Birthright: Book I of the Temujin Saga by Adam J. Whitlatch Page A

opening fireworks. Alex reclined to better watch the display, and his stomach turned a somersault when Crystal did the same, resting her head on his shoulder. He prayed that the deafening booms of the exploding fireworks would be loud enough to drown out the thunderous beating of his heart. After a few moments, he began to relax, letting his hand slowly slip into hers.
    The flowery scent of her hair found his nostrils and he breathed deep. She smelled wonderful. Like… spring.
    Just then, a raindrop splattered right between Alex’s eyes and the words of the old man from the day before echoed in his mind.
    Could be a wet Fourth again this year.
    A deafening thunderclap filled the air. If not for the rain, Alex would have thought it was part of the show, but the drops continued to fall and grow in intensity, sending hundreds of people running for shelter. Alex and Crystal scrambled to cover themselves with the blanket. Once underneath, Crystal began to laugh.
    Her laugh was so infectious that Alex couldn’t help but join in. He laughed so hard that tears streamed down his cheeks. Slowly the laughter faded and, as his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he realized Crystal was staring at him. Alex’s heart jumped into his throat when she closed her eyes and slowly inched her face toward his.
    Was this it? Was he finally going to kiss Crystal Hammond?
    ::Go for it, kid.::
    Alex slowly leaned toward Crystal and his heart skipped a beat as his lips gently brushed against hers. For a moment all they did was touch lips, and Alex wondered if there was anything else he should have been doing. Regardless of his lack of experience, it felt wonderful to him. Nothing, he thought, could ever ruin this moment for him.
    ::Give her the tongue!::
    Alex pulled away. “What did you say?”
    “I didn’t say anything.” Crystal leaned in for another kiss.
    ::What did you stop for? Kiss her! ::
    ::Except this time don’t do it like a dead fish.::
    ::Oh, leave the kid alone. This is awkward enough without you two helping.::
    “Who said that?” Alex shouted.
    Crystal pulled back. “I didn’t hear anything.”
    Alex threw the blanket off and jumped to his feet, looking around for the source of the voices. It was Baxter Franklin and his goons; it had to be. But when he looked around, the park was almost entirely deserted and awash from the torrential downpour. Fat droplets of water dripped from the bill of his cap.
    “Who’s there?” he yelled. “This isn’t funny anymore!”
    “Alex.” Crystal wrapped the blanket around her like a shawl. “What’s the matter?”
    ::Don’t be afraid.::
    Alex cupped his hands over his ears. “Stop it! Leave me alone!”
    Crystal cringed. “Alex, you’re scaring me.”
    ::Calm down, kid. We’re only here to help you.::
    The voices kept coming, and nothing Alex did could block them out. They started to blend together, a cacophonous mishmash of nonsense syllables. He screamed and ran toward town. Crystal called after him, but he could not hear her; the voices in his head drowned out everything else.
    *****

Alex ran into the alley behind the post office and leaned against the brick wall. His lungs felt like they were on fire, and his head was spinning. He tilted his head back and let the cool rain pelt his sweating face and wash away the waves of nausea. The voices had stopped, and the alley was blissfully quiet… until he heard another unwanted voice.
    “Hey, loser ,” Baxter called as he rounded the corner. “What’s the matter? Couldn’t get it up?”
    Alex pointed a warning finger at the bully. “Stay away from me!”
    “Ooooh!” Baxter held up his hands. “Check it out, guys. Little Alex Walker thinks he’s a tough guy all of a sudden.”
    ::Take them out, kid.::
    Alex squeezed his eyes shut and covered his ears. “Shut up! Leave me alone!”
    When Alex opened his eyes, Baxter was right on top of him. “What d’ya say, Walker? Should I go show Crystal what a real man can