“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?”
“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.”