He seemed to read my thoughts.
“I won’t apologize to you again, Abby. I know I effed up, as Lucy would put it.” He looked so serious, his eyes almost black. “I want to show you ... no, I need to show you what you mean to me. You can’t possibly understand. You’ve not grown up as a Walker. You’ve not spent hundreds of years searching. You’re the light to my darkness.” He finally took a step closer. “I never thought I would find you. I hoped, of course, but my life hasn’t led me down the road of gracious gifts. And you ... with your beauty, your strength, you’re the most gracious gift I could ever have hoped for.”
Again, it was as if he had a direct link to my mind, as if he plucked out the most perfect words that anyone could hear. I wanted to bawl my damn eyes out or fall at his feet and beg him to love me forever. But the burning in my heart reminded me of one thing: I had responsibilities, big ones.
I’d continue to be hunted and hurt and would probably die in a huge fiery war at the end. And right now, with all my anger, I needed to step away from the intensity that was Brace. But I knew, without any doubt, that it was going to be agony to not have him close by. My soul felt him now, and it wanted him by its side forever. Maybe I just needed some time. Time to finish my mission, and deal with all the crap that was my life.
“I can’t say I understand why you lied to me for so long. I really don’t. Maybe I wasn’t raised Walker, but I know the concept of right and wrong. And what you did was wrong.”
I turned away from him then; I would never be able to get these words out while I continued to drown in his beautiful, depthless eyes.
“My soul tells me that we’re mates. But my heart needs some time, Brace. I need some time to figure out who I am and to go on these missions. I have to find the halflings. There’s no other option.”
“I understand that. I would never ask you to stop being who you are, even though I want to wrap you up and never let anything touch you. Let me help you, Abby. We’re partners, and we’re stronger together.”
I shook my head in short stuttering motions. My heart ached. I was so afraid that because of me Brace would be hurt or killed. Yeah, he was Walker, but he could still be destroyed.
“I need you to leave, Brace. I need time to think about everything.”
I was surprised when a grin crossed his face. “I’ll be gone for a brief moment. I have a certain family member to confront. But I’ll be back. You can’t get rid of me that easily. I won’t leave you, Red. Not ever.”
And then he was standing before me. Reaching out, he pulled me hard. I landed against firm muscles, and then his lips were on mine. The kiss was scorching, burning me to the depths of my soul. Brace kissed as if there was nothing else in the world but me, as if I was the very substance he needed to exist.
I felt it then, that moment of pure unadulterated joy between us. Something changed; the ties cemented between us. In the way that I saw pink circling Josian and Lallielle, strands of gold, shining the brightest I had ever seen, surrounded Brace and me.
“I’ll leave you now, Red. But don’t get too comfortable without me.” He kissed me gently on the corners of my lips. “So soft and full, tempting me every day.” His expression was stoic as he visibly devoured me, like he was memorizing every tiny detail. “You have lips built for sin.”
Then, with another gentle caress, he walked out of the room.
I stood there for a moment, my finger tips touching the smoldering of my lips. I knew when his presence left the room, and then when he left First World.
My heart shattered, and my soul screamed. With a groan I dropped to my knees. The tears spilled over then. I wiped at them quickly, but they were flowing fast. I knew I’d done the right thing. Resting my face in my hands, I let the pain free. Barely holding back a scream, I sobbed out my heartache.
“Damn.”
The softly spoken word broke through my hurt. I’d been crouched on the floor for so long that my legs protested as I straightened to face Lucas.
“I’m sorry to intrude.” He looked uncomfortable. “It’s just for some reason I felt your pain, and it’s hard for me not to respond.”
Rubbing a hand over my hot, swollen face, I took a step back. My head was heavy, and I felt a little slow.
“How did you ... What is our connection?” I demanded.
He shrugged, his eyes tight. “You’re the chosen Empress of First World, Abby. I’m the chosen Emperor. We’re connected and have been since birth.”
My nose wrinkled as I attempted to digest his words. Was he still riding that gravy train?
“Lucas! I’m a Walker. I can’t be the Empress.”
“Abby!” He mimicked my tone. “You are half-Walker. Tell me why your First World side can’t be the Empress?”