Exceptional by Jess Petosa Read Free Book Online Page A

differences, and bring much grief to those around them.  In the end, their love for each other is their demise.”
    Ally gave the book one last look and slipped it back onto the shelf.  “That sounds horrible.”
    Mrs. Mathias let out a loud, cackling laugh.  It reminded Ally of the cawing crows in the woods back home.  “But still, it is a very romantic story, don’t you think?”
    “How?” Ally raised her eyebrow.
    “Their love knew no bounds.  It was strong enough to bring them together even though they knew their parents would never allow it.  They chose to follow their hearts, rather than the wills of others, all for love.  It affirms to us that love is a powerful thing.”
    Ally considered her words.  “Their love wasn’t strong enough to conquer their deaths.”
    “Is it ever?” Mrs. Mathias said with a smile. With that she hopped out of the room, leaving Ally to herself.   
    Ally wondered if the other books contained stories that were just as upsetting.  She couldn’t imagine a love that forced her death in the end, but then again, she had never been in love.  She had never given it much thought before, and chose not to give it anymore thought that morning.  She slipped out of the library and left the stacks of mysterious stories behind.

Chapter Five
                Sabine and Flint didn’t return until later that afternoon.  Ally and Asher had eaten lunch together but shared no conversation during their time at the table, which was just fine with Ally considering his earlier comment.  He had eaten quickly, mumbling something about shredding documents and alphabetizing books.  Ally was ready to pounce on Sabine the moment she saw her appear around the corner.  She wanted, no needed, to know more.  Their parting words had been on her mind all day and she couldn’t stand the anticipation much longer.             As luck would have it, Luke stormed through the door at the same time and grabbed her arm, dragging her up the stairs and into his bedroom.  She had to run to keep up with him since his Exceptional strength allowed him to move quickly with out much effort.  His room was huge, much larger than the bedroom she shared with Sabine.  The bed was twice the size as well, and covered in a fluffy, white comforter similar to the one on the bed in her room.  All her observations were lost the moment her eyes locked on the large, black object that hung on the wall directly opposite of the bed.  It had a rectangular shape to it, and almost reminded her of the computer the City had given Po back in the settlement.  The one he used to communicate with the Exceptionals when necessary.               Lukin dropped a stack of books on the floor and turned to face her.  “What did they tell you?”             She tore her eyes from the strange box and stared at him.  “Who?”             She wasn’t sure exactly what he was alluding to, but his face showed a mixture of anger and nervousness.             “The Ordinarys.  Sabine, Asher, and Flint.”             Ally wondered if he was driven to this lone of questioning by whatever Sabine had been trying to tell her.  “We didn’t talk much today.  Sabine and Flint were on errands for the majority of it, and Asher was doing chores.  I spent a good portion of my time in the library looking at book covers.  I even had a conversation with your mother.  Honestly, that was the extent of my day.”             “My mother talked to you?” The corner of his mouth pulled up in a smile.  “And you haven’t run screaming from the house?”             Ally allowed herself to laugh.  “It wasn’t the most conventional conversation I’ve ever had, but it was informative.”   
    Lukin seemed to mull that over, his violet eyes narrowing as they studied her.  They were so bright they almost glowed, and Ally searched for a reason to look