Guarding Eden: A Midway Novel Book One (Hidden Wings)

  My phone rang, and it was my mom’s ringtone. She only called when it was an emergency. Placing a small kiss just above my heart, Alex broke away. We both stared at one another for an undetermined amount of time.

  “Are you going to get that?” he asked with a quirk of his lips.

  I nodded, then headed for the phone, unsure if my legs would work properly.

  “Hello?”

  “Hi, honey. How are you doing? I got a call from the school saying you fell.” Her voice was like a bucket of cold water being dumped on my head. At least it didn’t sound like it was about anything serious.

  “Yeah,” I sighed. “I was running too fast and tripped over myself. It’s a minor sprain, but it’s already feeling better.”

  “I’m glad. I just wanted to call and check on you. How’s school?”

  “It’s school.”

  Her laughter filled my ear. My mom had a boisterous, infectious laugh. Hearing it now made my heart happy.

  “The ball is coming up,” she stated, and I knew she was setting up the next question.

  “Yes, it is.”

  “Do you have a date?” her voice went up an octave.

  “I’m going with my friends. Actually, we’re supposed to head to Seattle this weekend to go dress shopping.”

  “That’s wonderful. I’ll put some extra money in your account. Be sure to send me pictures. I hate that I’m so far away from you, but your pictures always help.”

  I sighed. “Yes, I promise to send pictures.”

  “Good. Now, please be careful!”

  “I will.”

  “I love you, sweetheart.”

  “I know, Mom. I love you too.”

  She hung up, and I was glad she’d called. I turned to Alex who had a smile on his face.

  “Mom?”

  “Yeah. Just checking up on me.”

  He nodded.

  I sighed, my mind wasn’t on my mom. “What am I supposed to do for the next few days?”

  “Kimi said she was going to drop by the nurse’s office to extend your time off.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, she mentioned it at breakfast this morning. I think you should stay in.”

  “I don’t think I have a choice,” I sighed.

  “You’re protected here. And if you want me to stay during the nights, I will.”

  “I’d like that.” Just the thought sent an electric current rushing through me. I’d read books about sexual tension and never really knew how strong it could be, until right then. It was palpable, something so strong, it made it hard to breathe.

  “The transformation…when will it happen?”

  “I think it happens the hour you were born.”

  “I was born at 12:01 AM. I remember that because my mom said I waited for the dawn of a new day.” I sighed, thinking about Emma’s story. “I don’t know if I’m ready for it.”

  “I’ll be here for you if you want me to be. I’ll hold you through it.”

  My heart. God, he knew how to calm my insecurities. I looked into his eyes, which looked more like jade, and felt heat rush to my cheeks. “I’d like that.”

  Alex paced, running his fingers through his thick raven hair, then he came to a stop and stood in front of me. “Listen. I’ve been burning up about this all day. I care for you, Eden. Much deeper than any other assignment. I don’t know why I feel this way, why the bond hasn’t chosen you, and it’s been driving me crazy. Everything about you…everything I’ve learned over these past few days, makes me even more attracted to you.”

  “I—“How was that even possible? He was the most gorgeous man—mortal or immortal—I’d ever laid eyes on. But it wasn’t only his appearance I was attracted to. It was his heart. “I can’t lose you.” The words left my mouth without thought, but they were true. I didn’t want to lose him. After having Alex here, I didn’t want anyone else. The thought was already crushing my heart.

  His eyes locked onto mine, so many emotions swirled within them.

  “I can’t promise you the future,” he breathed, closing the distance between us. “But I can promise you this. I will be here for you, in every way possible, until my assignment is over. Until then…I am yours. Entirely.”

  My heart was sore and full at the same time, but if this was all we had, then I’d make the most of it.

  “Carpe Diem?” I exhaled. He was so close I could barely breathe.

  His hands and warm breath caressed my cheek. “To the fullest.”

  Despite the risks, Alex’s mouth captured mine. This time, his lips made full contact, and he was slow and thorough, exploring my mouth. Heat coursed through my body, my arms automatically wrapping around his neck. My body responded, wanting nothing more than to live in the moment. This very moment.

  His kiss became desperate and dominating, controlling every bit of my senses. I felt everything. Felt every single place our bodies touched. Felt his tongue, his lips, his breath, even his heartbeat. His sensual scent made him even harder to resist.

  His tongue ran along my gums, my teeth, the roof of my mouth, everywhere. His tongue was like magic…one second on my lips, the next, swirling over the sensitive spots on my neck. His hot kisses were all-consuming, burning, coursing. There would never be a kiss to rival this one. Not without him. Not even close.

  His arms wrapped around me, lifting me effortlessly. I wrapped my legs around his waist, threading my fingers through his thick hair as he carried me to the bed and gently laid me down, his large body hovering above me, supported by his strong arms.

  He paused, eyes swirling with desire. “I won’t do anything you don’t want me to,” he murmured. “So tell me, Eden. What do you want?”

  “Everything,” I said, breathless.

  His eyes darkened, a grin lifted on his lips as he lowered himself onto me.

  His arousal pressed against me, making me ache for more. Groaning, my body arched into him, grinding into his length.

  His hips rocked into mine again, and his right hand slipped under my shirt. Warm and calloused from countless years of fighting, his palm worked its way under my bra and cupped my breast.

  Alex’s lips journeyed down to my belly. His teeth scraped against my tender flesh as he went lower, his tongue swirling over the skin just below my belly button, rendering me useless.

  Bam, bam, bam!

  Just like that, I was knocked from bliss.

  “Dammit,” I cursed. “If that’s Sebastian, I’m going to cut off his balls and shove them up his ass.”

  Alex grinned. “Careful. He might like that.” He pulled his hand out from my shirt, then kissed me on the lips before hopping off the bed and heading to the bathroom. “I need a minute.” He winked then shut the door.

  I took in a deep breath, finger combed my hair, and straightened my clothes. After a quick glance in the mirror, I figured I looked fine enough.

  When I opened the door, Trissa, Kimi, and Sebastian were all standing there, wearing smiles and carrying plates of food in their hands.

  “We decided to have lunch with you,” Trissa chimed, pushing past me like she owned the place.

  “I tried to text Alex,” Sebastian said, leaning in to give me a kiss. He paused at my cheek and sniffed.

  “What the hell are you doing?” I squeaked, pushing his face away.

  His eyes went wide. “He’s here, isn’t he?”

  “Who?”

  “You smell of him,” he murmured, his eyes narrowing.

  I swallowed the lump in my throat, my eyes narrowed to match his. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Hey, guys.” Alex’s voice rang out behind me.

  Heat rushed to my face.

  “Mmm-hmm,” Sebastian hummed, and his perf
ectly manicured brow lifted. “You can’t fool a fool.”

  Damn him.

  “Hey, Alex,” he chimed, his entire demeanor whiplashing into one of charm and delight. “I tried texting you about lunch, but it looks like you’ve already gotten the memo.”

  Alex laughed. “Yeah, I had fourth off, so I decided to come up and check on her arm. See if my bandages held up.”

  God, he was good. There wasn’t any hint of stress on his face, or in his beautiful, rich voice.

  “How is your arm, Eden?” Kimi asked.

  “It’s fine,” I replied, holding it up and shaking it like that was supposed to prove something.

  She walked over and pulled a paper from her jacket pocket. “Here, I got the nurse to give you tomorrow off too since we don’t have school on Friday. You return to regular classes on Monday.”

  I wrapped my arms around her. “Thank you!”

  “I figured you didn’t want to see anyone, in your condition. Besides, it’ll be safer for you to stay in, especially with your track record this week.”

  “Yes!” Sebastian said a lot louder than he should’ve. “We wouldn’t want you to crack that pretty skull of yours. I can only do so much with makeup, doll.”

  I rolled my eyes at him, but inside I was glad I didn’t have to deal with teachers or students for a few more days.

  We all sat in a circle and picked at the food they brought. There was a mixture of veggies and finger sandwiches, chips, grapes, strawberries, and bottled waters.

  “Okay.” Trissa wiped her mouth with her napkin. “Since we don’t have classes on Friday, we should head out early, like seven-ish, do our dress shopping, have lunch, more shopping, and then head to the Takahashi’s restaurant for dinner. Does that sound okay?” She glanced at all of us for confirmation.

  “Sounds like a plan,” Sebastian said.

  Kimi had a bite of sandwich in her mouth, so she nodded and shot a thumbs-up.

  I looked over to Alex. How the hell was I supposed to leave? The barrier was around the school. Outside of it, I was unprotected.

  “Don’t even think about it. You aren’t getting out of this, Eden,” Trissa blurted.

  “She’ll be there,” Alex answered.

  My eyes went wide. “And what about you?”

  He shrugged like he was unfazed. “I’m up for shopping and eating. I have a few friends who are staying in Seattle this weekend. Maybe I’ll give them a call.”

  I smiled knowing he had a plan.

  Alex promised my safety, and I had no doubt in his abilities.

  Chapter 26

  Alex

  As soon as they mentioned the Seattle trip, I knew I only had one option—to call Samuel and take him up on his offer to help his best friend’s daughter. This was going to be tricky, but at least I’d be in the car with Eden. I wasn’t too worried about the morning trip, with the daylight and traffic. It was the drive back in the dark where I’d need the backup.

  After lunch, we all left to go back to class. Without Eden, attending classes was pointless, but I had to play out my role.

  Fifth dragged on. As was the norm in every class, girls tried to flirt and hand me their numbers. I smiled, remaining civil, then discretely threw the pieces of paper in the trash on my way out. I could tell they didn’t care for Eden. Jealousy was a monster, and I could see it in their eyes; especially the few who tried to confirm I was taking her to the ball.

  She already had enough crap to worry about, and I vowed to make sure she’d have a night she would never forget.

  I quickly headed toward my room, wanting to discuss the trip with Samuel without interruption, when I was knocked hard from the side.

  I turned to see a large boy, decent muscles—probably a football player—staring at me.

  “Watch your back, pretty boy,” he sneered, a bunch of boys standing behind him.

  “What’s your name?” I asked walking directly up to him, staring him in the eye. I was a few inches taller, and way more defined—not to mention, immortal. The flinch in his eyes told me he was intimidated.

  “Billy Jones,” he growled. “Remember the name.”

  I wanted to laugh at the fact he was trying to be a tough guy. I moved an inch closer, my eyes boring into his; the smell of fear and sweat permeated from him.

  “In a week’s time, you won’t exist in my world. And your name…I’ve already forgotten it.” I leaned in closer, making him take a step back. It was evident no one ever stood up to this guy. He had no clue I could take his head off, along with all the others behind him.

  Damn mortals. They were so vain.

  I shook my head and walked away.

  “Yeah, walk away, pussy,” he called after me. The guys behind him started laughing.

  Believe me, I could show them my power, even wished I could, but it was forbidden. Besides, I had no time for their pettiness.

  As I walked down the hall, Kimi caught up to me. “I’m glad you stood up to him,” she said in a hushed tone. “He was the jerk who started those rumors about Eden. They went out one night, and he tried to do things to her.”

  An immediate rage built, and my blood boiled. I stopped and turned to her.

  “What did he do?”

  Her eyes went wide, startled and concerned. I had to blink and make sure I didn’t aim the rage at her.

  “He tried to, you know, get to third base, but Eden punched him in the eye and took off.”

  Her words made me chuckle, especially envisioning Eden punching that asshole in the eye.

  “I hope he doesn’t cause you any trouble,” she said, a look of concern furrowed her brow.

  I shook my head. “He should be the one you worry about.”

  “I like you, Alex. And I know Eden likes you too. I think you’ll be good for her.”

  “Thanks, Kimi.” I winked and watched her blush.

  “No problem. See you later,” she said, heading to her physical education class.

  “Later.”

  I headed up the stairs and went directly to my room. Inside, I closed the door and locked it. Throwing my bag on the floor, I dropped down on the bed and dialed Samuel’s number.

  “Alex?” He answered after the first ring. “Is everything okay?”

  “Yeah. I’m calling because I need your help Friday night. If you’re available.”

  “What’s going on?”

  “Eden’s friends are taking her to Seattle to go shopping for an upcoming ball. Then they’re going to have dinner at a restaurant her friend’s parents own. She’ll be outside of the barrier, and I want to cover my bases in case anything happens.”

  “Of course. I’m free on Friday, and I’ll see what the others are up to. If you can get me the name of the restaurant and time you’ll be there, maybe I can take Alaine out to dinner. I’ll check with Kade too, and let you know.”

  “Thanks, Samuel. I appreciate it.”

  “It’ll be great to get out of the house and spread my wings for a bit. I’ve been stuck doing yard work all week.”

  The visual of one of the greatest Fallen Warriors trimming hedges made me laugh.

  “I’ll get you the info. Thanks, again.”

  “No problem. I’ll be there.”

  I hung up and felt good about having backup. There was always hope nothing would happen, but the Fallen also had Watchers. Hope for the best…expect the worst.

  After talking to Samuel, I decided to text Eden and see if she wanted anything to eat.

  She declined and said she was still full from lunch and was working on her homework. But she asked if I’d be up tonight, and I told her I would.

  Out of the blue, my phone buzzed.

  Isaac: Just a reminder. Keep the relationship business-only. Ephraim is conc
erned. Asking questions. Midway is watching.

  As much as I hated the text, he was right. We were way too close to crossing the line the other night. And I was always the careful one. I never made mistakes, especially the biggest one…getting involved with an assignment. Why the hell was it so hard now?

  Dammit. If they were watching, that meant my job was on the line. I couldn’t allow myself to lose control again. I shot him off a reply.

  Me: Yeah, I know.

  What was I supposed to do? Keep putting her to sleep every night?

  I guess that was the only option until I left. Because we couldn’t be awake and alone. She was impossible to resist.

  Later that night, after we had dinner in her room and her friends left, I decided to tell her what happened.

  “Samuel said he’d be in Seattle and will tell the others.”

  She nodded but kept studying my face. “What’s wrong?”

  “What do you mean?” I asked, trying to school my face.

  She shrugged. “I can sense something’s bothering you.”

  She was the only one, in my entire career, who’d been able to sense my feelings. Maybe I was slipping. Maybe my emotions were too much to hide.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked again.

  I sat on her chair and wheeled it in front of her. I wanted to grab her, to yank her into my lap and wrap my arms around her, but I resisted.

  “I got a message from the Watcher. Midway gave me a warning. They will be watching how I deal with you from here on out.”

  Her eyes widened. I didn’t have to know what she was thinking, it was written all over her face. She was just as devastated as I was. “How do they know?”

  I shrugged, and she shook her head and plopped down on the bed. “I’m sorry, Alex.”

  “You have no reason to be sorry. I initiated everything. I’m the one who lost control. It just seems too easy to do around you.”

  Her head lifted. “I lost just as much control as you did, so I’m just as much to blame. I don’t want another Guardian,” she admitted. “And I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you here. I still want you here at night, because it gives me a sense of peace. Just put me to sleep. God knows I’ll need it anyway.”