on. Even though it was one piece it showed a significant amount of her back and sides.

She left a note for her mother in case she wasn't back for lunch – she'd prepared her favourite sandwich and fruit salad. Content with the condition of the house, she went directly to Kyle's bedroom window.

Now she knew that if he was there he'd hear her well before she got there. She wasn't surprised to see him open his window for her. "Hi Amanda, come inside." He took a deep breath, shook his head slightly and started to breathe with his mouth open. It made him appear as though he had a cold. She smiled at his predicament. Life would never be dull with Kyle.

"Hi Kyle," she flashed him her best smile. "I know you're probably not up to it, but I'd really like to go to the pool today with you." Before he could raise any objections, she raised her top a little to reveal her bathing suit. "I'm already ready!"

She counted on his desire to do everything for her, on his extra sweet, good streak which also made him vulnerable to Latnok. He would be unwilling to sacrifice anyone before himself and was therefore prone to throwing his life away. He'd probably jump in front of a bullet to save her… She shuddered at the stray thought. When he didn't immediately reply, she added, "I'm sure that out in the open with a chlorinated pool's smell all around us, maybe you'll have better luck controlling your sense of smell."

He appeared to think about her argument and nodded, "Okay. That sounds like a good idea. Let me get ready and we'll go."

She touched his shoulder, not wanting to stress him out too much too soon. "Thanks." She paused a brief moment before adding, "Why don't I ask Lori if she wants to come too?" Before she even finished her sentence, she headed for the door, pleased with herself.

When she saw Lori she was already ready but they went through the formality in case Kyle was actively listening. It wouldn't do to have him suspect anything. "Hi Lori, Kyle and I are going to the pool today, would you like to come?"

Before Lori could answer Josh piped up as he emerged from the bathroom, "I'll come too."

Lori said while rolling her eyes at her younger brother. "I'd love to Amanda." She turned to Josh, "As long as Josh doesn't get in my way tanning and looking great poolside, he can come too."

"Oh thank you wise mistress for letting me out of the dungeon," he grumbled with his hands in the air, pretending to worship his sister. He deftly avoided her playful slap.

"I wish Andy wasn't so far away, you're getting really weird." That dampened his spirits. "Sorry." Amanda suppressed a smile and stayed silent. Josh was being a little strange, it was true, but then he'd been that way for years. She remembered specifically the Kyle is an Alien list and nearly giggled out loud.

Interrupting their banter, Amanda said, "If you can be ready in five minutes, you can come with us."

Turning serious, Josh said, "You both realize I have a car of my own right?"

Kyle emerged at the base of the stairs and spoke up, "Carpooling is better for the environment. Let's go!" Amanda and Lori shared a smile and Lori closed her door to 'change' while Josh actually did so. Amanda wasn't surprised that Kyle had taken the idea of going to the pool as his own because it had been hers. She was saddened that she could probably convince him to do something much crazier by merely pouting and batting her eyelashes at him, not that she would play him that way of course.

That was one part of Kyle that seriously needed changing.

They crammed into her car and she drove to the pool amidst little conversation. Only Josh brought up Amanda's third wheel, Jessi. "I wonder where Jessi is, she'd probably be a very good swimmer like you Kyle." Amanda refrained from commenting but her smile faded nonetheless.

She noticed Kyle look into her eyes with his mouth open through the rear view mirror. Kyle said, "I had to be taught to swim before I mastered it."

"Yeah, in what, an afternoon? Dude, Amanda could teach her in half an hour." Although it was nice to be recognized as a great swimmer and lifeguard, Amanda didn't really think her training Jessi in anything would go well.

An awkward silence filled the cabin of the car for the last five minutes of the trip.

Josh bolted from the car when she had parked. "Time to scope out the ladies – see ya!"

Lori looked offended and Kyle appeared genuinely surprised. Kyle said out loud to no one in particular, "But isn't he with Andy?"

Lori huffed, "Men!" She paused, "Even young ones."

Amanda decided to start with a right hook, "Even the sweet nice ones."

It was Kyle's turn to get offended. "What?"

Lori backed her up. "Isn't it true that you were getting into Jessi when you were first dating Amanda?" It turned out to be the first knock out. Kyle stood there speechless. To confuse him further though, Amanda grabbed his arm, planted a wet kiss on his cheek, and almost dragged him to the pool. When they got there she playfully took off her clothes while looking into his eyes. She was pleased that she had a mesmerizing effect on him even though their intimacy wasn't too far along. It was certainly not because she didn't want to, only that she didn't want to. She giggled slightly at the thought. She always seemed to giggle nervously when she thought of sex with Kyle. She was thankful he couldn't read her mind.

She spotted Hillary in a light blue bikini that barely covered anything. Her eyes practically ogled at Lori's friend. She knew the plan was already on. Turning back to Kyle she hesitated. He remained rooted to the spot with his mouth open trying to breathe solely through his mouth. She closed the gap to him and raised his chin to close his mouth then planted a quick kiss. She pulled away immediately when she saw him take a deep breath with his nose. "Remember control Kyle. You can do anything you put your mind to."

Then she dove into the pool with very little splash.

***

Amanda's scent filled him and made his entire body tingle. As he took a deep breath he noticed others' scents, males and females, of sunscreen, deodorants, and shampoo. There was obviously the strong scent of chlorine which made the rest tolerable at least. It left a sharp tang at the back of his throat. He quickly counted the people around them: 27. It was still early though and the day was going to be clear and hot; he expected the attendance to triple within the hour.

He saw some girls looking at him and whispering to each other. Although he certainly could have overheard them he chose to keep his attention moving. He noticed Hillary barely clothed talking to a couple of guys who were chatting with her for all they were worth. He ignored that too. At least he tried to.

There was a faint smell coming from Hillary and the guys. It was of natural origin and didn't come from her hair or from any perfume or spray. It was almost like the smell told him their intentions. That was what it felt like anyway.

Unsurprisingly the guys emanated desire and lust. It was such a strong feeling that he suddenly felt it too. All he could see was Hillary. After taking a few steps toward her, he caught Josh's smell, though it was directed to the girls who were staring at him. He believed he could smell directions in these natural scents, vectors which he could then use to locate the targets of these intentions. From Josh, he sensed insecurity and unwillingness coupled with desire. From the girls he noted mainly curiosity.

His head had cleared when he'd sensed Josh's scent but it was masked again by the guys and Hillary. Though he certainly felt their intentions continue, the guy not talking was sending out waves to just about every woman there. Hillary on the other hand –

Suddenly he heard Lori yell before crashing into the water. He turned toward her and saw a guy standing by the pool waving to the lifeguard that he'd done nothing. Kyle felt that not many believed him. He noticed immediately that Lori had quickly recovered from her unintentional fall in the water but that Amanda was close by and helped her.

Two new guys walked by him as he started to remove his shirt to join Amanda in the pool. He pictured strutting peacocks boldly displaying their feathers. And then he smelled one of the girls that had been staring at him look at one of the peacocks and radiate hostility, distrust, and pain.

Kyle nearly gasped aloud and he turned to the girl. He looked back and forth between her and the peacock guy. He completely ignored her but then he noticed Hillary and the lust he'd felt previously had seemed merely a ripple. Now there was a wave washing over him coming from the same guy. His head began to cloud over when Amanda tapped him on the shoulder from behind, "Kyle, can you get my sunscreen in the car please? I forgot."

While Kyle instinctively heard Amanda speak, it had felt like a whisper in a gale.

He gasped when he realized what would happen. He hurried to Hillary. Her attention briefly moved to peacock as he came into her view and the guys she had been speaking with noticed the look and their scents dimmed noticeably.

Alpha peacock took charge, "Hi, my friend and I noticed you from the parking lot. You're so fine."

Hillary didn't get to speak because Kyle had sidestepped the peacocks and forcibly grabbed Hillary's shoulders. "Sweetheart, why don't we take a swim," he nearly yelled before launching them into the water.

***

Amanda was surprised when Kyle bolted toward Hillary and was shocked when Kyle grabbed her. When Hillary started flailing in the water, she noticed Hillary's predicament with dread. Her bikini top had fallen off. What was worse was that Kyle didn't immediately realize it. He swam with Hillary half the length of the pool when he suddenly stopped and looked around. She tried to tread water and cover herself at the same time. Only because Kyle held her with both hands did she not sink and they were in the deep end.

Amanda rushed in and dove headlong into the pool. "Stay there Kyle," she shouted.

She quickly retrieved the bikini top. As she turned she felt a large splash right behind her. "I'll take it to her." It was clearly not an offer as he tried to grab it from her. Feeling threatened, Amanda used her legs to kick off the guy's chest as though he'd been one of the walls of the pool and got away. She swam as efficiently as she could to stay ahead of the guy who she thought would surely follow. And then it hit her: he wasn't following. She turned and saw the guy sinking beneath the surface, a small stain of red forming there.

Hillary shrieked her name. The lifeguard on duty, a friend of hers, jumped into the water after blowing her whistle. The piercing call was meant to get everyone out of the pool at once. She'd hurt the guy bad it seemed. She was torn for only a moment. In one motion she threw Hillary's top toward them but off the mark. She saw Hillary raise her arm trying to catch it, exposing herself in the process.

With a strong stroke and hurried kicks, she went to assist in saving the guy's life.

***

His head was clearer than it had been all day. When he saw that Amanda's throw would miss them by six and a half feet he had planned to swim to it but then in the excitement Hillary had raised her arm to catch it. She'd not realized that the wind would carry it to their right. He smelled overwhelming shock in Hillary and mounds of curiosity mostly from the guys around the pool, mixed with envy and jealousy.

He only had three options and neither was particularly good. He could let go of Hillary and get it. From her flailing and sporadic kicking she either didn't know how to swim or was just in shock. She'd likely go under before he got back which made it not an option at all.

He could swim just fine without his hands, even with holding Hillary. His legs were strong enough to propel him in the water but that was where the dilemma came in. How could he protect her from the leers? He could certainly have cupped her with his hands and kicked them to her bikini top but he opted for the lesser of two evils instead. He hugged her to him instead and hurriedly swam to it.

He was surprised he didn't feel lust or desire for Hillary, only concern. He took a few quick breaths and noticed her scent was mostly hidden because of the water. Only the faint smell of shampoo and some perfume sprayed on her neck made themselves known.

Having retrieved the bikini top, Hillary recovered enough of her senses to try putting it on. He realized the single clasp was broken; it was not meant to be worn in the water despite being part of a swimsuit. He found that very odd.

***

Hillary and Lori had run from the pool once Kyle had brought her safely to the edge of the pool. Amanda had certainly not imagined him saving Hillary by crushing her to him. She was far from jealous, though she knew the retelling of this story would certainly bring her lots of blushing and embarrassment.

Not the least of which was the guy she'd hurt in the process. She looked on from a respectable distance, worry creasing her brow.

The lifeguard, despite being a co-worker and friend, beckoned her. The guy had spat up a little water and was thankfully breathing again. The cut was superficial at best and the bleeding already stopped but she knew he might have a concussion. "Miss, I'll have to report this incident to the city. I will be mentioning that you, as a fully licensed lifeguard, was performing an unofficial service to a person who had lost an article of clothing and that this gentleman got too close and hit his head on the wall. I trust you're okay with this description of the events?"

So there would be no mention of her actively kicking his chest but also no mention of his attempting to cause trouble. It seemed fair so she nodded. She was impressed that her colleague had thought of the description so quickly.

The lifeguard turned to the guy she'd just saved and his friend. "Is that acceptable to you as well?" He nodded and looked at Amanda. He appeared very humble or self effacing, she wasn't sure which.

"I'm really very sorry," she said to the guy. She heard the guy's friend tell him she helped get him out of the water.

"Me too."

After several minutes, the guy, whose name was Jim, was sitting in a patio chair in the shade of a large umbrella. A few girls were chatting with him, practically draping themselves on him in concern for his health. It made her sick to her stomach. He seemed to be doing just fine now. If he hadn't surprised her in the pool she would not have used him as a launching pad for her escape.

Disgusted, she turned and scanned the crowd for Kyle. It took her some time to spot him because he was treading water in a peculiar way. His head was half submerged and the water remained just below his nose at all times, regardless of the waves. He wouldn't need to explain at all; so close to the water he'd only be smelling the chlorinated water.

No longer feeling like swimming, she motioned for him to come out. She was already mostly dry from being out of the water for half an hour. Besides, with her fellow conspirators gone she certainly couldn't manage the plan alone.

Although he'd been at the far end of the pool when she'd spotted him, it seemed that he was in front of her in very little time. "Amanda, what's the matter?"

Staring into his eyes, she said nothing, not wanting to trigger his lie detection ability. Instead she merely flashed her eyes toward Jim for a brief moment, letting him come up with his own story. Nothing more needed to be said. Kyle immediately found Josh, who also appeared miserable, and together they sombrely made their way to her car and she drove them home in silence.

When they all got out, Kyle stayed near, holding her hand. She was sure he knew that she loved being near him. "Kyle, I have to go inside and change and think for a bit." She looked down for a moment and looked into his eyes. "Would you like to come to the Rack later tonight?" She gave him her best tentative half smile.

He brightened instantly. "Yes I would like that Amanda." He gently held her hand and came close. She noticed his nostrils flare slightly and he bent to her for a kiss. Regardless of her plan to corrupt him, she couldn't deny him the kiss; she loved him. It always thrilled her to kiss and hold him. Closing her eyes she puckered her lips and moved forward, pressing gently against him.

The kiss didn't last long. In fact he'd only barely brushed his lips against hers. When he pulled away he huskily said, "I'm sorry," and ran into his house. She felt like she'd been knocked out by the lightest touch. She stood rooted to the spot for nearly a minute before she remembered about Lori and Hillary.

She had to organize plan B.