Seth appeared on the verge of saying something ignorant, like always, but he became very, very still. I dont even think he breathed. Slowly, I lifted my gaze and found what I expected. Swirling glyphs spread across the left side of his face. The intricate markings etched down his neck and disappeared under the hem of his black shirt, reappearing on his left arm and coming to stop over his hand.
And Seth, well, Seth was no longer laughing. Those odd eyes caught mine and flared a heated tawny. He lowered his head; the loose strands of hair brushed my cheeks. I jerked my hand back, but he was still close, way too close. So I did the only thing suitable in situations like these. I shoved my knee into his stomachhard.
He rolled off me, onto his back, laughing once more. Crap, Alex, why did you go and do that? Actually kind of hurt, you know?
I scrambled off the bed, putting as much distance between us as possible. I hate you.
No you dont. He tipped his head back, his gaze finding me. I guess this was bound to happen. The more time we spend together, the more well start connecting. It is the way of the Apollyons.
Just go somewhere, why dont you?
Seth flipped onto his stomach and rested his chin in his hands. Id love to. I could go for seconds with Elena right about now.
I let out a groan and rolled my eyes. No one is stopping you.
True, but then youd fall asleep after pacing or reading some incredibly boring textbook and have another nightmare about Mommy, and then Ill be awake all night long. He arched one blond brow at me. I do need my beauty sleep.
I glared at him. Youre not staying here again, Seth. You have a bedseveral, actually. Go.
You didnt care the last couple of times.
Because well, those times were different, I sputtered, running a hand over my hair. Turning around, I started grabbing clothes off the floor. I didnt know you were staying. You just helped yourself.
Seth sighed. You dont like any of this, do you?
No. I dont like not being in control. You know that. I grabbed another shirt. I also didnt like the fact that my body reacted to him even though my heart didnt. Its about having control over I dropped the clothes and straightened. Remember what you said to me during the summer, the night you were in my room?
He looked confused. Not really.
I took a deep breath, searching for patience I didnt have. You promised me that you would leave if things got out of hand. Do you remember that?
Seths lips pursed. Yes, I do.
Do you still mean it? I stepped
forward, standing in front of him. Do you?
Yes. I still mean that. I made you a promise. I keep my promises. Seth reached out and grabbed my hand. With a gentle tug, he pulled me down beside him. Whatever relief I felt was short-lived. Do you know what I find interesting?
I watched him wearily. What?
He turned his head toward me. Youve never shown any interest in getting to know me better. You dont know a thing about me.
Thats not true.
His lips curled into a sardonic grin as he let go of my hand. You dont even know my last name, Alex.
Well, he didnt need a last name. Seth was just Seth to me.
You dont even know where Im from, if my mom was a pure or my dad, he continued. I bet you dont even know how old I am.
I started to protest, but Seth was right. Weve known each other for about four months, give or take a week or two, and I didnt know anything about him. In all of the time wed spent together, in training or when he showed up in my room, we never talked about anything personal. And I never cared to even ask. I frowned. Was I truly that self-centered?
Seth sighed. You have this one-track mind thing going on.
I looked at him sharply. You cant read my thoughts, right?
No. But that doesnt mean some of what you think isnt as obvious as reading your thoughts. He turned to me. Everything you think, everything you feel is always right on your face. Youre terrible at hiding your emotions. Or what youre thinking. Like I said: one track mind. Whether its getting back into the Covenant, fighting your Mom or fighting your fate or that special person in your life.
I dont have a special person in my life! I felt my cheeks start to burn again. I have no idea where you come up with these things.
One side of his lips curled upward as he met my stare. Im nineteen.
I blinked. Huh?
Seths eyes rolled. Im nineteen years old.
Oh. Oh . Only nineteenwow. I thought you were older than that.
Well, I dont know if I should be offended or flattered.
Flattered, I guess.
A few moments passed before he spoke again. Im from a tiny island near Greece.
Ah, that explains your voicethe accent. What island?
Seth shrugged and didnt respond. Sharing and caring time seemed to be over. Why had I never thought to try to get to know Seth any better? After all, I was going to be stuck with him for a while.
I bit my lip. Do you think Im self-centered?
A surprised laugh escaped him. Why are you asking?
Because you said I have a one track mind. And everything you listed had to do with me, like I dont think about anything or anyone other than me.