KAYLER
Mike's truck came to a stop, which seemed strange to me. He honked the horn as if someone was blocking his way. Carolina's mom got out of the car, and so did Mike. I feared the worst.
"Stay here, Kylie. I'll go see what's going on," I told her, and she nodded. I got out of the car and walked quickly toward Mike and Mrs. Lane. Carolina's car was parked halfway, with the driver's door open. I ran to check.
"What happened?" Mrs. Lane asked. "Where is Carolina?"
There was nothing inside the car; the front tire was flat. I felt afraid for her at that moment. Where did she go? What if someone did this on purpose? I took out my cellphone and called her, but there was no signal.
"Damn it!" I hit the car, denting it.
"Let's calm down and try not to think the worst," Mike said. "Let's go to Anne's house. Maybe she went on foot. We're not far."
"Whatever," I turned around and went back to my car, starting the engine and driving past them. I can't waste any more time; I have to know if Carolina is okay. It's not just her life at stake now but also my son's. I knew I had to be with her, not leave her alone for a minute, but my damn pride was stronger than me. It's my fault!
"What's wrong, Dad?" Kylie looked scared.
"Nothing, Kylie, calm down," I tried to stay calm for her, but it was inevitable. I drove as fast as I could until I reached Thomas's house. The lights were on, Anne and Thomas's cars were parked in front. "Come on, Kylie." I unbuckled her seatbelt and took her out of the car. I quickly walked toward the house and desperately rang the doorbell.
CAROLINA
Minutes earlier...
"Hmmm." I tried to free myself from the person who had a hold of me, but they were stronger.
"Shh, calm down," they whispered in my ear. "It's me." They slowly released their hand from my mouth, so I turned to see them.
"Gadreel!" I pushed him. "You have no idea how scared you made me."
"Sorry," he laughed. Gadreel was wearing a black jacket, dressed all in black. "I was passing by and saw you in trouble, so I wanted to know what was happening, that's all."
"The tire exploded," I replied. "These things always happen to me; it doesn't surprise me."
"It's not safe for you to be around here... not after what I found out."
I furrowed my brow. "What are you talking about?"
He hesitated to tell me, but Gadreel was never one to beat around the bush; he always told me things no matter how tough they were. He had always been like that since I met him.
"Piper found out that Kayler and Kylie are living with you. She got furious and is on her way. I think you've earned yourself a very powerful enemy this time."
I rolled my eyes. "It doesn't surprise me; I've dealt with her twin sister before, remember?"
"I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Paige," he replied. "Where were you headed?"
"To Anne's house; we have a dinner."
"Let's go then." He extended his hand. "Wait..." He took off his jacket, exposing his bare abdomen. At that moment, Gadreel unfolded his enormous and imposing black wings. It was something surreal, something so fantastic that I forgot what it's like to have a fallen angel in front of me. However, I know that fallen angels are supposed to be evil and filled with wickedness. But Gadreel was different.
"Your wings have always amazed me," I approached and raised my hands to touch them. They were soft, and it felt good to do so. Gadreel closed his eyes, seemingly enjoying the sensation where I touched him. It felt strange, and I felt the same way. I immediately withdrew my hand because it had become somewhat uncomfortable.
"Let's go," Gadreel took me in his arms, carrying me. I held onto his neck and let Gadreel lift us into the air. The cold air hit our bodies as we flew slightly above the pine trees. From up here, we could hardly see anything down below. When we arrived at Anne's house, we descended. I put my feet on the ground, and Gadreel folded his wings, putting his jacket back on. "There you go, miss," he smiled sideways.
"Thank you, I barely felt the journey. Flying is much faster than driving," I murmured.
"Yes, indeed."
"Gadreel, I'm sorry," I approached, remembering that he had to leave my house. "I truly am sorry."
"It's okay, no problem. Just because I don't live with you doesn't mean I won't be nearby," he playfully pinched my nose.
I smiled.
"Are you hungry?"
"Maybe."
"Let's go, Anne won't mind that I invited you. She likes you."
"I don't want to be a party pooper."
"You're not," I extended my hand for him to take. Gadreel hesitated for a few seconds but then nodded, took my hand, and we both headed inside. I rang the doorbell, and Anne opened it.
"Carolina... Gadreel, what a surprise to see you here," I told her.
"My car broke down in the middle of the road, and Gadreel rescued me. I invited him for dinner," I explained.
"You always have something like that happen to you," she chuckled. "And of course, you're welcome, Gadreel. It's good to see you again," they greeted each other with a warm hug.
"Likewise, Anne."
We entered the house, and Thomas was coming down the stairs. He didn't like seeing Gadreel here at all, but Anne gave him a warning look to keep him from saying anything.
"Carolina..." Thomas greeted me.
"Hello, Thomas," I returned the greeting. Perhaps we were still upset about the conversation we had a few days ago.
"No hard feelings," Thomas said. "I know you're a smart woman and will make the best decision."
"Of course. Mom and the others will be arriving soon," I informed them.
"Alright, let's head to the dining room," Thomas said, leading us to the elegantly arranged living room. There were candles, plenty of food, wine, and the dim yellow light created a cozy ambiance. Anne wore a white dress, short and slightly loose, with white high-heeled sandals, and her hair was down.
"Everything looks beautiful, Anne," I let her know. "And it all looks delicious."
She laughed nervously.
"I did the best I could."
Just then, the door was frantically knocked on. Anne looked bewildered and rushed to see who was knocking like that.
"Anne, where's Carolina? We found her abandoned car a few kilometers away," Kayler appeared in the living room with Kylie, holding her hand. He looked desperate, but as soon as he saw us, he froze. He looked scared and worried. "Oh... I guess she's okay," Kayler gave Gadreel a murderous look. "Very well."
"Kayler, what happened...?" Mom appeared behind them with Mike. "Carolina, Gadreel, I'm glad you're safe. You gave me quite a scare," she scolded.
"Gadreel rescued me," I replied.
"It's nice to see you again, Mrs. Lane."
"Likewise, dear," Mom came over to Gadreel and hugged him. "I'm glad you're here."
Mom has always liked Gadreel, but she knows that Kayler is the love of my life. She doesn't hate anyone.
"Let's sit down," Anne told us. I sat next to Gadreel, and Kayler sat next to me. I have both men sitting next to me. This is very uncomfortable. "I'll serve dinner."
"I'll help you," I told Anne, getting up and following her to the kitchen.