Redemption by Randi Cooley Wilson Page B

Asher,” the archangel challenges.
    “Would your assessment of my relationship
with Asher happen to be one of the reasons you and the council
removed him as my protector?” I cleverly remark. Real mature
Eve.
    The nerve-racking warrior of Heaven moves to
the edge of the couch, holding my gaze. “I had nothing to do with
Asher’s dismissal of your protection. That was a Royal Gargoyle
Council decision. The Angelic Council does not get involved with
supernatural tribunals.”
    “However, it’s okay to be involved with
every other aspect of my relationship with Asher?” I snap.
    “That is enough, Eve,” my aunt warns.
    I’m still agitated. “Aunt Elizabeth, I was
under the impression my homecoming was to see you and spend time
with, you. If Michael wants to antagonize me, then he can do it
during normal training hours instead of under the pretenses of a
visit home.”
    “Daughter of Heaven or not, I will not allow
you to speak to Libby in that manner,” Michael cautions, standing
and stepping protectively in front of my shocked aunt.
    I bark a laugh. “I’m sorry, who appointed
you my parental guardian? I think I have a solid enough
understanding of how your world works now. You taking me from my
dead parents and handing me over to someone who pretended to be my
blood relative does not merit a scolding from you on appropriate
familial behavior.”
    “Love.” Gage’s voice is quiet, but firm.
    The archangel just studies me and swallows,
unsure of how to continue to address me.
    “I need some air. If you’ll excuse me.” I
head upstairs to my room.
    I reach the middle step when I hear my
aunt’s concerned voice. “Perhaps I should go and check on her?”
    “Elizabeth, the stress on her protector bond
with Asher is causing her to be highly emotional and slightly
volatile. Let her cool off. Give her some room to breathe,” Gage
suggests.
    “Perhaps Mr. Gallagher is accurate. Libby,
let’s give Eve a moment to collect her emotions. Perchance, would
you like to join me on the beach for a walk?” Michael invites.
    “Fresh air would be lovely.” As soon as I
hear my aunt’s shaky voice, I’m crushed. I drop to the stair and
inhale. Shit. I need to get my temper under control. Damn
gargoyle bond.
    “They’re gone, love.” Gage’s voice drifts up
the stairwell.
    I look up to see him at the end of the
staircase. He tilts his head toward the front door.
    “Let’s go do something fun and normal. Want
to show me around the Vineyard?”
    We just watch one another for a moment
before I nod and make my way down the stairs. Once I hit the bottom
step, Gage extends his hand to me. My eyes shift between it and his
palpable stare. I’m unsure if I’m ready to take it. Am I ready
to allow Gage to be a part of my life ?
    I swallow hard while he patiently waits for
me to decide. After what feels like an eternity, I take the last
step and walk toward him slowly. I keep my focus on the rise and
fall of his chest with each breath he takes.
    Once I get close, I lift my gaze to his and
whisper, “I can’t.”
    He stares at me for a moment, lowering his
empty hand. He nods in understanding and walks out the front door,
holding it open for me to follow, and I do.
     
    ***
    Gage and I return a few hours later after
spending a really fun afternoon on Circuit Avenue, pretending to be
tourists. We ended up walking around in the whimsical shops,
grabbed ice cream at Mad Martha’s and he even allowed me to
buy him a t-shirt at Soft As A Grape , although it had to be
black. It was a perfectly normal day and exactly what I needed.
    “Eve, is that you?” my aunt questions from
the kitchen as we enter the living room.
    “Yeah, it’s us.” I shift my eyes to Gage. He
offers an encouraging smile.
    My aunt enters the living room, playing with
a light brown strand of her long hair that has escaped her
ponytail. She looks at me like she wants to say something, but
holds back.
    “I’m just going to run out to the porch for
a