Destiny's Fire (Kythan Guardians 1)

“No,” I said, averting my eyes. “I mean, I did. But that’s when that crazy power took over. I don’t want to try again until I know I can control it.” I blew out a long breath. “Maybe after I get control over both powers I can do it without going all white.”

“I understand.” He ducked his head so he could look eye-to-eye with me. “Hey. It’s all right. It freaked me out, too. Go at your own pace.”

A smile crept across my lips. “What happened to the wild antagonistic guy I met last week?” I asked.

“Oh, him? He’s just my counterpart. He only comes out when guys like Jace want to get scrappy.”

“Right.” I eyed him. “You should give Jace a chance. He’s not all bad. He just takes things way serious.” I took his hand in mine. “We were all scared when we heard that the Narcolym were moving into Haven Falls. Jace was doing his best to protect the people he cares about.”

Reese pressed his lips together. “And he cares about you.”

“Well, yeah.” I shrugged. “We all grew up together. He?

??s one of my best friends. He’s always looked after me like a brother, just like he does Lana.”

“Yeah, I totally see the big brother act.” Reese huffed. “I promise to take it down a notch with him.”

“Thanks.” I glanced at the sun. “What time is it?”

He fished his communicator from his pocket. “Six. What time do you have to be back?”

“Like, an hour ago. My mom’s going to kill me.” I hopped to my feet and turned toward the river. “Guess I need to test this out first, though.” I shook my arms, bouncing on the balls of my feet. I tried to focus on what I’d been feeling when Reese held me. The power he’d sent between us.

Concentrating, I pulled forth my Charge, commanding it. And it obeyed. My hands ignited, glowing blue. I aimed at the river, my palm flat against the air, and released a bolt into the water. “Whoa.” I snapped my head toward Reese, whose eyebrows shot up.

“Damn.” He sidled up beside me. “Aim at that tree.” He pointed across the river. “See how far your range is.”

I did as he asked, zeroing in on the tree. I felt the power surge, building. I panicked. Not wanting to lose control, I pulled back my power shakily. I held my hand up and a current sparked, zipping across the river and blasting the tree. I could see a faint black mark etched into the bark.

Reese pulled me into his arms. “You’re amazing.” His eyes traced my face. “Now you get to show your mom what you can do.” He smiled. “Maybe she’ll relax and I can actually take you out some place nice.”

My heart soared, and then sank. “True. She’ll be ecstatic, but where can we go and not be seen by your friends or mine?”

Reese laughed. “I’m not worried about mine. And I thought you said yours are about to hit the change.”

I nodded. “Okay. Right. We can probably get away with it.”

“Dez, if we’re together, your friends will eventually find out.” He clasped my hand and led me in the opposite direction from where we’d come. “But, I understand. It’s too much right now. Let them settle into the change and the Peace Act first.”

“Where are we going?”

“I think we can get down this way without having to use the grappler.” He pointed. “It’ll take a few minutes longer to walk around, though.”

He was right, it took a little longer to get back to the trail, but the fall leveled out and we were able to walk the incline toward his levibike. Reese dropped me off in the same spot, just down the road from my house. I couldn’t take the chance my mom would see him. I gave him a quick kiss with the promise of meeting him the next day.

As I walked down my street, my insides danced with excitement. Everything was going to be all right. I’d learned how to use my Charge. My mom could relax now. I’d go to the Academy with my friends, and eventually, when everyone accepted that the Narcos were here to help and not fight, I could tell them about me and Reese.

Everything was coming together perfectly.

As I skipped up to my walkway, thinking about the afternoon I’d spent with Reese, I glanced up and my chest tightened, threatening to crush me.

Jace sat on my porch, hands between his knees—a serious expression on his face. “What’s going on, Dez?”

Chapter Eleven

MY STOMACH FLIPPED, and I strode toward my porch, toward Jace. “Nothing really, just went for a walk.” I shrugged. “Was feeling cooped up.”

Jace nodded once. “Your mom said as much.” He stood and buried his hands in his pockets. “I know you said you were feeling bad, but I wanted to come see you before I started the change.” He gave me a weak smile.