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 saw the garbage bin piled high, trailing flies looping and diving above it, and figured that would do about as fine as anything would. He walked around to the back of the metal bin, stepping over fallen bags and litter, his hands itching for the relief of expulsion, then squared up both fists and let them fly. His knuckles jammed into the metal side, first crunching, then immediately caving it in.


Geoff breathed. He breathed again. The first one was always the most satisfying, the second one took off the pressure, and the third hit was just for fun. When he finally stepped back, spreading his fingers wide to confirm the feeling had left, he was panting like he’d run a ten-mile race for his life.


Geoff looked up, startled, and stared directly in Doren’s amused face.


Oh, and wasn’t that just great. No doubt Doren thought he was a complete nut-job. He tried for casual, shrugging, “I just needed to let off some steam.”


Chapter 72