Page 146 of Lucky In Love

Pulling back her wings, they were once again in his living room. He set the horseshoes down on his coffee table and turned to Angela, but she was already gone.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have taken so long to find them. We had no time together and I wanted an intimate moment with you. We will have to make the most of the time we have left when you awaken. Good night, my sweet angel.”

At work, he thought about everything Angela had told him over the last few days. It had not even been a week since he’d met her, but he’d fallen for her. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for her, no matter the cost it might be to him. After extensive consideration, he began making some phone calls and prepared a few things he knew he not only needed but wanted to do.

Soon, nightfall would be here. Watching the sun get lower into the horizon, he suddenly saw the statue become the beautiful woman he’d grown to care for very much. Turning from the window, he greeted her, “Good evening.”

“Good evening. Shall we go and complete your punishment?”

“Not yet. I wonder what will happen to you once I do so. Will I ever see you again?”

Angela thought about it for a moment before her eyes met his. “I don’t think so. This will probably be our last night together.”

Byron took four steps and gathered her into his arms, her feathers, tickling his arms with their softness.

“I don’t want to accept that.”

“It’s the way of the world. You have your curse; and I have mine. I assume when you’re safe, I will no longer be needed and, will not return to you.”

“Then stay with me. Forget about the fairies. I would rather have my nights with you than be good with the fae and not have you in my life.”

“No. I wouldn’t be doing my job if that were the case,” Angela tucked her wings into her body. However, let us have these last few hours together before I bring you to the fairies in time to meet your deadline.”

Staring deep into her eyes, he gave it a moment, thinking about never seeing her again. If they only had this night, he’d make sure it was one they both would remember.

Chapter Thirteen

They stood outside of the fairy ring, horseshoes in hand. Byron was about to lay them on the wall when Angela stopped him. “We need to bring the last of your tribute to them personally. Are you ready?”

“Yes,” Byron lied, knowing.

Wrapping her wings around him, she kissed him softly.

To him, it felt like a goodbye kiss, and he knew that once this was over, she’d have no reason to protect him further. From what she’d told him, he wouldn’t see her in this form again.

Angela opened her wings, and they were inside the fairy ring, beside the grove that had haunted Byron through many of his nightmares.

Ruune stepped forward, holding his hand out for the horseshoes.

Gem, Amber, and Spritz watched. Ruune then handed the horseshoes to the three of them. The horseshoes dematerialized from their hands as they began to move around the couple, circling them.

Angela, who remained slightly behind Byron in a guardian stance, became more defensive as the others took up their positions, her wings arching slightly, ready to swat away any who came too close.

“He’s not done,” Spritz commented matter-of-factly.

“He’s outta time,” Amber’s iridescent wings flapped slightly.

Angela peered at Byron quizzically. She was under the impression all the tasks had been completed. Had they wasted precious time focused on each other, they neglected to fulfill all the fae’s requirements?

“I know, I know. I have one more act of kindness to perform,” Byron stepped away from Angela and closer to Ruune, who seemed to be in charge.

“The curse remains,” Ruune nodded decisively.

“Wait,” Byron held his hands up in surrender. “I planned on my final act of kindness to be done here.”

Ruune tilted his head questioningly as he waited for Byron to explain.

“My kindness is also to ask for a favor.” Byron took another step forward as Angela looked confused. Asking for help or favors from the fae usually didn’t end well.

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