“That would be great,” she breathed. “Just give me a few minutes.”
I nodded and let her out of my arms, watching her jog inside.
Mason, Kade, and Thomas stepped next to me with Eden’s sleeping friends in their arms. I didn’t see any major injuries, and only a few minor scratches.
“Hey, Mason, I’m Alex,” I said, introducing myself.
“Nice to meet you.” He grinned. His hair was a dark brown, as were his eyes. He was about the same height as Kade, and just as muscular. “Man, tonight was intense. That was the first real action I’ve had since I arrived a few months ago.”
“Oh, so you’re brand new.”
“Yeah, still in training,” he replied. “I switched places with a Guardian named Michael,” he explained.
“Switched?”
“Yeah. It’s complicated, and involved a girl.”
Looking up toward Eden’s window, we watched as she slid it open, removed the screen, and waved down to us. “Girls are definitely complicated,” I muttered.
He laughed at that. “So, what’s the plan?”
“Fly them up to her room. They’ll be staying with her tonight.”
With a nod, he, Kade, and Thomas flew the trio up, while I went and said goodbye to Samuel, Alaine, and Dom.
“Remember, we’re always here if you ever need us.” Samuel extended his hand, and I took it firmly, thanking him.
Alaine wrapped me in a hug. “Alexander, Eden is lucky to have you as her Guardian. I can see how special you are to her, and equally, how much she means to you. Just remember to guard your heart.”
I nodded, knowing exactly what she meant. Being immortal, my heart was already predestined for my future soul mate and chosen by the immortal bond.
“The ball is her last mortal event. Give her a night she’ll never forget.” Dom shoved the shopping bags in my arms, then wrapped me in a manly bear hug. “Catch you later, little bro.”
“Catch you later,” I said, raising a hand as they headed into the woods.
Flying up to the window, I noticed that Eden had laid a blanket on the ground and placed pillows along the edge. Her friends were lying on top, and she’d thrown another blanket over them.
“At least the flying dried them off,” she sighed. “I don’t know how I’m going to explain this when they get up.”
“Just try and play it off,” Kade said. “They’ll only remember up until they were put to sleep, so whatever you come up with, they’ll have to eventually deal with it.”
Eden nodded, but her brow was furrowed. I knew it worried her. I watched as the moon glinted off her porcelain skin. Even after a tragic night, she was still striking.
“All right, man. Looks like you’re all good here,” Kade said, slapping his hand on my shoulder.
“I can’t thank you enough,” I said. “You seriously delivered with that cavalry.”
“You would have done the same for me,” he replied.
“You know it.”
“Thanks for giving us some fun,” Thomas laughed, giving me his arm. “Your assignment has benefited us all.”
“I’m glad I could oblige.” I clamped my hand around his forearm. “I’ll be graduating next week if you care to come.”
He laughed. “How many graduations of yours do I have to attend?”
“I can only hope this is the last one.”
“Not with your baby face,” he teased, letting go of my arm to touch my cheek.
I slapped his hand away, which brought out a deep belly laugh from him.
Kade stepped to the window. “Take care of him, Eden.”
“I’ll try,” she replied.
When they left, I locked the window and turned to find Eden clutching some clothes to her chest.
“I’m going to take a shower. You’re staying here tonight, right?”
“Of course.”
She nodded, and a slight smile rose on her lips. “Thank you, for saving me again.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there sooner. That bastard shouldn’t have touched you.”
“But you killed him.”
“Not soon enough.”
Tears welled in her eyes, lips quivering. The clothes she held onto tumbled to the floor as she fell into my arms. I held her close, resting my chin on the top of her head. I loved the feeling of her in my arms. Like she was meant to be there.
After what seemed like too short of a time, she stepped back, wiping the tears from her cheeks. “I’m so sorry,” she apologized.
“Don’t be,” I whispered. “You’re entitled to a breakdown.”
She shook her head. “I just…”
“Let me run down and grab a few things. I’ll be right back up.”
“You don’t have to rush.”
I nodded, then kissed her forehead. “Lock the door behind me.”
She followed me to the door, then took my hand and placed her keys into it.
“I’ll be back soon.” I winked, watching a grin raise on her lips.
“I’ll be here,” she replied.
When I returned to her room, Eden was already in bed. The only light was from a small nightlight on her nightstand. She looked up at me, patting the space beside her.
I carefully stepped over Sebastian’s limbs and lay down. Eden snuggled into my side, resting her head on my chest and wrapping her left arm over me. I wrapped my arm around her, our bodies molding together.
We didn’t need to say much, and both knew we were in no position to cross any line. Especially with her friends in the room.
“Good night,” she whispered.
“Good night, Eden.” I kissed the top of her head. “Sleep.”
Chapter 31
Eden
I awoke the next morning to a loud, growling yawn. Rolling over, I knew Alex was gone, but my friends were still on the floor.
Sebastian was moving, but his eyes were still closed. Trissa and Kimi were motionless. All of a sudden, Sebastian shot up, his hands raking through his hair like he was going to lose it. His head snapped to me, and I was too late to close my eyes.
“Eden,” he spoke slowly as if testing to see if his voice would work. “How the hell did my fabulous ass wake up on your floor?”
“I’m not too sure,” I lied, cringing inside, wishing Alex was here to put him back to sleep. “But I’m guessing we walked?”
He shook his head, not convinced. “Did I drink? I don’t remember drinking. Then again, I don’t remember much of anything. Except the explosions.” His breath became ragged. “And my head hurts like hell.”
“Maybe one of the blasts knocked us out?” I added. “I just woke up in my bed, and I can’t give you answers as to how I got here.”
“Why can’t I remember anything? Maybe we were drugged,” he exhaled loudly. Looking down at his hand, he gasped. “What the hell happened to my hand?” The cut below his thumb was minor, but in his eyes, he probably needed stitches.
Trissa and Kimi rolled over to look at him, blinking a few times.
Kimi sat straight up and rubbed her eyes. “Sebastian, it’s too early,” she whined.
Trissa shot up on her elbows and gasped. “The ball! OMG. I was supposed to call Trevor last night. How did we get here?”
“I don’t know,” I replied. “I’m just in the dark as you are.” I couldn’t change my answer, no matter how badly I wanted to. If the details started changing, Sebastian would sniff out a lie.
“Why don’t I remember walking? The last thing I remember was my car tires being slashed, then the explosions, and that lady driving us while bombs exploded around us.”
Kimi’s eyes went wide. “I remember that too, but don’t remember walking up here.”
“I don’t
know,” I said, shaking my head. “There must have been some kind of trauma for all of us to have been knocked out.” I shrugged, adding myself to the mix to keep it real. “Maybe we were so dazed, we just don’t recall walking up here.”
I swallowed hard. We sat in silence while my lie hung in the air.
Sebastian was the first to say anything. “I refuse to believe that all of us blanked out. Something’s up. And I hope they catch those bastards for the attacks. They deserve to be tortured for causing so much terror.”
“I don’t know what the hell is going on, but the ball is tonight,” Trissa blurted. “We can figure this out later, but right now, I need to shower and get my things ready.”
“I want to know how I got here without any recollection.” Sebastian stood to his feet.
“Maybe we’ll all remember details after a hot shower and a bit of coffee,” I suggested.
“Maybe.” He sighed.
His eyes went to our bags on the ground. He shuffled over and took his bag.
“I’ll bring by my steamer later when I come to do your makeup…’cause,” his hand swept over our bags, “y’all have wrinkles.”
Kimi and Trissa stood and stretched, a little wobbly and disoriented. They both made their way toward the door. “See you in a few,” Trissa said, throwing me kisses.
“I’m going to shower and take a nap.” Kimi yawned, dragging her feet. “See you later, Eden.”
“See ya,” I said.
I sunk into my bed, thankful it went much easier than I’d expected. I knew the whole preparations for the ball would help steer their thoughts in another direction. And the fact they were still a little disoriented when they left, also helped.
***
Time flew by, and before I knew it, there were four hours before the ball. Sebastian brought the steamer. I’d hung up the dresses, and they definitely needed it.
He also brought some new makeup pallets he’d received in kits, and Trissa wheeled in her large pink and silver makeup case, which looked more like a carry-on. My entire desk was covered with the latest makeup in every color.
I got a text from Alex saying he had to take care of some business, but would meet us downstairs at six-thirty. I couldn’t wait to see him.
“We’ll do our makeup together, then finish getting ready in our own rooms. That way, we’ll get to see each other for the first time when we meet downstairs,” Trissa noted.
“A big reveal,” Kimi squealed. “I love it!”
The only makeup I possessed was foundation, mascara, and lip gloss.
“Sit,” Sebastian said, patting the floor next to him. He’d laid out colors he thought would work best for my overall look.
Trissa helped Kimi with her makeup, then did her own. And after hours of contour, highlights, fake lashes, liner, and lipstick, they looked like porcelain dolls.
“You two are visions,” I exhaled, hand to heart.
“Yep,” Sebastian added, assessing their work. “Kevin and Trevor will need bibs for all of the drooling they’ll be doing.”
“Sebastian, that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me,” Kimi dramatically sighed.
“Eden…and you! My God,” Trissa exclaimed, and Kimi nodded in agreement.
“She’s not looking until we leave,” Sebastian noted.
“Sebastian, you are a genius,” Trissa sighed. “She’s a masterpiece.”
“Was I really that bad to begin with?”
“No, but this…you’re stunning.”
“Aww. Thanks!”
“So, what about this bandage on your arm?” Sebastian asked. “That ugly thing is going to clash with my masterpiece.”
“It’s coming off,” I said with a grin, although my stomach turned at the statement, wondering if the scars would be horrid.
“Good,” he said, gathering all his things together. “My job here is done. I’m going to my place to get ready.”
“I’ll see you guys soon,” I said.
I still had an hour after they left and needed to do my hair. But first, I had to take care of my arm. I sat on the edge of my bed and carefully unwound the bandage, not sure of what I’d find underneath. I held my breath as I came to the end. Gasping, I dropped the bandage and touched the area that had recently been torn to shreds. It was completely healed. I rubbed my fingers across my skin, and it tingled like it was tender.
I was in shock. Was this what Alex had been talking about? My ankle, my arm…both rapidly healed. I was blown away. What should have taken weeks to heal, happened in days. I was utterly baffled.
I pushed off the bed and carried my dress into the bathroom, hanging it on the shower rod.
I was anxious to see what Sebastian had done to my face. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and turned toward the mirror. I don’t know what made me so nervous. Probably a mixture of my reveal and seeing Alex later tonight.
Sucking in a deep breath, I took a step closer to the mirror then exhaled, opening my eyes.
I stared in awe at the girl in the mirror. She wasn’t the same girl I looked at every morning. Sebastian was magical.
My eyeliner was winged to perfection, and my eyes looked lighter somehow, framed within thick lashes. My face looked flawless; the contour and highlighting added such definition. He’d stuck with more natural tones, my eyeshadow done in shades of gold. My cheeks were blushed in light pink, and he tied my lips in with a light champagne color.
I wished I could tuck Sebastian in my pocket and carry him everywhere with me. He would be my personal makeup artist.
I took my time curling the ends of my hair, and when it was done, I was happy with the results.
With about ten minutes to spare, I put on my white heels, my grandmother’s pearl accessories, and slipped into the gown. Butterflies twisted in my stomach as I watched how everything came together.
I twirled, and my dress billowed out around me. Sighing, I felt like Cinderella before the ball.
My phone buzzed, and my insides did a flip.
Alex: Meet me at the bottom of the stairs.
Oh God. Oh God. Oh God.
Me: Give me two mins.
Another text came through.
Trissa: Went with Kimi to meet Trevor & Kevin. See you there!
Me: See ya!
I put my phone in a small white clutch, then tucked the bloodstone amulet into my bra, using a safety pin to secure it.
The blood of Christ. Dear God. I’d better not lose it.
Taking one last look in the mirror, I fluffed my hair and was ready.
As soon as I stepped toward the door, my nerves went haywire. My legs wanted to run out of my room, down the hall, and straight into Alex’s arms, but my brain said, “Hell no.” I’d probably end up back in the nurse’s office.
Walking in heels took some getting used to, but by the time I made it down the hall, I could at least stand straight. The stairs were another story. At least they had a handrail which I could cling to for support.
In the hall, a few girls walked past me in jeans and tees. They weren’t seniors, obviously, and I found their whispers a little unnerving.
As I exited the outer door, I coaxed myself not to fall. Alex would be waiting at the bottom, and I wanted to look at least somewhat graceful. I took the steps to the staircase and slowly made my way down.
As I came around the corner, it was as if all the air was siphoned from around me. Alex was standing at the bottom of the stairs, hair neatly combed back. He was wearing white pants, a white long-sleeved, button-up shirt with the top few buttons undone, and a white suit jacket. Holy angel of God, he was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. And the way his eyes swept up and down my body said he was eqally as floored, sending a surge of heat straight through my core.
 
; “You’re a vision,” he breathed.
We gazed deeply into each other’s eyes, stealing a moment.
“So are you.” I blushed.
Before I made it to the last step, he held out his hand and I took it. They fit perfectly together.
Hand in hand, we walked out of the dorm area and into the school lobby.
As soon as we entered, it was as if everyone’s attention shifted to us. I suddenly felt uncomfortable and vulnerable, but Alex squeezed my hand and pulled me close to his side, wrapping his arm around my waist.
Seniors lined the halls, dressed in suits and ball gowns waiting to get into the Grand Room. Some of them, I’d never seen before. They’d come from outside schools, invited by seniors of Brindle Hall. But none that I saw compared to Alex. He definitely stood out in a crowd, and he smelled like heaven. Well, if heaven had a scent, it would be his.
The whispers started. I hated whispers.
Then there were squeals.
“Eden!” It was Kimi and Trissa running toward me. We collided in a group hug…well, not a real collide. We had to be careful of our makeup and hair, so it was more of a pause and hug, while keeping our faces at a safe distance.
“Look at you two,” Trissa stepped back with her hands out to her sides. “You look like you should be on a romance book cover. You’re gorgeous.”
“Look at the two of you,” I added, taking the attention off me. I hated compliments. I wasn’t used to them, so they made me feel uncomfortable. “You’re stunning.”
“Thanks,” Trissa replied, flipping a curl behind her shoulder.
Kimi smiled as Kevin stepped up by her side and took hold of her hand. I winked at her, and she blushed. Kevin was the second boy she’d ever had an interest in, and I could tell she was still getting used to the idea of having a boyfriend. Her parents would have something to say, but hey…she was happy. I’d never seen her glow or smile so brightly.