Watch Over Me (Guardians Book 1)

by Shane Morgan

  My stomach churned at the mention of Shari. I backed out of her embrace to speak. “Thank you, and I’m sorry for worrying you, but I’m all right. I just decided to leave for a while.”

  She squinted at Sarayas and Ezio. They smiled, but their appearance would seem unusual to ordinary people, considering they were both in black leather fits with weapons at their backs. Plus, they were so toned.

  “Who are your friends?” Mrs. Crawley asked with suspicion in her voice.

  “It’s cosplay,” I blurted and patted her hand. “It’s for my new gig. Actually, that’s what I came to tell you. I’m leaving for good this time, Mrs. Crawley.” My voice cracked, thinking about how I wouldn’t be able to see her anymore. “I came to say goodbye.”

  “Oh…” Turning sad, she lifted her calloused palm to my cheek. “I’m going to miss you a great deal. Will you call every once in a while, dear? Let me know you’re okay?”

  I pushed down the tears and nodded, even though it was a lie. “You take care of yourself, okay.”

  Stepping out of her reach, I waved and turned to go down the stairs. Sarayas and Ezio stayed close until I reached the landlord’s door, stuck the note underneath, and we continued from the building through the back exit.

  Ezio peered around the shadowy alley, making sure the coast was clear. The sound of moving traffic made them nervous. We snuck by large dumpsters to keep out of sight.

  “All right, let’s go,” he implored.

  “Hey!”

  The three of us winced at a guttural voice from above.

  My mouth fell open when Mrs. Crawley climbed out the window on the second floor and scaled the wall like a freaking spider, landing smoothly a few feet from us.

  “Mrs…” The words couldn’t finish leaving my mouth. It was hard to believe. “She’s…”

  “A demon,” Sarayas confirmed, taking out her sword while changing into her gargoyle form.

  “Damn it!” Ezio spat. “How did we not detect this?” He changed as well and gripped his double swords.

  Mrs. Crawley’s wrinkled blue eyes turned fiery red. Her cackles filled the air and made my skin crawl.

  The kind old lady was now undoubtedly a demon.

  “They turned her,” I seethed, clenching my fists as my blood boiled with anger. “Because she knew me.”

  “Such a sweet girl,” she mocked. “I knew you’d return to see me.”

  Black holes formed behind her, and two suited demons jumped out with daggers that glistened in the shadows. Like a reflex, I positioned myself, ready to fight.

  Mrs. Crawley wagged her finger. “Come with us, Calissa, and we won’t harm your guardian friends.”

  “Sarayas, take her and go,” Ezio ordered. “I’ll give you a head start.”

  “No,” I refused. “I’ll never forgive myself if anything happens to either of you because of my stupidity. We leave together.”

  They glanced at me briefly.

  Ezio shoved me back as the demons charged, including Mrs. Crawley. It was hard to believe she was elderly. She fought with the strength of a young person.

  “Ugh!” Sarayas grunted when one of the demons managed to land a punch. She sidestepped his next attempt, knocked his weapon from his grip, and rammed her sword into his chest as he tried to retrieve it. He erupted into flames, but his dagger was still lying on the ground.

  Sarayas joined Ezio in taking on Mrs. Crawley and the other demon.

  They were fierce adversaries. Mrs. Crawley kicked Ezio in the stomach, sending him flying backward into the brick wall.

  Without another thought, I hurried to snatch up the dagger, catching the suited demon by surprise. A feeling I’d never experienced before rushed through me as I shoved the blade into him and watched with satisfaction as his body burned to ash.

  Ezio didn’t linger in his surprise of what I’d done. He rejoined Sarayas to finish off Mrs. Crawley. She shuffled back and flicked her gaze between them.

  Delight shone on her monstrous face as she looked at me, still holding the demon knife. “You’ll come to us on your own. Darkness is growing, Calissa. It calls you home.”

  She waved her skeletal fingers, forming a shadow. But just as she tried to escape into it, Ezio threw one of his swords into her back.

  The black hole evaporated as Mrs. Crawley went ablaze, taking all our cherished moments of kindness with her. She didn’t deserve to be turned into a demon.

  Rahel. When I get my hands on her…

  Ezio’s sword returned to him when he stretched out a hand toward it.

  Sarayas spun to me then. “Put that awful thing down.” She nodded to the dagger in my shaky grasp.

  I released the weapon, allowing the blade to hit the ground. It turned into ash.

  The look in both their eyes was that of bewilderment.

  Ezio huffed a razor-sharp breath and pulled me into his arms. We shot into the sky as a child’s voice echoed nearby. “Whoa! Momma, what are those?”

  17

  I’d almost convinced myself we’d be able to return without Lars ever knowing I’d left, but that naïve thought dissipated when I glimpsed his irate frame pacing around the overhang.

  I tightened my grip on Ezio and gulped, knowing I was surely in for it.

  Lars glared at me with darkened eyes when we landed. He flicked angry looks between the three of us.

  “What were you thinking?” he barked, voice ringing in the air.

  I winced from the rumble, then tried to keep the blame on only me. “It was my idea. I asked Sarayas and Ezio not to say anything—”

  “Because you knew I would never agree to such a thing. If I had lost you—” He caught himself and snapped his head to his friends. “Why did you agree to bring her there? You are both guardians! You know better!”

  “She killed a demon,” Ezio admitted, eyes steady on me as he added, “With a demon blade.”

  Sarayas sighed and peered down at the ground.

  “What?” Lars set his gaze back on me, appearing surprised now. “Humans cannot handle a demon weapon, much less use it to kill a demon.”

  “But Calissa did,” Sarayas chimed, lifting her head.

  All three stared at me as if searching for answers.

  The backpack felt like a ton of bricks on my body. I eased it off and gripped the strap, feeling so foolish. My eyes tingled until I could feel wetness on my cheeks. I was so hurt about Mrs. Crawley and overwhelmed by everything else, especially Shari.

  “I just wanted to say goodbye…” I lagged, voice cracking. “Look, you’re right, it was a dumb idea. I could’ve gotten you guys killed. I’m sorry.”

  Empathy masked their features.

  I lingered on Lars, having the strong urge to run into his protective arms and remain there until this was all over. But I shouldn’t have those feelings for him. My parents were enough proof that it wouldn’t end well.

  “It was foolish,” he chided, tone calmer. “You cannot leave until it is safe.”

  But I only feel safe with you, and I don’t want to leave you.

  Of course, that truth stayed in my heart.

  Frustrated, I ruffled my curls aggressively, grunted, and marched off without another word, leaving them at the overhang.

  My emotions were all over the place. I aimlessly walked around the kingdom for a while until my tears dried, and my legs felt tired. Then I decided soaking in the spring would be a better way of calming down.

  Not sure if I was relieved or disappointed when I reached the small spa, and Lars wasn’t around.

  Stripping out of my clothes, I relaxed in the water with my head propped against a rock and peered up at the starry sky, wondering about Shari and where she was at that moment.

  At the sound of the wooden door opening, I startled and dipped lower to cover my chest.

  Lars stepped out in his human form.

  Seeing me, he stalled in surprise but didn’t turn around. His eyes lingered.

  Sorry. No exposed breasts this time, buddy
.

  “I’ll be done in a bit,” I told him.

  He cleared his throat before responding, “No need to rush.”

  “It’s fine. It’s your spring, anyway.”

  He scoffed. “I’m happy to share it with you, Calissa.”

  Lars continued to stare shamelessly.

  “I’m sorry I went back there. It was dumb.”

  Sighing deeply, he shook his head and offered a smile. “I understand why, and I am happy you are safe.”

  I nodded, feeling my body relax now that Lars was no longer angry with me.

  “Um…I’m coming out.”

  “Oh.” He turned fast, broad shoulders tensed, fists balled at his sides. He was struggling.

  I climbed out of the spring, picked up the towel, and wrapped it around my body.

  When I looked at Lars again, I wasn’t even surprised to find him watching me sideways.

  “I’m sorry, I couldn’t…” He fumbled for words to explain why he was clearly peeking at my nakedness.

  Feeling shy, I plucked my long t-shirt from the rock and started toward the door.

  Lars touched my elbow just as I stepped past him.

  “Calissa, wait,” he said sweetly.

  “Yes?” My voice came out a near whisper.

  The instant our gaze connected, butterflies tickled my stomach.

  “When I heard you had left, I was afraid you wouldn’t return, and the thought of that pained me.” He paused to catch his breath. “If you are asleep when I come to the room, I will try my hardest to suppress my desire. But if you are dressed and waiting, I will take you to that quiet place.” He caressed my cheek, causing chills to dance down my spine. “Think carefully about what you want. I will do the same here, and I will accept whatever decision you make.”

  I didn’t utter a word, simply nodded, and continued from the garden spa.

  Keeping my feelings suppressed was proving to be rather challenging. It hurt to try, and I no longer had the strength to fight.

  My heart had decided.

  I already knew what I was going to do.

  Getting back to the room, I hurried into a tank top and leggings then wandered around in anticipation of Lars’s arrival. My heart leaped when he opened the door sometime later and entered shirtless in casual white pants and bare feet.

  Seeing that I was dressed, his shoulders relaxed, and a smile appeared. “You’ve decided then?”

  “Yes,” I said bravely.

  “So have I.” He reached for me, towing my body into the cocoon of safety that was his embrace.

  I locked my arms around his neck and nuzzled into his muscular chest. He smelled so incredible. Like a fragrant in its purest form that hadn’t been manipulated.

  Lars carried me to the opening. He peered down below and at the sky, making sure no one was around. Feeling at ease, he shifted into a gargoyle and leaped from the edge.

  My heart sprinted with anticipation.

  I tightened my grasp and smiled up at him as he veered around the massive cascades, getting speckled with water.

  Peppered with excitement, I giggled when he brought me behind the rushing falls and landed in a glistening crevice inside the rocks where we wouldn’t get drenched.

  “Oh my gosh! This is incredible,” I laughed out. “I’ve never experienced anything like this before.” I scanned the shimmering rocks and rubbed my fingers against them. “So, this is where you sneak off to sometimes.”

  Pleased with my reaction, Lars chortled softly. He placed his hand at the arch of my back. “In your world, is this what you would call a date?”

  Heat floated across my skin. I muttered a nervous, “Yes.”

  My stomach sank when his smile faltered a bit, and he eased back, starting to shift into his human form.

  “No, wait.” I touched his arm to stop him. “Why are you changing?”

  Lars crumpled his forehead. “Won’t you feel more comfortable if I looked human?”

  I turned my head slowly. “I want you to remain as your true self.”

  “Thank you.” He reversed the transformation and took hold of my hand. It trembled as he traced my fingers with his thumb, and butterflies tickled my tummy.

  “But, why are you nervous?” he asked, seeming worried.

  “No…that’s…” I paused to take a breath. “When you like someone, at times they make you feel nervous around them. It’s nothing to be concerned over. It’s normal.”

  He smiled with understanding, then caressed my face. “Do you like me, Calissa?”

  “Yes,” I answered honestly, unable to deny it any longer. “It’s growing more and more intense.”

  Lars shuffled closer, his large frame backing me against the gleaming rocks. “You asked me once what I would choose if I could.” He lowered his mouth near mine as he finished, “I’d choose you, sweet Calissa.”

  I thought I’d melt as his lips crashed onto mine. Accepting every bit of his true self, I pressed into his body and kissed him back, savoring the passion and indescribable taste for as long as I could.

  18

  I balanced my days between training, growing my friendship with Ilris and Sarayas, and sneaking off to the giant waterfall with Lars late at night.

  We would spend hours talking and learning about each other. Not once did I allow my mind to think about rules or the fact that the gargoyles would never accept us together. A human with demon blood flowing through her veins was forbidden. No matter if I were of Gargouille as well.

  Being with Lars was healing my heart and suppressing the agony from loss. And I was starting to lose track of how much time had passed since coming to the Gargouille kingdom. It had to have been weeks because my fighting skills were improving.

  At least Sarayas was kind enough to let me take breaks. Not even an hour after I’d finished eating the gargoyles’ signature delicious bread, we jumped straight into my daily training.

  “Your stance has gotten so much better. But still needs to be tightened up.” No praise was ever without criticism.

  “Watch your guard!” she shouted, swinging at me.

  “Ugh!” I instantly lifted my stick and even managed to block her next attack. I was starting to anticipate moves.

  Sarayas looked proud. She offered me a smile.

  “Good. Let’s break.”

  We stopped, and I arched over, trying to catch my breath. “I swear you’re going to kill me.”

  She rested her hands on her hips. “You need to be ready, Calissa. King Deo won’t allow you to remain here forever. Should he change his mind and order your execution to protect both worlds from that beast, you’ll have to fight demons and gargoyles.”

  That made me straighten. “Christ. Guardians would kill me if he ordered it?”

  A frown appeared. “We must obey, no matter the cost.”

  “Then, even you and Ezio would…” My voice trailed.

  She shook her head. “What matters is that you prepare yourself for whatever happens next. Let’s continue.”

  Sarayas readied her sparring stick. I didn’t make a move.

  “What is it?” she asked. “Get into position.”

  “Maybe I should leave,” I said, seriously considering it. Lars and I were falling hard for one another. He could get into trouble because of me. Without a doubt, they’d shun him the way they did my father. I couldn’t live with myself if anything happened to him because of me.

  “Calissa!” Sarayas snapped. “What is the matter with you?”

  I dropped the stick and threw my hands up in frustration. “What’s the point of remaining here? I’m only waiting for someone to decide whether I live or die. At least in my world, I can make my own choices. I can even choose who to be with. You can’t. None of you can. Not even Lars.”

  My words angered her. Face tightening, Sarayas tossed her stick to the ground violently and yelled, “Don’t be foolish! There are far greater things to be concerned with than your desire for Lars.”

  I swallowed. My
brows shot up. “You know.”

  She uttered a sarcastic snort. “Your feelings are visible, and Ezio saw you two going to the falls on a past night.” She hissed. “You want to leave here? You’ll be taken by demons the second you step foot out of Gargouille kingdom and used to awaken the evil beast. And for what reason? Because you cannot have what you want, no matter if you are risking the lives of innocents?”

  She marched up to me, fists clenched. “If that is who you are, then the elders were right, your heart is filled with darkness. It would certainly explain how you were able to handle that demon knife and not be harmed.”

  Her remarks stung. I staggered back, having the vicious urge to strike her with my sparring stick.

  Where did that impulse come from?

  Why would I want to hurt Sarayas?

  She took a deep breath and spoke again in a calmer tone. “Let’s continue tomorrow. It is clear you need time to sort out your emotions.” She brushed my shoulder as she marched past me.

  I remained in the spot, still trying to figure out why I’d ever think to harm my friend.

  I didn’t go to dinner that night. Instead, I bathed in the spring, hauled on one of Ilris’s long dresses, and went for a walk in the gardens. My argument with Sarayas was on my mind, along with the frightening desire I had to hit her.

  “Why are you out here alone?”

  “Shit!” I flinched and raked over my curls roughly. “Lars, don’t sneak up on me like that.”

  He stepped forward, closing the distance between us. “Forgive me. It is never my intention to scare you.”

  I calmed down. “It’s okay. Sorry. Didn’t mean to snap.”

  “Are you all right?” Concern laced his voice. “You did not eat, nor have you been to the room.”

  “I’m all right. Just have a lot on my mind.”

  He brushed my cheek with the back of his hand. “Would you like to go somewhere different tonight?”

  I shook my head. “We shouldn’t. Sarayas and Ezio know we’ve been sneaking around. Your friends are loyal to you, but it’s only a matter of time before someone else finds out and reports it to your father and mother.”