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"Who has the ti?" Marcus frowned "Aiden, you are a Sentinel, not an Instructor

Neither is Leon And Laadan wil be returning to New York shortly The other Instructors have lives--ones I cannot expect them to drop just for one half-blood"

Aiden’s expression was unreadable, and I sure as hel didn’t knohat provoked the words co out of his mouth next "I can ith her It wouldn’t interfere with my duties"

"You’re one of the best Sentinels," Marcus shook his head "It would be a waste of your talent--"

They battled on about what to do to lare both Leon and Aiden sentI was a lost cause while Aiden and Leon argued that I could be fixed

My uncle’s wil ingness to turn

Servitude wasn’t a pleasant future Everyone knew that I’d heard ru how the pures treated halfs--especial y female halfs

Laadan stepped forward after Aiden and Marcus came to a standstil about what to do withhair over one shoulder "How about we make a deal, Dean Andros? If Aiden says he can train her and stil do his duties, then you have nothing to lose If she’s not ready by the end of the summer, she doesn’t stay"

I twisted back to Marcus, ful of hope

He stared at me for what seemed like forever "Fine" He leaned back in his chair "But this is on you, Aiden Do you understand? Anything--and I --she does wil be a reflection upon you And trustShe’s just like her lanced back at me "Yes I understand"

A wide smile broke out across rew, but when I turned back to Marcus, id stare

"I wil be less tolerant than your old dean, Alexandria Do not ret this decision"

I nodded, not ful y trusting ood chance I would mess it al up if I did Afterwards, Marcus dismissed me with a wave of his hand I stood and left his office Laadan and Leon remained, but Aiden fol owed me

I turned to him "Thank you"

Aiden stared at me "Don’t thank ed "Wel , I just did I real y think Marcus would’ve shipped me off to Lucian’s if it wasn’t for you three"

"He would’ve Your stepfather is your legal guardian"

I shuddered "That’s reassuring"

He caughtthat Lucian did that caused you and your mother to leave?"

"No, but Lucian… wasn’t particularly fond of me I’m Mom’s love child, you know? He’s just Lucian What’s that prick up to, anyways?"

Aiden’s brows rose "That prick is the Minister of Council"

My ht?"

"Why would I joke about so him a prick in public I doubt it would help your cause"

News that Lucian was now a Ministerhe had a "place" for me in his household I shook hts I had enough i with hiet so… if you feel up to it"

"I do"

Aiden’s gaze drifted over my bruised face and then down, as if he could see the many cuts and bruises I’d racked up since I’d fled Mia on the lock of hair he kept pushing off his forehead "What are we starting with? I didn’t start any of the offensive tactics or Silat training"

He shook his head "I hate to disappoint you, but you won’t be starting with Silat training"

That was disappointing I liked daggers and al things that stabbed, and I real y would like to kno to use them effectively I started to head toward my dorm, but Aiden’s voice stoppedyou do wil come back on me Do you understand?"

"Yes Don’t worry I’m not as bad as Marcusin thefriends Not like I was hooking up with any of the"

"Wel , that’s good to know" He walked away

Sighing, I headed back toa second chance hadat the bed for an absurd ah the eirls’

dor quarters only at the Covenant Anyplace else, ere segregated

I tried to re schedules, ridiculous class work studying things that’d bored a like a bunch of catty teenagers who could either kick your ass halfway across the country or set you on fire with a hts with or becaood to have a firestarter in your back pocket