Gilded Wings(58)

“Dude,” Alex interjected, his eyes darting to Kade. “I’m so sorry. That really freaking sucks.”

Thomas smacked Alex on the shoulder and shook his head.

“What? I am sorry. Kade and Emma should have been together,” Alex reasoned.

“Yes, we should have. I know it’s my fault,” Kade said sadly. “It’s something I have to deal with for the rest of my life.”

“Well at least you’re mortal now, so it won’t be too long.” Alex spoke without thinking.

Thomas and Malachi, on either side of Alex, turned and glared at him. Thomas whacked his arm, and Malachi smacked him in the head.

“Ouch! What was that for? I was just saying it would have been much worse if he were an immortal and had to live with the guilt for all eternity.”

“You should have kept it to yourself instead of blurting it out,” Thomas scolded. “You’re just making everything worse.”

Alex turned to Kade. “I’m really sorry. I never meant to hurt you more.”

“I know,” Kade replied. “And you are right. An eternity of hurt and regret is much too long.”

“Have you found out anything yet, Alaine?” James asked.

Alaine’s eyes landed on mine. Her expression made my stomach turn. “I haven’t yet, but we are still searching.” The tone in her voice told me that even her hope was diminishing. If there was no way out of the oath, I would have to seal the bond with Ethon.

Kade’s hand found mine. “Hey, we still have a couple days. Don’t give up just yet,” he whispered.

I nodded and when I looked into his eyes, I saw hope renewed. He had enough of it for all of us, knowing full well, time was fighting against us.

“Do you think if they continue like they have, they’ll be able to break through tonight?” I asked him.

“I don’t know,” he answered. “It’s hard to tell.”

“We just need to make sure everyone is rested up. We need you all on top of your game, alert and prepared,” Alaine added.

“I’m going to bed right after breakfast,” Alex said, stretching.

“I am too,” Thomas agreed.

“So, Emma. Tomorrow night is your transformation,” James said. “We haven’t heard of or seen Ethon in a few days. Maybe there is hope,” he stated.

“I hope so,” I exhaled.

“Have you found anything, Alaine?” Thomas asked.

Her eyes saddened. “I haven’t, but I won’t give up.”

“We’re all here for you, Emma,” James said.

“I know. Thank you.” I looked at Alaine. “Any word from Samuel?”

“No. But I’m sure he’s fine and we will see him very soon,” she answered.

I nodded. “That’s good. I can’t wait to see him again.”

She looked up at me with love and sadness in her eyes. “Me too.”

Everyone helped clean and clear the breakfast table.

“So are you guys headed back to the safe room?” Dom asked.

“I don’t know. There’s still a lot of daylight left,” I noted.

“Why don’t we all go to Kade’s room and play some cards.”

“Sounds good to me.” I shrugged, glancing at Kade with pleading eyes.

“She’ll be surrounded by all of us. It’ll be the safest room for her.” Dom said. “James, Alaine, wanna join us?”

“No thanks, but thank you for the offer.” Alaine said, with a smile. “I need to check on a few more things in my office.”

“No, thank you. I am going to get some shut eye,” James said.

“That sounds so boring. You can sleep when you’re dead,” Dom chuckled.

“You all have fun,” James smiled, then exited the room.

We headed toward Kade’s room, and after an hour of cards, we all ended up falling asleep. Kade and I were on the bed, and the rest of them were sprawled out on the ground. The transformation was really draining me because I slept through their horrible symphony of snoring.





THE HOUSE SUDDENLY SHOOK VIOLENTLY, like we were in the middle of a major earthquake, jolting everyone from sleep.

“Shit,” Kade cursed glancing outside. My heart sunk watching the sky darken as the sun set.

“Get up boys,” Dom yelled.

A loud boom shook the house again. From Kade’s window there wasn’t much happening, but as soon as we opened his door and looked out the front windows… All Hell had broken loose.

We watched in horror as three Grimlock stood side by side, bashing the same area of the barrier. Every blow felt like a bomb was going off. The barrier’s cracks extended longer than they had before, webbing out across the whole front of it.