Gilded Wings (9 page)

“Don’t beat yourself up for something that cannot be changed.”

“It haunts me every single day. Every time I look at you, and know I could have loved you for an eternity, it kills me inside.” 

“Then make me forget. Make us both forget. Right now.”

I pulled his face closer, and he pressed his mouth to mine, kissing me ever so gently. His velvety tongue ran over the length of my lips, and then his mouth crashed down on mine with a sudden urgency. Heat blazed between us as his hands wrapped around the back of my neck, holding me in place. His kiss was eager, and his passion matched mine.

Pulling me to his lap, I straddled him and his arms wrapped around my waist. He kissed me like it was the last time he’d ever kiss me again.

I gave in. I wanted him like I’d never wanted him before. He pulled away, his tongue and lips leaving tingling sensations as they trailed down my neck and across my chest. I moaned in pleasure, and he found my lips once again. Desire burned within me, and I craved his touch. Moving against him, I wanted nothing more than to feel his skin against mine – to feel his gentle touch all over my body.

My heart filled with desire and flowed from my lips. “I love you, Kade,” I breathed.

He paused, panting. His eyes burning with desire, locked onto mine. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted since the day we met. It’s all I’ve ever needed.”

He kissed me again, and then Caleb snorted, throwing us right back into reality.

I sighed and rested my head on his shoulder. “We’re hopeless, aren’t we?”

“Yes. But at least we’re together for now.”

“I don’t think I can be away from you,” I admitted.

“Don’t worry. I’ll find a way,” he winked.

Kade always had a way of making me smile. A thought crossed my mind and I randomly blurted out a question. “Do you think it will hurt?”

His eyes went wide, before narrowing. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m sorry,” I giggled. “My transformation. Do you think my
transformation
will hurt?”

“I don’t know. I never transformed. I was born immortal, remember?” he said, then his gaze went distant for a moment. “But I’m sure Alaine can tell you, or even Ethon.” He said Ethon’s name like it had left a bitter taste on his tongue.

“I never wanted to seal any bond before my birthday. I had a vision of how I wanted my first time to be. I was going to be married, and have a real wedding with everyone I ever loved there. And after, a romantic honeymoon. The thought of it being forced before my birthday terrifies me.”

“The thought that it will most likely be Ethon terrifies me.”

I shook my head.

“I thought I had more time, but I just lost three months of my life.”

“Yeah, thirty days isn’t much time. Let’s hope Alaine finds a loophole. She seems to have a knack for finding information.”

“Yeah,” I sighed. “I am hoping.”

We wrapped our arms around each other, not knowing if this would be our last embrace. All we could do was hold on to hope. And for this brief moment in time, I just wanted him to hold me.

THE HOUSE WAS CLEARED OF the Darkling and cleaned top to bottom, but the stench lingered for at least a week. Courtney and Caleb stayed downstairs in Alaine’s study, carefully guarded by James, while Alaine made all the necessary arrangements for them.

Workers had come in to fix all the damage done during the attack. Alaine tried to explain that the house had been broken into while we were away on a vacation, and they bought her story. Within three weeks everything was fixed. Although the house looked nearly new, the atmosphere wasn’t the same. It had been violated, and its scars were masked with drywall and paint. The truth would remain secret, and only remembered by those who endured the horrors.

In the morning, my adopted siblings would be flying to Washington to stay with Alaine’s friend, Krystal Kross. She supposedly had a beautiful home and had taken a month vacation for their arrival. She’d stayed in this house for a few months to assist Kade with his burns while we were on our quest to the Underworld.

At least it wasn’t like they were heading off to meet a total stranger. They actually spent quite a bit of time together, and were both fond of Krystal. Caleb wasn’t too keen on the idea of being away, but he knew he needed to go wherever Courtney went. Even though he didn’t show it, he was a very thoughtful brother. 

My true birthday was only a week away. Time was flying way too quickly, and because of the renovations, things were pretty quiet. The Fallen and Darkling weren’t seen, the barrier stayed up, and I had a Guardian with me at all times.

I hadn’t spoken to Ethon in weeks. He and his goons stayed in the tower, but I knew when he was close. I could always feel the buzz of the bond pulling at me, trying to connect us. I peeked out the window on a few occasions and watched him hover just along the outside of the barrier. His eyes were always downtrodden and glancing toward my window. It was times like those which made me sad, and made me feel like I should talk to him. One day I would, but at the moment, I was bound to the house.

On this particular day, Thomas was on guard, and had fallen asleep on my floor. There was a faint tapping on my window. When I pulled back the curtain a few inches, Ethon was there hovering right outside the barrier. I finally gave in, sucked in a deep breath, pulled back the curtain, and opened the window.

“Hey you,” he said with a sad grin.

“Hey,” I replied, in a soft whisper, with a single wave which felt awkward.

“If it weren’t for the bond, I would have thought you were dead,” he remarked.

“I know, and I’m so sorry. I was healing. My ribs were bashed by one of the Darkling, and I thought I’d broken them again. But I guess they were just bruised,” I explained.

“Your ribs, again?” he asked with a look of concern. “Do you want me to make sure they aren’t broken?”

“No, but thank you. They’re actually feeling a lot better now,” I grinned. “So, how did you tap on my window?” I was curious because I knew he couldn’t pass the barrier.

He opened his palm, and showed me a few small stones.

“Ahhh,” I giggled. “So, how have you been?”

“Being away from you is nearly unbearable,” he sighed, and then grinned. He was shirtless, his sculpted shoulders, chest, and abs were flexing with each flap of his wings to keep him steady. “We need to talk.”

I’d known this was coming.

“I can’t at this very moment. The barrier is up and Alaine and Samuel won’t let me leave.” This was the truth.

“You’ll be safe with me and everyone knows it. They just won’t admit it. And, we really need to talk. I’ll take you to my secret place,” he said, raising his brow.

“That sounds very tempting, but after the attack I’m now under constant guard,” I said, thumbing back to Thomas, who was still out cold.

Ethon’s eyes narrowed and his crimson red eyes began to burn a little brighter, but he quickly quenched it when his eyes glanced back at me. “Well, they can’t keep you away from me forever. Your transformation is near, and we have a matter to take care of before my father sends his wrath.”

“You would never allow him to hurt me, right?” I questioned him, looking into his eyes for truth.

“No, Emma. I would never allow him to harm you. I would die before that happened,” he answered.

I turned back to Thomas who hadn’t moved an inch. His mouth was still hanging wide open, and his face was half-hanging off the pillow. I knew Ethon would never put me in harm’s way, and I really needed to talk to him. Time was running out and I had so many questions to ask him. I also wanted to see his eyes as he answered them, and see his sincerity.

I still had my little secret, which could only be fulfilled
after
my transformation. So literally and technically, I was pretty much screwed – unless Alaine found a loophole. I basically had two options. Either seal the bond with Ethon before my transformation, or run and attempt to hide from everyone, hoping no one would find me until my transformation was over.

With both Lucifer and Lucian out there, and the experience I had with my recent quest, running away wasn’t the best or smartest option. Especially, if I was going to be alone. I was a magnet for the Fallen, and it seemed like even when I was invisible, they could smell me from miles away.

I needed to know Ethon would stand up against his father for me if he ever had to. I wasn’t brought into existence to become anyone’s pawn, especially Lucifer’s. Hell if I would live the rest of my life as his slave. That was simply not going to happen. My freedom was something I’d fight for to the death.

I looked into Ethon’s fiery crimson eyes. “I will meet you on one condition,” I finally whispered.

He grinned. “Anything.”

“You have to promise we will not seal any bonds yet.” I knew with the power of the bond, it would be hard to fight, but I had to make sure he didn’t try and force me to seal the bond.

“You have my word,” he answered straightforwardly. Honesty emanated from his eyes.

“Alright,” I uttered quietly. “Meet me at the front door. Midnight.”

Ethon smiled and I was hit with a wave of happiness through the bond.

“I’ll be there. Thank you, Emma.” With a single flap of his beautiful black wings, he shot off into the sky.

I hoped I was doing the right thing. Alaine would kill me if she ever found out I was leaving the house, but then again, she was also the one who told me I had to play the part and make Ethon believe we would still be bonded before my transformation. I just needed to keep my head straight with him. Ethon and I together and alone… that was a lethal combination. I just hoped we could rationally discuss the future and I could get as much information as I could get from him before I returned.

Thomas was protecting me for the whole today, which meant he would also be here during the night. He was taking a nap. Would he even be able to sleep tonight? I wish I had the power to put the sleeper on him, just long enough for me to sneak past him. Maybe if I put on my super suit under my pajamas after my shower it would help me disappear. I was slowly learning how to wield the magic of the suit and now, with just a thought, I could disappear. It was like the more I wore it, the greater the connection became. I was glad because over the next week, I’d need it more than ever.

Aside from all the craziness, tonight was Caleb and Courtney’s farewell dinner. Even though it was only for a few weeks, Alaine thought it fitting to throw together a little party in the ballroom, just to lighten the mood. She knew how much everyone enjoyed parties there, especially Courtney.

Thomas interrupted my thoughts, stretching and yawning. “Hey, you”

“Hey,” I answered. “You were out cold.”

“Yeah, I didn’t get much sleep last night in the cabin. Those guys snore like a pack of wild buffalo.”

“What?” I giggled. “Have you ever heard a pack of wild buffalo snore?”

“No, but I can imagine they sound very similar to the sounds the guys made last night in the cabin.”

My giggle turned into a laugh. “Well, Alex was here last night and he said it was the best night’s sleep he’d had in a long time.”

“I couldn’t agree with him more. I’m glad I’ll finally get a chance to sleep in peace, unless… do
you
snore?”

“Me?” I squeaked. “No way. Until Malachi and Dominic slept in here, this was a snore free zone.”

“Well, just in case I do happen to snore tonight—” he threw me a small, unopened package.

“What’s this?” I asked.

“Earplugs. I have a box full of them.”

I laughed. “Well, thanks. I wish I had these a few nights ago. They would have come in very handy.” I pulled open my nightstand drawer and dropped them inside. “Hey, Thomas?”

“Yeah?” he asked.

“What do you think you’ll do after this assignment is over?”

He glanced at me and shrugged. “Go back to Midway and wait for my next assignment.”

I nodded. “How long have you known, Kade?”

“Well, until this assignment, I never knew him personally. I knew
of
him, I mean, everyone in Grandia knows about Kade because he is the son of Raphael the Archangel.”

His words brought a smile to my lips. “You’ve met his parents?” I asked.

“No. His dad is kind of a big deal though. He’s a healer, and is sent out on a lot of missions. I’ve heard he’s super cool though, like Kade.”

“And, what do you think about Ethon?” I wanted to see what he thought and was trying to make small talk instead of the awkward dead silence.

He puffed and shook his head. “There isn’t much to say. Your bond with him is the worst possible scenario. He happens to be the
son
of our greatest enemy.”

“Yeah,” I sighed. I guess I already knew asking any of the Guardians this question would end with the same answer. None of them would choose Ethon.

“Look, Emma. If you’re looking for my opinion, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be offering you my advice because it’s biased. I will always choose my brother.”

“I know. Thanks for being honest,” I said.

“Hey, no problem,” he said, with a smile. “Still friends?” His brow raised.

“Of course we are,” I said, tossing a pillow at him. He caught it, fluffed it, and lay back down.

I couldn’t wait for dinner to arrive, and it seemed like the seconds ticked by extra slow. It was casual, so I decided to wear my jeans and a nice, caramel brown, long-sleeved top. I wore my hair down, and applied some simple make-up. Thomas left the room for an hour so I could get ready, but he said he would be just outside my door.

Right before dinner, there was a knock.

“Are you ready?” he asked through the door.

“Yep. I’ll be right there” I answered, giving myself a quick spray of perfume, one I remembered Kade liked. When I opened the door, Thomas stood there looking very dashing. His blond hair was neatly combed back, and he had on jeans and button down blue shirt, which made the blue in his eyes stand out. He must have gotten one of the other guys to stand guard for a while so he could change.

“You look good,” he said, offering me his arm.

“Why, thanks. So do you,” I responded. “I didn’t think I would be escorted to this event. This is cool.” I looped my arm around his.

“Yeah, I have my moments,” he said. “Plus, I’m still on baby-sitting duty.”

I gasped and narrowed my eyes on him.

“Babysitting?” I snarled.

“I’m kidding!” he laughed, holding his hands up in surrender.

“You better be.”

As we walked down the stairs, Henry rounded the corner with a tray of yummy desserts.

“Emma. How are you, dear?” His warm smile instantly put a smile on my face.

“Henry! When did you get back?” I asked. It had felt like forever since I’d seen him last. He’d been away tending to his sick sister in England, before coming down with the same illness himself.

“Just this morning,” he chimed.

“It looks like you’re feeling much better,” Thomas added.

“Yes, much. It’s good to be back with all of my favorite people.”

“Well, it’s great to have you back, Henry,” I said.