The Price of Power (The Price of Secrets Series Book 2) by Ashley Drake

I’m in a bathroom stall at school. Are you standing on the toilet?”
        “Eww no. The handicap bar.”
        “As if that makes it sound any more sane. Get down and let me finish or I’m not giving you your birthday present.”
        “Fine, but I will be waiting right outside.”
        Jaycee’s birthday is the day after tomorrow but I want to give her the crystal early so she can have it for when she comes into her full powers to help and protect her. We are not sure if it will happen all at once or gradually, but I don’t want to take any chances. Jaycee and I had our sweet sixteen party together but we still want to do something for her, so after gym Phebs, Kayla and I are taking Jaycee out to eat to celebrate. Jaycee made up a lie that her parents were taking her out of town on her actual birthday to tell Phoebe, Kayla and even Mike. I told her it was for the best because we have no idea what’s gonna happen, but she still feels guilty. I don’t think she is going to be able to keep this from Mike much longer. I just hope he can handle it. Maybe after tomorrow we will know more about what’s going on. Jaycee’s aunt Lucy had given her the name of a woman that might be able to help. Daniel has tracked her down for us.
     
                          
     
        “I think if I eat one more bite I will explode.” Kayla sat back in her chair and
    rubbed her stomach. We ended up at Jaycee’s favorite Italian restaurant in Banner Elk, it’s an hour away from home but so worth the drive.
        “You can eat anything you want and still stay so skinny. Pisses me off.  I have to workout to keep my body looking this good.” Phoebe said as she pointed to herself.
        “Yes, but I have no curves whatsoever. Chase seems to appreciate your hard efforts to stay fit.”
        “Yep, and I had a great time with Chase again last night, thanks for asking. We made it to second base.”
        Kayla looked over at me. “What exactly is each base?”
        I opened my mouth to answer, then stopped. “Honestly, I really don’t know.”
        Phebs laughed. “Aww Jaycee, they are growing up so fast.”
        “I know. I think it’s time we gave them the talk about the birds and the bees. Well kids, when a man and a woman…”
        “Cut it out.” I whined. “Just tell us what the bases are.”
        Phoebe took the lead. “Okay, first base is kissing. Second base is getting felt up over the clothes. Third base is under the clothes. And a homerun is doing the nasty.”
        “You are such a hopeless romantic.” I teased.
        “You already went to second base with Chase?” Kayla asked, sounding concerned.
        “Well, it was an accident, actually. It was dark in the theatre, and I was turned toward him. As he went in for the kiss he reached out to put his hand on my arm and it landed on my boob instead. He was embarrassed and kept apologizing. I finally kissed him first just to shut him up. He’s a really good kisser. I’m not ready to be his girlfriend yet, but I’m having a good time with him.”
        “What base have you and Jacob got to?” Jaycee asked.
        The question was for Kayla but Phebs answered. “Base? They’re still in the dugout!”
        “We kiss, thank you very much. A whole lot of kissing.” Her face turned red.
        “How bout you, Han?”
        Jaycee spoke up. “Phebs, poor Daniel is gonna be a bench warmer for a long, long time I’m afraid.”
        “Alright Miss Sass, how far have you and Mike went?” I’m pretty sure I know the answer because she tells me everything, but it was time for her to be put on the spot.
        “Funny that you ask. We’ve been to second base but lately I’ve been thinking about hitting one out of the park.”
        I couldn’t help myself, I had to take a peek, and was shocked at what I saw. She was telling the truth, she is really