Chapter 57-2

Axel held up his hand. "Listen Lonny--" My temper flared. "No you listen. I freed him. He’s not under any ones hold or arrest." "He goes back under the hold he was in before he was bound to you. Now due to the circumstances, he needs another tribunal. His good deeds and bad deeds will be judged and that will decide his freedom." I was beginning to see red. "This is--!!" "Stop." Everyone turned their attention to Gabriel. Tears were threatening to spill and I was gritting my teeth hard to prevent it. "Gabriel..." His bright blue eyes glanced at me but settled on Axel. "I don't have much of a choice do I?" For the first time ever, I saw Axel's face show emotion. He frowned and looked down at his feet. "I'm sorry but no." My breaths came out choppy and fast. My heart was slowly breaking as I watched Gabriel walk back to the guards. Why wouldn't he look at me? Why wouldn't he at least say goodbye. I was trying to read his mind. Trying to get something from him but he was reserved. I started shaking my head. This wasn't how it was going to end. "Wait." I said sternly. They all turned to me. "I have a request." Leo and Axel exchanged a look. "Please just give me twelve hours with him. Please." I begged. "Grant me time with him. Taking him away from me so suddenly isn't fair on either of us." My voice shook and I cursed myself. I wanted to appear strong. Gabriel wasn't looking at me at all as I said this. There was a long pause between Axel and Leo. Nobody spoke not even the Demons. Brooke, Ezekiel and Aira stepped forward gaining everyone’s attention. "You have until sun rise." Aira said. I exhaled sharply. "That's seven thirty." Ezekiel grabbed his sister’s hand. "Then you have seven and a half hours. That is all we can grant you, Lonny." He glanced at Gabriel and sighed. "Come everyone. There is nothing more for us here." Most Angels flew away along with the Demons. The only ones left were the family, Bonnie, Cameron and Jay. Tristan came to hug me first. He wrapped me up in his large arms and lifted me off the ground then Joe and then Liz. None of them mentioned the events that forced me to hurt them. But hey I guess that's what family does. Accept my effed up ways and forget. Love me for what I am. I turned to Maryanne and opened my mouth. She held up her hand to silence me, smiled and shook her head. Over the past few months I'd never believe Maryanne would ever forgive me. Ever. And after what I said to her earlier about Jasper I'd believe she'd want to murder me. And in truth she probably did. She stepped back and started into the trees without sparing me another look. I can't win with her. But if I was in her position I couldn't blame her for not forgiving me for anything. The family left without a word. I walked up to Jay with a frown. "I thought I told you to leave." I gave Bonnie a disapproving look. She smirked showing a dimple in her right cheek. "Well, it was a once in a millennium opportunity." She winked. "Can you take him home and dear Jesus please reassure his family that everything is fine. Erase what's necessary." Standing in front of her now, she was maybe an inch shorter than me. Bonnie was beyond stunning. And I know she had a beautiful personality. She let go of Jay's hand and stepped forward with open arms. I wrapped my arms around her and smiled. She was so huggable and warm. "Thank you for staying with me, Bonnie. I know you had to keep an eye on Jay but I'm grateful." "You've looked out for Jay through the years and I'M grateful. Thank you. It's hard to be a guardian when you're supposed to be in the dark. It was easy for Gabriel this time around because he broke the rules. Plus, I'm usually a good girl." I stepped back and smiled at her. "Of course you are. How old are you again?" "Appearance wise I'm nineteen. Human years? I'm almost ninety-one. I'm still a new soul." I hugged Jay next and then lightly hit him. "You should have listened to me." He turned his soft gaze to Bonnie. "I couldn't help it." I smiled at them both. Bonnie looked to Gabriel and then said, "I'll drop off some blankets in ten." I nodded and then I turned my body and full attention onto Gabriel. The guards beside him flew off into the sky. I started toward him with a one track mind. His eyes finally landed on me and my heart leapt into my throat. I've missed him so much. I glanced at Cam who was standing by a tree nearby. He nodded in my direction. I did falter in my footsteps for a second but decided I could talk to him later. He wasn't the one leaving in less than eight hours. Cam moved into the trees and disappeared. Bonnie and Jay had left as well. It was just Gabe and I left. I stopped in front of him. And he turned around and started into the forest. I followed suite matching his strides with mine and held onto the edge of Cam's t-shirt I was wearing. He stopped by a running stream and turned to me with an outstretched hand. I took it without a stagger. His eyes were guarded and I didn't like it. I didn't like how reserved he was being right now. The silence between us was filled with the rushing water and the sound of wildlife coming out from hiding. "You didn't know, Lex." I shook my head and shut my eyes. "I wouldn't have done it if I knew this would happen. We can run away, Gabriel. We can avoid it all. Hide from it all. I won't let them take you away from me." His cool hand stroked my face and tilted it upwards. I opened my eyes and stared into his gorgeous bright blue eyes. Eyes I wouldn't be able to see again... "Running won't do anything for either of us. They'd find us. They'd find you and then they'd find me." He stroked my cheeks. "I know you only meant well honey but you can't change this." The tears I was so desperately holding back spilled over. "I have to try, Gabriel. I'm finally free of all of this and I wanted you to be with me. I wanted us to be together." He rested his forehead against mine and inhaled deeply. "The only thing you can do for me now..." He paused and inhaled two shaky breaths. "Is be there for my tribunal." His voice trembled. He couldn't lose it. If he lost it that meant there is no hope left at all. That meant that this is it. The last time I'd see him until... Until... His lips pressed to my forehead and I felt a drop of moisture hit my face. That's when I realized it was a tear. His tears. Something hit me in the back and I turned around to see two dark brown blankets. I couldn't see Bonnie but I heard her small giggle. I put my hand on the wet floor and picked up the blankets in my other. I heated the ground for a few moments and waited for it to dry.