"I didn't know you had friends like Isaac," Willa said in greeting. "I don't," muttered Jared. Isaac rolled his eyes. "Yeah, you don't. You have //one// friend like Isaac." His voice turned into this stupid mock whisper and he leaned towards Jared conspiratorially. "It's me, by the way."

--warning: cuteness overload-- SIDE STORY TO THOSE COLD EYES. Sebastian is shyer than shy, but after meeting Dylan and Tyra he's starting to crawl out if his little shell. So when Kaiden gives him his phone number, Seb gives his in return. From that moment on a new world opens up to the cute teenager. Kaiden sends messages that make Seb dance around in his room. Dance with the butterflies that soar within his stomach. Kaiden gives him kisses that make his body burn. But even happiness has its opposite. Seb's mother keeps a tight leash, and her dreams for her son doesn't match well with the dreams that keep Seb afloat. She dreams of a son with a perfect life, a perfect education and a perfect wife. Sometimes dreams come true, but you want them to be your own, not your mother's.

Leaving a troubled past behind, Dylan starts his first day at a new high school. He's soon wrapped up in his new life, meeting new friends and especially someone to take his mind off the things that happened. However, the past has a way of catching up, and how does he think he can get someone else out of their misery if he can't even help himself? Dylan knows he should know better than to fall for someone new, but Zach isn't just anyone. He's the guy with a face of stone and eyes as cold as a winter's night - a guy without a heart - or so it would seem... They won't like each other at all, they will hate - hate each other senseless. But perhaps that senselessness is what will get them out of their troubles once and for all.

Theo Wilkins lives a shadow of a life, trapped in memories from his abusive past. Years after his escape he's still learning how to be free. But there are degrees to freedom, and some he might never achieve. Cale Stone is used to be in control, both at work and at his home away from home. When Theo Wilkins crosses his path, Cale is forced to admit that he might not be able to help Theo no matter how good his intentions are. In fact, he might be better off staying away. Because how could he be of help when he represents everything Theo has learned to fear? This is a dark story, but it's not about the pain or the fear. It's about rising from the ashes to have a second chance at life and at love.