All of this made my brain sore.
Groaning in frustration, I dropped my head on the keyboard. An immediate, shrill buzzing filled
the otherwise quiet room, but I ignored it until I had a streak of brilliance. And it had nothing to do with the Apollyon, the Covenant, or Lucian.
It had to do with Aiden.
Lifting my head, I bit my lip and opened up an internet page. For the last week, Id been scouring the internet for the perfect gift for Aidens birthday. Not just a birthday gift, but a peace offering, too. I figured I could get him somethingI dont knowspecial. Id come up empty-handed for the most part, but tonight, I had an idea.
It had to do with what Id seen in his cottage that nighta ridiculous number of books, comics, and a colorful assortment of guitar picks. Id thought then itd been a strange thing to collect, but at least he didnt collect something gross like body lint. Anyway, I knew there was one color he didnt haveblack. But I didnt want to get him just some crappy, old plastic pick. I wantedneededsomething special.
An hour later, I came across an online store dedicated to rare picks and I knew Id found the perfect gift. They had one made out of onyx gemstone, and apparently it was a super extraordinary guitar pick. I had no idea why. Buying the thing would be hard, though. I hadnt been trusted with a bank account for some reason.
The next day I cornered Deacon before class started. Can you do something for me?
Anything for my favorite halfy. He gave me a little nod as he eyed Luke, who was gesturing wildly at the front of the class.
Halfy? Never mind. Forget it. You have credit cards, right?
He flicked a wayward curl out of his eyes and smiled. Loads of them.
I shoved a piece of paper in his face. Id scribbled the name of the website and the stock number of the pick on it. Can you order this for me? Ill give you cash.
Deacon glanced down at the paper and then lifted his head, looking at me. Do I even want to know?
Nope.
This is for my brother, isnt it?
I felt my cheeks flush. I thought you didnt want to know.
He folded up the paper and stuck it in his pocket, shaking his head. I dont. Ill order it tonight.
Thanks, I murmured, feeling overexposed.
Staring at the front of the classroom while not really seeing anything the teacher wrote on the board, I hoped Aiden liked the pick loved it. My muscles locked up at the idea of love and Aiden in the same sentence.
Just because I was buying him a stupid little guitar pick didnt mean anything. And just because I wanted to jump his bones didnt mean I loved him. Halfs didnt love pures. So where had that thought even come from?
I ignored Deacon for the rest of the class and slipped into a weird mood that lasted all day long. Not even Caleb and Olivias hilarious bickering at lunch snapped me out. Not even when Lea tripped in the hallway. Practice with Aiden couldnt shake me out of the funk.
Aidens tense and concerned gaze followed every one of my movements. I imagined he was waiting for me to fall asleep and crack my head or something.
But I didnt.
By the end of practice, some of the tension had eased off his face and a lopsided grin appeared as he picked up my gym bag. I want to do something different tomorrow.
Are you going to let me off my Saturday training? I was only half-joking. The idea of lying around in bed all day did sound really nice.
No. Thats not what I was thinking. Not really.
I reached out for my bag, but he held it back. I grinned. What were you thinking?
Its kind of a surprise.
Oh. I perked up. What is it?
Aiden chuckled. It wouldnt be a surprise if I told you, Alex.
I can act surprised tomorrow.
No. He laughed again. That would kind of ruin it.
All right, but it better be good. I reached for the bag again, but Aiden caught my hand. His fingers wrapped around mine. Our hands fit perfectly together. Well, at least I thought so. A swarm of butterflies stirred in my stomach. My eyes flicked up, and I was immediately snared. I could always tell what Aiden was thinking by the color of his eyes.
Generally, they were the palest shade of cool gray, but when they shifted, becoming an intense silver, I knew he was on the verge of doing somethingsomething he probably shouldnt, but something I really wanted him to do. Like right now theyd heated to a bright quicksilver.
Its going to be good. Aidens gaze dropped to my lips. I promise.
Okay, I whispered.
Wear something warm tomorrow, but no workout clothes.
No workout clothes? I echoed dumbly.
Meet me here at nine. He carefully placed the strap of my bag over my shoulder. His fingers lingered long enough to making breathing difficult. My skin still tingled from the brief,
wonderful contact long after hed left the room.
After grabbing some food from the dining hall, Olivia and I walked back to our dorm. Neither of us had made it to the cafeteria in time to eat there. Apparently she and Caleb had had another fight.
I dont know what else to do. She clutched a can of soda in her hand so tightly I thought shed crush it at any second. One minute hes hot and the next hes cold.