Life as a teenager is already a challenge. Life as a mute only adds to the chaos, but for Aubrielle Matthews, it’s just a regular day. Balancing being a gold medal gymnast, a social pariah, and backlash for her mutism is nothing new.

If that wasn't already enough, throw in Riverback Heights alum Lynx Peak.

Lynx is the golden boy who returns with some unfinished business. Despite his popularity, he faces demons from his past. On the outside, he’s handsome and rich with a carefree aura, but that’s just on the outside. Much darker and haunted things lie beneath. Lynx knew his return wouldn’t be a warm welcome, but he was shocked by all the changes in the town that never changes.

Can Brie and Lynx find the strength to overcome the poison that is Riverback Heights?

Will Lynx be able to right the wrongs of his past?

Can Brie find the voice the town stole from her? 

The Balancing Act was created by AZW, an eGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.

The Balancing Act

I don’t think anything could take away from this high that I felt. Being around Brie was something different. I was someone different. I wasn’t the asshole from the past, but I was someone worthy of a happy future.


I came back to make amends, and possibly another way to do that meant forgiving myself for what happened and allowing myself a sliver of happiness. I hadn’t done anything that night and though it absolved me at the time, it didn’t leave me innocent. I could have tried harder to stop them. I could have confessed to what I had seen instead of remaining silent. I could have helped him.


I parked the Durango in the driveway after leaving Brie’s house with a pep in my step and a whistle playing at the ends of my lips. What was this girl doing to me? Whistling. I hadn’t whistled since I was a kid.


“You seem chipper.” Logan’s voice penetrated the dark garage.


Chapter 17: The Threat