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.
I wandered up beside him and sat on the concrete step. “How’s Lana doing?”
Jace sat back down. “She’s okay. Wigging a little, but she’s more excited about going to the Academy than anything.”
“I should have gone to see her.” I bowed my head, guilt flooding my stomach.
“Dez, she gets you had a tough shift. So do I.” He turned and faced me. “I was just worried about you. Wanted to make sure you were really okay before I went out of commission.”
I smiled at him. “Right. You know you’re just dying to see my power.” I was relieved that I’d mastered Charge. I opened my hand, and a small dome of currents sparked.
Jace stared at my hand. “That’s cool, Dez. But honestly, I was concerned.” He folded my hand, dousing the Charge. “I know I’m a bit tough on the training, and it comes across like that’s all I’m about.” He continued holding my hand. “But that’s only because of what we’re about to face.”
I glanced at the tea lights flickering in the tree. I had to find a way to alleviate this fear in him. I’d spent my whole life caught between two races, afraid to be myself. Now that I finally had the chance to be a part of both, I wanted Jace to accept the Narcolym. I wanted the Shythe to move past the feud and the hostility. I wanted Jace to be happy.
“Jace,” I said hesitantly. “We were all worried about them coming here, but they don’t seem to want to hurt anyone. Do you think it’s wise to keep training at the Academy? I mean, if we get caught—”
Jace stood abruptly. “Of course they’re not going to hurt anyone.” He mock laughed. “They’re waiting till we’re primed, till we let them completely in and trust them.” He huffed and turned toward me. “Don’t let them do this, Dez. Don’t allow them to fill your mind with bull. They’re here because they want something. That Peace Act shit is just a cover.”
I dropped my eyes, staring down at my feet. He’d never accept the two races together. Or at least, not anytime soon. I sighed. “Okay. But really, would your dad be in on it? Think about it. Why would the Council let them into Haven if there was a threat?”
Jace stared up at the sky. “I don’t know,” he said desperately and looked into my eyes—his burned blue. “Maybe the Narcos have something on them. Or maybe they’re simply too blind to see.”
“You’re reaching, Jace. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I know that we can’t take any chances. I’ll keep training because I like sparring, but I’m not going to continue if I feel that me, Lana, or Nick are in any way going to get caught.”
He smiled ruefully. “I won’t let anything happen to you guys.” His face lit up with that same squinty-eyed smile that made my heart melt. “I’ll scope out the Academy. Now that the Narcos have taken over Cogs, I guess it’s not safe to keep training there.” His face fell.
“Yeah, I agree. But take it easy on us our first week. I know Lana’s dying to finally get out on her own. Let her enjoy it. Okay?”
“I will.” He then knelt down in front of me so suddenly my breath caught. “But when we all get settled, you do owe me a sparring match.