“I know. You’ve already proven yourself, and I cannot thank you enough,” I looked deeper into his eyes, “And, I—”
He stopped me, by placing his finger to my lips. “You don’t have to tell me you love me back. I know the strength of the bond, and how it only allows you to love your bonded. I didn’t say it to you, expecting a response. I just wanted you to know in case—” he paused, weighing his words.
“In case what?” I questioned.
“It’s nothing. I’m just rambling.”
“Kade Anders, you better not be looking for a way out of my life,” I said, grabbing hold of his arms, forcing him to look at me.
“Never,” he assured, stepping closer.
As soon as his hazel eyes locked onto mine, I was captured. It was so damn hard to resist him, even without the bond. I wanted to step away. I didn’t want to get too close, knowing I might have to break his heart - and mine. But I couldn’t move. I was frozen under his bewitching spell.
He gently lifted his hands and placed them on either side of my face. I closed my eyes as his soft, warm lips pressed against mine. Lips, tongues, and breath intertwined. I had fallen hard for him, even without the bond.
I wrapped my fingers in his thick hair, locking him in place. There was something about him that took me to a high which was so damn hard to come down from.
Kade gently pulled back, leaving me breathless.
“I could do this all day, but we have to get moving.” He rested his forehead against mine, wrapping me in a tight embrace.
“Yeah, good idea,” I agreed.
I wished it were this easy, to stay encased and protected in his arms. But somewhere out there was another who was fighting for me, making sure I was safe. Even though my life had its few good moments, it had also been cruel and unfair. But it was the life destined to me, and I’d just have to wait and see how it all played out.
We continued on, and just when I thought we were in the clear, the ground thundered. I turned as a Fallen landed. His evil eyes were glaring at us with dark intentions.
“Emma, run,” Kade ordered, stepping in front of me and unsheathing his sword.
“I’m not going anywhere without you,” I answered.
“It’s not debatable. Go now,” he urged.
The Fallen growled. “She can run, but it will only be a matter of time before I catch her.”
“Not if I kill you first, bastard.” Kade crouched, ready to attack.
Behind us to the left I noticed something familiar. A ginormous tree stood out of place in the midst of the spruce trees. It wasn’t the portal we were seeking, but I knew it was the portal to Ethon’s secret place.
“Emma, you’re not moving,” Kade stressed.
“I told you, I’m not leaving you.” There was no way I was going to leave him alone.
Three more Fallen dropped out from the sky, surrounding us. The suit wasn’t making me invisible, but it was already too late. Even if I disappeared, they knew I was here. They were all herculean, towering over us.
“Just hand over the girl and we’ll leave you alone,” the first Fallen spoke.
“That’s not going to happen,” Kade answered.
“Then you will have to die.”
“If it is my destiny to die saving the one I love, then I will do it with honor.”
The Fallen shook his head and narrowed his eyes.
“Love,” he spat. “It makes one weak.”
“Oh, but you’re wrong. Its love which gives me strength,” Kade answered.
“Kade, don’t,” I begged.
“Do you have your dagger?” he asked, his eyes locked forward.
“Yes,” I answered.
“Then use it, and don’t be afraid,” he said turning back, his eyes softening as they met mine.
“Kade!” I screamed, pulling him out of the way of the Fallen who had charged toward him. His sword whizzed right past Kade’s head. He immediately turned and swung again, but Kade was ready, their swords clashing. Over and over the Fallen struck, but Kade countered, blocking his attacks, taking him further and further away from me.
Another Fallen rushed at me from behind. I automatically turned and ducked; his blade whizzing past my side, nearly missing its mark. As the momentum of his swing pulled him forward, I thrust my dagger upward, sinking it deep into his chest.
He dropped his weapon and fell to his knees, grasping for my neck. I leaned out of his reach, and yanked the blade free from his chest, using it to slice his neck.
He gasped, bringing his hand up over the gushing laceration.
I was in shock, watching him die from a wound I’d just delivered. Blood seeped through his fingers and down his chest. The sounds of his gasping and gurgling through the blood filling his lungs, made my stomach churn.
A scream from behind threw me back into the moment. I had to clear my head. We were in a battle. I twisted back and saw another Fallen charging at me. Without warning, I was thrust backward by an unseen force; my body slid under the advancing blade. I felt the breeze as it passed right over my face, slicing a few stray hairs.
I rolled to my hands and knees, scrambling to get to my feet. A bashing assault from behind knocked me flat. I rolled over as the Fallen’s blade came crashing down, right on my chest.
I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t scream. The pain was too agonizing.
“Emma!” Kade yelled.
I turned toward him. He tried to run, but was kicked in the gut and thrown further away.
The Fallen who dealt the blow bounded toward him, but Kade’s rage had him back on his feet. With a quick twist and perfect precision, he sliced right through the Fallen’s neck, severing the head from its owner.
Holding my breath, I glanced down to see if I’d been impaled. The suit kept the blade from piercing my chest and heart.
“Vestimentum Angelorum?” the Fallen who struck me asked in disbelief.
“Yeah, asshole. It’s my super suit,” I said, jumping up through the pain and thrusting my blade into his forehead. His eyes rolled back and he dropped to the ground. I quickly pulled the blade from his face and pushed it into his heart. It was easier than slicing off a head.
I dropped to my knees. The pain in my chest radiating.
Kade pulled his blade from the last one and ran over to me.
“Emma, are you okay?” He knelt down.
“Fine. I think he broke my ribs.” My words were short and labored.
“I need to get you out of here,” he said with urgency.
Two more Fallen landed and looked at their dead brothers. Their eyes locked onto us with burning revenge.
“Kade?” I turned toward him before someone grabbed me from behind, swooping me into the air.
“I’ve got you,” Ethon said, holding me tightly.
In mere seconds we were at his safe haven. He slowly landed near the lake, laying me in the soft grass under the tree.
“You’re safe,” he said, gently letting go. “Are you hurt?”
“You need to go back and help him. They’ll kill him,” I pleaded. Tears fell from my eyes – a combination of pain and knowing Kade was out there alone.
“That would make things a whole lot easier for us,” he smirked.
My stomach twisted at his disturbing response.
“If he dies out there, I—I will never forgive you,” I snapped, my emotions seemed to be dulling the bond.
“Easy. I was only joking,” he said rolling his eyes. “The other Guardians and your father were right behind me.”
“I don’t care. I need to make sure he’s safe.”
He sighed dramatically. “So you’re taking role of Guardian now? Which is which?”
“If you don’t go, I will.” Pushing myself up, I groaned and fell backward as a stabbing pain shot through my chest.
“You cannot leave this place without me. You’ll need wings. The exit is way up there,” he noted, pointing to the distortion in the sky thirty feet above us.
 
; “Ethon, please,” I begged.
He stepped forward and knelt. “Let me fix you first.”
I nodded, trying to hold back the tears of pain.
His eyes softened as he looked at me, and then they closed. When he opened them again, they were flaming, small wisps of smoke curled and twisted from the edges, disappearing as they touched the air. I would never get used to seeing him like this, all terrifyingly beautiful.
“Are you ready?” he softly spoke, slowly lifting his hands. They were glowing red with heat.
“Yes,” I lied, knowing more pain would soon follow.
He laid his hands on my ribs. A heat, torched my insides, but only for a few moments. I gasped in pain as my ribs popped back into place, and only until the last one returned to its position, could I finally breathe freely.
I took in a deep breath, and watched him smile.
“Thank you,” I said in all sincerity.
A crooked grin adorned his lips before he closed his eyes again. When they reopened, the flame was gone, replaced with his normal crimson color. “I have never met anyone in all my years who has broken as many ribs as you.”
“Neither have I,” I sighed, sitting up. “Thank you.” As our eyes met, it was nearly impossible to turn away. The bond magnetized us, an invisible charm, seducing and luring us together.
Ethon ran his fingers down the side of my cheek, brushing a stray strand of hair behind my ear. “Can’t you see what’s right in front of you? Even with the bond, I can see your heart is torn,” he sighed, and shook his head.
I swallowed hard and exhaled, knowing it was true.
“I can’t help it. He was my first bond.”
“Was. He was your first bond, and is not any longer. Now, you are bonded to me.” He stood and walked away. “You don’t understand, Emma. I could have any woman I choose. There is not one mortal who can resist me, but not one of them could ever satisfy me.
“I don’t want, or need, anyone else but you. Can’t you see that? Can’t you feel it?” He turned and walked closer to me. “I want to spend the rest of my eternity with you.” His fingers gently brushed my tears away.
“And what about your father, Ethon? He will always rule over us, and will always have a say. If we bond, I will be his slave for all eternity.”
He closed his eyes. “He’s not that bad, Emma.”
“How can you say that? He tried to kill me,” I said exasperated. Was this what I would have to look forward to? Him defending his father when he saw exactly what he did to me?
Ethon stepped forward and wrapped me in his arms. “I’m sorry. He shouldn’t have touched you. Once we’ve sealed the bond, he will never touch you again. I promise.”
I wanted to believe him, but given the circumstances, it was nearly impossible.
“Hey,” he whispered. “I told you I would make you happy, and I plan on carrying out my word.” He kissed the top of my head and stepped back. “I’ll be right back. And, don’t worry. No one can enter without me.”
With a flap of his wings, he shot up and out of the portal.
My heart and mind twisted. I began to question my existence. All I did was bring pain and confusion. Angels and Fallen were fighting and dying because of me, and I was supposed to bring forth some kind of big change?
I sat next to the water’s edge, wondering and waiting for him to return. I hoped they were all okay, and then it hit me. What would happen to me if anything happened to Ethon? How would I get out of here? The thought sent a wave of terror crashing through me, but before I had a meltdown, he appeared through the portal.
His beautiful black wings were extended as he landed. His raven black hair rustled lightly across his face, while crimson eyes steadied on mine.
“Don’t worry. They’re all safe. Your Guardian was injured, but it’s only superficial. He’ll heal up in no time. Your father took him back to Alaine.”
I sighed in relief.
“Thank you,” I breathed. But how was I going to get to Midway now?
“Come, I’ll take you back.”
“I can’t go back. I need to do something alone. For myself.”
“What is it? You can tell me,” he said, coming close.
I shook my head and stepped back. “I can’t.”
“Why are you fighting? We will be bonded soon.”
I had to make him believe I was still in total agreement with his father’s pact. “Yes, I know. But there is something I need to do for myself, before the bond is sealed.”
“Is it something I can help you with?”
“I wish you could, but this is something I need to do alone.”
“Alright. I won’t hold you back, unless there is a third immortal to whom you’ve been bonded?”
“No way! If there was another, I’d ask God to take me out himself.”
Ethon laughed. “Come here, you.” He extended his hand. I gasped as we touched, it was a rush.
“I can’t imagine the feeling we will have sealing the bond,” he whispered lightly in my ear. “It is something I am longing for.” I swallowed the huge lump in my throat, taken back by his response. “And don’t worry. I’m sure it will be beyond pleasurable for both of us.”
I was speechless, and realized I had probably looked like a deer in headlights.
Ethon laughed loudly, and then kissed me quickly on the lips before ascending toward the portal. In seconds we were back outside. The bodies of the Fallen remained on the ground, headless.
He set me down near the rest of the Guardians. Only Dom, Malachi, and Alex were there.
“Well, there she is. We thought we’d never see you again, invisible girl,” Malachi rolled his eyes.
I smiled. “It’s good to see you too, Malachi.”
“Emma, Emma, Emma. Do we need to lock you in your room?” Dom teased, heading over toward me. “And, damn. You always look so freaking hot in that garment.”
Ethon stepped forward.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Dom said, wagging a finger at him.
“You have no idea what I could do to you. I only use restraint because of Emma,” Ethon growled, his eyes burning bright.
I touched his arm and he turned to me, the flame almost immediately quenched. “It’s okay. You can leave me with them. I’ll be fine, and I’ll be back soon. I promise.”
He leaned over and hugged me. “Please be safe,” he whispered, tucking a few strands of hair behind my ears.
“I will,” I whispered back.
It was awkward and a bit unnerving hugging Ethon in front of the Guardians, but I needed him to know I’d be fine. As soon as we disconnected, he shot into the sky like a rocket. I knew he was gone because my whole body relaxed and became normal again.
“Little demon,” Dom huffed. “I know you’re bonded, but that is so freaking wrong.”
“You don’t have to tell me. I’m the one trying to deal and make sense of it all,” I sighed.
“Hey, Emma!” Alexander chimed, pausing to wave before dragging a headless body over to a pile they’d started.
“Hey, Alex.” I smiled and waved, then turned to Malachi. “Is Kade alright?”
“He’s fine. He took a blow to his left shoulder, but it’s not fatal. He’ll need a few stiches and some rest, but he’ll be fine in a few days.”
“That’s good,” I exhaled.
“We need to get you back,” Malachi said.
“You guys go on ahead. I’ll take her back. She’s safe with me,” Dom said.
“You sure?” Alex asked.
“Very sure. I have a few things I’d like to discuss with Emma before we head back.”
“Fine,” Malachi said. “Emma, remember who you’re talking to. Don’t take it too personal… or too serious.”
“I won’t,” I giggled, but inside started to wonder what this was all about.
After the bodies were stacked, Malachi and Alex left me and Dom alone.
“So, what do you want to talk about?”
&n
bsp; “Kade told me about your secret quest, and since I’m his best bud, I figured I’d help out and take you to Midway.”
“Really?” I squealed a little too loudly.
“Really. You know, I also had this amazing speech about the pros of hooking up with Kade, and the cons of bonding with the demon. But I think you’re smart enough to figure it all out on your own. I mean, ultimately it is your decision, and no one can make it for you. So, I’ll spare you – and me – the lecture,” he said.
“Thanks, Dom,” I said, hugging him tight.
“No problem. What are friends for?” He hugged me back. “Okay, follow me,” he said, stepping around me. I smiled and followed after him.
The woods were quiet during our journey, and there were no signs of Fallen. It wasn’t long before Dom stopped, standing in front of two perfectly symmetrical spruce trees.
“Are we here?”
“This is it.” He extended his arm between the two trees, his hand and forearm disappeared. “The entrance to Midway. I think I will escort you, since you don’t know your way around. Plus, they won’t be too happy about seeing you there, and I might have some s’plaining to do,” he said in his best Ricky Ricardo impersonation.
Laughing, I shook my head. “How could anyone forget you, Dom?”
“Yeah, it’s hard. I mean, once you’ve seen these…” He flexed his biceps. “They’re forever embedded in your mind.”
“That’s so true,” I giggled.
“Have I been embedded into your mind?” His eyes narrowed and he wiggled his brow.
“Yes, Dom. You are, and will forever be, embedded in my mind,” I laughed again, rolling my eyes.
“Well, that’s good to know,” he winked. “Shall we?” He offered his arm, and we stepped through the portal.
I WAS COMPLETELY DISORIENTED. GLANCING down, I noticed we were standing on white fluffy…clouds? Our feet were completely covered with the white mist, but when I stomped my foot, it was totally solid. I bent over to try and fan away the clouds to see what was beneath, but no matter how fast I fanned, the clouds wouldn’t disappear.