by Elle Scott
The orange glow from the fire danced over Kale’s face as he frowned at Kiko. “What did you say?”
Leila grinned. “She said you’re an overreacting oaf.”
“No! I didn’t!” Kiko exclaimed, giving Leila a playful pout. She turned to Kale and placed her hands on his chest. “You know I love it.”
“I know,” Kale replied, eyes traveling up and down her body. He clutched her waist and dragged her closer to him.
“Aww, you guys,” Leila teased, shuffling down the log.
Kiko pulled away from Kale and, grinning as wide as a Cheshire cat, she faced Leila. Her grin softened as she closed her lips and rested her head against her new husband’s chest.
Leila smiled back. “Congratulations, too, by the way. I never got the chance to say it before. Kale told me you got married. I guess we’re sisters now.”
Kiko leapt up. She stood in front of Leila, offered both her hands and said, “I’m sorry we didn’t tell you. It was a spur of the moment thing.” She motioned to her hands, wiggling the tips of her fingers. “Wanna see something?”
Leila barely had a chance to nod before Kiko grabbed her by the wrist and dragged her to a tent. Kiko burst through the entrance, leaving Leila standing at the entrance. Leila watched Kiko as she ruffled through a duffel bag. She lifted out a big bunch of blue material, sequins and tulle, that seemed to go on for miles. Kiko held it at neck height and it unraveled, displaying a beautiful gown.
Kiko smiled to herself as she held it against her body. Her fingers pinched at the cuff and she held it out, showcasing the delicate sleeve. “We want to hold a reception with family and friends later in the month. I’m going to wear this. What do you think?”
“It’s gorgeous!” Leila proclaimed. “Put it on!”
“What?” A mix of shock and embarrassment laced Kiko’s voice. “No, I couldn’t. We’re in the woods.”
A rush of hot air warmed Leila’s neck as Gabby peered in.
“Sure you can!” Gabby peeped. “Let’s see it.”
Leila felt excitement bubble through her. Something good on an otherwise stressful day. Kiko glanced her way and Leila nodded enthusiastically. “Why not?”
“Okay,” Kiko conceded. “Gimme a sec.”
Leila and Gabby stepped out of tent, letting Kiko change in private. “So,” Leila said, clutching Gabby’s wrist. “Is Odette coming?”
Gabby pressed her lips together as if trying to hide her smile, but she gave it away with her delighted eyes. “Yeah.”
Snow began to fall, light and sporadic. It wasn’t quite thick or cold enough to settle, the flakes dissipating before they hit the ground. Leila craned her face to the sky, embracing the soft splatter on her cheeks. She had a feeling that it was winter’s send off—the last hoorah before spring truly arrived.
The rustling of the tent entrance brought Leila back to earth. Kiko stood in front of her tent wearing the floor-length navy gown. Delicate sequins formed shapes of flowers along the cuff and bodice. She’d let her hair down and it framed her face like silk curtains. The gown hugged her waist tightly and from there, tulle—so much tulle—flowed to the ground. As Kiko spun in a circle, the hem of her dress brushed heavily along thick grass. Her smile was infectious.
“You look amazing,” Leila said, stepping closer. She couldn’t help but touch the material, rubbing it between her fingertips. “I can’t wait until the reception. What should I wear?”
Kiko thought for a while. Then, eyes twinkling, she said, “Something bright, like you.”
Leila almost burst at the seams. She couldn’t contain her face, her cheeks stretching to their limits in the biggest smile she’d had all day. She didn’t often allow her emotions to run free, either masking them with sarcasm or diverting attention away. But there was something about that moment, where she felt totally safe to be vulnerable.
She said, earnestly and with gusto, “Thank you... For making my brother happy.”
Kiko reached down and grabbed her tulle skirt, hitching it off the ground. “Help me take it off?”
Leila rushed to follow Kiko into the tent and zipped it shut behind her. Kiko turned around, holding her hair away to show an unlatched clasp at the base of her neck. She reached her hand over her shoulder, not quite able to reach.
“I couldn’t do it up the whole way. But could you unzip it for me?”
“Sure.” Leila pinched the clasp, slowly unzipping with care as though she was holding a newborn baby. When she was done, she turned to leave.
“Wait!” Kiko said, glancing over her bare shoulder. “I want to talk with you about something private.”
Leila kept her back to Kiko until she was sure she was fully dressed. Then, she plonked herself on the thin roll out mattress. “What’s up, sista?”
“I like that,” Kiko said softly, taking a seat opposite Leila. “And it’s kind of why I wanted to talk to you.” She took a breath and winced. “It’s about who I am. I think, considering we are family now. That you should know about my past.”
“Oh.” Leila was unsure of what else to say. She could have said, “you got it, sis.” Or, “I’m all ears.” Or, “tell me all about it, and don’t leave out the juicy bits.” But no, she didn’t say any of that. All that she could manage was an: “oh”. She was losing her touch.
Kiko grabbed the ends of her hair and gently placed them behind her shoulders. “I guess I’ll just spit it out then.” She waited a moment, as if making sure she had Leila’s full attention. Then blurted, “I’m the first Guardian. Well, one of them.”
“Oh,” Leila said again.
The fact didn’t truly surprise her. Not with how elegant Kiko was. What surprised her was the memory of what Ren and the Elder of the Veil had said about the first Guardians. There were three, and one of them was a —
“I know what you’re thinking. Yes, there were three first Guardians. I have another brother. He’s Tessa’s Alpha. The Fallen.”
Leila swallowed. She pressed her lips together, trying not say another Oh.
Kiko continued, “Ren and I have been in hiding from him for a long time but it seems he’s found us again.”
The pained expression Kiko gave made Leila’s heart sink. She reached for Kiko’s hand. “I’m so sorry. You must be so scared.”
Tears welled in Kiko’s eyes. She shook her head emphatically. “No, silly girl. I’m the one who should be sorry. I never wanted to drag you into my family troubles. Or Kale. But my brother, he’s jealous of Imprints. I knew it was only a matter of time before the Fallen came for me…” Kiko’s eyes dropped. She turned her hand around in Leila’s and clasped tight, as if she was holding on for dear life. “And you.”
Leila’s lion was a protective Guardian. She felt it close to her, the need for justice pulsating from its aura to hers. It wanted to align, to start a war, to fight for her family.
Kiko continued, “You have to know my brother isn’t just any Fallen. He’s the first. Evil has lived in his heart for almost a century. He took everything I loved away from me. If you ever have the misfortune of coming face-to-face with him, be wary. He’s manipulative—great at deception. He will twist things in his favor. Make you think things. He will probably try and turn you against me.”
Leila proclaimed, “We’ll keep each other safe. Nothing will happen to any of us. I promise!”
“I’m so lucky to have you.” Kiko threw herself at Leila, embracing her tightly.
When they were ready, they went outside together. Leila tried hard to grasp her thoughts. She was grateful to have solidified her bond with Kiko, but the shared moment that brought them closer also brought the danger level up a few notches.
Kale wandered over from his spot near the fire. He mouthed, “Did you tell her?”
Kiko only needed to nod for him to envelop her in his arms. Leila heard him whisper, “I’m so proud of you.”
As if they were the only people in the world, Kale swept Kiko around the waist and led her to their tent. Leila cri
nged. She didn’t want to think about what her brother was about to do. So she focused on the good part. The part that was happy for him finding someone to love.
“Well, that’s gross,” Gabby teased.
“Seriously,” Leila winced. “I don’t wanna think about it.”
“Will you though?” Gabby wriggled her brows up and down and gave a dramatic wink. “Later tonight, with Riley?”
“With me what?” Riley asked, joining them.
“Hiiiii,” Leila chirped. She threw a glare to Gabby and said, “Oh nothing, I just have to do a perimeter check and Gabby asked if you were coming.”
How easy it was to lie. But honestly, the last thing she wanted to do was talk with her best-friend and boyfriend about what they might or might not do in their tent.
“Sure!” Riley replied.
Leila nodded once then turned to Gabby, “If you don’t mind?”
“Nah.” Gabby winked again. “I’ll keep the fire going, lovers.”
Riley glanced around the camp site. Most people were in their tents, except for Sadie who sat alone on a log. He furrowed his brow at Gabby, “Are you sure you’ll be okay on your own?”
Gabby gave a deadpan expression. “Yeah, I might just sit here and toast some marshmallows, then coat them with the blood of a virgin.” She hitched her thumb in the direction of Sadie.
“Ugh,” Riley moaned. “You’re getting as bad as Leila with your sarcasm.”
Gabby grinned.
Eyes turning to slits, Riley added, “That is if you are being sarcastic?”
Gabby’s smile vanished. She eyed Leila then Riley then Leila.
“Pfff,” Leila burst, tapping her knuckles against his shoulder. “Oh my god, good one, Riley.”
“Yeah,” Gabby said, uneasily. “Good one.”
“Howl if you need anything,” Leila said, grabbing Riley’s hand. She dragged him toward the tree line, tugging on his arm to bring him closer. “You totally were joking, right?”
Riley cleared his throat and replied, “Mmhm.”
Leila
The snow had stopped falling somewhere around the time that the dim light of the fire became nothing but an orange flicker behind them. Overhead, the moon peered between a break in the clouds. Leila let go of Riley’s hand and regrasped him properly, sliding her fingers through his.
Riley squeezed his fingertips against her knuckles. “How are you?”
“It’s been a bit hectic,” Leila replied, Kiko’s confession rolling through her mind.
She wished she’d known sooner. It wasn’t just a random Fallen they were dealing with anymore, it was Kiko’s blood. There was history behind it.
Leila glanced at Riley. “I can’t stop thinking about what that Elder said.”
“Samuel? Which part?”
“About the first Imprint being a Fallen, making it their job to hunt other Imprints. Do you think that’s what happening here? That they’re playing with us?”
“Back in Seattle, when Tessa—” Riley paused to sigh. He ran his fingers through his hair, and continued, “When she destroyed our home, I got a glimpse of the Fallen and what they could do. I think they’re definitely playing with us.”
Leila couldn’t hold it in any longer. Riley needed to know the truth, whether it will hurt him or not. She blurted, “Kiko’s brother is Tessa’s Alpha.”
“I’m sorry what?” Riley turned to Leila. He let out a nervous laugh. “It sounded like you said Ren is Tessa’s Alpha.”
“No, not Ren.” Leila said it slowly, to help the words sink in. “The first Guardians were Ren, Kiko… and their brother.”
Riley froze, he looked out into the darkness, as if searching for answers among the trees.
Leila continued, “I’m assuming Kiko’s the eldest of the three, and Ren the youngest. And the middle brother was the Imprint who became Fallen.”
Riley’s eyes shot to her. Realization hitting him, he said, “The one who’s my sister’s Alpha?” His voice shook at the last part.
“Yup. Told you. Hectic.” Leila grimaced a smile. “It’s a little bit day-time soap opera, isn’t it?”
A soft smile lifted Riley’s cheeks. He reached for Leila’s hand, stroking his thumb gently over her palm. “I’d say it’s more like an episode of the Twilight Zone.”
Leaves rustled close by—too close for comfort. Riley spun around, immediately aligning with his wolf. Their vision was better than perfect even when they were human—Riley’s glasses nothing but a ruse—but half-shifted their sight became amplified.
Leila half-shifted, too. She danced her gaze around the forest. She could see all the splinters in tree trunks, all the leaves as they grew from branches, and an owl flitting its wings into the night sky.
Leila gently touched Riley’s warm back and threaded her arms around to his chest. Feeling his heart pounding onto her palms, she whispered, “Not everything is out to get us.”
“I know,” he breathed the words.
“Are you sure?” Leila asked, letting him go. “Because not five minutes ago you literally thought that Gabby wanted to eat marshmallows covered in Sadie’s blood.”
Shaking his head, Riley turned around to face her. “I just wonder if we made the right choice, you know? Letting me turn you instead of someone else, like Ren. We wouldn’t be Imprints. We wouldn’t have the Fallen on our backs.”
Even in the shadows of the trees, Leila hoped Riley could still see her “are you kidding me?” expression. “Yeah, but Kiko and Kale would still be Imprints, so we’d still be in this mess. And, even if they weren’t Imprints, maybe her brother would be after her regardless. It’s hardly our fault for being who we are. Besides, we’re pretty kick-ass right? Remember what that Elder of the Veil said... We are stronger together.”
“Samuel,” Riley said. “The Elder’s name is Samuel. And don’t forget what else he said, about a Fallen being in our midst.”
Leila let out a long groan. If she was being honest with herself, she was hoping he wouldn’t have brought that up. Where she saw hope, Riley always saw doubt. They were never going to agree on it.
She threw her arm to the west and began walking. “We should keep going.”
Riley muttered, “Typical. Just when things get too hard.”
Leila stopped, spinning back around. She knew exactly what he meant. It was typical that she hid from some of the heavier discussions. Either by making a joke, or deflecting, or walking away, literally.
It didn’t matter that it was true. It still hurt.
She didn’t need to say anything before Riley’s face dropped. He placed both hands on his head, wincing his pained eyes. “I just mean—” He let his hands fall to his sides. “You don’t want to talk about the possibility we’re being played from the inside?”
Okay, Leila thought. If he wants to talk about it, let’s talk about it.
“By who? Sebastian?”
Riley shrugged his shoulders. “If the shoe fits.”
The topic infuriated her. Yes, technically he was Fallen, but he didn’t do Fallen things. “You don’t remember what happened with Cap? If Sebastian wasn’t there to save Sadie—”
“You would have saved her,” Riley interrupted.
“Yeah, after she became Cap’s dinner. Seriously, Riley, I wouldn’t have gotten to her in time. Sebastian literally saved her life. Isn’t that what Guardians do?”
Riley rolled his eyes.
This was the side of Riley that confused Leila. In all other areas of his life, he was perfect. The perfect student, the perfect son, the perfect boyfriend. But when it came to Guardians, he was static, rigid, and self-righteous.
Stepping toward him, she warmed her tone and implored, “Why do you hate him so much?”
Riley’s bottom lip rolled out into a sad smile and Leila knew she’d reached him. He sighed, then said, “You wanna know the truth? It’s because of what he represents. You saw my sister, she acted innocent, she saved the girls, but deep down she’s still done horrib
le things. She’s still a monster. That’s what Fallen do.”
Leila lifted her hand to Riley’s face and scooped a wavy tendril off the rim of his glasses. She knew how much his past had hurt him, she just wished he didn’t compare it to everything in their present. She whispered, “I love you.”
Riley squinted, a teasing glimmer hitting his eyes. “Why do I feel like there’s a but coming?”
“But you’re a bit judgmental sometimes. I mean, you’ve always been serious, but ever since I became a Guardian, you’ve been extra serious.”
Leila huffed out a quick sigh, happy to have let that off her chest.
Riley nodded to himself, unable to maintain eye contact. Looking into the distance, he said, “I have to be. Right? I’m the leader of our clan. I have to be on edge. I have to be in control.”
“You have to be fair, too, though.” Leila tried to make her voice as gentle as possible.
Riley dropped his head. “This isn’t just about Sebastian, is it?”
“It’s about Gabby.”
Nodding, he looked over the top of his glasses. “I know. I’m a dick.”
“No!” Leila proclaimed, grabbing both his hands and covering them with hers in a protective embrace. “No one thinks that. We know you care. But… sometimes that care comes across as judgment, as though you think there’s something wrong with them. Gabby’s had enough of that in her life. And that truth is, she knows something isn’t right within her. We don’t need to remind her every moment. She knows.”
Riley chewed the inside of his mouth. “And you want me to give her some slack?”
“Riley.” Leila dropped his hands and moved her touch to his face, curving her palms around his jawline. “I really do love you.”
Riley’s mouth twitched. “No buts this time?”
Shaking her head, Leila moved in. “No buts,” she whispered.
The warmth of Riley’s breath rushed over her chin before he pushed his fleshy lips upon her. He gave her a smattering of small pecks, that slowed into a long open-mouthed kiss. As Riley slid his tongue into her mouth, Leila leaned in, feeling her body tingle with excitement.
