Chapter 30 30
Kaelen's POV:
"You shouldn't," I said honestly. "If I was thinking rationally, if I was putting her safety first above everything else, I'd leave town tomorrow and never contact her again. But I can't do that. Not because I don't want to, but because she's already awakening and she needs help that I can provide. Training, guidance, someone who understands what she's going through. And yeah, being around me might draw attention, but being alone and untrained is more dangerous in the long run."
"That sounds like a rationalization."
"Maybe it is. But it's also the truth." I met her eyes. "I care about Annabeth. A lot. More than I probably should after only knowing her for a few weeks. And I'm terrified that caring about her is going to get her hurt or killed or worse. But I also think she's stronger than either of us give her credit for, and she deserves the chance to make her own choices instead of being protected into ignorance."
Sarah studied me for a long moment. Annabeth had gone completely still beside me, barely breathing.
"You're honest at least," Sarah said finally. "I'll give you that. Most boys your age would've tried to charm me or lie about the dangers."
"Lying to you seemed like a bad idea."
"It would have been." She picked up her fork again. "Finish your dinner. We'll talk more after."
The rest of the meal passed in lighter conversation, Sarah asking about my siblings again and me telling stories about Lucian's video game obsessions and Marlen's scary-smart observations. Annabeth relaxed gradually, even laughed a few times when I described the time Lucian tried to cook and nearly burned down our last apartment.
After we ate, I said goodbye to Sarah and Annabeth walked me outside. The sun had set and the porch light cast her face in warm tones that made her look almost gold.
"I'm so sorry," she said immediately. "She was way more intense than I thought she'd be."
"She was fine. She loves you and she's trying to make sure I'm not going to screw up your life. I get it."
"Still. That question about why she should let me be close to you... god, I wanted to die."
"I meant what I said though. You're strong enough to make your own choices."
She smiled and stepped closer, close enough that I could feel the heat coming off her skin. "Thank you. For being patient with her and with me and with all of this mess."
"Always."
We stood there looking at each other and the air got heavy in that way it always did when we were too close. Her eyes dropped to my mouth for just a second, then back up, and I felt my whole body lean toward her without deciding to.
I wanted to kiss her. God, I wanted to kiss her so badly it was almost painful. But there was something fragile about this moment, something that felt like it needed to be handled carefully instead of rushed.
So instead I reached out and pulled her into a hug, wrapping my arms around her and holding her close. She melted into me immediately, her face pressed against my chest and her arms tight around my waist. I could feel her heartbeat, fast and warm, and smell her shampoo, that coconut scent I'd started associating with feeling calm.
"Hey," I said into her hair. "I don't want you to feel rushed about any of this. The bond thing, whatever decision you need to make... take your time. We can just be what we've been. Friends. People who care about each other. And when you're ready, if you're ever ready, then we figure out the rest."
She pulled back just enough to look at me, her eyes bright. "Friends who kiss sometimes?"
I laughed. "Friends who kiss sometimes, yeah. If you want."
"I want."
She lifted her face and I leaned down, and for a moment I thought we were going to kiss after all. But instead our foreheads met, pressing together gently, and we both closed our eyes. Her breath was warm on my lips and I could feel her pulse where my hands rested on her back, and it was somehow more intimate than kissing would've been. Just standing there, breathing together, existing in the same space.
"Tomorrow," she said quietly. "Training?"
"Yeah. After your classes. Same place as before."
"Okay."
Neither of us moved for another few seconds. Then she stepped back and I let her go, my hands feeling empty without her.
"Goodnight, Kaelen."
"Goodnight, Annabeth."
I walked back to my car and didn't look back, even though I wanted to. Even though part of me was screaming to turn around and kiss her properly and forget about being careful.
But careful was what she needed right now. Careful and patient and honest.
Well. Mostly honest.
The thought of Marcus, of the secret I was keeping, settled in my chest like a stone. I hated it. Hated lying to her, even by omission, when I'd just promised to let her make her own choices.
But I'd made a promise to her father too. And until Marcus decided to reveal himself, that promise had to hold.
I just hoped Annabeth would forgive me when the truth finally came out.