Teen Fury Trilogy: The Complete Collection

By Amanda Torrey

Vengeance or Forgiveness? What would you choose?

Being a teenager has its ups and downs. Ups? Hot boys, the mall, best friends, dreams of an amazing future. So much potential. Downs? Hot boys, parental drama, frenemies, emotional craziness, snakes emerging from your head when angry...

Yeah, I was surprised, too. How am I supposed to stay on my carefully planned path when my true biological heritage presents its ugly head—ahem, heads. And when the messengers of my so-called destiny happen to be two of the most incredibly hot and irritating males on the planet, I’m left fantasizing about my previously boring life.

Am I supposed to believe that my duty is to seek vengeance? Or to grant mercy to the offender? And how on earth am I qualified to make these decisions?

I’m bound to make mistakes along the way, but keep your fingers crossed that I don’t inadvertently send the world to Tartarus in a hand basket.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amanda Torrey
• Release date: Mar 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311040343

Amanda Torrey

When not writing, Amanda enjoys hanging with her kids, reading, playing in nature, obsessively checking Facebook, visiting Disney World (as often as possible), ROAD TRIPS, and going to the movies. She loves meeting new people, and especially loves to hear from readers!

Book preview

Chapter One - Teen Fury: Unleashed

No one has ever died from piercing green eyes and a chiseled jaw line. (Right?) I’m certain I’d have read the story if long lashes on a flawless male face were the weapon of choice for a stalker.

So if I’m uncomfortable with the strange new senior who keeps staring at me, I can blame coincidence. The resulting headaches are suspicious, but probably stress-related.

I search my reflection for signs of trouble, give a silent prayer that the guy in question has left The Shack, then put on my happy smile and exit the bathroom, where Jade waits impatiently.

’Bout time, girlie. You’ll never believe what new specimen of hotness is hanging in The Orange.

I shake my head and roll my eyes at my bestie. Always on the lookout for drama and romance. You’d think she’d have learned that Mr. Right (or even Mr. Right Now) would A) never come to White Rock, Massachusetts, or B) flee as soon as he realized how little excitement happens here. But she’s on a mission, and she grabs my hand to pull me into the main dining area of The Shack, the favorite hangout of all the teens in town.

I’ll give you five seconds to see what I see. Over there.

I don’t want to look, because I know who she’s directing me to. And my headache is getting worse just thinking about him. So instead I study the glowstick-inspired décor around the room, appreciating the owner’s sense of style.

She grabs my face and forces my eyes toward The Orange, so named because of the fluorescent color on the wall in that section. Generally, the people who think they’re the coolest hang there, so the fact that he’s with them tells me all I need to know about his character.

I swat her hands away and look to The Green, where the kids I mentor tend to find themselves. The section is empty except for one straggler, twelve-year-old Aaron, who spends more time here than at home. His shoulders slump lower than usual, and even from here I can see the ring of filth on his neck.

He must have been kicked out again.

Jade yanks on my arm, demanding me to pay attention.

Did you see him? Is he not perfection? Just look at that black hair. Don’t you want to rush over there and run your hands through it? Oh my god, and those shoulders. Yum. She bites her knuckle for emphasis but doesn’t take her eyes off the guy in The Orange.

He looks in our direction and winks.

I roll my eyes.

Jade, you need to write romance novels or something. I check the time on my cell. I have plenty of time to spend with Aaron before my other bestie, Corey, comes to help me work on building a website for the mentoring organization I’m trying to make more formal. If only I can get Jade to focus back on the work ahead.

That would be fun. But right now I just want to drink in the vision that is before me.

Well, drink quick because we have work to do.

I pull away and head over to The Green, where Aaron glances up through his thick lashes and pushes aside the napkin he had been toying with.

Hey, Aaron. What kind of shake are you craving today?

He shrugs, showing no enthusiasm, though I know he’s hungry. He’s never come here without a ravenous appetite and empty pockets.

Come on, it’s on me.

He lifts one corner of his mouth, and his eyes light up the tiniest bit.

I guess I’ll take a strawberry one, if you’re making me.

I laugh and tap him playfully on the arm. He sits up a little straighter and tells me I’m lucky I’m a girl so he won’t punch me back.

Felicia, he’s coming over here… Jade whispers in my ear as I place my order at the glowing counter. The owner is working the register today and gives me a hefty discount. He knows I spend all my allowance here, mostly on the needy kids who have chosen The Shack as their haven.

And I should care, why?

Because he hasn’t taken his eyes off you since you pulled away from me. I think he’s coming to talk to you.

Or he’s coming to order something to eat. That’s what people do here, you know. Eat. Drink. Be merry.

You’re so flip. Go ahead and blow this opportunity. Whatev. Just don’t cry to me when you’re all alone with your books and your goody-goodyness. Jade reapplies her lip gloss and puts on her brightest smile as the mystery guy approaches. I can tell he’s getting closer because Jade practically vibrates, which generally only happens when she’s near her target.

I take the strawberry shake and turn toward the table. But there’s an obstacle right behind me and I crash into it, spilling shake all down my arm and all over that guy.

I’m so sorry! I didn’t see you there.

Why the heck was he standing so close? Ever hear of personal space?

I reach out to wipe the shake off his chest. Big mistake. His body is rock solid, and images of him shirtless rush through my head. I blink rapidly, trying to purge the thoughts from my mind. That’s a Jade thing to imagine, not a me thing. Don’t be sorry. My bad. I was too busy wondering who you are to notice how close I was standing.

Wondering about me? He had been surrounded by the hottest girls in town, and he’s wondering about me? Bull.

Jade steps in with a pile of napkins, which she places in my strawberry shake-covered hand. She hands some to hot guy, I mean, the new guy, and he thanks her with a smile that gleams under the LED lights.

The napkins stick to my fingers as I try to clean the mess. I focus intently on scrubbing the remnants off. Anything to keep from staring. I’ve never seen a smile quite like his.

I barely notice Sean, the owner of The Shack, calling Aaron to the window and sliding another glass of strawberry shake over to him. I think I managed a thank you, but I’m so tongue- tied, I can’t be certain.

Losing my communication skills because of a guy? So not cool. And so not me.

I gather my composure and excuse myself. I rush into the bathroom and scrub my hands, trying to cleanse myself of the shake and the memory of his chest on my fingers.

The hottest of hot water doesn’t help.

When I return to the dining area, I make a beeline for Aaron, sliding into the booth across from him.

Smooth move, Felicia. What’s wrong, did Mr. Muscles make you nervous? Aaron’s voice is that of a taunting and annoying twelve-year-old, but I’m happy to hear some humor from him. He had looked so dejected before the shake incident.

He was in my way. It was his own fault. I don’t dare to look into the crowd, afraid of what I’ll see.

I don’t have to look up, though, because Jade’s sing-song voice gets louder as she approaches, and it seems as though she’s regaling the new guy with tales of me.

So she doesn’t dump shake on every guy who moves to town? He’s standing over me now, and my foot starts twitching under the table.

Felicia, this is Zane. Zane, meet Felicia.

He reaches his hand out to mine, and I reluctantly return the gesture. He holds on a little longer than is comfortable, and I pull away and hide my now-burning hand on my lap.

You look good in red.

So he’s going to comment on my embarrassed blush? Really?

You look good in pink. I look pointedly to his chest, where his black shirt has soaked up most of the spilled shake, but streaks of pink are still evident.

He laughs. And yes, it’s contagious. Aaron kicks me under the table, and I tone down my nervous giggle a notch.

I have that strange feeling you get when you’re being watched. I look to The Orange, where a group of girls lean forward, gesturing toward me with disdain all over their jealous faces. They look away when I look at them, but I can tell they’re talking negatively about me. Oh well, not the first time. They are welcome to take their pretty boy back to The Orange where he belongs.

A sudden movement outside the window draws my attention, where I notice an unfamiliar guy standing. He looks to be about Zane’s age, probably a senior.

At first it appears as though he’s perusing the menu posted on the window, but when I look at him a second longer, I notice he’s actually looking at me. And his fists are clenched.

A shiver runs down my back, and my once-burning hands suddenly feel icy.

Zane must have noticed my eyes wandering, because he follows my gaze and makes two tight fists at his side, then releases them and returns to his casual, carefree stance.

Great, that psychopath transferred, too. He almost mumbles the words, but they come through loud and clear.

He’s a psycho? Jade leans forward, intrigued by the prospect of new drama in our boring little town.

Never mind about him. I want to hear more about you ladies.

I try not to look out the window again, but I can’t help feeling the guy’s eyes on me.

He soon enters The Shack, orders something at the window, and takes it to go. I shiver again when he leaves the building, somehow disappointed that he wasn’t as forward as Zane. Then again, it’s odd for one attractive guy to notice me.

Besides, who wants the attention of someone with a psychopathic reputation?

Chapter Two - Teen Fury: Unleashed

Corey rushes in about twenty minutes after he said he’d be here, which is about ten minutes after Zane excused himself and rushed out of The Shack. Corey slides into the booth next to Aaron. He mutters something about his mother needing him to run errands for her, then reaches across the table to grab my laptop. He opens it and taps in my password, then leans so close to the computer that I think he might be pulled into the thing.

Thanks so much for doing this, Core.

No prob. Now hush so I can write this code.

I smile at him, even though he can’t see me because he’s so absorbed. Jade bounces back to the table and gestures for me to move over so she can sit next to me.

I grab a piece of her cookie before she can swat my hand away. Aaron laughs at our playfulness.

So while he’s playing with the computer, can you focus on something besides the grant for a few? Something important. Something tall, dark, and insanely gorgeous?

I’ll make a deal with you. You help me finalize my Mission Statement, and I’ll listen for the rest of the night while you gush about Zane. Deal?

And like a good friend, she agrees, although I know she’d much rather cut to the gossip.

Fine, but only if you promise to stop obsessing about the grant for the rest of the day.

I started obsessing about this grant at the beginning of the school year, when Community Guarantee, the local family-owned bank, announced at our school they were looking to provide funding to the teen with the best idea for a new charity. Since I was already doing some informal work with some kids in town, I welcomed the opportunity to branch out and do stuff that I wanted to do with them, but couldn’t afford with my allowance. Things like field trips, more community activities, stuff the troubled and abandoned kids I was mentoring would really get into. Not to mention, some money to put toward expanding the back room of The Shack so we could have a meeting place. That part was Sean’s idea.

Corey had the idea of building an interactive website, and since he was hugely into computer programming and super-smart with that stuff, I knew he could do it.

Alright, Leesh, where shall we begin? Corey is the only one in the world I would let call me that. There aren’t a whole lot of ways to shorten Felicia, for which I’m grateful. He gave me the nickname when we were ten, so I’ve gotten used to it from him. But it would be so not cool from anyone else. I’ve got the basic code all set; now we need to input your particulars.

Why ask me? You’re the expert. I toss the straw wrapper I’ve been playing with at him, but he doesn’t notice.

True, can’t count on you to know anything about anything… He smiles at me, and I prepare to launch a bunched-up napkin at him. When he throws his arms up in surrender, I decide to let him get away with his comment. For now, at least.

Corey drones on about the computer stuff, and I try to pay attention, but he loses me pretty early on. He notices my glazed look and throws a rumpled piece of paper at me, pulling me out of my fog world.

What? I’m listening!

No, you’re not, but that’s okay. Just answer my question.

I try to fudge it but figure I’m caught. I have no idea what he asked me.

It’s simple, Leesh. What colors do you want for your background?

Ahh, colors. That I can handle.

Something really bright and welcoming to kids. But not so bright that it turns the adults away. Maybe greens and yellows, gender neutral.

He types his confusing codes into the computer, and I turn back to my Mission Statement. Jade has some great ideas, which I write furiously into my notebook. Even Aaron interjects a few helpful thoughts, though he’s mostly consumed with playing a game on my phone.

We’re just about finished with the first draft of the Mission Statement when I start feeling awful.

My lower back aches like crazy, and I have the worst craving for salt. But I had been craving ice cream. Mmm, salted ice cream! Okay, that sounds kind of ick, but maybe pretzels dipped in ice cream. That I could go for.

Yo, Felicia. Tune in here, will ya? I was just getting to the best part.

I’m sorry, Jade. I’m not feeling well at all. I think I might need to lie down; my head is killing me.

Aww, hon. Want me to get you something? Advil? A cookie?

No thanks. I think I’m getting my, um, you know… I glance meaningfully in Corey’s direction so she knows why I’m talking in code. Not that it should really matter; he’s so deep into computer world, The Shack could blow up and he wouldn’t notice. And while it shouldn’t be weird to talk about this stuff around him since he’s my best friend and all, he’s still a guy and it’s a little weird to have that kind of conversation with him.

No way! 'Bout time you join the world of miserable women everywhere! I raise my eyebrows in horror and widen my eyes at her loud tone. She mouths sorry, then leans closer to me and whispers, Do you have stuff?

Yeah, I guess. My mom loaded my bathroom cabinet years ago.

Yes, I know, I’m the oldest girl in the world to still be waiting to get my period. But I read online that fifteen isn’t really ancient for starting menstruation; it just feels like it. They say you usually get it around the same age your mom got it, but since I’m adopted, I have no way of knowing. And my mom, the one who has raised me since I was an infant, got hers when she was twelve, so she thinks I’m some sort of mutant or something.

I moan as a sharp cramp hits my kidney area. How on earth do girls go through this every month? I don’t think I can function.

Hey, Corey, we have to take off. Seems little miss workaholic is getting the stomach bug that’s going around, or something. Better hurry and run so we don’t get it. Jade sticks her tongue out at me.

When Corey doesn’t respond, Jade slaps him on the side of the head.

Whoa, what? What’s your problem? I’m in the middle of something here. He rubs his head.

We have to go. Felicia isn’t feeling well.

Corey turns and looks at me with deep concern in his eyes. He’s such a sweetie; I don’t know why he doesn’t have a girlfriend. He’s the type of boy who will worship a girl and treat her like a queen.

What’s wrong? What can I get you?

I rub my lower back.

Nothing major. I just feel kind of sick. Headache, stomachache, that kind of thing. My vision starts to get blurry so I blink rapidly. Mind if we get back to this tomorrow after school?

No prob. He hits a few more keys, then packs up his stuff. He tosses his backpack over one shoulder and leans over the table to kiss me on the top of my head. Dude, you’re burning up. Let me call someone to give you a ride home.

It’s okay, I can walk home. I think the fresh air and exercise might help.

Corey helps me out of the booth, carrying my computer in his free arm. Jade picks up my backpack and says something to Aaron, then follows us out the door.

This pain is horrendous.

The walk home is slower than usual, but my friends stay with me the whole way. They help me get up to my room, too, where I snuggle in with my favorite teddy bear and drift off to sleep.

Sometime later, my mom comes in and presses a wet wash cloth to my head, but I drift back to sleep and don’t wake up until my alarm goes off the next morning.

I dream of snakes swimming through a river of blood. And the guy from outside The Shack standing on the bank of the river with his arms out toward me.

Chapter Three - Teen Fury: Unleashed

I feel remarkably better this morning. Not a single cramp, and my head feels good as new. It’s like I imagined the whole thing.

After my shower, I pack up my books and rush downstairs. I grab a breakfast bar and a bottle of water, and just as I’m halfway out the door, Mom yells to me.

Feeling better, sweet pea?

Yup, all better. Gotta run to school, gonna be late.

Wait one minute! I need you to take the dog out before you go.

I can’t, Mom. I’ll be late. I cringe at the slight whine in my voice, but can’t take it back.

You don’t have to walk her, just let her pee. It’s faster to do it than to argue about it.

"I’m so sick of doing everything! I slam my backpack on the front porch. Come on, Lucy."

Lucy comes with her tail wagging, not bothered by my crappy attitude.

Are you okay? Mom leans against the doorjamb, arms crossed over her chest. She looks perplexed. To be honest, I’m feeling kind of perplexed myself.

Remorse rushes over me like the waves at high tide. I don’t know why I made such a big deal about taking the dog out.

I’m sorry for snapping. Guess I still feel a little headachy. Other than that, I’m fine.

Maybe you should stay home today.

Nope, too much to do. I have to find an advisor for my non-profit. The deadline is this week. Besides, I’m not sick, I just think I’m getting my period.

Her face lights up like it’s freaking Christmas or something, and she claps her hands. But her face quickly turns pensive, and I know she’s about to head into Mom therapy mode.

Lucy comes running after her quick trip to her favorite patch of grass. I pet her on the head before I close the door.

I know you’ve said this has nothing to do with your father and me, but I can’t help but notice that you’ve seemed different since he left.

I sigh loud enough for her to hear my annoyance.

So he’s leaving my mom for some other woman. It’s not like I’ll be the only teen from a broken family.

Sweet pea, I can see how this is affecting you already. You’ve been showing physical signs of stress ever since we told you. She reaches out to brush my hair out of my face. I intercept the mothering move, and she makes one of her famous disappointed faces.

I wonder if you’re getting your period, or if there’s something else going on, sweet pea?

Who knows? Maybe I’m an alien from another planet and this is how we get when we’re stressed.

Mom laughs at me, but I’m only part joking. No one knows the origin of my birth, just that I kind of appeared out of nowhere. The state never found any traces of my birth parents. And I definitely haven’t been feeling like myself. It sure would be nice to be able to blame my misery on something other than me.

***

The third period dismissal bell does nothing to help my headache.

I’ll meet you at lunch. Have to ask Mr. Shaw about being my advisor for the grant thingy.

Ooh, good choice—he's hot. For a teacher, anyway.

Jade! I swat at her with my folder, but she doesn’t have the sense to be embarrassed. I, on the other hand, am afraid to turn around, hoping he didn’t hear her remark.

Relieved to find that Mr. Shaw was busy across the room with other students, I approach him and take a few minutes to explain what I’m asking for. I assure him that the job is mostly a formality. I already do all the work; he’s just there for liability reasons on the bank’s behalf.

I’ll certainly give it a look-see, but I have to figure out what my schedule looks like before committing.

Think about it? What the heck is there to think about? All I’m asking is one tiny favor, and it’s to help the kids! What kind of person has to think about that? Maybe I chose the wrong person.

A sharp pain stabs into my head, and blood rushes to my face. My fingers tighten on the folder of info I’m presenting to him. I can’t look him in the face, I’m so insulted.

The reasonable part of me wonders why I’m so mad. Of course he’d need to think about it, to figure out what he’s getting into.

Th- thank you for your time. I fumble toward the door, eager to make my escape.

Until today, I didn’t even know I had a temper, and now I’m getting snappy left and right.

You okay, Murphy? You look a little red. Mr. Shaw is one of those teachers who refers to students by their last names. Like they can’t be bothered to learn their first names.

I’m fine, I mumble as I pull on the handle. Thanks again. Please let me know if you have any questions.

I grab a tray in the lunch room, and make my way through the line at the salad bar. Today is Lunch Lady Surprise Day in the regular lunch bar, and there are some surprises I could do without.

I go straight to our regular table, and find Jade, Corey, and a couple of our other lunch time friends. Jade moves her tray over a little to make room for me. I smile and sit.

I’m pretty much tuning out the whole conversation at lunch, lost in my thoughts about the grant. I can’t remember wanting something so badly. Maybe because I have parents who have always doted on me and given me everything before I even knew I wanted it. That good fortune is part of what drives me to want to give back to the kids who are less fortunate than I am.

The laughter at our table is getting kind of annoying, but I bite my tongue, not interested in insulting my friends. My lower back aches again, worse now than ever. Then, just as I take a swig of my water, I feel a gush down there and am afraid to move.

I chance a look down, and my worst nightmare has come true. Blood seeps through my khaki pants, right onto the bench. Horrified, I poke Jade, who turns to me with a big smile. I gesture for her to look down. Her face immediately sobers, and she whips off her hoodie and hands it to me.

Wrap this around your waist. We’ll go to the nurse, and you can get cleaned up there. No one will notice, don’t worry.

Corey, sitting on the other side of me, looks over to see what’s going on. His face pales when he sees my problem, then reddens with awareness. Without a word, he gets up. I think I scared him away, but he returns seconds later with a stack of napkins.

Go ahead, I’ll take care of it.

Seriously? He’s willing to clean up my menstrual blood? No way, Corey. That’s insane.

Don’t argue with me, missy. He smiles, and his chocolate eyes twinkle.

Jade yanks my arm, and if I don’t want to make a scene, I need to follow her.

Sorry, Core. I frown at him, and he smiles at me.

Jade leads me through the crowded cafeteria, and I know everyone is laughing at me. My head burns, my vision blurs, and my inner rage increases with every passing second. My scalp itches, feels like something is trying to burst out of my head.

Jade, they better shut the hell up.

What are you talking about?

Everyone we pass. They’re looking at me funny.

Felicia, that’s crazy. No one has any idea. No worries.

From behind, I hear a whistle. I turn to glare, and of course it’s Jake Scott, quarterback for the football team and world-class jerk.

I see you’re having a bit of a problem, huh, Murphy? How does he even know my name, let alone what is going on? And what is with the last name references today? How sweet that you have your little whelp cleaning up after you.

That’s it, I have had it. No one insults my friends.

Listen, ass wipe. Do us all a favor and crawl back into the sewer where you came from. Shut the hell up already. Thanks. I can’t help it, even though I seem to have become someone else, there’s still the part of me that has to be polite.

Felicia, what the… Jade whispers and tries to pull me away.

I so don’t want to back down.

Jake looks stunned at first, then recovers and starts laughing with his friends. I know he’s not used to having anyone stand up to him, let alone a sophomore.

I feel more leakage, and Jade pulls my arm so hard, I’m grateful I’m not a zombie because I’d definitely be short one limb.

The nurse’s office sways in front of me. Or is it me? I feel so lightheaded. My mouth is desert dry. I can barely see. Oh no…

Chapter Four - Teen Fury: Unleashed

I know I fainted as soon as I wake up, because the flickering fluorescent lights flash in my eyes, and I’m lying on the nurse’s cot, Jade’s face hovering nearby.

Yo, Felicia. Welcome back to the world. You scared me, girl! But wait 'til you hear about the superstud upperclassman who carried you in and put you on the cot. Whoa, don't get up yet. I’ll get the nurse. Man, he was frigging burning up with hotness. Actually, I think he might be that psycho from The Shack. Not sure, though. Way hotter up close. And he’s waiting for you outside, wanted to make sure you were okay. Don’t worry, I didn’t tell him why you were here; he probably just thinks you caught a bug or something. Boys are so clueless. Anyway, stay right there.

I sigh when she walks away. Each time I tried to interject a comment or a question, she kept rattling on, as she is prone to doing when she’s excited about something.

I ignore Jade’s admonition to stay on the cot and drag my embarrassed butt over to the bathroom, which is only about a few steps from the cot anyway. The nurse is busy in the next cubicle taking someone’s temperature. Don’t really want her germy hands near me—no time to get sick.

Within seconds, Jade returns. She talks at me through the door, rattling on about the guy who saved me. Not exactly sure what I was saved from, but I do appreciate his help. I guess.

I have no idea where he came from. She practically yells through the door, but in an exaggerated whisper. You should have seen him rush over. Just suddenly appeared. So. Weird. I think he’s a senior. And did I mention he’s h-o-t? And my god, he picked you up like it was nothing.

Oh sure, call me fat. I’m totally being sarcastic. I am not the thinnest girl in the school, but I don’t think anyone could really consider me fat. Normal, I guess.

Whatever, Felicia. You know I wouldn’t dare. But his arms… swoon!

I laugh because I’m pretty sure Jade is the only person in this century to use the word swoon. She’s such an old-school romantic at times.

For real, though. Are you wearing some kind of pheromone perfume or something? Because the hotties are crawling out of the woodwork and heading straight for you. If you scored some magic love potion, methinks you should share with me.

The nurse offers me some spare clothes, and I’m trying to figure out a polite way to turn down the hand-me-down sweats. Jade informs me she already took it upon herself to call my mom to ask her to deliver clothes so I wouldn’t have to suffer any more embarrassment today.

Have I told you lately that you’re the best? I do my best to clean up, then return to the cot to wait. I keep Jade’s hoodie across my lap so no one will notice the blood, now drying to a brown glob of icky.

You can go to class, Jade. I’ll just work on my algebra since I’m stuck here for a bit.

No way, Jose. I’m waiting with you.

That’s the kind of friend she is. Willing to give up algebra to keep her best friend company. We’ll ignore the fact that she hates math.

My mom finally arrives after about fifteen minutes. I’m a little afraid of what she may have chosen for me to wear, but I’m not really all that fashion conscious, so as long as it came from my own closet, I’m good.

She fusses over me for a few, but luckily has to rush back to work. Though she’s brimming with excitement, she does a good job of keeping it in for my sake. She kisses me on the cheek before she leaves.

The nurse gives me some ibuprofen and extra off-brand pads, and I throw my books in my backpack and head out.

I’m trying to zip the front zipper of my backpack when I bump into something so hard, I think it’s the wall at first. But no wall smells so… manly. In a totally yummy way. Nor does a wall emit so much warmth. My face burns, and my throat closes.

My day is about to get a lot worse, if such a thing is possible. I just know it.

Felicia, this is your savior. Sorry, savior, I didn’t catch your name? Jade lets the question hang in the air as she twirls her hair. She’s such a flirt.

Ryder. Glad you’re okay.

Chapter Five - Teen Fury: Unleashed

It takes a minute to recover from my initial shock and manage to form some words.

Crap, he is the guy from outside The Shack and inside my dream.

Please forgive Jade, she can be so dramatic. Ryder smiles at me, and I have to give Jade credit—she wasn’t kidding when she expounded on how attractive this guy is up close. His light-brown hair is the perfect length to be a bit shaggy, but not a mess. His face is sculpted like a male model. Perfect angles, but not sharp. His lips are completely kissable, and his eyes—oh my—I could get lost in the crystal-blue depths. I know for certain I’ve never seen him here before, other than from a distance outside The Shack. I’d remember. My body would remember.

I can’t believe how fiercely I react to him. I mean, I’ve had crushes before, but my body has never burned for someone. And I don’t mean rage this time. My hips move toward him, and my belly does flips. Ugh. As if I would ever have a chance with someone like him.

As if I’m even looking.

I step back, trying to breathe some stale high school air rather than the rugged, musky scent of Ryder. How can a guy manage to smell so good? I guess that’s the difference between sophomore boys and seniors. Sophomores are still a little into passing gas (and laughing about it) and forgetting to change their gym socks.

Yes, think about gym socks. That will kill the attraction.

Anyway, thanks for helping me out. I feel a lot better now. Have to get to class, though, before I miss too much.

Hey, wait. Felicia, right? I nod. Why does he want to talk to me? And wait a second, why is he even still here?

I blush deeply, praying he doesn’t ask me what was wrong. I’d rather stuff myself in a locker than have to explain my problem.

I’m new to the school and was wondering if you’d mind showing me around sometime. His gaze is smoldering. I didn’t even know such a thing actually existed, outside of really good- looking actors.

I feel small next to him. And how did he get back in my space? I’m at eye level with the tightest male chest I’ve ever had the privilege of seeing up close. I can tell by the way his T-shirt drapes that he is solidly built. I can’t look back into that gaze or I may spontaneously combust.

My mind drifts back to the equally brilliant chest on Zane that I had the horror of touching yesterday. Two hot guys in two days? What are the odds?

Um, yeah, I guess I could. But you know they have an orientation committee that could show you around, right?

Actually, I have figured out the layout of the school. I meant I’d like to see the town. After school. With you.

Gulp.

Please God, don’t let me pass out again. Please, please, please.

Jade giggles. I elbow her. Subtly. Or not. I have no idea. But her obnoxious behavior is enough to pull me back to reality.

Sorry, I can’t. I have so much going on. No time. But it’s pretty easy to find your way around here—downtown is literally one street.

I can almost feel his disappointment. Or my mind is messing with me, which is far more likely. He could have his pick of any girl in the school—heck, he could pick any girl in the state—to show him around, so I really don’t have to feel guilty that I’m not making time for him. Do I?

He says he understands and offers to help me if I need anything.

I, of course, dismiss that idea. We should hurry and get to class. I don’t want you guys getting in trouble.

The bell rings as I’m finishing my sentence. Ryder offers to walk me to my next class, to be sure I’m steady on my feet. I start to turn him down, but Jade—ever-helpful Jade—thanks him before I can. Then she pushes me forward, and I bump into Ryder again. He smiles and gently holds my elbow, as if to steady me.

As we walk, I look over my shoulder, ready to glare at my so-called best friend for pushing me into this situation. But her back is to me, and she’s pulling Corey in the opposite direction. Even from here, I can see Corey’s sad and concerned expression. I wonder why she won’t let him come see me but figure she’s trying to play matchmaker and doesn’t want Corey playing interference.

The walk to class is silent. I know I should try to make conversation, but I am so unprepared for this situation. What am I supposed to talk about with the most intriguing guy I’ve ever seen off-screen? They don’t teach you this stuff in school.

Besides, I’m still a little creeped out from his stalker-like presence yesterday. And the fact that he was there to catch me when I didn’t even notice him in the hallway—odd.

Girls and guys are both checking out Ryder as we walk, but he doesn’t seem to notice. I do notice the glares I’m getting from girls, especially some of the more popular ones. I’m sure they do not deem me worthy of Ryder’s attention. Heck, I don’t deem me worthy. I don’t have low self-esteem; I’m just aware of my place in society. I’m smart. I’m studious. I have drive. And will power.

Did I say will power? Because my will is telling me to power closer to Ryder’s heat. Ugh. Fight the urge, fight the urge!

Just as we approach the biology lab, Jenny Jones sashays over to me, a snide look on her overly-made-up face. I pretend I don’t see her, but she zooms in anyway.

Hey, Felicia. I heard you had a little episode in the cafeteria. Oh no, she wouldn’t dare. She leans in closer. Such a shame, you poor thing. Everyone is talking about it. She did dare. Then in a loud whisper, Your dad told me you hadn’t gotten it yet. You must feel like such a freak.

She plasters on this fake look of compassion. She’s so phony, it hurts to look at her. The fact that my dad is dating her mom kills me. If her mom is anything like her, my dad has lost his mind.

Oh, did you see my new bracelet? Your dad is so sweet; he wants to spoil me. Trying to get me to like him and all.

Ryder moves closer to me, almost protectively. My head starts to pound again, and something sharp tries to pierce through my hair follicles. Ryder puts his arm around my shoulder in a way-too-familiar gesture. Jenny’s face scrunches up, jealousy contorting her features.

Ha, take that, snotty one.

Ryder positions his body so his back is to Jenny, and grabs my cell from my hand. He types away, then hands it back to me with a smile.

"I programmed my number. Call or text if you need anything. Anything." He smiles again, and I melt.

I can’t see around Ryder, but I can hear the clip-clop of Jenny’s high heeled shoes storming into class. Score one for Team Felicia.

Sorry about her. We’ve always kind of been frenemies, but things have gotten a little weirder lately…

No need to explain anything. I’m happy to help. He opens the door to bio for me. For some strange reason, I can’t find a reason to complain, though I’m usually all independent and everything. Use that number. I’ll be waiting.

I manage to slink by him and make it to my seat without having my weakened knees give out on me. I grab my book and notebook out of my backpack, and when I glance up I half expect Ryder to be standing at the windowed door, staring at me, but he’s gone.

After class, I open my locker and am greeted by a note saying, Hope you’re feeling better. Love, Me.

The note is accompanied by my favorite mango juice and a chocolate chip cookie. Have I mentioned that Corey is the sweetest guy in the world?

For some reason, his thoughtfulness makes me feel like a jerk.

Chapter Six - Teen Fury: Unleashed

Stepping out of school after last period is the highlight of my day. I breathe deeply, reveling in the fall atmosphere. Leaves are changing color, ready to put the trees to sleep for the winter. That’s how I’ve always thought of the changing of the seasons. The leaves make a blanket for the roots of the tree, and the trees settle in for a snooze.

I’m changing my colors, too. Something has been off with me, and I don’t think it’s just hormones. I know some of my behaviors can be explained by my period, but I have this feeling in my gut that something else is happening to me.

I smile as one shy raindrop hits my hand. I pick up my pace when another hits. If I’m not careful, I’ll be stuck in a downpour, so I might as well hurry home.

As I’m ready to cross the street, a motorcycle screeches to a stop at the curb. I stumble a little when I get a look at the scruffy face and the piercing green eyes, all too familiar. The strawberry shake guy from The Shack. I don’t know how I managed to forget how attractive he is, but he kinda makes Ryder seem a bit drab.

Where you goin’ so fast? Felicia, right?

Home. Can I help you with something? My voice squeaks, but at least words come out.

Hop on. I know it sucks to ride in the rain, but you’ll get home faster. His eyes plead with me, like I’d be doing him the favor.

I’m starting to think someone is playing a very big trick on me.

Thanks, but my mom would kill me if I got on a motorcycle. I walk faster, and he moves his bike forward, keeping pace with me.

Don’t worry, she doesn’t have to know. I can drop you off at the house next to yours.

The hair on the back of my neck stands alert. This boy has danger written all over him, and I don’t think it’s just the leather jacket and tight black jeans. All my parent’s stranger danger warnings flood my brain. I tighten my grasp on my cell, ready to call for help if needed.

His interest in me isn’t just a compliment; it’s a bit scary, too.

It’s okay, really. I actually enjoy the rain. Might as well get my exercise in before winter hits. I smile, but my face feels tense. See ya!

Just as I think I’m going to escape, a shiny red Mustang pulls up. Before I even have time to process who’s approaching, Ryder jumps out, glaring at Zane, and I wonder why he’s so hostile. Zane leans back, looking more relaxed than he did a moment ago.

I almost scream when Ryder grabs my elbow, leading me to the passenger side of his car.

What are you doing? I demand through clenched teeth.

Taking you home.

I’m fine walking. Let go of me.

He stops, and puts both hands on my arms, forcing me to look up at him. The now drizzling rain drips down his forehead, slides off his nose and onto his lips. I watch every drop.

I can feel the other guy staring. I can also feel my body reacting positively to Ryder. Did I say Zane makes Ryder seem drab? I was wrong.

Felicia, you were already sick today, there’s no need to push yourself. He takes a deep breath. Go ahead and call your mother to let her know I’m driving you home, if it makes you feel better. You can even give her my license plate number. His eyes sparkle a little when he says this, as if amused by some private joke.

I want to kick him in the shin, but I resist the urge. I glance at the groups of teens walking by us, wrapped up in their own drama and conversation, and decide I’m probably safer letting Ryder take me home since no one nearby would notice if something bad happened. I can’t explain why, but my gut reaction is to trust Ryder over Zane, even though Zane’s words about Ryder being a psycho are on autoplay in my head.

Fine. But don’t think you’re going to get in the habit of telling me what to do.

Ryder opens the door for me, and hot guy number two takes off without a word, using his rear tire to shoot puddle water directly at Ryder. Somehow he manages to miss me, and I wonder if that was intentional or not.

We pull up in front of my house, and I’m grateful for the reprieve from the tense, silent ride. By now it’s pouring, so I shout Good bye as I slam the car door and bolt toward my house. I don’t know how, but Ryder is right behind me when I reach the porch.

Thanks for the ride. See you tomorrow. I open the door, expecting Ryder to take off. I did not invite him to come over. I want to get into dry clothes, do my homework, and finish my grant stuff. And sleep. I need a lot of sleep after today.

When I open the door, my lovely mother is standing in the entrance, wearing a party hat and blowing a noise maker, the kind usually reserved for drunken New Year celebrations and annoying kid parties. To my mortification, she’s holding a homemade banner. It says, Welcome to Womanhood.

Someone shoot me now. Please.

My body is on fire, and not in a good way. I close my eyes and breathe deep, wishing I could push past her and erase this entire day from my memory. And everyone else’s memories, too.

To his credit, Ryder pretends he doesn’t notice. He introduces himself to my mom, says he’ll see me in school tomorrow, then leaves. I can’t look at him, and I’ll never be able to face him tomorrow in school. I’ve decided to run away and join a convent somewhere. Where they have no visiting hours.

I’ll say I’m an orphan.

Mom pulls me out of my daydream by grabbing my hand and leading me to the kitchen. Standing around the table are my two aunts and my three female cousins. Aunt Sue is holding a cake.

My mother is the strangest creature on this planet. She feels the need to celebrate every excruciating detail of my life. This is one I would have preferred to skip over.

I plaster on a smile for their sake, though. Everyone is so enthusiastic, it kind of makes me want to rip my eyeballs out. But I figure the sooner I get it over with, the sooner I can retreat.

The doorbell rings, and my mom rushes to answer it. I stare blankly as Jade and Corey stroll in.

I hope you don’t mind, but I called your friends to join us. I know this is normally a celebration for women only, but we all know Corey is like one of the girls.

Mom laughs, but I see a glimmer of hurt in Corey’s eyes before he recovers and smiles for me.

I need to figure out a way to stop this carefully planned life of mine from unraveling.

Chapter Seven - Teen Fury: Unleashed

I didn’t sleep at all last night. How could I, with anticipation about today’s interview haunting me? I don’t feel at all prepared, despite the hours I’ve spent with this project. Part of me is happy to get it over with, while another part of me needs a few more months to get ready.

I go over my mental checklist while I wash my hair in the shower. Mission Statement? Check. Advisor? I haven’t heard back from Mr. Shaw, but I’ll get to school early and check in with him before homeroom. I do have a back up, Mrs. Palsy, but she’s a bit flaky and has a tendency to be somewhat controlling at times, so she’s not my first choice. Agenda? Check. Website? Almost. Population Served? Check.

I take a deep breath and count backwards from fifty. This soothes my nerves a bit, but I still have raging, kamikaze butterflies in my belly. I guess they’ll remain until after the interview, after the finalists are announced.

Please let me be one of the finalists!

I know it’s kind of lame, but this organization means so much to me. The kids I’ve been mentoring are so full of zest, so spirited, so alive. They were dealt crappy cards from life’s deck, but they are resilient. They have hopes and dreams, and need supportive people around them to let them know that anything is possible, that we have their backs.

With the grant, I could expand. Right now I mentor four kids from town, mostly by accident. If, ahem, when I get the grant (I’m trying to use positive thinking), I can expand to include several more kids, and make the organization more than just a playgroup. I can bring other teens into our mentoring loop, giving the kids the opportunity to see what life could be like, and giving the volunteers the chance to be part of something bigger than what data plan they have.

The owner of The Shack is totally on board for letting us use his building for the organization. His son died when he was seventeen after a tragic football accident, so Sean has a special connection with us teens. He lets the kids spend a ton of time at The Shack, even though they can’t afford to buy anything, but it would be better for his business if we could fix up the back storage room as a hangout. We’d be able to welcome more kids in, and have positive experiences for everyone.

I was abandoned, but I got lucky. Even though my parents aren’t perfect, they love me and always have. These kids haven’t been so lucky.

My mom calls up the stairs to me in her sing-song morning voice. I double-check myself in the mirror—this is the one day I am completely conscientious about my appearance.

Grabbing my bag, I skip down the stairs. The rest of the morning is a blur.

When the lunch bell rings, my stomach tightens. I am so not hungry. I feel like if I eat, I’m likely to vomit. Then again, if I don’t eat, my blood sugar will be all wonky, so I wonder what’s worse.

Why would they schedule appointments right after lunch?

I meet up with Jade and Corey outside the lunchroom. They are my little pep squad, trying to build my confidence and showing tremendous enthusiasm.

While Corey and Jade get their lunch, I grab a banana and a milk, along with a small package of saltines. Better than nothing, right?

We head to our table. As we walk by the group of popular (for no good reason, since as a group they are pretty jerky) kids, the group bursts into laughter. I tighten my grip on my mostly empty tray and try to keep walking.

Hey, kid. Did you change her tampon for her, too?

Awkward. Corey mumbles under his breath. He keeps walking, his head down.

Bet that’s as close as you’ve ever come to a pussy, huh?

Oh come on, he’s a computer nerd. I’m sure he has tons of porn on that hard drive of his.

Yeah, but is it girl parts, or dick?

How dare they humiliate him like that? I don’t care what they want to say about me, but Corey is the nicest person you would ever meet in your lifetime, and these morons should learn a thing or two from him.

Rage consumes me. My head fills with excruciating pain, like something is ripping through my scalp, successfully this time. Tears pour from my eyes, but I can only see red. I vaguely wonder if I’m leaking blood from my eyes, but I don’t even care. I throw my tray in anger, the unopened milk carton bursting and splattering all over the expensive jeans of one of the girls I’m furious with. Corey and Jade each grab one of my arms, trying to pull me back, but I let out this god awful screech, and with strength I didn’t know I possessed, I pull so hard I send my good friends sprawling.

I jump on the table, feeding off the frightened looks of the menaces before me. Nasty. Uncaring. Unfair. Bullies.

I want to rip their hair out. I want to torment them with my face. I want them to feel the fury. I want them to never treat another person the way they just treated Corey, the way they treat people on a daily basis. I want their reign in the court of high school to be over.

I want their blood.

The room starts spinning. Faces blend together, until the only one I can see is Zane. He’s standing nearby, leaning against the cafeteria wall. One hand is tucked casually in the pocket of his jeans, while his other hand holds a cup of coffee, which he sips casually. He has one eyebrow raised, looking at me with bemusement. He seems to be egging me on, encouraging me to dole out this punishment.

I shriek again, louder this time, right in the face of Jake Scott, the jerk who started this whole thing. I see him clearly, though he’s taken on a red hue, like everything else. He closes his eyes and covers his ears, and I hope he’s pissing his pants.

Just as my satisfaction builds, the world spins out of control. I can’t see anyone any longer.

And then the world goes black. I’m drained.

Chapter Eight - Teen Fury: Unleashed

Déjà vu.

When I open my eyes, I’m in the nurse’s office. Again.

I look down to see if I’ve leaked, but no signs of period trauma appear.

Felicia, thank God you’re okay. I was so worried about you! You passed out when we were walking to our table. Luckily Ryder showed up right when you were falling. He caught you and brought you here. Jade pauses to take a breath. I rub my head. I passed out? He’s in the hall waiting. Want me to see if Mrs. Smith will let him come in?

No! I object too quickly, but the last thing I need right now is Mr. Hot Stuff messing with my head. I have to figure out what happened, because what Jade’s telling me isn’t quite fitting with my recollection.

My hand goes to the top of my head, where something emerged from my head in the cafeteria. I know it sounds crazy, but when I was so angry, before passing out, I could hear hissing, feel writhing. On my head.

My hair feels normal.

No worries, I have a brush. You got a little messed up in the fall and carrying sequence. Jade laughs, sounding kind of nervous.

Do I have blood on my face?

No, silly. You didn’t hit your face. You did spill some soda on you, maybe that’s what you feel.

Yeah, maybe. But I didn’t have soda. I don’t even drink soda.

I can’t think of a reason why Jade would lie to me about any of this, and I can’t think of an explanation as to how I would have snakes coming out of my head, so I chalk it all up to passing out and having a really weird dream.

Jade, did anything strange happen before I passed out?

She purses her lips and scrunches her forehead.

Not really. I mean, you got really ticked at Jake and his crew for being mean to Corey. You started yelling at them, then zonked right out. She pauses. I think you scared them. They aren’t used to you being loud about anything.

Strong memories come back to me. Me pulling away from my friends, sending them sprawling. Jumping on the table. Screaming in the faces of Corey’s tormentors. The memories feel so real. How could I have dreamed them?

Mrs. Smith comes in, yanking me from my reverie.

Glad to see you’re feeling better. She goes through a checklist of symptoms, none of which I have at the moment, so she gives me clearance to leave the nurse’s office as soon as I’m feeling ready.

I’ve already called your mom. She’s concerned, especially since this is the second day you’ve lost consciousness. She’ll schedule an appointment with a neurologist to be sure everything is okay. Most likely it’s related to the onset of menstruation, but it’s always a good idea to check these things out.

I so don’t have time for this.

Wait, what time is it? My heart races. Could I have missed my appointment?

No worries, Felicia. You have plenty of time. Jade digs through her pocketbook, pulling out a hand mirror and her makeup. Here, fix your eyes.

I make myself look presentable—barely—and tell myself I’m not going crazy.

As I’m rushing out the door, I bump into Corey in the entranceway. I smile at him, and he hands me a flower.

For good luck, not that you’ll need it.

I have nowhere to put the flower, so I stick it in my backpack, the cheerful head poking out. I kiss him on the cheek, grateful for his support.

He doesn’t move. I’m seriously in a hurry and starting to get annoyed. He’s not saying anything, just standing there, looking at me.

I clear my throat and look over his shoulder meaningfully, as in, I have to go. But I don’t want to be rude and say anything,