“Remind me," he paused, drawing in a stuttered gasp, "to never piss you off again. Christ, are you secretly a ninja?”

“Can I…?” There was a pause and my heart stuttered. “Can I just hold you? That’s all…that’s all I want.”

“Cromwell raised a brow. "You can't even boil an egg, son." He paused. "Or toast bread without burning it."I couldn't help it, I laughed. "Nice."Hayden frowned at me. "I can toast bread.""You tried to shove a fork in the toaster to get your bread out- that was only a few years ago.""Oh. Wow." I grinned at Hayden."Thanks, Dad." Hayden pushed himself off the counter.”

“You’re speechless.” He chuckled. “I like that. And I also like you all feisty. Want to hit me again?”

“You look like you're twelve. No. Maybe thirteen, but my sister has this doll that kinda reminds me of you. All big-eyed and vacant.”

“Before I could even raise a hand, he spun around like the wind, letting go of the dagger. It smacked into the chest of the white-garbed Guard sneaking up on him. Darting forward, he pulled the blade free before the Guard collapsed, and then threw it again, taking out the other Guard who’d cornered Solos.Damn. Aiden was a badass ninja.”

“A second later, there was a knock on my door and a booming voice. 'Alexandria?'Seth stilled above me, panting. 'You have got to be freaking kidding me.'Leon knocked again. [...] 'Lucian is requesting your presence immediately.' Another gap of silence followed. 'He is also requesting to see you, Seth.'Seth frowned as the gleam in his eyes faded. 'How in the world does he know I'm in here?''Leon...just knows.' I pushed at him weakly. 'Get off.''I was trying to.”