Ancient Guardians: The Uninvited by S. L. Morgan Page B

with casual ease. “I guess all of my memories are coming back and hitting me all at once.” She shrugged, but the uneasy pain in her heart was still there.
    Elizabeth smiled and reached out, placing a caring hand over Reece’s. “Do not apologize, Reece.”
    The door to the carriage opened. “We’ll see you then, Harrison!” Levi called out, and then brought his attention to the ladies in the carriage. He glanced at Reece with an expression of sympathy and concern. He looked at Elizabeth, “I believe I will take this time to introduce Reece to the beauty of Pemdas’ shorelines,” his promising eyes returned to Reece’s as he extended his hand to her. “We will see all of you at the estate this evening.”
    Reece accepted Levi’s hand and let the beauty of his brilliant eyes ease her heartache. Having him in her life was so comforting, especially at a time like this. Before Reece could question what Levi was doing, he kindly guided her away from the carriage. The convoy was soon continuing its journey on the cobblestone roads, leaving Levi and Reece alone. Reece felt mildly embarrassed, wondering if she had caused a scene by becoming emotional in the carriage.
    Levi turned to face her, and tenderly brushed his thumb under her eye, capturing a stray tear. “Care to join me on a stroll along the shoreline?” he asked softly.
    This was exactly what she needed, and her heart swelled with love for this man. “I would like that, thank you.”
    Levi drew her arm up into his, and they strolled through the sandy banks and down toward the water. Reece, still somewhat frazzled by her unexpected emotions, remained quiet. She inhaled deeply of the salty air, enjoying the familiar fragrances of the beach. The warm breeze rushed through her hair and soothed her spirits even more. She leaned into Levi, absorbing everything she loved about this environment. “I haven’t gone back to the beach since my dad died.” Her eyes began burning again as she fought back the tears. “I was too afraid. There were too many memories of him there,” she said, as she glanced away from Levi and studied the glittery foam of the waves rushing into the shoreline.
    “You and your father were particularly close,” he said in his low, smooth voice. “I learned that very early when I was assigned as your Guardian.”
    Reece nodded, but couldn’t respond. Never once did she think that seeing a beach in Pemdas would resurrect these memories of her father. Now, here she was, an emotional wreck, and Levi was about to witness her having a total breakdown.
    They strolled silently together through the thick, powdery sand before Levi stopped and pulled Reece into a sturdy embrace. “I remember the first time we were assigned to guard you.” He placed a kiss on her forehead. “You had recently graduated high school, and I believe you were the first woman from Earth I had ever encountered who was distressed about the idea of leaving her home for college.” He laughed softly. “You and your father walked along the oceanfront, and he seemed to be the one begging you to leave and follow your dreams.”
    “That was one of the only arguments my dad and I ever got into.” Reece said as she looked up at Levi. “You were following me then?” she asked, intrigued by the idea that Levi was around at that time.
    “Yes,” he said, as he ran his hands along her back. “I thought it was admirable that your father encouraged you to pursue your goals, even though the last thing he wanted was your absence.”
    Tears formed in Reece’s eyes again. “I turned down that university—I couldn’t leave him, Levi.” Her eyes began throbbing and burning as she forcefully fought back her tears. “I might’ve been a baby, but I was all he had for family after my mother died.” She frowned, and then clung to Levi tighter, finding security in him. “So I decided to stay in San Diego for him; and how did he thank me?” She stepped back and stared intently out