Becoming: The Balance Bringer (The Balance Bringer Chronicles Book 1)

by Debra Kristi

  When I open my eyes, Jaden stands before me, holding my elbow. “I’ve got you.”

  My skin burns at his touch. A tingle of desire bubbles deep in my belly, traveling lower. My body betrays my ability to think. For a moment, I forget about the irritating magnetic force. I see sincerity in his face, in his eyes. I don’t speak, only gaze in a state of interest and confusion.

  He brushes aside the cascade of hair I use to hide my birthmark, grazing the side of my brow. “Tell me about this.”

  Flinching, I drop my books. The connection is broken, the moment lost. Pulling away, I hide my ugly side once again. “What gives you the right?”

  He stands his ground. “I was only curious.”

  “It’s a birthmark, okay? Nothing for you to concern yourself with.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  Staring at the ground, I don’t know if he’s being honest or lying. I have no idea how to follow up.

  “Ana!” Ry yells from across the parking lot.

  I turn to see students streaming out into the lot. School is officially over.

  Jaden gestures to Ry and his souped-up classic. “Your chariot awaits.”

  Scooping my books off the asphalt, I secretly slip a large chunk of Jaden’s broken stone into my hand. It’s heavier than I expect and cool to the touch. “I’m sorry I followed you.”

  He closes the distance between us, grazing my hair with his fingers again. “I’m not.”

  This time I’m prepared, stand steady, but I don’t know if I trust the moment to be real.

  Ry yells again. The warmth of Jaden’s fingertips tingles along the edge of my face, so I hesitate. Something unexpected flashes in my mind’s eye, and Jaden smiles as if he knows.

  Reluctantly, I pull away. “Bye.”

  I turn to leave. It’s an odd feeling, walking away from him. It felt so right being there with him. Like I belonged.

  Crystia’s already in the back seat when I slip into the car.

  “What was that about?” Ry says and scrutinizes Jaden’s retreat.

  “Nothing.” We sit silently, until I glance up and see Ry waiting for a real answer.

  “That’s the new guy,” Crystia says.

  “I know who he is,” Ry snaps, then looks at me. “Is that all he is?”

  I’m not sure how he wants me to answer, so I don’t.

  “I think he and Ana are destined.” A goofy grin spreads across Crystia’s face.

  “Do ya now?” Ry twists in his seat to look at her.

  She shrugs.

  Turning back to me, Ry narrows his focus. “Is everything all right? You look different.”

  “Everything’s fine. Let’s go.”

  I readjust the books in my lap and stare out the front window, thinking about Jaden’s fingers against my skin and the flash I saw. Jaden’s lips had melded with mine as fireworks fell from the sky.

  The whole school is worked up over Skylar’s big birthday bash tonight. Even the drizzle outside won’t bring down the mood. Everyone’s talking about what they’re going to wear and when they’re showing up. I try to be excited, except I’m still concerned Skylar will kick us to the curb. Especially after her hands-off warning about Jaden the other day.

  I’m hiding at my locker, staring at the changed reflection in my compact, when Ry sneaks up behind me. He grabs my shoulders and gives me a good shake. My eyes might be as big as the moon, based on his reaction when I turn around.

  “Cheer up, girl. Tonight you get to dress up like the princess you are. We’ll make it a grand event.”

  “You know I hate these things, especially when they’re put on by the selfish and self-centered.”

  “Consider it a lesson in diplomacy.” He leans forward, getting right in my face. “I knew you looked different last night.”

  I push my finger to his lips. “Shh!”

  I don’t want any added attention. But he’s right. Something unexplainable happened. My birthmark has visibly faded. Still there, but definitely lighter. My hand warms my face, rubbing gently, as if I can feel the change through the skin of my palm.

  As the five-minute warning bell rings, a pack of seniors maneuvers past us, among them Skylar and Jaden. The irritating pull stretches between us like a rubber band ready to break. I tighten my grip on the locker door and resist the urge to follow. Jaden flashes a tender smile in my direction, causing Skylar to glance between us with a scowl.

  Ry’s head snaps up, follows their departure. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he felt the pull between Jaden and me.

  “Get to class, Ana,” he says, his attention already somewhere else.

  He doesn’t even spare me a glance. Lightly nudging me in the direction of my homeroom, he takes off after Skylar and Jaden, leaving me to wonder what he’s up to.

  Fresh and prepped, I’m ready for the big night—Skylar’s birthday bash. My hair’s curled and pinned, nails painted, makeup perfected. I’m ready to walk the catwalk. Ry waits patiently in the kitchen with Mom. The casual jeans, untucked pinstriped shirt, and stylish navy blazer is totally working for him. He won’t have any trouble getting into the party. He’s hot and male, after all.

  When Crystia and I enter the kitchen, Mom turns to mush, ready to become a human geyser. After our hugs but before we make our exit, she pulls me aside.

  “I’d like you to wear this tonight.” She hooks her crystal lily necklace around my neck.

  “Mom, I made this for you.”

  “I know, honey. Think of it as a piece of me joining you for good luck tonight.” A tear forms at the corner of her eye.

  “It’s just a birthday party, Mom.”

  She runs her hand along the edges of my hair and meekly smiles. “I know.”

  Ry appears at our sides, wraps his arm around mine. “Let’s go.”

  The camera in Mom’s hand flashes wildly, and we make a mad dash out the door.

  Skylar’s estate sits on the mountain’s rocky edge with an absolutely breathtaking view. Especially at this time of day, as the sun sets, painting the sky in a rich array of burnt orange melting into deep pink. The distant mountains appear dusted in purple. The large circular drive is laid in flagstone, and the massive mahogany-and-iron front doors are framed with beautifully mature queen palms. The house branches out in all directions for what seems like an eternity and flows with the surrounding landscape. Everything glistens from the earlier rain, leaving a sense of something magical.

  The house pulsates with lights and music, a pop song currently pumping about a rich girl. How appropriate. I take the arm Ry’s offering, and the three of us make our way up the front steps, linked for strength. With Ry in the middle, we prepare to enter the lion’s den.

  Entering the estate, I take stock of myself. Crystia did a fabulous job in choosing my dress. An aqua blue number to highlight the best color in my eyes, the gown mimics a beaded cocktail gown fitted with an elaborate sheer train. My strappy heels drip with accented rhinestones. If it weren’t for my birthmark and my sectoral heterochromia…but then there’s no point in what-ifs.

  For a change of look, Crystia has brown contacts lens tonight and is wearing a strapless gold dress, accentuating the deep bronze tones in her eyes. She put a lot of thought and effort into her presentation, twisting her hair into hundreds of curls. They cascade seductively down her back.

  Both Crystia and I are making sure we will pass the door inspection when Ry clears his throat. A burly guy has appeared before us.

  “Admission?” he says in a deep, serious voice.

  Stifling a laugh, I produce a small wrapped box with a delicate silver bow. Crystia and Ry hold gifts as well. With a huff, the human wall stomps aside.

  From the foyer, a sea of teens, bouncing and grinding to the beat, stretches before us. What is the home’s living room has been transformed into a large, nightclub-style dance floor. A wall of glass windows across the room boasts a view of a manmade lake and the city below. Along the side of the room are tables and chairs for th
e guests. Light dances off an ostentatious chandelier, creating a disco ball effect. The dance floor is sunk into the space by two steps. Beyond that, facing the large picture window, is the grand sweeping staircase leading to the upper level.

  “Wow,” Crystia whispers.

  Skylar and her wannabes are off to our left, in what appears to be a large and well-stocked bar. Her hand clamped around my wrist, Crystia drags me toward them. Off the side of the bar is a large folding table covered with a white tablecloth and elaborate wrap. Bows and floral sprays adorn the entire edge in an array of white roses, baby’s breath, calla lilies, and a touch of iris for color. I recognize Mom’s handiwork. Roses, lovely aroma.

  Crystia trots over to Skylar, and I stumble into place beside her. I can sense Ry’s approach, gliding up behind us. Skylar turns on us with one eyebrow raised.

  “Mutants,” she acknowledges.

  “Happy Birthday, Skylar.” There’s not a hint of anger or deception in Crystia’s tone. “I brought you a gift!”

  “Of course you did. You see there? That’s what the table is for.” She cruelly twists the gift from Crystia’s hand and tosses it to the table. Her eyes wander to Ry, where they momentarily flash with interest, then go cool. “Ryland.” His name rolls like honey off her tongue, and she nudges past me to get closer.

  His returning smile is reassuring, although I have to believe it’s a put-on.

  “Ryland, so glad you could make it,” she purrs.

  He takes her hand, placing a gentle kiss on the back, at the same time firmly placing his gift into her palm. “Happy Birthday, Skylar.”

  While Skylar’s lips twist into a wicked smirk, a vile taste rises in the back of my throat. My eyes burn. She’s flirting. Jaden was telling the truth; they really aren’t together-together.

  She places Ryland’s gift on the table. “I’m sure your gift is perfect.”

  “It’s nothing, really. Just a small trinket...” He bows his head slightly to the side.

  I want to gag.

  “You know, Ryland, you’re an attractive guy. You could fare much better than this freak show. Why not cut them loose? It’ll be better for you, better for them. We can help, if you’re too much the gentleman to say the words.” She glances at her bestie Paige, who hides her face in her hands and giggles.

  I stare at Paige for half a second, then quickly look away. I get it now. Skylar is trying to set Paige up with Ry. Yeah—not happening. I try not to roll my eyes.

  Ryland looks at Paige, her face reddening with embarrassment, then focuses on Skylar. “Skylar, my dear lady, sometimes being different is what makes something worth holding onto. I shall be wherever these ladies are tonight, as I am their escort.” He glows with such sincerity that Paige turns away.

  Skylar shrugs. “Your loss.” She moves her attention to Crystia and me. “Looks like you ladies will be enjoying my hospitality this evening.” She lets the words drip out with clear irritation and spares a nonchalant glance at Paige. Her hand extends in front of me. “Well, what do you have?”

  I place my small gift in her palm, expecting her to toss it on the table like she did with Crystia’s. Instead, she rips the bow and paper off. I want to question her actions, except I don’t dare. It’s an attempt to embarrass me, and I won’t break. I’m ready for her venom when she opens the box.

  “What the hell is this?” The disgust in her voice is obvious. “You buy this at one of those mom-and-pop craft shows you work at?”

  “Actually, I made it. Not the crystal, of course, but I did grind and polish it. I made the silver setting, with all its detail. It’s charmed to protect and guide you.”

  The crystal is dazzling, one of my best, and it’s practically painful to gift it to someone like Skylar, but I want to be better than that, and this is my attempt. Something Jaden said inspired me to pick this one. As difficult as it may be, I want to show Skylar how high-class I can be. Refusing to let our past influence my decision, I chose the highest quality stone from my collection. The setting was the most difficult I’ve ever made. So many intricate twists and turns, enhancing the light within the crystal. To watch her completely untouched is…is…a whirlwind of rage and sorrow and depression devastating my interior, and it shouldn’t, she shouldn’t. Her opinion shouldn’t affect me. And yet, it does.

  Crystia and Ry lean over my shoulder, take in huge gusts of air, and go silent.

  After a moment, Crystia speaks. “It’s amazing, Ana.” Her words are only a whisper.

  I flash a grateful look her way, unwilling to speak for fear of getting us kicked out.

  “So, this is some sort of witchcraft mumbo jumbo,” Skylar says. “I should have known.”

  Surprised by her reaction, I take a second to gather my response. “No. Nothing like that. Just tapping into the natural energy of the crystal. Mother Earth and all that. I’m no witch. I’m sorry you don’t like it. I just thought—”

  She bursts into laughter. “You just thought what, Ana? That you could impress me with your jeweler skills? Or that I might be searching for someone to cast a spell on my behalf?”

  “Never mind.” I back away from her and her friends.

  Ry gently guides me, and I sense Crystia at my side. Skylar pretends to have already forgotten about me. She tosses my gift in the direction of the gift table, missing. The box hits the floor, sliding backward under the table.

  Anger and frustration well up, and I start blinking rapidly to keep my emotions from flowing. I don’t want anyone to see me cry. Not Ry, not even Crystia. I tug free from Ry’s grasp, turn away swiftly, and smack directly into a wall.

  The wall raises and grips my elbow. My body shudders. I blink. Look up. Find myself mesmerized by a swirling green mist. Fever rushes along my arms, spreads throughout my body. Intoxicating.

  “Are you all right?” The words draw my gaze back to the wall. No—the guy. I’m having trouble hearing him over the noise in the room. There must be feedback issues with the music. Too much buzzing.

  Oh! I’m touching Jaden. He’s causing the added noise. I should do something, not stand here stupefied. Only I can’t, and I don’t really want to. Plus, the magnetic pull thing has made me weak. He must know; his firm grip on my arm steadies me. As he leans into me, my hand instinctively flies to his chest, holding him at bay. The rhythm of his heart vibrates through my palm.

  “Trust me.” He brushes my hair from my face, leaving me feeling naked, vulnerable, as he exposes my birthmark. He lowers his face to my ear, his breath tickling at my neck. “It will be all right, Anala.” Then he whispers something I don’t understand before pulling away, his hand lightly brushing along the side of my face.

  The buzzing vanishes. I’m still drawn to him, though not nearly as strong.

  “Thank you,” I mumble. “How did you...?” I take a step back.

  “Ana.” The tenderness in his voice draws my gaze back to his.

  His eyes lock on mine, his searching stare piercing through me, through the bits and pieces of me, working all the way to my soul. Something shifts in him as he studies me. Something indecipherable.

  “Are you good?” he says.

  Words fail me. He’s messing with my mind. If he could turn off the insane pull at any time, I don’t understand why he hasn’t done it sooner.

  Skylar wedges herself between us, already gushing over Jaden. A slight tug on my elbow, and Ry guides me toward the party floor, where Crystia waits, saving me from a potentially ugly scene. Now that Skylar has found Jaden, maybe she’ll leave the whole Ry-and-Paige thing alone—or maybe not. I search for Paige, find her standing near Skylar with a fake smile plastered across her face. I tighten my arm around Ry’s and head toward the dance floor at his side.

  “He’s supposed to be mine,” I say as Ry walks with me.

  “I know,” Ry states matter-of-factly.

  I stare at him, and then close my eyes momentarily, attempting to bring clarity to my fuzzy thoughts. Before I have the chance to say anything, Cr
ystia boogies over. “Anyone else have the urge to dance?”

  Ry finds us a prime table right off the dance floor, perfectly placed against the enormous picture window, giving us a full view of the opulent infinity pool nestled in Skylar’s backyard. In the distance, the city lights twinkle.

  Crystia grooves to the beat as we settle into our seats. The music is too loud for conversation, which doesn’t seem to bother her, since she’s having fun people-watching. I want a moment with my thoughts and feelings, but they fester and corrode, making silence less and less attractive. Ry goes in search of drinks. He expertly weaves his way through the crowd of gyrating teens toward the bar, and I yell across the table to Crystia.

  “Is this what you imagined?”

  She swivels around in her seat to face me. “I don’t know what I thought we’d see, but this sure tops the cake.” Her eyes sparkle. “So sorry about that back there. Skylar needs etiquette school or something.”

  A silent half-chuckle escapes my lips.

  “But you saw Jaden. I saw you with him. That was cool, right?”

  I sigh, plop my chin in my hand, and lean against the table. “Yeah, I guess.” I stare out the window. Then I remember. “Where is this hunk you came here to meet?”

  She surveys the room. “Here somewhere. No worries. We’ll find each other.”

  “I don’t even get a name?”

  A sly smile and a head shake tell me I’m not getting anything from her.

  Lights flash over the party, changing colors off the multiple twisting crystals hanging from the chandelier. Rainbows dance across the room in every direction. Through the sea of light play Jaden emerges, walking in our direction. I watch him approach, intrigued by how the crowd parts for him as he walks straight to our table. It reminds me of the way Dohlan commands a room.

  Stopping at our table, he tips his head. “Ladies.” He narrows in on me. “May I have this dance?”