Aiden watched me curiously. I saw Seth entering the main part of Deity Island and you werent with him. I figured youd be here.
Why?
He shrugged. I just knew youd be in one of the training rooms even though you were told to take it easy.
Whenever he was dealing with something, he hit the mats. I was the same way, which reminded me of the night Id accosted him after learning my moms true fate. I turned away, running my fingers down the center of the bag.
How are you feelingyour ribs and lip?
Both were sore, but Id felt worse. Good.
Have you written the letter for me to give to Laadan? he asked after a few moments.
My shoulders slumped. No. I dont know what to say. Its not like I hadnt thought about it, but what do you say to a man youd believed deada father youd never met?
Just tell him how you feel, Alex.
I laughed. I dont know if he wants to know all of that.
He would. Aiden paused, and the silence stretched out between us. Youve seemed out of it lately.
I still felt out of it. Its the cold.
You looked like you were going to faint in Marcus office and, lets face it, there is no reason why you couldnt have taken Jackson down yesterday or at least moved out of the way. Youve been looking exhausted, Alex.
Sighing, I faced him. He was slouched against the wall, hands shoved deep in his pockets. So what are you doing here? I asked, seeking to take the focus off me.
Aidens expression was knowing. Watching you.
Warmth fluttered in my chest. Really? Thats not creepy or anything.
A teeny tiny smile appeared. Well, Im on duty.
I glanced around the room. Do you think therere daimons in here?
Im not hunting right now. A lock of wavy, dark brown hair fell into his gray eyes as he tipped his head to the side. Ive been given a new assignment.
Do tell.
Along with my hunting, Im guarding you.
I blinked and then I laughed so hard my ribs hurt. Gods, it must suck to be you.
His brows furrowed. Why would you think that?
You just cant get rid of me, can you? I turned back to the bag, eyeing it for a weak spot. I mean,
to ask if were sleeping together?
His eyes narrowed into thin slits that shone a fierce silver.
And why are you asking, Aiden? I pulled back, and he let go. Whatever the answer is doesnt even matter.
But it does.
I thought about the marks and what they meant. You have no idea. It doesnt. Its fate, remember? I grabbed for my bag again, but he caught my arm again. I looked up, exhaling slowly. What do you want from me?
Realization crept over his expression, softening the hue of his eyes. Youre afraid.
What? I laughed, but it came out sounding like a nervous croak. Im not afraid.
Aidens eyes drifted over my head and determination settled into his eyes. Yes. You are. Without saying anything else, he turned me around and pulled me toward the sensory deprivation chamber.
My eyes shot wide. What are you doing?
He kept pulling until we stopped in front of the door. Do you know what they use this for?
Um, to train?
Aiden glanced down at me, smiling tightly. Do you know how ancient warriors trained? They used to fight Deimos and Phobos, who used the warriors worst fears against them during battle.
Thanks for the daily weird god history lesson, but
But since the gods of Fear and Terror have been off the circuit for awhile, they created this chamber. They believe that fighting using only your other senses to guide you is the best way to hone your skills and face your fears.
Fears of what?
He opened the door and a black hole greeted us. Whatever fears are holding you back.
I dug in my heels. Im not afraid.
Youre terrified.
Aiden, I am two seconds from My own surprised shriek cut me off as he hauled me into the chamber, shutting the door behind him, casting the room in utter darkness. My breath froze in my throat. Aiden I cant see anything.
Thats the point.
Well, thanks, Captain Obvious. I reached out blindly, but only felt air. What do you expect me to do in here? As soon as the question left my mouth, I was assaulted with totally inappropriate images of all the things we could do in here.
We fight.
Well, that blew. I inhaled, catching the scent of spice and ocean. Slowly, I lifted my hand. My fingers brushed against something hard and warmhis chest? Then there was nothing but empty space. Oh gods, this wasnt going to be good at all.
Suddenly, he grasped my arm and spun me around. Get into stance.
Aiden, I really dont want to do this right now. I am tired and I got kicked in the
Excuses, he said, his breath dangerously close to my lips.
I locked up.
His hand was gone. Get into stance.
I am.
Aiden sighed. No youre not.
How do you know?
I can tell. You havent moved, he said. Now get into stance.
Jeez, are you like a cat that can see in the dark or something? When he didnt respond, I groaned and moved into the stance: arms halfway up, legs spread, and feet rooted in place. All right.
You need to face your fears, Alex.
I squinted, but saw nothing. I thought you said I was fearless.