Page 159 of Challenge Me

I’d die before I yield again;

I’ve bent, but I will not bow.

Gentle moonlight danced across Amir’s golden skin. It cast streaks through his dark hair and fashioned a crown upon his head. He was a sight to behold, as always. Bred from ancient kings of men. There was no other explanation.

Quietly, I got out of the bed. I glanced at him a few times until I was in the hallway. Barely audible footsteps made me smile as I continued toward the kitchen.

“Busted,” I said.

Oli whirled around with his hand on his chest. “Bro, what the hell?”

“You stealing?”

“Totally. I was thinking of making off with his knitting collection. It’s got to be around here somewhere.”

With a laugh, I started the kettle, then reached into the cabinet to grab two mugs and a square tin.

“What’s that?” he asked.

“Tea. Don’t ask what kind. I just know his mom sends it from Dubai.” He opened his mouth, but I spoke before he could. “No caffeine.”

“Perfect. Are you going to tell me why you’re up?”

“Why are you?”

“Did you think I’d be able to sleep here?”

“Do you think that ever goes away?”

“No, but I figure it doesn’t matter because once you find your place, sleep comes easy. And when it doesn’t, the person sleeping next to you knows how to silence your demons. Does Amir?”

“He gets out of bed before me some days.”

“And you don’t wake up?”

I shook my head with a frown. “Not always. I hate it.”

After I poured the tea, he nodded toward the living room. Dean was passed out on the floor in their makeshift bed, so we stepped over him and sat on the couch. Both of us brought our feet up, facing each other.

“What happens tomorrow?” he asked.

“No clue.”

“Okay. How are you feeling?”

“Fine.”

“Why is it that when I want you to give me real answers, you have no words?”

“Because where Thought and Memory were Odin’s inseparable allies, mine are opposed forces, always waging war against each other.”

“Huginn and Muninn need timeouts away from each other, then.”

“They’re mostly symbols.” I gripped my cup tightly. “He read the Hávamál, you know.”

Oli’s eyes widened. “Because of you? I like him more every day. Except when he entertains that PR guy’s ideas.”

“I think Renshu has the hots for you.”