Aside from all the craziness, tonight was Caleb and Courtney’s farewell dinner. Even though it was only for a few weeks, Alaine thought it fitting to throw together a little party in the ballroom, just to lighten the mood. She knew how much everyone enjoyed parties there, especially Courtney.
Thomas interrupted my thoughts, stretching and yawning. “Hey, you”
“Hey,” I answered. “You were out cold.”
“Yeah, I didn’t get much sleep last night in the cabin. Those guys snore like a pack of wild buffalo.”
“What?” I giggled. “Have you ever heard a pack of wild buffalo snore?”
“No, but I can imagine they sound very similar to the sounds the guys made last night in the cabin.”
My giggle turned into a laugh. “Well, Alex was here last night and he said it was the best night’s sleep he’d had in a long time.”
“I couldn’t agree with him more. I’m glad I’ll finally get a chance to sleep in peace, unless… do you snore?”
“Me?” I squeaked. “No way. Until Malachi and Dominic slept in here, this was a snore free zone.”
“Well, just in case I do happen to snore tonight—” he threw me a small, unopened package.
“What’s this?” I asked.
“Earplugs. I have a box full of them.”
I laughed. “Well, thanks. I wish I had these a few nights ago. They would have come in very handy.” I pulled open my nightstand drawer and dropped them inside. “Hey, Thomas?”
“Yeah?” he asked.
“What do you think you’ll do after this assignment is over?”
He glanced at me and shrugged. “Go back to Midway and wait for my next assignment.”
I nodded. “How long have you known, Kade?”
“Well, until this assignment, I never knew him personally. I knew of him, I mean, everyone in Grandia knows about Kade because he is the son of Raphael the Archangel.”
His words brought a smile to my lips. “You’ve met his parents?” I asked.
“No. His dad is kind of a big deal though. He’s a healer, and is sent out on a lot of missions. I’ve heard he’s super cool though, like Kade.”
“And, what do you think about Ethon?” I wanted to see what he thought and was trying to make small talk instead of the awkward dead silence.
He puffed and shook his head. “There isn’t much to say. Your bond with him is the worst possible scenario. He happens to be the son of our greatest enemy.”
“Yeah,” I sighed. I guess I already knew asking any of the Guardians this question would end with the same answer. None of them would choose Ethon.
“Look, Emma. If you’re looking for my opinion, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be offering you my advice because it’s biased. I will always choose my brother.”
“I know. Thanks for being honest,” I said.
“Hey, no problem,” he said, with a smile. “Still friends?” His brow raised.
“Of course we are,” I said, tossing a pillow at him. He caught it, fluffed it, and lay back down.
I couldn’t wait for dinner to arrive, and it seemed like the seconds ticked by extra slow. It was casual, so I decided to wear my jeans and a nice, caramel brown, long-sleeved top. I wore my hair down, and applied some simple make-up. Thomas left the room for an hour so I could get ready, but he said he would be just outside my door.
Right before dinner, there was a knock.
“Are you ready?” he asked through the door.
“Yep. I’ll be right there” I answered, giving myself a quick spray of perfume, one I remembered Kade liked. When I opened the door, Thomas stood there looking very dashing. His blond hair was neatly combed back, and he had on jeans and button down blue shirt, which made the blue in his eyes stand out. He must have gotten one of the other guys to stand guard for a while so he could change.
“You look good,” he said, offering me his arm.
“Why, thanks. So do you,” I responded. “I didn’t think I would be escorted to this event. This is cool.” I looped my arm around his.
“Yeah, I have my moments,” he said. “Plus, I’m still on baby-sitting duty.”
I gasped and narrowed my eyes on him.
“Babysitting?” I snarled.
“I’m kidding!” he laughed, holding his hands up in surrender.
“You better be.”
As we walked down the stairs, Henry rounded the corner with a tray of yummy desserts.
“Emma. How are you, dear?” His warm smile instantly put a smile on my face.
“Henry! When did you get back?” I asked. It had felt like forever since I’d seen him last. He’d been away tending to his sick sister in England, before coming down with the same illness himself.