Wild Fire (Wardens Series Book 3) Read online

  “Yeah, why is that?” I asked. I hadn’t even thought of the other two. Helen was going to be pissed!

  “We trust the two of you. If it was either Wesley or Aaron; I would be sending a chaperone. We trust that Adam isn’t going to succumb to your devilish antics.” My father raised his eyebrows and pushed the empty plate to the side.

  “That’s great to know, Dad.” I felt a wave of guilt wash over me. They trusted Adam with me. If only they knew what was happening between us.

  “You excited?” he asked softly.

  “For what? This trip?” I took a drink of my soda, trying to conceal the cluster of emotions I was choking down.

  “Yeah! You get to take time away from all of this. You get to go into the big city, see the lights. I bet if you called some of your old friends, they would be excited to see you.”

  Was he seriously trying to make me call my friends from middle school?

  “I doubt that they even remember me. But yes, the big city sounds like fun.” He waved down the waitress and asked for our check. When she returned, my father started laughing.

  “What’s up?” I leaned over, trying to see. He turned the ticket around and on the bottom of the sheet was the girl’s number and her name: Candy.

  “Looks like your old man still has it.” He laughed, pulling out his credit card and putting it in the book.

  “That’s just gross, Dad.” I turned my nose up. The idea that my father could get the number of a twentysomething waitress made me feel queasy.

  “Oh, come on, Dawn.” He pushed out his bottom lip. “I would be ecstatic if some guy gave you his number.”

  “Yeah, well the last time I received a number, it turned into a relationship, and the guy ran off with his ex-girlfriend to New Mexico where she decided it was time to kill him.” I felt the pain in my voice, but at the same time, I wouldn’t change any of it for the world.

  “There are other fish in the sea.” My father smiled at Candy across the diner, and she walked over and took the book. She was swishing her hips from side to side; she thought she was hot shit right then.

  “Tell Mom that, not me,” I pointed out. “Every time you come around, she’s like a giggly schoolgirl.”

  “It’s in our nature. We spent so long together; it would be weird if she didn’t have some sort of emotional attraction to me. Besides, for the father of an eighteen-year-old girl, I look pretty damn good.” His ego was starting to show. I rolled my eyes as the book returned and he signed the slip, leaving Candy a 100-dollar tip. “Let’s get out of here.”

  “Thought you would never ask.” I got up from the booth, looping my arm through my father’s, and we walked out.

  ****

  My mother was waiting for us on the porch when we returned home. The moment her eyes met mine, a shy smile slid over her face.

  “How was it?” Six months ago, I never would have thought my mother would say this to me.

  “Great,” I replied, patting my dad on the shoulder. “He’s not so bad for an old man.”

  My father bumped me, nearly knocking me over, and we both broke out into laughter.

  “Fantastic.” She looked at me. “You need to get upstairs and start packing.” She pointed toward the front door. “I got you something – it’s on your bed.”

  I looked back at her and raised my eyebrows. What could she have possibly got me that I didn’t already have? I walked inside and up the stairs to my room. Sitting on my bed was a set of luggage. I had never had luggage before. Even when I lived with my father all those years ago, I didn’t have this — a black leather bag on rollers and a carry-on that matched. I opened up the bag to pack and realized there was more to the surprise.

  I pulled out several outfits that were designed similar to the fifties’ dresses you see on TV. One was black with white skulls, another was solid black, and one took me by surprise. I pulled it out and felt tears in my eyes; she had purchased me a white dress. I hadn’t owned a single item in white since I was a pre-teen. I held it up and looked at myself in the mirror.

  “I like it!” Adam said, appearing behind me.

  “Really? You don’t think it’s too much?” I put the dress down and turned around to look at him.

  He was wearing a black AC/DC t-shirt and blue jeans. I glanced in the mirror. His chest heaved, and the vein in his neck began to throb. His eyes were wide, and I didn’t understand why he looked amazed, yet horrified, at the same time.

  “What is it?” I ran toward him, grabbing him by the shoulders. “Adam, what is it?” My pulse had picked up, and I shook him. He wouldn’t look at me. “Adam!” I screamed.

  I heard a pair of footsteps racing up the stairs, and suddenly Shawn was in the room.

  “Don’t touch him!” He pulled me away as Adam’s head shot backward.

  “What’s happening to him?” I gripped on to Shawn, staring as Adam started to ascend into the air.

  “Adam has been chosen,” Shawn muttered, holding me close. “He’s been chosen by Heaven.”

  “Chosen by Heaven for what?” I breathed. I wanted so bad to run to him. There was a bright light behind us, and I turned, seeing Ramiel step around my bed.

  “You should look into hanging out in larger rooms.” Ramiel smiled at me. Shawn let me go, and I ran to him, wrapping my arms around the angel’s waist. “It’s good to see you too, young one.”

  “What’s happening to him? What’s happening to my Adam?” I dragged the angel toward the scene.

  “He’s ascending.” Ramiel smiled and grabbed my hand. “When the Heavens choose a Protector, he changes. He becomes faster, stronger, more agile.”

  “But he’s human,” I explained.

  “All Protectors are humans. He’s not going to start shooting sparks from his fingertips; it just means that he was chosen for a mission by someone with extraordinary power, and Heaven feels that he is worthy of the boost.” He walked forward and placed his hand on Adam’s chest. There was a burst of light and Adam heaved a heavy breath, his eyes shooting to me, and confusion mixed with the terror on his face.

  “Will he be able to feel it?” I asked Shawn, who shrugged.

  “I’m demon-blooded. I do not know the ways of angels.” He rubbed my back, his eyes locked on the scene in front of us.

  “You mean the waterlily you are searching for? No, in fact, the only way you would know is if he was chosen to protect you.” Ramiel helped Adam regain his stance.

  “Huh?” I didn’t understand. My mother had chosen hers.

  “Nothing, dear. This boost is up to Adam. If he feels that he cannot live up to the standards of the Protector, he can always give it back.” Ramiel smiled at Adam, and all he could do was blink.

  “What the hell just happened?” Adam asked, looking at me for answers.

  “You were chosen,” I sighed. I found it odd how my father knew this was going to happen. Then again, that could have been something my parents had planned. It gave Adam the edge to compete with me if it was needed.

  “You know I have lived well by the rules of not asking, and I’m going to keep it that way.” He wrapped his arms around me. Ramiel rolled his eyes and looked at Shawn.

  “Demon boy. I know you,” he said as Shawn shook his head.

  “I’ve never been to Heaven, so I don’t see how,” Shawn quietly answered.

  “You spent some time in Purgatory.” Ramiel put his finger up as if that was supposed to answer it all.

  “I don’t talk about that much,” Shawn growled. “There is another reason you are here, isn’t there?”

  “Yes. Do you mind taking me to speak with Puriel?” Ramiel looked at Adam and me. “To my understanding, these two need to get on the road soon. Otherwise, they are going to miss their flight.”

  “Yeah, I can do that. Just keep your wings to yourself,” Shawn said, leading the angel out of my room.

  I gripped Adam close to me, and our breaths became one; our heartbeats synced, and energy was all around us.

  �
�I was so scared,” I breathed, smelling him.

  “You were scared? I swear I saw Heaven,” he replied, pulling me even closer. There was no way we could be any nearer to the other. “Finish packing; I’m going to get my bags downstairs and talk to my dad.”

  “Yeah, ok.” He leaned in and kissed me softly. “I’m looking forward to this.”

  Just as the scene had begun, it was over. There was no explanation for the spectacle, other than Adam had been chosen. Nobody wanted to discuss what had occurred. It was easier to pretend that the whole ordeal had not happened.

  I rushed to get my bags packed, making sure to grab all the sanitary items that I was going to need. I grabbed my laptop and stuffed it in my carryon, along with a few other things. The question was: how was I going to get our weapons on a plane?

  “No need to worry about that, darling.” My father entered the room with style and grace. “Your mother is indisposed with Heavenly duties.” He waved his hands in the air and rolled his eyes. “I didn’t get you first-class tickets on American Airlines. I have my ‘copter coming in to take you to the airport, and from there, you are flying in my private jet.”

  “When did you get a private jet, Dad?” I asked, pulling my suitcase toward the door.

  “Yesterday. I sent an email to Mona, and she went and picked one out. She is so excited to see you again.” My father smiled and grabbed the handle of my bag.

  “You never cease to amaze me, Dad,” I laughed.

  “And you never cease to amaze me, honey.” He wrapped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me close. “I never thought I would be so proud of you.”

  We got the bags downstairs as my mother and Ramiel emerged from the study. They were laughing like old friends. He hugged my mother and smiled at me before walking out the back door and into the sun.

  She approached cautiously, a massive smile on her face. “Darling, are you ready?” She sounded happy.

  “Yeah. I think we are good to go.” I heard the sound of the helicopter landing outside and searched for Adam. He came running from the other room; his eyes were the size of saucers, and he had a huge smile on his face.

  “Do you see what is outside?” His eyes sparkled, and the innocence that I had grown to love shined through his words.

  Chapter 7

  Her

  My father spared no expense on his lavish personal jet. It included not only a pilot with a British accent, but a flight attendant that did just about everything we asked of her. When we landed at a private airfield, I was shocked when the black limo approached.

  “How loaded is your dad?” Adam asked as the chauffeur took our bags and opened the door. We got into the back of the limo, and I had to do a double take. Sitting across from us was Mona, and Mitch – my personal butler from childhood.

  “Oh, my goodness,” Mona squeaked. She looked exactly the same as she had when I was a child. Knowing what I know now, that sparked a few questions.

  “I agree, Madam,” Mitch said, looking at me and smiling. “Our little Dawn has returned.”

  I blushed. I’m sure I looked a fright to them. The last time they saw me, I was a cute little blonde girl with big eyes and big dreams. I had not known the extent of my bloodline, and the years had changed my appearance.

  “Mona. You look the same,” I gushed as she leaned between our seats and wrapped her arms around me.

  “I couldn’t believe your father when he said you were coming. This must be your boyfriend.” She let me go and instantly wrapped her arms around Adam.

  “Not boyfriend,” he chuckled nervously. “But you know what? I might as well be.”

  “Your father had me pick out the most beautiful apartment. I had all the furniture delivered this morning.” She looked at me and frowned; I could tell she did not approve of my attire. “Oh, we must go shopping tomorrow. I am so happy you are here.”

  “I would love that,” I remarked, remembering all the things we used to do when I was a kid.

  “Oh, darling, how I have missed you.” She smiled brightly. “I was so happy when your father said he found you.”

  The conversation was somewhat awkward after that. She told me she had stayed connected with most of my friends’ parents in hopes that one day I would return. According to Mona, they had all been excited to learn I was visiting. She went on to explain that she had set up a gala, a reunion of sorts, to be held at the manor. Everyone would be there, and she told me that I must look the part. Adam sat next to me his eyes locked with the city skyline. This had not been part of the plan, and I was sure my stepmother's requests were a bit much for him.

  When we arrived at the apartments, I was astonished. Yet again, my father had spared no expense when finding a place for us to stay. Personally, I would have been fine in a hotel, but I feel they had no idea how long our mission would take. The chauffeur opened the trunk and took out our bags, setting them on the curb. Mona exited the limo and stood next to us, grinning.

  “I would come up with you, but I have a feeling you are going to love it. I will call you in the morning and see how you slept.” She reached out and touched my hair, making a sour face. “I will also make an appointment with a stylist, and we will have a girls’ day.”

  “That sounds like a plan.” I attempted to sound excited. The last thing I wanted was some unknown person running their fingers through my hair.

  We all shared a moment of silence before Mona spoke.

  “Oh, before I forget.” She dug in her purse and pulled out the apartment keys. “You are on the fourth floor, four twenty-three is your apartment number. You two have a great night.” With one last hug, Mona got back into the limo.

  Adam grabbed my carry-on and his backpack, and we entered the building. My breath caught in my throat the moment we stepped into the lobby. I had never lived anywhere so luxurious. Even the house in Harrisville was nothing compared to this beauty. I had to stop myself from gasping as men and women in tailored suits walked past us with disgust.

  We proceeded into the elevator and punched the button for the fourth floor. When we got out, we followed the long corridor to the apartment number. Adam carefully unlocked the door, and we walked in, both of us gasping for air. The place was stunning. Marble flooring, plush carpeting, track lighting, and furniture in a deep crimson red. We had walked into a work of art!

  “I will say this for your father; he has taste.” Adam put my bag down and grabbed me around the waist. “This place is magnificent.” He pressed his lips to mine, and everything around me melted into nothing.

  ****

  “When did you want to head out?” Adam asked as he rummaged through the extensively stocked refrigerator.

  “Nick mentioned she works at a tattoo parlor in Deep Ellum. I thought we could start with the closest parlor and work our way further out.” I had changed clothes and pulled my hair back into a neat ponytail.

  “Are you thinking about getting some ink?” Adam looked overjoyed as he pulled out the high-priced meats and cheeses and began making himself a sandwich.

  “I don’t know. What about you?” I eyed him. I had never thought about getting a tattoo before. Girls my age often struggled with the thought, but I had been so busy it had never occurred to me. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to get a mark, something that distinguished me from the others.

  “I was thinking, maybe the element signs on my back.” He took a seat on the couch, balancing the plate on his knee

  “You are getting into this, aren’t you?” I poked him, and he glanced at me with a half-smile on his face.

  Adam winked and then shoved the sandwich in his mouth. “Where is the closest place to here?”

  “It’s about a mile away; we can walk there.”

  He nodded his head and shrugged his shoulders.

  “I said I wasn’t going to ask, but what happened before we came here?” Adam raised his eyebrows, awaiting the answer.

  “Well, it’s pretty cool actually.” I started fidgeting. “You were chosen for a
tremendous job.”

  “Chosen by who?”

  “Heaven, apparently.” The conversation was taking a turn. I could feel the prickles traveling up my spine. I had no idea what I was supposed to tell him. Was any of this a secret?

  “Huh?” He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

  “You see, there are humans that fit into this whole biblical thing. When Heaven finds someone worthy of a quest of some sort, they grant them these powers.” I watched as his eyes lit up.

  “Do I have super speed? Sonic hearing? The ability to swing from buildings using spider webs?” There was an excitement to his voice that was making me want to laugh.

  “No, silly. Ramiel said it would make you faster, stronger, and more agile; but you are still human.” I leaned my head back and looked up at the ceiling. “He also said if for any reason, you feel that you cannot live up to the expectations, then you can always give it back.”

  “I don’t even know what it is! Why would I want to give it back without trying it first?” He laughed, stuffing the last bite of the sandwich in his mouth, and getting up to put the plate in the dishwasher.

  “Well, I don’t know what it did for you. I didn’t notice any changes.” I stood up and looked at the clock on the wall. It was nearing eight. If we were going to do this, we needed to get going. “You ready?” I grabbed my debit card and ID, stuffing them in the side of my bra.

  Adam looked at me like I lost my mind. “You could have given them to me. I would have carried them for you.”

  “It’s cool. At least one of us won’t get pickpocketed.” I stood up on my tiptoes and kissed him on his cheek.

  He ran his fingers softly down my cheeks.

  “Are we going to try this couple thing?” he suddenly asked, looking at me, confused.

  “If you want.” I raised an eyebrow. I had thought he would be into the idea. Now he seemed resistant to look at me. Was there something wrong with me?

  “Dawn, I know I said we needed to talk about this, but do we know what we are doing?” He stepped away from me and toward the entryway.

  “No, and I think that is what makes this so amazing,” I sighed. Was he having second thoughts?