Aiden stepped forward and opened the door to the library, forever the gentleman. Smiling my thanks, I stepped inside and came to a complete standstill.
Luke and Deacon were emerging from one of the tall stacks, shoulder to shoulder. When they saw us, Id swear they jumped at least three feet apart.
Deacon? Aiden sounded shocked. Youre in the library?
Yeah. Deacon brushed the mop of curls off his forehead. We were studying for trig.
Neither of them had a single book in their hands. I looked at Luke expectantly. He looked away, but his lips twitched.
Aiden eyes widened. Wow. Im sort of proud of you. Studying?
I clamped my mouth shut.
Turning over a new leaf and all. Deacon bumped into his older brother. Taking my education seriously.
My tongue was literally burning to say something.
Aiden nodded at Luke. Keep him out of trouble, Luke.
Oh jeez. By the way Deacon was shifting back and forth on his feet and the size of Lukes grin, I figured Aiden had no idea what kind of trouble those two were probably getting into. Same-sex relationships in our world didnt even have a place on the list of taboo things to do. It was the fact that Deacon was a pure and Luke was a half.
And of all the half-bloods in the world, I knew just how stupid and dangerous whatever it was that they were doing was. I glanced at Aiden. He caught my eyes and smiled. My belly flopped. Stupid and dangerous, but it didnt change how I felt.
CHAPTER 11
I WAS STILL STRUGGLING TO KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT when Aiden found an empty study room in the back of the library, somewhere near the Books-Id-Never-Read and the Books-Ive-Never-Heard-Of section. He left the door cracked open, which relieved and disappointed me in the same breath.
Sitting down, I dropped my bag on the table. Thats really cool that Deacon is studying and all.
Aiden took the seat beside me, turning so that his knee pressed against mine and he was facing me. Can I ask you a question?
Sure. I pulled out the massive book and placed it between us.
Do I look stupid?
My hand froze over the edge of the book. Uh, is this a trick question?
He arched a brow.
No. You dont look stupid.
I didnt think so. He reached over, taking the book away from me. His hand brushed mine as he did so, sending little shivers through my fingers. They were doing the same amount of studying that were doing.
I wasnt sure how to proceed with this. So I said nothing.
Aiden stared at the book, brows lowered. I know what my brother is doing, Alex. And you know what? It pisses me off.
It does?
Yes. He looked up, meeting my gaze. I cant believe he thinks Id care if he was into guys or whatever. Ive always known hes been that way.
I didnt.
Deacon is good at hiding it. What am I looking at? he asked. I reached over, opening the book to the section about the Order of Thanatos. Understanding dawned. He turned a couple of the
pages before going back to the beginning of the section. Hes always pretended to be interested in girls, and maybe he is, too. But he never had me fooled.
He had me fooled. I watched a wavy lock of hair fall over Aidens forehead. An insane urge to brush it back hit me hard. So hes never said anything to you about it?
Aiden snorted. No. I think he believes Id be upset or something. And trust me, Ive wanted to tell him I dont care, but I think it makes him uncomfortable. You know, talking about it. So I just pretend like I dont see it. I guess hell talk to me about it eventually.
He will. I bit my lip. But its Luke.
A muscle popped in his jaw. I dont like the fact that he may be involved with a half, but I trust that he wont do anything He broke off, laughing. Yeah, well, Im not the person to be lecturing on the whole pure and half business.
A flush crept over me. Aiden looked up, and our eyes locked. He opened his mouth, but shut it quickly. He turned back to the book, clearing his throat. So, the Order of Thanatos? Not exactly fun reading material.
Finding safe ground, I nodded. Telly had this symbol tattooed on his arm. I pointed at the torch, careful not to touch him. And so does Romviwho, by the way, still hates my guts, in case youre wondering. And I remembered in the section that talked about the Apollyon, it mentioned that Thanatos killed Solaris and the First. Maybe this Order business is still going on and they have something to do with what what happened in the Catskills.
The hand beside the book curled into a fist, but Aiden didnt look up. As far as I know the Order doesnt exist anymore, but you never know.
Maybe this can tell us something? But I cant read it.
He smiled briefly. Give me a few minutes. Reading this isnt exactly easy.
Okay. Beyond the crack in the door, the library was dark and silent. There was no way I was going out there. I pulled out a notebook and pen. Ill pretend to study or something.
Aiden chuckled. You do that.
I smiled as I started doodling on a blank page of notebook paper. It was hard, because his knee was still touching mine, and it may have been my imagination, but we seemed to be getting closer. His entire lower leg was against mine.