Your Guardian Angel (The Guardian Angel Series Book 1)

by Skyla Madi

  The car drive back to the school was quiet. As much as I wanted to talk, we didn't.

  “You're late for your angelology class.”

  I was relieved, it was the first thing he’d said to me since the bakery and I was worried he was upset with my prying.

  Angelology was a class that studies guardian angels, what they are and what they do. I shot Eli a pained expression and strolled back to the girl’s dorm, hoping that Lillian had forgotten to drop my books off so I could take a nap. No such luck. When I arrived there was a stack of books outside my door with a note attached:

  Ruby,

  Here are your books. I look forward to teaching you.

  Regards,

  Lillian.

  I unlocked my door and kicked them inside; I still wasn't going to class. I stopped dead in my tracks as I closed the door behind me. Someone had been in my room. The bed was made up and the sheets were a light purple silk; there was a huge deep purple rug on the floor, and a computer desk by the window. I noticed on the desk there was another note. I opened it:

  Ruby,

  I hope you like your room and I hope it makes you feel

  more at home.

  Love Mila.

  Wow, Mila did this. Damn, I forgot to thank her for the clothes. I made yet another mental note to thank her when I saw her next, this time I hoped my memory didn’t fail me. I threw myself onto the bed and closed my eyes. I couldn't help but think back to how lucky I was with my second encounter with Hank and how that night panned out.

  “Ruby,” Mila called through the door.

  My eyes snapped open, I must have fallen asleep. I stumbled over myself to get to the door.

  “You weren’t at Angelology, Eli was extremely worried. I told him you decided to skip it because you were worn out and I was right!” She strolled into my room. Her eyes dropped down to the bandage that was wrapped around my wrist.

  “Did you get it?”

  “Yeah, this morning after breakfast.”

  “What is it?"

  "A feather.”

  “Can I see it?” she begged.

  “I'm not supposed to undo the bandage until tomorrow. Gwydion said it should be fully healed by then,” I explained “Also, thank you for all the clothes. I hope I’m not putting you out; if you see something you want to wear, please, take it.”

  “Don’t be silly!” She giggled. “I bought them specifically for you.”

  I couldn’t help but feel like I was a charity case. Her clothes were nice, but I wish I had my own to wear.

  “Well, thank you.”

  “C'mon, we have a Fluviology class now,” she said, whilst picking the appropriate books off the floor.

  “I don't want to.” I sighed dramatically.

  “Lillian is teaching, so it's not like you don't know anyone.”

  After a little more persuading and a lot of protest on my part, Mila was dragging me to class. Lillian's classroom was on the other side of the common room. As we got closer and closer, my nerves grew stronger and my palms started sweating. Noticing my uneasiness, Mila slowed her pace.

  “Once your first class is over it will be easier,” she said, trying to comfort me.

  “Anything I should know going in?”

  “Raina and her crew are total bitches.”

  “Great, bitchy high school girls, exactly what I need right now.”

  “Just ignore them; they’ll leave you alone after a while. Then they’ll come back and bully me like they always do.”

  “They bully you? But you’re so pretty; I just assumed you were…”

  “Popular? Cool? No, Sam and Cloud are my only friends.”

  I was gobsmacked; I thought Mila would be quite popular. She was so beautiful and caring. I was a stranger and someone that hunted her kind, but she had given me her blood in order to get my life back. She gave me a second chance at life and I owed her everything.

  When we reached the classroom, the loud chatter made me realize the teacher hadn’t arrived yet. Mila and I sat in the very back row, taking the last two seats. I spotted Raina and two of her friends at the front. They were the only ones giving Mila an evil scowl. They rose from their seats and walked down the back, stopping in front of our desk.

  “Mila, who’s your new friend?”

  “This is Ruby,” Mila replied.

  “Hi Ruby, would you like to sit with us at dinner?” she offered.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mila look down at her paper. I assumed that Raina did this to all the new girls that Mila befriended.

  “No, thank you.”

  Raina facial expression was priceless; a few students sitting nearby snickered at her rejection. Her face grew stormy and dark. She turned violently on her heels, as if to leave, but instead she turned back to me.

  “You’re going to regret that, vampire,” she snarled.

  Her friends giggled, no doubt at the horror reflected in our faces. Satisfied, Raina and her posse turned and walked back to their desk. Vampire? How did she know?

  Forbidden Touch

  Fluviology was a blur; my mind was running a million miles an hour. Who could have possibly told Raina that I was a vampire? The only culprits were Tay, Eli, Gwydion, Lillian, Ivan Aleksandrov, and Mila. The only person that was there and spoke more to the students was Mila, but surely she wouldn't tell people, would she? There was too much on my mind to think about moving bodies of water. After what felt like hours, class was finally over and the next class was a five minute walk, so I took the opportunity to talk to Mila.

  “Did you tell anyone?” I demanded in a quiet tone.

  “Ruby, you have to…”

  “Did you tell anyone?” I interrupted. She looked down at her feet, confirming that she did tell someone. I turned around and stormed off towards the girls’ dorms.

  “Ruby!” she called behind me. “It was an accident. Where are you going? We have Botany class now!”

  I didn't turn back to acknowledge her. I was too angry and too emotional to deal with her or a stupid plant class. I walked around the school until I found a little nook tucked away near the student medical block. I sat down and brought my knees up to my head. It was stupid of me to think that my past would be behind me and that I’d never have to think of it again. I hadn’t even made it a day and my secret was already out. That had to be some kind of record.

  “There you are, goddess,” called Eli, appearing from behind the corner.

  “Mila told you?” I asked, not lifting my head up from my knees. I didn't want him to see my red-rimmed eyes. He didn't say anything.

  “Is there anything she doesn't tell people?” I snapped. I felt Eli sit down next to me, his warm body heat exuded off him.

  “You can't blame her.”

  “She has ruined everything here. I wanted to start fresh and to forget what I was.”

  “Mila has to battle fitting in as well. It isn't easy being the headmaster’s niece. She can be easily peer-pressured, you don't know what happened. You didn't stick around to find out,” he explained.

  “Find out what? She told Raina what I went through and where I’m from. That’s everything.”

  “C’mon, Ruby. It isn’t the end of the world. So what? A bit of gossip gets around, what damage is that really going to do?”

  “You clearly don’t remember what high school is like.”

  “I believe you’re late for your Botany class.” I lifted my head; Eli was now standing with his hand extended out. I took it and he helped me up.

  “You didn't have to come find me. You’re my Guardian Angel, not my councillor.”

  He smiled that make-the-world-stop-and-women-faint smile.

  “You’ve been through a lot. I just want to be there as a helping hand, for as long as you need me to be.”

  Along with his smile, his words were another thing that took my breath away. He just knew what to say and when to say it. Eli was the perfect man; rock hard body, tall, amazing green eyes, olive skin, and a total b
adass. He was someone you could feel safe with no matter what the circumstance was.

  We approached a building where I assumed my Botany class would be.

  “The teacher's name is Mr Leo Farley, but address him by his last name. He’s a bit of an old timer and takes it to heart.”

  I entered the classroom. Raina and her two girls wore smartass expressions that I just wanted to kick off their faces.

  “Come sit.” Mr Farley gestured to the only empty seat in the class.

  I held my head high and walked to the opposite side of the room and sat next to a cute boy. Eli walked in after me and all the girls gasped and the boys stared in envy.

  “Do you mind if i watch, sir?” Eli asked with such formality it was sexy.

  “Not at all, Mr De Luca, please, come in.”

  Eli walked and leaned against the back wall with his arms folded. I watched as the girls forced their eyes from Eli and back to the old teacher at the front.

  “Hi, I’m Rylan,” said the boy next to me.

  I looked at him; his eyes were as blue as ice and his hair was dark, so it made them 'pop' even more.

  “Ruby,” I replied.

  “That's pretty.”

  “Thanks.” I tried to focus on whatever Mr Farley was saying, but Rylan's cologne kept taking my mind elsewhere.

  “So you’re new, huh?”

  “Have you seen me before?”

  “Well played. No, I haven't.” He laughed.

  “Ruby, would you care to explain why?” asked Mr Farley.

  I froze and glanced around at all the staring faces; I glanced back at Eli, who was highly amused at my embarrassment.

  “I… I… uh, I don't know,” I muttered.

  “No, of course you don't, and you aren’t going to find the answer gazing into Mr Pascacio’s eyes. Look at your text book. Thank you,” he announced.

  I died from embarrassment in my chair. Moments later, the bell rang, perfect timing; I had to get out of this class.

  “For the record, Ruby, you can gaze at me anytime.” He chuckled.

  “Lucky me.”

  I grabbed my bag and left the room. The cool air hit my red cheeks and cooled them down.

  I tried to walk as fast as I could; I was too embarrassed to talk to Eli and too upset to talk to Mila. Going straight to my dorm and getting dressed for dinner seems like the best choice.

  I pulled the small key from my bag when I reached my door.

  “You forgot this,” said Rylan.

  I turned. He was holding my textbook firmly in his hand.

  “You could have waited until the next class," I informed him.

  I couldn’t help but glance nervously around the corridor.

  “Relax, no one saw me. Besides, I was only returning your book.” He handed my Botany textbook over to me.

  “Thank you, how did you get here so fast? I left before you.”

  I gestured for him to come inside. I had my bag in one hand and the key in the other; I couldn’t hold a textbook as well.

  “You’re new; you don't know the shortcuts like I do.”

  The shadow of Eli’s figure appeared in the door way. “Boys are not allowed in the girls’ dorms.”

  I turned abruptly and there he was.

  “Right away, Mr De Luca,” said Rylan sarcastically. Rylan winked at me and then left.

  “What are you doing, Ruby?” asked Eli

  “I was on my way back to my dorm to get ready for dinner and he appeared. He had my Botany book. I had my bag in one hand and I was unlocking the door with my other hand…” I explained.

  “That's unacceptable.”

  “It’s the truth.” I wasn't sure if I detected a hint of jealousy in his voice. Either way he was pretty frustrated. “I think I’m old enough to look after myself. You aren't my father,” I protested.

  “Dinner is in an hour,” he retorted, with attitude, closing the door loudly.

  I felt guilty; my last comment was a low blow. He was only looking out for me and enforcing the rules. I was happy it was Eli that came, anyway, anyone else would have given me detention.

  I wanted to make it early to dinner so I could talk to Eli; it bothered me that he was upset with me and I wanted to fix it. I opened my wardrobe and pulled out a strapless, aqua coloured dress. Mila definitely had good taste in clothes. I accessorised the dress with a small pair of peacock earrings and pair of beige flats — they were the best match for my dress.

  I opened my door to leave.

  “You look amazing,” Mila gasped. Her dress was beautiful, it was long and white, and something you would wear to the beach.

  “Thanks to you,” I said awkwardly.

  “Can I come in?”

  I stepped aside and let her in. An awkward silence hung in the room until she sat on my bed and managed to talk.

  “I'm really sorry. It was Raina. After you left with Eli this morning at breakfast, she came over and she promised she’d stop bullying me if I told her where you were from. It was so selfish of me, I know, but she’s picked on me since kindergarten and I felt like I deserved a break.” She sobbed.

  Her eyes started getting red-rimmed as a single tear fell down her cheek. I walked over and sat down next to her. I couldn’t hold a grudge. It felt wrong after all she’d done for me.

  “It’s okay. It would have gotten out at some point, its high school. You can't keep secrets; might as well get it over with. She isn’t going to stop until you stop giving her ammo to use against you.”

  Mila hugged me.

  “I am truly sorry.”

  “Me too.”

  The common room was alive with discussion and laughter. I scanned the room for Eli but he wasn't there. How disappointing. Mila pulled me by the arm and sat us down near Rylan and his friend. My stomach growled as a plate of roast chicken and vegetables was set down in front of us.

  “This is Mila,” I said, introducing Rylan to her.

  It was funny, I had been at school one day as opposed to Mila, who had been at this school since god knows when, and here I was introducing her to people. Rylan, in return, introduced us to his friend Zavion.

  We chatted and laughed over dinner. I had a really good time; it was definitely the highlight of my day, but when dessert rolled around, Raina thought it was her duty to ruin it.

  “Where’s your guardian now, Vampire?” she teased. She was sitting a few seats down from Mila and I.

  “I don't know, we aren't joined at the hip,” I replied, trying to sound indifferent.

  “That's not what I heard.”

  My heart sped up a few beats. Here we go; my first rumour. “And what did you hear, Raina?”

  “That you an Eli were pretty joined at the hips in the cabin,” she trumpeted.

  A few people snickered and I swallowed hard, trying to control my anger.

  “If you have a problem with me, tell me now or keep your mouth shut.”

  Raina smirked; she knew she got to me. “Defensive, much?” She giggled.

  “What's going on?” Rylan asked.

  “Oh, nothing; just Ruby being a whore, but apparently that's normal.”

  I jumped out of my chair but a hand wrapped around my wrist, preventing me from running across the table and kicking her off her chair.

  “Ruby,” the voice said firmly.

  It was Eli. I didn’t turn to face him, all my attention was on Raina.

  “Now, now Raina, play nice. We all know who the biggest whore is, don't we, Zavion?” Rylan sneered.

  Zavion and many others started laughing. Raina's face turned red and she leapt from her chair.

  “That’s enough!” boomed Mr Aleksandrov all the way from the teachers’ table.

  If only a few students were watching before, all eyes were on us now.

  “Eli, escort Miss Moore to her dorm. Tay, take Miss Guild to hers, and Jaycee, take Rylan and his friend to theirs.”

  A woman stepped away from the wall. I could tell she was a guardian. She wore her inc
redibly blonde, almost white, hair in a tight bun and her clothes were tight; she looked like she was prepared for a fight at any second.

  I was fuming with anger as Eli dragged me from the common room but he didn't direct me to the girls’ dorm. Instead he walked me to the medical block and we sat down on a flight of stairs.

  “What are we doing here?” I asked, my tone thick with attitude.

  “We can't exactly walk alongside Raina to the dorms; she’ll just upset you more.”

  “Let her. She’s in for a rude shock.”

  “Ruby, you’re better than that. You don't have to prove yourself to people like her.”

  “You don't understand,” I snapped. “She doesn't even know me and she thinks she has the right to even speak my name. No. I won’t stand for it.”

  There was a long silence. Eli watched me intently, making the silence seem longer.

  “I would like to go to my dorm room now.”

  “We’ll leave when you have calmed down.”

  I stood up. “I'm not asking for your permission.” I began to walk away.

  “Sit down.” I was intimidated by how calm yet threatening he sounded.

  I leant up against the wall. I wasn’t completely disobeying him, but I wasn’t full complying, either.

  “Why are you so angry over this?” he asked, walking over and coming to a stop in front of me.

  I glanced down at my feet, avoiding his eyes. Suddenly I became embarrassed by my outburst.

  “I just wanted to start fresh but she is making it difficult… and then she brought you into it, and it upset me because you’ve done so much for me. I didn’t want her to disrespect you.”

  He took a few steps closer to me. He was so close I could feel heat radiating off his body and I could smell his alluring cologne. “She’s jealous of you; you’re so strong and confident, despite everything you’ve been through. You’re fierce and caring, and on top of everything you’re—” He paused and inhaled sharply. “So beautiful.”

  My heart pounded faster as he traced the back of his hand down my cheek and along my collar bone, leaving tingles in its wake. He stepped forward and I leant backwards slightly, pressing my back firmly against the brick wall.