Opposing Forces: Anomalous Series, #3

By J.C. Skylar

When a book about telekinesis shows up in Brooke's locker, she knows someone has seen her use her ability...

As if that's not enough to shoot her nerves, inside the book is a coded message about her mother's death, and if she wants to know more, she'll need to follow the instructions.

The only other anomalous she can turn to for help is her crush's best friend, Jackson, the most annoying cretin in her life. But also the only one with the guts to follow the clues with her.

The last thing she expects is for her heart to get tangled between Jackson and the danger that lurks in the shadows...

You will not be able to put this thrilling sci-fi romance down, because these friends-to-lovers will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

Get it today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.C.Skylar
• Release date: May 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201099558

Book preview

OPPOSING FORCES

ANOMALOUS SERIES

J.C. SKYLAR

Copyright © 2021 by J.C. Skylar

All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Cover by Wynter Designs

Contents

Blurb

1. ONE

2. TWO

3. THREE

4. FOUR

5. FIVE

6. SIX

7. SEVEN

8. EIGHT

9. NINE

10. TEN

11. ELEVEN

12. TWELVE

13. THIRTEEN

14. FOURTEEN

15. FIFTEEN

16. SIXTEEN

17. SEVENTEEN

18. EIGHTEEN

19. NINETEEN

20. TWENTY

21. TWENTY-ONE

22. TWENTY-TWO

23. TWENTY-THREE

24. TWENTY-FOUR

25. TWENTY-FIVE

26. TWENTY-SIX

27. TWENTY-SEVEN

28. TWENTY-EIGHT

29. TWENTY-NINE

30. THIRTY

31. THIRTY-ONE

32. THIRTY-TWO

33. THIRTY-THREE

34. Epilogue

Also by

Blurb

When a book about telekinesis shows up in Brooke’s locker, she knows someone has seen her use her ability...

As if that’s not enough to shoot her nerves, inside the book is a coded message about her mother’s death, and if she wants to know more, she’ll need to follow the instructions.

The only other anomalous she can turn to for help is her crush’s best friend, Jackson, the most annoying cretin in her life. But also the only one with the guts to follow the clues with her.

The last thing she expects is for her heart to get tangled between Jackson and the danger that lurks in the shadows...

You will not be able to put this thrilling sci-fi romance down, because these friends-to-lovers will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

ONE

image-placeholder

As the sun rose over the creek in her backyard, Brooke climbed out of her second story window. The shingled roof creaked beneath her weight as she looked over the edge. Normally, Noah would be parked at the side of the house waiting for her, but he hadn’t arrived yet.

Noah isn’t here yet. Her uncle’s voice came from the patio downstairs. But you could wait down here with me.

Brooke sighed. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to spend time with her uncle, it was just that she didn’t feel like arguing. But climbing back through the window and pretending she didn’t hear him would’ve been too rude.

She unbuttoned her denim jacket, then climbed down the metallic ladder at the side of her house with her backpack hanging over her shoulder.

You could use the front door, you know? her uncle said, sitting on a rocking bench, sipping his coffee.

I would, but I get the feeling your wife doesn’t really want me in the house, Brooke replied, stepping down to the grass.

She’s your aunt.

I’m not related to her, Brooke said. She made that very clear.

Her uncle stared at his coffee. She’s trying, Brooke.

Yeah, I used to believe that when I was seven, but it’s been ten years now, Uncle Dave. Brooke looked toward the dirt road, willing Noah’s car to appear. The truth is, she has every right to be afraid.

She’s not afraid of you.

Brooke turned to her uncle and cocked her head. If that’s true, then why am I living in the attic?

That room is the most private—

It has nothing to do with privacy and you know it. Just like you know she holds her breath every time I even come close to the twins.

So she’s an overprotective mother, he said with a shrug.

Are you afraid of what I am? Brooke leaned over the patio railing and waited for her uncle to look at her.

Her uncle stood and came to stand in front of her with only the railing between them. You know I’m not.

When a ray of sunlight shined on his face, Brooke looked away. She couldn’t stand seeing the scar on his cheek. A cruel reminder of why his wife was right to be afraid.

Well, you should, she muttered, shifting her attention to the creek.

The ladder next to her began to tremble. She didn’t have to look at it to know she was projecting her emotions onto it. Her uncle touched it, knowing it was her mind that was causing it to shake.

It wasn’t your fault, he said in a low tone, still holding on to the ladder. It was an accident.

Brooke shook her head. I can’t wait to be free from this.

Her uncle’s expression hardened. What are you talking about?

Brooke thought about telling him how close Noah’s father was to creating a cure. One injection and her telekinesis would vanish from her system forever. She would no longer have anything to hide. But she wasn’t entirely sure how he would react.

She shrugged. I’ll be graduating soon. Then you’ll finally be free of me.

Her uncle frowned, but before he could reply, Noah’s Jeep rounded the corner.

Brooke’s stomach fluttered at the sight of Noah’s neatly combed dirty blond hair glistening in the morning sun.

He pulled up on the grass at the side of their house, and she flashed her uncle a smile before walking away. It was her way of letting him know there were no hard feelings.

She jumped in the passenger seat next to Noah. Even though they had known each other all their lives, and he’d been picking her up for school ever since he got his license, seeing him was always a thrill.

Brooke wasn’t entirely sure when things had changed, but they had. At least for her. She’d been getting jitters every time she heard his car pull up in her yard, and sometimes even at the sound of his voice. She had no idea how to make it stop. Or if she even wanted it to stop.

Sorry I’m late. When his brown eyes turned in her direction, she tucked a strand of brown hair behind her ear and lowered her eyes, afraid they would reveal too much.

Here. He handed her a foam coffee cup. Hopefully, this will make your day a little better. Caramel, extra cream, and no sugar.

Oh, that sounds perfect. She took the coffee, then buckled her seatbelt as Noah backed out of the yard. What would I do without you?

For starters, you would stop drooling.

Brooke spun around with an annoyed look. Jackson was sprawled across the backseat with his jacket over his face and his backpack being used as a pillow.

I am so not in the mood to deal with your nonsense this morning, Jackson.

Let me guess... he replied. Miss Valedictorian couldn’t get her hands on the book she desperately needs in order to pass Mr. Gunderson’s class, and now the Earth as we know it is headed for a fatal collision.

Bite me.

Don’t ask for things you can’t handle, tuts. He grazed her arm playfully, and she slapped his hand away.

Cut it out!

Come on, guys, Noah cut in as he turned onto the main road. This is our senior year. Why not put aside your disdain for each other and just try to make it memorable? This time next year, we’ll be in college.

Correction, Brooke said. You and I will be in college. Mr. Slacker over there...who knows what the heck he’ll be doing.

College is for ordinary people, Jackson said, covering his face with his jacket again. Or people like you two who live in denial. I, on the other hand, still haven’t figured out what to do with my life.

You mean you haven’t figured out which fast food place to apply to? Brooke teased. Tough call, I’m sure.

You know what… Jackson sat up and poked his head between them. You both sure expend a great amount of energy to ignore the simple fact that we’re different.

Noah put on his blinkers and made a sharp right. This is the world we live in, Jax. We have to do our best to fit in.

Noah, man, you have x-ray vision. Brooke can move things with her mind. And I can crush this car with my bare hands. Don’t you think there’s more out there for us?

If there was, our parents wouldn’t have come to Creekside only to live in hiding, Noah reminded him, which had started to become a daily occurrence.

The closer they got to graduation, the more antsy Jackson became with finding his calling or whatnot. It had Noah on edge. Mostly because he cared about Jackson. They had known each other since before they could talk.

When Jackson’s mother died, although his older brother and sister were still around, he spent most of his time at Noah’s house.

I’m not saying that isn’t a valid point. Jackson was still talking. But what if things have changed since our parents fled? What if whoever was after them gave up?

According to my dad, the government is still funding a tracker program. There was an edge to Noah’s voice. Even if the people that were after our parents are gone, there are still others who are eager to study us.

Well, I’m not afraid.

And I’m pretty sure those are the last words of every anomalous before they’re dissected to pieces, Noah muttered irritably.

Jackson waved it off and laid back down, closing his eyes.

Why is it so wrong to just want to be normal? Brooke asked.

Because we’re not normal. Jackson added, We’re never going to fit in with these people.

Speak for yourself.

Jackson grunted in frustration. Seriously, it’s like talking to a wall.

Noah’s expression hardened.

How’s everything going with the antidote? Brooke asked, taking a sip of her coffee. Has your dad figured out how to make one yet?

Not yet, but he’s close. Noah’s usual enthusiasm wasn’t there. Normally, they could talk for hours about what their lives will be like after they finally take the antidote, but with Jackson in the car, it didn’t have the same positivity. He said there’s only one element that seems to be missing.

Brooke beamed. Noah, that’s amazing!

Noah smiled, and it made her giddy to be able to lift up his mood, even if only a little. Yeah, he seems pretty hopeful they’ll find it soon.

That will be a breakthrough.

Yes, it will. Not that he’ll be able to publish it or anything, but still… He reached for her hand, and it sent flutters into her stomach. No more hiding for us.

Brooke smiled, tucking another strand of her brown hair behind her ear as she suppressed the excitement of his touch. I can’t wait.

One more word out of the both of you, Jackson mumbled, and I’m going to hurl.

Noah slipped his hand away as he pulled into the school parking lot. Brooke wanted to scowl at Jackson for ruining the moment, but he’d already jumped out of the car and started toward a group of cheerleaders crossing the lawn. He combed his short brown hair with his fingers as he approached the giggling girls.

What are we going to do with him? Noah asked, sounding like a concerned parent as he unbuckled his seatbelt.

We? Brooke arched a brow. My sole responsibility towards that cretin is making sure he doesn’t drive me to commit murder.

Noah laughed. There’s no way you two will ever get along, is there?

Brooke gave him a look of disgust as she opened the passenger door. Not a chance.

TWO

image-placeholder

Leaving the locker room and stepping out in the open field, Jackson spotted Noah leaning on the chain-link fence that divided the football field from the track field.

Hey, what are we doing? Jackson asked, as he approached. It didn’t take him long to realize who Noah was watching. The only girl that had ever managed to make Noah speechless. Ah, the Gwen dilemma yet again.

It’s not a dilemma, Noah grumbled. It’s an impossibility.

It doesn’t have to be.

Noah gave him a quizzical look. What do you mean?

Well… Jackson turned around and leaned back on the fence. I have it on very good authority that if you ask her to the fair, she won’t turn you down.

Noah’s eyes widened. Don’t play with me, Jax.

I’m not, he assured him, pointing to one of the cheerleaders on the field. That’s what she told me, and you know how girls get to talking.

Noah shook his head. You know I can’t.

What, take a girl to the fair?

"Take a girl on a date."

Look… Jackson lowered his voice as a group of girls walked past. Just because we can’t kiss these human girls without altering their DNA, doesn’t mean we can’t take them out for a good time.

That’s leading them on, and that’s not right, Noah insisted, even though his eyes kept finding Gwen on the football field. And judging by how much he was wiping his hands on his gym shorts, Jackson could tell Noah was using being anomalous as an excuse not to admit how nervous she made him feel.

You’re not proposing to her, Noah. Jackson gave his friend a pointed look. You’re just taking her on some rides and buying her cotton candy. That’s all. Besides, our senior year will be over before we know it, and we’ll all go our separate ways. Including Gwen.

Noah looked at Gwen again, and by the longing in his eyes, Jackson could tell he was actually contemplating the idea.

But what if a date turns into two dates, and we develop deeper feelings for each other? I mean, matters of the heart are not something to take lightly, Jax.

Matters of the heart? Jackson had to hold back from slapping Noah across the head. Stop overthinking this and just ask her. Aren’t you always saying you want to be normal? Well, this is what normal teenage guys do, Noah. They ask girls out.

"I want to be normal, but the truth of the matter is—"

"The truth of the matter is that your dad is working on a stinking antidote and it’s only a matter of time before you are normal. Jackson put an encouraging hand on his friend’s shoulder. So, why not get a head start with this girl, huh?"

Noah let out a long breath before finding Gwen again, her wavy blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail.

Maybe you’re right, he mumbled, as if trying to convince himself more than Jackson. My dad will whip up an antidote in no time.

Right. Not that Jackson cared about an antidote, or believed that it would come sooner rather than later, but if that was what his friend needed to hear, then by all means. In no time at all.

Noah’s lips lifted into a nervous smile as he wiped his hands on his shorts again. Okay, wish me luck.

Jackson grinned and slapped his friend on the arm. Go get her, tiger.

Where’s Noah going? Brooke’s voice came from behind, and Jackson spun around.

Believe it or not… He gave her a lopsided grin. Our boy is going to ask Gwen to the fair.

What? Brooke screeched. Are you out of your mind?

Me? He raised his eyebrows innocently. I’m not the one with the hots for the girl.

Don’t act like you didn’t talk him into it.

Jackson offered a guilty shrug, then glanced at Noah as he approached Gwen. I don’t see what the big deal is.

Of course you don’t. Brooke rolled her eyes. You probably wouldn’t if it hit you in the face.

You know what? Jackson lifted a finger. You should be thanking me for this.

For what? Breaking Noah’s heart? Because that’s exactly what’s going to happen once he realizes that there is no future with that girl.

Which is why I did it, Jackson explained. You see, Noah is a dreamer. And for most of the year, he’s been standing on this very spot, daydreaming about her. So, the only way to get him to move on is for him to try it out and come to the realization on his own that it will never work.

Brooke narrowed her eyes. And you did this for his own good?

No, I did it for you, you lamo.

Me? She let out a shaky chuckle, then tugged a strand of hair behind her ear as she often did when she was nervous. And why would I want that?

Oh, please. Jackson crossed his arms. The fact that she was no longer able to look him in the eyes confirmed what he already knew. Noah has got to be the only person on the planet that has not seen the lust in your eyes.

Brooke glared at him. There is no lust in my eyes.

Really? He flashed her a smile. Getting her all riled up was more fun than he cared to admit. Then if he went out with Gwen, you would be fine with it?

"Of course not, but that has nothing to do with having the hots for him. He’s my best friend, and this thing you encouraged him to do… She pointed to where Noah was still talking to Gwen in the center of the field. Is too dangerous."

Jackson narrowed his blue eyes. Why?

Brooke’s mouth dropped as if she couldn’t believe her ears. Why do you think? Noah is not like you, Jackson. He actually has a heart, which means he’s not the type to date someone while keeping his emotions locked up. He’s going to get attached, and he’s going to get hurt.

Would you rather just stand here and watch him pathetically long for Gwen for the rest of the year? Jackson asked, studying her.

She lowered her eyes to the ground and kicked a rock across the track field. No.

Then the only way out of this pathetic dilemma is through it, he said. "It may not be the most pleasant or convenient, but it is the only way he’ll finally get to see you in all your lustful glory. So… He bowed his head. You’re welcome."

She shot him a milder glare, but a glare nonetheless. Bite me.

Jackson laughed, but from his peripheral vision, he spotted a football hurling in Brooke’s direction. He grabbed it before it hit her in the face.