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    Opal
    Opal
    Opal
    Ebook457 pages7 hours

    Opal

    By Jennifer L. Armentrout

    4/5

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    About this ebook

    Book Three of the bestselling Lux series

    No one is like Daemon Black.

    When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn't fooling around. Doubting him isn't something I'll do again, and now that we've made it through the rough patches, well... There's a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

    But even he can't protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

    After everything, I'm no longer the same Katy. I'm different... And I'm not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I'm capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won't turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

    Together we're stronger...and they know it.

    Read the entire bestselling series!
    #1: Obsidian (from Katy's point of view)
    #2: Onyx (from Katy's point of view)
    #3: Opal (from Katy's point of view)
    #4: Origin
    #5: Opposition
    Oblivion (Books 1-3 from Daemon's point of view) CAN BE READ FIRST OR AFTER KATY'S POV!
    Prequel: Shadows (Dawson's story)

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherMacmillan Publishers
    Release dateDec 11, 2012
    ISBN9781622667192
    Author

    Jennifer L. Armentrout

    # 1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia with her husband and her Jack Russell, Loki. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. Find her on Twitter @JLArmentrout or become a fan on Facebook and Goodreads.

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    Reviews for Opal

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    • 3/5
      This book wasn't as compelling as the previous two, and I was a little disappointed at the lack of character development for both Katy and Daemon. I liked getting to know Dawson though, and the ending almost killed me.While Obsidian was quirky and fun and Onyx was hilarious with a dark edge, Opal is quite angst-ridden and disjointed. There are steamy romantic scenes places haphazardly between nail-biting action and moments of extreme anxiety. Kat spends most of her time worrying about everyone and everything, but spontaneously forgets everything the moment Daemon touches her. The quick changes in mood took away from the pleasure of reading.Simmer down, Kitten, before I have to get you a ball of yearn to play with.****It sucked-sucked worse than people who pirated books, sucked more than a year for the next book in a beloved series, and sucked more than a brutal cliffhanger ending.I expected Daemon to stop being such a colossal tool once he was in a relationship with Katy, but he stayed the same incorrigible idiot and, instead of being amusing, mostly annoyed me throughout the novel. What made is worse, in my opinion, is that Kat is aware that Daemon is less than perfect but repeatedly asserts that his great looks, sexy voice and super-duper alien powers make up for it.I liked Dawson, and found his slow opening up to those around him really sweet. I expected a few more violent outbursts from him though, considering all that he has been through: in the end he was a lot more stable than I expected. I look forward to hopefully getting to know Beth in the next book, since I haven't read Shadows yet. I was disappointed (yet again) and how little interaction Katy has with others, especially since in this book Dee and Katy aren't exactly bosom buddies. Her human friends fade into the background and the other aliens are painted with quite a broad brush, which makes the story lopsided when it comes to normalcy. It doesn't help that most of the 'normalcy' in Katy's life comes in the form of smexy times with her boyfriend. The continued absence of her mother also slits the story.I really liked the book-blogger references in the previous books, but in this book I think they went a little too far. The stand out thing was when Katy expressed how unhappy she was with a situation by likening it to book piracy, year-long waits between books in a series and cliffhanger endings - it was just too much. I did like her excitement at getting books in the mail since it mirrored my own reactions, but the whole book blogger thing is starting to get repetitive and ridiculous.Overall, I think it's clear that Opal is the weakest book in the series so far, but it's still been good to read. The ending ensures readers will be back for more (a cheap trick if you ask me, but whatever), and I will be reading the rest of the series. The Lux series is a great, light science fiction for fans of young adult books looking for something filled with equal measures of romance and action.You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic.
    • 4/5
      Katy is right "brutal cliffhangers suck". Why couldn't it end with a sweet cheery cliffhanger, uh? Okay fine it's not a HEA novel but I was so hoping for a not so heart-wrenching end.

      Anyways, Opal was not as high-octane as the previous books but it was still a great read. As usual, Armentrout's is such a great storyteller she could probably write about stamp collecting and I would love it. This was more focused on Katy and Daemon's growing relationship and Dawson being back. It's hard to believe that a guy considered a jerk and a bully could be such a sweetheart and a romantic, of course Daemon wouldn't be too happy if that gets out, he does have a reputation to uphold.

      Opal might not have the intensity the other books had for me but I see it as more of a sweet love story. There was definitely some action and drama but it was spread throughout the story. Can't wait for the next one.
    • 5/5
      THIS BOOK IS AMAAAAAZING!!! I NEED THE NEXT BOOK
    • 4/5
      This was indeed a good read, worth the late nights i stayed up reading it. The ending was so heartbreaking i almost shed some tears. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book!
    • 4/5
      Great series but not for young teens

      While I did like this story and characters a lot, it was not for a young audience. The language and detailed descriptions of the relationships in the book were not appropriate for a young audience.
    • 1/5
      I expected so much from this book because I loved the first two. However it felt rushed, details didn't add up, and it seemed like she was avoiding the difficult scenes.
      All in all; I was very very disappointed...
    • 3/5
      Read the first two years ago. Twilight read alike but aliens instead of vampires. This one ends in cliffhanger.
    • 4/5
      I enjoyed this more. Katy wasn’t so bad. Seems she grew up a bit.
    • 5/5
      Great story; I love how it was given. Good job writer! If you have some great stories like this one, you can publish it on Novel Star, just submit your story to hardy@novelstar.top
    • 5/5
      All right, I'll admit it. I couldn't control my inner fangirl once I got my hands on this book. Daemon is just so...Daemon. I can't count how many times I did a mental happy dance once he said something funny or just plain naughty.



      Moving on...this book tops each previous one in the series. And here I thought it just couldn't get any hotter than Onyx with all of the spontaneous combusting going around, but I'm so glad I was wrong. I enjoyed Opal from page one. It was flawless. Each of my expectations were met and then some. Jennifer L. Armentrout kept didn't pull any emotional punches, either.

      What I Especially Liked:

      1) The Realism of Dee & Katy's Relationship:
      In the aftermath of Adam's death, I didn't expect Armentrout to really focus on how Katy & Dee's relationship would be impacted. I thought she'd mostly stick to the main storyline, and either not address the tension at all or have it be non-essential. But I'm so glad that it was a prominent aspect. I'm glad that I got to see how hurt Dee was, and how authentic her reactions were. I'm glad that she took time away from Katy to collect herself, and didn't rush back into their best-friend-hood. It was all so realistically refreshing, and I'm glad that Katy was understanding about it.


      2) The Recurring Characters:
      Most of the character that are introduced in Onyx are back with a vengeance in this novel. After the first time it happened, I was shocked.

      I didn't expect the person who came back to be back so soon. I was on the edge of my seat wondering how everyone, especially Daemon, would react. After the second time, the character who came back wasn't around for very long...if you know what I mean. So, that character didn't have as much of an impact as the crapstorm they caused did. Still, with each person who came around the action aspect inched up that much more and I loved it all.


      3) Katy's Ongoing Frustration w/Daemon:
      I think that this was what drew me to the series in the first novel, Obsidian. I liked that Daemon was a cocky asshole and I especially liked that Katy (unlike many heroines in the YA genre nowadays) didn't take any of his crap. In Opal, she still doesn't and I love the consistency. Now that Katy and Daemon are an actual couple, Daemon pulls back the asshole remarks but never stops being his arrogant self. Katy's frustration moves to Daemon's undying need to protect her in this book. I found myself siding with Katy time and time again when her safety was brought up. Daemon's hypocrisy knew no bounds (I still love him, though). There'd be a situation when they were planning something dangerous and Daemon would say something like "I don't want you to go. I just want to protect you." And Katy would argue that if she asked him not to go, he'd refuse. Which was completely true, of course. I felt the same mild annoyance that Katy did, and I think a book it a million times better when I can feel what the character's feeling.


      4) The Return of Dawson
      Ever since Dawson came back everyone had been on edge waiting for him to go off his rocker and try to rescue Bethany on a suicide mission. And while I did share their fear that Dawson would try to rescue her and end up dead in the process, I also found it endearing. His determination to get to Beth was impressive. His dedication was everlasting. Going through the pain of trying to resist onyx only on the possibility that he'd see her again...Dawson immediately became a character that I liked and will continue to like.

      5) The Ending






      IT DESTROYED ME. I knew Armentrout would deliver with a fantastic, unbelievable ending. I knew I would remember it and cherish it and obsess over it until the next Lux novel came out. And I will. But....like I said, it destroyed me. It simply broke my heart in two. Shattered it to pieces. I didn't know whether I should start bawling for Katy & Daemon's relationship or rage at the unfairness of it all. I knew something would go horribly awry. Armentrout kept hinting at it. I knew the shit would hit the fan. I just didn't expect it to do so in the way that it did. I'm so distraught right now. I need the next book. Need it.

      Favorite Lines:

      1) "Maybe I wouldn't have to worry about her [Katy's Mother] and Will. Maybe I needed to worry about her and Daemon. Cougar."

      2) " 'But you've broken the rules, Kitten. Several times. You're owed some punishment.'
      My heart jumped. 'I am a rule breaker.'
      His lips tilted up on one corner. 'You are.' "

      3) "To my left, there was a blur of brown racing away from me. Most likely a deer or, knowing my luck, a chupacabra."

    • 3/5
      Well color me surprised!
      THAT was one hell of an ending, it took me two whole days to wrap my mind around it and be able to sit down and write a review.

      This book was a whole lot better than the previous two plot-wise; things got even more twisted up, more and more issues were brought up, a lot of new stuff were discovered and it was really great.
      I have even more questions now, than I did when I first started this series. I wanna know what would happen next because whenever something gets fixed, either something else gets screwed up, or a whole new problem appears. And I really like that about this series; it keeps me on my toes and makes me wanna keep reading.

      BUT *stage whisper* I bet y'all were waiting for this but
      I can't for the life of me stand to read one more line about how perfect Daemon is. Which is exactly why I gave this book a lower rating than the previous one.
      Like, alright Katy we get it. Your guys is handsome and powerful and amazing and all the damned good adjectives in the world, you don't need to remind us of that Every. Freaking. Minute.
      I tried to be more patient and understanding and crap, but I got sick and tired of that after the billionth time she went on and on and on about how perfect he is.

      And what the hell is it with him and ordering everyone around because he thinks he's "protecting" them? Dude, let people make their own choices and be there for them if they need you; don't try to control every aspect of their damned life!

      All in all, I think this story is amazing, creative and interesting. And I really wanna know what happens next (I wanna know who would murder that piece of shit called Blake and how bad he'd suffer more specifically) but I need a damned break from Katy and her constant reminding of how perfect Daemon is.

    • 3/5
      I gave this a generous 2.75 - 3.0 stars. Here is why the 3 stars is generous...

      Spoilers-

      First: You can't read this book with any knowledge of science. Not on any level. If you have one this book will destroy it. You have to suspend the theories and laws of science and just go with it. However, it is hard to ignore large plot holes. For example, Blake had built up a large tolerance to the Onyx because he was constantly exposed to it while in custody. Daemon was also in custody for a year undergoing the same types of torture...yet he had no tolerance...at all...zip....

      Second: Can't do the perfect guy trope. In this book, Daemon loses his edge and becomes a dream guy whose only calling in life is to love and protect Katy. He is Mr. Romantic Perfection. Nah. PASS!!

      Third: Blake has showed you his true colors in the last book. He showed them in this book. He even pulled a creeper move of sneaking into Katy's bedroom while she slept and laid down next to her. I believe he even tried kissing her? That is a bit rapy. Yet...we are still going to trust this guy? Oh wait...ooops...then there is the ending. WOW! DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING AT ALL!!!


      Our Twilight moment: Daemon takes Katy to prom.


      I am probably going to continue with Origin because the books are (usually) fun and quick reads. The first two were better than this one, so it is my hope it gets better from here. **crossing fingers***
    • 4/5
      Katy is right "brutal cliffhangers suck". Why couldn't it end with a sweet cheery cliffhanger, uh? Okay fine it's not a HEA novel but I was so hoping for a not so heart-wrenching end.

      Anyways, Opal was not as high-octane as the previous books but it was still a great read. As usual, Armentrout's is such a great storyteller she could probably write about stamp collecting and I would love it. This was more focused on Katy and Daemon's growing relationship and Dawson being back. It's hard to believe that a guy considered a jerk and a bully could be such a sweetheart and a romantic, of course Daemon wouldn't be too happy if that gets out, he does have a reputation to uphold.

      Opal might not have the intensity the other books had for me but I see it as more of a sweet love story. There was definitely some action and drama but it was spread throughout the story. Can't wait for the next one.
    • 3/5
      3.5/5 Stars

      I don’t know why it took me so long to read this book. I’ve read the first two in the series in the beginning of the summer and really enjoyed them. But I finally got to this one and it did not disappoint. The majority of this book was the preparation for the showdown and the saving of Beth and Chris. Katy, Daemon, and the other Luxen were all preparing for breaking the others out.

      First off let me just say how much I hate both Will and Blake. I know they are the antagonists and part of the DOD problem. But they are just horrible individuals who ruin everyone’s happiness. And throughout this whole book, I wanted my gut feeling about Blake to be wrong. It bothered me that they had this sort of truce with him about breaking into the DOD facility.

      Daemon and Katy are so perfect with each other. I absolutely love their interactions. I love that Katy is still a strong, independent character. She does not need Daemon to save her. While he is overly protective of her, he still respects her wishes and still lets her make her own decisions about helping them. I really appreciate how they respect and work with each other, it is refreshing to other novels.

      Overall, I really enjoyed this 3rd book and with that ending, I really cannot wait to read Origin. I must know what happens to Katy and how everyone deals with the aftermath of this book.
    • 5/5
      Always to remember Daemon Black 5 Stars JLA YOU ROCK, for me to love a series and every book in that series says a lot. I usually loose interest in the second book, and feel that the author should have stopped at book one, but with this series I was excited about every book I read, it took me a week to complete this series, and I did not sleep in that period. Daemon - is my ultimate PNR ya and bb, infuriating. Arrogant (What's not to love) ;-), then you have Katy a perfect heroine, strong and do not let anybody tell her what to do she has some insecurities, but not enough to not enjoy this series. I will Highly recommend this series for lovers of PNR. Will I read it again - FUCK YES!!!
    • 5/5
      I really enjoyed this book. Until the ending. I couldn't sleep well. Ugh. How am I supposed to wait to see what happens? Great cliffhanger...terrible for my nerves. "/
    • 2/5
      Okay, so after a little work Ive read Opal. Maybe its just the 16 hour daily shifts, the need to move YET again three weeks after just moving and dying from a god awful virus, but I just wasn't feeling it this time.

      Katy and Daemon are helping Dawson get Beth back. The must break into DOD's headquarters to get Beth. Begin tale.

      Katy and Daemon bored me. I think perhaps the series is done for me because all their endearing moments just kind of didn't do it for me. I think I should have read the last look just to re-hype myself on the Katy and Daemon train. I just wasn't feeling it.

      The action scenes were short. We need more action like the initial days of Lux. And more focus on the LUX species and less on Katy and Daemon's rather yawn worthy sex life (Really, she kills Will and then sleeps with Daemon, worst reason ever).

      Hating on book pirates randomly made me roll my eyes.


      It was nice to see all the old characters again, and the cliffhanger ending will of course bring me back for one more book. I don't think I can do much more though unless there is a major upheaval somewhere in the storyline. Cant wait to see how Daemon saves Katy - but also curious how Jennifer will write about that since we have never done Daemon's side of things. Either way, for a series losing its steam so quickly I can see this being salvageable with a little more "Luxianism" and a little less romanticism. Sure this is YA Paranormal Romance - and maybe I'm getting bored of the genre, but I want more details on the Lux race!
    • 5/5
      What a great book...except for that jaw dropping, tear jerking, truly awful cliffhanger! Seriously, if you don't like cliffhangers don't read this until you have the next book in your hands. Otherwise read away because Deamon is totally swoon worthy!
    • 3/5
      I was truly disappointed in all the juvenile behaviour, teen drama, exceedingly poor attempts at humor and unexciting events. The ending made up for some of that, though. Way to leave a reader on a cliffhanger like that! Alright, this may have been a little too harsh; it is, after all, a YA book, therefore juvenile behaviour and teen drama are expected. There were definitely some things that were likable, and even lovable. Kat & Daemon's relationship, for example. If in the previous book I did not feel any real chemistry between them, than this book completely made up for that. I like how their relationship was constantly growing and evolving. Plus, Daemon saying that three-letter-word to Kat at the end was incredibly touching. And words I'll come back for you made my heart skip a beat.
    • 5/5
      Dawson is back but he isn't the same. Dee is devastated over Adam's death. Dee and Katy's friendship is broken. Katy and Daemon are finally together but with enemies old and new coming at them from all sides will they or their friends and family ever be the same again.Poor Daemon and Dee to get their brother back but only a shell of his old self must be devastating. Plus Dee dealing with Adam's death. Just when they are happy together and he gets killed by that SOB Blake. Poor Katy.She can't tell her mom about Will. Which I didn't see coming as one of the bad guys. It was a big shock to me last book. I loved Dawson and missed the old Dee. Dawson's love for Beth is beautiful. Both brothers love with everything they have.Daemon and Katy's relationship seems to be maturing and it's great seeing them together. They go though real relationship struggles like jealousy issues and overprotective issues along with all the alien issues. Katy and Daemon's sexual chemistry is still off the charts hot. If you weren't in love with Daemon after the first two books you will be while reading this book. I love his character more and more. That scene after Prom was magical and romantic.Watching Katy process not being the same girl after all she went though was understandable and very real. You meet an another hybrid named Luc and I wonder what future role he is going to play. This book grabbed me from the start and I had so much trouble putting it down. HOLY COWS that Cliffhanger ending. Thank God I waited for all the books to come out before I started this series.Rating: 5 out of 5Content Rating: PG-13 but recommend for older YA readersKeeper: YES!
    • 3/5
      I have a hard time clearly defining my feeling for this series. It's very up and down. I liked this installment of the Lux series but I didn't love it. It was very easy to put down and even occasionally pick up another book that I'm in the middle of reading in favor of Opal. Despite this novel having a cliffhanger ending, I don't feel that compelled to pick up Origin...yet. I'll definitely finish the series and read Shadows too, but I think I'll finish the other two books I'm reading right now first.
    • 5/5
      The ending was heartbreaking. Going to read the next installment ASAP.
    • 5/5
      Oh my! *fans herself* Such a cliffhanger. Gosh! It's mean. Seriously mean!!!

      I so did not expect to love Opal more than Obsidian and Onyx. But I did. And it had nothing to do with the hot scenes, though I won't lie, I liked them too.

      But let me say that the way the story develops is breath-taking. We get to see all sorts of different qualities and sides of all the characters. Where Daemon was mostly a jerk in the previous books, here he's grown into an overprotective boyfriend. He's also understanding, loving, romantic and adorable. I believe it's safe to say I want one of him for myself ;)

      Then Katy goes a long way from being defenseless to being a kick butt heroine. I loved how well she was developed. I only didn't like how she hid things from Daemon... very important things I might add. And of course she hid things from her mom.

      Dawson was slowly returning to himself, not that we know what he was like before, but still.

      I hated how Dee had to be all alone without Alex. *Sigh*

      I just don't know why everyone just goes ahead and trusts the wrong guy time and time again. Seriously, it gets old. I mean, how stupid do you have to be to put your faith in the one person whom YOU KNOW you CAN'T trust? Is it really that difficult to be suspicious? So many things could have been avoided...

      Anyway, the cliffhanger is a killer. I want more. And when I say more, I mean MORE!!!! You get my meaning. ;)

    • 2/5
      2.5 star reviewDue to copy and paste, formatting has been lost.You remember how I said that I was devouring this series? I was. I was really enjoying it, averaging a book a day - until I got to this one. For whatever reason, I just read this one so much slower - and I didn't like this one as much as the others in the series.Now that Daemon has Katy, obviously the angst is gone - and that's a nice thing. I kind of thought that we would see more of them as a couple in this one - and while that did happen, the moments were just too few and far between for my taste.And don't get me started on the introduction of a new character - Dawson was... interesting, I guess. I wanted to like him, I really did. But I feel like as a character, Dawson didn't really get the development that I hope for in all characters. As in all of these books, development of Daemon won out in the end. That's where my problems truly start - I think that the other characters should get better personalities too! I WANT MORE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT.And in other news, DAWSON IS CREEPY. I want to like the boy, because he's related to Daemon... but I just find him creepy. I don't even know why I do, but... he is. So many things happen that make me sort of doubt the boy, but I guess I'll have to keep reading to find out... and I'm not so sure that I want to do that anymore.I feel like the longer this series goes on, the less unique the plot becomes. It just seems like it's dragging butt now, so I can't imagine what it'll be like with a few more books! The ending wasn't even surprising at this point.All in all, Opal disappointed me. It wasn't as good as the first two books in the series, and I don't really know if I'll continue reading it now.
    • 4/5
      **3.5**

      The third book in this series may be my favorite of them so far. In this one Katy and Daemon are finally officially together and we get to see the sweet side of Daemon Black. And boy, what a sweet side it is. Even though he has yet to tell Katy that he loves her, it is obvious in everything he does for her. He is still arrogant and conceited, but its now tempered with an unbelievable sweetness with Katy. He is thoughtful, overwhelmingly protective, considerate, even affectionate. This was a Daemon I could get on board with! I loved seeing how their relationship had finally gotten to this place. There were still insecurities between them, but they had come a long way and finally were able to enjoy being together.

      Spoiler alert

      Anyway, this book picks up right where the second one left off, with the return of Dawson, who immediately wants to rescue Bethany from DOD. With the added return of Blake, who blackmails them for help rescuing Chris, the plot of this book focuses on their rescue mission.

      As the synopsis of Origin will already tell you, at the end of the book Katy is captured by DOD during the rescue mission. This definitely is the biggest cliffhanger yet of the series and, for yet another cliffhanger, I had to knock off another half a star. If it hadn't ended on such an upsetting note, it would have been a full four.
    • 2/5
      This novel was more romance-centric than the previous two. I feel that a romance like this can only carry a series so far and there has to be more story beyond that in order to keep my interest. The story on the Lux / Arum did not progress very far, and took a backseat to Daemon and Katy. I wanted more on the aliens! It will probably please a lot of Daemon / Katy fans, and teenagers, but it's just not really my cup of tea.
    • 5/5
      Oh my god!!! Are you kidding me with that ending?! Why do authors insist on torturing me with cliffhangers?! I've loved this series, but now I have yet another book to wait for in August. Really not cool. Otherwise, this has been and excellent series. Read all three in as many days. Can't wait for Origin.
    • 4/5
      For reals? December 2012? Now, that's awesome. Just few more months. Please don't let the RD be moved. >_<

      12.04.12 (in my time) UPDATE: Dammit! They released it early!!! Weeee! :) LMAO. I'm gonna read it next after Wallbanger! :)

      JUST. WHAT. THE. HELL. WHY DID I EVER READ THIS SERIES?! I blame you, Katy! >:(

      I don't even know what to say! As soon as I read that last line, I plugged in my laptop and while it was booting up, I was busy pacing around my bedroom. I was so frustrated that I need to exhaust myself or something. I then reached for my phone and opened my email to compose one for Katy. I ranted to her as much as I was ranting right now.

      First of all it started off a bit sad. With Dawson being not Dawson... You get the point? Well anyway, I still laugh, smirk, and love jerk Daemon but as many pointed out, he is not that much of a douche in Opal. He is so wise that it is surprising. I mean, he got lots of answers for Katy's questions and not the sarcastic answers or smart-ass one. But answers that have really real meaning.

      Second, we all know what happened to Adam at Onyx... So there's a strain in Dee and Katy's relationship. I was really sad about that and I kept thinking they would never be together again. They would never mend their broken friendship... Sorry is not enough...

      And I really hate Buff, I mean Biff, I mean Blake now. >:( How could he... They should've fried him on book two. They shouldn't let him go. Just kill that damn guy! >:(

      Then then.. then... I can't tell you without spoiling it! I don't know how. :( Just... It was so frustrating to end like that. Ugh. I don't know how will I say it anymore.

      AND BTW, that SEX scene? I didn't even notice they were doing it. Just when they already finished. The make-out scenes from the first book was much hotter than the sex scene. How in the world that that happen, I don't know but that's what I felt about it.

      I am so done with ranting. I need to cool off.

      BTW, It's a total CLIFFHANGER ENDING THAT I JUST WANT TO SLAP THEM IN THE FACE. LOL. But yes, I did get teary eyed cause of what Daemon said before it ends!
    • 4/5
      I need the next book!! Damn, this waiting-for-the-next-book shit is hard. :O
    • 5/5
      4.5 STARS!!

      OH MY FUCKING GOD. I don't even have words. The ending left me speechless! Believe me people after reading the book you'll feel like ripping out your heads! It was a complete *Torture You* cliffhanger!

      I've already read the book like 10 times! Imagined 100 different scenarios which could happen! And to wait for the next book till next year?!?!!?

      This is the ULTIMATE torture! I haven't read such a mind shattering cliffhanger since 'The Goddess Interrupted' !! Ugh. The ending is killing Me.

      Anyway back to the story, so Opal is basically about how Daemon and Katy try to save Beth along with Chris! That name sound familiar?? Yeah....Blake is back guys!

      Well, I won't reveal much coz then it'll spoil all the fun! However this book does have alot of Daemon and Katy moments! I fell in love with Daemon all over again. *Sigh* Their chemistry is awesome like always! Lot more romance! Dawson's cool too but well, nothing compared to Daemon! And what to say about the ending.

      I can't help but scream when I read it! Gohd, I wish I'd die. Better than sulking around and going crazy for the next book!

      Concluding :

      Uber hot, smart-ass guy like Daemon Gorgeous but can-kick-your-ass heroine like Kat Amazing *MELT YOUR HEART* romance Awesome plot & a Heart-wrenching ending --> Gives you an "EPIC" !!

      Don't waste time guys, buy it, read it and well yeah, beat yourself up over the ending! Jennifer Armentrout will leave you craving for more with this book!

      P.S What Daemon says just before the ending will get you even more sad..:(

    Book preview

    Opal - Jennifer L. Armentrout

    Praise for Obsidian...

    "Obsidian is fast-paced and entertaining. I couldn’t put this one down. Who knew aliens could be sexy?"

    —YA Fantasy Guide

    Take some really hot, sizzling character chemistry, two stubborn love interests who know how to push each other’s buttons, and add in some awesome out-of-this-world characters and you’ve got the makings for one fabulously written story. If Daemon and Jace (Mortal Instrument series) were to battle it out, it would be a close call on which character would win.

    —Mundie Moms

    "Jennifer has written another YA GOLD book. This is a really ‘cool’ book and a refreshing type of character. Obsidian is just awesome!"

    —Novels On The Run

    "Witty, refreshing, and electrifying. With a brilliant set of characters, laughs, and sexual tension that will have you pulling your hair out, Obsidian is the perfect page turner that will have you begging for more."

    —Shortie Says

    "With a unique and entrancing story, Obsidian was action packed, dramatic, captivating, and exciting—I Am Number Four has some SERIOUS competition!"

    —A Cupcake and a Latte

    The alien twist was great, I love how they weren’t your typical little green men seeking peace or massive bugs after world domination. The end was: awesome, frustrating, humorous, amazing, and intriguing! My hands are going to be tingling to the very tips until I get my hands on book two!

    —Nomalicious Reads

    "Obsidian blew me away. I never in my wildest dreams ever thought I would or could fall head-over-heels in love with a story with aliens. Wipe away everything you have ever thought about aliens from your mind. Obsidian sets a new standard."

    —Winterhaven Books

    Armentrout puts a new twist on the alien-next-door storyline, which was refreshing after this year’s influx of vampires, angels, and wolves.

    —Reading Lark

    "I’m still in awe over Obsidian and I absolutely cannot wait for the second in this series…I have to have more!"

    —Creative Reads

    "So Obsidian, wow! From page one you’re sucked into a mysterious and dangerous world of the Luxens and I loved every minute of it…Jennifer keeps us readers in suspense and I cannot wait for the next book in the series. You guys seriously need to read this book, it’s not one to miss and honestly, one of my favourite reads of 2011!"

    —Book Passion for Life

    I loved this book. Actually loved every second of it. I couldn’t put it down and every time I had something else to do I found myself thinking, do I really have to or can I just keep reading? I devoured the book within two days and then was so very sad that I had no more of Daemon and Katy to read about.

    —K-Books

    "Obsidian is nothing like you would expect…Daemon and Kat were great together and I loved every single second of their relationship."

    —Good Choice Reading

    Also by

    Jennifer L. Armentrout

    Lux Series:

    Shadows

    Obsidian

    Onyx

    Opal

    Origin

    Opposition

    Oblivion

    Origin series:

    The Darkest Star

    The Burning Shadow

    de Vincent series:

    Moonlight Sins

    Moonlight Seduction

    Moonlight Scandals

    Covenant series:

    Daimon novella

    Half Blood

    Pure

    Deity

    Elixir novella

    Apollyon

    One and Only novella

    Sentinel

    A Wicked Trilogy:

    Wicked

    Torn

    Brave

    The Prince, a Wicked novella

    The King, a Wicked novella

    Titan novels:

    The Return

    The Power

    The Struggle

    The Prophecy

    Written as J. Lynn

    Tempting the Best Man

    Tempting the Player

    Tempting the Bodyguard

    Unchained

    Obsession

    Frigid series:

    Frigid

    Scorched

    The Dark Elements series:

    Bitter Sweet Love novella

    White Hot Kiss

    Stone Cold Touch

    Every Last Breath

    Storm and Fury

    Wait for You series:

    Wait for You

    Trust in Me

    Be with Me

    The Proposal novella

    Stay with Me

    Fall with Me

    Dream of You novella

    Forever with You

    Fire in You

    Single title books:

    The Problem with Forever

    If There’s No Tomorrow

    Till Death

    Cursed

    The Dead List

    Don’t Look Back

    Meet Cute Anthology

    Table of Contents

    Copyright

    Dedication

    Chapter 1

    Chapter 2

    Chapter 3

    Chapter 4

    Chapter 5

    Chapter 6

    Chapter 7

    Chapter 8

    Chapter 9

    Chapter 10

    Chapter 11

    Chapter 12

    Chapter 13

    Chapter 14

    Chapter 15

    Chapter 16

    Chapter 17

    Chapter 18

    Chapter 19

    Chapter 20

    Chapter 21

    Chapter 22

    Chapter 23

    Chapter 24

    Chapter 25

    Chapter 26

    Chapter 27

    Chapter 28

    Chapter 29

    Chapter 30

    Chapter 31

    Chapter 32

    Chapter 33

    Chapter 34

    Chapter 35

    Chapter 36

    Acknowledgments

    About the Author

    More from Entangled Teen

    To Whatever End

    Illusions

    Keeper of the Bees

    Perfected

    This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

    Copyright © 2012 by Jennifer L. Armentrout. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or transmit in any form or by any means. For information regarding subsidiary rights, please contact the Publisher.

    Entangled Publishing, LLC

    2614 South Timberline Road

    Suite 105, PMB 159

    Fort Collins, CO 80525

    rights@entangledpublishing.com

    Entangled Teen is an imprint of Entangled Publishing, LLC.

    Visit our website at www.entangledpublishing.com.

    Edited by Liz Pelletier

    Cover design by LJ Anderson, Mayhem Cover Creations

    Cover images by Getty Images and Depositphotos

    Interior design by Toni Kerr

    Ebook ISBN 978-1-62266-719-2

    Paperback ISBN 978-1-62061-009-1

    Manufactured in the United States of America

    First Edition December 2012

    10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

    This book is dedicated to the winning

    Daemon Invasion team.

    You ladies rock!

    Janalou Cruz

    Nikki

    Ria

    Beth

    Jessica Baker

    Beverley

    Jessica Jillings

    Shaaista G

    Paulina Zimnoch

    Rachel

    1

    I wasn’t sure what woke me. The howling wind from the first hardcore blizzard of the year had calmed last night and my room was quiet. Peaceful. I rolled onto my side and blinked.

    Eyes the color of dew-covered leaves stared into mine. Eyes eerily familiar but lackluster compared to the ones I loved.

    Dawson.

    Clenching the blanket to my chest, I sat up slowly and pushed the tangled hair out of my face. Maybe I was still asleep, because I really had no idea why Dawson, the twin brother of the boy I was madly, deeply, and quite possibly insanely in love with was perched on the edge of my bed.

    Um, is…is everything okay? I cleared my throat, but the words came out raspy, like I was trying to sound sexy and, in my opinion, failing miserably. All the screaming I’d done while Mr. Michaels, my mom’s psycho boyfriend, had me locked in the cage in the warehouse was still reflected in my voice a week later.

    Dawson lowered his gaze. Thick, sooty lashes fanned the tips of high, angular cheeks that were paler than they should be. If I’d learned anything, it was that Dawson was damaged goods.

    I glanced at the clock. It was close to six in the morning. How did you get in here?

    I let myself in. Your mom’s not home.

    With anyone else, that would’ve creeped the hell out of me, but I wasn’t afraid of Dawson. She’s snowed in at Winchester.

    He nodded. I couldn’t sleep. I haven’t slept.

    At all?

    No. And Dee and Daemon are affected by it. He just stared at me, as if willing me to understand what he couldn’t put into words.

    The triplets—hell, everyone—was coiled tight, waiting for the Department of Defense to show up as the days ticked by since Dawson escaped their Lux prison. Dee was still trying to process her boyfriend Adam’s death and her beloved brother’s reappearance. Daemon was trying to be there for his brother and to keep an eye on them. And though storm troopers hadn’t busted up in our houses yet, none of us were relaxed.

    Everything was too easy, which usually didn’t bode well.

    Sometimes…sometimes I felt like a trap had been set, and we’d galloped right into it.

    What have you been doing? I asked.

    Walking, he said, glancing out the window. I never thought I’d be back here.

    The stuff that Dawson had been put through and made to do was too horrific to even think about. A deep ache filled my chest. I tried not to think about it, because when I did, I thought of Daemon being in that same position, and I couldn’t bear it.

    But Dawson… He needed someone. I reached up, wrapping my fingers around the familiar weight of the obsidian necklace. Do you want to talk about it?

    He shook his head again, shaggy wisps of hair partially obscuring his eyes. It was longer than Daemon’s—curlier—and probably needed a trim. Dawson and Daemon were identical, but right now, they looked nothing alike, and it was more than the hair. You remind me of her—Beth.

    I had no idea what to say to that. If he loved her half as much as I loved Daemon…You know she’s alive. I’ve seen her.

    Dawson’s gaze met mine. A wealth of sadness and secrets were held in its depths. I know, but she’s not the same. He paused, lowering his head. The same section of hair that always fell on Daemon’s forehead toppled onto his. You…love my brother?

    My chest hurt at the desolation in his voice, as if he never expected to love again, couldn’t really even believe in it anymore. Yes.

    I’m sorry.

    I jerked back, losing my grip on the blanket as it fell lower. Why would you apologize?

    Dawson lifted his head, letting out a weary sigh. Then, moving faster than I thought he was capable of, his fingers brushed over my skin—over the faint pink marks that circled both wrists from fighting against the manacles.

    I hated those blemishes, prayed for the day when they completely faded. Every time I saw them, I remembered the pain the onyx had caused as it pressed into my flesh. My ruined voice was hard enough to explain to my mom, not to mention Dawson’s sudden reappearance. The look on her face when she’d seen Dawson with Daemon before the snowstorm was sort of comical, though she seemed happy that the runaway brother had returned home. But these babies I had to hide with long-sleeved shirts. That worked during the colder months, but I had no idea how I’d hide these in the summer.

    Beth had those kinds of marks when I saw her, Dawson said quietly, pulling his hand back. She got really good at escaping, but they always caught her, and she always had these marks. Usually around her neck, though.

    Nausea rose, and I swallowed. Around her neck? I couldn’t… Did…did you get to see Beth often? I knew they’d allowed at least one visit between them while imprisoned in the DOD facility.

    I don’t know. Time was messed up for me. I kept track in the beginning, using the humans they brought to me. I’d heal them and usually if they…lived, I could count the days until everything fell apart. Four days. He went back to staring out the window. Through curtains that had been drawn back, all I could see was the night sky and snow-covered branches. They hated when everything fell apart.

    I could imagine. The DOD—or Daedalus, a group supposedly within the DOD—had made it their mission to use Luxens to successfully mutate humans. Sometimes it worked.

    Sometimes it didn’t.

    I watched Dawson, trying to remember what Daemon and Dee had said about him. Dawson was the nice one, funny and charming—the male equivalent of Dee and nothing like his brother.

    But this Dawson was different: morose and distant. Besides not talking to his brother, from what I knew, he hadn’t said a word to anyone about what had been done to him. Matthew, their unofficial guardian, thought it was best no one pushed for more.

    Dawson hadn’t even told anyone how he escaped. I suspected Dr. Michaels—that lying rat bastard—had led us on a wild goose chase to find Dawson to give himself time to get the hell out of Dodge and had then released Dawson. It was the only thing that made sense.

    My other guess was much, much darker and more nefarious.

    Dawson glanced down at his hands. Daemon… He loves you, too?

    I blinked, brought back to the present. Yes. I think so.

    He told you?

    Not in so many words. "He hasn’t said it, said it. But I think he does."

    He should tell you. Every day. Dawson tipped back his head and closed his eyes. I haven’t seen the snow in so long, he said, almost wistfully.

    Yawning, I glanced out the window. The nor’easter everyone predicted had hit this little speck of the world and had made Grant County its bitch over the weekend. School had been canceled on Monday and today, and the news last night said they’d still be digging everyone out by the end of the week. The snowstorm couldn’t have come at a better time. At least we had an entire week to figure out what in the hell we were going to do with Dawson.

    It wasn’t like he could just pop back up in school.

    I haven’t seen it snow like this ever, I said. I was originally from Northern Florida, and we’d gotten a couple of freak ice storms before but never the white, fluffy stuff.

    A small, sad smile appeared on his lips. When the sun comes up, it’ll be beautiful. You’ll see.

    No doubt. Everything would be encased in white.

    Dawson jumped up and suddenly appeared on the other side of the room. A second later, I felt warmth tingle along my neck and my heart rate pick up. He looked away. My brother is coming.

    No more than ten seconds later, Daemon was standing in the doorway of my bedroom. Hair messy from sleep, flannel pajama bottoms rumpled. No shirt. Three feet plus of snow outside, and he was still half naked.

    I almost rolled my eyes, but that would’ve required I take my eyes off his chest…and his stomach. He really needed to wear shirts more often.

    Daemon’s gaze slipped from his brother to me and then back to his brother. Are we having a slumber party? And I’m not invited?

    His brother drifted past him silently and disappeared into the hallway. A few seconds later, I heard the front door close.

    Okay. Daemon sighed. That’s been my life for the last couple of days.

    My heart ached for him. I’m sorry.

    He sauntered over to the bed, his head cocked to the side. Do I even want to know why my brother was in your bedroom?

    He couldn’t sleep. I watched him bend down and tug the covers. Without realizing it, I’d grabbed them again. Daemon pulled once more, and I easily let them go. He said it was bothering you guys.

    Daemon slipped under the covers, easing onto his side and facing me. He’s not bothering us.

    The bed was way too small with him in it. Seven months ago—heck, four months ago—I would’ve run laughing into the hills if someone said the hottest, moodiest boy in school would be in my bed. But a lot had changed. And seven months ago, I didn’t believe in aliens.

    I know, I said, settling on my side, too. My gaze flickered over his broad cheekbones, full bottom lip, and those extraordinarily bright green eyes. Daemon was beautiful but prickly, like a Christmas cactus. It had taken a lot for us to get to this point, being in the same room with each other and not overcome by the urge to commit first-degree murder. Daemon had to prove his feelings for me were real and he did…finally. He hadn’t been the nicest person when we first met, and he had to really make up for that. Momma didn’t raise a pushover. He said I remind him of Beth.

    Daemon’s brows slammed down. I rolled my eyes. Not in the way you’re thinking.

    Honestly, as much as I love my brother, I’m not sure how I feel about him hanging out in your bedroom. He reached out with a muscular arm and used his fingers to brush a few strands of hair off my cheek, tucking them behind my ear. I shivered, and he smiled. I feel like I need to mark my territory.

    Shut up.

    Oh, I love it when you get all bossy-pants. It’s sexy.

    You’re incorrigible.

    Daemon inched closer, pressing his thigh against mine. I’m glad your mom is snowed in elsewhere.

    I arched a brow. Why?

    One broad shoulder shrugged. I doubt she’d be cool with this right now.

    Oh, she wouldn’t.

    More shifting and our bodies were separated by a hairbreadth. The heat that always rolled off his body swamped mine. Has your mom said anything about Will?

    Ice coated my insides. Back to reality—a scary, unpredictable reality where nothing was what it seemed. Namely Mr. Michaels. Just what she said last week, that he was going out of town on some kind of conference and visiting family, which we both know is a lie.

    He obviously planned ahead so no one would question his absence.

    To disappear was what he needed, because if the forced mutation worked on any level, he’d need some time off. Do you think he’ll come back?

    Running the back of his knuckles down my cheek, he said, He’d be crazy.

    Not really, I thought, closing my eyes. Daemon hadn’t wanted to heal Will, but his hand had been forced. The healing hadn’t been on the level required to change a human at the cellular scale. And Will’s wound hadn’t been fatal, so either the mutation would stick or it would fade away. And if it faded, Will would be back. I would bet on it. Although he conspired against the DOD for his own gain, the fact he knew it had been Daemon who mutated me was valuable to the DOD, so they’d be forced to take him back. He was a problem—a huge one.

    So we were waiting… Waiting for both shoes to drop at once.

    I opened my eyes, finding Daemon hadn’t taken his off me. About Dawson…

    I don’t know what to do, he admitted, trailing the back of his knuckles down my throat, over the swell of my chest. My breath caught. He won’t talk to me, and he barely talks to Dee. Most of the time, he’s locked up in his bedroom or out wandering in the woods. I follow him, and he knows. Daemon’s hand found its way to my hip and stayed. But he—

    He needs time, right? I kissed the tip of his nose and pulled back. He’s been through a lot, Daemon.

    His fingers tightened. I know. Anyway… Daemon shifted so fast, I didn’t realize what he was doing until he’d rolled me onto my back and hovered above me, hands braced on either side of my face. I’ve been remiss in my duties.

    And just like that, everything that was going on, all our worries, fears, and unanswered questions, simply faded into nothing. Daemon had that kind of effect. I stared up at him, finding it hard to breathe. I wasn’t 100 percent on what his duties were, but I had a very vivid imagination.

    I haven’t spent a lot of time with you. He pressed his lips against my right temple and then my left. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t been thinking about you.

    My heart leaped into my throat. I know you’ve been occupied.

    Do you? His lips drifted over the arch of my brow. When I nodded, he shifted, supporting most of his weight on one elbow. He caught my chin with his free hand, tipping my head back. His eyes searched mine. How are you dealing?

    Using every ounce of self-control I had, I focused on what he was saying. I’m dealing. You don’t need to worry about me.

    He looked doubtful. Your voice…

    I winced and uselessly cleared my throat again. It’s getting much better.

    His eyes darkened as he ran his thumb along my jaw. Not enough, but it’s growing on me.

    I smiled. It is?

    Daemon nodded and brought his lips to mine. The kiss was sweet and soft, and I felt it in every part of me. It’s kind of sexy. His mouth was on mine again, taking it deeper and longer. The whole raspy thing, but I wish—

    Don’t. I placed my hands on his smooth cheeks. I’m okay. And we have enough things to worry about without my vocal chords. In the big scheme of things, they’re nowhere near the top of the list.

    He arched a brow and wow, I did sound kind of uber-mature. I giggled at his expression, ruining my newly discovered maturity. I have missed you, I admitted.

    I know. You can’t live without me.

    I wouldn’t go that far.

    Just admit it.

    There you go. That ego of yours getting in the way, I teased.

    His lips found the underside of my jaw. Of what?

    The perfect package.

    He snorted. Let me tell you, I have the perfect—

    Don’t be gross. I shivered, though, because when he kissed the hollow of my throat, there was nothing flawed about that.

    I would never tell him this, but besides the…pricklier side of him that reared its ugly head from time to time, he was the closest thing to perfect I’d ever met.

    With a knowing chuckle that had me squirming, he slid his hand down my arm, over my waist, and caught my thigh, hooking my leg around his hip. You have such a dirty mind. I was going to say I’m perfect in all the ways that count.

    Laughing, I wrapped my arms around his neck. Sure you were. Completely innocent, you are.

    "Oh, I’ve never claimed to be that nice. The lower part of his body sank into mine, and I sucked in a sharp breath. I’m more—"

    Naughty? I pressed my face into his neck and inhaled deeply. He always had this outdoorsy scent, like fresh leaves and spice. Yeah, I know, but you’re nice under the naughty. That’s why I love you.

    A shudder rolled through him, and then Daemon froze. A stuttered heartbeat passed and he rolled onto his side, wrapping his arms around me tightly. So tightly I had to wiggle a little to lift my head.

    Daemon?

    It’s okay. Voice thick, he kissed my forehead. I’m okay. It’s…early still. No school or Mom coming home, yelling your full name. Just for a little while we can pretend that crazy doesn’t wait for us. We can sleep in, like normal teenagers.

    Like normal teenagers. I like the sound of that.

    Me, too.

    Me, three, I murmured, snuggling against him until we were practically one. I could feel his heart beating in tandem with mine. Perfect. This was what we needed—quiet moments of being normal. Where it was just Daemon and me—

    The window overlooking the front yard blew apart as something large and white crashed through it, sending chunks of glass and snow shooting onto the floor.

    My startled scream was cut off as Daemon rolled, springing to his feet as he slipped into his true Luxen form, becoming a human shape of light that shone so brightly I could only stare at him for a few precious seconds.

    Holy crap, Daemon’s voice said, filtering through my own thoughts.

    Since Daemon hadn’t gone ape wild on someone, I scrambled to my knees and peered over the edge of the bed.

    Holy crap, I said out loud.

    Our precious moment of being normal ended with a body lying on my bedroom floor.

    2

    I stared down at the dead man, dressed like he was prepared to join the rebel alliance on the Hoth system. My thoughts were a little hazy at first, which was why it took me a few seconds to realize, dressed like that, he’d really blend in with the snow. Except for all the red streaming from his head…

    My already pounding heartbeat skyrocketed. Daemon…?

    He pivoted, slipping back into his human form as he wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me back from the carnage.

    He’s a-an Officer, I stuttered, smacking at his arms to get free. He’s with the—

    Dawson suddenly stood in the doorway, his eyes glowing much like Daemon’s were. Two bright white lights, like polished diamonds. He was sneaking around outside by the tree line.

    Daemon’s arm loosened. You…you did this?

    His brother’s gaze flickered to the body. It—because I couldn’t really think of it as a human being—lay in a twisted, unnatural heap. He was watching the house—taking pictures. Dawson held up what looked like a melted camera. I stopped him.

    Yeah, Dawson had stopped him right through my bedroom window.

    Letting go of me, Daemon made his way over to it. He knelt and pulled back the insulated white down jacket. There was a charred spot on the chest that smoked. The smell of burned flesh wafted into the air.

    I climbed off the bed, pressing my hand to my mouth just in case I started to hurl. I’d seen Daemon hit a human with the Source—their power based in light—before. Nothing but ashes had remained, but it had a hole burned through its chest.

    Your aim is off, brother. Daemon let go of the jacket, the thick cords of muscles in his back bunched with tension. The window?

    Dawson’s eyes drifted to the window. I’ve been out of practice.

    My mouth dropped open. Out of practice? Instead of incinerating it, he’d knocked it into the air and through my window. Not to mention he’d killed it. No, I wouldn’t think of that.

    My mom’s gonna kill me, I said, feeling numb. She’s really going to kill me.

    A broken window—of all the things to focus on, but it was something, something other than it lying on my floor.

    Daemon stood slowly, eyes sheltered and jaw set like stone. He didn’t take his gaze off his brother, his expression a blank mask. I turned to Dawson, our gazes colliding, and for the first time, I was scared of him.

    …

    After a quick change and bathroom visit, I stood in the living room, surrounded by aliens for the first time in days. A perk of being made of light, I guessed—the ability to go just about anywhere in a blink of an eye.

    Since Adam’s death, everyone had pretty much given me a wide berth, so I was unsure what was about to go down. Probably a lynching. I knew I’d want one for whoever had been responsible for the death of someone I loved.

    Hands shoved into his pockets, Dawson pressed his forehead against the window by where the Christmas tree had once stood, his back to the room. He’d said nothing since the bat signal had been sent out and the aliens had come a-running.

    Dee sat perched on the couch, her eyes fixed on her brother’s back. She looked wired, her cheeks flushed with anger. I think it bothered her being in this house. Or just being near me. We hadn’t had a chance to really talk after…everything.

    My gaze slid to the other occupants. The evil wonder twins, Ash and Andrew, were seated beside Dee, their gazes locked onto the spot where their brother, Adam, had last stood…and died.

    Part of me hated being in the living room since it reminded me of what had happened when Blake finally fessed up to his true purpose. When I had to come in here, which wasn’t often since I moved all my books out of the living room, I looked right at the spot to the left of the throw carpet under the coffee table. The pine floors were bare and shiny now, but I could still see the pool of bluish liquid that I’d mopped up along with Matthew on New Year’s Eve.

    I wrapped my arms around my waist to try to suppress the shudder.

    Two sets of footfalls came down the steps, and I turned, finding Daemon and his guardian, Matthew. Earlier, they’d gotten rid of…it, incinerating it outside, deep in the woods, after doing a quick run of the area.

    Walking to my side, Daemon tugged on the edge of my hoodie. It’s been taken care of.

    Matthew and Daemon had gone upstairs no more than ten minutes ago with a tarp, a hammer, and a bunch of nails. Thank you.

    He nodded as his gaze slid to his brother. Did anyone find a vehicle?

    There was an Expedition near the access road, Andrew said, blinking. I torched it.

    Matthew sat on the edge of the recliner, looking like he needed some liquor. That’s good, but it’s not good.

    No shit, Ash snapped. Upon a closer look, she wasn’t the picture perfect ice princess today. Her hair hung limply around her face, and she wore sweats. I didn’t think I’d ever seen her in sweats. "That’s another dead DOD Officer. How many does that make it? Two?"

    Well, actually, that made it number four, but they didn’t need to know that.

    She tucked her hair back, her chipped fingernails pressing into her cheeks. They’re going to wonder where they are, you know? People don’t disappear.

    People disappear all the time, Dawson said quietly without turning around, his words sucking the oxygen from the air.

    Ash’s bright sapphire eyes slid to him. Well, everyone pretty much looked at Dawson, since that was the first time he’d spoken since we all gathered. She shook her head but wisely remained quiet.

    What about the camera? Matthew asked.

    I picked up the melted thing, turning it over. Warmth still radiated from it. If there’re pictures, they’re gone now.

    Dawson turned around. He was watching this house.

    We know, Daemon said, moving closer to me.

    His brother tilted his head to the side and when he spoke, his voice was empty. "Does it matter what was on the camera? They were watching you—her. All of us."

    Another shudder rolled through me. It was his tone more than anything that got to me.

    But next time, we need to kind of…oh, I don’t know, talk first and then throw people through windows later. Daemon crossed his arms. Can we try that?

    And we can just let killers go? Dee said, voice shaking as her eyes darkened, flashing with fury. Because that’s apparently what should happen. I mean, that Officer could’ve killed one of us, and you would have just let him go.

    Oh, no. My stomach sank.

    Dee, Daemon said, stepping forward. I know—

    Don’t ‘I know, Dee’ me. Her lower lip trembled. You let Blake go. Her gaze moved to me, and it felt like a kick in the stomach. Both of you let Blake go.

    Daemon shook his head as he unfolded his arms. Dee, there was enough killing that night. Enough death.

    Dee reacted as though Daemon had hit her with his words, wrapping her arms around her waist for protection.

    Adam wouldn’t have wanted that, Ash said quietly, sitting back against the couch. More deaths. He was such a pacifist.

    Too bad we can’t ask him how he really feels about it, isn’t it? Dee’s spine stiffened as though she was forcing herself to bite out her next words. He’s dead.

    Apologies bubbled up in my throat, but before they could break free, Andrew spoke. Not only did you guys let Blake go, you lied to us. From her? He gestured at me. I don’t expect loyalty. But you? Daemon, you kept everything from us. And Adam died.

    I whipped around. Adam’s death isn’t Daemon’s fault. Don’t put that on him.

    Kat—

    Then whose is it? Dee’s gaze met mine. Yours?

    I sucked in a sharp breath. Yeah, it is.

    Daemon’s body went rigid beside me, and then, always the referee, Matthew jumped in. All right, guys, that’s enough. Fighting and casting blame isn’t helping anyone.

    It makes us feel better, Ash muttered, closing her eyes.

    I blinked back tears and sat on the edge of the table, frustrated that I was even close to crying because I didn’t own the right to those tears. Not like they did. Squeezing my knees until my fingers dug in through the soft material, I let out a breath.

    Right now, we need to get along, Matthew went on. All of us, because we have lost too much already.

    There was a pause and then, I’m going after Beth.

    Everyone in the room turned to Dawson again. Not a single thing had changed in his expression. No emotion. Nothing. And then everyone started talking at once.

    Daemon’s voice boomed over the chaos. Absolutely not, Dawson—no way.

    It’s too dangerous. Dee stood, clasping her hands together. You’ll get captured, and I won’t survive that. Not again.

    Dawson’s expression remained blank, like nothing his friends or family had said made any difference to him. I have to get her back. Sorry.

    It looked like a dumbfounded stick had smacked Ash in the face. I probably looked the same. He’s insane, she whispered. Freaking insane.

    Dawson shrugged.

    Matthew leaned forward. "Dawson, I know, we all know, that Beth means a lot to you, but there’s no way you

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