I didnt know how much Caleb had told Olivia about whatd happened to him in Gatlinburg, so I was fairly limited on what I could tell her. I know he really likes you. I decided that was the best tactic. During the summer he totally obsessed over you.
A light breeze played with her tight curls, tossing them across her face. I know he likes me, but hes just been so I dont know, off lately. All he cares about is what Seth is doing. Gods, its like he loves him.
I focused on how the horizon and the sky blended seamlessly together, trying not to laugh. Unfortunately, I think Caleb looks up to Seth.
Olivia stopped walking. I dont get why everyone is so infatuated with Seth.
Im not.
Then were the only halfs in the world that dont think hes awesome. She suddenly screeched, startling several seagulls. I just dont understand! Seths arrogant, rude, and he thinks hes better than everyone else!
I stared at her, quickly ascertaining I wasnt really good at girl-talk. I had no idea how wed jumped from Caleb to Seth. Is Caleb with him now?
A bit of the anger faded from her face. Olivia sighed, shaking her head. No. We were hanging out in the rec room before dinner, and I asked him if he thought about where he would take a Sentinel post. You know, not a serious question, but a really important one.
Nodding, I shifted my soda to my other hand, trying and failing to get my hair out of my face.
I mean, I know we say its nothing serious between us, but I think it is. She started walking again. Anyway, were graduating in the spring, and they give us options. I was hoping Caleb and I could pick the same place or get posted close together so we could still see each other.
Okay so what happened?
He told me he hadnt thought about it, and I was like, What the hell? If I was important to him, then he would have thought about it. Right? So I told him that. The skin on her cheeks darkened. And do you know what he said? Whats the point of picking a place? In the end, the Council will determine where we go. Well, duhthanks for the newsbreak, asshat. Thats not the point. The point is we can hope that we end up together, right?
Olivia, I dont think it has anything to do with you. Right now I shifted, suddenly feeling warm even though it was an overcast, chilly day. He told you about
Unable to ignore the swamping heat flooding me, I stopped and drew in a shallow breath. My entire body tensed painfully.
Alex? Olivia stepped closer. Are you okay? You look really flushed.
No. Oh. No. This could not be happening during the day and in front of Olivia. This was so unfair. On top of everything else, I was losing my
Delighted giggling drifted out of the courtyard. Then a very male and very pleased chuckle followed. There were more sounds, sounds indicating that either someone was in a lot of pain or having a lot of fun.
Are you kidding me? Olivia shoved her food into my limp hands. For the love of the gods, there are empty classrooms and beds for this kind of stuff.
Before I could stop her, she pushed open the gate to the courtyard. I guess if she wasnt getting laid than no one else could? Olivia
Hey! she yelled, storming forward. Hey! You little pervs, go get a room!
Olivia disappeared around a thick rosebush. Rolling my eyes, I trailed behind her. Walking inside the courtyard was like being in a different world. The wild mixture of flowers and plants, all sweet and tangy, mixed with the bitterness of herbs and assaulted my senses. There was also something unique about the plants in here. Come summer or winter, the foliage never died. God mojo juice, I guessed.
Greek statues lined the walkway, serving as a reminder that the gods were always watching. Runes were etched into the pathway, as were various symbols that signified the gods. Whoever had done the drawings seriously could have benefited from art lessons. But the place was kind of like the Garden of Eden.
And someone was partaking in its forbidden fruit.
You guys need to oh .
Olivia stopped so unexpectedly I nearly crashed into her. She stood beside the nightshadethe plant the oracle had compared to kisses from those who walk among the gods or something crazy like
that. I dont know why I noticed the purple hue of the petals first. Perhaps it was some kind of natural preservation instinct.
But then I saw Elena.
Id never seen her quite so undressed before, however. Her skirt was hiked up, shirt gaping wide open, and that was pretty much all I wanted to see. Then my gaze fell on her partner.
Oh. My. Gods! I shrieked, wishing my hands were empty so I could cover my eyesor claw them out.
Golden eyes, full of amusement, met mine. Is there something we can help you two with? Seth asked, clearly unfazed by the intrusion.
I whirled around, squeezing my eyes shut. My face felt like a thousand shades of red.
No. Nothing at all. Olivia backed up. Sorry to interrupt.
You sure? Theres always room for oneor twomore.
Seth! Elena shrieked, not sounding entirely dismayed by the prospect.