“There is more than one entrance to this place. It’s like a maze to throw off the Darkling, in case they get in. I guess Alaine has a thing with secret mazes.”
I grinned. He shifted, and I noticed blood dripping down his arm. As I followed the trail of crimson, I noticed a rip in his shirt, and a gash about three inches long on his bicep which continued across to his chest. It looked deep, and I could see his flesh.
“You’re hurt,” I said tugging at his arm. “Let me see that.”
“No, it’s fine. Just a scratch.”
“A scratch? That is not a scratch,” I said, pulling him closer. I sat up and took in a deep breath. My ribs felt much better, so I stood up from the bed. “Sit,” I instructed.
He narrowed his eyes and plopped down on the bed in front of me. “It’s nothing, really. I was just scraped by some damn shards of glass when I pushed a Darkling out the window.” He tried to make light of it.
I leaned over for a closer look and swallowed as I saw the depth of the wound. “It’s pretty bad and needs to be taken care of immediately,” I sighed. I took the vial from his hand. “I’ll need you to take your shirt off.” He glanced at me with a crooked grin, so I held up the vial and smiled. “So I can apply the medicine.”
“Sure,” he exhaled, pulling his shirt over his head. My eyes wandered to his chest and continued down to his perfect abs, lingering there a little too long. “Ahem.” He cleared his throat, making me blush.
I lifted his muscular arm with my hand, and slowly poured the liquid magic over the wound. I watched in awe as the tissue began to mend right before my eyes, but it was so deep it would still need a bandage, or possibly stitches. I then moved to his chest, which wasn’t nearly as bad. “You’ll have to lean back a bit.”
He obliged, his eyes never leaving mine. I swallowed hard trying not to look directly at him. I knew if I did, at this close proximity, I’d be a goner. I focused on his chest, and poured the liquid over the cut. It wasn’t deep, so it instantly sealed. I gasped, instinctually grazing my fingers over the healed wound.
Kade took hold of my hand, and our eyes connected. That was it. My heart did a twist, and before I knew it, he let himself fall backward, bringing me on top of him. He locked his arms tightly around me, our bodies fit perfectly together, our faces inches apart.
We were alone, the two of us, secluded in a safe room, far from the others. The only sound in the room was that of our hard breathing. This was something real, something true, something the bond didn’t have any part in. I looked deep into his beautiful eyes, and saw something I’d never seen before.
Unconditional love.
A rush of sadness overwhelmed me as I thought of a life without him in it.
“Emma?” Kade whispered. My emotions took over, and tears instantly welled, burning my eyes and spilling out onto his cheek.
“I’m sorry,” I sobbed. I shook my head and rolled to my back, off to the side of him.
“What’s the matter?” His chest pressed up against my side, and his fingers gently brushed the dampened hair from my cheeks.
“Nothing,” I lied.
“You know you can tell me anything,” he said.
“No, I can’t. I wish I could, but… I can’t.” I wept openly, feeling horrible. My insides ached with not being able to tell him why I couldn’t speak.
“Why? I don’t understand.” His saddened eyes gazed longingly into mine, tearing my heart apart.
I turned away from him, but everything inside me wanted to turn toward him, feel his arms wrap around me, and tell me everything was going to be okay.
Instead I whispered, “I’m sorry.”
“Is it because you don’t want to be with me?” His voice sounded weak. “If it’s true just tell me now. I will promise to stay away.”
Hot tears streamed from my eyes as my heart was being pulverized over and over again. I knew this would happen if we were ever alone. It was too much to bear. This burden was wearing me down.
I turned to face him and placed my hand softly on his cheek. “Never. Wanting to be apart from you is the furthest thing from the truth. I do want to be with you. You have been there for me, guarding and protecting me when I didn’t even know your name. You held my hand when I needed you most, and even gave your life for me. It’s never been a matter of if I want to be with you. I do. But there are some major complications now, and I – I just can’t deal with it anymore. Please don’t make me talk about it,” I sobbed.
From the day he walked into my room at the hospital and our eyes connected, so did our hearts. Yes, the bond played a huge part of it, but even without the bond, it was still there and very strong between us.
“Hey, it’s alright,” he said sitting up, pulling me into his arms.
My head rested against his chest. This was exactly where I wanted to be, enveloped in his warmth and love. I pressed myself closer to him, breathing in his sweet scent.
“You don’t have to say anything, Emma. I just want you to know that I’ll be here for you. Always,” he reassured. “I know you’re scared. But I am too… of losing you. You don’t ever have to be afraid of giving your heart to me. I will make sure to fill it with love, at least for the rest of my life,” he said, then frowned. “But I am preparing my heart for the most reasonable choice because I know Ethon can protect you, and take care of you for the rest of your life.”
“You will always have a part of my heart,” I said, hugging him tight. Everything inside of me was warring, fighting hard not to say a word. I wanted to tell him the truth.
“And you have all of mine.” He kissed my forehead.
“Kade,” I sobbed.
“Don’t worry,” he whispered. “Everything’s going to be alright.”
I hoped he was right. There was something about his eyes. They emitted so much love, sincerity, and tenderness. They spoke so loud, without him uttering a single word. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed my lips against his.
I felt him smile against my lips, then he kissed me harder. His kiss was like a magic potion, making me dizzy, sending tingles to every part of my body. His fingers gently grazed the small of my back, making me quiver. I placed my hands on his back, and paused for a moment as I felt his scars.
“It’s okay,” he whispered.
I nodded, and pressed my lips back to his. He rolled over, pinning me under his weight. His hands steadied my head as he continued to deepen the kiss.
His knee pressed between mine, pushing my legs apart. Then, he settled his body on top of mine. It felt so right, like we were a perfect fit.
His fingers found their way under the hem of my shirt, tracing patterns along my sides. I felt a moan escape my lips, and Kade pulled back.
“What’s the matter?” I asked, wondering if I did something wrong.
“We can’t get too carried away. I made a vow to Samuel and Alaine,” he sighed.
“A vow? What vow?” I questioned.
“Not to defile you.”
“Did they force you take that vow?” I asked.
He shrugged. “Maybe. Still, it’s something I take seriously. But believe me, it’s taking everything within my power to stop.”
I sighed. “I know exactly what you mean.” We both looked longingly into each other’s eyes, then broke out into laughter.
“We’re a mess,” I said, hugging him again.
“A hot mess.” He chuckled. “How the hell did we end up here?”
“I don’t know,” I replied, shaking my head. “But I’m glad you’re here with me.”
He leaned forward and kissed me again. “I am too.”
“Do you think everyone’s alright?” I asked. “I can’t hear anything.”
“That’s because this room is completely secure and heavily protected. All we can do is pray they all make it safely. At least they’re only dealing with the Darkling, so I think they’ll be fine. It seems as if Lucian is still testing our strength.”
“Why would he keep testi
ng it?”
“He’s finding our weak spots and trying to wear us down before he attacks. His goal is to make sure when he does attack, he wins.”
“Do you think it’ll be soon?” I questioned. I still had a ways to go before my transformation.
“I don’t know. But we need to take extra careful measures. You can’t be alone anymore. Especially knowing the Darkling can scale these walls.”
“I know. Just the thought of it makes me terrified. I don’t think I’ll ever feel safe being alone again.”
“As long as I have breath, I’ll guard over you.”
“Thank you,” I said, wholeheartedly. I knew he meant what he said. His eyes never lied.
Voices echoed from down the hall. One of them was Alaine’s, and the other sounded like Courtney. Alaine entered the room first, her brow was furrowed, her eyes red, and she was spattered with black blood. As soon as her eyes found mine, she sighed in relief.
“Thank God you’re here,” she said, rushing over to me, wrapping me in a hug.
“Yes, Kade brought me here after I was injured.”
“You’re injured?” she questioned.
“Not anymore. He gave me the healing potion and I’m good as new.”
Thomas entered next, carrying Courtney in his arms, and Caleb right behind him.
“Set her on the bed,” Alaine said, heading to the sink and washing her hands. “Kade, are you injured?”
“No. I’m fine,” he said, glancing over to me with a grin.
We quickly shuffled off the bed to make room. Courtney was whimpering, and her hands, clasped tightly over her right eye, were covered in blood.
“What happened?” I asked, very concerned.
“My bag, please,” she noted to Thomas before answering me. “She was hit with a stone thrown through the downstairs window.”
“Oh my God,” I gasped.
“Let me see darling,” Alaine spoke softly, trying to coax Courtney to settle down and let her see the wound. After a few moments, Courtney slowly let Alaine take her hands away.
When she revealed her injury, I held my breath and turned into Kade’s arms.
Her right eye was badly bruised and was swollen shut. Right above her eye, a large piece of skin was missing, and I noticed it hanging off her forehead.
“Is there anymore potion left?” Alaine asked calmly.
I turned and handed Alaine what was left in the vial. There was still half a bottle, which was more than enough. She slowly lifted Courtney’s head and made her drink. She moaned as the liquid took effect. Alaine then poured some of it on the hanging flesh and the wound, placing them back together. I assumed the liquid would knit the skin back together.
Courtney was still whimpering, but not nearly as bad as when she first came in. The potion was taking effect.
Alaine dug through her small medical bag and pulled out a small plastic bag. She ripped it open and pulled out a blue pack, then crushed the contents inside of it, and instructed Courtney to hold it over her eyes.
“It’s cold,” she exhaled.
“Yes, it’s an ice pack which will help take down the swelling. Keep it on until I say.”
“Alright.” Courtney sighed. As she held the patch over her eyes, Alaine pulled a needle and thread from her medical bag.
I knew she would need stitches, but this was something I couldn’t watch. That’s probably why Alaine told her to hold the pack over her eyes, so she wouldn’t see and freak out.
“Hold still,” Alaine said. I’m just going to fix your injury.
I went to Courtney’s side, and held onto her hand.
She squeezed my fingers. “Emma?” she asked.
“I’m right here,” I answered.
“Those stupid monsters didn’t let us finish our movie.”
I laughed. “Well, I think Julie Andrews can wait for another day.”
“I think I need a new room,” she said softly.
“Don’t worry,” Alaine answered. “We’ll fix your room, and it will be better than ever.”
“Good,” she said through a yawn. “I feel so sleepy.”
“Then rest,” Alaine said.
“Aren’t you supposed to keep people with a concussion awake?” I asked.
“Yes, but the potion will help with any internal damage. Sleep is what she needs,” Alaine said softly.
I nodded, impressed at how much she knew. One day I hoped to know just as much as she did, so I could also help others.
In a matter of seconds, Courtney’s mouth drooped open. She was fast asleep.
“That didn’t take long.” Thomas laughed.
“She’s had a rough day. I’m glad she’s sleeping. Sometimes the potion will do what is best for the patient. In her case it was sleep.”
“’I’ll take some of whatever she had,” Caleb said, huddled in a corner. He was so quiet I’d forgotten he’d come in, and he was obviously shaken.
“You were brave, little man,” Thomas said, patting him on the shoulder. “You pulled your sister away from harm. You’re a real life hero.”
Caleb smiled.
After Alaine finished stitching Courtney’s head, she called Caleb over to an adjacent twin bed.
“Are you hurt?” she asked.
“No,” he answered softly. “Are those creatures going to be coming after us forever?”
Alaine closed her eyes and shook her head. She sucked in a deep breath and knelt beside him. “No, not forever.” Her answer was simple, but I could still see fear embedded in Caleb’s eyes.
“But how? There are so many of them. They’re going to kill us one day.” His eyes pooled with tears.
“I would never allow it,” Alaine promised. “We will find a way to either eliminate them, or keep them away. But for now, you also need to rest,” she said, nodding to Thomas.
Thomas came and stood behind Caleb and placed his hands on his shoulders. “Don’t worry, little man. We’ve got your back,” he assured. Caleb nodded, then Thomas leaned over and whispered in his ear.
I watched Caleb’s eyes get heavy, before they rolled back and closed. Thomas laid him back on the pillow and Alaine threw a blanket over him.
“Gotta love the sleeper,” I said quietly. Thomas grinned.
“It’s not safe for them to stay here anymore,” she noted sadly. “I’ll have to make arrangements for them to stay with someone far away from this madness. At least until it’s finally dealt with.”
“I’m so sorry,” I said. “If I hadn’t come here, none of this would have happened.”
Ever since the accident, trouble – in its most horrific forms – followed me, and put everyone around me in danger. Caleb was kidnapped, Courtney was injured, Kade was now mortal and had to endure pain and suffering, and even Ethon was now brought into the mix. All because of me.
“That’s not true,” Kade said, still holding me.
“No, it is. This whole house is in danger because Lucian and Lucifer want me. What if you just send me away? They shouldn’t have to go away from their home, or be put into any more danger,” I said, glancing at Courtney and Caleb. I couldn’t bear to look at Courtney’s battered face.
Alaine walked over to me and laid her hand on my shoulder. “Emma, they would have come anyway. You aren’t the only one Lucian wants. I’m also on his list.” She took hold of my hand. “We are in this together. And we will finish this, together. Alright?”
“Alright,” I sighed. I knew she was right.
“Thomas, we need to get back and help.”
“How is it out there?” Kade asked.
“They are holding their own. This is the most Darkling I’ve seen in a long time. Lucian must be planning his attack soon. He actually might have, if anyone had taken down the barrier. Thank goodness it’s still intact.”
“Yes,” I breathed, remembering how Ethon yelled for me to release the barrier. But I quickly squashed the thought of it being malicious because I knew he only wanted to get inside so he could help me. br />
“We’ll discuss it all later,” she said, then turned to Kade. “Kade, thank you for bringing Emma to safety. Time and time again, you have proven yourself. Please stay here with them,” she said, smiling at him with admiration.
“I will,” he promised.
“Be back soon,” Thomas winked before ducking out, and Alaine followed.
KADE AND I SAT ON a small couch in the corner and waited, while Caleb and Courtney snored away. I was glad they were both safe, but I had a feeling Courtney would totally freak out when she woke and saw her stitches.
Alaine said they would have to leave. I didn’t blame her for wanting to send them away to safety, but the thought of not having them around made me sad. My last connections to the human world would be leaving me, and I’d have to deal with the constant madness without them.
It wasn’t too long before Alaine returned with the rest of the Guardians.
“Well, it’s good to know all the humans are safe,” Dom said, entering the room.
Kade huffed.
“Glad to see you’re all safe too,” I said.
Everyone entered the room and looked battle weary. James glanced at us and nodded, then stood against the wall. Thomas and Alexander plopped themselves down on the ground, and Malachi stood next to James. Dom walked over to Caleb’s bed, pushed his legs over and sat on the edge.
“Rude,” Alex chuckled.
Dom glanced over to him.
“You have some Darkling crap on your mouth.”
Alex touched his mouth and when he felt the tarry blood, he began gagging.
“Dude, what the hell did you do? Slice an artery and stand there for a shower?” Dom teased.
Alex ran over to a small sink, loaded his hands with soap and began scrubbing his face. We all laughed because Alex was covered in Darkling blood.
“Shit this stuff is sticky, and it freaking stinks. I need a shower, like ASAP.”
Alaine stood in the center of the room, and everyone fell silent.
“You all fought brave today, and I am eternally thankful for each of you.”
“It’s why we’re here,” Thomas said.
“Yeah. You, Emma, and even the two snoring humanoids have become family to us,” Dom added.