Seth let out a ragged sound and came to his feet. Do you want me to be honest?
Yes.
Several seconds passed as he stared down at me. Sometimes, Alex, you have more pure in you than you do half.
My mouth dropped open, shocked that he would say that about me .
He ran a hand over his head. Look, Ive got some stuff I need to do. Ill see you later.
I didnt say anything as he climbed back out the window. I sat on the bed; the fun of finding something pretty to wear tomorrow had lost most of its appeal.
You have more pure in you than you do half.
It was a terrible thing to say to a half-blood, like I was a disgrace who couldnt be trusteda sellout, phony, and fake. That if it came down to choosing between a half
and a pure, Id choose the pure.
I think something crawled into my hair and made a nest during the night, because nothing I didno curling iron, no flat ironseemed to make it do what I wanted. One side wanted to settle in waves, while the other looked like limp spaghetti.
Maybe I was being overly critical of myself, but I truly believed that the dark smudges under my eyes made me look like Id entered the first stage of a zombie infection. Id put on too much lip gloss, and then rubbed my lips raw getting it off and reapplying. The mountain of concealer Id put on the disgustingly huge zit on my temple made it seem even bigger.
I finally tore myself away from the bathroom mirror when I made a grab for the lip gloss again. I settled on a pair of skinny jeansnot the designer kind Olivia wore, more like the Target brand. I chose a deep red sweater that dipped a little low in the neckline area, and these killer heels Id stolen from Olivias closet.
But before I ran out to meet up with Aiden, I was struck dumb by the cold possibility that this could be some sort of field experience. It definitely wasnt a date, so what the hell was I doing?
And if I would be
training, then Id look stupid in heels and my boobs would fall out. While that sounded pretty entertaining for the masses, somehow I doubted Aiden would appreciate it. So with no time to spare, I slipped on a pair of checkered flats and a more sensible topa black, cable knit sweater.
I made it to the training room late, of course.
Sorry, I said as soon as I spotted Aidens dark head by the wall of things that stabbed, out of breath from running across the quad. I I had to do something
Every single excuse Id practiced on the way over leaked out of my mouth when I got a really good look at Aiden. He wore a pair of worn jeans, the kind that looked so comfy you wanted to climb into them. He also had on this gray sweater, and gods, oh, gods , did it look good on himlike itd been crafted to just fit the strong expanse of his shoulders, his chest, his arms, and so on.
I needed to get a grip.
I knew this, but I rarely saw Aiden in anything other than workout clothes or a uniform. Hed been wearing something different the night Id sent those spirit boats into the sea, but I hadnt been paying attention. My mind had been occupied.
It was sure as hell occupied in a totally different way now.
Its no problem, he said. You ready?
I nodded in a jerky motion. Suddenly, I felt as adept as a cow in a china shop. So what are we doing? I asked, humiliated to hear my voice crack halfway through the question.
Either Aiden hadnt noticed or he pretended otherwise. Its a surprise, Alex. He started walking. Are you coming, or what?
I hurried behind him, my suspicions were confirmed when he led me out the back way. Were leaving the Covenant, arent we?
He pushed the hair off his forehead, clearly trying not to smile. Aiden reached into his pocket and dangled keys in front of my face. Yes.
Field experience! I knew it. Silently, I thanked every god there was that Id developed enough common sense to change shoes.
Aiden looked at me strangely. I guess you can consider this field experience.
I followed him to one of the black Hummers, feeling rather smug for figuring out his surprise. So what are we going to do? Trail some daimons back to their hive? I climbed into the passenger side and waited until he got behind the wheel. I have to admit, Im not really good at the whole tailing thing. Im more
I know. He turned on the engine and eased the dinosaur-sized vehicle out of the fleet of cars. Youre more of an action girl instead of a sit-and-be-quiet girl.
I smiled in spite of the fact I doubted that was a compliment. Well, my quiet-as-a-ninja skill could definitely use some practice.
Another quick smile appeared. But the other skills? Not so much. I really dont think you need much more of the additional practices. Youd definitely have more time to yourselftime to rest.
Now I really beamed... for about three seconds. No extra practices also meant no Aiden. My smiled faded as I stared at him. Suddenly, a giant clock appeared between us, quickly counting down to when there would be no more Aiden in my life.
A rather depressing thought.
What?
I faced straight ahead, swallowing down the lump in my throat. Nothing.