Fate (Drift Series Book 4) Read Free Page B

baby.” She greeted me with a weakened smile as she coughed through her hand covered mouth.
    “Hey,” I reached out and rubbed her cheek which seemed to make her go into a coughing spree, causing me to recoil my hand, “I know you don’t feel well. Do you have a minute?”
    “Of course,” she murmured, reaching over to grab a blanket to wrap herself in as she stepped outside to sit on one of her front porch chairs. She fell into it like a sack of rocks, sighing as her butt hit the seat.
    “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.” I stood over her.
    She reached up and grabbed my ice cold hand within hers.
    “At least my temperature finally matches yours now.” She tried to joke, but I could only feel shame at what my presence was causing.
    “You know what’s causing this…right?” I asked.
    “Yes…yes I do.” Her head sunk.
    “You know that I must leave for a while so everyone can get better, right?”
    “I know.” Her hand squeezed mine before going limp and falling upon her knee.
    “Are you going to go all over the world again?” She couldn’t raise her sagging head to even address me. Not because she may have been sad, but I think more because she was too weak to lift it.
    “No,” I answered and then her head lifted, “I’m going to my spot. I’m not going anywhere. Sure, I may get restless and go for a short flight, but I’m staying home, near you. War can come to me. I’m tired of trying to stop the flow of evil all by myself while Argento sits idly by and does nothing. I’m not playing Christian’s sick game anymore either. The planet is no longer my concern. Only you, those we care about, and our home here is all I’ll fight to defend now. I’m done being their play-toy”.
    “That’s good. I like knowing you’re nearby. The world around us may be in disarray, but somehow it seems all the more safe when you’re close.”
    I smiled and leaned down, kissing her forehead.
    She cracked a half grin and closed her eyes.
    “With that said, don’t you think the events going on around the world will eventually spill over into Mountainside?”
    “I’m sure it will, and I’ll be ready when it does. I just can’t keep running all over the place while Christian formulates whatever plan he has in store for me. I’m getting no help from the other side, therefore, I will not aid them anymore.”
    “When will you be back…well, back enough to see me?” She pulled her weakened hand up to the back of my neck and held my cheek to her head.
    “When your strength returns, your full strength, call me.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out a cell phone.
    She snickered and I joined in as well. “I’m so glad you’ve had a cell phone for a while now.”
    “Remember, because you don’t see me, doesn’t mean I’m not within reach.” I leaned away from her and helped her stand up.
    We stood and embraced for a while. I could feel the sickness within her body making her tremble within my grasp.
    “I wish you could pull out your wings and wrap them around me right now and just hold me forever.”
    I didn’t say anything, I just held her tighter to me.
    “I will see you soon. I promise, if all signs point back to everyone regaining their health, I will be back for the wedding.”
    “And if we don’t get healthy in time?”
    “Then push back the date, silly.” I tried to comfort her.
    We both smiled and softly kissed.
    “Everything will be fine. Just get better. The wedding will happen.” I reassured.
    She didn’t reply and we broke our embrace and I watched her hobble to her front door and open it.
    “Leo, how can we live together if this is always going to be the norm when I’m around you…never mind, forget about that. I know we can find a way.” She answered her own valid concern.
    I just smiled. “Hey babe, don’t let everyone know that I’m the cause of this, please? Keep that secret between us. Not that you would tell them. I just don’t want their worries to heighten even more