Guardians: The Turn (The Guardians Series, Book 3)

  We stand outside my door. Marcus and I hold hands. I lean into him and inhale his scent. I can never really tell what it is. All I know is I crave it. I snuggle closer to him and put my head on his chest.

  “I can’t believe we actually survived today,” I say softly.

  “Me too.”

  “Rio and Miku are back,” I smile so wide, I show all of my teeth.

  He laughs at my goofy face.

  “You know, for a second there, when Miku was on the antenna…” he begins.

  “I know. But it worked out.”

  “Yeah, we still have issues but Pretty is family to me,” he says.

  “I think she feels the same about you. It’s just that losing Rio put her over the edge.”

  “I get that. I can’t even begin to think about what I would do if something happened to you.”

  “Nothing is going to happen. We are going to find the Triplex, but first, you guys are going to party.”

  “Us? What about you? You’re coming right?”

  “I think I should spend sometime with my mom.”

  “Yeah, I know. It’s just…”

  “What?”

  “I rarely get to see you when you’re not being set on fire or running for your life. I like when we can sit still.”

  “I like that too, but rain check okay?”

  “Deal.”

  He hugs me tightly and says they will take shifts guarding the house. I tell him its okay if the Guardians take a night off but he says no. I knew he would.

  I get home and find my mom making dinner. Or should I say microwaving dinner. She always feels guilty about not being a great cook but I just remind her that we are helping the economy by ordering out. Yes, that’s right; it is our duty as good Americans to call Pizza Hut.

  Since Jay was able to Convince her, she no longer considers me grounded. She also doesn’t recall telling me to stay away from Marcus. In fact, when I come in and tell her I went on a date with Marcus, she tells me she thinks he’s a pretty nice guy. I told her he was a real Angel and laughed to myself.

  We “made” dinner, watched Big Bang Theory, and ate half a gallon of Rocky Road ice cream. Okay, okay, we ate the whole gallon, but keep in mind there were two of us.

  I know it’s very boring, but at one point I thought I wouldn’t be alive to do the boring dinners anymore. So sitting here on the sofa with my mom feels nice. Ms. Charlotte curls up to me and buries her head in my lap. I stroke her fur and put my head on my mom.

  An hour later I hear her snoring. I get up, place a blanket over her and head to my room with Ms. Charlotte.

  “Mr. Charlotte I think we spent some good quality time with Mom, right?” She meows.

  “Exactly. Now what’s the harm in texting Marcus and having him pick me up so we can join the party?” She curls her tails around me.

  “Oh, so you were thinking the same thing too?” I smile down at her and text Marcus.

  An hour later we arrive at Arden’s massive mansion. But unlike last time, she is having the party outside in the backyard. That makes it sound like it’s a nice small affair. The truth is the grounds of Arden’s home are huge.

  Arden comes out looking like a futuristic Lady GaGa Para Angel. She is sexy and has never had a thought she didn’t share out loud. She tells us to have fun and enjoy the night. She says it’s against the rules to talk about work. In other words “No Triplex talk.”

  Arden has done an amazing job with the decorating, although I’m sure her Shadow Servants did all the work. The night sky is ablaze with stars. The Olympic-size pool is filled with floating tea lights; they give the entire grounds a soft romantic feel. The music is soft and mellow. Most of the Angels are slow dancing, sipping Coy, and having a great time.

  The other Guardians have already started to party. Jay flirts shamelessly with some hot redhead. Ameana and Miku are deep in conversation and Rio is hanging out with the DJ. Everyone here has congratulated and thanked the Guardians.

  Marcus tells me that at first Miku was shy around the people she tried to destroy, but for the most part they are supportive. They know the Twins’ Core and they know the damage could have been much worse.

  He says there are a few Angels who believe that she is still evil based on her red tips. But no one says anything out loud for fear they are right. I tell him I don’t worry about that. I can see the old Miku is back. Her eyes are warm and her laughter is genuine again.

  We bump into Wolf. He took off after he helped save Miku from the Omari. We haven’t seen him in a few hours.

  “Look dude, back on Tamera Falls—” e starts.

  “—It’s cool. I get it,” Marcus says.

  Then Wolf looks over at me and apologies for calling me a stupid human back on the mountain. I tell him that I have been called worse (usually by Ameana).

  “Yeah, she’s something else,” Wolf says, as he watches her from a few yards away.

  Marcus and I both agree.

  “She’ll never be cool with…I mean…new people don’t get a chance with her do they?” Wolf asks hesitantly.

  “I was new once,” Marcus says.

  He nods and takes off. I turn my attention to Marcus.

  “I’m so glad you guys are getting some credit for the things we’ve done,” I say.

  “It’s not just us. I hear you are tomorrow’s front page news.”

  “I’m in the Splash?”

  “Front page.”

  “That doesn’t sound good.”

  “No, this time, it is. They talk about how courageous you are, and how much help you’ve been to the mission”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah. I.M. Trouble sent us an advance copy.”

  I look up at the millions of stars above us and remember the Aurora Borealis. I tell Marcus I will never forget that moment as long as I live.

  “The only thing that would be better is if I would have kissed you,” he says.

  “That would have been perfect. But just being there with you was enough.”

  “Are you sure you don’t feel cheated?” he asks.

  “No.”

  “Well, I do. I want to kiss you so bad...” he says gently in my ear. A shiver makes its way down my spine. I’m tingling all over.

  “So, kiss me,” I reply.

  He leans in. I inhale his scent. He kisses my neck; repeatedly. He feels so soft against my skin. The warmth from his slightly parted lips causes a sensation so visceral I bite my lower lip to keep the sound from escaping.

  I can scarcely breathe. He pulls away.

  No, no, please don’t pull away. I want more; so much more.

  Ominus please, help me find a way to kiss the Angel I love…

  CHAPTER NINETEEN: GIFT GIVING

  The next morning I feel something that I never thought I would feel in a million years: Happy to go to school. Yeah, I know; crazy. But it’s the first morning in a while where we don’t have to go off chasing things out to destroy us. Yes, we still have not found the Triplex but then again, neither have the Akons.

  This bright and early morning will be dedicated to doing something normal, like making breakfast. Now granted, I’m not a great chef, but I can fry an egg. I can also make bacon. And sometimes, it’s not burnt, so ha!

  “Is that my daughter in the kitchen, cooking?” my mom says, pretending the surprise of watching me cook is all too much for her. She fakes like she’s dead by putting her head off to the side and sticking out her tongue.

  “Very funny, Mom,” I say, determined to keep a close eye on the bacon.

  “Why are you so cheerful?” she asks.

  “I don’t know. I just am.”

  “Now, let’s see. What could it be?” she jokes.

  “It’s nothing.”

  “Um…could it be you’re happy to go to class? No. That’s not it.”

  “You are the worst mom ever,” I say, clearly teasing her.

  “Could it be because the stock market is up?”

  “Ha, ha
, ha.”

  “What could be making my piglet so happy?”

  “If you don’t stop, no bacon for you.”

  “I know---Marcus.”

  I roll my eyes and try not to blush. I fail.

  “Whatever, I’m just cooking. That’s all,” I say lamely.

  “My piglet is in love,” she says smiling from ear to ear

  “Okay, okay. I’m…I mean we…just come and have breakfast,” I say, giving up on being able to express my feeling to her.

  She playfully wags her finger at me. I fix her a plate and hope the Marcus part of the discussion is over.

  “So, where is he from?”

  I guess not...

  “He was born on earth.”

  “Funny. Where are his parents?”

  “Around.”

  “Does he have any siblings?”

  “He’s got a lot of close family.”

  “I know he hangs around with Miku and the others but where is his real family?”

  “They sent him to school here and they check in on him regularly.”

  “Is it healthy for him to be out here on his own? I mean who is he staying with? He’s only sixteen. I know all of you kids think that’s old enough to be on your own, but really it isn’t. Marcus needs guidance.”

  “Believe me Mom, he has a guide. I mean guidance.”

  I change the subject and ask her what she wants to order for dinner. She starts talking about a new restaurant that just opened up around her job. I hope the more we talk about food and her work, the less time there is for all things Marcus.

  It works. By the time I clear the table, we are long past the subject of Marcus. I get my stuff from my room and head out. Just as I hit the door she calls out to me.

  “Hey, invite Marcus here for dinner tonight. He can pick where we order from.”

  “Um…tonight’s not good.”

  “Why?”

  “Um…I have homework?”

  “Don’t worry. We’ll eat early and give you plenty of time to study.”

  “Mom—”

  “—Emmy, he’s your boyfriend. I’m fine with that because he seems like a nice guy, but I am going to get to know him. I’m not asking you.”

  “Fine.”

  “Good. I’m sure Marcus and I will get along great.”

  “Bye, Mom.”

  “Bye, piglet.”

  The good feeling I had; gone.

  ********************

  Marcus is outside the building waiting for me. We head to house to pick up the rest of team. He insists that I be in school and that they be around to guard me. He informs me that after school they plan to talk to Julian again. They feel he may be willing to help now that they are down to the wire.

  “I have bad news. My mom invited you to dinner. I’m so sorry. I tried to—”

  “—Emmy, it’s okay. I don’t mind having dinner with her. I think it’s nice she wants to know the guy you’re seeing.”

  “It’s not nice, Marcus. It’s embarrassing.”

  “Why?”

  “She’s gonna ask you a ton of questions.”

  “So?”

  “So? All of them will cause a degree of embarrassment that may actually be fatal.”

  “I think we’ll be just fine.”

  “Really? What happens when you don’t eat anything?”

  “I could eat something.”

  “Yeah and then disappear into that memory. How are you going to explain that?”

  “Tell her I’m training to be a magician and this is my latest trick—the disappearing act.”

  I want to shake him but that silly stupid grin on his face makes it hard not to smile back. He pulls me in close to him.

  “Emmy, you and I can handle anything. Unstable Gardeners, the Hun and yes, even dinner with your mom.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.”

  Before we enter the Guardian’s home, he breaks a Splash against the wall. When the words gather they form an article about me along with a picture. I read it quickly then we make our way upstairs to the immaculate living room with the sleek modern décor.

  “You’re a hero, Emmy,” Marcus teases me.

  “No, I’m not.”

  “You did help us out.”

  “Heroes don’t close their eyes and scream every time they’re attacked.”

  “Don’t downplay yourself. You helped me get my team back. That means a lot to me,” he says, gazing deeply into my eyes.

  “It’s too early for all of these purple waves, guys,” Rio says from behind us. I know purple waves mean someone is horny.

  “Stop reading my wave, Rio,” I say to him.

  “Who says he was reading yours?” Marcus says slyly. I blush and turn away from him.

  As if on cue, Ameana then emerges from her room.

  “Good morning,” I say to Marcus’s ex.

  She flashes me a quick fake smile and walks past us.

  “She’s not really a morning person is she?” I ask.

  “I don’t think she recharged at all after the party at Arden’s.”

  “Why?”

  “She’s got a lot on her mind.”

  “Wolf?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Did he ask her out?”

  “Yeah.”

  “And?”

  “And she tuned him down.”

  “Maybe she has real feelings for Rage.”

  Marcus’s face darkens. Just saying the name ‘Rage’ causes him to clench his jaw and shake his head.

  “Look, I know why you don’t want the two of them together but maybe it’s what she wants.”

  “Emmy, I can’t allow her to date Rage. And even if I could, she doesn’t really want him.”

  “How do you know?”

  “I know Ameana.”

  “Okay, if Wolf is who she really wants then why is she pushing him away?”

  “So, it’s not enough that I have to see you everyday, you want to be in my business, too?” I turn around and find Ameana has reentered the room.

  “We were just—”

  “—getting into things that don’t concern you.”

  “I just think Wolf is a nice guy,” I say ever so lamely.

  “So what, you want him now too?”

  “What? No!”

  “Why not, Emmy? You can have Marcus then have Wolf. They can be a set.”

  “That’s not what I want.”

  “I really don’t give a damn what you want. Just stay out of my business. The next time I find you involved in my business, I swear I’ll sending you flying across the world. Express.”

  “Ameana,” Marcus warns.

  “No, she’s right. I’m sorry for getting into your life. It’s none of my business.”

  “Whatever,” Ameana says, as she rolls her eyes and heads down to the car.

  Jay enters the living room with a confidence that tells me he’s back to his old self.

  “I mean, is it normal to be this fine, before 9 A.M.? Damn!” he says, posing as if there were cameras.

  “I love that you’re humble, Jay. That’s what most attracts me to you,” I say, shaking my head.

  “Tell the Twins let’s go. I don’t want to keep the girls waiting. It’s cruel and usual punishment.”

  “Okay, okay, we’re here,” the Twins says in unison. They rarely speak in unison but it was nice to hear. The joy from having the team back together still clings in the air. Although Ameana isn’t in the best of moods, I would say the Guardians are happy.

  Once all of us are inside Siren (Jay’s most beloved black luxury car) we head to school. Jay asked what he missed when he was getting ready.

  “Ameana threatened to kill Emmy,” Rio said.

  “So…nothing new,” Jay replies.

  Ameana glares at him and looks out the window. Miku smiles warmly at me. I ask about her night and she says she spent most of it with Ameana. I tell her how good it is to have her back. She is beaming as we head for Livingston
Academy.

  Thankfully I am not as hopelessly behind in my classes as I thought. Granted, I’m not getting an “A” on any of my finals but in truth, I was never really an “A” student. Well, that is except in English.

  Unfortunately I’m two books behind in English class and have a paper due next week. Academically, if the world doesn’t end, I am in so much trouble.

  By lunch time, I have had my fill of education. I think back to being in the sky with Marcus. Seriously, it was the best moment ever. You know how you replay a moment in your head with a guy? You look back at it and you change a few things to make it perfect?

  I don’t have to do that when I replay my moment with Marcus. As I said to him before, everything was perfect. Yes, a kiss would have been…sigh. But still it was the best moment ever; it’s like the entire night sky was just for us.

  Thinking about that makes me long to be there with him again. It makes me crave his touch. I sigh and pout like a child.

  “Earth to Emmy,” Miku says.

  “Huh, what?”

  “I know why I’m not eating, why aren’t you?” she asks looking at the untouched burger and fries on my plate.

  “Thinking.”

  “About?”

  “You know: third-world democracy, campaign reform, US foreign policy…”

  “Marcus?”

  “Yes!!!” I say, leaning my head helplessly on her shoulder.

  She laughs and says I’m being dramatic.

  “Miku, I know it’s hard cause you are friends with both of us. I mean, we are friends right?”

  “Yes, Emmy, we are.”

  “Good, cause I missed you.”

  “Same here. So, what exactly did Marcus do this time?”

  I tell her about the Aurora Borealis. She listens quietly and lets me ramble on.

  “So, you wanted him to kiss you?” she asks.

  “Yes, but I know he can’t. Still, he should ask her for his Rah back. I mean that’s only fair right?”

  “He says he’s waiting until Ameana is ready to give it back. That means you have to wait, too,” Miku says.

  “That’s just it. She’ll never give it back. I asked her back on Tamera Falls.”

  “Ameana and Marcus were each other’s first love. That doesn’t die down quickly.”

  “I should adjust to the fact that I may never get to kiss him,” I say softly to myself.

  “If you feel that strongly about it, then ask him to ask her for it again,”