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My mouth dropped open and I flew up, coming to rest on my knees. Excuse me? Are you the only one whos allowed to be insecure?
What? He smirked. Why would I be insecure?
Good question, but what do you call your little episode with Blake yesterday in the hallway? And that stupid question about me wanting to help Blake?
He snapped his mouth shut.
Ha! Exactly. Its even more ridiculous for you to be insecure. Let me spell it out for you. When my anger rose, the Source did, too. It skated over my skin. I loathe Blake. He used me and was ready to turn me over to Daedalus. He killed Adam. Theres only a teeny tiny bit of me that can actually tolerate him. How can you even be any bit jealous of him?
Daemons jaw popped. He wants you.
Oh, dear God, he does not.
Whatever. Im a guy. I know what other guys are thinking.
I threw my hands up. It doesnt matter if he did. I. Hate. Him.
He looked away. Okay.
And you dont hate Ash. Theres a part of you that loves her. I know you do and maybe not in the way you feel about me, but theres affection there-theres history. Sue me if Im a little bit intimidated by that.
I pushed off the bed, wanting to stomp across the room like a toddler. Maybe even throw myself on the floor. Id work off some energy that way.
Daemon appeared in front of me and stepped forward, cradling my cheeks. Okay. I see your point. I shouldve said something. And the stuff with Blake-yeah, its stupid, too.
Good. I folded my arms.
His lips twitched. But youve got to understand that you are who I want. Not Ash. Not anyone else.
Even if the Elders want you to be with someone like her?
He lowered his head, brushing his lips along my cheekbone. I dont care what they want. Im incredibly selfish like that. He kissed my temple. Okay?
My eyes drifted shut. Okay.
Were good then?
If you promise not to give me any crap about going with you tomorrow.
He pressed his forehead against mine. You drive a hard bargain.
I do.
I dont want you going, Kitten. He sighed, wrapping his arms around me. But I cant stop you. Promise youll stay close to me.
My smile was hidden against his chest. I promise.
Daemon kissed the top of my head. You always get your way, dont you?
Not always. I placed my hands on his sides, drawing in his warmth. If I had my way, none of this would be happening. But that was the thing about all of this. I wondered if any of us would get our way.
His arms tightened, and I felt a sigh shudder through him. Come on. Lets get the bacon and eggs going. I need all my strength for today.
What, for
I trailed off, realizing what he was saying. Oh, yeah
Blake.
Yeah. He kissed me softly. Its going to take a lot for me not to commit bodily harm. You know that, right? So extra bacon for me.
Armentrout, Je
Opal ( A Lux Novel)
Chapter 20
Dee was perched on the bottom step like a demented pixie about to unleash holy hell. Her hair was pulled back sharply, her eyes a bright and feverish green. A thin slash formed on her lips. Her fingers curled over her knees like razor-sharp claws ready to dig in.
Hes here, she said, gaze focused on the window beside the door.
I glanced at Daemon. A wolfish smile spread across his face. He wasnt at all concerned about his sisters murderous desires. Perhaps having Blake come here wasnt a good idea.
She sprung from the step, throwing open the door before Blake even knocked. No one stopped her or even moved forward.
Surprised, Blake lowered his hand. Uh, hi-
Dee cocked back a slender arm and slammed her fist right into Blakes jaw. The impact knocked him back a good three feet.
My mouth dropped open.
Andrew laughed.
Spi
I watched her move toward the armchair and sit, shaking her hand.
I promised her one good hit, Daemon said, chuckling. Shell behave now.
I stared at him.
Blake staggered through the door, rubbing his jaw. Okay, he said, wincing. I deserved that.
You deserve far worse than that, Andrew said. Keep that in mind.
He nodded and looked around the room. Six Luxen and a baby hybrid stared back at him. He had the sense to look nervous, even afraid. The animosity in the room was palpable.
Blake moved so that his back was against the wall. Smart guy. Slowly, he reached into his back pocket and pulled out a rolled-up paper. I guess we should get this over with quickly.
I guess so, Daemon said, snatching the paper from him. Whats this?
A map, he answered. The route we need to take is outlined in red. Its a fire access road and will lead up to the back entrance of Mount Weather.
Daemon unrolled the map on the coffee table. Dawson peered over his brothers shoulder, ru
About twenty minutes by car, but theres no way were going to get a car up there u
How fast are we talking? Matthew asked from his post by the dining room door.
As fast as inhumanly possible, Blake responded. We need to move at the light-speed thing. Lucs giving us fifteen minutes and we cant hang around Mount Weather, waiting for nine. We need to get there about five minutes before and hit this road as fast as possible.
I sat back. Only once did I hit the speeds necessary for what they were talking about. Thats when Id been chasing Blakes ass down.
Daemon glanced up. Can you do this?
Yes. Given the reasons, I was sure I could do it. Hopefully.
Shaking her head, Dee stood. How fast can they really run?
Damn fast when need be, Blake said. Come at me again, and Ill show you how fast I can run.
Dee snickered. I bet Ill still catch you.
Perhaps, he murmured and then said, You need to practice all day tomorrow. Maybe even tonight. We cant have anyone slowing us down.
It took me a second to realize he was talking to me. Im not going to slow anyone down.
Just making sure. His eyes churned as they met mine.
I looked away quickly. The fact that I was obviously the weakest link burned me. Dee or Ash would probably be a better choice for this, but I knew I could do it.
Shes not your problem to worry about, Daemon snapped.
Matthew came forward, fitting in between Daemon and Blake. Okay. We know we have this road to go up, but you want us to remain back where?
Daemon folded his arms, eyes narrowed. At the bottom of the access road, this should give you a ru
Nothings going to go wrong, Ash said, watching Daemon. Well wait there for you.
Of course, Daemon said, smiling reassuringly. Well be fine, Ash.
I pinched my thigh. He doesnt want her. He doesnt want her. He doesnt want her. That helped.
I trust you, Ash said, eyes latched to his adoringly. Like Daemon was a saint or something.
I pinched my thigh harder. Im going to hit her. Im going to hit her. Im going to hit her . That didnt help.
Blake cleared his throat. Anyway, Luc said theres an old farm at the bottom of the access road. We should be able to park the cars there.
Sounds good. Dawson stepped back, placing his hands on his hips. A lock of hair fell forward. Once were there, we have fifteen minutes, right?
Daemon nodded. According to the tween mafia leader, Luc, thats what we have.
And this kid is trustworthy? Matthew asked.