The Guardian Trilogy: The Complete Collection - Guardian, Allegiant & Reborn

by Sara Mack

  James eyes his hand suspiciously and doesn’t take it. “What good would it do?” He steps away angry. “It won’t change anything.”

  But I can see that it will. “Do it,” I tell James. “The two of you rule the Intermediate now; you have to rely on each other. Your partnership won’t work without trust.”

  “She’s right,” Ash agrees. “Last night you said you wanted to work with The Larvatus for the greater good. I can’t agree to that if you don’t have faith in one another. Our kind needs to trust you.” He looks pointedly at Lucas and then at James. “Show us you want this alliance.”

  I read Ash’s mind, and he silently hopes that James will cooperate. He needs reassurance to partner with our former enemy. If James can demonstrate he’s willing to try and move past what Lucas did – if Lucas’ thoughts ring true – then Ash can move forward with a clear conscience.

  James hesitates, and I silently plead with him. Do this and don’t be a stubborn ass! I’d like to make sure Lucas isn’t inherently evil as well. The man knows all about me, and he’s still holding one of my hands. James finally relents and takes Lucas up on his offer, grasping his hand and closing his eyes in a determined concentration.

  Several minutes pass and tension fills the air. I look at Madeline, who gives me a small reassuring smile. I look at Ash, who waits patiently, yet taps his fingers against his crossed arms. And I look at Dane, who looks a little lost. Finally, when James opens his eyes and blinks to focus, his expression is dazed, but confident. What must he have seen? He gives Ash a curt nod. Lucas checks out.

  Ash steps forward and extends his hand to James. “I trust you,” he says with confidence. They shake and then Ash repeats the gesture with Lucas. “Let’s learn from our past and move forward, shall we?”

  Hours later, as I busy myself in Dane’s kitchen, my mind wanders through the events of this afternoon. A supernatural alliance was created before my eyes with a simple handshake. You would think a partnership of that magnitude, one that eradicates thousands of years of hatred between groups, would have called for some sort of ceremony. Maybe a chant or a sacrificial toast or the signing of a document. None of that happened. I almost volunteered to be their scribe, to record this event for future generations, but I got sidetracked. For one, Madeline presented me with Garrett’s ashes. And for two, Meg, who appeared shortly after the Declaration of Codependence, apologized for her Ward’s behavior.

  Finding out Garrett was cremated was the first big surprise. Madeline produced a small gilded box with more reverence than what was afforded our new other-worldly alliance. She told me she and Ash gently took care of his remains with an enchantment, and they agreed I should be the one to decide his final resting place. Whether that be with me or somewhere else she didn’t know, but The Larvatus felt strongly this is what Garrett would have wanted. The news garnered confused looks from both James and Dane, and I didn’t feel like explaining Garrett’s feelings for me. I really don’t understand them myself and, for whatever reason, I felt the situation was too personal to reveal. I simply accepted the box as graciously as I could, and it now resides on the front seat of my car. I know that’s tacky, but what am I supposed to do with it while I’m at Dane’s? I’ll give it a place of honor when I get home, somewhere nice while I decide what to do.

  After that, I worked side by side with Dane patching holes. It was fun. He made the mistake of trying to spackle me instead of the wall, which left me no choice but to demonstrate my Larvatus badassery. Later, as I was trying to leave for the store to get dinner supplies, Meg pulled me aside for surprise number two. She offered her apologies for Teagan’s antics; apparently I knew Teagan was her Ward prior to my mind wipe. She said she’s been trying her best to guide her, but to no avail. Teagan is strong willed and her feelings for Dane run really, really deep. Meg thought I should be warned, and I thanked her for the heads up.

  Now, as I check the potatoes to see if they are soft enough to whip, I silently remind myself to prepare my arsenal of verbal assaults.

  The oven dings, and I turn off the timer while simultaneously opening the door to check the meatloaf. It may seem like an odd choice for a dinner date, but it’s one of the few dishes I know how to prepare because it’s my Grandma Ethel’s recipe. I know it tastes good and I don’t want to embarrass myself and make something that turns out awful. Plus, it’s really cold outside, so I felt comfort food was in order. Coupled with mashed potatoes and asparagus, I think this is one hell of a delicious meal.

  I look around the corner and see Dane sprawled on the couch watching TV. I asked him to stay out of the kitchen, so I could surprise him with what I was making; he didn’t join me at the store because I needed my car.

  “Hey,” I call to him, “you might want to turn that up. I’m getting ready to use the hand mixer.”

  He glances at me while raising the remote. “You’d better hurry up, Grace. I’m starving. Keeping a man hungry and waiting isn’t the best way to start a first date.”

  I’m instantly challenged and move my hands to my hips. “This isn’t our first date and if you keep it up there won’t be any more.”

  “I doubt that.” He wiggles his eyebrows at me.

  Damn. He’s right.

  After another ten minutes, I call him into the kitchen to make his plate.

  “What? You’re not serving me?”

  “Uh, no.” I hand him a dish. “I don’t want you to get the impression that I’ll wait on you hand and foot. Besides, I don’t know how much you want.”

  He peruses the food in front of him and points. “Is that meatloaf?”

  “Yeah. Why?”

  He tries not to smile. “You made the one thing I refused to eat as a kid.”

  It’s hard to hide my disappointment. “You’re kidding me.”

  He shakes his head.

  “Aw, man! It’s my grandmother’s recipe. You’ll at least try it, right?” I make an uncertain face. “They say your taste buds change every seven years.”

  “Who says that?”

  “I think I heard it on Dr. Oz.”

  He wraps his arm around my shoulders. “For you, yes, I will try the meatloaf.” He kisses the top of my head. “But, I want it noted that meat should never be in loaf form.”

  I roll my eyes. At least we’ll have enough leftovers to keep me fed while I’m here.

  Dane manages to eek the thinnest slice of meat out of the pan, then heaps a mountain of mashed potatoes on his plate and a pile of asparagus. He takes his dinner to the table, and I’m not far behind. I refrain from eating and purposefully prop my chin on my hand to watch him take his first bite.

  “Oh my God,” Dane says as he chews. “This is really good.”

  I try not to look smug. “Seriously?”

  He nods and takes another bite. “What is in this?”

  “It’s a Donohue family secret.” I pick up my fork.

  Dane finishes his tiniest piece of meatloaf ever, and I’m curious to see if he’ll go back for more. He eats half of his potatoes before making a trip back to the kitchen. When he reappears the size of his helping is much larger. So much for leftovers.

  “Save room,” I tell him. “I have a surprise for dessert.”

  He stops mid-bite. “Does it involve you wearing it?”

  “No,” I laugh. “I could feed it to you though.”

  He raises an eyebrow. “Sounds promising.”

  After we finish, I instruct him to stay put, so I can get our last course. Yesterday I learned Dane has a thing for sweets, so I went a little berserk. There’s this great bakery in town, and I got the biggest box of assorted desserts I could buy. I swear there has to be fifty pieces of goodness in there.

  Emerging from the kitchen, I carry the box to the table, set it in front of Dane, and promptly take a seat in his lap.

  “Well, hello,” he says as he wraps his arms around my waist. I curl one hand around his neck and give him a slow kiss before flipping off the box top with my other hand.
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  “Behold sweet tooth heaven.” I gesture in a very Price is Right hostess sort of way. “We have everything from chocolate covered strawberries, to bite size cheesecakes, to lemon squares, to fudge bites. Take your pick.”

  His eyes grow wide as he leans forward and looks over the selections. “You got all of this for me?”

  “Yes, but I was hoping you’d share.”

  He gives me a sly smile. “Which is your favorite?”

  I look into the box. “Has to be the strawberries.”

  He picks one up and holds it to my lips. I take a bite, and it tastes like perfection.

  “Is it good?”

  “Very.”

  He finishes the rest of it.

  “Your turn,” I say. “What’s your weakness?”

  “You won’t find it in that box.”

  My face falls. “Did I screw up again? There has to be one thing in there you like!”

  He turns me by my hips, forcing me to bend one leg and let the other fall to the side, so we’re eye to eye.

  “What I like is in my lap,” he says and smiles before kissing me. His left hand leaves my side, and I can feel him reach into his pocket. When he leans back, he holds a silver key in the space between us, and I shoot him a questioning look.

  “This is to my front door,” he says. “I want you to have it.”

  I’m confused. “For what?”

  “For whatever you want. For whenever you want. Come and go as you please.”

  I eye his gift, uncertain. “I would never just show up unannounced. What if I interrupted something?”

  He smiles. “Never, huh? That’s exactly what you did last night.”

  Shoot. He’s right, but I had big, exciting news to share. “I won’t do it again. I promise.”

  He groans. “You’re missing the point.” He turns my hand over and presses the key to my palm. “I want you to show up. Announced or unannounced. And frequently.” He widens his eyes for emphasis. “I still can’t believe yesterday happened. You picked me. Me,” he squeezes my waist, “and my ex was here to ruin it. You could have easily walked away. I want you to know I have nothing to hide; I don’t have any secrets. I don’t care what I’m doing or who’s here. There’s nothing you can’t see.”

  I fold my fingers over the key. “It’s hard to keep secrets from the girl you love when she can read your mind,” I tease. “Are you sure you want me to have this?”

  “Yes,” he says as he searches my face. He gives me a crooked smile and my heart melts.

  “What if I come by and you’re not home?”

  “Make yourself comfortable.” He kisses my nose.

  “What if you’re taking a nap?”

  “Join me.” He kisses my chin.

  “What if you’re in the shower?”

  “Definitely join me.” His lips find mine.

  The wants of my body start to take over the longer we stay connected. All logical thoughts scatter except for one.

  Things can’t get any better than this.

  Chapter 23

  The activities for the next two days were Dane’s responsibility. I was curious as to what he could come up with to romance me – his words not mine – on such short notice. My stay at his place wasn’t exactly planned and I requested we do nothing fancy. What could be simpler than sharing a meal? I expected two more dinners.

  I greatly underestimated his creativity.

  On Thursday, he informed me we were going to the movies and to be ready by six. Assuming this was a typical no-frills date, I readied myself in jeans, a sweater, and a ponytail; not a speck of makeup graced my face. However, as soon as we set foot in the theater lobby, it was obvious this wasn’t a normal movie date, and I should have tried harder.

  The cinema manager was waiting when we arrived. He introduced himself as Ben and gave “Mr. Walker” a hearty smile and handshake. He led us through the building and into the last movie theater, where I quickly observed we were the only people in an empty room. Dane had rented the whole theater just for us, complete with a private concession stand. Next to speechless, I stupidly asked what we were seeing. Dane escorted me toward the delicious smell of popcorn and casually informed me that we were seeing an advanced pre-screen of Channing Tatum’s new movie Side Effects. It wouldn’t be out in theaters for another month.

  Once seated, I smacked him in the arm and told him this was way too overboard and how did he know I liked Channing Tatum anyway? He laughed and revealed our discussion in the Caribbean, about how I thought Channing was hot because he could dance and that he would look good in a Speedo. I must have flushed a million shades of red. Dane then innocently asked me what was so “overboard” about going to the movies. All I could do was give him an incredulous stare. No one I know goes to private advanced pre-screenings of yet-to-be-released films. No one.

  After that surprise, I had no idea what to expect on Friday. Dane disappeared mid-afternoon to run “errands” and, shortly after he left the apartment, I received an unexpected delivery. Opening the package, I found an outfit and a note from Shel. The note read:

  “Shut up. Put this on. Do you hair. Paint your face. Love you!”

  I did as I was told.

  Around five o’clock I sat anxiously in Dane’s living room. The clothes Shel provided were not my regular style. I was dressed in tight, hip-hugging, low-rise, black leather pants; a glittery tank top covered in gold sequins; and high heeled, open-toed, black sandals with a gazillion straps. Not your typical January attire. I curled my hair and wore it down, remembering Dane’s preference, and made up my face like a good girl following my mother’s orders. When the doorbell rang, I pulled open the door to find an impeccably dressed handsome man standing on his own front porch.

  It was hard to resume breathing after taking in Dane’s sexy grin, perfectly fitted open-collared black button-down shirt, dark denim, and tousled hair. But I did it. I accepted the red rose he offered, grabbed the small clutch that Shel graciously provided, and allowed him to escort me to the sleek black limousine waiting in the parking lot. A freaking limo! Once inside, I opened my mouth to rip into him about going overboard again, but he stopped my words by kissing them away. He told me I looked amazing, said we were just going to dinner, and asked what was so over-the-top about that? I gave him a playful shove and caved in to his charm. If he wants to go bankrupt it’s on him.

  Our destination was the MGM Grand in Detroit; specifically, a private table at Wolfgang Puck Steak. After dinner, we moved on to V Nightclub, also inside the hotel/casino, where I soon discovered I love apple martinis a bit too much and that Dane can really, really, dance. We stayed out until the wee hours of the morning. The last thing I remember is crawling into the limo to leave and snuggling up next to Dane. When my eyes opened the next morning, I was in his bed with no recollection of how I got there.

  And now, a week later, I’m still dwelling on it. I hate that I fell asleep at the end of our date! Especially after all the effort he put into it and, especially now, that I’m back home with my parents. As I sit behind the reception desk at my internship, I stare through the computer screen in front of me recalling his words.

  “I don’t care that you crashed in the car. I got to carry you inside and tuck you in. You’re adorable when you sleep.”

  Gah! What can I do to make it up to him?

  “Emma? Are you in there?”

  I snap to and focus on Sheila’s puffy face. The poor woman. Her baby was due yesterday – literally. I don’t understand why she continues to come to work; her feet are so swollen she can barely wear flip flops. The woman visits the restroom every ten minutes, and she’s exhausted. I told her that as much as I like her, my internship duties do not include delivering babies on the Randall Veterinary Clinic floor.

  “Sorry,” I apologize. “Entering these invoices is riveting.”

  Sheila smiles. “I just wanted to tell you I’m headed to the bathroom again. I want to get another trip in before you go to lunch.”


  I laugh, yet sympathize. “I feel so sorry for you. Why don’t I skip lunch today so you can take off early? It’s not a big deal.”

  “No. If I’m home I’ll just keep cleaning until my fingers go raw. I’ve been nesting for weeks. Work occupies my mind and keeps it off the fact that I’m still obnoxiously pregnant.”

  I give her a wary look. “If you say so.” I silently reassure myself with the fact that I researched the quickest route to the nearest hospital in case her water breaks.

  Sheila waddles away to the employee restroom and I hear my cell chime. I grab my purse from below the desk and check my phone. I have a message from Dane.

  Guess what? I love you.

  I can’t keep the stupid grin off my face. I text back. Love you too. How did your interview go? He has two job interviews today; one was this morning and one is later this afternoon.

  Good. It’s an easy drive and the people seem friendly. An offer from them would be nice.

  The first advertising agency that responded to his resume is near Lansing, which is an hour travel time one way. The second company, the one he just interviewed with, is closer to Pontiac and only a half hour drive.

  I can’t see why they wouldn’t. I saw his portfolio; they’d be crazy not to hire him.

  My phone vibrates in my hand. Are we still on for tonight?

  Why would you even ask that? I send my obvious response – YES.

  Every night for the past week we’ve spent a few hours together, but I don’t stay very late. I have to be at work early and, since Matt’s dad is doing me a favor by sponsoring my internship, I want to be a model employee. Tomorrow is Saturday though, and I don’t have to be anywhere, which means I plan on staying out most of the night.

  ;) I’ll call you when I’m on my way home. Use your key.

  I smile. This will be the first time.

  The door to the clinic glides open, and I set my phone down to greet the customer. When I stand and make eye contact, I freeze. It’s Teagan.