“With the bond, you will be happy, no matter what,” Ethon promised. “But, let’s not worry about all of that right now.” He brushed his hand down the side of my face.
I didn’t want a no-matter-what kind of life. All it meant was the bond would be forcing my happiness, making it false. A lie. If I bonded with Ethon, everything real would be shrouded by the bond. But would I ever find real happiness in the midst of the madness? As long as Lucifer was alive, the answer was a resounding no. The fact he was immortal, and I would soon be one, made things worse. I couldn’t see myself spending an eternity with Lucifer as my future father-in-law.
I forced a smile. I didn’t want Ethon to know I had another option. It was mine to do with what I wanted. And, as long as Lucifer was around, I’d have to play along. I wrapped my arms around Ethon’s neck.
“Right now I need a shower, and you need to get out of my room before someone sees you.”
There was a knock on the door. “Emma? Are you alright in there? I heard a scream,” Courtney called from behind the door.
“I guess that’s my cue to leave,” Ethon said, kissing me quickly before leaning backward out of the window.
“Ethon,” I gasped, watching him push out and freefall. Halfway down, he kicked off the side of the house, and his black wings spread wide behind his back sending him soaring into the sky. He turned back to me and winked, then flapped once and was gone like a flash.
“Emma?” Courtney called again.
“Hold on,” I called, locking the window and closing the shades. I was glad she unwittingly came to my rescue.
When I unlocked the door, Courtney stepped in. “Is everything okay?” she asked.
“Yep. Everything is fine,” I smiled.
“Did you scream, or was I hearing things?”
“Yeah, umm… I thought I saw a spider,” I lied.
“Oh, they suck. I hate spiders. I smashed one in the bathroom the other day. It was small and black and had hair on its body. Totally creeped me out,” she shivered.” Those things are nasty!”
“Yeah, they really are,” I said, giggling.
“So how are you holding up? I bet you’re missing your friends. I know I am,” she grinned.
I guess Courtney didn’t know I’d been missing. Good. I didn’t feel like explaining myself to everyone, and she would’ve had a million questions.
I smiled. “I do miss them. So, have you heard from Jeremy?”
“Yeah. He texted me a few hours ago, when they landed in L.A. He said there was some crazy turbulence and Leah almost puked.” She giggled.
I laughed. “Yeah, Leah has a very weak stomach. We went to the fair once, and she puked on the merry-go-round. She never rode anything else since. I’m surprised she had the guts to fly here.”
“Wow, that sucks. I love rides, but haven’t been to the fair since I was eight.”
“Do they have a fair in Alaska?” I asked.
“Yep. It’s in August and a long way from here, in a town called Palmer.”
“Well, August is three months away. Maybe we can beg Alaine to take us there. I think we all need a break.” I smiled, just around the same time reality hit. There was no way Alaine would allow me to leave the protection of this place. Not with all things wicked and evil lurking right outside our door. I had a sinking feeling I’d have to be holed up here until my transformation. Yeah, this was totally going to suck.
“Well, enjoy your shower. I’m glad the spider didn’t bite you,” she said, stepping back. “Hey, since it’s dark and overcast, would you like to watch a movie in my room after lunch?”
“Sure,” I answered. I was glad I still had Courtney and Caleb to keep me company. Having them here would help keep my time and mind occupied.
“Awesome.” She waved and closed the door behind her.
I QUICKLY SLIPPED INTO THE bathroom hoping to avoid any further interruptions. I needed to wash the whole eventful morning off of me.
I stepped into the shower and let the steamy hot water pound down on my aching muscles, and as it did, it melted away the stress and made me feel a bit more relaxed. I scrubbed the blood and grime from my hands and nails, and stood under the showerhead for a good twenty minutes, wishing it would wash away the black and blue on my chest. Unfortunately, bruises didn’t wash away, but they would be gone in a few days.
After my shower, I changed into blue jeans and the long-sleeved shirt, and decided I would first go and check on Kade. Then I’d head down to the kitchen to see what Miss Lily was whipping up for lunch. My stomach growled at the thought.
As I made my way down the stairs, Alaine was exiting Kade’s room. When she turned and her eyes met mine, I saw a mixed look of relief and sadness.