Chapter 2

Alex liked to snuggle. That became apparent from the moment I placed her in the back of the Hummer and climbed in after her. Not even a minute went by before she wiggled closer, placing her head on my shoulder. It couldnt be comfortable position, and I wanted to move my arm to give her more room, but that wouldnt go over well. The fact that she was using my shoulder as a pillow was bad enough. I shouldve pushed her away, but I didnt have it in me. Every couple of minutes, she would make these little sounds, a soft whimper or moan. I glanced down at her, only able to see the top of her nose poking out from her hair. I wondered what she was dreaming. My eyes lifted, finding Leon watching me in the rearview mirror. He raised his brows. Eyes on the road, I grunted. Leon snorted. Kain hadnt said a word to me since Id appeared with Alex in my arms. He was ticked over the compulsion. Couldnt blame him. Compulsions were a sore subject with halfs. Shifting closer, Alex sighed deeply, drawing my attention back to her. The moment she woke and became aware of what she was doing, I braced myself. Alex jerked back quickly, smacking her head off the window. Crap! Wincing, I turned to her. Are you okay? She didnt answer me for several minutes. Alex. Are you okay? Yeah, Im fine. She scowled as she looked around the Hummer. Where are we? Were on the coast, just outside of Bald Head Island. We are almost to Deity Island. She jumped a little. What? Were going back to the Covenant, Alex. Rubbing the back of her head, she sighed. Did the Covenant send you? Or was it my stepfather? I wasnt sure how to answer that. It all seemed complicated. The Covenant. You work for the Covenant now? Surprised that she even remembered me from her time there, I shook my head. No. Im just a Sentinel. Im more on loan for the time being. Your uncle sent us to find you. I glanced out the window. A lot has changed since youve been gone. She asked a couple mundane questions as I watched her closely. She fidgeted. A lot. Not a moment went by without her moving in her seat. A grin pulled at my lips until I remembered what Id done.

Alex, Im sorry about the compulsion back there. I didnt want you to hurt yourself. Not surprisingly, she didnt forgive me. I glanced up front, relieved to find that Leon wasnt watching us. And Im sorry about your mother. We searched everywhere for you two, but you didnt stay in one place long enough. We were too late. Yeah, you were too late. Her voice wavered. A pang hit me in the chest. Part of me wanted to tell her that I knew how she felt, but I wasnt supposed to relate to her. Ever. Seeking a way to change the subject, I asked a question that had been gnawing at me. Why did your mother leave three years ago? She peeked at my from behind the curtain of hair. What in Hades did her face look like? I dont know. Unsure if I should believe her, I let it drop. No one knew what her mother, a pure-blood, had pulled her away from the Covenant. And if they did, they werent talking. We didnt talk again, not until we crossed the bridges and Leon dropped us off in front of one of the dorms rising up between the sand and sea. She was quiet as I led her through the halls, and I should be grateful for that. But unrest tugged at me for some reason. Get cleaned up. Ill return for you in a little bit. I started to turn, but stopped. Ill find something for you to wear and leave it on the table. Not waiting for her response, I left her in the dorm and went back to the main island. Each step I took, I prepared myself for what I would no doubt find when I opened the door to what used to be my parents house. The stench of alcohol overshadowed that of the sea, and nearly knocked me over. Anger rushed through me like a ball of fire. Stalking down the hallway, I didnt even bother to be quiet as I glanced into a setting room. Several pure-blood teenagers were passed out in various positions. Some I really didnt want to see. My irritation knew no limits as I continued on. Making sure that the one room was still locked, I headed for Deacons bedroom. I shoved the door open, slamming it against the wall. Thank the gods Deacon was alone. If I walked in on him one more time half naked, I was going to have to let a Furie gorge my eyes out. My younger brother was sprawled across the bed, face down, clothing rumbled and a flask beside him, seeping only the gods know what hed been drinking into the mattress. Without further adieu, I kicked the post on the bed. Hard. What? Deacon mumbled into the blanket. The bathroom is down the hallor go outside. Whatever. I know where the bathroom is, asshat. This is my house.

Deacon froze and then let a loud sigh as he rolled onto his back, squinting up at me. He smiledactually smiled at me. The only trait we really shared was the eyes, but his gray ones were muddled. Hey, bro, welcome back. I wanted to take him outside and dump him in the ocean. Hold him under until Poseidon kicked us out. Is this what youve been doing the whole time Ive been gone? Drinking? Partying? No. Sitting up, he swayed from side to side as he winced. Okay. Maybe just a little. Taking a step forward, I bent so that we were at eye level. Is this how youre going to spend your whole life? Is this what I have to look forward to every time I leave here? He tilted his head back, his smile wobbly. Youre not my babysitter, bro. Youre not my dad. Godsyou act like youre fifty. Youre only twenty. Live a little. Have a drink. He handed me the flask. Chill out. I knocked the flask out of his hand when I really wanted to knock him upside the head. Whoa, he murmured. Not cool. Drawing on patience I really didnt have, I took a deep breath. I know you drink because you miss our parents. I know its some deep rooted trauma and grief. I get that, but this isnt the way to deal with it. He blinked. Its not all wise one? By the gods, I was going to physically harm him. I just picked up a girl who saw her mother drained by a daimon. Who had to fight every day to survive, Deacon. She couldve done what youre doing. She couldve just given up. Maybe she should have. He flopped onto his back, closing his eyes. Easier that way. There was so much I wanted to say to him, but Id probably regret every word in an hour. Or not, but I didnt have time for this. Marcus was waiting. Get them out of this house in an hour. Yes, sir! He gave me a one finger salute. Spinning around, I left the house before I did hit him. Back on the Covenant controlled island, I reined in my anger and went to retrieve Alex. Kain intercepted me just as I rounded the courtyard. What do you think theyre going to do with her? he asked, falling instep beside me. Good question. I have no clue. She missed too much time to get caught up. He ran a hand through his blond hair, agitated. Theyll send her into servitude. Put her on the Elixir.

Coldness whipped through me. Servitude equaled slavery, the fear of all half-bloods. Not wanting to delve too deeply to why the idea of the little spitfire being placed on the Elixir bothered me, I shook my head. I doubt they wouldve gone to all this trouble to do that. Id work with her if they need someone to get her caught up, he suggested. Thats all she really needs. I remember her, Aiden. The girl can fight. And shes quick. Gods, she got away from you. I rolled my eyes. No doubt Kain was never going to let me forget that. You graduated less than a year ago. You cant train someone. Then what? Youll do it? Curiosity colored his tone. Youre not known for your patience. That was true. Whenever the Covenant sent fresh out of school Sentinels to me, I sent over half of them back for minor infractions. Id rather be known as a pick then be responsible for a handful of dead half-bloods. Hopefully it doesnt come to that. I seriously had enough to worry with without adding a half trained half-blood to the mix. I left Kain outside the dorm, heading straight for the room Id left her in. I knocked once and then opened the door. Briefly I thought I shouldve waited a moment. The girl could be naked for all knew. Alex was standing in the middle of the little living room. She jumped when she saw me, but I was more surprised to actually get a good look at her without dirt covering her. I remembered her. But she wasnt the little tomboy I recalled from the times Id seen her. Some of the features were the same. She hadnt grown much in height much, but my gods, she was. Long, thick chestnut colored hair fell past a chest that had grown in the last three years. Her face was oval shape; lips full like a pure-bloods. Cheekbones high and eyebrows delicately arched over two wide brown eyes. Even with the faint purplish bruises marring an otherwise flawless complexion, she wasunbelievable. Beautiful. My entire body tensed as we locked eyes. Something most halfs wouldnt even dare do, but oh no, she did. She stared back, the same appreciative stare I was giving her. A liquid feeling, like when I called on fire, simmered in my veins. A feeling I shouldnt have. Alex tipped her head back. What? I snapped out of it. What in the Hades was I thinking? Nothing. You ready? I guess so.

She followed me out the dorm, and I was acutely aware of her eyes on me. I glanced over my shoulder, wondering what she was thinking. She had this strangest look on her face, like she was trying to work a puzzle. How many daimons have you killed? Just two. She picked up her pace to walk beside me. Just two? Awed, I stared at her. Do you realize how amazing it is for a half-blood not fully trained to kill one daimon, let alone two? I guess so. Her face scrunched up with anger and then fell. I wouldve killed the other one in Miami but I was justI dont know. I wasnt thinking. I know I shouldve gone after him, but I panicked. I stopped, facing her. Alex, the fact you took down one daimon without training is remarkable. It was brave, but also foolish. Well, thanks. Youre not trained. The daimon couldve easily killed you. And the one you brought down in the factory? Another fearless, but foolish act. She frowned. I thought you said it was amazing and remarkable. It was, but you couldve been killed. I walked off ahead. Amazing? Remarkable? Why would you even care if I was killed? Why does Marcus care? I dont even know the man, and if he doesnt allow me to resume training, Im as good as dead anyways. That would be a shame. I didnt know why I cared, but I did. You have all the potential in the world. And I knew then, even when her eyes narrowed like she was imagining planting her foot in my face, I wouldnt let them cart her off into servitude. My gods, I had to be the stupidest pure-blood alive, but I knew this wasnt going to end when I deposited her in her uncles office. Like Id realized in the field, I was struck again by the sense of knowing. This was far from ending.

Aidens POV Chapter 16

Im not saying that. Against common sense, I closed the distance between us and placed my hands on her shoulders. Her bare skin was warm, smooth, and so damn soft. Alex shivered, and I knew I shouldve pulled my hands back then, but instead I allowed my fingers to curve over the delicate bones. FocusI needed to focus. I was only trying to comfort her. And she needed comfort right now, reassurance that everything was the same as it was the day before. The last thing she needed was me feeling her up. Not that I was doing that. Do you remember what I said about fate? When she shook her head, an odd expression crossed her face and I wondered what she was remembering. Only you have control over

your future, Alex. Only you have control over what you want. You really think so? I nodded. Nothing could force Alex into something she didnt want. She was so incredibly strong and I couldnt fathom how she didnt know that. Yes. Alex shook her head again, as if the simple gesture could fool me. Her eyes flicked up, a warm whiskey brown, before darting over my shoulder. The pain and confusion in her gaze was a sucker-punch to the gut. I couldnt stand it, knowing what shed been through already. My hands tightened on her shoulders. And a part of me all of mewanted to take her away, from all of this. Without really thinking, I pulled her against me and tried to come up with something to prove to her that she was going to be okay. But then she placed her head against my chest and I stopped breathing. Oh, gods, what in the hell was I doing? Being this close to her, holding her was wrong on so many levels. Alexs entire future was in my hands right now. What I needed to do was pat her on the back, tell her everything would be fine, and send her on her way. I dont want to be this Apollyon thing. Her eyes closed. I dont even like to be in the same country as Seth. I dont want any of this. But like a true SOB, instead of pushing her away, my hand smoothed down her back. The thin cotton of her dress was a pitiful barrier. I know, I said, struggling to remember what was going on here. This wasnt about me or my out of control desire for something I could never have. Its overwhelming and scary, but youre not alone. Well figure this out. Everything is going to be okay. And now I needed to gently push her away, but Alex pressed closer. Lightning jolted my body. And gods, everything changed in this instant. Intentions of comfort, no matter how true they were in the beginning were gone. Right out the window, along with my self-restraint and common sense. Alex felt right in my arms. I ran my hand through her silky hair, tilting her head back. Her eyes were so wide, mirroring a dangerous mixture of innocence and temptation. You dont have anything to worry about, Alex. Im not going to let anything happen to you. The moments those words left my mouth, I knew Id crossed some invisible line that I could never, ever go back from. They werent just words. They were an oath that Id keep true to the end of my days. Our eyes locked. Her chest rose unsteadily against mine as she sucked in a breath I wanted to share. An unfamiliar thing happened. My heart stuttered and then skipped a beat. The room seemed to shift, and I pulled her closer, because she wasnt close enough. Could never be close enough. My hand drifted from her hair, across the curve of her cheekbone. Gods, she was so beautiful. Pure temptation. My thumb smoothed over her lower lip, and I felt her answering shudder under my skin. Too caught up, I leaned in, pressing my cheek against hers. You should tell me to stop. Alex said nothing. And I stopped thinking. With a growl more animal than civilized, I moved toward her mouth with only one thing in mind. I kissed her. Savoring her mouth, soaking up her response, I was fueled by her desire for more. And though I needed more, in the back of my mind, I already knew that more could never be enough. That if I didnt stop, Id never be satisfied. Like a daimon after its first taste of aether, Id just keep coming back and back. As I fitted her body to mine, the kiss deepened, shocked me to the core. Gods, I wanted this,

as bad as that was, I wanted this. Sliding my hands down her shoulders, I followed the curve of her stomach, the subtle flare of hips. Before I knew it, I was taking her to the bedroom. Never breaking contact with her mouth her body. And brave, beautiful Alex threw herself into this madness like she always did. Head first, questions and concerns later. Reckless, but admirable. Dangerous, but so tempting. She slid her hands under my shirt and I jerked at the touch of her fingers. Pulling back, I let her strip me of my shirt. I smiled at Alexs sudden inhale. Then I was on her, easing her down. And as I loomed over her, I dont know what got to me morethat she wanted this so badly or how much she trusted me. Trust? I stilled. Alex trusted me and I was seconds away Alexs hand glided down my chest, further south, and dammit, if I wasnt lost. Found. Whatever. She was wearing too much clothes. I kissed her again, dragging her breath into me, sliding the top of her dress down and then off. And I took my time finding her lips again, committing each dip and curve to memory. My lower body sank into hers, and little, surprisingly sharp nails dug into my arms. She kept whispering my name, over and over again as I explored her, relished in her. She was breathing in short gasps when I rolled her on top of me. Youre so beautiful. So brave, so full of life. I soundedfelt drunk as I guided her head down so I could kiss the scar on her neck. You have no idea, do you? You have so much life in you, so much. Alex dipped her head and she grinned when I kissed the tip of her nose. Really? Yes. I brushed her hair back from her face. Since the night I saw you in Georgia, youve been under my skin. You got inside me, became a part of me. I cant shake it. Its wrong. I shifted us, rolling Alex across the bed until I towered over her. Damn, she was one hell of a fighter, would one day become something that would crush her enemies, but she felt so small under me. So perfect. Agapi mou, I cant There were no more words. I brought my lips to hers, leaning my full weight onto her. Everything took on a near frantic edge. Our kisses. The touching. The way our bodies moved against each other. I lifted my head, unable to wait any longer. Do you trust me? Alex ran her fingers over my cheeks, then my lips. Yes. There had been no hesitation. I brought her hand to my lips, kissing the tips of each of her fingers. Then I looked at her, taking in her flushed cheeks, fevered eyes. Time stopped. I wantedneeded this to be perfect for her, to be Someone knocked on the door. I froze. No. No freaking way. We stared each other, possibly both of us praying for the same thing. That someone wasnt at that door. But the sound came again, along with Leons booming voice. Aiden, open this door. Now. Son of a bitch. Never in my life did I hate someone as much as I hated Leon at that very moment. And there was no ignoring him. Hed break down that damn door and Alex My gaze swept over her as I lifted myself off the bed and grabbed a pair of pants and the shirt shed tossed clear across the room. The girl had an arm on her. Shed probably throw a dagger like a It struck me then. And I could barely breathe. Spinning around, I left the room and shut the door behind me. Holy crap, Id Id been so, so close to taking everything from her. Most importantly, her freedom

Shit, I muttered, stalking toward the door. What the hell had I been thinking? She didnt deserve thisbecause this was nothing. It couldnt ever be anything. Halfs and pures did not mix. But she was in my bedroom, on my bed, glorious Leons impatient sigh penetrated wood. I briefly entertained the idea of grabbing a dagger and throwing it through the door. I yanked the door open, running a hand through my hair. What? He cocked his head to the side, but his gaze went over my shoulder, to my bedroom. My stomach dropped. Leon was a cool guy, but if he knew Alex was herein therehed been required to report her. Her. In the end, Alex would be the only one whod suffer for this. The good ole boys would probably applaud me. Gods, I hated my own race sometimes. Leons expression remained impressively blank. I didnt mean to wake you, but I figured youd want to know this immediately. Theyve found Kain. Hes alive. I blinked, unsure I heard him right. But I had. Kain was alive. I rubbed my jaw. Crap. This could be good. Or this could be real, real bad for Alex. Somehow I managed to convince Leon that Id meet him over in the med center and went back to Alex. She was waiting by the bed. Dressed. Part of me was relieved. Another part of me wanted to take the dress off. Again. I heard, she said, eyes wide. I nodded. Ill let you know what he says. She stepped forward. I want to come. I have to hear what he says. Oh, yeah, thats not going to work. Alex, its past your curfew, and how would you know to be in the infirmary? Her eyes narrowed. But I can sneak in there. The rooms are just separated with partition walls. I could stay behind them Alex. You need to go back to your dorm. Now. I promise Ill tell you everything he says, okay? For a moment I thought she was going to argue, but she nodded. We waited a couple more minutes. At the front door, I closed my eyes and drew in a deep breath. When she stepped out of this door that was itthis could never happen again. Wed come within inches of being caught, within seconds of her losing everything and because of what? What? Alex said. Because I was lost in her. I faced her, and she suddenly looked a little scared. And she wasnt the only one. What I was feeling at that moment disturbed the hell out of me. Without saying a word, I cupped her face and kissed her. I kissed her like I was never going to see her again, because in a way, I wasnt. Not this way, and as much as that killed me, I knew the difference between what felt right. And what was actually right. Dont do anything stupid, I warned her, voice hoarse. Then I left her, disappearing into the darkness.