by Cameo Renae
“Oh my God, Emma, are you okay?” She questioned, checking me over. Samuel also came and wrapped his arms around me.
“Yes, I’m fine,” I answered.
I didn’t want to raise my head because Kade and Ethon were on either side of us.
Alaine paused and walked me toward the house, in Kade’s direction. Her arm was still cradled around me.
“Are you okay?” Kade asked. His hazel eyes focused on me, pulling me back into his world. I knew his words had more meaning behind them. He wanted to know if Ethon hurt me, or sealed the bond.
“Yes, I’m fine. Nothing happened,” I answered, reassuring him.
I was really glad that Ash showed up when he did. He saved us.
Kade nodded and his face instantly washed with relief. “Good,” he breathed, and then glared behind me at Ethon.
“I’ll talk to you later, okay?” I said softly.
“Okay,” he answered, lifting his fingers to graze my face.
The bond with Kade was still as strong as it was with Ethon. It was just that Kade is a bit more restrained with our intimacy. However, I knew if the chance presented itself, he would willingly unbridle his passion, and we could easily get into a lot of trouble. Bond-sealing kind of trouble.
I was trapped. Tethered between two hearts. Both wanting nothing more than to love and protect me. That’s why the bonds were created. For two separate beings to find their one true love, spending the rest of eternity making each other happy.
Whoever was in charge of dishing out my Immortal Bonds, must have been really drunk.
At first I didn’t understand the influence of the Immortal Bond, but I was starting to find out firsthand how powerful it really was. Most mortals would mistakenly call it insta-love or just plain lust, but the Immortal bond far surpassed any reason. It was magical. It was something so mysterious and so complex. A conjoining of two fated hearts, destined for each other, finally finding their perfect companion. A single touch connected them, and at that moment, the pull of the bond was unyielding, and only upon consummation, would the bond be sealed. Two hearts would be bound in an enchanted love, devotion, and burning passion, which would last for all eternity. It was beautiful, yet indescribable and unexplainable, specifically designed by the creator himself.
“Is everyone alright?” I asked her.
“Yes. Thomas was the only one who sustained an injury. A blade to his thigh. He’s already been bandaged up and is resting.”
“How many Darkling were there?” I asked.
“At least five dozen,” Samuel answered.
“How many Darkling are there?”
“More than we can count,” he said.
“We defeated these, and that’s all that matters. Lucian knows how strong we are, and it will take him some time to regroup, which is good, because your friends arrive tomorrow,” Alaine said.
Crap on a stick.
I’d completely forgotten my friends were coming to visit me…for four days.
God would surely have to help us.
Chapter 8
When we reached the door to go inside, Samuel stopped.
“Aren’t you coming?” I asked.
“I’ve decided to stay in the cottage so Alaine can place the protective barrier around the house.”
“But you won’t be protected,” I said.
“Don’t worry about me. I’ve spent the majority of my life surviving without a barrier. I’ll be fine.”
I turned and gave him a hug, and he warmly returned my embrace. It was so good to see him again.
“How are your wings?” I questioned, hoping they were doing better.
“I think they should be ready to fly in a few weeks. I hope.”
“Really? That’s awesome.”
“How are you holding up?” he asked.
I assumed he meant the situation with Kade and Ethon.
“I’m holding it all together for now,” I sadly grinned.
“Well, if you ever break, Alaine and I are always here to help mend the pieces.”
That was pretty deep. “Thank you,” I breathed. “I appreciate that.”
He smiled and gave me one last squeeze before heading back toward the boys. I think the only positive of the quest into the Underworld was getting to know Samuel. The man who made up half of my genetics. The whole journey brought us closer, and gave me a deep respect and love for him.
I glanced back and noticed Ethon was gone. He must have returned to the tower, and I didn’t blame him. He was outnumbered by a bunch of Guardians who were itching to send him back to Hell.
I had eight more months to survive before my transformation, and it seemed like an eternity away. I just hoped whenever Lucian decided to attack, Lucifer would keep his end of the deal, and we would be rid of him once and for all.
But the thought of Lucifer taking someone’s soul, in return for his allegiance, made me sick. I wouldn’t allow him to do it. When the time came, I would simply do whatever it took to keep everyone safe. But, I wouldn’t think about that right now. I had to focus on keeping Jeremy and Lia safe for the next four days.
“So where did Ethon take you?” Alaine asked.
“He took me to a safe place, almost like a porthole, but when we entered it was like a little oasis. It was beautiful.”
“Was he a gentleman?” She asked. She didn’t look at me but kept her eyes forward as we walked. I knew she was performing her motherly duty, and could tell she felt a bit uncomfortable asking.
“Yes. Yes, he was. We mostly talked, and you were right. He’s not such a bad person.”
She smiled and nodded. I could tell she was relieved.
I knew deep inside she didn’t want to have Lucifer as an in-law. Hell, I didn’t want that either. He wasn’t exactly someone you wanted passing dinner rolls across the family dining table.
“Well that’s good. I’m glad you’re okay. Courtney was looking for you. She’s a bit shaken up by the whole battle. Maybe you can go and give her some comfort?”
“Of course,” I answered. “I promised her I would hang out with her today. I’ll go check on her now.”
“That would be nice. Thank you, Emma.” She gave me a hug before we parted ways. She went into her study, and I went upstairs to my room.
My mind was swirling, thinking about my mini adventure with Ethon. I closed my eyes, and his face was there. Clear as day. His eyes burning bright with passion.
My heart started to race.
No! I can’t do this. I just can’t.
I felt like I was betraying Kade, but then again, we were never official. I knew the way Kade felt about me, and how I felt about him, but I still wanted to keep myself neutral. I didn’t want to deal with the pressure of bonding, dammit.
The decision I made would be permanent, as in the one I would have to live with for the rest of my immortal life. I wasn’t going to be impulsive or rush into anything.
Yeah, easier said than done.
I knew they wouldn’t relent. Each one had a point to prove. Which made me wonder, would the man I didn’t choose be stuck alone forever? Okay, I’m putting pressure on myself again.
I just needed to make sure they didn’t kill each other before I made my choice. Thank God I had Alaine and Samuel here with me. I needed to get one of those chastity belts. The metal ones with a lock and key. Heck, if I told them about my idea, they’d probably order one immediately.
Then again, all of this worrying would be for nothing if I didn’t even make it to my eighteenth birthday.
I sighed and continued up the stairs.
As I turned down the hallway toward my bedroom, I noticed Courtney’s door was open. I decided to walk down and see if she was okay.
“Who is it?”
“Emma.”
“Come in, Emma,” she answered. “I’m in the closet.”
I walked in, toward her closet. The light was on, and inside was Courtney, sitting on pile of pillows with books surrounding her. There was also a
plate with two muffins. One was half eaten.
“What are you doing in here?” I asked.
“Reading,” she answered flatly.
“Why in the closet?”
“The closet is a place I feel safe from danger.”
“It is?” I questioned.
“Yes. When Caleb and I were younger, our mother told us that if we ever felt afraid, the safest place was in the closet. She even painted the inside of mine with pretty flowers. Whenever I was scared, she would turn on the light, bring pillows and blankets inside, and read me stories until I fell asleep. Ever since then, it’s been my safe place.”
“That’s awesome, Courtney. May I join you?”
“Of course. To be honest, I think you need this place more than I do.”
“I think you’re right. Maybe I’ll just hide out with you until I turn eighteen.”
“You’re funny,” she giggled. “When do you turn eighteen?”
“In about eight months.”
“Well, you are welcome to use my safe place whenever you want. Actually, you can just use your own. Being in a smaller space, surrounded by things you love, really helps whenever you’re afraid. That’s why I have all my books in here.”
“I’ll definitely keep that in mind,” I smiled.
The second I stepped inside her closet the outside world did seem to disappear. Courtney was a small reminder of how it felt to be human. We laughed, talked about our parents, played a few card games, ate candy, and drank soda. It seemed like forever since I had fun like that.
“We need to do this more often,” I said, finally getting to take my leave.
“Yes, we should. Even though I’m only thirteen, I’m still fun.”
“Yeah, you are. You’re practically my little sister,” I noted.
“I am?” Her face lit up like the sun.
“Well, we’re both being raised by Alaine, so that means we’re related.”
“I like that. I like the idea of having you as a big sister.”
“I like it too. Hey, you’ll get a chance to meet my best friends. They’re coming tomorrow to visit from LA. I think they’ll really get along with you and Caleb.”
“Alaine is letting your friends come here?” Her eyes widened with concern.
“Yes, but they’re only staying for four days, and we have to make sure they stay inside. I’ll need you and Caleb to help me keep them busy. They love to watch movies.”
“Oh, I have loads of movies.”
“Awesome. And they love to play board games too.”
Courtney’s face lit up and she even squealed a bit, because she also loved them.
My job was done here, and I felt good about it.
“See you later alligator.”
She giggled. “Not for a while crocodile.”
Chapter 9
When I stepped into my room, sitting on the desk were the gifts from Kade. I breathed deep to prepare myself and walked over to them. I lifted the cover of my mother’s jewelry box first, and left it open.
Holding the box of pictures, I walked over to my bed, grabbed a pillow, and headed over to my closet. I clicked on the light, dropped my pillow down, and sat in the middle of the floor. Over the next few hours, I relived wonderful memories, and fell asleep crying. My pillow was soaked with tears.
A rapping at the door woke me.
Popping up I realized I was still in my closet. I didn’t even know if it was morning or night. I glanced at the clock and it was after 7:00 pm. My eyes were swollen and my head was pounding.
“Who is it?” I asked. My voice cracked and was weak.
“Prince Charming?” the voice answered, as if it wasn’t sure of the answer.
I paused and smiled, then walked over and unlocked the door.
Kade stood there with a plate of spaghetti, garlic bread, and a tossed salad.
“You didn’t show at dinner, so I asked Alaine if I could bring you a plate. She gave the okay, but also said she’d be watching. I can almost feel her eyes on my back.”
I laughed. “Come in.” Taking the plate, I walked over to my desk and set it down. “Thank you for bringing the boxes here.”
“I actually gave them to Alaine. She’s the one who brought them in.”
He paused at the closet. I watched his eyes glance over the dampened pillow and pictures spread out all over the floor. “I’m sorry if you weren’t ready for them.”
I walked past the bathroom door and noticed my face in the mirror. My eyes were bloodshot and my nose was bright red.
“I don’t know if I would ever be ready for them, but I needed it. I miss them so much. Looking through the pictures almost brought them back to life again. I relived all the wonderful memories I had with them.”
Kade smiled and walked over to me. He stood inches away, making my stomach twist. “I’m sorry I let you leave with him. I should have kept you with me. I could have kept you safe.”
“It’s okay. I was safe. You did what you thought was best. I appreciate that.”
“Where did he take you?”
I wasn’t going to lie to him. He didn’t deserve that.
“He took me to a secret place of his, and we stayed there until it was safe to leave.”
“How did you know when to leave?”
“The raven, Ash, told us. Well, it wasn’t really the raven, it was Lucifer talking through it.”
He hesitated. I could see he wanted to ask me something.
“What is it?” I asked.
“Did he try anything?”
“We mostly talked, but…he did kiss me.”
Kade’s eyes shut, and he took in a deep breath.
“That was it. Nothing else happened. I promise,” I assured him.
“I’m not mad at you. I know the power of the bond, but knowing that bastard’s lips touched yours, makes my blood boil. You’re better than him, Emma. You deserve so much better than the Underworld. Do you think Lucifer will ever allow you to live a happy life?”
He seemed truly vexed. “One day he will find out who you truly are, and so will Ethon. Then, they will stop at nothing to make you are theirs. If you think Lucian is bad, remember that Lucifer created him. His power is small in comparison.”
“Lucifer could have crushed Lucian long ago, but he has a reason for every action or inaction. He takes joy in watching others suffer. Lucian defied him and he will pay dearly before his end. This is the only reason Lucifer agreed to help. I just want you to be aware of what he really is. Don’t be deceived. Ethon is also not what he seems. Just remember where he came from.” He placed his hand on the side of my cheek, and I took hold of it. “Please be safe and smart around him.”
He lifted my chin, then leaned down and kissed me lightly. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said, then turned and left the room.
My head was spinning. I was slowly going crazy, and was never more thankful that Jeremy and Lia were coming tomorrow. I needed sanity back in my life.
Chapter 10
I couldn’t sleep. Tossing and turning, my mind flashed back and forth between Kade and Ethon, my parents, Samuel and Alaine, and Lucian and Lucifer. Each one had a part they were playing in my life, whether I liked it or not.
In a few short hours I’d get to see my best friends, and couldn’t wait to see their faces. I needed to have a bit of familiarity back in my life. Maybe they could help me sort through all this madness. But how could they when they weren’t allowed to know about my new hidden world?
There had to be something done about all the Guardians in the house. They would instantly know something was up when they saw six perfect guys living under one roof. Lia wouldn’t mind because she would be dazed by all the hotness, but Jeremy was a different story. He would analyze everything, wondering why they were here. He would ask one million questions, I couldn’t answer.
Finally giving up on sleep, I dragged myself from my bed and pulled back the curtains to watch the sun rise. It was beautiful. Such a difference from yesterday
. The clouds looked as if they were painted across the sky in beautiful shades of lavender and pink.
After I changed and put on some make-up, I headed downstairs. Alaine had everyone gathered in the main area at the bottom of the stairs, going over the final plans for the next four days.
“Why aren’t they flying into Fairbanks? It’d be so much faster to get them from there,” Caleb asked from the top of the stairs. I glanced over to him. I hadn’t seen him since I’d left for the Underworld, and I was glad to see he was looking healthy.
He glanced at me and smiled.
“It is closer to us, but Fairbanks is a place where Fallen and Darkling are known to hang out. There is a much greater chance of being attacked if we go up there. The Fallen don’t like places that are heavily populated, so Anchorage is the safer route, even if it takes hours to get there.”
Per Alaine’s instructions, we were taking two cars. Dominic would be driving Malachi, me, and Kade. And Samuel would be driving the second car with Ethon and his goons. This was just to make sure we were fully protected. The second car wasn’t supposed to be seen.
Only Kade, Dominic, and Malachi were allowed to be shown or present for the next four days. This was to minimize any unnecessary questions. If questions did arise, they were relatives visiting for a week.
It seemed like an eternity since I’d last seen my friends. My life had changed so much, and I wondered if they would notice the change in me. I could not only feel it, I could see it when I looked in the mirror. The trip into the Underworld stripped most my humanity. I was different on the inside. Stronger. Braver. But still in pieces. I knew it would eventually heal and come together, but it just wouldn’t be anytime soon.
Jeremy and Lia were very fragile. They didn’t like scary things, and I knew I’d have to keep them close at all times. They probably thought they were coming up to explore the Last Frontier, but the exploration would mainly be in Alaine’s home. Maybe a few other places close by.
I was glad to have Ethon’s backup. Maybe, because he was here, Jeremy and Lia could still have a safe, eventful trip.
After Alaine’s debriefing, we all had breakfast, and then left on our long journey to the airport.