Doren was born with a powerful gift -- a gift he's managed to use to put him well on his way to becoming a star. But there is more to that gift than just musical talent, and as careful as Doren is to hide that fact, there are some who know of the power behind the sound, and all the ways they could abuse it.<br><br>August's goal in life is simple: make an impact in the music industry. An opportunity to work as the personal assistant to Doren seems to be exactly the kind of break he needs to accomplish that goal.<br><br>But all too often in life, simple becomes just another complication, especially when there are people whose goal is even simpler: destroy and dominate.

The Gift

He turned toward two preteens preparing a space with towels and pop cans and an iPod, their skinny bodies clad in tight swimwear, getting an early start on the day before anyone else arrived to hush them into controlled silence. And right there beside them, looking as nonchalant as a pile of something could, rested Doren’s clothes. August swam to the other side of the pool and pulled himself from the water. He had to choke back a laugh when Doren’s head popped out of the water only inches away. “A little help here?”


Chapter 12