Aiden believed that Id done the right thing. And I well, I wasnt so sure anymore.
A soft knock sounded, then it came again, and there was no denying that someone had knocked on the window in my bedroom.
Caleb? Maybe hed changed his mind and brought some movies over. Thrilled over the prospect of hanging out with him, I went to the window and drew the blind up.
Crap. I recognized the back of the blond head. Seth.
CHAPTER 4
SETH SPUN, POINTING TO THE LOCK ON THE WINDOW. OPEN, HE mouthed.
I planted my hands on my hips. Why?
His stare became dangerous. Now.
Against my better judgment, I unlocked the window and pushed it up. I had about a second to step back before he jumped through the window like a damn alley cat. My room was dark, but I could make out the eerie glow to his eyes.
What do you want? Hey! Dont shut that window. Youre not staying.
Do you want me to leave it open so the next Guard who makes his rounds looks in here and sees me in your bedroom? He shut the window and pulled the rope on the blinds. They clattered against the windowsill.
Ill tell them you forced your
way in here. I walked over to the lamp and switched it on. Hanging out in a dark bedroom with Seth wasnt on my list of things to do at the moment.
Seth smiled. I wanted to apologize for not being at training today.
I watched him with a general sense of wariness. He tossed a few loose strands out of his eyes as he surveyed me with almost the same look. Apology accepted. You can now leave.
Do something to your arm?
Huh?
He leaned over, brushing his fingers over the elbow Id just cracked. This.
There was a small, barely visible red spot. How in the world can you see that? I hit it on the door a few minutes ago.
A grin slipped over Seths lips. Youre so unbelievably graceful. Should I kiss it and make it better for you?
I could tell he was only half joking. His presence around the Covenant had created quite the stir. So had his extracurricular activities. If bed-hopping ever became a major sport, Seth would go pro. Or so Id heard. I stepped around him. Thanks, but Ill pass.
He followed me around the edge of the bed. Ive been told my lips can make a girl forget just about anything. You should try it out.
I wrinkled my nose. Anyway, why were you with Lucian instead of at practice?
Alex, thats none of your business.
Somehow Id cornered myself between the wall and the bed. Hes my stepfather. Its my business.
What crazy logic you have.
My hands curled into fists. Look, you can leave now. You apologized. Bye.
His smile increased as he looked around my room. I think Ill stay. I kind of like it here.
What? I sputtered. You cant stay. Its against the rules.
Seth laughed deeply. Since when do you care about rules?
Im a changed person.
When did you change? Just right now? Cuz I heard about your smackdown in the cafeteria yesterday. A mischievous grin played across his lips. By the way, that was made of awesome.
Really? No one else thinks it was awesome. They said I was being irrational. I pushed away from the wall and dropped on the bed. Do you think Im irrational?
Seth sat down beside me, his left leg pressing against mine. Is that a trick question?
I scooted to the top of the bed. So Im irrational?
He twisted at the waist and stretched out on his side. Youre a bit crazy. You throw apples in peoples faces when youre angry. You go off half-cocked half the time. It entertains me to no end. So if you are irrational, I hope you stay that way. I love it.
I frowned. All of that sounds really good. Thanks.
Rational is mundane and uninteresting. Why would you want to be that? He reached out, tugging lightly on the hem of my PJ bottoms. You dont even have it in you.
Have what in me? I pushed his hand away. Of course Seth would be drawn to the unstable part of my personality. He was a bit crazy himself. I wasnt sure if it was all the aether in him that made him that way, or if he was just plain old crazy.
Youre too wild to be balanced and normal. Or logical, he added as an afterthought.
Im completely logicaltotally. You dont know what youre talking about.
He sent me a knowing look before rolling onto his back. I think Ill stay here tonight.
What? I shot to my knees. Absolutely not, Seth. You arent staying here.
He chuckled, resting his hands on his flat stomach. I havent been sleeping well. Have you?
Ive been sleeping great. I pushed at his shoulders, but he didnt budge. Seth, youre not staying here, so dont change the subject.
He rolled slightly, catching my hands with his. Look, we didnt have training tonight. Im owed an hour of your time.
I tried to pull my arms free. Thats ridiculous.
Seth sat up in one clean motion. And it starts now.
What? My fingers curled helplessly. Its late. I have class tomorrow.
He grinned, letting go of my arms. Youd still be up even if I wasnt here.
Scooting back once more, I kicked him in the thigh. Youre a pain in my
I think well work on how to control your anger.
I moved to kick him again, but he caught my calf. Let go.