Page 100 of Guarded
“I think it’s best if I leave.” I shot Atlas an apologetic smile. “Being here and reuniting with you made this trip worth it, but the rest of it?” I looked back at Lyle and grimaced. “It’s cost me more than I can admit. Lyle’s taken enough from me, and I’m reluctant to give him anything else.”
My voice shook at the end of my confession, and Jem slipped his hand into mine. He squeezed it reassuringly, reminding me that he was there.
“I’m happy to help from afar,” I said, my voice stronger now. “If you need advice or for me to carry out some research. But that’s all I’m prepared to do at this point.”
There. A clear, firm boundary. I’d actually done it.
Don’t get me wrong, I couldn’t have done it without Jem’s support, but I’d been the one to take the final step. To make that choice.
The weight lifted once more. I didn’t think it would return. Not because of Lyle, at least. And fuck, was that a relief.
Atlas smiled as he shook his head slowly. “I shouldn’t be happy that you’re leaving, but you know what? I am. I’m proud of you for putting yourself first, Noah. And I’m sorry I even asked in the first place. Jeremiah is right—you’ve done far more than anyone could reasonably expect. I apologise for putting you in this position.”
“It’s okay. I’m glad I helped.” Because I was. These past couple of weeks had been brutal, but they’d cleared things in my mind. Now, I knew there was nothing more important than being at Jem’s side. Not our fears. Our pasts didn’t matter either, just our future.
Together.
It was late by the time we landed on the grass outside the Seraphim compound. Despite being ready to leave, I’d still wanted to say goodbye to each member of Juniper.
I hadn’t had that chance before.
This time, I’d flown away secure in the knowledge that I would see them again. That we’d chat, be friends, and visit each other. It had finally filled the hole in me that had been there since I’d walked out on them.
Despite saying what I had, and meaning it, I’d asked Atlas to update me after the vampires left. Not because I gave a fuck about Lyle, but because I cared about everyone else. Juniper. The Seraphim. Jem.
Myself.
I needed to know if Lyle would return to his previous self. If he did, there was a chance he’d seek revenge for his downfall. For me having the audacity to fall for someone else. Not out of jealousy, but a misplaced sense of ownership. I wouldn’t put it past him to take it out on Jem, and that was something I wouldn’t allow. No fucking way.
So, I’d asked to be kept updated. Jeremiah might be hell-bent on protecting me, but he was crazy if he didn’t think I’d do the same for him.
I took his hand as we walked in silence towards the house, and as we did so, I put Lyle in the past where he belonged.
This was my home now. My safe space. My family. My future.
Lyle didn’t belong here. He didn’t get to taint any part of my new life.
Especially not anything between myself and Jem. My mate. The demon who’d discovered I’d stood him up for my ex and, instead of losing it, had seen the truth of the matter. Who’d seen me struggling and immediately stepped in to help. Who’d protected me. Who’d looked after me. Who’d encouraged me to put myself first.
He was right—there was no room between us for anyone else. I wasn’t about to let anyone try to force their way in. Jeremiah was my number one priority now. Our relationship came above everything else.
That should have scared me. I’d prioritised someone else’s feelings over my own before, only to end up burned. That wouldn’t happen with Jeremiah. He’d protect me from the flames with his own. I knew that without a shadow of a doubt.
Micah appeared as we stepped into the house, clearly prepared with questions. I raised the hand not holding Jem’s and shook my head. “Later. Please.”
Lyle never would’ve let me get away with making demands, but Micah was a very different kind of leader. He simply smiled kindly and stepped back to let us pass. “Take your time.”
We were halfway up the stairs when Nox appeared and called up after us, “I’ll pass out the earplugs.”
I snickered, but Jeremiah grumbled. Nox gave a sudden shout before the scent of smoke rose.
Brows raised, I glanced back over my shoulder. “Did you set him on fire?”
Jem smirked. “Just a little. He’s fine.”
Another voice joined the others as we hit the top of the staircase. “Oh for fuck’s sake. What’s going on now?”
Now I was the one smirking. The longer Sam lived with us, the more exasperated he became. “Oops. Looks like you’ve just landed your first lap tomorrow.”
