Hidden Wings
Page 21
“I thought you were dead. I thought the Fallen had killed you. Why didn’t you come to me?” Tears streamed down her face.
“I’m so sorry, Alaine. I didn’t want to put you in more jeopardy than you already were. They took me to the top of a mountain, stabbed me through the chest, broke my wings, and pushed me off the edge. Miraculously…they missed my heart. They left me for dead, and I was literally dwindling by a thread. I managed to muster enough strength to pull myself into a cave, where I stayed until I was strong enough to leave. If they found out I was still alive, they would have come searching for me, and would kill me and everyone near and dear to me.”
“Well, it was hell and a constant battle anyway. The Midway sent the Guardians when they thought you were dead. They’ve been watching over me, and saved my life on many occasions. When David died, I moved them into the house,” she sobbed.
“I’m sorry about David. I know how much you loved him.”
“Yes,” she paused, “But you didn’t even give me a choice. I could have been with you all those years.”
“But I could have never afforded you all of this,” he said.
“All of this? The house, the stuff…it means nothing! This,” she said pointing to her heart, “means everything. And it’s been broken ever since I heard you died.”
“I’m sorry,” Samuel said, leaning over and pulling her to him.
I stayed still and silent, looking down, giving them their moment.
“Emma,” Alaine whispered.
“Hmmm?” I looked up to both sets of eyes steeled on mine.
“I’m sorry. We’re so glad you’re here.”
I swallowed hard, trying to release the huge lump in my throat. This was the beginning of my new life, a life I knew I wasn’t ready for.
“ALAINE!!!” Malachi yelled, pounding on the door. There was loud commotion, and lots of shuffling outside the room. Alaine jumped from her seat, grabbed a gun from the dresser, and headed for the door. Samuel jumped from the bed and was at her side in a second.
She swung it open.
Malachi was standing with Caleb limp in his arms, covered in blood. Alaine dropped her gun and cradled him in hers.
“What happened?” she screamed, laying him on the bed. She felt for a pulse.
“They were attacked by the Fallen,” he said. “They know where we are. It’s just a matter of time before they find a way in.”
“Where are the others?” she asked.
“In the room outside. Battered but alive.”
Alaine quickly checked Caleb’s vitals.
“Caleb’s alive, but barely,” she said trembling, ripping his shirt off. James grabbed the medical bag and ran to assist her.
I made my way to the door. I had to see for myself that Kade was alright. Alexander and Dominic were sitting at the dining table covered in dirt and blood. They looked like they’d just survived another war. Barely.
“Where’s Kade?” I asked, scanning the room.
“He went to the Midway for help,” Malachi answered.
“Midway?”
“The place where Guardians are given assignments. The place where we came from,” Dominic said, pulling a shard of metal from his arm. “Kade wanted to go. It’s the only chance we have of survival. Plus, he’s the fastest and knows ways of getting there without being detected. Hopefully he’ll get back in time with reinforcements.”
I stood there, numb, and looked around me.
My world was spiraling out of control.
Alaine and James were trying to save Caleb’s life, while Samuel and Malachi looked on. Dominic and Alexander were tending to their injuries, bloody and weak. Kade was alone, somewhere out there, where the rogue Fallen were on a mission of death and destruction. And now we were trapped and helpless in an underground bunker. There was nowhere to run, and nowhere to hide.
God help us.
Dedication:
To my Husband and children for believing in and supporting me through this whole crazy process. I love you to infinity and beyond!
To my Grammy, who is proud, supportive, and the very one who instilled a love of reading into me at a young age.
To my parents who have been such a great support and encouragement.
To my awesome Publisher, SJ Davis who believed in my stories and published them.
To my editor Kristina…Thank you for helping make Hidden Wings shine.
To my beta readers Brianna, Karla & Khelsey. Your encouragement, critique, and love of the written word is invaluable.
To the Dream Team…The greatest team in the world!!! Thank you for reading, reviewing, and sharing my stories.
To my writing sisters Cambria, Amber, and Melissa…Thank you for pushing me to make word counts, and accountable to check in.
To my magical cover designer Regina Wamba, who took my vision and made it a reality.
To ALL of the AWESOME book pages who promote authors and help the world to notice us.
And, to ALL of my readers. Thank you for reading my stories and making my dream come true.
Table of Contents
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:
Dedication:
Table of Contents
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:
Dedication: