“What about Emma?” Malachi asked. “If those creatures were sent by Lucian, they will be coming for her. Shouldn’t she be taken to safety, or at the very minimum hide in the safe room?”
“Yes, Malachi. Our plans to leave and take her to a safe-house have been canceled. It’s too dangerous to take her outside of the barrier now, especially with the new threats. To be certain of her safety, Emma will stay in the safe room during the night, and I will allow Kade to stay with her.”
Both our heads snapped up to her.
“I trust you both, and know Kade’s intentions.”
“Thank you,” he said. “You know her safety is my priority.”
“I know,” Alaine answered. “This is why I am delegating it to you.” She turned toward the others. “I want you all to rest today and make sure your weapons are ready. I’m not sure if they will attack tonight, but if they do, I want to be prepared. I will be sending Henry and Miss Lily on an extended vacation, until this is all over.”
James was the only quiet one, and I’d forgotten he was even in the room until he spoke. “We all need to be on top of everything. There is no room for mistakes. We will stand guard around the property but inside of the barrier. The guard posts will be held until the sun rises.”
“I call back of house,” Dom said, raising his hand.
“Why? So you can be close to the kitchen?” Malachi smirked.
“Dude, you do have brains in that huge noggin of yours,” Dom snickered.
“Yeah, and if you keep jabbering, I’m gonna use my huge fist to knock in your huge noggin.”
“Oh, someone’s mighty feisty today,” Alex said, slapping Malachi on the back.
Malachi turned and glared at him, “I’m prepared… for anything,” he rumbled back.
“We’re all prepared,” Dom added. He then stood and threw his fist in the air. “We may be outnumbered, but we are mighty, and ready to kick some ass!”
“Yeah!” the rest of the Guardian’s yelled in agreement.
Whoever sent them knew what they were doing. They were an awesome team. I looked around at each of their faces, gleaming with confidence and positivity. We had the best team of Guardians in any world. I knew it because through each obstacle we’d endured, they all still remained.
My thoughts immediately went to Samuel. I prayed he was alright out there on his own. I wondered if he would be able to find some needed answers. Time was ticking, slowly running down to either our victory or demise.
The day went by much too fast while the Guardians prepared themselves for battle. War was coming, and it was coming soon. An annoying buzz of doom lingered in the air. I knew what we were up against. Our enemy was strong, and we were fiercely outnumbered. If the creatures of the Underworld could break through the barrier, I didn’t see any of us surviving. Not without help.
Would Lucifer keep his end of the deal and come to our aid when we needed him?
All we could do was wait and see. My hope was dangling by the smallest of threads. Any kind of intense pressure would easily break it in two. It was fragile, but for now, it was intact. There was nothing I could do to make it stronger. My fate was balancing precariously on those around me. And when it came down to the end, I would do my part, whatever that may be.
War was inevitable. My greatest hope and prayer, was that we all survived.
PREPARED FOR THE NIGHT, I glanced out my window. The sun was lingering on the horizon, and I soaked in the beautiful colors it created against the darkening sky. It was as if the hand of God had created a master piece right in front of my eyes.
A single tear tickled my cheek, and I quickly swiped it away. I didn’t know how many more sunsets I would be able to watch, but at least I had this one. I made sure I took it all in. As the end drew near, I didn’t want to sleep. I wanted to be awake and aware of everything around me – to make every moment count like it was my last.
I was waiting for Kade to arrive and take me to the safe room. My super suit and dagger were in my duffle bag, and I was dressed in black sweatpants and my grey hoodie. I traced my finger across the black words over my left chest, wondering if in less than a week I would possess the same magical hidden wings as Ethon. No other Nephilim had the gift of wings, not even Alaine. But I couldn’t dwell too much on something so doubtful. I had enough to deal with in the present.
A soft knock at the door made my stomach flutter with butterflies. I walked just a little too fast to open it.
Kade held out his hand to me.
“Are you ready?” His charming crooked grin made me warm inside, and I watched on as he raked his fingers through his thick brown hair. I placed my hand into his and he pulled me against his body. Pressed tightly together, he leaned over. I thought he was going to kiss me so I closed my eyes, only to hear the door shut behind us.