Actually, that is my sole purpose. Didnt you know? Im here
Uh, is practice over, Aiden? I cut in before the two choke-slammed one another.
Yeah. His eyes stayed on Seth.
I felt there was a good chance he might stab Seth. There was also a good possibility Seth might zap Aiden. Okay. Thanks for the practice and everything.
Seth smirked and raised his brows at Aiden.
No problem, replied Aiden.
Groaning inwardly, I hurried over to my bag. On the way out, I grabbed a fistful of Seths shirt. Come on.
What? Seth protested. I think Aiden wants to hang out with me.
Seth!
All right. He spun around, straightening his shirt.
I didnt look back. Once outside the building, I dared a glance at Seth. Did you need something?
He grinned. Nope.
So, you busted up my training for no apparent reason? I call bullshit on that.
Seth dropped his arm over my shoulder. You can call whatever you want. Lets go get something to eat. You can still do that, right? Or are you grounded from showing your face in the cafeteria?
Im not supposed to be hanging out with friends.
Then I guess its a good thing that you and I arent really friends.
CHAPTER 6
AFTER ANOTHER LONG AND BORING DAY OF CLASSES, I WAITED for my turn with Seth, praying I didnt crack my head again. Last night, Id gotten another decent nights sleep after Seth had shown up and popped in
a DVD. I was feeling pretty rejuvenated.
Since I was alone for a few moments before training, I approached the wall of mass destruction. I was about to pick up the dagger Aiden favored when I realized something was off about the wall.
The weapons hung from little black hooks, and now several spots were empty. Of all the times Id practiced in this room, Id never seen any spot open. Daggers and blades were kept in this room for training purposes only. Each blade required a different handling technique and were used at different times throughout the day. Did they remove the blades for cleaning? It wasnt like they gathered much dust in this room.
Ready, my little Apollyon-in-training?
I dropped my bag and turned around. Seth strolled across the mats, a cocky grin smeared across his face. Rain dripped from his hair and ran down his neck, giving him a wild look. I forgot about the missing blades at the sight of the wicked look on his face. He was so up to something. Not really.
Seth cracked his knuckles. Since its pouring outside, I figured we could work on your grappling skillssince they are terrible. I know, I knowyoure devastated by the knowledge of not being able to practice with the elements today, but look on the bright side. We get to roll around on the mats. Together.
I arched an eyebrow. Sounds like fun.
He stopped behind me and placed his hands on my shoulders. You up for it?
I shrugged off his hands and ripped the hair tie off my wrist. Yeah, Im not damaged.
I didnt say you were.
Can we do this without you talking?
Seth pouted. But I have something you may want to know.
Doubtful.
Let me ask you a question: Do you feel bad about getting the halfs to refuse to submit to the exams being done? I saw five more halfs all bruised up today.
Caleb hadnt been joking when hed said several halfs had been planning on refusing the exams. I could pick them out easily. Though there hadnt been a sign indicating that the daimon was still on campus, the pures kept up with the rules and exams. I think it had something to do with the fact no one knew how long a daimon half could go without aether.
I didnt make them do anything, I grumbled.
Theyre following your lead, and if I remember correctly, didnt you tell the ones with you that they didnt have to do it?
My cheeks flushed with frustration. Whatever. Shut up.
Then lets play, Alex.
He considered grappling playing only because it really did involve a lot of rolling around and at times, hair pulling. And I think Seth used it as an excuse to cop a feel. Like right now. I knocked his hand off my butt. Youre such a dog.
And your grappling skills suck. He pinned me for the third time. Most of his hair had come loose, hanging over his face. Most females suck at it. Its basic body strength. Males have more mass. So you need to stay on your feet.
Rolling my hips, I managed to knock Seth off. I scrambled back to standing. Yeah, I think I grasped that already.
Lounging on his side, he tipped his head back. So, you slept like a little baby Apollyon last night. I wonder why.
I glared at him. Seth had stayed the night again. I loathe you.
He chuckled. You reluctantly like me.
Whatever. So are you going to tell me why youre always with Lucian? Is he a part of your little fan club now?
My fans love to hear my war stories. He jumped to his feet, swinging at me. Theyre obsessed with me. What can I say? Im that cool. And Im not always with Lucian.
I grabbed his arm, twisting it back in a submissive hold. I seriously doubt that.
Seth stilled. You know what, Alex?
Straightening, I relaxed my hold on his arm. What?
He glanced back over his shoulder at me. You really need to start resting more. The lack of sleep is clouding your judgment. I am that cool, and you just made a fatal mistake.