Nick Ziegler has a problem. He keeps almost dying. What's worse, a mysterious black cat named Mike keeps saving him. Not cool when you're eleven years old and just trying to enjoy the start of summer. But no matter where he goes?the lake, a tree in a neighbor's yard or just walking down the road?he finds himself staring death squarely in the face. Each time, though, the cat appears and somehow manages to keep him alive. Nick can't figure out who the cat belongs to or why he keeps showing up and as more people begin to take notice of his newfound protector?particularly his worried mother and...

Fifteen year-old Valerie is used to losing things - she lost her dad to his job ages ago and her best friend moved with no warning...and hasn't been heard from since. During a weekend camping trip with her emotionally distant parents, Valerie stumbles upon a hidden, mysterious stone and she finds herself compelled to keep it, to possess it. Two enigmatic, beautiful strangers, however, are also interested in the stone. They follow her home - Leo, warm and seductive, who covets the stone and will stop at nothing to get it; and Noel, dark-haired and wise who pledges to protect her and keep both...