Gilded Wings (22 page)

“What’s happening?” I gasped, breathless.

“Don’t you know by now?”

I shook my head, unsure. “The bond?”

He smiled and nodded.

“But I thought—”

“When the creator resurrected me, he told me he had been watching. He said he knew about my decision to change from immortal to mortal. Because I was willing to risk everything, including my immortality, along with the fact my father and your grandfather are his Archangels — he made me immortal.”

“Oh, Kade,” I wailed, throwing my arms around him.

“I promised you, if it was within my power, I would be here for your transformation,” he whispered.

“I didn’t want to share it with anyone but you,” I wept. “It was you. It was
always
you.”

His lips turned up and his face beamed. He then turned to the clock. “You still have a few more minutes. I’d like to show you something before your transformation begins.”

“Alright,” I said, shaking with excitement.

“Step back a bit.”

I took a few steps back and paused.

He grinned at me.

“What?” I smiled.

He held his arms out to his sides, and then in the still silence, two of the most beautiful wings magically appeared behind him. Layer upon layer of flawless white feathers looked as soft as silk, and shimmered in the dim light of my lamp. I was completely spellbound by him in all of his glory.

An ethereal golden glow encircled him. This is who he truly was. Who I’d always envisioned him to be. He had been reborn and was now complete.

“Emma?” he spoke softly.

Uncontrollable tears filled my eyes, and there were only two words I could manage to push out.

“You’re beautiful.”

Kade’s eyes were filled with so much love, compassion, and tenderness.

“It’s time,” he said.

His wings folded around me, encasing me in a cocoon of white. His protective arms held me tight.

As soon as he did, I felt like I was bashed in the chest. My body went limp, but Kade held me tight. Intense pain began to rain down on me, igniting the top of my head. Inch by inch the pain blazed, slowly torching everything on its way down. As much as I tried to relax, I couldn’t; my body was rigid, tensed and trying to cope with the pain.

“Kade,” I moaned. “It burns.”

“I’m here. We’ll get through this together.”

An unexpected gentle breeze brushed against my face, cooling me and taking some of the pain away. It was Kade, blowing his magic on me.

When the fire hit my chest it settled, and then a force slammed me again, jolting my body backward. It felt like something was punching a hole straight through my heart. I moaned, and Kade’s arms tightened around me.

“I’m here, Emma,” he whispered, trying to comfort me.

The fire raged on, consuming me, incinerating what was left of my mortality. As it passed below my chest, I began to bear the pain a bit, but it depleted nearly all my energy. I kept my breathing steady as it continued down my legs, thighs, calves, and exited out my toes.

When the pain finally subsided, I slowly opened my eyes.

I was face to face, inches away, from the most beautiful angel I’d ever seen.

He was perfect, and he was alive. This wasn’t a dream.

I thought I’d lost him forever, but here he was, holding me, covering me, and protecting me, like he had from the very beginning. I could feel his unconditional love. He was my soul mate. My one true love. My bonded.

His hazel eyes, swirling with gold, were narrowed with concern and distress.

“Is it over?”

“No. It’s just beginning,” I whispered.

His brow furrowed.

“My life… with you,” I explained, giving him a weak smile. 

His eyes softened, and then he leaned forward and kissed me. As soon as his lips touched mine, something inside of me awakened. At first it was a small tingling sensation, but as his kiss deepened, the feeling intensified. It was as if refreshing cold water was pouring over me, washing away my internal blaze.

His kiss was healing me, from the inside out.

When I could breathe easy, I slowly pulled back.

Kade’s eyes carefully studied mine. “Are you okay?”

“I am now,” I answered, breathless.

“Can I ask you something?” he said, kissing my forehead.

“Of course.”

He placed his hands on my shoulders and stepped backward. He then folded his beautiful wings behind his back and knelt down on one knee.

“Kade?” I was trembling, my knees weak.

He took hold of both of my hands and looked into my eyes with sincerity. His touch immediately strengthened me.

“We’ve both been reborn, transformed from one life and one being, into something much greater. I once made a decision which nearly took you away from me. It will never happen again.

“Emma, I want to spend the rest of eternity with you. I want to wake up every day and see your beautiful smile, feel your touch, and wrap you in my arms whenever you need strength. I want to be your protector for the rest of
our
immortal lives.”

His face was blurred from the flood of tears in my eyes. My stomach twisted with a million butterflies, and my knees became weak.

He kissed my hands. “Emma Wise, will you marry me?”

It felt as if the floor disappeared from beneath me. I collapsed and fell into his arms.

“Oh, Kade,” I wept, throwing my arms around him, kissing him.

“Was that a yes?” he chuckled against my lips.

“Yes. Yes. A million times, yes!” I exclaimed. Then, for the first time, I saw his mark. It was simple; a spiral with six triangles around it. It reminded me of a sun. A perfect symbol for Kade and who he was to me – my light in the darkness. Since the day we met, his presence brightened and filled me with such warmth and hope.

I kissed his mark and then wrapped my arms around him. As my fingers grazed up his back I gasped.

“Kade?” I exhaled.

“They’re gone,” he answered. “I guess a new body came with the transformation. No more scars.”

I leaned back, laughing and crying at the same time. “I still can’t believe all of this is happening. I – I can’t believe you’re here, and we’re going to be married.”

“I still have to ask Samuel. I know it’s a mortal tradition, but Alaine is half-mortal, so I don’t want to offend.”

“They don’t even know you’re alive.” I said, wondering what they would think when they saw him, raised from the dead.

“No, they don’t,” he grinned. “And I can’t wait to see the looks on all their faces, especially Malachi and Dom.”

My face suddenly dropped, and my heart began to ache.

“Emma? What is it? Are you unwell?”

I shook my head, fighting my emotions.

“You don’t remember?”

“Remember what?” he asked, his brow furrowed.

“I’m so sorry, Kade. Malachi and James are gone, and Alex is barely holding on to life as we speak.”

“What?” His face turned sorrowful, filled with grief.

I nodded, hating to dampen his spirit, but he needed to know.

He closed his eyes for a long time, and when he opened them again, his face brightened.

“They will be missed, but their memories will live on forever.”

“They will never be forgotten. Not in our lifetime,” I said.

“Yes,” he breathed. “Now, you need to rest. Your gifts will be revealed once you’ve healed from the transformation. You’ll be much stronger when you wake in the morning.”

“I’m afraid to close my eyes.”

“Why?” he questioned

“Because if this is a dream, I don’t want it to end.”

His fingers softly grazed the side of my cheek. “This is not a dream. I promise to be here when you wake.”

“Will you stay with me?”

“Forever,” he smiled as he swept me off my feet. Up into his strong arms he carried me to bed. Once I was situated under the covers, he crawled in next to me. We held onto each other tight, and it felt so natural and so unbelievably magical to be in his arms again.

I yawned, starting to feel the effects of the transformation weighing heavy on me.

“Want me to put the sleeper on you?” he asked.

“You can do that?”

“Of course I can. Whatever I did before, I can do now… only much better.” He winked, and my heart melted.

“Assure me you’re real,” I whispered.

“I’m real alright. And once you heal, I’ll show you exactly how real I am.”

My insides twisted. “I can’t wait to be married to you, Mr. Anders. Wait, is Anders your real last name?”

“No,” he chuckled. “Angels don’t have last names. We are just given titles. Like Archangel or Cherubim or—”

“Aren’t Cherubim those cute little angels?” I asked.

His brow raised. “There is no such thing as a cute, little Cherubim. They are actually very offended how the mortal world has painted them to be as such. Cherubim are large, strong, and powerful beings. They are skilled warriors who surround the Creator, and are highly trained to defend him from any contaminations of sin.”

“Wow,” I exhaled. “I guess I still have a lot of learning to do.”

“You have a lifetime, and I will gladly be your instructor. If you’re good, I may even give you some hands-on training,” he said, wiggling his brow.

“I can’t wait to start, professor.” I giggled, then automatically yawned. I could feel my body quickly draining of energy.

“You need to rest,” he said.

I nodded, knowing as much as I wanted to stay awake and talk to him all night, the healing wouldn’t allow it. My eyes were already getting heavy and my body was weakening.

“Don’t leave me, okay?”

“Never again,” he whispered.

“Thank you,” I breathed, closing my eyes.

“Goodnight, my Emma.
Sleep
sweet.”

“Goodnight,” I whispered, fading into a deep, restful sleep.

I OPENED MY EYES, AND noticed the bed next to me was empty… fear flooded me, my limbs tensing.

“Kade?” I whispered to myself.

The door to the bathroom opened, and he stepped out.

“Don’t worry, I’m still here,” he said with a grin. He’d taken a shower, and I had no idea why he thought he needed one. Steam escaped around him, and the only thing he was wearing was a towel wrapped around his waist. Lucky towel.

My face burned with embarrassment as he caught me gawking at his perfect body. I couldn’t help it. He was magnificent, as if God had chiseled him himself. A flawless masterpiece… and he was mine.

His hair was towel dried and disheveled; his body was glistening and damp.

“I thought—”

“I promised I’d never leave you.”

“I know, but I still can’t believe it. I almost had a mini heart attack wondering if it was all just a dream.”

“I’m sorry,” he said, coming closer. As he did, I could feel my insides twisting.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

I stretched. “Much better.”

“Rested?”

“Mostly. I still feel a little tired.”

“Give it another day, and you’ll be showing off your new self.”

I smiled. “I wonder what new gift I’ll have? How will I know?”

“You’ll figure it out, and whatever it is, it will be amazing. I’m sure of it.”

“How can you be so sure?” I asked, raising my brow.

“Even without any gift, you’re already amazing. The gift is just a bonus.”

I shook my head. “You are the one who is amazing.”

He smiled and held out his hand to me. “You should get ready. The others will be waking soon, and coming by to check up on you.”

“You’re right,” I said. “They were really worried about me last night.”

As soon as I grabbed his hand, an electrical current shot through me, sending me falling forward into his strong arms.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to that,” I said nearly breathless.

“You will once you’ve healed,” he said with a sexy crooked grin.

I looked up into his mesmerizing eyes and became lost.

“Emma?” he said softly.

I shook my head. “How did I get so lucky?” Emotions began to bubble. “God
must
love me… enough to have given me my heart’s desire.”

“Yes, he does.” He leaned over and kissed me.

“One day I will thank him,” I said, hugging him. “And thank you for helping me through it all last night.”

“It was my pleasure.”

I inhaled deeply as a thought crossed my mind.

“Do your parents know about you? Do they know you’re alive?”

His smile widened. “Yes, they do… and they told me they met you.”

“And?” I questioned, wondering what they thought of me.

“They absolutely loved you,” he answered.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. I also told them I was going to ask you to marry me.”

“What did they say?”

“That they were proud you were going to be part of our family, and they can’t wait for us to visit them in Grandia.”

“I’d love that.” I smiled and took his hand. “Did they tell you I met my grandfather?”

His eyes softened. “Yes, they did.
And
?” he asked, his lips rising into a half smile.

“He was even greater than I expected, but I bet you already knew that,” I answered.

“Your grandfather and my father have been very close friends and allies for centuries. They’ve worked very closely together.”

“Which is the reason why I met you,” I said.

“Yes. But I didn’t know he was the one who had given the order to appoint me as your Guardian. Ephraim is the one who gave me the orders while I was at Midway. I swear… I didn’t even know Michael was your grandfather until recently.”

A door slammed shut outside, reminding me about the others.

“I better get ready,” I said, grabbing my clothes and running for the bathroom. “Hey, where are your clothes?” I noticed the bathroom was clean.

He grasped the edge of the towel, and ripped it away.

I gasped and then realized he was wearing shorts, so I quickly snapped my mouth shut.

“Tease.”

He laughed. “You should have seen the look on your face.”

“Well, I was expecting a different outcome,” I said, as heat rushed to my face.

“Maybe next time,” he winked.

“Maybe,” I giggled, and shut the bathroom door. I pressed my back against it and took in a deep breath, still trying to wrap my head around the fact that Kade was back. He was back and so was the bond… stronger than ever.

I quickly showered and brushed my teeth, then dressed in jeans, and a long-sleeved, plain white T-shirt. I wiped the steam from the mirror and looked at myself. I didn’t see anything different. I looked like the same girl.

As soon as I exited, Kade was sitting on the bed, staring at me.

“What?” I asked; a smile was glued to my face.

“You’re stunning.”

“Thanks,” I breathed, as a soft knock interrupted us.

“It’s probably Alaine,” I whispered. “Maybe you should hide in the bathroom until I can explain.”

“How are you going to explain?”

“I have no idea,” I said, my heart was thumping wildly.

He chuckled and made his way to hide.

“Wait,” I said, making him pause. “Don’t disappear into any portal, okay?”

“I promise,” he said, holding his hands up.

There was another knock.

“I’m coming,” I called, walking calmly for the door. When I opened it, Alaine was standing there, with a worried look on her face.

“How are you feeling?” she asked.

“I’m actually doing great; better than great,” I said, smiling widely.

Her brow furrowed with confusion.

“No, really. There’s something I want to show you, but I’d like you to get the others and bring them here first.”

She leaned forward and hugged me, looking completely baffled. “Alright, I’ll be right back.”

When she left, I shut the door, and Kade peeked his head out.

“Oh my God, they are going to
freak
when they find out. Alaine’s face was twisted when she saw me smiling. Imagine what will happen when they see you
alive
.”

There was another knock on the door.

“That was fast,” I mouthed to him. He quickly ducked back in the bathroom and closed the door.

I opened the door, and was elated to see Samuel, Dominic, and Thomas with Alaine.

“Come in,” I said, stepping to the side.

“You look good, and happy,” Dom noted, hugging me. His face just as baffled as Alaine’s.

“Well, today I just… woke up happy,” I said, feeling a bit awkward.

“Well, that’s wonderful, sweetheart,” Samuel said, wrapping me in a hug and kissing the top of my head.

They all came in and stood around, bewildered, waiting for me to give an answer as to why I called them in.

“How’s Alex?” I asked Alaine.

“He’s alive, but still very weak. It will take him about another week to recover. We’ve kept him in the sleeper so he can rest and heal without pain.”

“That’s good to know. When he gets better, I’d like to go visit him.”

“Of course,” she said.

I stood nervously in front of them. “Well, why don’t you all have a seat? There is something I’d like to show you, and I don’t know if you should be standing.”

“Don’t tell me you can shoot fireballs from yer eyes, or bolts of lightnin’ from yer ass,” Dom blurted in an awful Scottish accent.

I rolled my eyes. “Have you been watching
Braveheart
?”

“I fell asleep to it last night,” he shrugged.

“Well, no. I can’t do that… I think. But what I have to show you is something even
greater
than that.” My smile widened even more. My heart began to race, anticipating their reactions.

“Are you going to show us, or are you going to make us beat it out of you?” Dom exhaled, rolling his eyes.

“If you lay a hand on her, I’ll have to break your arm,” Kade said, stepping into the room.

All four heads snapped in the direction of his voice, faces frozen, trying to analyze what the hell they were seeing.

“What the—” Dom exclaimed, his face completely tweaked.

“Kade?” Alaine exhaled. She grasped Samuel’s arm like she was about to collapse. Her eyes were wide with either terror or shock, probably both.

“Hey guys,” Kade said smiling and waving gingerly.

“What the? How the?” Dom stuttered. “Holy shit.”

“Are you real?” Thomas questioned.

“Dude, look at me. Of course I’m real,” Kade answered.

“But… how?” Alaine asked.

I walked over to Kade and held his hand. “The Creator did have his eye on us. He saw Kade’s selfless act of giving up his mortality, and then his mortal life for me. So, he decided to resurrect him,” I answered proudly. “He came to me last night, right before my transformation. He helped me through it.”

“Oh my,” Alaine breathed, running over to him and hugging him. She stepped back and looked at him again in disbelief. “I can’t believe it.”

“It’s good to be back,” he said.

Samuel walked up to him and held out his hand. Kade shook it, then Samuel pulled him into a hug. “It’s great to have you back.”

Thomas and Dom were next to hug him.

“Sooo…,” Dom drawled. “Are you still mortal or what?”

Kade and I looked at each other and grinned.

“Show them,” I urged.

He shook his head.

“Why not?” I really wanted them to see him in all of his glory.

“Dude!” Thomas interjected. “Just spill.”

A smirk crossed Kade’s face. “Alright, you asked for it.”

I stepped away, while he took his shirt off.

“Yeah, there he goes, showing off his six pack,” Dom teased.

He smiled then spread his arms out, and glorious white wings extended out to his sides.

“Holy shit,” Dom cursed. “You freaking got your wings?”

“How?” Thomas asked.

“Does it matter?” I said. “He totally deserves them. He
earned
his wings.”

“Yeah, I guess after all the crap he was put through… he does deserve them,” Dom agreed.

“Kade, they are beautiful,” Alaine said. Her hands were clasped over her mouth.

“You got wings, so that means you’re immortal, right?” Thomas asked.

“Yep,” Kade said proudly, tucking his wings back behind him.

“Congratulations, Kade,” Samuel said. “They’re stunning.”

“Thank you, Samuel,” he nodded.

“No wonder Emma had the biggest, goofiest smile on her face,” Dom laughed.

“Hey!” I huffed.

“We all thought we were going to walk in and see the walking dead. We didn’t expect you to be so… chipper. But I don’t blame you. I’m just sayin’, now I understand why,” he explained.

“Yeah,” I said looking at Kade. “I thought I was looking at a ghost. It took me a while to believe he was real.”

“Sooo, was there any bond sealing?” Dom asked, eyebrows raised.

“Dom!” I snapped.

“It’s a reasonable question.”

“No, we didn’t,” Kade replied. “But I’d like to speak to Samuel and Alaine for a moment before they leave, if that’s alright,” Kade asked.

“Sure,” Samuel answered, and Alaine agreed.

“Man, it’s so unbelievably freaking amazing to see you,” Dom said, throwing his arms around Kade. “You don’t know how happy your handsome face makes me. I almost cried, dude. Like seriously. I was on the verge. Thomas had to put the freaking sleeper on me ‘cause I was so freaking distraught.”