Gilded Wings(48)

“It’s already starting to mend,” he said.

“Thank you.” I exhaled the breath I had been holding. “It does feel better. I think I need to get back to my room and take a shower.”

“Yeah, that would be a good idea.” He chuckled.

“Thank you for fixing me. I’ll tell you about the Gryphon after.”

“Deal,” he grinned.

“Will you stay with me tonight?”

“If you want me to.”

“I do.”

When we got there, Thomas was waiting inside, biting his nails.

“She wants me to stay with her tonight,” Kade advised him.

“What about Alaine?”

“I’ll deal with Alaine,” I responded. “I need him. Please. And don’t worry… we aren’t going to do anything.”

“Fine, but I’m staying in your room,” Thomas replied, heading for the door.

“That’s cool. Thanks bro. I appreciate it.”

I took my pajamas and went into the bathroom to shower and change. When I clicked on the light and looked at the reflection of myself in the mirror, I gasped, scaring myself. There was blood smeared all over my face, even with Kade’s attempt to try and wipe it off, I looked like some kind of psycho murderer who rolled in my victim’s blood. I tried to turn and see the injuries on my back, but couldn’t really see anything.

As soon as I was released from the super suit, my body began to ache. I picked it up and saw two large slash marks in the back. One about ten inches, the other a little longer. I sighed, rolled it up, and threw it in the hamper.

I quickly turned on the shower, making the water extra hot. I stood under the falling water and let the dried blood rinse from me. The smell became overwhelming, so I filled my hand with shampoo and lathered my hair. I scrubbed and scrubbed, every inch of my body until it felt raw and there were no signs of blood. I washed my hair three times, and then conditioned it to make sure I was free from contamination.

When I stepped out and dried myself off, I glanced into the mirror again. This time I recognized the girl looking back at me, but just barely. I blinked and watched a tear trickle down my face. My human past had become a memory. I still had connections to it through Jeremy and Lia, but it would never be the same. Not without my parents.

Yes, Samuel and Alaine were my true parents, but would I get to live the rest of my life getting to know them? Or would I have to seal the bond with Ethon, effectively taking me away from everything and everyone I knew. I didn’t think Lucifer would allow me to keep relations with them because they were a threat.

I wiped away the few tears which had escaped my eyes and quickly slipped into my pajamas. Then I brushed my hair and teeth and opened the door.

When I stepped out of the bathroom, Kade was lying on the floor. The side lamp was on, barely lighting his beautiful face. He was on his side, with his head resting on one arm, looking through my scrapbook.

“Hey beautiful,” he said, looking up as I stepped out. I blushed, not feeling beautiful at all. “I hope it’s okay to be looking at this.”

“Of course it is,” I grinned. “And you don’t have to stay on the floor. You can stay up here with me,” I said patting the bed. “I need your arms again, and you did say that your hugs were free.”

“I did, and yes, they are… anytime of the day or night.” He gently closed the book and slid it back under the bed, before jumping up and walking toward me.

I placed my hand on his chest, stopping him a foot away. “Wait. I’m sorry. My brain is acting like a ping pong; my emotions are all so mixed up. And none of this is fair to you. I feel like I’m taking advantage of your good nature.

Kade grabbed my hand from his chest and kissed it, pulling me into a hug. He shushed me and swayed us back and forth.

“I’m terrified of my future, and what I could be leaving behind,” I said.

Stupid automatic tears began to well in my eyes, and stream down my face.

“I have been too. As soon as I became mortal, I began worrying about you, about us. I wish I could go back and set everything straight, but all I can do is be here for you. If you need a hug, then I will give it to you. If you need a kiss, hey, those are free too, but strictly for you alone.”

“I’ll take it,” I whispered.

He gently placed his hands on either side of my face, and leaned down, pressing his warm lips on mine. I instantly became dizzy, and then he pulled back.

“Thank you,” I breathed.

“It’s always a pleasure,” he said, leaning over and kissing my forehead. “You need to get some sleep, but I can’t put the sleeper on you.

“I think I could fall asleep in your arms,” I said.