Fracture

By Jacquelyn Wheeler

On the surface, Ashlyn Woods seems like the luckiest girl in the world. She goes to college in one of the most beautiful spots in the United States. She’s found her soulmate, Kai, a totally hot guitar player who is madly in love with her. Her roommate, Rebecca, is the best friend she’s ever had. And most amazing of all, Ashlyn found out that she is a Soterian, a person who develops special powers to restore the balance of good and evil, enabling her to generate fire, become invisible, and fly.
But deep down, she is haunted by a past she can’t seem to leave behind. While she and the other Soterians battle a drug ring that is selling a powerful and highly dangerous new drug, Ashlyn must also battle her inner demons . . . and the dark secret that threatens to consume her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jacquelyn Wheeler
• Release date: Jun 20, 2011
• ISBN: 9780982516058

Jacquelyn Wheeler

Jacquelyn has worked as a professional writer since 1991. She has received numerous awards for her technical writing, but creative writing has always been her passion. After writing poetry, children's stories, and screenplays, Jacquelyn embarked on The Soterians series of fantasy novels for young adults. As an advocate for volunteerism and service, Jacquelyn donates 20% of her royalties to the charities listed on her site.In her spare time, Jacquelyn enjoys martial arts, triathlons, skiing, playing music, and volunteering. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and their daughter.

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About the Soterians

Soteria was the ancient Greek goddess of safety and deliverance. When the balance of good and evil tips too far in evil’s favor, certain worthy people carrying a rare gene develop special powers and are called forward to restore the balance. These people are known as Soterians. Once they have restored the proper balance of good over evil, their powers fade, and they resume their normal lives. There are five primary types of Soterians: Scouts, Empaths, Sentries, Warriors, and Mentors.

Scouts are responsible for reconnaissance, which allows the unit to make targeted moves and minimize risk and damage on both sides. Scouts have very acute vision and hearing, can become invisible, and can fly.

Empaths are the healers and illusionists of a unit. They can read other people’s feelings, cast illusions, and heal allies.

Sentries are the defenders of their unit. Their extraordinary strength allows them to be a physical barrier to harm and can stop an enemy in his tracks. They protect themselves and their allies by emanating a shield that bullets, fire, and gas cannot penetrate.

Warriors go on the offensive and take down the enemy when all else fails. Their incredible speed and strength make them highly valuable.

Mentors find and train Soterians. They have the ability to tap into universal knowledge in times of crisis.

When conditions are right, Deimos, the ancient god of fear and the greatest source of evil on earth, rises out of hibernation and spreads evil across the globe. When this happens, a Soterian with a special combination of talents can evolve into an Alchemist. An Alchemist draws power from both good and evil and has all of the other Soterians’ powers, as well as the ability to generate fire, making Alchemists the most powerful and most dangerous of all the Soterians. Alchemists are very rare.

Lastly, Keepers are not Soterians but are trusted allies of a unit and help with their missions. They play an important role in doing research and assisting the entire unit.

The Soterians series consists of five books about modern-day Soterians told through the eyes of Ashlyn Woods, a Scout and an Alchemist. Fracture is the third book.

Santa Barbara Unit

Mentor: John Gordon

Scout: Ashlyn Woods

Empath: Rebecca Epstein

Sentry: Christoph Voight

Warrior: Michael MacNeil

Keeper: Kai Anderson

San Francisco Unit

Mentor: Theresa Silva

Scout: Jesse Burton

Empath: Claire Marks

Sentry: Kenji Fukawa

Warrior: Raina Forrester

Keeper: Paul Adams

Chapter 1: Rising Sparks

Mom, quit fidgeting, I pleaded. You’re making me nervous, and it won’t make Laurel arrive any faster.

We peered through the crowds of people standing outside of the security gates at San Francisco International Airport. My sister and her boyfriend were on their way home after being in Japan for a year. I was excited to see her again, but also a little anxious. So much had happened to me in the last year, most of which I couldn’t tell her about.

My mom, who had been counting down the days until my sister’s return, could hardly stand still. Every time we saw someone who looked even remotely like her, Mom would bob up and down on her toes and gasp.

I’m not fidgeting, Ashlyn, she insisted. I just hope nothing happened to . . . oh! Is that her?

I was about to make another snarky comment when I saw that this time she was right.

That’s her, that’s Laurel! I said to Kai, who was standing calmly next to me as I bounced up and down, waving.

He took my hand. Yeah, I can see that. You two look a lot alike. Kai’s soft green eyes sparkled at me. He looked especially gorgeous that day, with his blond hair curling so adorably at the ends. I couldn’t wait for Laurel to meet him.

Mom! Ashlyn! Laurel called. She rushed up and threw her arms around both of us at once.

You’re home! You’re home! Mom stepped back to examine my sister and frowned slightly. Oh dear, you’re so thin. What were you doing, starving yourself? And your hair is so short. Mom stroked Laurel’s straight brown hair, which had been cut into a very cool, short style.

Mom, don’t fuss, I insisted. You look fantastic, Laurel. Hey, Jason! I turned and gave him a big hug. Welcome home!

Great to see you, Ashlyn. Laurel has been counting the hours until she got to see you again. He glanced at Kai, and I remembered that I hadn’t introduced them yet. I slipped my arm around Kai’s waist.

Guys, this is Kai Anderson. Kai, this is my sister, Laurel, and her boyfriend, Jason de Borg.

Nice to meet you, Kai. Laurel eyed him appraisingly.

Hey, how’s it going? Jason shook Kai’s hand, and I giggled. The whole scene suddenly seemed ridiculously grown up somehow.

Come on, come on, let’s get your luggage, Mom prodded, squeezing Laurel tightly as they turned and walked toward baggage claim. Oh my girl, it’s so good to have you home again!

An hour later, we were gathered at the dining table in my mom’s apartment in Berkeley, eating our way through the sandwiches, cheeses, and salads she’d put out for us. I was listening raptly to Laurel and Jason tell us all about their time in Japan.

It was annoying how much we stood out, Laurel complained. Everywhere we went, people would shout ‘gaijin!’—foreigner!—and point at us like we were freaks. But we did make a lot of great friends. It was so hard to say good-bye.

Is it weird being back here? Kai asked.

Yeah, I think I’m a little shell-shocked, Jason admitted. Japan is like another planet. It was a major adjustment moving there. I’m sure it’ll take a while to get used to being back in the states again.

That reminds me, I brought you something. Laurel rummaged around in her bag and pulled out two small figurines. She handed the first one to Mom.

This is Amaterasu, the Japanese sun goddess. It reminded me of you, because you were such a constant source of love, even when I was half-way around the world.

Mom turned the figurine over in her hands and beamed at Laurel. It’s beautiful, honey. Thank you so much.

And for you, Ashlyn. Laurel handed me the second figurine. It’s the goddess Fuchi.

I took it from her and felt its cool, smooth wood in my hands. The carving was intricate, the expression on the figurine’s face amazingly lifelike. Wow, so gorgeous, I said. What does she represent?

Laurel looked pleased. She’s the Japanese fire goddess. Her full name—it’s way too long for me to remember—means ‘rising sparks’ or something like that. With all the enthusiasm you’ve been putting into your life in the last couple of years, it just seemed fitting.

I felt Kai stiffen next to me, and I stared at Laurel, dumbfounded. This had to be a coincidence. There was no way she could know about the powers I’d developed. Or could she? I reached out to her feelings, but there was nothing hidden there, just love and lots of happiness.

This is more meaningful to me than I can tell you. Thank you, Laurel. I showed it to Kai, who gave it a brief nod. But I could tell he was deep in thought and wasn’t really paying attention.

So, we’re going for brunch at the Hartford next week to celebrate our birthdays, right? Laurel asked with a gleam in her eye.

Definitely, I answered. That brunch is over the top. Mom, I wish you would come down for it.

No, thank you. I’ve got a wonderful breakfast planned for you guys tomorrow morning, though.

Jason suddenly perked up. Are you making your potatoes?

Those potatoes are legendary, Kai said with a smirk.

Of course, Mom replied. And maybe you’d be willing to make another frittata, Kai?

I looked around the table and felt so happy. My mom loved Kai, and it seemed like he was getting along really well with Laurel and Jason. I studied the figurine. Fuchi had a serene smile and a very wise look in her eyes, kind of how I hoped I would look one day. I decided to keep her next to my bed so she would be the first thing I saw each morning, reminding me of what the best part of myself looked like.

The following day, as Kai and I sped down the freeway, I loosened my top button and felt my stomach push out of my jeans. Mom’s brunch had been epic, and as always, I’d eaten way too much. I glanced in my rearview mirror to see whether Laurel’s car was still in sight. They hadn’t driven much in Japan, and I knew Laurel would nervously stick to the speed limit.

So, what did you think? I asked Kai.

He frowned. I’m not sure.

What do you mean? Don’t you like her?

Sure. I mean, she’s beautiful. But I just worry about how Laurel knew.

I stared at him, confused. Kai, what the hell are you talking about?

He looked back at me. The figurine. What are you talking about?

"I wanted to know what you thought about Laurel, not Fuchi!"

Oh, he laughed. Laurel’s great. No surprise there. She’s your sister, after all. No, I’m just really concerned about keeping the Soterians a secret from her. I know how close you and Laurel are. It’s just quite a coincidence that she chose the fire goddess for you. He bit his lip. I think this is going to be more of a problem than we anticipated.

We’ll just take it one day at a time, I assured him. I’m absolutely positively not going to tell her. I already vowed to the rest of our unit that you were the only person I was ever going to tell.

So how will you explain all your training? Not to mention if you have to suddenly take a trip or something?

I switched lanes, narrowly missing a twisted piece of metal in the road. I’ll just keep talking about the martial arts part of it, which I know she has no interest in, and keep her distracted with that.

He shook his head. It’s more than that. She’s going to notice a change in you.

How? It’s not like I’m going to need to fly or become invisible in front of her.

True, but it’s your more subtle powers I’m concerned about.

I considered this for a moment. I don’t think it’ll be a problem. I’ve always had great vision and hearing, so the fact that they’re so acute now shouldn’t be obvious. And I’ve always been able to read Laurel’s feelings like a book. As for my strength and my combat skills, well, I don’t think those will come up around her as long as we don’t walk down any dark alleys or anything. And if I did have to use those powers in front of her, I could just chalk them up to my martial arts training.

Kai was quiet for a moment. Okay. I know you’ve thought this all through. You’ll just have to be very careful, and please don’t drop your guard.

I know, Kai. That’s the same thing I was telling you when you became our Keeper. Our secret is a huge burden to carry.

Speaking of keeping secrets . . . Kai paused for a moment. Marlowe will be at band practice Wednesday night. Do you want to come and meet her?

Sure, I said as casually as I could. I’ve really been looking forward to it. Marlowe was their new singer, and even though I’d never met her, I had already been freaking out that she was going to be way cooler than I was and that Kai would fall madly in love with her. Rationally, I totally knew I was just being stupid, but that was the way my insecurities rolled.

Kai rested his hand on my thigh and gave me a gentle squeeze. It’s going to be fine. You’ll see. I think you’re really going to like each other.

I wasn’t so sure, but I was determined to give it my best shot. I wanted so much for Kai’s band to be successful, and if Marlowe was the key to pushing them into the spotlight, I was going to do everything I could to support him and stop acting like a baby.

The next morning, I drove downtown to help Laurel and Jason move into their new place. It was a cute one-bedroom apartment in a Victorian building our dad owned. Laurel and I had spent many summers there as kids helping our family paint and fix up the building. It definitely hadn’t been our favorite summer pastime, but the daily trips to the beach nearly made up for it.

Laurel and Jason didn’t have much furniture in their storage locker, just a lot of boxes of stuff, so we were done with the move in only a couple of hours. Laurel was wiped out, but I hadn’t even broken a sweat, and I congratulated myself for having put on a good show, huffing and puffing and making it look like things were heavier than they actually felt. I wondered whether I should look into taking acting classes, and maybe audition for some plays.

Laurel interrupted my reverie by walking over and looking me up and down as she chugged a bottle of water. That karate is really paying off, she observed.

Yeah, no kidding. Jason dropped a box on the floor with a thud. You were hoisting those boxes like they were empty.

Oops. I was grabbing all the lightest ones, I laughed dismissively.

Actually, you were mostly carrying the boxes of books.

Hmm, well, yes, the training has paid off, I guess. So who’s up for a burrito?

Laurel’s eyes widened. My God, I haven’t had a burrito in a year. Let’s go. As we headed out the door, I breathed a sigh of relief, but Kai was right. Laurel and I were only a year apart and knew each other very, very well. I would have to be on my guard around her constantly.

We went to a taqueria downtown that Kai had introduced me to. It was good, although not as good as the one in Isla Vista where we had gone on our first date. I thought back to that day in astonishment. We had connected so completely, and I was never able to figure out how someone as amazing as Kai could want to be with me.

Kai seems like a great catch, Laurel said, as if she were reading my thoughts. But I still can’t believe how fast everything has happened. I was only gone for a year and you go and get engaged. You didn’t exactly waste any time after dumping Todd, did you?

"We’re not engaged, we’re promised to each other, I clarified. And please, don’t breathe a word of it to Dad. I’m so not ready to have that conversation with him."

Jason shook his head. It’s Kai who has to have the conversation, not you.

What do you mean? I asked.

He’s the one who’s going to have to ask your dad’s permission to marry you.

Are you serious? Laurel looked scandalized. Jason, this is the twenty-first century. Ashlyn’s not chattel.

Jason shrugged. It’s still the right thing to do. Knowing your dad, he’ll not only appreciate it, he’ll expect it.

I don’t think I can ever put Kai through that, I said. You have no idea how awful it was when they met.

Yeah, I do actually. Laurel took a sip of her horchata. Dad told me about it.

I felt my face get hot. He did? What did he say?

Laurel set down her drink and started twisting her straw. He said he was worried that you were serious about Kai. He called him a college drop-out with no future.

I instantly felt sick. But Kai was already back in school when he met him!

Yeah, at junior college, studying music, which of course Dad views as not going to school at all.

"But he’s at UCSB now! It’s the same school we’re going to. The same school Dad went to, for God’s sake!"

Ashlyn, I know Kai’s not a loser. I’m just telling you what Dad said. Mom’s perspective was the complete opposite. She thinks Kai is awesome. With a little time, I think she might even like him more than Todd.

Oh, well that’s a ringing endorsement, I snapped.

Anyway, Jason and I both like Kai, and that’s all that really matters. I can’t wait to hear his band play.

He’s a really cool guy, Jason said through a large mouthful of burrito. Much better choice for you than Todd.

Thank you, I said, softening. I’m glad to hear you say that. He likes you both a lot, too.

Which shows that he has good taste, Laurel said, brushing crumbs from her hands. Now, when are we going to the beach?

We strolled down to the ocean where we dug our toes into the gleaming white sand. Seagulls cried as they flew above the surfers riding the waves. It would have been idyllic if I weren’t so irritated. I mean, I knew that when Kai met my dad and my step-mother it hadn’t gone very well. But I hated that Dad was talking to Laurel about it behind my back. I hoped that Kai was right and that my Dad would come around eventually. What kind of argument could he have against Kai once he graduated?

I picked up a rock and tossed it into the water. It infuriated me that all Dad cared about was Kai’s earning potential and not about whether he and I were compatible. I knew it would take a hell of a lot more than money to make a marriage work. But then again, I grew up listening to my grandmother constantly saying that it was just as easy to fall in love with a rich man as a poor man, so I guess it was stupid to expect anything else.

Chapter 2: Marlowe

Rebecca, have you seen my watch? I rushed around our room, trying to get ready. I had spent an hour trying on different outfits while Rebecca watched from her bed and occasionally attempted to calm me down.

"It’s on your desk. Ashlyn, please stop for a moment and let me give you some healing."

She put her hands on my shoulders, and I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths. The warmth and soothing energy flowed through me, and soon I felt completely relaxed. Thank you. I smiled weakly at her. That was exactly what I needed. I just hope it lasts.

This is where your meditation practice comes in, she reminded me. When you meet Marlowe, a lot of crazy thoughts are going to surface. You have to stand back and watch yourself but not let those thoughts pull you under. This will probably be the biggest test of your mental discipline so far.

Grudgingly, I nodded in agreement. Our Mentor, John, had worked with us extensively on meditation, teaching us to watch our thoughts without being run around by them. But it was so hard sometimes.

I put on my watch, double-checked my outfit in the mirror, and turned to Rebecca.

You look great, she insisted. You and Kai are soulmates, and he knows it, so stop worrying and go have fun.

I’ll try. Are you doing anything special tonight?

Christoph and I are going to a movie, she said with a smile. Christoph, our Sentry, seemed like the complete opposite from Rebecca—she was petite, had long, dark hair, and was soft-spoken, whereas Christoph was built like a tank with blond, spiky hair and a thick German accent. But they were madly in love and were the most solid couple I knew.

Have a great time. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. I winked at her and then headed down to Kai’s apartment, which he and his roommates had dubbed The Manor. The door was open, and I saw Kai picking up his guitar bag.

Hey. His eyes shone when he saw me. You look beautiful.

Thanks. I kissed him softly, then looked around. Can I carry something for you?

Nope, I have it all. Ryan’s already over there, so let’s go.

We walked down to his car, and he put his gear carefully on the back seat. We drove to Max’s house and found him in the garage, sitting behind his drum kit, making adjustments to the kick drum. Ryan, who was their bass player and also one of Kai’s roommates, greeted us enthusiastically.

Ashlyn! Ryan called. Glad you’re here. We desperately need an audience to try out these tunes on. Have you met Marlowe?

Kai stepped forward and introduced us. Ashlyn, this is Marlowe Sinclair. Marlowe, this is my girlfriend, Ashlyn Woods.

Two distinct voices started yammering in my head at once. One voice was telling me that it was all going to be fine, that she wasn’t Kai’s type, and that I should be friendly and try to get to know her. The other voice was telling me that she was without question my worst nightmare. Her long, silky blue-black hair was streaked with burgundy and hung loosely around her creamy, porcelain skin. Her tiny mouth was framed by full, ruby-stained lips. Thick, black lashes curled from her smoky, grey-brown eyes, which surveyed me curiously. She was short but had a gorgeous figure. The effect was devastating—she looked both sexy and vulnerable, mysterious and innocent, all wrapped up in one confident, stunning package.

Nice to meet you, I said, fighting to keep my voice even.

You too. I love your name. Her voice was deep and slightly breathy. You should be famous with a name like that.

I’m hoping she’ll decide to trade in ‘Woods’ for ‘Anderson,’ though, Kai said, slipping his arms around my waist and kissing me on the side of my neck. We still haven’t talked about whether you’re going to take my last name when we get married.

I felt an overwhelming rush of love and gratitude for Kai. I knew he was saying this in front of her for my benefit, making it completely clear that he and I were a couple. I relaxed just a little.

Seems a shame to give up such a great stage name, though, Marlowe mused. I reached out to gauge her