Scott saw the reflection of his own fear in Jackson’s eyes, but there was something else there too—a hollow void that no amount of power would ever fill. "It’s not a gift, Jackson," Scott said, his voice dropping an octave as his own eyes flashed a brief, warning gold. "It’s a curse." The Hunter's Awakening

Jackson didn't want the jersey. He wanted the strength. He wanted the speed. He wanted to be the thing that bumped back in the night. Later that evening, in the locker room, the air grew cold as Jackson cornered Scott.

Across the field, Jackson Whittemore was watching them. His hands were clenched so tight his knuckles were white. He didn't see a monster and a boy; he saw a gatekeeper and the gate.