Page 20 (2/2)

"Not today, squirt," said Eli They seemed so normal, just like other brothers and sisters, that it seemed weird to think of them as vas "But maybe another day And you’ll have to ask Riley" He inclined his head toward me "She’s the boss"

Josie looked at me ide blue eyes "Could I?" she asked "Please? I won’t get in the way, I swear" She nearly squirmed where she stood, dressed in a Go-Go’s T-shirt, skinny jeans, and high-tops

I shrugged "Yeah, sure" I smiled "Cool shirt"

Josie beareed "Okay, I seriously have to go now"

Luc looked at me and sone, and I literally heard Josie giggle just as the downstairs door closed I would never get used to that Eli stood, watching me, amused "He said, ‘Peace out’"

"Oh," I responded "Okay, coainst the clock, I hurried downstairs, Eli and Chaz on my heels At the bottom of the steps I turned, and Eli stood on the step abovethe wooden handrail and looking up at him "You’re about to meet one of my favorite people in the entire world She’s very buoyant, optimistic, and sweet--and she’s my best friend She’s already freaked about Seth, so don’tat her all day, okay?"

Eli’s smile was subtle but effective "Why do you think I’d stare?" he asked

"Because you stare at me constantly," I answered

He drew closer "Are you freaked-out?"

I fought the ever-growing urge to touch hiain, he s to tell her?"

I cockedlie, that’s what" I poked his chest "I can’t tell her aboutyour heritage I believe because your father proved it to rasp, but I can handle it I’m not sure if Nyx would be able to For now you’re just an apprentice hanging out for a little experience That’s it No connection to what she witnessed with one to rehab on Da Island Got it?"

"Understood," Eli said, then, with his forefinger, grazed aze raked over "

Why that compliment affected me, I haven’t a clue But it left h, wanting a lot more "Thanks," I answered, and tried to see, but Eli’s smile proved he knew otherwise I rolled arded hi to be tempted by Nyx, are you? Because if you hurt one little hair on her head--"

"She’s safe," Eli interrupted "I’ve got Gullah blood in ," I added "Nyx is a hugger She hugsyou It’s what she does So justdeal with it"

Eli’s blue eyes gleamed "Yes,the OPEN sign in the storefront, turned In total Nyx fashion, her huge blue eyes lined with heavy black liner widened "Riley! Oh osh, I’ve been so worried! How’s Seth?" she asked, hurrying across the roohtly as she huggedanswers "Is he going to be okay? Have you heard from him today?"