Gilded Wings(55)

“I’m sorry you had to go through that, and I cannot thank you enough.”

“If it was to keep you safe, I’d do it all over again… in a heartbeat.”

My eyes threatened to tear, but I refused to be sad. There was too much of it right now, so I refocused on the good.

“How did you know it was the bond?” I asked.

“What do you mean?”

“You said after you experienced all those feelings, you knew it was the bond. How did you know?”

“I’ve had several friends who found their mates, and the feelings they described when the bond connected them were the exact same I was feeling at that very moment. When I came around the corner and saw the same flustered, bewildered look on your face, I knew you were the one.

“But back then, all I could see was a girl who was lost, confused, and agonizing over the death of her parents. You were so innocent, and I wanted so much to help take the pain away. That look has faded, and is much different than the one I’m looking at right now. I can still see your pain, but I also see your strength, selflessness, and honesty. I see a girl who would do anything in her power to protect those she loves. But she is also confused by the bond.”

He leaned in closer. “I know the bond won’t allow you to hate Ethon, and I can see how torn you are between him and the other who loves you unconditionally.”

Tears burned and pooled in my eyes then cascaded down my cheeks.

“You do know me,” I breathed. I fell into his arms, and he secured them around me.

“Of course I do. You started off as my assignment, but stole my heart. You’ve been so strong these past months, trying to hold everything and everyone together, but I can see your internal struggle. You don’t always have to be strong. If you ever feel like you’re falling, just tell me, and I’ll be there to catch you.”

“You have always been here for me, and I can’t imagine my future without you in it,” I said, truthfully.

Kade sighed and hugged me tighter. “I wish things were different. Every day I awake to deal with the reality that it was my decision which put us in this position. I cannot express to you how truly sorry I am.”

I pulled back from him and wiped my face dry, then noticed his eyes were filled with sadness. “Kade, you don’t ever have to apologize, or regret your decisions. We can make our own choices and choose our own paths, but our fate is already sealed. There is nothing we can do or say to change it.”

His eyes softened. “You are wise beyond your years, Emma Wise.”

“I’m not wise. I’m just living and learning, trying to survive. One thing I have learned is, right when you think you have life all figured out, it will throw a curve, and you either have to bend and adjust to it, or break.”

“You’ve done an amazing job of adjusting,” he said softly.

I sighed and shook my head. “I haven’t adjusted. I’m still in the process of bending.”

“I think we all are,” he admitted.

The house shook, so Kade turned his head to glance back the monitors.

“Oh shit!” he cursed, standing up off the floor and heading toward the screens.

“What?” I asked, pushing off the bed. I stood next to him.

A surge of fear had every hair on my body standing on end. I began to hyperventilate as one of the spotlights landed on a large horrifying creature, with unforgettable white pasty eyes, just outside the barrier.

I grabbed Kade’s hand and held it tight.

“What the hell is that?” he asked. Its white eyes illuminated like a cats once the light hit them.

“A Grimlock,” I exhaled. “Those are the creatures that almost killed me and Samuel.”

Kade’s head turned toward me. “I won’t let them touch you. Not while you’re with me,” he said.

I nodded, and our eyes fixed back on the monitors. I watched in terror as the Grimlock began to swirl its deadly weapon round and round. I held my breath, hoping and praying the barrier would hold. Faster and faster the Grimlock swung its weapon until it was nearly invisible, and then it set it free.

I gasped and squeezed Kade’s hand as the morning star flew forward at an unbelievable speed, then stopped dead in mid-air, crashing into the barrier. As soon as it hit, it bounced back, sending sparks from the impact raining down below, illuminating the Hellhounds who were frantically trying to find a way in.

The barrier held, but a small glowing crack slowly appeared and took a while to mend.

Could the barrier be broken?

“Did you see that?” I gasped.

“Yes,” Kade answered.

“Do you think they can break through the barrier?”