Alec gives a soft laugh. "I wouldn't blame you for thinking that. You've not had good experiences with other people. And I am an outside factor, you don't know how I act," he said. Also he'd been talking to someone who encourages that sort of thinking.

"As for how we made friends? I don't know. I forced myself into your life, I guess."

He's not going to press Zack to do anything with the bead. His choice.