cleanly, but it had to have done some internal damage. Had Apollo somehow patched me up more? Because I doubted that the doctors couldve reversed that kind of damage. Other than feeling lethargic, I felt okay.
But as I glanced around the room, something poked at the recesses of my memories. I was forgetting somethingsomething hugely important. It was on the tip of my tongue just like when Id been under a compulsion before. This was different, though. It was like waking up and not being able to remember a dream.
Sighing, I reached over and snatched up the cell phone. There was only one missed call from Cuddle Bunny. Scooting down, I called him back.
Seth answered on the second ring. So, youre alive?
My heart flipped over heavily. Yeah, why wouldnt I be?
Well, I havent spoken to you in about two days. He paused. What have you been doing?
Ive been sleeping, not doing much.
Sleeping for two straight days?
I poked at my scar and winced. Yeah, thats about all.
Interesting There was a muffled sound, like something had been pulled over the phone. Youve been sleeping but Aiden had your phone?
Crap. Hes been babysitting me. I dont know why he answered the phone when you called. There was another muffled sound, and then Seth grunted. What are you doing?
Pulling on my pants and its hard when youre holding a phone.
Um, do you want me to call you back? Like when youre not naked?
Seth laughed. Im not naked now. Anyway, maybe we have some weird Apollyon malaise. Ive been exhausted for about two days, but feel fine now.
So he had felt something. I chewed on my lip. Can I ask you something?
Hit me.
You said that when I Awaken, Ill know what the past Apollyons knew, right?
There was a pause. Yes, I said that.
Unease twisted my insides. Then how did you not know about the Order of Thanatos, and that theyd killed Solaris and the First? Wouldnt youve seen what theyve seen?
Why are you asking? Seth asked.
I took a deep breath. Because it doesnt make sense, Seth. You shouldve known. And how did you not know that a half and pure made an Apollyon? None of the Apollyons in the past had ever figured that out?
Why are you asking about this A distinctive, very feminine giggle cut off his words. When Seth spoke again, it sounded far away and sounded an awful lot like the word, behave.
I sat up, sucking in air sharply as my stomach screamed in protest. Who are you with, Seth?
Why? You jealous?
Seth.
Hold on a second, he replied, and then there was a sound of a door shutting. Dammit, its cold out here.
Better be careful. Dont want anything to freeze and fall off.
He laughed. Oh, that was bitchy. I think you just might be jealous.
Was I jealous that he was so obviously with a girl and hed been naked? Shouldnt I be? But I wasnt jealousmore like annoyed. Annoyed because Id been getting stabbed and dying while Seth was screwing around. And how could I be mad? I was the one in love with another guy. I really had no room to talk. But I hadnt gotten naked with that guy, not in several long months. Not since Id decided to see what could happen with Seth.
Gods, I was so confused and I had no idea what was going on and why it was happening now.
Im not doing anything wrong, Seth said after a stretch of silence.
I didnt say you were. Wait. Youre with Boobs, arent you?
Do you really want to know, Alex?
Not when he put it like that. I chewed on my lip, unsure of what to say. Suddenly I heard Calebs voice in my head. Theres still hope . Weird.
We never said we were in a relationship, and besides, whatever. Youre there. Im here. And in a week or so, Ill be back. And its not going to even matter.
I blinked. Really, its whatever?
Seth sighed. I know he was by your side the minute I left, doing his annoying brooding thing, trying to figure out a way to be with you. And hes answering your phone while youre sleeping? Yeah, its whatever.
My mouth dropped open. That is totally not what is happening here.
Look, it doesnt matter. Ive got to go. Ill talk to you later. Then he hung up on me.
I stared at the phone for several minutes, shocked and a bit disturbed. Had he just given me permission to do whatever with Aiden because hes doing whatever with Boobs? My gods, had I died and come back into an alternative universe?
The door opened then, and Aiden walked through. Setting the phone aside, I was happy to see that he looked a lot more refreshed. Damp hair curled around his temples and the shadows under his eyes had
Prying the toothbrush out of my hands, he tossed it in the sink after filling up the cup. Here you go.
Cheeks flaming, I took the cup and swished the water in my mouth.
Aiden handed me another empty cup. Rinse and repeat.
I glared at him, but secretly did a happy dance in my head when he laughed again. Once I didnt have toothpaste falling out of my mouth anymore and my hands were empty, Aiden bent and carefully slid an arm around me. I can stand without help, I grumbled.
Sure you can. Aidens hair tickled my cheeks. Thats why youre sitting on a bathroom floor. Come on, back to bed.