“Deacon laughed. "Oh, you're so going to be the next person who gets hit. I'm putting money on that.""You need to add yourself to that list." Aiden looked about seventy-percent serious."And I'm putting money on that," Luke threw in.”

“She's Awakening,' Aiden said, voice tight.'But the blood...' I heard Marcus move closer. 'Why is she bleeding?'I eased onto my side. 'I'm being tattooed by a giant, mother fu-' Another strangled scream cut of my words as a different type of pain settled in, moving under my skin. It was like lighting racing through my veins, frying every nerve ending.'This is... wow,' Deacon said, and I pried my eyes open. There was a whole audience by the door.'Get them out of here!' I screamed, jackknifing on the floor. 'Gods, this sucks!''Whoa,' I heard Deacon murmur. 'This is like watching a chick give birth or something.''Oh my gods, I'm going to kill him.' I could feel the beads of blood breaking out under my jeans. 'I'm going to punch him-''Everyone leave,' Aiden ground out. 'This isn't a godsdamn show.''And I think he's like the father,' Luke said.Aiden rose to his feet. 'Get. Out.”

“How are you feeling?"I leaned away from him. "Gross."Aiden frowned. "Gross?""I haven't brushed my teeth or washed my face in days. Don't come near me."He laughed. "Alex, come on.""Seriously, I'm gross." I put my hand over my mouth.Ignoring my protests, he leaned over and brushed my string hair back. "You're as beautiful as always, Alex."I stared at him. He must not get out much.”

“Yeah, I'm great. Nothing like witnessing a death match between gods when I'm trying to get some Cheetos. -Deacon”

“Hot or not, there went my tenuous grip on my temper. 'I don't need you looking out for what's best for me, Aiden. I'm not a child!'His eyes narrowed. 'I of all people know you're not a child, Alex. And I sure as hell didn't treat you like one last night.”

“You don't think we're related?What? Seth burst into laughter. No.How can you be so sure? Because if we're pulling a Luke and Leia, I'm going to barf.”

“I'm skipping, but Cam doesn't have a class until this afternoon, so he's a good boy.""And your a bad boy?""Oh, I'm a bad, bad boy.""Yeah, as in bad at spelling, math, english, cleaning up after yourself, talking to people, and I could go on.”