Gilded Wings (24 page)

As we made our way down toward the bottom of the stairs Kade wrapped his arm around my waist. “Be careful where you step,” he warned.

I nodded, laying my head against his shoulder to keep my eyes from wandering to the places I’d last seen James and Malachi.

As we made our way through the rubble and into the kitchen, I was glad to see it hadn’t received too much damage. The lights were already on, and I could hear voices in the dining area.

“Do you guys care what you eat?” Thomas asked.

“Nah,” I answered. “I’m just really hungry.”

“Alright, you two go ahead. Dom and I will fix something quick and bring it in.”

“Are you sure?” I asked.

“Yes, he’s sure. This is your time to share your gifts with your parents,” Dom winked.

“Thanks, guys,” Kade said.

“Yes, thank you,” I repeated.

“Oh, and Emma,” Dom called out.

“Yeah?”

“Please don’t kick their asses. That would be a complete tragedy.”

I rolled my eyes. “Don’t worry, I won’t. I’ll even sit across the table from them.”

“Good thinking,” he said, giving me a thumbs up.

As Kade and I made our way into the dining area, Samuel and Alaine’s faces lit up.

“Emma,” Alaine said, standing to her feet. She stood and came towards us, but Kade stepped in between and held out his hand.

“It’s okay,” I said. “I won’t hurt her.”

Alaine stopped and looked at us puzzled.

“Kade was just protecting you,” I said.

“From what?” she asked.

“From me,” I breathed.

“I don’t understand,” she said, shaking her head.

“One of Emma’s gifts is strength. Dom threw a fake punch at her, and she reacted without control. She grabbed his arm and tossed him over her head like he was a pillow.”

“What?” Samuel asked. His face lit up.

“Yeah, and that’s not the only gift she has,” Kade explained.

I was relieved he was doing all the talking. It made it so much easier for me because I had no idea what I was going to say, or how I was going to explain it.

“What’s your other gift?” Alaine asked.

Kade stepped to the side so she could see me fully. I smiled and disappeared.

“I knew it,” she gasped. Tears flowed from her eyes, then she slowly walked up to me. I became visible again, and threw my arms around her.

“A chip off the old block,” Samuel chimed. Little did he know, I was a chip off of his block as well.

When he came to me, I could see a look of pride glowing on his face. “Look at you, all grown up. You’re radiant,” he said.

“Thanks,” I said, hugging him tightly.

“And don’t worry about not being able to control your gift. There are some gifts which take longer to tame than others. In time you’ll get it, and I can help you if you want,” he offered.

“I’d like that,” I said, and his smile widened.

During our late night meal, we discussed everything from the renovations on the house, the return of Courtney and Caleb, and details of the wedding. It was going to be a small affair, on a big budget.

Although Samuel had already performed his magical Angelic cremation ceremony on James and Malachi, he did collect their ashes knowing I would want them.

I requested for each of them, including Danyel, to have a small headstone placed outside in the graveyard; an area where we could go to remember them; where all our loved ones would be remembered, for as long as we were alive.

Alaine agreed.

The wedding would be held in the back yard, and the reception in the ballroom. Alaine said she would have gardeners come and trim the labyrinth all the way down to waist length, and then cut away the center to make it large enough to hold the ceremony. She promised it would be transformed into something unforgettable, and I didn’t doubt her.

I was about to begin a brand new journey.

THE NEXT MONTH WAS EXTREMELY BUSY.

Alex lived and began his healing process, and after a few weeks, he was up and walking. Courtney and Caleb returned home and were overjoyed to see me and Kade alive, but were also heartbroken over the loss of James and Malachi. They had become close to James the last few weeks before they left.

The workers continued day and night, taking shifts to finish the renovations on the house, and after only a few short weeks, it was looking even more charming than before.

The wedding planning was in full force. Alaine had made arrangements to fly Jeremy and Lia up for the wedding, and was also busy finding the perfect flowers, centerpieces, cake, and formal attire for the whole party. I wanted the ceremony to be simple, just Kade and I, because if we had a wedding party there would be no one sitting in the seats.

Alaine suggested at least one person should stand with us, like a best-man and maid-of-honor. So, I chose Lia. When I called her, she screamed and then started bawling over the phone. Half the time I didn’t understand what she was saying, but I knew she was ecstatic. In a few short weeks I’d see their faces again.

I told Alaine she could make most of the decisions without me. I didn’t really care about all the details, or how frilly it was, and since she was such a stickler for detail, I let her have the reins. The only thing I wanted to be a part of was choosing my wedding dress. For that, I chose a simple but elegant design, and then she took all my measurements and called them into the designer who would hand sew it.

As far as invitations went, there weren’t too many people on the list, but I did have a secret list of my own. Michael told me to call on him if I ever needed, so I sent up a dozen verbal requests for him and Kade’s parents to attend the wedding. I wasn’t sure if they would come, or even if they wanted to, but I extended the invitation to them anyway. I knew this outward celebration was only a mortal tradition, but thought it would be a nice surprise for Alaine.

Every moment I was alone, I called my wings. Each time I practiced, it became easier and easier until it came to the point there was no more pain. I would extend them and fold them back behind my back, exercises to try and to get control over them, and they seemed to respond perfectly to my thoughts. The only thing I hadn’t done was fly, and I was looking forward to that moment.

Samuel also helped me with my gift of strength. He taught me how to train my gift not to react without my consent. It took some time, but I finally got it under control.

Kade stayed down in his room because the pull of the bond was becoming much too hard for us to resist, especially when we were alone. My heart ached the moment he left, but I knew in a short time, he would forever be mine. That fact made resisting just a little easier.

The day before the wedding, Lia and Jeremy flew into Fairbanks airport, so I went with Dom and Kade to pick them up. On the way back, Dom drove, Kade rode shotgun, and me, Lia, and Jeremy sat in the back.

Lia grabbed my hand. “I am so excited for you. Oh my God. I can’t believe you’re getting married,” she squealed.

“I know. This has all been like a dream,” I breathed.

“We both knew you were going to get married first. It’s not like me and Jeremy have people fighting to be with us,” she laughed, and Jeremy rolled his eyes. “By the way, how is Caleb?”

“He’s good,” I replied. “And, he can’t wait to see you.”

“Really?” Her face lit up and she actually clapped.

“Yep, and Courtney is excited to see you too, Jeremy.”

His eyes widened and he began nodding. “Yeah, she’s really cool. It will be nice to see her again.”

“Oh, don’t even act like your insides aren’t throwing a party right now, Jeremy,” Lia giggled.

“I’m excited, alright. I just don’t go around like a toddler, clapping my hands and squealing.”

“Whatever,” she exhaled. Lia leaned over to me and whispered. “I knew you and Kade were meant for each other. You read my email didn’t you? I
told
you. Best friends intuition.” She nodded, tapping the side of her head.

“Yeah, you did,” I acknowledged. Kade’s head slightly turned to the side and I could see a smile on his face.

“So what ever happened to Ethon?” she asked. Kade and Dom quickly glanced at each other. I didn’t tell her Ethon died because Lia would never understand. It was best to keep her out of the affairs of the paranormal, and give her the simplest answer.

“He’s gone and won’t be coming back,” I answered.

“Well, it’s probably for the best. He was a cool guy and all, but you ended up with your soul mate,” she said matter-of-factly.

“Yeah, I agree with that,” Jeremy said.

“Thanks guys,” I said, wrapping their necks with my arms and pulling them in for a group hug. Their heads collided.

“Ouch,” Jeremy and Lia yelled.

“Sorry!” I replied, releasing them. Being around them made me briefly forget I had super strength.

They both sat back, rubbing their foreheads.

“Have you been working out?” Jeremy asked, straightening his glasses.

I shrugged. “Maybe just a little,” I answered.

“I knew something was different about you!” Lia snapped. “I couldn’t put my finger on it. But you also look really happy, like you’re glowing. Are you wearing makeup?” she asked, studying my face.

“A little,” I answered.

“You have to give me the name of your brand. You’re face looks flawless.”

“It’s called Transformation,” Dom blurted.

“Transformation? I’ll have to remember that,” Lia said.

I could see Dom’s eyes in the rear view mirror, so I narrowed mine on him. He began laughing.

“Was he joking?” she asked.

“Yes, he was joking. I’ll show you what I have when I get home,” I said, and she sighed.

The rest of the ride was filled with tales and horrors of the school year and graduation. It was great to have my human friends back here with me. They brought laughter and reality back into my life.

When we arrived back at the house, Alaine immediately collected Jeremy and Lia, bringing them up-to-date on the wedding ceremony and reception. She then took Lia to try on her dress, which was supposed to be another surprise.

As night fell, Courtney, Caleb, Jeremy, and Lia hung out in my room. We laid around talking and laughing all night long, while Kade and the guys hung out in the cottage, playing games and filling up on junk food.

I couldn’t help but think about him, and Lia caught me several times staring blankly into nothingness.

“You’re thinking about him aren’t you?” she giggled.

I nodded. “My insides twist when I think about him.”

“I am so jealous of you two. You are so perfect for each other it’s disgusting… in the best possible way, of course,” she added.

“Yeah, I guess we are,” I giggled. She rolled her eyes, and then we continued on with our pointless conversations until our eyes got heavy and we all fell asleep.

When I opened my eyes the next morning, the boys and Courtney, had already left the room. Lia was still on the floor, and if I didn’t hear her snores, I would have thought she was dead. Her hair was a knotted mess, her mouth was hanging wide open, and I swear there was drool on the pillow.

“Lia,” I said, poking her with my finger, knowing anything short of an alarm wouldn’t wake her up.

A few moments later, Jeremy knocked and slowly opened the door.

“Alaine wanted me to wake you guys up. Breakfast will be ready in thirty minutes, and the hair and face people will be coming after.”

“Alright. I’m up, but,” I thumbed to Lia and shook my head. “I have sleeping beauty over here.”

“More like sleeping beast,” he said with a twisted face.

“Jeremy,” I scolded.

“I’ve come to awaken the Kraken,” he said, his face narrowed on her.

“Oh no,” I exhaled.

“Oooh yes,” he said excitedly. “And I brought back up.”

From behind his back he revealed an air horn.

“You can’t do that,” I gasped. “She almost killed you last time.”

“I can and I will,” he said, with a grin the size of the Cheshire cat.

“Where in the world did you get an air horn?”

“Caleb,” he answered flatly.

“Well, I am going to proceed to the bathroom and lock myself in. Don’t do anything until I’m safe,” I said, quickly running and grabbing clothes, as Jeremy stalked toward Lia. “And you’d better leave that door wide open for your quick escape, because she will pounce on you and eat you for breakfast,” I laughed, quickly shutting the door behind me.

I jumped as the air horn blasted. It wasn’t just a simple honk… Jeremy held it for a good three seconds. It was the loudest, most horrifying sound which carried straight through the door and vibrated my chest.

Lia screamed directly after, making me cringe.

Then I heard her yell at the top of her lungs.

“I hate you, Jeremy!”

Jeremy’s laughter quickly diminished as his footsteps carried him away. Shortly after, Lia’s thudding, angry footsteps followed.

Oh, he woke the beast and he was definitely going to get it.

It was great to have them back.

Excitement buzzed in the air as we made our way down to breakfast. When we entered the dining room, all the curtains were drawn to keep the back yard a secret.

Kade was already at the table with everyone else, and when he saw me, his bright eyes lit up. He looked unbelievably sexy this morning. His face was glowing, and I could see the definition of muscles under his simple white T-shirt.

He stood and walked over to me, wrapping me up in his embrace. I closed my eyes and inhaled, letting his scent fill me.

“Hey, beautiful,” he whispered gently, kissing my cheek.

“Get a room,” Dom teased.

“Don’t worry. We will,” Kade answered, then turned to me with a wink.

My heart thrummed and my stomach twisted. Today was the day I was going to marry him. Immortals never had a wedding or celebration. But Kade was doing this for me, and for Alaine. He knew I wanted a wedding, and he wanted Alaine and Samuel to be a part of it. That made me love him even more… if that were even possible.

“There are children here,” Dom sang.

“I’m not a child,” Courtney huffed.

“I didn’t say you were.”

“You were implying it.”

“Oh, she’s using big words now. I’m sorry…there are
teens
in our midst,” he corrected.

“Yeah, get it right,” Courtney playfully snapped back.

“Feisty this morning,” Dom chuckled.

“Oh, she’s tame compared to that one,” Jeremy said, thumbing to Lia.

After breakfast, I knew it was the last time I’d see Kade before the ceremony, so I hugged him extra tight.

“I’ll see you in a few hours?” he said softly.

“I can’t wait to begin my life with you,” I breathed.

“I’ll be waiting at the altar,” he grinned, then brushed his hand across my cheek. He leaned in and kissed me quick. “See you soon.”

“See ya,” I said, breathless.

Lia took me by the arm and dragged me out. “Come on Cinderella. Time to get you ready for the ball.”

A few hours before the ceremony, the make-up artist and hairstylist were working on me at the same time. I refused to look in the mirror until I was fully put together. When they were done, they all stood around me, gawking and gasping. I assumed they had nailed their jobs.

Alaine, Lia, and Courtney were in the room. All of our make-up had been applied, but Lia was still in a tank top and jeans. Her hair was all down and straightened, with just the ends curled. They put false eyelashes on her and liner around her eyes to give them depth. Her cheeks were rosy and her lips were a dark shade of red. She looked like a porcelain China doll.

Courtney was wearing a delightful light-pink gown with sparkles all over it. Her hair was half-up, with ringlets flowing down her shoulders. Her make-up was natural with a slash of pink gloss over her lips. She looked like a princess.