The Pentrals by Crystal Mack Page A

support. I look down at Violet to make sure she’s registered this exchange. She is struggling to keep my outline correct against the uneven sand, but she is not giving up. Her effort makes me smile.
    “That’s what I’ve been missing,” Thomas says, turning to me.
    “Missing what?” I ask.
    “That smile.” Before I even realize what is happening, he pulls me toward him and moves in for a kiss.
    It is… unexpected. I have spent a lot of time wondering what a kiss would be like, but did not realize how many sensations would be involved. Fingers at the small of my back. Bodies pulled close. Lips pressed together. And I wait for it—that feeling of love to flood my body like I have always imagined. But it does not come. Nothing does. Watching Thomas and Violet, it always seemed like a force field was pulling them together. But now, here in his embrace, I do not feel that unstoppable attraction. Nothing stirs from within. Something is wrong.
    Surely I am floundering, destroying what should be a swoon-worthy scene, but Thomas doesn’t seem to notice. He shows no signs of stopping until a voice pulls us apart.
    “Well, well, what do we have here?” says an approaching figure. The sun has finally tucked away behind the canyon walls, leaving a smattering of stars overhead. Their light casts a soft glow on a mass of dark features, belonging to a familiar face.
    Benjamin Kelly.
    I am both relieved and apprehensive. The way he has treated Violet since Mary’s accident has been cruel but his arrival means Thomas probably won’t kiss me again. My face turns hot from embarrassment. I thought a kiss would make me feel love, but I feel nothing.
    “Hey man,” Thomas says casually, unbothered at being caught making out. He lets me go and engages Ben in a friendly handshake.
    “So, did I miss something here?” Ben asks, flitting his eyes between us. The boys have managed to remain friends despite Mary’s tragedy, the only surviving members of the Alliance. From the surprised look on Ben’s face, I can only assume Thomas has spent a lot of time pining for Violet, but this recent rekindling has yet to make headline news.
    “Sorry Ben, I—” Thomas’ words convey apology but his face has no regret.
    “No, dude, it’s cool, I’m just—” Ben turns to look straight at me “—surprised.”
    Suddenly I feel angry, protective of my Person’s honor. I do not like what his tone implies. Like getting back together with Violet is a giant mistake, a huge error in judgment. “Surprised at what?” I ask.
    “Whoa, relax there,” Ben says, stepping toward me. As a Shadow, his stature always overpowered me, and even now in Violet’s body, his frame towers. I know he is trying to intimidate me but he will not succeed. Violet may have accepted his behavior, but Antares will not be bullied.
    “Don’t tell me what to do,” I say, standing my ground. I look up into his brown eyes and try to understand the thoughts behind them. So guarded. There is something else locked away behind his frustration.
    “Oh, you don’t need me for that, Violet. Had any good Lifts! lately?” he says, wearing the face of an arrogant ass.
    Before I can stop myself, I lunge forward to push him out of my face. The moment my hands touch his chest, a spark ignites my fingertips, electrifying my body. Ben reels back, stumbling back in the sand. I stare at my palms in disbelief before meeting his gaze. What was that? That fiery sensation? Did he feel it too?
    Ben’s face is muddled in confusion, but I cannot tell if it is from the spark or simply from being pushed by a girl. Our eyes are deadlocked until Thomas intervenes.
    “Guys, seriously, cool it! Look, Ben, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Violet. Things just sort of… happened.” He reaches for my hand and I take it. No spark.
    “I get it, yeah,” Ben replies, still focusing on me.
    “And Violet,” Thomas continues, “You know how much Ben has been through. You two need to lay off