Page 44 of Fated Angel
She looks up, already knowing the answer.
Colt gazes down at her, his eyes like melted chocolate—warm and delicious. It’s because of him, this demon of hers, that she’s facing the end of the world and her heart is smiling. They’re living proof that love defies boundaries. Heaven and Hell couldn’t keep them apart.
And now they’re going to be together forever.
With a squeal, Gabby launches herself into Colt’s arms. He clasps her to him, holding her tightly as their joint laughter dances around them.
“I love you, Colt,” Gabby whispers, angling her head up. “Always and forever.”
“And I love you,” he murmurs, bringing his mouth down onto hers.
Their kiss is light, yet Gabby’s never felt it deeper. The sweet warmth curls deep into her heart, her marrow, her soul. She wraps her arms even more tightly around his neck, wishing there was longer to revel in this moment.
But there’s not.
They step away, a decision settling around them. The Grigori must be finished. Once and for all.
Gabby’s cell chimes, the light sound weaving through the weight of what’s to come. She pulls it out of her pocket to hang up without answering, then registers who’s calling her.
Arielle.
Her cousin, who’s far more like a sister. They grew up together. Arielle is there in Gabby’s birthday photos, a permanent fixture in memories of bathtub antics, through to burning cookies in elementary school, then terrible makeup experiments in high school.
And if Gabby and Colt fail…
“Hey, Ari,” Gabby answers warmly, glancing at Colt. He nods in understanding, then makes his way back to Blaise and Sierra.
“Hi, Gabby. I just…wanted to check if you're okay?”
Gabby blinks. She opens her mouth to try and reassure her cousin everything’s fine, but finds she can’t. There are enough lies and secrets between them as it is. “Why? Has something happened to Mom?” she asks instead.
“No, nothing like that. I was just sitting here, studying, when I got a feeling…” She hesitates. “Then Trinity spoke to me, saying find the Light, like she did when we were kids.”
Gabby blinks again. Trinity was Arielle’s imaginary friend growing up. “Weird,” she breathes.
Arielle giggles, even if it sounds a little forced. “I know. Talk about a blast from the past. I probably had too much of Mom’s mac and cheese. ” She hesitates again. “But I just wanted to check in with you.”
“I’m fine, Ari,” Gabby says, giving her the only truth she can. “But I’m glad you rang. I love you.”
There’s a pause. “Are you sure everything’s okay, Gabby?”
“I’ve just got a lot on my plate,” she responds, proud her voice doesn’t waver. Is this the last time she’ll be speaking to her cousin? “And I wanted you to know.”
“I love you, too, Gabby.”
Gabby’s chest aches as she draws in a steadying breath. “And tell Trinity to mind her own business.”
Arielle huffs out a laugh. “I’ll lay off the mac and cheese.”
They hang up and Gabby looks up to find Colt watching her. She slips into his arms, resting her forehead on his chest.
She was just reminded of what they’re fighting for.
There’s a world to save.
One that contains everything she holds dear.
Gabby and Colt land among the forest beyond the academy silently and quickly tuck their wings in. The sound of shuffling feet whispers through the trees, telling them they’re not the first to arrive.