Chapter 29
Cain
Icould live in thismoment forever.
Phoebe waved a French fry in the air and continued a story about the time she and her friend, Tara, snuck out during a sleepover and were caught by Phoebe’s mom. Her eyes twinkled, and those enticing lips curved upward. My heart had never felt lighter, less burdened.
Maybe she and I could run away and make a new life together.
It was a stupid, ridiculous thought. Lucian would be able to find me anywhere in the world. The power he’d granted also bonded my life to his, and if he felt like yanking on it to test my resistance, there would be nothing I could do.
Plus, Phoebe—as lovely and perfect as she was—wasn’t my endgame.
Wings, Cain, remember? That’s the whole purpose for this excursion.
Somehow, though, the lines had crossed and grown farther and farther apart.DidI truly want to be a Chosen? It would mean giving up something I’d begun to treasure more than anything.
Vengeance would mean sacrificing something irreplaceable, something precious.
Phoebe glanced at her phone. “Wow. Didn’t realize how long we’ve been here. Mom’s getting worried.” She wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Do you mind if we head to my house? She gets a little antsy when I’m gone for very long. I think she forgets I’m a grown adult.”
“It’s understandable. She’s afraid of losing you, too. And of course, I don’t mind.” I wasn’t sure how I felt about meeting Phoebe’s mother, but if it meant staying in her lovely daughter’s presence a bit longer, I’d do whatever Phoebe asked.
“Great.” Standing, she scooped our empty containers onto the tray. “I don’t want to make her worry. She and I only have each other.”
“Well, you’ve got me now.” I followed her to the trashcan. What kind of nonsense was I spouting? The pull of Lucian’s call deepened, thrumming in my bones, reminding me of my mission which I’d been able to forget for a while.How can I get myself out of this mess?
After she’d emptied the tray and set it on top of the trash, I moved next to her, allowing only a breath of space between our bodies, hoping she’d reach out and touch me again. The need to feel her flesh on mine was almost as desperate as the obedience command.
Reaching toward her hand swinging at her side as we walked, I let my fingertips ghost across her soft arm. Even that wispy contact settled my nerves.
She didn’t seem to notice the touch because she didn’t make a move to take my hand into hers like before. Instead, she strolled alongside me quietly, as if in deep thought.
Walking with her was enough for now. It had to be, or I’d be in danger of completely losing sight of my lifetime goal.
I’ll have time to figure it out tonight.The deadline wouldn’t be up until tomorrow evening, and meditating tonight would open a clear path for me to take.I hope.
