Blood Past - By Samantha Young Page 0,28

that damn thing. Didn’t even wind me.”

“That’s true,” October added. “The steward guide guy was unnerved by her and Valeria. I at least pretended to be out of breath.”

Eden snorted. “Pretended. Riiight.”

Tobe glowered at her. “Hey, some of us have learned the art of blending.”

“Yeah, Eden’s never been too good at that,” Noah spoke up, an annoying little amused quirk tilting his lips up at the corner. She glared at him as he smirked at Tobe, who smiled back appreciatively.

“What does that mean?”

He flicked a look at her. “Oh come on. What about that time you ‘shoved’ Rick Caine?” He turned back to Tobe. “Caine was on the school’s wrestling team. He was standing flirting with some girl whose locker was next to Eden’s and when she asked him to move, he wouldn’t. So she shoved him and he skidded along the school hallway like a bowling ball.” Tobe burst out laughing, shaking her head at the imagery. Her smile turned coy as her bright eyes washed over Noah, and Eden found herself wanting to wring her new friend’s neck. “I can’t imagine you in high school, Noah. You must have been popular.”

“Nah.” He shook his head. “I had to be friends with Eden so popularity was out of the question.” It was like he had shot her. Bitter hurt and anger gripped her as she stood up abruptly, knocking the stool over. Everyone turned to her, an uncomfortable hush falling over the room. Glaring at him, Eden watched as he blanched, his eyes turning apologetic. “Eden…” The tension grew thicker and heavier by the second as her eyes pinned him to the couch with wounded disdain. Finally, with one last disgusted look, Eden grabbed her shopping bags. “I’ve got stuff to put away.”

As she exited the room she head Cyrus sigh. “You can hardly expect me to smooth things over between you two when you insist on acting like a jackass.” Eden’s hands shook as she took out her new clothes and hung them up in the side of the closet that October had given her. Tobe had followed her out of the room and upstairs. She hadn’t said anything but Eden could tell she was worried she might have upset her new friend. To ease her concerns Eden began quietly talking to her and Tobe had set about making room for Eden’s stuff in her bedroom.

“You coming down for dinner?” Tobe asked quietly from her place on the bed.

“Of course,” Eden muttered. “I’m hungry.”

She wasn’t going to let Noah ruin what had been one of the best days of her life. At that thought she winced immediately thinking about Stellan. How could she possibly say that, only weeks after his death? Angry with herself she slammed the closet door shut and ran a trembling hand through her hair.

“Eden, you OK?”

The concern in October’s voice surprised her, her head jerking up to catch the girl’s anxious expression. The Neith’s eyes, always so honest, were sincere and sympathetic. It was such a soft, unexpected countenance from Tobe, one that Eden guessed not many people were privy too.

Suddenly Eden felt grateful. She’d never had a girl friend before. It was kind of nice. “Fine. Just…

memories, you know.”

Tobe nodded silently.

A knock on the door had them turning in sync. Noah’s head popped inside, his eyes flicking between Tobe and her. “Hey, Tobe. Can I have a word with Eden in private?”

“Sure-”

“You don’t have to leave, it’s your room,” Eden cut off her acquiescence.

“Nah, it’s cool.” She dashed out of there faster than Eden had yet to see her move.

Noah stood aside, letting her go and then he stepped into the room, closing the door behind him.

“Here.” He held a gift bag out to her.

Frowning Eden reached for it without thinking. “What is it?” she asked warily.

“I bought it earlier just as a… ‘hope you’re OK’ kind of thing. Now it’s a ‘please forgive me for being a complete ass’ kind of thing. It’s been a long day.” Right then, Eden knew something bigger was bothering Noah than what had occurred downstairs.

He hadn’t looked at her when she’d arrived home. He’d seemed snarky and irritable before she’d even opened her mouth. Suddenly she recalled Val’s phone call. She’d gotten so caught up in her time with Tobe that she hadn’t remembered to ask.

“What happened today?” She sank onto the bed, bracing herself for bad news.

With a deep exhalation, Noah crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back against the door.

“Chris and Alison