It was love.
I loved AidenI loved a pure-blood.
CHAPTER 8
I STARED AT HIM, CAUGHT UP IN MY REALIZATION. I LOVED Aiden. I loved him, really loved him.
Oh, gods, I was so totally screwed.
Aidens cheeks flushed under his natural tan. I mean, all of us need a day away from our world. We need moments to take a breather and let it all go. He glanced at me, a wry grin replacing the one Id throw pretty much anyone in front of a daimon to see. Anyway, today is just a normal day. We arent going to talk about training or the daimon attack.
Okay. I took a deep, calming breath and ordered myself to pull it together. Then I saw the sign for the zoo and I face-planted the window again.
We cant stay for longonly a couple of hoursor the Guards will suspect something. We also need to keep this
a secret. We cant let anyone find out.
I nodded. Of course. I wont say a single word. I just cant believe you remembered this. I also couldnt believe I was in love with a pure-blood.
He merged toward the exit ramp, expression suddenly serious. I remember everything you say.
I peeled myself off the window. It was all too easy for me to recall the day Id told him about my love of animals and zoos. Itd been in the small med office, when hed rubbed that gunk over my bruises. But I didnt expect him to actually remember that day, or any day for that matter. And if he really did remember everything I said, then
My fingers curled in my lap. I was a big douchebag. I said mean things. A lot. I took a deep breath. Im sorry.
Aiden looked at me sharply. For what?
I stared down at my hands, guilt gnawing at my insides. How could I not have apologized sooner? Im sorry about saying youre like other pure-bloods. I shouldnt have said that. Because youre notyoure nothing like them.
Alex, dont apologize. You were angry. So was I. Its in the past. Over.
The guilt eased off a little bit as I gazed out the window, but an old yearning pulled at my heart. Mom had loved it here. The sights brought forth a mix of sorrow and happiness. I sighed, wanting to be happy but feeling bad about it.
Trees dotted the winding road leading up to the entrance. Mom had known the names of the trees. I didnt. Off in the distance, I could make out the top of the main building.
It bothered you though, I said as Aiden coasted the Hummer to a stop. The lot was full for this time of year, but the weather was still warm enough. The zoo would be packed. I undid the seatbelt and twisted toward him. I know it did.
Aiden cut the engine and pulled the keys out. Lifting his gaze from his hands, those eyes pierced me. Yeah, it did.
I bit my lip, wanting to apologize again.
I dont want you to see me like that. A short, harsh laugh escaped him and he focused on the steering wheel as he held the keys in a tight grip. The funny thing is that what you said shouldnt have bothered me. Im a pure. So I should be like all the others. I really shouldnt care if you saw me like that. I should care how the other pure-bloods view me.
Im sure they think youre wonderful, too. I flushed after saying that, because it sounded stupid. Anyway, screw what anyone thinks. Who cares, right?
Grinning, he glanced over at me, and I felt my heart skip a beat. Yeah, who cares? Were at the zoo. Screw them.
Yeah, screw them.
Aiden tilted his head back, letting out a relieved sigh. Does the place have funnel cakes?
I think so. I want a hamburger and a hot dog. I paused. And ice cream in one of those waffle cones. Andand I want to see the big kitties.
So demanding, he murmured, grinning. Well, we better get started, then.
First stop honors went to a portly, balding man who had more grease on his shirt than he did in his pan. He made funnel cakes. Aiden liked him a lot. While I waited in line beside him, I spotted a vendor flipping burgers. I darted in that direction, after which Aiden commented that hed never seen me run that fast before.
When we finally made it past the food and into the actual park, I was overflowing with giddiness. The slight breeze carried the oddly alluring scent of animals and people. Sunlight broke through the parks dense canopy of trees, casting slivers of warmth as we made our way deeper into the attractions.
I probably looked goofy with the extra bounce in my step and the way I kept grinning at everyone we passed. I was just so happy to be out in the world againand with Aiden of all people. And watching how the mortals responded to him was highly entertaining. It could have been his alarming height or godly looks that stopped women and men in their tracks. Or it could be the way he laughed, tipping his head back and letting loose that rich, deep sound. Either way, I got a thrill seeing him do his best to ignore them.
You dont mingle with the natives a lot, do you? I asked as we stepped into the Forest Glade and watched a gorilla sitting on a rock, picking fleas. Stimulating stuff here.
Aiden chuckled. Is it that obvious?
A little bit.
He shifted closer, lowering his voice. Mortals scare me.