“Your ribs, again?” he asked with a look of concern. “Do you want me to make sure they aren’t broken?”
“No, but thank you. They’re actually feeling a lot better now,” I grinned. “So, how did you tap on my window?” I was curious because I knew he couldn’t pass the barrier.
He opened his palm, and showed me a few small stones.
“Ahhh,” I giggled. “So, how have you been?”
“Being away from you is nearly unbearable,” he sighed, and then grinned. He was shirtless, his sculpted shoulders, chest, and abs were flexing with each flap of his wings to keep him steady. “We need to talk.”
I’d known this was coming.
“I can’t at this very moment. The barrier is up and Alaine and Samuel won’t let me leave.” This was the truth.
“You’ll be safe with me and everyone knows it. They just won’t admit it. And, we really need to talk. I’ll take you to my secret place,” he said, raising his brow.
“That sounds very tempting, but after the attack I’m now under constant guard,” I said, thumbing back to Thomas, who was still out cold.
Ethon’s eyes narrowed and his crimson red eyes began to burn a little brighter, but he quickly quenched it when his eyes glanced back at me. “Well, they can’t keep you away from me forever. Your transformation is near, and we have a matter to take care of before my father sends his wrath.”
“You would never allow him to hurt me, right?” I questioned him, looking into his eyes for truth.
“No, Emma. I would never allow him to harm you. I would die before that happened,” he answered.
I turned back to Thomas who hadn’t moved an inch. His mouth was still hanging wide open, and his face was half-hanging off the pillow. I knew Ethon would never put me in harm’s way, and I really needed to talk to him. Time was running out and I had so many questions to ask him. I also wanted to see his eyes as he answered them, and see his sincerity.
I still had my little secret, which could only be fulfilled after my transformation. So literally and technically, I was pretty much screwed – unless Alaine found a loophole. I basically had two options. Either seal the bond with Ethon before my transformation, or run and attempt to hide from everyone, hoping no one would find me until my transformation was over.
With both Lucifer and Lucian out there, and the experience I had with my recent quest, running away wasn’t the best or smartest option. Especially, if I was going to be alone. I was a magnet for the Fallen, and it seemed like even when I was invisible, they could smell me from miles away.
I needed to know Ethon would stand up against his father for me if he ever had to. I wasn’t brought into existence to become anyone’s pawn, especially Lucifer’s. Hell if I would live the rest of my life as his slave. That was simply not going to happen. My freedom was something I’d fight for to the death.
I looked into Ethon’s fiery crimson eyes. “I will meet you on one condition,” I finally whispered.
He grinned. “Anything.”
“You have to promise we will not seal any bonds yet.” I knew with the power of the bond, it would be hard to fight, but I had to make sure he didn’t try and force me to seal the bond.
“You have my word,” he answered straightforwardly. Honesty emanated from his eyes.
“Alright,” I uttered quietly. “Meet me at the front door. Midnight.”
Ethon smiled and I was hit with a wave of happiness through the bond.
“I’ll be there. Thank you, Emma.” With a single flap of his beautiful black wings, he shot off into the sky.
I hoped I was doing the right thing. Alaine would kill me if she ever found out I was leaving the house, but then again, she was also the one who told me I had to play the part and make Ethon believe we would still be bonded before my transformation. I just needed to keep my head straight with him. Ethon and I together and alone… that was a lethal combination. I just hoped we could rationally discuss the future and I could get as much information as I could get from him before I returned.
Thomas was protecting me for the whole today, which meant he would also be here during the night. He was taking a nap. Would he even be able to sleep tonight? I wish I had the power to put the sleeper on him, just long enough for me to sneak past him. Maybe if I put on my super suit under my pajamas after my shower it would help me disappear. I was slowly learning how to wield the magic of the suit and now, with just a thought, I could disappear. It was like the more I wore it, the greater the connection became. I was glad because over the next week, I’d need it more than ever.