Page 49 of Wings of Strife
The clock on the far wall tells me he’s home earlier than expected, and unless the time is wrong, I’m damn near late for my shift at the guild. I hand her the knife she’d imbued and say, “Tuck that away where he can’t see. Looks like we lost track of time, and I need to leave for the guild. I’ll drop you off at your parents’ place first, though.”
Her anger falls away as she looks at me. “Are you sure? I don’t want you to get in trouble.”
“Don’t worry about me. Your safety is more important. Unfortunately, I don’t think we’re getting out of here without at least an introduction. Think you can handle that?”
She drops her face into her hands and sighs before straightening. It’s a little terrifying how easily she puts on a mask of indifference, but I can’t deny it’ll serve her now.
We exit the workshop and find Dad in the kitchen making a sandwich. He doesn’t turn to us right away. “Ah, sorry about that back there. I didn’t realize Zeke had anyone over.”
“We’re sorry too. I didn’t think you’d be home this early. Dad, this is my friend Hayliel. Hayliel, this is my dad, Kirach.”
“Girlfriend, actually,” Hayliel says, and I damn near choke on air. “It’s nice to meet you, though I wish it were under less awkward circumstances.” She blushes, and it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.
I can’t say I don’t love the sound of it. Her as mine.
“Girlfriend, huh? I didn’t know you had one of those.” Dad shoots me a soft smile. “I’d love to get to know the girl who finally caught my son’s eye, if you have some time?”
I cough. “I’m actually late for a shift, and Hayliel has to get to her parents’.”
“But another time, for sure,” Hayliel adds, making my dad smile.
“I’d like that. It was nice to meet you, young lady. Son, I’d like to chat with you once you’re finished at the guild, if you don’t mind.”
“You got it,” I tell him, pulling Hayliel back out the front door. “Talk later!”
Then we take off in the sky, with mygirlfriendgiggling uncontrollably.
21
Mom’s reaction to my unexpected visit is exactly what I hoped for. I probably should have let them know I was stopping by, but I kind of wanted to catch them unawares. There’s so much happening over here, and I wouldn’t put it past them trying to hide the worst of it from me. Showing up without warning them first ensures they couldn’t pull something like that.
I trust them. But I also know them enough to understand just how much they want to shield me. It comes from a place of love, so I suppose I can’t be too upset. Besides, it’s not as if I can really judge them when I’m withholding information, too. Someday I’ll tell them I’m a Seraphim. Maybe even soon, if I can get a firm handle on this power.
Dad isn’t home yet, but Mom assures me he’s on his way while we sit and gab over a slice of pecan pie. It’s absolute heaven. I wonder if Mom would consider selling her baked goods to the Sinful Cafe or even any of the bookshops in the other districts. Given the recent issues with Fallen though, I doubt any of the Pure owned shops would consider doing business with her. Their loss.
“So, where’s that boyfriend of yours? I hope we didn’t scare him off too bad,” Mom says, jolting me out of my thoughts.
“No, not yet anyway. He dropped me off but was late for a shift at the guild, otherwise I know he’d have come in to say hi.” We’ve lied to both of our parents now about the aspect of our relationship. I don’t know what it was that propelled me to tell Zeke’s father that I was his girlfriend. Maybe it’s because that’s the lie we told my parents, or that I didn’t want him to think I was just some random angel putting out for his son.
Isn’t that exactly what you were doing?The snarky voice inside my head asks, but I smother her down and focus back on Mom.
“He’s a gentleman, that one. I’m glad you have someone that looks out for you, Haylie-bear.”
“Me too,” I tell her, taking way too big of a bite of pie just to keep from talking.
What would have happened if Zeke’s dad hadn’t walked in? Would we have taken things further?
Who am I kidding? Of course we would have. I’m so fucking conflicted. In the moment, being with Zeke felt right, but now that I’m back in reality, I don’t understand how it could feel that way, knowing everything I have with Raph and Theo. Not that we’ve labeled anything, but still. I betrayed them, and now my actions might ruin it all.
“Is everything alright?” Mom asks, concern lining the delicate features of her face.
Shit. I stuff everything about Raphael, Theo, Zeke, and my indiscretions into a crate in my mind and tape it shut. I can mull over it all later, but now isn’t the time.
“Sorry, Mom. I’m good.” I’m preparing to ask about how their telepathy training is going when the front door opens and Dad calls out.
“I’m home! Is she still here?”
“As if I’d leave without seeing you,” I tell him, standing to receive one of his infamous bear hugs.
