They were extended out so long, beyond the door frame, so I couldn’t see them in their full glory. As I looked to the sides, I was dumbfounded and dazed at how perfectly symmetrical they were. Fully extended, they were approximately seven feet long on each side.
Laughter from the guys next door snapped me back into reality. I wondered what they would think when they saw my wings?
Then I had an amazing idea. I would keep my wings a secret and reveal them on the day of the wedding. That would be the shocker of the century, and I was totally in. But I also hated surprises and had the hardest time trying to keep them.
In the meantime, I would show them my invisibility, hoping my wings wouldn’t magically pop out in the process. That would be shocking, but not the full reaction I wanted.
I wondered what it felt like to fly.
As soon as the word fly entered my mind, my wings gave a strong flap.
It happened so fast, I couldn’t control it. The force of that single wing flap thrust me forward, slamming into the bathroom wall. I screamed as my body came to a crashing halt, then fell backward onto the floor.
I heard a door slam and I knew they must have heard.
“Disappear. Disappear. Disappear,” I frantically repeated, willing my wings to vanish.
The door to my room suddenly opened and I heard Kade’s distressed voice as he crossed the floor to the bathroom. “Emma? Emma, are you okay?”
He stood in the doorway, his brow furrowed with concern.
I glanced to my sides, and noticed my wings were gone, but one single feather lay right next to my hand. I quickly covered it, then burst into laughter. I couldn’t help it, and I couldn’t stop it. I laughed so hard my belly and face began to hurt.
Kade stood there, with a look of confusion on his face. Then Dom and Thomas peeked around him with similar looks.
“Did the transformation make her mad?” Dom asked.
“Is she alright?” Thomas whispered.
“I’m fine,” I giggled. “There was a bit of water on the floor and I slipped. Being surefooted certainly wasn’t my gift.”
“Are you sure you’re alright?” Kade asked, reaching his hand out to help me up. “I heard you scream, and thought something bad happened.”
“Yes. I’m totally fine, and I’m sorry for scaring you.”
I took his hand and immediately felt the familiar electrical current.
Kade grinned and pulled me up into a hug.
“I’m glad you’re okay,” he breathed.
“Hey, Emma. Did you discover your gift?” Dom asked.
I nodded, and while in Kade’s arms, willed invisibility.
We instantly vanished.
“Damn. That is so freaking cool, but it’s also kind of unnerving. I would never know if you were invisible… watching me… maybe even stalking,” Dom said with a straight face.
I willed visibility and we reappeared.
“Don’t worry, Dom. I’m not a creeper.”
“Well, if you ever wanted to be… I guess I wouldn’t mind. As long as I’m not in the bathroom.”
“You’re so gross,” I laughed.
As I exited from Kade’s embrace, Dom threw a playful punch at me. Without really knowing what was going on, my hand automatically grabbed hold of his arm, and launched him in the air over my head. He slammed into the ground with a thud.
I gasped and let go, stepping back, holding my hands up.
Kade and Thomas were frozen, staring at me with the widest eyes.
“Shiiiit,” Thomas breathed.
“What the freaking hell?” Dom yelled, holding his side.
“Dom, I’m so sorry. I don’t know what happened. I couldn’t control myself. I’m so sorry,” I stepped forward, begging for his forgiveness.
“Don’t touch me,” he warned, leaning away from me.
“Emma. It’s alright,” Kade said softly, walking over to me slowly and gently backing me away.
“It’s not alright,” Dom moaned. “Your chick just picked me up like a child and body slammed me. I’m surprised she didn’t jump from her bed and finish me off with the People’s Elbow!”
He looked up at me, his eyes were narrowed and I felt horrible. Then suddenly, his demeanor whiplashed.
“Holy crap, Emma. You freaking kicked my ass,” he howled with laughter. “Oh my God. She’s a beast!”
I didn’t know what to say. I still felt horrible, but his outburst of laughter made me feel a little better – and a bit embarrassed.
“We seriously have to warn everyone not to make any sudden moves around her.” Dom got up from the floor; groaning like an old man.
“She’ll be fine. She just needs to learn how to control her new gifts,” Kade said. Then he and Thomas began laughing beside me.
Dom stretched his back. “Damn… that’s gonna leave a mark.”
“I’m really, really sorry,” I repeated.
“I’m fine. It’ll heal in a day,” Dom said, shaking his head. “You really are something.”
“Yeah, she really is,” Kade said, looking at me with appreciation. “Two gifts? Invisibility and super strength? Makes me wonder what else is in there,” he said, throwing his arm around me.
“You know what’s not in me? Food. I’m starving,” I said, trying to change the subject.
“Sounds good to me. Let’s go get the Warrior Princess some grub,” Dom added, walking out the door.
“Ha-ha-ha,” I said, not amused.
As we made our way downstairs, I saw the complete destruction of the home for the first time since the attack. My heart began to ache replaying the horrifying events which took place only a few days ago. So much death and destruction had happened in such a short time.
But over those past few days, Alaine had flown in a few highly skilled workers who she paid well to work round-the-clock. The windows had been reinstalled, the door was back in place, and they were hanging new sheets of drywall to cover the damages.
In the middle of the foyer was a huge heap of rubble, and I noticed pieces of from the crystal chandelier and stained glass. As I glanced up at the large, clear plastic sheet spread across the hole in the ceiling, I wondered how in the world Alaine tried to explain the damages. Maybe she paid them not to ask questions. I certainly would.
There were about five men working on different sections of the room. None of them stopped to look at us. They tediously continued what they needed to.
As we made our way down toward the bottom of the stairs Kade wrapped his arm around my waist. “Be careful where you step,” he warned.
I nodded, laying my head against his shoulder to keep my eyes from wandering to the places I’d last seen James and Malachi.
As we made our way through the rubble and into the kitchen, I was glad to see it hadn’t received too much damage. The lights were already on, and I could hear voices in the dining area.
“Do you guys care what you eat?” Thomas asked.
“Nah,” I answered. “I’m just really hungry.”
“Alright, you two go ahead. Dom and I will fix something quick and bring it in.”
“Are you sure?” I asked.
“Yes, he’s sure. This is your time to share your gifts with your parents,” Dom winked.
“Thanks, guys,” Kade said.
“Yes, thank you,” I repeated.
“Oh, and Emma,” Dom called out.
“Yeah?”
“Please don’t kick their asses. That would be a complete tragedy.”
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t worry, I won’t. I’ll even sit across the table from them.”
“Good thinking,” he said, giving me a thumbs up.
As Kade and I made our way into the dining area, Samuel and Alaine’s faces lit up.
“Emma,” Alaine said, standing to her feet. She stood and came towards us, but Kade stepped in between and held out his hand.
“It’s okay,” I said. “I won’t hurt her.”
Alaine stopped and looked at us p
uzzled.
“Kade was just protecting you,” I said.
“From what?” she asked.
“From me,” I breathed.
“I don’t understand,” she said, shaking her head.
“One of Emma’s gifts is strength. Dom threw a fake punch at her, and she reacted without control. She grabbed his arm and tossed him over her head like he was a pillow.”
“What?” Samuel asked. His face lit up.
“Yeah, and that’s not the only gift she has,” Kade explained.
I was relieved he was doing all the talking. It made it so much easier for me because I had no idea what I was going to say, or how I was going to explain it.
“What’s your other gift?” Alaine asked.
Kade stepped to the side so she could see me fully. I smiled and disappeared.
“I knew it,” she gasped. Tears flowed from her eyes, then she slowly walked up to me. I became visible again, and threw my arms around her.
“A chip off the old block,” Samuel chimed. Little did he know, I was a chip off of his block as well.
When he came to me, I could see a look of pride glowing on his face. “Look at you, all grown up. You’re radiant,” he said.
“Thanks,” I said, hugging him tightly.
“And don’t worry about not being able to control your gift. There are some gifts which take longer to tame than others. In time you’ll get it, and I can help you if you want,” he offered.
“I’d like that,” I said, and his smile widened.
During our late night meal, we discussed everything from the renovations on the house, the return of Courtney and Caleb, and details of the wedding. It was going to be a small affair, on a big budget.
Although Samuel had already performed his magical Angelic cremation ceremony on James and Malachi, he did collect their ashes knowing I would want them.
I requested for each of them, including Danyel, to have a small headstone placed outside in the graveyard; an area where we could go to remember them; where all our loved ones would be remembered, for as long as we were alive.
Alaine agreed.
The wedding would be held in the back yard, and the reception in the ballroom. Alaine said she would have gardeners come and trim the labyrinth all the way down to waist length, and then cut away the center to make it large enough to hold the ceremony. She promised it would be transformed into something unforgettable, and I didn’t doubt her.
I was about to begin a brand new journey.
THE NEXT MONTH WAS EXTREMELY BUSY.
Alex lived and began his healing process, and after a few weeks, he was up and walking. Courtney and Caleb returned home and were overjoyed to see me and Kade alive, but were also heartbroken over the loss of James and Malachi. They had become close to James the last few weeks before they left.
The workers continued day and night, taking shifts to finish the renovations on the house, and after only a few short weeks, it was looking even more charming than before.
The wedding planning was in full force. Alaine had made arrangements to fly Jeremy and Lia up for the wedding, and was also busy finding the perfect flowers, centerpieces, cake, and formal attire for the whole party. I wanted the ceremony to be simple, just Kade and I, because if we had a wedding party there would be no one sitting in the seats.
Alaine suggested at least one person should stand with us, like a best-man and maid-of-honor. So, I chose Lia. When I called her, she screamed and then started bawling over the phone. Half the time I didn’t understand what she was saying, but I knew she was ecstatic. In a few short weeks I’d see their faces again.
I told Alaine she could make most of the decisions without me. I didn’t really care about all the details, or how frilly it was, and since she was such a stickler for detail, I let her have the reins. The only thing I wanted to be a part of was choosing my wedding dress. For that, I chose a simple but elegant design, and then she took all my measurements and called them into the designer who would hand sew it.
As far as invitations went, there weren’t too many people on the list, but I did have a secret list of my own. Michael told me to call on him if I ever needed, so I sent up a dozen verbal requests for him and Kade’s parents to attend the wedding. I wasn’t sure if they would come, or even if they wanted to, but I extended the invitation to them anyway. I knew this outward celebration was only a mortal tradition, but thought it would be a nice surprise for Alaine.
Every moment I was alone, I called my wings. Each time I practiced, it became easier and easier until it came to the point there was no more pain. I would extend them and fold them back behind my back, exercises to try and to get control over them, and they seemed to respond perfectly to my thoughts. The only thing I hadn’t done was fly, and I was looking forward to that moment.
Samuel also helped me with my gift of strength. He taught me how to train my gift not to react without my consent. It took some time, but I finally got it under control.
Kade stayed down in his room because the pull of the bond was becoming much too hard for us to resist, especially when we were alone. My heart ached the moment he left, but I knew in a short time, he would forever be mine. That fact made resisting just a little easier.
The day before the wedding, Lia and Jeremy flew into Fairbanks airport, so I went with Dom and Kade to pick them up. On the way back, Dom drove, Kade rode shotgun, and me, Lia, and Jeremy sat in the back.
Lia grabbed my hand. “I am so excited for you. Oh my God. I can’t believe you’re getting married,” she squealed.
“I know. This has all been like a dream,” I breathed.
“We both knew you were going to get married first. It’s not like me and Jeremy have people fighting to be with us,” she laughed, and Jeremy rolled his eyes. “By the way, how is Caleb?”
“He’s good,” I replied. “And, he can’t wait to see you.”
“Really?” Her face lit up and she actually clapped.
“Yep, and Courtney is excited to see you too, Jeremy.”
His eyes widened and he began nodding. “Yeah, she’s really cool. It will be nice to see her again.”
“Oh, don’t even act like your insides aren’t throwing a party right now, Jeremy,” Lia giggled.
“I’m excited, alright. I just don’t go around like a toddler, clapping my hands and squealing.”
“Whatever,” she exhaled. Lia leaned over to me and whispered. “I knew you and Kade were meant for each other. You read my email didn’t you? I told you. Best friends intuition.” She nodded, tapping the side of her head.
“Yeah, you did,” I acknowledged. Kade’s head slightly turned to the side and I could see a smile on his face.
“So what ever happened to Ethon?” she asked. Kade and Dom quickly glanced at each other. I didn’t tell her Ethon died because Lia would never understand. It was best to keep her out of the affairs of the paranormal, and give her the simplest answer.
“He’s gone and won’t be coming back,” I answered.
“Well, it’s probably for the best. He was a cool guy and all, but you ended up with your soul mate,” she said matter-of-factly.
“Yeah, I agree with that,” Jeremy said.
“Thanks guys,” I said, wrapping their necks with my arms and pulling them in for a group hug. Their heads collided.
“Ouch,” Jeremy and Lia yelled.
“Sorry!” I replied, releasing them. Being around them made me briefly forget I had super strength.
They both sat back, rubbing their foreheads.
“Have you been working out?” Jeremy asked, straightening his glasses.
I shrugged. “Maybe just a little,” I answered.
“I knew something was different about you!” Lia snapped. “I couldn’t put my finger on it. But you also look really happy, like you’re glowing. Are you wearing makeup?” she asked, studying my face.
“A little,” I answered.
“You have to give me the name of your brand. You’re face looks
flawless.”
“It’s called Transformation,” Dom blurted.
“Transformation? I’ll have to remember that,” Lia said.
I could see Dom’s eyes in the rear view mirror, so I narrowed mine on him. He began laughing.
“Was he joking?” she asked.
“Yes, he was joking. I’ll show you what I have when I get home,” I said, and she sighed.
The rest of the ride was filled with tales and horrors of the school year and graduation. It was great to have my human friends back here with me. They brought laughter and reality back into my life.
When we arrived back at the house, Alaine immediately collected Jeremy and Lia, bringing them up-to-date on the wedding ceremony and reception. She then took Lia to try on her dress, which was supposed to be another surprise.
As night fell, Courtney, Caleb, Jeremy, and Lia hung out in my room. We laid around talking and laughing all night long, while Kade and the guys hung out in the cottage, playing games and filling up on junk food.
I couldn’t help but think about him, and Lia caught me several times staring blankly into nothingness.
“You’re thinking about him aren’t you?” she giggled.
I nodded. “My insides twist when I think about him.”
“I am so jealous of you two. You are so perfect for each other it’s disgusting… in the best possible way, of course,” she added.
“Yeah, I guess we are,” I giggled. She rolled her eyes, and then we continued on with our pointless conversations until our eyes got heavy and we all fell asleep.
When I opened my eyes the next morning, the boys and Courtney, had already left the room. Lia was still on the floor, and if I didn’t hear her snores, I would have thought she was dead. Her hair was a knotted mess, her mouth was hanging wide open, and I swear there was drool on the pillow.
“Lia,” I said, poking her with my finger, knowing anything short of an alarm wouldn’t wake her up.
A few moments later, Jeremy knocked and slowly opened the door.
“Alaine wanted me to wake you guys up. Breakfast will be ready in thirty minutes, and the hair and face people will be coming after.”
“Alright. I’m up, but,” I thumbed to Lia and shook my head. “I have sleeping beauty over here.”