The Golden Lily (Bloodlines, #2)

by Richelle Mead

“Really, Sage? A date?” I sighed. “Yes, Adrian. A date.” “A real date. Not, like, doing homework together,” he added. “I mean like where you go out to a movie or something. And a movie that’s not part of a school assignment. Or about something boring.” “A real date.” I figured I wouldn’t give him the specifics on the Shakespeare play. “What’s the lucky guy’s name?” “Brayden.” There was a pause. “Brayden? That’s his real name?” “Why are you asking if everything’s real? You think I’d make any of this up?” “No, no,” Adrian assured me. “That’s what’s so unbelievable about it. Is he cute?” I glanced at the clock. It was time for me to meet my study group. “Gee, maybe I should just send you a picture to review?” “Yes, please. And a full background check and life history.”

lol and so it starts with Brayden, Brady, Hayden, etc…

Why do you care so much anyway?” I finally asked in exasperation. His answer took a long time, which was uncharacteristic. Adrian was usually ready with a dozen witty quips. Maybe he couldn’t decide which one to use. When he finally responded, it was in that usual sarcastic way of his—though the levity sounded a little forced. “Because it’s one of those things I never expected to see in my lifetime,” he told me. “Like a comet. Or world peace. I’m just used to you being single.” For some reason, that bothered me. “What, you don’t think any guy would ever be interested in me?” “Actually,” said Adrian, sounding remarkably serious, “I can imagine lots of guys being interested in you.”

hint hint.

“Really?” Adrian was still hung up on the end of my date. “His hand?” I sighed and sank back into a sleek leather sofa. Clarence’s house always reminded me of some stereotypical haunted manor from the outside—but inside it was modern and well furnished. “Look, it just happened—okay, you know what? Never mind. This is none of your business. Just let it go.” But something in Adrian’s expression told me he would not, in fact, be letting it go anytime soon. “With all that red-hot passion, it’s a wonder you guys can stay away from each other,” said Adrian, deadpan. “Is there going to be a second date?”

The ghost of a smile flashed across Adrian’s face. “I don’t know about that. And I think you know why I don’t want to risk being trapped in a car with our Russian friend. As for the rest… I don’t know, Sage. There’s something about you… you don’t judge like the others. I mean, you do. You’re more judgmental than any of them in some ways. But there’s an honesty to it. I feel…” The smile left his face as he faltered for words. “Comfortable around you, I guess.”

awwww

I dared a peek at Adrian. He no longer looked angry, but there was still a fierceness there. It was almost… protective. A strange, warm feeling swirled in my chest, and for a brief moment, when I looked at him, I saw… safety. That wasn’t usually the first sentiment I had around him. I shot him what I hoped was a grateful look. He gave me a small nod in return.

girl catching feeling and is oblivious to them.

“This is Brayden,” I told him. “Brayden, Adrian.” Adrian shook his hand. “I’ve heard so much about you.” I didn’t doubt that but wondered who exactly he’d heard it from. Brayden gave a friendly smile back. “I’ve actually never heard of you. I didn’t even know Sydney had another brother.” “You never mentioned me?” Adrian shot me a look of mock hurt. “It never came up,” I said.

Brayden looked indignant. “Of course not. I work almost every day at a coffee shop.” “A coffee shop,” repeated Adrian, managing to convey a million shades of disapproval in his tone. “I see.” He glanced over at me. “I suppose it could be worse.” “Adrian—” “Well, it’s not like I’m going to work there forever,” protested Brayden. “I’ve already been accepted to USC, Stanford, and Dartmouth.” Adrian nodded thoughtfully. “I guess that’s respectable. Although, I’ve always thought of Dartmouth as the kind of school people go to when they can’t get into Yale or Harv—”

adrian out here being a menace

“You know what I mean. And you’re also one of the most fiercely loyal people I know—and caring, no matter how much you pretend otherwise. I see the way you look after Jill. Not many people would’ve traveled across the country to help her. And almost no one would have done what you did to save her life.” Again, Adrian took a while to respond. “But what are loyal and caring really worth?” “To me? Everything.”

awww felt for adrian - constantly living a life where people closed to him don’t value him or dismiss you his efforts —

“Does that guy—that Brendan guy—” “Brayden.” “Does that Brayden guy make you happy?” I looked at Adrian in surprise. These kinds of questions were almost always a setup from him, but his neutral face made it hard to guess his motives this time. “I guess,” I said at last. “Yeah. I mean, he doesn’t make me unhappy.” That brought Adrian’s smile back. “Red-hot answer if ever there was one. What do you like about him? Aside from the car? And that he smells like coffee?”

i just love how everyone never gets this man’s name right lmao

“I like that he’s smart,” I said. “I like that I don’t have to dumb myself down around him.” Now Adrian frowned. “You do that a lot for people?” I was surprised at the bitterness in my own laugh. “‘A lot?’ Try all the time. Probably the most important thing I’ve learned at Amberwood is that people don’t like to know how much you know. With Brayden, there’s no censoring for either of us. I mean, just look at this morning. One minute we were talking Halloween costumes, the next we were discussing the ancient Athenian origins of democracy.” “I’m not going to claim to be a genius, but how the hell did you make that leap?” “Oh,” I said. “Our Halloween costumes. We’re dressing Greek. From the Athenian era.” “Of course,” he said. And this time, I could tell the snark was about to return. “No sexy cat costumes for you. Only the most dignified, feminist attire will do.” I shook my head. “Feminist? Oh, no. Not Athenian women. They’re about as far from feminist as you can—well, forget it. It’s not really important.” Adrian did a double take. “That’s it, isn’t it?” He leaned toward me, and I nearly moved back… but something held me where I was, something about the intensity in his eyes. “What?” I asked. He pointed at me. “You stopped yourself just now. You just dumbed it down for me.” I hesitated only a moment. “Yeah, I kind of did.” “Why?” “Because you really don’t want to hear about ancient Athens, any more than you wanted to hear Brayden talk about Chaos Theory.” “That’s different,...

My chance came when I saw a small gas station outside of Escondido with a sign reading BEST SLUSHES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HERE AT JUMBO JIM’S! I remembered his joke about switching to a slush-based diet. I turned my car off the highway, even though I knew it was silly. What was a slush compared to the disaster we’d just left behind? Still, I had to do something—anything—to make Adrian feel better. He didn’t even seem to notice we’d stopped there until I was getting out of the car. “What’s up?” he asked, managing to drag himself out of his dark thoughts. The look on his face tore me apart. “You’ve got half a tank.” “Be right back,” I said. I returned five minutes later, a cup in each hand, and managed to knock on his window. He got out of the car, truly puzzled now. “What’s going on?” “Slushes,” I said. “Cherry for you. You have to drink it out here, though. I’m not risking the car.”

Adrian blinked a couple of times, as though maybe I was a mirage brought on by too much sunlight. “What is this? A pity party for me? Because I’m so pathetic?” “It’s not always about you,” I scolded. “I saw the sign and wanted a slush. Figured you’d want one too.

“Like you pointed out, we still love people who make mistakes. I’m sure she loves you too. Anyway, that’s something you need to discuss with her—not him.” He nodded. “The other thing that bothered me… well, he said all that in front of you.” That was a shock too. I brushed it off, feeling a little flustered that he would think so much of my opinion. Why should he care? “Don’t worry about me. I’ve been with much more abrasive people than him.” “No, no… I mean…” Adrian looked at me and then quickly averted his eyes. “After what he said about me, I can’t stand the thought that you might think less of me.” I was so surprised that I couldn’t muster a response right away. When I did, I just blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “Of course I don’t.” He still wouldn’t look at me, apparently not believing my words. “Adrian.” I laid my hand over his and felt a warm spark of connection. He jerked his head toward me in astonishment. “Nothing he said could change what I think of you. I’ve had my mind made up about you for a long time… and it’s all good.” Adrian looked away from me and down to where my hand covered his. I blushed and pulled away. “Sorry.” I’d probably freaked him out.

awwwwwwww this was a cute moment

“But when my life’s on the line—when others’ lives are on the line—what good am I? I can’t fight. I was completely helpless out there. Just like when the Strigoi attacked us and Lee. I can only stand and watch and wait for people like Rose and Dimitri to save me. I… I’m like a storybook damsel in distress.” He finished cleaning my cheek and set the washcloth down. He cupped my face in his hands. “The only thing true about what you just said was the storybook damsel part—and that’s only because you’re pretty enough to be one. Not the distress thing. Everything else you just said was ridiculous. You’re not helpless.” I finally looked up. In our conversations, Adrian wasn’t usually the one accusing me of being ridiculous. “Oh? So I am like Rose and Dimitri?” “No. No more than I am. And, if memory serves, someone told me recently it was useless trying to be like other people. That you should only try to be yourself.”

“Oh, Sage. I’ve got a lot to say, drunk or sober.” He released me and stepped away. I felt oddly vulnerable without him near. “What most people don’t get is that I’m more coherent like this. Less chance for spirit to make me crazy.” He tapped the side of his head and rolled his eyes.

This made me feel a little arrogant, enough so that when Adrian turned his back to get a water bottle, I sneaked up from behind and flung my arms around him, pinning his arms in turn. Wolfe had shown us how to break that type of hold, and I honestly thought Adrian had seen me coming enough to slip away before I even touched him. Apparently not. He froze, and for one moment, we stood locked in time. I could feel the silk of his shirt against my skin and the warmth of his body. The lingering scent of the overpriced cologne he wore floated around me. No smoke for a change. I’d always told him the cologne couldn’t be worth what he spent, but suddenly, I reconsidered. It was amazing. I was so awash in sensory overload that I was caught completely unaware when he did push me away. “What are you doing?” he exclaimed. I’d thought he’d be impressed at my sneak attack, but there was neither approval nor humor on his face. My own smile faded.

homeboy got flutters - butterflies he’s in love

He looked uncomfortable. Almost upset. “What’s the matter?” “Nothing,” he said gruffly. For a moment his eyes locked onto me with an intensity that left me breathless. Then, he glanced away, as though he couldn’t handle looking at me. I felt more confused than ever. “Never thought I’d see the day when you’d throw your arms around a vam—someone like me.” I barely even noticed his public slipup. His words drew me up short. He was right. I’d touched him without even thinking about it—and not just a formal Moroi handshake, like usual. Sure, it was in the context of our class, but I knew that I never could have done this a few months ago. Touching him now had seemed perfectly natural. Was that why he was upset? Was he worried about the Alchemists and me?

“That’s the third time I’ve heard ‘your boyfriend.’ What’s going on with that? Why won’t anyone say Brayden’s name?” Neither of them answered right away. Finally, Jill said sheepishly, “Because none of us can remember it.” “Oh, come on! I’d expect that from Adrian but not you guys. It’s not that weird of a name.” “No,” admitted Eddie. “But there’s just something so… I don’t know. Unmemorable about him. I’m glad he makes you happy, but I just start to tune out whenever he talks.”

lmaooooo eddie!!! nah but for real the amount of times people can’t say the name right - hilarious

“Relax, Sage. I won’t leave a scratch. Really, this is surprisingly comfortable for a family car. I would’ve expected—” He turned his head toward me and froze. I had never seen him so still—or so quiet. His shock was so thorough and intense that he actually dropped his cigarette. “Ahh,” I cried, springing forward, lest the burning cigarette damage the car. It landed harmlessly on the asphalt, and I quickly stamped it out. “For the last time, will you get off of there?” Adrian slowly sat up, eyes wide. He slid off the hood and didn’t seem to leave any marks. Obviously, I’d have to check it later. “Sage,” he said. “What are you wearing?” I sighed and stared down at the dress. “I know. It’s red. Don’t start. I’m tired of hearing about it.” “Funny,” he said. “I don’t think I could ever get tired of looking at it.”

I cry — homeboy was stunned

“So. What do you think of our girl’s ensemble tonight? Pretty amazing, huh? Like Cinderella. Or maybe a Greek Cinderella.” “There’s really not much about it that’s truly Greek,” said Brayden. I winced. I knew he didn’t mean to be insensitive, but his words stung a little. “The dress is historically inaccurate. I mean it’s a very nice dress, but the jewelry’s anachronistic, and the fabric’s nothing that ancient Greek women would have had. Certainly not that color either.” “What about those other Greek women?” asked Adrian. “The flashy smart ones.” His forehead wrinkled, as though it were taking every ounce of his brain to come up with the word he wanted. And, to my astonishment, he did. “The hetaerae.” I honestly hadn’t believed he’d retained anything from our conversation in San Diego. I tried not to smile. “The hetaerae?” Brayden was even more astonished than I was. He gave me a scrutinizing look. “Yes… yes. I suppose—if such materials were hypothetically possible in that era—that this is something you’d expect to see find on a hetaera instead of the average Greek matron.” “And they were prostitutes, right?” asked Adrian. “These hetaerae?” “Some were,” agreed Brayden. “Not all. I think the usual term is courtesan.” Adrian was completely deadpan. “So. You’re saying my sister’s dressed like a prostitute.” Brayden eyed my dress. “Well, yes, if we’re still speaking in hypothetical—”

again adrian being a menace

“You’re drunker than I thought,” I said. “And I thought you were pretty drunk.” He managed to get his body into the seat, and I returned to my own side just as raindrops splashed on my windshield. “Too drunk for Jailbait to feel,” he said. “The bond’s numb. She can have an Adrian-free night.” “That was very thoughtful of you,” I said. “Though I’m guessing that’s not the real reason you were hitting the bottle. Or why you came here. As far as I can tell, all you’ve accomplished is to mess with Brayden.” “He called you a prostitute.” “He did not! You baited him into that.” Adrian ran a hand through his hair and leaned against the window, watching the rapidly unfolding storm outside. “Doesn’t matter. I’ve decided I don’t like him.” “Because he’s too smart?” I said. I remembered Jill and Eddie’s earlier comments. “And unmemorable?” “Nah. I just think you can do better.”

meaning “your soulmate is right in front of you”

“Rose once told me about this poem she’d read. There was this line, ‘If your eyes weren’t open, you wouldn’t know the difference between dreaming and waking.’ You know what I’m afraid of? That someday, even with my eyes open, I still won’t know.”

“But why?” Adrian asked. He sat down on the floor beside me. There was an almost distraught look to him. He leaned closer to me and then seemed shocked as he realized what he was doing. He leaned back a little—but only a little. “Why would you do that? Why would you do that for me?”

feeeeeels

“I did it because he wasn’t fair to you. Because you deserve credit for what you’ve done. Because he needs to realize you aren’t the person he’s always thought you were. He needs to see you for who you really are, not for all the ideas and preconceptions he’s built up around you.” The power in Adrian’s gaze was so strong that I kept talking. I was nervous about meeting that stare in silence. Also, part of me was afraid that if I pondered my own words too hard, I’d discover they were just as much about my own father and me as Adrian and his. “It should have been enough for you to tell him who you are—to show him who you are—but he wouldn’t listen. I don’t like the idea of using others to do things we can do ourselves, but this seemed like the only option.”

He almost smiled. “There you go again. Why? Why do you keep helping me?” There were a million answers on my lips, everything from It’s the right thing to do to I don’t know. Instead, I said, “Because I want to.” This time, I got a true smile from him, but there was something dark and introspective about it. He shifted closer to me again. “Because you feel bad for this crazy guy?” “You aren’t going to go crazy,” I said firmly. “You’re stronger than you think. The next time you feel that way, find something to focus on, to remind you of who you are.” “Like what? Got some magic object in mind?” “Doesn’t have to be magic,” I said. I racked my brain. “Here.” I unfastened the golden cross necklace. “This has always been good for me. Maybe it’ll help you.” I set it in his hand, but he caught hold of mine before I could pull back. “What is it?” he asked. He looked more closely. “Wait… I’ve seen this. You wear this all the time.” “I bought it a long time ago, in Germany.” He was still holding my hand as he studied the cross. “No frills. No flourishes. No secret etched symbols.” “That’s why I like it,” I told him. “It doesn’t need embellishment. A lot of the old Alchemist beliefs focused on purity and simplicity. That’s what this is. Maybe it’ll help you have clarity of mind.” He had been staring at the cross, but now he lifted his gaze to meet mine.

that was close — wrong timing for the light , way to ruin the mood

Some emotion I couldn’t quite read played over his features. It was almost like he’d just discovered something, something troubling to him. He took a deep breath and, his hand still holding mine, pulled me toward him. His green eyes were dark in the candlelight but somehow just as enthralling. His fingers tightened on mine, and I felt warmth spread throughout me. “Sage—” The power suddenly came back on, flooding the room with light. Apparently, with no concern for electrical bills, he’d left all the lights on when he went out earlier. The spell was broken, and both of us winced at the sudden brightness. Adrian sprang back from me, leaving the cross in my hand.

that was close — wrong timing for the light , way to ruin the mood

“Sage?” I turned. “Yeah?” “Do you know why I don’t like him? Brayden?” I was so astonished he’d gotten the name right that I couldn’t voice any answers, though several came to mind. “Because of what he said.” “What part?” Seeing as Brayden had said many things, in great detail, it wasn’t entirely clear which Adrian was referring to. “‘Historically inaccurate.”’ Adrian gestured at me with his other hand, the one not on my shoulder. “Who the hell looks at you and says ‘historically inaccurate’?” “Well,” I said. “Technically it is.” “He shouldn’t have said that.” I shifted, knowing I should move away… but I didn’t. “Look, it’s just his way.” “He shouldn’t have said that,” repeated Adrian, eerily serious. He leaned his face toward mine. “I don’t care if he’s not the emotional type or the complimentary type or what. No one can look at you in this dress, in all that fire and gold, and start talking about anachronisms. If I were him, I would have said, ‘You are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen walking this earth.’”

i would fall in love right then and there - thank you sir

“You’re still drunk,” I said, putting my hand on the door knob. He tilted his head to the side, still watching me in that same, disconcerting way. “Some things are true, drunk or sober. You should know that. You deal in facts all the time.” “Yeah, but this isn’t—” I couldn’t argue with him looking at me like that. “I have to go. Wait… you didn’t take the cross.” I held it out to him. He shook his head. “Keep it. I think I’ve got something else to help center my life.”

Adrian shrugged. “I like the color. It matches my living room.” Eddie snorted. “But you can’t drive it,” I pointed out. “I figure it can’t be that hard.” Adrian sounded remarkably unconcerned about what I found blasphemous. “I’ll just practice taking it around the block a few times and figure it out.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “What? Are you out of your mind? You’ll ruin it if you don’t know what you’re doing!” “What else am I supposed to do?” he asked. “Are you going to teach me?” I turned back to the beautiful Mustang. “Yes,” I said adamantly. “If that’s what it takes to save it from you.” “I can show you too,” said Eddie. Adrian ignored him and focused on me. “When we can start?” I ran through my school schedule, knowing I’d have to make talking to the Alchemists about the Warriors of Light my top priority. Then, the obvious hit me. “Oh. When we see Wolfe this week. We’ll take this out there.” “Is that really to help me?” asked Adrian. “Or do you just want to drive the car?” “Both,” I said, not embarrassed to admit it.

“I feel like I’ve just crashed someone’s date,” Adrian remarked, once we were getting on the highway. No one had tailed us out of downtown, making me feel much safer. “Like I’m intruding on you two. If you want to drop me off somewhere, I’ll understand.”

lmao what you expecting get a car with a carfanic gal

“When’s the next lesson? You want to come back tomorrow night?” “Can’t,” I said. “I’m going out with Brayden.” I was surprised at how much I was looking forward to it. Not only did I want to make things up to him after the dance, but I also just wanted a dose of normality—well, at least the kind of normality Brayden and I had together. Plus, things with Adrian were feeling really weird… “Oh.” Adrian’s smile fell. “Well. I understand. I mean, love and romance and all that.”

“Well, then find a way to do it without dragging Sydney into it! You know how she feels about us…” Adrian faltered as he glanced at me, and I was surprised to almost detect bitterness in his voice.

awww emotional damage

“We have to get back to the shop,” I exclaimed. Glancing over, I was astonished to see Adrian watching me, a look of contentment on his face. His eyes seemed to study my every feature. Seeing me notice him, he immediately looked away. His usual smirky expression replaced the dreamy one.

he’s in love with you sis - read the lines!

Sweat poured off Adrian, soaking his shirt and hair. Pink blotches covered his face. They were familiar. I’d seen them on Jill back when she’d been forced to play outdoor sports in PE. Left unchecked, they’d turn into burns. I jumped to my feet. “Come on, we have to get out of here before you get worse. What were you thinking?” His expression was astonishingly nonchalant for someone who looked like he would pass out. “It was worth it. You looked… happy.”

wow come on sage, homeboy pouring his heart out here - take the hint plz

“I’m a mess,” I muttered, checking myself out in a mirror. The heat had definitely taken its toll, and I looked sweaty and worn. “Don’t worry about it,” Adrian told me. “If he didn’t notice how awesome you were in the red dress, he probably won’t notice anything now.” He hesitated. “Not that there’s even anything to notice. You’re as cute as usual.” I was about to snap at him for teasing me, but when I looked over, his face was deadly earnest. Whatever retort I might have managed died on my lips, and I quickly got up to check our status, in order to hide how flustered I felt.

You need me? You yell. You want to leave? We go. I’ll get you out of here, no matter what.”

okay mr. clark kent

“Let me ask you something. Which is scarier: walking into a den of crazy, murdering humans or being with safe—though kind of wacky—vampires and half vampires? I know the hang-up you Alchemists have with us, but is the loyalty to your own race so strong that… I don’t know… that the people themselves don’t matter?” It was a surprisingly deep question for Adrian. It also echoed my trip to the Alchemist bunker to see Keith. I was reminded of how Keith’s father hadn’t cared about his son’s moral character so long as it meant Keith wasn’t on good terms with vampires. I also thought back to the alley and how obstinate the Warriors were about hearing any truth but their own. And finally, I looked over at the dhampirs arguing in the kitchen, continuing to brainstorm covert ways of keeping Sonya and me safe, no matter the risk. I turned back to Adrian. “I’d take the vampires. Loyalty to one’s kind can only go so far.” Something in Adrian’s face transformed, but I hardly paid it any attention.

he’s testing you sis and you’ve passed!

“You’re in an awfully good mood,” he observed. “Was there a sale at Khakis-R-Us?” I gave up on my artistic interpretation and turned to him. “Nope. Brayden broke up with me.” Adrian’s smirk faded. “Oh. Shit. I’m sorry. Are you… I mean, do you need a drink? Do you need to, uh, cry or anything?” I laughed. “No. Weirdly, I’m fine. It really doesn’t bother me at all. But it should, right? Maybe there’s something wrong with me.”

cry or something lol

“Why would you do that? Why would you act like you didn’t know how to drive?” A million thoughts seemed to cross his mind, none of which he wanted to share. At last, he shook his head in exasperation. “Isn’t it obvious, Sage? No, of course it isn’t. I did it so I’d have a reason to be around you—one I knew you couldn’t refuse.” I was more confused than ever. “But… why? Why would you want to do that?” “Why?” he asked. “Because it was the closest I could get to doing this.” He reached out and pulled me to him, one hand on my waist and the other behind my neck. He tipped my head up and lowered his lips to mine. I closed my eyes and melted as my whole body was consumed in that kiss. I was nothing. I was everything. Chills ran over my skin, and fire burned inside me. His body pressed closer to mine, and I wrapped my arms around his neck. His lips were warmer and softer than anything I could have ever imagined, yet fierce and powerful at the same time. Mine responded hungrily, and I tightened my hold on him. His fingers slid down the back of my neck, tracing its shape, and every place they touched was electric.

my heart

“No, you will listen. For once, you’re going to hear something that doesn’t fit into your neat, compartmentalized world of order and logic and reason. Because this isn’t reasonable. If you’re terrified, believe me—this scares the hell out of me, too. You asked about Rose? I tried to be a better person for her—but it was to impress her, to get her to want me. But when I’m around you, I want to be better because… well, because it feels right. Because I want to. You make me want to become something greater than myself. I want to excel. You inspire me in every act, every word, every glance. I look at you, and you’re like… like light made into flesh. I said it on Halloween and meant every word: you are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen walking this earth. And you don’t even know it. You have no clue how beautiful you are or how brightly you shine.”

again my heart