Crossfire - a sizzling slow burn with supernatural powers

High school party

"I'm going to a party," I said to my mother's back. She was in her home office with her computer and a glass of red wine. She answered with a noncommittal sound. That was typically her. But in comparison to other teenagers, I enjoyed an unprecedented freedom and independence. I knew that. Even in this materialistic world, you can't get everything.

Andrea's brother, Ben was our designated driver. He pulled up in their mom's SUV, Penny riding shotgun and Andrea in the back seat. I joined Andrea in the back seat.

"You look goooood!" Andrea catcalled, making her eye brows bounce. I wore a denim skirt that was too short for school, chunky boots, and a silvery glitter top with spaghetti strings crisscrossing my back. On top I had a beige sweater, which I already took off, but I would be keeping with me in case it was chilly or I needed a less than sexy option. I never wore an outfit like this, but I felt more comfortable in my own body now than I ever did before.

Ben cleared his throat as he saw me in the rear view mirror,

"Buckle up."

The house where the party was held was already in full party mode, when Ben drove up. Colored lights blinked and the bass of the music could be heard halfway down the block.

"I'll pick you guys up at midnight," Ben said as Andrea, Penny, and I shuffled out of the car. There was already someone head down in the bushes puking, and more people headed for the front door. I was reminded why I didn't go to parties. Everyone was hyped and over the top.

"Your brother is so handsome," Penny said to Andrea. Penny blushed and adjusted her glasses.

"Ew," Andrea said, "I'm going to find some booze."

Once inside, Andrea sought her way towards the kitchen, while Penny and I went to the dining room, which was now a dance floor. The dining table was reconfigured to hold a sound system. The DJ, who was serious about what he was doing, was doing his thing. The whole of the senior class seemed to be at the party, including people I had never seen before. Every one was dancing, drinking, and having a good time.

Andrea found us with drinks in plastic cups and we stayed in the dance floor. A guy from our history class danced with Andrea and it apparently wasn't the first time, based on the fact that by the second dance they were making out.

Penny pointed us towards the bathroom and I followed her there.

"Andrea always does that. She acts like she isn't interested in anyone, but at these parties, she always hooks up with Dylan. And on Monday, she'll deny having feelings for him." Penny had seen it all before. I was surprised and slightly proud of her as well.

"She's a tough cookie," I concluded.

"That she definitely is. Come on, let's go back down. I love that you came!" Penny said, taking my hand as we semi-danced our way down the stairs.

On the final step, I froze and Penny continued towards the dance floor. Brandt was standing by the floor door, and our eyes connected. The rest of the party dimmed to a peripheral haze.

Every feeling in my stomach pushed outwards. Calling it butterflies was ridiculous, I was on the verge of an explosion of need, attraction, and anxiety. The noise level made talking over the distance of the entryway impossible. My body instinctively moved towards Brandt. His gaze flashed towards the dining room, before meeting mine again. Was I imagining it, or did he seem out of breath by the sight of me?

Within reach our hands connected and he pulled me in front of him. The heat of his chest spread across my bare back. I wanted to turn, but he kept me in place with his hands on my hips. I was hyper aware of him, his proximity, his hands touching my skin, the sound of his leather jacket creaking, and his breath close to my ear.

"I saw a smoker enter the house," he said low enough that only I could hear him. I flinched, but Brandt held me close. I felt a kiss where my neck met my shoulder.

I scanned the view for the smoker, not really knowing what I was looking for. However, I saw him. The smoker was standing by the DJ, slowly letting smoke ease from his palms on to the floor. It settled around knee height, before some guys began kicking it up. The smoker continued enveloping the room in smoke.

"Is someone smoking inside?" I heard someone crossing the entryway say.

"I'll be busted, if my parents smell smoke on me." Another said.

"The smoke can suffocate people. We need to get people outside, without creating a panic," Brandt said behind me. I nodded.

A group of guys from one of my classes walked through the front door, habitually late even for a party.

"There's a beer pong in the back yard, and I think I saw some girls skinny dipping in the pool." I don't know where that came from, but it worked.

"Let's go!" One of the guys bellowed and the rest followed, chanting 'beer pong' and 'skinny dip' through the house. Many followed. I saw Andrea, Dylan, and Penny head in the same direction, Dylan already unbuttoning his shirt.

"Good one," Brandt said and sent me one of his hesitant, lopsided smiles. We moved through the party crowd, getting as many as we could to go to back yard. It helped, but there were still people inside. A guy, who sat against the wall, started coughing in the thick smoke that coated the floor.

I pointed at his buddy and gestured at his seated friend,

"Hey, your friend needs some fresh air. Take him outside." I didn't know, I could make someone do anything, but the buddy pulled up his friend and walked him outside.

Brandt and I moved in tandem closer to the smoker, who was now in the living room, still letting smoke ooze from his palm, casually. By the look on his face, the smoker was enjoying himself. A drunk girl was half asleep on the couch. She couched, but the smoke irritating her lungs, didn't wake her up. I could feel it in my throat and lungs too. The smoke was getting thick. I went over and opened the window and felt the whoosh of fresh air. The smoker immediately looked at me.