Page 24 of The Angel's Kiss
He must have seen the shift in my mood because he patted my shoulder. “I didn’t mean anything by it.”
“I know. It’s okay.”
He sighed then nodded. “Get the ring. It suits you.”
“I was going to anyway,” I said.
“In any case, I actually came here to give you this.” Darius rose and left, then returned moments later with a bag with a bow on it. He handed it to me. “Happy Birthday.”
I grinned from ear to ear, because it was the first physical gift I’d ever gotten since coming to the Guild. “What is it?”
“Open it and find out.” He motioned for me to do that.
I pulled a black box from the bag that had a red bow on it. I opened it and inside was a treasure chest of goodies. I saw car keys to a Mercedes, a black credit card, a cell phone, and keys to what might be an apartment. “Holy shit,” I gasped.
“Seriously?” Darius asked, one eyebrow cocked.
I grinned up at him. “Sorry about that. But you get me. This is amazing. Thank you.” I pulled the keys from the box. “Is this my car?”
He nodded. “You’ll find it in the garage.”
“Are these keys to my new home?” I asked, holding up the other set.
“Yes, but it will be warded off. You must remain protected. The only demon who will have access is your Champion.”
“Where is it?”
“It’s in Chicago, where you grew up. One of those high rises downtown.”
My grin got wider, because I missed my home city. To know I was about to return there was the best birthday gift ever. “I thought I’d be living here.”
“You’re immortal now, Rai. That sensation you experienced was more than you gaining your ability to command your Champion. You have been fully Awakened. This Guild will now be for Guards only. You are the last Guardian born.”
“Does that mean you’ll be leaving here?” I asked.
Darius shook his head. “I live here, so I will continue my job as Headmaster. It’s important that new Guards are brought in and properly trained. Their jobs are risky, and unfortunately, we suffer great losses. Demons are always up to something and humans are as well. Both Guardians and Guards must always be on the alert.”
“What about your Guardian duties?” I asked. “I know it was important for you to be here to guide me, but I’m leaving.”
“Make no mistake, I have never ignored my duties. Being the eldest, I am a source of guidance and information for everyone, so I must be where I can be found,” Darius said.
“Unless you’re kicking demon ass,” I added.
He chuckled and nodded. “Very true.”
“Okay, I understand.” I looked back into the box and removed the card. “What’s the limit?”
He smirked. “Don’t get too crazy with it. That’s the limit. Enjoy your life.”
“Do I have to pay the money back?”
He shook his head. “No. Our jobs are our destinies. Income comes from those whom we protect. Just don’t get ridiculous.”
“You’re no fun,” I said with a smirk.
He looked at me and smiled. “You’ve come a long way, Rai, and I’m proud of you. Every hurdle, you leaped over it. You overcame immense sadness and loss to rise to greater heights. Never forget that.”
The memory of the family I had to let go flashed in my mind and I felt the sting of that loss in my chest. I knew they were safe and that was what mattered. I nodded. “Thank you, sir.”
