My Soul to Keep
Page 63

I think you should fade out, I said, backing toward the hall.
Alec doesnt want me to bring backup. Which was one of the main reasons I found him hard to trust. Well, that and the fact that hed contacted me through the unconscious body of my best friend. So we should probably keep you a secret.
No problem. Tod grinned, and though I could see no difference in him, I had no doubt that he no longer existed physically in the room. If he ever had.
I tiptoed into the kitchen in my socks and grabbed another can of Coke from the fridge. I had drained half of it by the time I made it back to Emmas room. Do you I began, intending to ask the reaper if he wanted a soda. Though I couldnt remember ever seeing him consume anything before.
Shhhh! Tod hissed the moment I stepped in from the hall. Hes here.
My voice faded into a tense silence as I glanced from the reaper to the girl lying curled up on one side on the bed. Emma hadnt moved since I left the room, but if Tod thought Alec had arriveda full four minutes earlyI wasnt taking any chances.
Sipping from my can as casually as possible, I strolled across the room toward Emma, and this time when her eyes popped open, I was ready. I didnt spill a single drop.
Do I what? Alec asked through Emmas mouth as he stared up at me through her deep brown eyes.
I was going to ask if you wanted a soda.
Emma frowned, then pushed herself upright on the mattress. How did you know I was here?
You went tense when I walked into the room. I shrugged, totally ad-libbing. So, you want a drink or not? I asked before he had a chance to think about my answer.
Emmas brows shot up. Can I do that? Have a drink while Im in here? He spread her arms to indicate her entire form.
I shrugged again. How would I know? Ive never been in someone elses body.
The grin was all Alec. Me, neitherbefore tonight.
Are you serious? I shot him a legitimate scowl. Youre new at this? Here, they dont let new drivers behind the wheel alone, but I bet theres no one in there with you to slam on the brakes if this thing goes downhill.
His grin faded. Trust me, Kaylee, theres no one else here youd trust in your friends body.
No one here, either Tod quipped, and it was all I could do not to acknowledge his jokeor his presence.
So, how bout that drink? Alec swung Emmas bare feet onto the floor. Do you have anything stronger than Coke?
Yeah. Drano. But even if I knew for a fact that he was drawing me into a trap, Icouldnt poison Emma. Shes had quite enough to drink tonight, thank you.
Well, that explains why she was so easy to push toward sleep. When I showed no sign of relenting, he sighed and shrugged Emmas shoulders. A Coke would be great, thanks. I havent had one in years.
Tod followed me to the kitchen, as Id hoped he would, and I whirled on him the minute we were out of sight from the hallway. Just shut up and listen in there, or I swear Ill tell your boss youre moonlighting as a Netherworld mule, I hissed. Then I grabbed another can from the fridge and marched back down the hall before he could reply.
In Emmas room, Alec stood with Ems arms crossed beneath her chest, eyeing the collection of pictures on her dresser. Here. Drink fast and talk faster. This little powwows over if anyone wakes up or comes home. Got it?
Alec nodded, then broke one of Emmas nails popping open the tab on his can. She was definitely going to notice that. Mmm, he said, swallowing his first mouthful of soda. Id forgotten how it fizzes on your tongue. It almost hurts. Do you have any idea how long its been since I had a soda? I cant believe I can feel it through her. Maybe I should just stay here
No, you shouldnt. Dont you want to feel things in your own body?
Emma shrugged. Well, one without breasts would be nice. These things get in the way every time I move my arms.
I rolled my eyes and sank into the desk chair. I wouldnt know. But she should get her period in a couple of days. Unless you want to stick around for that and I could tell from the comically horrified look on her face, and from Tods less-than-subtle snort, that my dart had hit the bulls-eye I suggest you start talking. Whats the plan?
Okay, here goes Alec took his can and settled Emma onto the edge of the bed, leaning forward with one elbow on her knee, her legs spread wide. Like a guy would sit. Tomorrow is the winter solstice, in both worlds, and for the first time in something like sixty years, Avari has the resources to hold a true Liminal Celebration. Ive truly never seen anything like the effort theyre putting into this.
Whats a Liminal Celebration? I asked, sipping from my own can, wishing that the caffeine would kick in almost as badly as I wished Alec would get to the part that included the actual plan.
Its a festival in honor of the liminal times and places. Do you understand liminality? I shook my head and, to my irritation, he made Emma nod, as if shed expected as much.
Liminalities are the spaces and moments between.