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

by Sara Mack

  Turning off the water, I step out of the tub and wrap a towel around myself. I open the bathroom door to head back to my clothes and jump. “Holy…! When did you get here?”

  Dane is standing directly in front of me, filling the hallway and blocking my exit. He holds up my bracelet with a worrisome stare. “What’s going on?” he asks almost inaudibly.

  “Oh.” I reach out and take the jewelry from him. “Teagan pulled it off. It’s why I hit her.”

  He swallows and eyes me cautiously. “Do you remember…everything?”

  I turn and set the bracelet next to the sink behind me. “Yeah, I’d say so.”

  “Then why are you still here?”

  I whip around and shoot him a confused look. “Where else would I be?”

  His face relaxes slightly, but his eyes remain sad. “I guess part of me figured you would leave. If you ever took that off, I mean.”

  My eyes lock on his. “You thought I would change my mind and leave you? For James?”

  He shrugs one shoulder. “It’s always been in the back of my mind. You two have a past I can’t compete with.”

  I step back and bump against the bathroom counter. Has he lost it? I take in what he’s wearing and stop short. He’s all business in pressed black suit pants, a white dress shirt, and black necktie. This is probably not the time for inappropriate thoughts, but I remember what’s beneath those clothes. I shake my head to clear it.

  “Is your tie cutting off circulation to your brain? I said I loved you and I meant it. I’m not going anywhere.”

  His eyes light up, and he lets out a relieved sigh. “You don’t know how happy that makes me, Grace.”

  “I have an idea.” I smile and reach for his tie. I tug on it, pulling him to me, and find his mouth with mine. “You can’t get rid of me that easily.”

  He wraps his arms around my waist and looks down, focusing on my face. “I love you. You know that, right?”

  “With everything you’ve done for me there’s no way I could doubt it. I remember it all, and I’ll never be able to make it up to you.”

  He frowns. “That’s not what our relationship is about. I do things for you because I want to, because it’s the right thing to do. Not because I want something in return. You do things for me all the time that you’re not even conscious of.”

  “Like what?”

  “Like when you smile at me a certain way. It melts my heart. Or when you let me kiss you in ways that should be illegal and you don’t protest. Or when you let me dote on you without saying anything, even though I know you’re silently reaming me out in your head. And like right now. You’re standing here in a towel wearing nothing beneath it, but the bracelet I gave you for Christmas. That does about a million things for me.”

  “Like what?”

  He laughs. “Are you stuck on repeat?”

  I decide to loosen his tie. “Tell me. If I don’t know what makes you happy how can I make sure to keep doing it?”

  “Fine.” He smiles. “Right now you’re the Emma I fell in love with this summer. I don’t have to share you.” He eyes the jewelry by the sink. “No supernatural stuff.”

  I make an impressed face, pull his tie from around his neck, and loop it around mine. I start to work on the buttons on his shirt. “Keep going.”

  He gives me a knowing smirk. “Standing the way you are right now reminds me of St. Thomas. When you would get out of the shower, run to the dresser in a towel, and change in front of me because you thought I was asleep.”

  I stop unbuttoning. “What?” I ask him incredulously. “You were spying on me?”

  He bites his lip and smiles.

  “Incorrigible,” I mutter as I go back to unfastening his shirt. When I get down to where our bodies meet, I can’t go any further. “What about this?” I ask indicating my handiwork with my eyes. “What does this do for you? Anything?”

  “Maybe,” he says, teasing me.

  I can’t believe I’m going to do this. But today has been full of liberating moments, and I know what I want to happen. Now that I have my memory back, I can’t believe I’ve waited this long to try.

  I place both hands on his chest and push him away from me. He takes a step. I reach for my towel and Dane stills my hands, his eyes questioning.

  “Wait. Are you sure?” he asks, his voice low. His tone says he wants this as much as I do, but he’s trying to be a gentleman and give me an out. “You’ve had a rough day.”

  I tilt my head. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a little stronger than I used to be.” In one swift movement my towel puddles around my feet.

  In another, I’m in his arms.

  Chapter 24

  Three months later

  “In conclusion, I’d like to leave you with one last thought. May the world be as ready for you as you are ready for the world. Savor the feeling of this day, of this moment. Hold it close and never forget. Apply this experience to every opportunity that comes your way. For if you do, I guarantee each and every one of you will find success. Congratulations graduating class of 2013. Job well done.”

  Whoops and hollers follow the college provost’s final words and the graduation caps go flying. I toss mine into the air with my classmates, several hundred people who I don’t know and will never meet again. But, in this one moment, we’re all connected. The girl next to me hugs me like we’ve been roommates for the past four years. I just met her today. It’s odd how I can tell we’re feeling the exact same things – relief, pride, and a sense of accomplishment. Hope for the future.

  I look up into the auditorium seats and find my parents and Dane, Mike and Kate, and even Matt and Shel. They’re all on their feet with the rest of the place, clapping and cheering us grads like we just won the Super Bowl. I smile and wave enthusiastically. I love those people. So much.

  As the crowd begins to disperse, I search for my cap. I made sure to put my initials in huge letters on the underside. I frown as the hunt takes longer than I anticipated. I tossed the thing straight up for crying out loud! Where did it go? I head to the end of my row.

  “I believe your looking for this.”

  My head snaps up. James casually leans against the wall directly below where my family was seated. He smiles, holding my graduation hat in his hands.

  “You’re here!”

  “Wild Allegiant couldn’t keep me away,” he says as I reach him.

  He wraps me in a hug; then I take the cap from his hands, plopping it on my head. “What do you think?”

  “It’s hot.” He grins.

  “I know, right?” I make a face. “Have you been here the whole time?”

  “Yep. Invisibly watching as you begin the next phase of your life.”

  “Don’t be so dramatic.” I roll my eyes. “You sound like my dad.”

  He laughs.

  “Walk with me.” I loop my arm through his as we make our way to the back of the auditorium. No one here cares enough to pay attention to us, but my family is waiting in the lobby. We’ll have to stop by the doors. “Thanks for coming. It means a ton to me. It wasn’t too hard for you, was it?”

  “You mean watching you graduate without me?”

  I nod.

  “No, it wasn’t that hard. I mean, I did silently announce my name where it should have fallen in the program, but – ”

  “I did the exact same thing!” I clutch his arm and smile.

  “Daniels, Daughton, Davis,” he repeats, lighthearted. “But, I was so proud of you it really didn’t matter.” He pulls my honors cords. “Miss Magna Cum Laude.”

  “Ugh,” I groan. “I was so close to Summa. Stupid online Econ!”

  James raises an eyebrow. “Sure. Blame economics. Your extracurricular activities had nothing to do with it.”

  I slug his arm. “Listen. I passed every test with at least a ninety percent. I can’t help it the final slipped; I was busy with work.”

  “Work as in Dane, you mean.”

  “Don’t be a jerk,” I
scold him. But, I know it’s true. Every free minute I have is dedicated to that man. It’s not hard to do when he makes me as happy as he does.

  We reach the auditorium doors and I stop walking. “My family’s out there. You’re coming to the party later, right? At Ash and Mad’s?”

  “Wouldn’t miss it,” he says. “Congratulations Em.” He gives me a quick kiss on the cheek and starts to fade. “I’ll see you tonight.”

  I smile as he disappears.

  Opening the doors, I look for my family and friends. I spot them congregated in the back corner of the lobby. Why doesn’t it surprise me that my dad would find the free coffee?

  “Congrats!” Shel comes running. She hugs me then asks to see my fake diploma. We’ll be attending her ceremony next weekend, even though she has another four years ahead of her.

  Matt steps around Shel and hands me a bouquet of lavender tulips. I give him a one-armed hug. “Aw, thanks.”

  My brother and Kate find me next, followed by my parents. They give me a huge bunch of yellow roses and then, as I balance all the flowers, Dane’s hand slides into mine. He whispers in my ear. “I plan on giving you my gift later.”

  “It is inappropriate?” I ask quietly.

  “No!” he whispers. “You have a dirty mind.”

  I shrug then turn my face away from my family and over his shoulder. “We’ve done a lot of dirty things. It’s a fair question.”

  He squeezes my hand to silence me, but his eyes dance.

  “Ready for dinner?” my father asks as we all head out to celebrate.

  Since WMU is so far from home, we stop part way into our drive to eat at an Olive Garden. My parents graciously pick up the tab for everyone and just as we were finishing up, my dad proposes a toast with what’s left of his beer. I inwardly cringe. My dad isn’t a toast kind of guy.

  “First off, I want to say I’m not very good at this, but we have a wedding coming up, and I need the practice.”

  He eyes Mike and Kate as everyone chuckles. They finally set the date for August where I’ll be my brother’s Best Woman. He said he didn’t trust any of his guy friends with the role, but I secretly think Kate’s behind the decision. She’s the one who doesn’t trust his frat brothers.

  “Emma,” my dad turns to me, “you are, and always will be, my Em Bug.”

  My face turns crimson. The last time he called me that I think I was four. Okay, maybe not. Maybe fourteen. Wait. It was last week.

  “Words cannot express how proud we are of you. The things you’ve faced this past year,” he frowns, “would drive any good person to drink.”

  “Dale!” My mom slaps the table.

  “What? It’s true! She’s probably tossed back a few due to the circumstances. I know I have.”

  Good God! He only knows about James and Patrick. What would he think if he knew everything that’s happened to me? I glance around the table and everyone looks amused. I sink in my chair, but my dad still finds my eyes.

  “I’m sure every father feels this way, but you, Em Bug, deserve everything good life has to offer. I can’t wait to see what amazing things your future holds.” He raises his glass. “To my baby girl.”

  My friends and family smile, clinking their glasses around me. I do the same, but avoid eye contact because my dad’s words have caused my eyes to tear. I don’t want to cry.

  “And you,” my dad addresses Dane, “keep in mind what I said.”

  Dane sits up straight. “Yes, sir.”

  I feel my face start to turn red again. “Dad…”

  “Just because I like you doesn’t mean you can get away with anything,” he says to Dane. “I just want to put it out there. Emma’s my baby. Remember that.”

  “Dad!” I say louder. “Now’s the time you bring this up? Really?”

  “I have to take the opportunity when it presents itself.” He swallows the rest of his drink. “I never see him. You’re always at his place.”

  Matt and Shel decide now would be a good time to snicker – loudly. Okay, it’s time to go. I love these people, but I’ve had enough embarrassment for one day.

  We say goodbye to my parents, Mike, and Kate before following Matt and Shel to the Larvatus’ house. Late last week, Madeline approached me about having a grad party with our Guardian and Allegiant friends. At first I told her it wasn’t necessary, but Ash pulled me aside and asked me to please allow her to do this. He confided that the two of them felt somewhat paternal toward me since they hadn’t been successful in having children of their own. This was huge news and, of course, I couldn’t say no.

  As we drive, Dane takes the opportunity to tease me about my nickname. “Em Bug! That’s great. I’m going to stop calling you Grace.”

  “Like you have room to talk Bear,” I exaggerate Teagan’s name for him. “What’s that all about anyway? Were you unnaturally hairy at some point?”

  “Haha. Very funny. It’s short for Teddy Bear.”

  “Teddy Bear?” I scoff. “How very unoriginal.”

  “I don’t see you coming up with a cutesy nickname for me.” He pouts. “What about Hot Stuff? Or Stud Muffin? Oh! I know. Sex God.”

  My mouth falls open. “How about Conceited Ass?”

  He drops my hand. “That’s it. No graduation gift for you.”

  “I’m kidding!” I try to grab ahold of his hand again, but he keeps moving it, flailing it around the cab of the car. “Stop doing that! We’re going to crash!” Finally, I catch it. “I’ll come up with a cute nickname for you; I promise.”

  “You just want your present.”

  “Um, yeah.” I smile. “Because your presents rock.”

  My compliment makes him grin. “They do, don’t they?”

  I think about that. He’s right. I have no originality when it comes to planning dates or giving gifts. Don’t get me wrong; my gifts are always thoughtful, but never one-of-a-kind. “One day, I’m going to outdo you,” I tell him. “I’m going to get you something so fabulous you’ll never be able to top it.”

  His lifts his eyebrows at me. “Challenge accepted.”

  I take in his look and get the distinct feeling that my graduation gift is spectacular. Great. I’d better start planning for his birthday now – six months in advance.

  The night is unseasonably warm for the last weekend in April, and when we arrive at Madeline and Ash’s the party is in full swing. So much for waiting for the guest of honor.

  On the back deck, Matt, Shel, Dane, and I find Thomas, Joss, Jenna, and Meg. They’re all in swimming suits, sitting around a fire. Drinking. How is this possible? James is in the hot tub with Ash and Mad, and Shel, taking in the scene, immediately switches to party mode. “I didn’t know we needed suits!”

  “Don’t worry.” Madeline jumps out of the water. “I have suits for all of you. Once the weather changed I took the liberty of getting some. They’re in the guest room.”

  She towels off and starts to head into the house with Matt, Shel, and Dane at her heels. She turns and finds me. “I have cake and ice cream.” Her eyes light up. “I’ll bring it out after I get them settled.”

  “Aren’t you coming?” Shel asks me.

  “In a sec,” I tell her and move toward James and Ash. I feel majorly left out. I know I’ve been tied up with my internship, class, and graduation, but it’s not like I don’t own a phone. “What’s going on?”

  Joss stands and comes over to congratulate me. “Emma,” she says, excited. “Today was a big day. How do you feel?”

  “Good.” I eye her suspiciously. She reaches out to rub my arm in a motherly way and a flash of light reflects off her wrist.

  “You’re Larvatus!” I exclaim and point, smiling. “When?”

  “Last week.” She beams. She looks over at Thomas and he raises his fist in the air. He’s Charmed, too.

  Immediately, I hug her. “I’m so happy for you.” Both Joss and Thomas are so sweet. I don’t know anyone more deserving of a second chance at humanity.

  My t
houghts immediately turn to Meg and Jenna, and I peer around Joss’ shoulder. If they’ve changed clothes too...

  Ash reads my mind. “They’re Allegiant,” he says and answers my unasked question.

  I step away from Joss and turn on James. “Really? Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

  He shrugs. “It wasn’t the time.” He pulls himself from the hot tub. “I’m starting to get lightheaded.” He grabs a towel and I follow him over to the fire pit, where he sits next to Meg.

  “Hi!” she says to me as she wraps an arm around James. “We were wondering when you were going to get here.”

  “So, how…when?” I ask the two of them. “This is huge!”

  James smiles. “It didn’t take long for Lucas and I to figure out who was worthy of being Allegiant. Who better than the Guardians that experienced everything firsthand? The Guardians that understand The Larvatus best?”

  “Plus, they needed some women on the team.” Meg bumps her hip against James. “Jenna and I are the first female Allegiant since…” She pauses. “Since forever.”

  Jenna gives me a shy smile.

  “That’s amazing,” I say. The Allegiant have probably needed that balance for a long while. “So, it’s the four of you? You two, Jenna, and Lucas?”

  Meg and James nod.

  “Do you guys plan on staying in the Intermediate most of the time or…”

  “For the immediate future, yes.” James rests his elbows on his knees. “But, when we visit, we’ll stay here to take care of human business.”

  “Until we find a place of our own.” Meg takes his hand.

  I can tell she’s excited to start a human life complete with a white picket fence. Turning to Thomas, I tap his wrist. “How come you chose this?”

  “We decided it would be best if we evened out the ranks. Since we’re working with The Larvatus now we thought it would be wise to bring our experiences to both sides.”