Deity (Covenant #3)(104)

He squeezed my hand. “You had hope, Alex. No one can ever be faulted for hope.”

“You once told me that I needed to know when to let hope go. I was way past the expiration date on hope then.” I tried to smile and failed. “I won’t make that same mistake twice. I swear.”

Bringing my hand to his lips, he placed a sweet kiss against it. “Agapi mou, don’t hold this kind of guilt too close. A different path could’ve been chosen, but in the end you did what you felt was right. You gave him a chance.”

“I know.” I focused on the road ahead, willing the tears away. “It’s gone, isn’t it? The entire Covenant—even Deity Island?”

He took a shuddering breath. “It could’ve been worse. That’s what I keep telling myself. If classes had been in…just a few more days…”

The loss of life would have been astronomical. “What are we going to do? I can’t stay hidden forever.”

What was unspoken lay between us. In other words, unless Seth came to his senses, which seemed highly unlikely, he would eventually find me.

“I don’t know,” Aiden said, merging into the other lane. “But we’re in this together, Alex, to the end.”

Warmth returned to my heart. His hand felt right in mine, and even though everything around us was so incredibly screwed up, we -were in this together. To the end.

It was the middle of the night when we reached Charleston, West “by gods” Virginia and it was snowing lightly. The vehicles rolled to a stop by the pumps in front of one of those travel centers that are the size of a small Wal-Mart. We needed gas and food, and maybe one of those 5-Hour Energy things, too.


“Hold on.” Aiden reached in the seat behind us and pulled out one of the sickle blades. “Just in case.”

Collapsed, it fit in my pocket with only half of it sticking out. “Thanks.”

His eyes met mine as he slipped me a couple of tens. “Don’t take too long, okay? Looks like Solos is going in with you.”

I glanced back. He was already waiting by the passenger side. Marcus was fiddling with the gas pump like he’d never used one before. “What do you want?”

“Surprise me.” He smiled. “Just be careful.”

Promising that I would, I climbed out of the Hummer and nearly ate the pavement as my foot slipped on a patch of ice. “Gods!”

“Alex?” Aiden called out.

“I’m fine.” I tipped my head back and closed my eyes, letting the tiny flakes of snow fall upon my face. It had been so, so long since I’d seen snow.

“What are you doing?” Solos asked, killing the moment.

I opened my eyes and forced them to his chest. “I like snow.”

“Well, you’re going to see a lot of snow where we’re going.” We started across the parking lot, mindful of the patches of ice that were bound and determined to take me out. “Probably have a foot or more in Athens.”

For a moment, I fantasized about snowball fights and sled rides. Stupid of me to do so, but it helped keep me from freaking out.

“You’re not what I expected,” Solos said as we reached the snow-covered sidewalk.

I shoved my hands into my pockets. “What were you expecting?”

“I don’t know.” He smiled, softening the scar. “Someone taller.”

A small smile pulled at my lips. “Don’t let my size fool you.”

“I know. I’ve heard tales about your many escapades, especially how you fought during the attack on the New York Covenant. Some say it’s because of what you are that makes you fight so well.”

I shrugged.

“But I say it has more to do with your training than anything.” Solos glanced behind him and then his shrewd gaze settled on me. “You and St. Delphi seem to be very close.”

I schooled my expression blank as I shrugged again. “He’s pretty cool for a pure-blood.”

“Is that so?”

“Hey! Wait up!” Deacon hit a patch of thick ice and slid to our sides like a pro skater, eyes wide. “Lea wants to eat something. Luke’s going to stay with her.”

Saved by Deacon. “How’s she doing?”

Solos grabbed the door, holding it open for us. “She slept most of the way here,” Deacon answered. “Since she woke up, she hasn’t really been talking. Luke convinced her that she should eat something, so we’re going to share some Cheetos.”

I felt for Lea and understood her pain. So did Deacon. My presence probably wouldn’t be the best, but Deacon… he’d be good for her.

I shook off the snow once inside the warm, brightly-lit travel center. With the exception of the greasy-haired and scrawny cashier who was reading what looked like a smut magazine, the place was empty. Stomach growling, I headed toward the coolers. Aiden would want water, of course, but I was in need of some caffeine.

Solos stayed with Deacon, because if a random hillbilly daimon appeared, Deacon would be the one needing help. Grabbing a bottle of water and a Pepsi, I scanned the store. The cashier yawned and scratched his chest, never once looking up. Snow was starting to fall in larger flakes. Sighing, I ignored the desire to watch the snow and shuffled toward the chip aisle. The made-to-order sandwiches part of the store wasn’t open, so our options were severely limited.