Gilded Wings (4 page)

“Neither have I,” I sighed, sitting up. “Thank you.” As our eyes met, it was nearly impossible to turn away. The bond magnetized us, an invisible charm, seducing and luring us together.

Ethon ran his fingers down the side of my cheek, brushing a stray strand of hair behind my ear. “Can’t you see what’s right in front of you? Even with the bond, I can see your heart is torn,” he sighed, and shook his head.

I swallowed hard and exhaled, knowing it was true.

“I can’t help it. He was my first bond.”

“Was. He
was
your first bond, and is not any longer. Now, you are bonded to me.” He stood and walked away. “You don’t understand, Emma. I could have any woman I choose. There is not one mortal who can resist me, but not one of them could ever satisfy me.

“I don’t want, or need, anyone else but you. Can’t you see that? Can’t you feel it?” He turned and walked closer to me. “I want to spend the rest of my eternity with
you
.” His fingers gently brushed my tears away.

“And what about your father, Ethon? He will always rule over us, and will always have a say. If we bond, I will be his slave for all eternity.”

He closed his eyes. “He’s not that bad, Emma.”

“How can you say that? He tried to kill me,” I said exasperated. Was this what I would have to look forward to? Him defending his father when he saw exactly what he did to me?

Ethon stepped forward and wrapped me in his arms. “I’m sorry. He shouldn’t have touched you. Once we’ve sealed the bond, he will
never
touch you again. I promise.”

I wanted to believe him, but given the circumstances, it was nearly impossible.

“Hey,” he whispered. “I told you I would make you happy, and I plan on carrying out my word.” He kissed the top of my head and stepped back. “I’ll be right back. And, don’t worry. No one can enter without me.”

With a flap of his wings, he shot up and out of the portal.

My heart and mind twisted. I began to question my existence. All I did was bring pain and confusion. Angels and Fallen were fighting and dying because of me, and I was supposed to bring forth some kind of big change?

I sat next to the water’s edge, wondering and waiting for him to return. I hoped they were all okay, and then it hit me. What would happen to me if anything happened to Ethon? How would I get out of here? The thought sent a wave of terror crashing through me, but before I had a meltdown, he appeared through the portal.

His beautiful black wings were extended as he landed. His raven black hair rustled lightly across his face, while crimson eyes steadied on mine.

“Don’t worry. They’re all safe. Your Guardian was injured, but it’s only superficial. He’ll heal up in no time. Your father took him back to Alaine.”

I sighed in relief.

“Thank you,” I breathed. But how was I going to get to Midway now?

“Come, I’ll take you back.”

“I can’t go back. I need to do something alone. For myself.”

“What is it? You can tell me,” he said, coming close.

I shook my head and stepped back. “I can’t.”

“Why are you fighting? We will be bonded soon.”

I had to make him believe I was still in total agreement with his father’s pact. “Yes, I know. But there is something I need to do for myself, before the bond is sealed.”

“Is it something I can help you with?”

“I wish you could, but this is something I need to do alone.”

“Alright. I won’t hold you back, unless there is a third immortal to whom you’ve been bonded?”

“No way! If there was another, I’d ask God to take me out himself.”

Ethon laughed. “Come here, you.” He extended his hand. I gasped as we touched, it was a rush.

“I can’t imagine the feeling we will have sealing the bond,” he whispered lightly in my ear. “It is something I am longing for.” I swallowed the huge lump in my throat, taken back by his response. “And don’t worry. I’m sure it will be beyond pleasurable for both of us.”

I was speechless, and realized I had probably looked like a deer in headlights.

Ethon laughed loudly, and then kissed me quickly on the lips before ascending toward the portal. In seconds we were back outside. The bodies of the Fallen remained on the ground, headless.

He set me down near the rest of the Guardians. Only Dom, Malachi, and Alex were there.

“Well, there she is. We thought we’d never see you again, invisible girl,” Malachi rolled his eyes.

I smiled. “It’s good to see you too, Malachi.”

“Emma, Emma, Emma. Do we need to lock you in your room?” Dom teased, heading over toward me. “And, damn. You always look so freaking hot in that garment.”

Ethon stepped forward.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Dom said, wagging a finger at him.

“You have no idea what I could do to you. I only use restraint because of Emma,” Ethon growled, his eyes burning bright.

I touched his arm and he turned to me, the flame almost immediately quenched. “It’s okay. You can leave me with them. I’ll be fine, and I’ll be back soon. I promise.”

He leaned over and hugged me. “Please be safe,” he whispered, tucking a few strands of hair behind my ears.

“I will,” I whispered back.

It was awkward and a bit unnerving hugging Ethon in front of the Guardians, but I needed him to know I’d be fine. As soon as we disconnected, he shot into the sky like a rocket. I knew he was gone because my whole body relaxed and became normal again.

“Little demon,” Dom huffed. “I know you’re bonded, but that is so freaking wrong.”

“You don’t have to tell me. I’m the one trying to deal and make sense of it all,” I sighed.

“Hey, Emma!” Alexander chimed, pausing to wave before dragging a headless body over to a pile they’d started.

“Hey, Alex.” I smiled and waved, then turned to Malachi. “Is Kade alright?”

“He’s fine. He took a blow to his left shoulder, but it’s not fatal. He’ll need a few stiches and some rest, but he’ll be fine in a few days.”

“That’s good,” I exhaled.

“We need to get you back,” Malachi said.

“You guys go on ahead. I’ll take her back. She’s safe with me,” Dom said.

“You sure?” Alex asked.

“Very sure. I have a few things I’d like to discuss with Emma before we head back.”

“Fine,” Malachi said. “Emma, remember who you’re talking to. Don’t take it too personal… or too serious.”

“I won’t,” I giggled, but inside started to wonder what this was all about.

After the bodies were stacked, Malachi and Alex left me and Dom alone.

“So, what do you want to talk about?”

“Kade told me about your secret quest, and since I’m his best bud, I figured I’d help out and take you to Midway.”

“Really?” I squealed a little too loudly.

“Really. You know, I also had this amazing speech about the pros of hooking up with Kade, and the cons of bonding with the demon. But I think you’re smart enough to figure it all out on your own. I mean, ultimately it is your decision, and no one can make it for you. So, I’ll spare you – and me – the lecture,” he said.

“Thanks, Dom,” I said, hugging him tight.

“No problem. What are friends for?” He hugged me back. “Okay, follow me,” he said, stepping around me. I smiled and followed after him.

The woods were quiet during our journey, and there were no signs of Fallen. It wasn’t long before Dom stopped, standing in front of two perfectly symmetrical spruce trees.

“Are we here?”

“This is it.” He extended his arm between the two trees, his hand and forearm disappeared. “The entrance to Midway. I think I will escort you, since you don’t know your way around. Plus, they won’t be too happy about seeing you there, and I might have some s’plaining to do,” he said in his best Ricky Ricardo impersonation.

Laughing, I shook my head. “How could anyone forget you, Dom?”

“Yeah, it’s hard. I mean, once you’ve seen these…” He flexed his biceps. “They’re forever embedded in your mind.”

“That’s so true,” I giggled.

“Have I been embedded into your mind?” His eyes narrowed and he wiggled his brow.

“Yes, Dom. You are, and will forever be, embedded in my mind,” I laughed again, rolling my eyes.

“Well, that’s good to know,” he winked. “Shall we?” He offered his arm, and we stepped through the portal.

I WAS COMPLETELY DISORIENTED. GLANCING down, I noticed we were standing on white fluffy…clouds? Our feet were completely covered with the white mist, but when I stomped my foot, it was totally solid. I bent over to try and fan away the clouds to see what was beneath, but no matter how fast I fanned, the clouds wouldn’t disappear. 

“Yes, you are standing on a cloud, and no, don’t ask. It’s magic. You’ll get used to it soon enough.” Dom nudged me. “This place is called Midway because it rests just between heaven and earth.”

“That’s amazing,” I whispered, grabbing onto his arm.

“Why are you whispering?” Dom whispered back.

“I’m not sure,” I shrugged, answering again with a whisper.

Then, as I turned my head back to the front, three large doors appeared, suspended by magic.

Dom faced me. “Alright, Emma. What is your whole deal with wanting to come here? Was there someone specific you wanted to see, or were you hoping to get sent out on an assignment far, far away?”

“Although an assignment sounds tempting, I do want to see someone,” I answered. “I need to speak to the person who changed Kade into a mortal.”

His eyes narrowed on mine then furrowed in concern. “That would be Ephraim, but I hope you know Kade cannot be changed back into an immortal.”

“Yes, I know,” I sighed.

“Alright then. He would be just behind the first door on the right,” he said, leading me toward a big white door. When we reached it, he knocked loudly three times and then pushed it open. As it nudged open, I heard voices. Once it swung all the way back, the voices stopped and I saw one of the figures disintegrate into thin air. I knew it was an angel because I saw the outline of its wings before they completely vanished.

“Who is it?” a deep voice echoed. “I don’t have an appointment scheduled.”

We stepped into a vast white room. It was empty, aside from a single desk sitting all lonesome in the middle. An elderly gentleman with ivory hair and a well-trimmed beard stood to meet us.

“Hey, Eph! Just the dude we needed to see,” Dom shouted, waving.

The man’s face stayed emotionless; his eyes were narrowed and his lips tightened.

“Dominic?”

“You know it. I’m baaack… and I bet you missed me,” Dom chimed.

“As a matter of fact, I didn’t. A century would have been too soon,” Ephraim answered flatly, making me giggle. His eyes shot over to me; his face looked perturbed. I wondered if it was because we interrupted him. “Why have you brought the child? You know she is not allowed here,” he said sternly.

“Oh, come on, Eph. She’s cool,” Dom chided.

“It’s Ephraim,” he stated.

“Look. Ephraim, pal, friend,” Dom said slowly. “Emma just needs a few words with you, then I’ll take her right back to where she belongs. You owe me a favor, and all I’m asking is that you give her a moment of your time.”

Ephraim ran his fingers over his slick white hair and sighed.

“Fine. But this has to be quick. I have a lot of work to do.”

“Awesome. We’ll call it even-steven then. I’ll go and check on the guys waiting for their assignments.
So
,” Dom said, stepping in between us. “Emma, this is Ephraim. Eph, this is Emma. And now that we’ve all been introduced, I’m out.” Dom pivoted and walked through the door, leaving us alone.

My heart began to thump loudly in my chest. I’d never felt more nervous, and Ephraim’s unpleasant welcome didn’t help.

“Hi, I said,” extending my hand.

He didn’t reciprocate. Instead, he turned and walked away from me.

“What can I help you with?” he asked, heading behind his desk.

I sucked in a deep breath. “Do you know Kade Anders?” I asked.

“Kade? Yes. What of him?”

“Are you the one who made him mortal?”

He turned, and as his eyes locked onto mine I saw them soften just a bit.

“I realize you were bonded, but it was his decision, not mine. I am against immortals choosing the change. I tried to reason with him, but he was adamant. He believed it was the only way he could protect you.”

My heart sank, and I could only imagine what Kade must have been thinking and considering at the moment he made his decision. It must have been terrifying. He had two choices, immortality or me… and he chose me. That action spoke louder than any word ever could. It wasn’t a simple decision. It had altered his whole life, his whole existence. And he did it for
me
.

Ephraim cleared his throat, snapping me from my thoughts.

“Weren’t you the one who told him our best bet was to go to Lucifer?”

“I was. But it was merely a suggestion. I never expected him to give up his immortality.”

“I wanted to ask you a question about changing one from immortal to mortal,” I asked.  

He sighed. “If you came here thinking I can change him back into an immortal, I can’t. Once it’s been carried out… it is final.”

“No one has ever been able to change back?” I questioned.

“No,” he said, and then hesitated. “Actually, there has been one isolated case.” He paused, his eyes staring blankly through me.

“What happened?” I pressed.

He was beginning to look put out. “Is this why you’re here? To receive a lesson?”

“No,” I hesitated.

His brow rose and his inquisitive eyes opened wider. “Then why have you come?”

“I’ve come to ask if you could do the same for me. Could I become mortal?”

His eyes narrowed with a look of confusion. “Child, you haven’t transformed yet. I cannot undo what hasn’t been done.”

“But is it possible? Could you make me mortal once I’ve transformed?”

“Yes, yes.” He breathed out heavily. “Every immortal has a choice, but once that choice is made, it cannot be reversed.”

“I understand. But if I do decide, would I need to come back and see you?”

“Yes. Any Archangel can grant this wish.”

I nodded. “Okay, thank you.” I had my answer. It was the only way I could beat Lucifer. If I became mortal, he wouldn’t be able to use me as a pawn. It was all I had, and would be my last course of action should all else fail. 

“Is that all you came for?” he questioned.

“Yes,” I nodded.

Ephraim’s eyes softened as he looked at me.

“I know your struggle, child, but please remember your life is destined. You are part of a greater plan – a change that needs to take place. If you give up your power and immortality, there might be hundreds of others who will suffer because of it. Look within yourself and remember, you will not only have to live with the decision you make, but with its outcome as well.”

Damn.

That was deep, and he was right. I suddenly felt the weight of the world on my shoulders.

The door swung open and Dom stepped in. “So, what’d I miss? Where’s the party?”

“You didn’t miss anything,” I answered, with a half-smile.

“You can’t fool me, Emma. I know something is up, and I think I deserve to know, especially for bringing you here.”

I shook my head, and a tear escaped my eye.

“She cannot speak,” Ephraim stated, looking directly at Dom. “Her tongue is tied, and she’s been forced to silence. If she speaks to anyone, they risk death.”

I gasped, shocked. My eyes darted to Ephraim. “How—?”

A warm smile graced his lips. “We see everything, child. It is my job to keep a watchful eye over those who have friends in high places,” he winked.

“Friends? Who are my friends? Why don’t they reveal themselves?” I questioned.

“Like I said before, we see, but cannot interfere. However, it’s someone in a high position who has your best interest in mind.”

“Okay, wait,” Dom interjected. “I don’t give a damn about her secret admirer. Well, I somewhat do, but that’s beside the point. I want to know what the hell she’s been silenced to. If she can’t tell me, then you can,” Dom said, standing in front of Ephraim. “Do they know? Did they find out about her?”

Ephraim gave a single nod.

“Shit,” Dom cursed. “So what’s their deal, Eph?”

“It’s Ephraim,” he said through gritted teeth. “She is to be bonded to the Nephilim before her transformation, and if she speaks of it to anyone, they will die. It was a pact made by Lucifer himself.”

“Well, this complicates
everything
,” Dom sighed, looking at me. A deep sadness swam in his bright green eyes. “You better make sure he doesn’t force you into sealing the bond any sooner, Emma.”

“Oh, I won’t.” But being alone with Ethon combined with the magic of the bond, it was hard to resist, especially when I was the only one resisting.

“He looked back at Ephraim. “I thought only immortals were given the gift of the bond, and they were only dealt after transformation.”

“So did I. But things are different with her. She’s not a full immortal. Neither is she Nephilim.”

“See Emma, you’ve gone and thrown off the whole damn bonding system.”

“Yeah,” I sighed. “Lucky me.”

“Well, we’ll need to keep the demon occupied. No late night strolls in the labyrinth, or any alone time,” Dom warned, beginning to sound like a big brother.

I grinned as the thought of Jeremy crossed my mind. If he knew what was going on, he would have probably said the same thing. “We need to get back in case Lucifer finds out what we’re up to.”

“I am not usually allowed to do this, but will make an exception this once. Come,” Ephraim said, ushering me forward until we stood in front of his desk.

Dom stepped between us and patted Ephraim on the shoulder. “Thanks, Eph. And, don’t worry, you probably won’t be seeing me for a while.”

“That’s considerate of you,” he answered before waving his hand in a circle, speaking a few words in their angelic language. Soon the space before him began swirling and I knew he was opening a portal.

“Where will this take us?” I asked.

“Back to your closet. You can change and get cleaned up without anyone knowing.”

“I’ll know,” Dom said.

“I wasn’t talking to you,” Ephraim answered.

“Thank you, Ephraim,” I said, hugging him.

He hugged me back. “Just stay alive until your transformation.”

“Staying alive is not my greatest worry.”

“Remember, your life is not your own. Your future is connected to people you have not even come into contact with yet. Individuals, whose lives will change, or be saved, because of your actions.”

I nodded. That was a lot to swallow.

Dom grabbed hold of my hand, and we both stepped from Midway, straight into my dark bedroom closet. As I turned back, the portal disappeared.

“I better get out of here. We don’t want the others to think there’s something going on between us, if you know what I mean.”

“Yes, Dom,” I chuckled. I leaned forward and gave him a hug. His strong arms wrapped around me. “Thank you.”

“No problem. And, don’t worry. I’ll do whatever I can to make sure you’re safe, and will make sure Kade knows what’s going on. Now, get out of that suit. It’s making me a bit uncomfortable.”

“Get out of here.” I blushed, pushing him out.

“See ya, Emma,” he said, leaving.

“Bye, Dom.”

Unzipping the suit, I quickly stepped out from it and hung it back up. It had protected me yet again. This magical garment of the angels. Before I pulled a robe around me, I glanced down at my body. They whole right side and middle of my chest was marred in black and blue. Would this ever end? Would there ever come a time when I wouldn’t have to worry about breaking or bruising anything? I mean, how many broken ribs can one girl take?

I pulled a pink, long-sleeved shirt off the hanger, and opened the drawer to get some jeans, then headed toward the bathroom. I needed a bath. There were splatters of dried blood on my hands, and I wanted it gone. After, I’d go check on Kade.

Before I stepped into the bathroom I felt dizzy, and grabbed onto the door knob to steady me. A rapping noise sounded at my window. My insides twisted in knots as I pulled the robe tightly around me and made my way toward it. I pulled back the curtain and let out a small shriek. Ethon was there, hovering right in front of the window. Without thinking, I unlatched it and swung it open.