“Emma,” she said, rushing toward me with open arms. I automatically fell into her embrace. She hugged me tight for a moment then stepped back, looking me over. “Are you okay? Are you injured?”
“No, I’m fine,” I said.
“Kade said you were struck by one of the Fallen. Are you sure you aren’t hurt?” she pressed.
I smiled. “Yes. The suit protected me from impending death.”
“Thank God,” she sighed, hugging me again. “Do you want me to check them just in case?”
“No, I promise I’m fine. But thank you.”
“Alright,” she said softly, her eyes still showing concern. “Now, would you care to tell me why you decided to sneak out of the house without letting anyone know? It’s dangerous out there, especially during these times.”
“I know. But I had a huge question I needed answered.”
She sighed and rested her hands on my shoulders. “You know you can always come to me or Samuel if you have any questions. We are here for you, and will answer them to the best of our ability or knowledge.”
“I know, but this wasn’t something either of you could answer. I had to go to Midway.” I stared into her deep brown eyes. “Right now, the information I have is for me, but when the time comes, I will share it with you and Samuel. I promise.”
“Oh, Emma. That’s fine, but please promise me you won’t run off again. You need to stay within the protective barrier,” she begged.
“I won’t,” I agreed.
“When you’re ready to share, I’ll be waiting. Did you find the answers you were seeking?”
“I did,” I reassured.
“Good. I’m just glad you’ve come back to us safely. I’ll have to go tell Samuel you’re okay. He’s been worried sick.”
The thought of their concern brought a smile to my face. They had never stopped loving or worrying about me, and the warm thought settled in my heart.
“Thank you,” I breathed.
“Just promise you won’t do anything that will put you in harm’s way. You and Samuel are my life. If anything happened to you—” Tears pooled in her beautiful brown eyes.
“I promise to let you or someone else know the next time I leave,” I said softly, hugging her.
“Good,” she said wiping away her tears. “Kade is fine. I just stitched him up. Malachi is in the room with him if that’s where you were heading.”
“I was. I just wanted to make sure he was alright. Have you seen Dom?”
“No, I haven’t seen him, but he could be out in the cottage. I’m headed there now to see Samuel. Did you need him?”
“Nope. Just wondering,” I said.
“Alright. I’ll see you later, sweetheart,” Alaine said, kissing the top of my head, before heading downstairs.
I guess Dom hadn’t talked to Kade yet, which sort of put a damper on visiting him, especially with Malachi there. I had a feeling he was going to start the interrogation as soon as I stepped in the room. I didn’t blame him though. Maybe Kade told him I was headed to Midway. But still, Kade didn’t know the reason why.
I stood there for a few moments, debating whether I should go in or not. It was killing me because I was still sworn to silence.
What the hell. I would have to face them either now or later. I just wished Dom had already talked to them.
I walked down the hall and stood in front of Kade’s door, then raised my hand and knocked.
“Enter at your own risk,” Malachi said in a deep, scary voice.
I paused when the door swung open. Kade was standing there, shirtless. My face immediately flushed with heat as I glanced down at his perfect body.
“Emma, you’re back,” he said, stepping forward. It was then I noticed the stitches on his right shoulder.
I gasped. “Are you alright?”
“Totally fine. Especially knowing your back safely. Did Dom take you to Midway?”
“Yes,” I whispered. “Thank you.”
“It’s still my duty to make sure you’re safe. I just wish I could have taken you.”
“It’s alright. Everything happens for a reason.”
I was kind of glad Kade wasn’t the one who took me. Knowing him, he would have stayed right by my side, questioning my question. I didn’t really want anyone else to know. And, after talking to Ephraim, I wasn’t completely sure what I was going to do. Becoming mortal would be the easiest path. It would mean freedom from any bond, and would completely set me free from Lucifer and Lucian.
On the other hand, becoming mortal would set me apart from my new family of immortals. Samuel and Alaine would be devastated to watch me grow old and die, way before their time. The only person who would benefit from me being mortal, would be Kade.