by K. K. Allen
BOOK TWO
The Summer Solstice Series
The Equinox
* * *
K.K. Allen
Books
by K.K. Allen
The Summer Solstice: Enchanted
(BOOK ONE, The Summer Solstice Series)
The Equinox
(BOOK TWO, The Summer Solstice Series)
The Descendants*
(BOOK THREE, The Summer Solstice Series)
*not yet released
…………
Copyright
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2014 by K.K. Allen.
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
For more information, please contact K.K. Allen, [email protected]
Table Of Contents
PRELUDE
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
CHAPTER NINETEEN
CHAPTER TWENTY
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
EPILOGUE
WANT MORE?
YOU’RE INVITED TO CONNECT WITH
K.K. ALLEN
NEXT…
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
GIVE BACK
MORE GREAT READS!
Prelude
I didn’t ask for this life. To finally have the one thing in this world worth living for and then be forced to give it up is unbearable. He is forbidden to me, a temptation above any red fruit. He stands before me, yet out of my grasp.
His eyes stare back at me with a look that breaks my heart. A pained expression tells me that I have hurt him. This look is far more powerful than the tears that threaten to surface, and I must will them away. To reveal before him my own pain would only complicate things, this I know for sure—this is how things are destined to be.
Forcing my eyes away from his is my only hope in this moment, but even without my eyes on his beautiful face, I feel him searching me for any signs of hope. I feel his love for me and a hole begins to burn straight through my core.
How did it happen to be that the love of my life would turn out to be the one I need to kill to survive?
Chapter One
Breeze from the bay wisps my ponytail around as the freed tendrils of brown hair smack lightly into my cheek. I tighten my grasp around the handlebars of my beach cruiser—a gift from my grandmother on my sixteenth birthday. I place my right foot down firmly on the concrete as cars exit the one-lane bridge that leads to Summer Island, and smile easily at the drivers as they turn off onto the main road.
It’s a predictably sunny day in Apollo Beach, Florida, a place I’ve come to love quickly. A little over one month upon moving here and I’m finally on a job hunt, much to my grandmother’s chagrin. It’s not that she doesn’t want me to work, but she’s become rather overprotective in the last week. I don’t blame her.
Close to one week has passed since the incident at Alec’s party—an incident that almost killed Iris and me. The flames of the bonfire still blaze through my mind daily and my near drowning haunts my nights before I drift off to sleep. Luckily, my nightmares have ended. Ever since receiving my green amethyst necklace its precious stone protects my mind from the unpleasant dreams I had upon arriving.
I take off on my bike again, pedaling fast over the bridge that leads to Summer Island, the community center that my grandparents funded. There’s something mystical about the growing ivy on the guard gate’s concrete walls and the tall, dark kudzu-covered trees that surround the entrance.
Mystical. The single word defines my entire life-changing existence since moving to this town. As my eyes narrow at the path ahead of me I feel a lift of my cheekbones as my lips pucker slightly to form a small smile.
I haven’t returned to Summer Island since my first week in Apollo Beach. Charlotte brought me here for lunch one day and I remember the awe that came over me the first time I entered the private grounds. It has the same effect on me today.
Summer Island is open to all, but all must check in at the front gate. The guard tips his head at me and smiles joyfully. I don’t question how he recognizes me. I just assume he’s one of us—an Enchanter—a descendant of the Summer Solstice gods and goddesses from Ancient Greece. I groan inwardly. It’s confusing to remember what term to use to describe what we are—beings that possess magic and are able to perform spells of Enchantment. There is still so much to learn about what I am. My grandmother, Rose, promises that the answers will come in time. I’m still waiting.
To my left is the parking lot of the Island Grille—my destination, but my curiosity has won in its decision to tour the community, so I steer right.
Summer Island was founded by Rose and my grandfather George—and then they named the island after themselves. It’s all a bit pretentious but I try not to let my name embarrass me. I suppose it’s not an awful thing to want to be a legacy. Apollo Beach is the Summer family’s legacy.
As I follow the circular path of the road I immediately notice what the town’s fascination is with this place. It has absolutely everything you could possibly want to do in one beautiful space. It’s no wonder Rose spends most of her time here.
A recreational spread sits at the center of the island. There are basketball courts, a football field, a track, tennis courts, and a pack of baseball diamonds. The community pool that takes up most of the center of the island could easily belong to a resort. There’s a large waterfall and hidden alcove beneath it with a narrow lazy river that winds around and empties on to a large beach front pool.
I’m distracted by the sight of the lifeguard at the main pool.
It’s Alec. He’s perched high above the water wearing orange swim trunks that just reach his knees, and a whistle around his neck.
My throat tightens as I debate whether or not now is the right time to face him. His messy auburn hair glistens in the sun as he rolls his head around his neck. His chest muscles move slightly, catching a partial ray of light. Even though his eyes are hidden behind sunglasses, I would recognize Alec from a mile away.
Guilt pulses through my veins and reaches my heart, forcing it to begin pounding heavily. I grab hold of my amethyst necklace and squeeze hard, allowing the power of the stone to bring my erratic emotions to a steady calm.
Avoiding Alec over these last few days has been like trying to pull a rock from cement, but with my grandmother and Charlotte’s encouragement, I’ve been able to come up with some senseless reasons for why I can’t see him.
“Rose has me memorizing the dictionary.”
“Charlotte needs my help cleaning the Estate.”
“I think I have food poisoning.”
After the third excuse, Alec stopped trying. I found myself checking my phone often, saddened by the sudden silence.
So much has happened since moving to Apollo Beach and after Alec’s Fourth of July party, I have trouble maki
ng out the difference between right and wrong. I know that I would never hurt Alec intentionally but after seeing firsthand what my powers can and cannot do, I’m more afraid of what I cannot control—The Equinox.
Just thinking of that name pushes a weight down into my stomach. Rose has yet to explain in full, concrete detail what the Equinox is. All I know is that they have it out for Enchanters—and they want us dead.
* * *
“Summer, you say?” Roy, the restaurant manager of the Island Grille, is looking at me as if I’ve just cursed at him. “I suppose I have no choice then. The old woman send you here?” His voice is deep and agitated—but I get the distinct feeling that he doesn’t dislike my grandmother. He may even be fond of her.
My eyes flash with determination. I don’t want to rely on the Summer name to gain work. “Rose didn’t send me here. I was hoping you might be hiring.”
Roy tilts his head and folds his arms across his chest. His eyes scan my face, as if performing a lie detector test. After a moment he releases his stance and smiles. His teeth are big and white, clearly false.
“Well just because you’re Rose’s granddaughter doesn’t mean I’m going to hire you just like that. We’re the busiest restaurant in Apollo Beach, young lady, and I need talented wait staff helping keep this place afloat.”
“I am talented,” I say, comforted by his assertion, and I stand up straighter placing my fists upon my hip.
“Oh yeah?” His eyes crinkle, most likely amused. “How so? Have you ever worked before?”
So maybe I’ve never worked a day in my life, but I’m not about to let him think that matters. “I have great balance—I can carry a tray. I have a picture perfect memory—so I won’t forget an order, and I am fast—your cooks will have to keep up with me.”
Roy looks down at my application, bobbing his head as his eyes scan it. “Well you’re under age so you can’t work the bar. The only place I can put you is here on the main floor. Busiest floor around. You’ll be waiting on six to eight tables at a time on the weekends. You think you can handle that?”
His challenge causes me to raise an eyebrow. “Of course I can.”
He smirks. “Is that right, pretty lady? Well, we’ll see. You’ll need to audition. Monday night. If you make the cut, I’ll keep ya. If you drop a dish, forget an order, or piss anyone off, you’re out of here.”
I’m having trouble making out whether or not to be intimidated by Roy. He seems well-meaning, harmless even, but his gruffness throws me.
I’m about to ask Roy how he wants me to dress but I’m distracted by a figure that appears through the entrance. It’s Broody—at least that’s my nickname for him. I think Trisha called him Johnny.
I’ve had a couple of uncomfortable encounters with Johnny. He took an immediate and obvious disliking to me, for whatever reason. It doesn’t help that when I was here a few weeks ago playing pool with Alec I struck Johnny’s face with my elbow by accident. It happened while I was celebrating a lucky shot, but he was less than forgiving about it.
Maybe working here isn’t the best idea. I quickly scan Johnny’s face for any damage. My eyes fix on his perfect nose and then flicker to his eyes. When I catch him staring back at me with an intensity that could cause the earth to shake, I feel the heat rise in my neck.
Johnny’s eyes move toward Roy now, probably assessing the situation. When he looks back at me his expression dims.
Does everyone in this place have to give me a hard time?
“Hey Johnny.” Roy calls him over and I immediately tense up, locking my knees together to help steady myself from whatever the firing squad is going to shoot my way.
Johnny saunters over without taking his eyes off me. For the first time since gaining my powers, I feel weak and insignificant in comparison to the guy now standing tall in front of me. I’m freed from his spell when he turns his eyes from mine and focuses them on Roy.
“Johnny, meet Katrina Sum—”
“Kat,” I interrupt. They both turn to stare at me as if I’ve soured their milk. I take an automatic step back. My eyes move from one grump to the next. “It’s just Kat.”
Roy rolls his eyes and looks back to Johnny. “Just Kat over here wants a job. I’m auditioning her for a waitress spot. We need the help. Show her around, will you? And I’ll need you to train her on Monday.”
“You mean you want me to babysit?” Johnny practically spits the words out.
Every fiber in my body is on alert and my mouth falls open. “Excuse me,” I say, my eyes narrowed. “I don’t need a sitter. I can handle myself just fine.”
Johnny’s gaze pierces mine. He obviously disagrees.
Roy speaks up next, perhaps in a rush to brush over the tension in the air. “Just show her around. I’m going to be busy prepping the permits for the carnival so we can use the extra help.”
Carnival?
He shoots a final look at Johnny. “Be nice.”
With that, Roy stalks off and leaves Johnny and me standing there. I feel a fire burning within me, a feeling that now terrifies me after what happened on Fourth of July. I instinctively grab my amethyst and squeeze tight. Allowing the fire to dissipate takes a few moments, but I feel calm now.
He watches me, evaluating every move I make. I wonder if his dislike for me has something to do with Rose. Maybe he’s friends with Iris and Ava. There does seem to be an entire I hate Katrina Summer Club that I don’t know about. The thought is a stretch though. Johnny looks of college age. He most likely doesn’t run around with high school girls, especially those whose pastimes include shopping, drinking, and gossiping. So what is his problem? I gulp.
The tension between us is exhausting. Johnny stares down at me, eyes transparent, expressing his distaste for me. Why? I shift my stance. I haven’t felt this uncomfortable since my Enchantment. I’m used to being bullied and made fun of, but not this. The way he looks at me is like a hungry lion, ready to pounce on his prey.
If he wants me to cower, it doesn’t work. I am, however, annoyed. “You don’t have to give me a tour. I can find my own way.” I step to the side but he steps out too, blocking my path.
I’m careful to avoid his eyes as he speaks.
“Come with me.” He steps out of my way and moves toward the double doors of the kitchen. My hesitation is slight. His steps are quick and determined and I rush to keep up.
I could ask him what his problem is with me but I choose a different tactic. “I’m sorry for hitting you that day—I didn’t see you there.”
Although he’s in front of me, I notice his expression softening—though I may be imagining it.
“I’m fine. I’ll show you the kitchen before I have to start my shift.” He walks away and I hurry to catch up.
He’s silent the entire way to the kitchen, but he’s nice enough to open the wooden swinging doors for me to walk through. I take this opportunity to offer him my friendliest smile, hoping that maybe we’re turning a corner and he will ease up on me. He barely grazes my eyes before looking forward into the kitchen—no such luck.
“Hey Mikey,” Johnny calls out to the stout chef with grease stains smeared over his white shirt. I can’t help but notice that Johnny greets him with a fake Jersey accent. I’m confused. His expression appears playful. Johnny doesn’t seem like someone who makes jokes—but maybe he just doesn’t make jokes with me.
Mikey stands behind the counter with a grin on his face and two knives raised in greeting. “Johnny,” he calls back in the same accent and I realize it’s a thing that they have together.
“Who’s the pretty lady?” Mikey calls out now, his eyes returning to whatever he’s cutting.
I blush as Johnny points a lazy finger in my direction. “This is Kat, Summer’s granddaughter. She’s going to work here.”
“It’s an audition actually.” As soon as I say the words I regret them. Johnny’s eyes jerk to mine and his playfulness is gone.
“What’s it with you correcting everyone?” His eyes
reveal his annoyance.
I intake air slowly through my nose, bite my tongue, and I sink back to listen to his instructions. “We put the tickets for the orders here.” He points to a circular device on the edge of the metal workstation. “They’ll set the food up on the edge when it’s ready, and then you take the completed order to your table.”
As Johnny walks around the kitchen, naming everything and telling me what it does, I reconsider my decision to work here. It’s not like me to give up, but why would I choose to work somewhere with someone who seems to hate me for no apparent reason? This was his territory first and whatever his problem is doesn’t seem to be getting better. Surely there’s another job available on the island.
He walks me to the back corner of the kitchen to show me where the refreshments and silverware are kept. I stop him there. “Thank you for the tour, Johnny. I don’t think I’m going to take the audition though.”
He blinks, obviously puzzled by my sudden decision. I feel an inkling of joy at making him momentarily speechless but it doesn’t last.
“Why are you telling me this? You need to tell Roy.” He leads me to the opposite side of the room where two doors read OFFICE and BREAK ROOM.
The door to the break room swings open and Trisha stands there with a bright smile. I beam back at her in recognition, happy to see a friendly face. “Kat! What are you doing back here?”
Trisha’s long and bouncy blonde hair sits high on her head in a ponytail, her blue eyes twinkling back at me. “I was applying for a job but—” I look back at Johnny. “I don’t think it’s the right place for me.”
Trisha frowns. “No! I need you here. There aren’t any other girls my age here.”
I can feel an agitated Johnny shuffling his feet next to me, most likely irritated at our brief detour from my exit.
“Roy will hire you,” Trisha tries to convince me. “We’re desperate for help.”
Johnny brushes past me abruptly and all of my tiny arm hairs rise in full salute. “I’ve got to clock in for my shift. I’ll see you on Monday.” He doesn’t spend a second more with me before escaping through the break room door.
