Free Hidden Wings by Cameo Renae

that began to sting my eyes.
    “I’m so sorry for your loss, Emma. I cannot begin to imagine the pain you are going through, but I can promise you this…I will always be here for you. You are my blood and my last living relative. We will get through this together,” she promised, leaning in gently caressing my face. Then she hugged me again tightly, stroking my hair. I hugged her back and sobbed. “It’s alright sweetheart.”
    It was strange how oddly familiar she felt, like I’d known her all my life. Maybe it was because she reminded me so much of my mother.
    “It’s very late. I think you should get some sleep. We will talk in the morning,” she said softly. “Henry, could you please escort Emma to her room? She must be exhausted,” Alaine asked in a soft voice. I glanced over to a large, grandfather clock standing against the wall. It was after midnight. That would explain why she didn’t want to talk tonight.
    “Yes, madam,” Henry replied with a bow of his head.
    “Kade, could you please assist Henry, and take Emma’s luggage to her room?”
    “Of course,” Kade chimed, swiping my carry-on from Malachi’s hand, and slinging it over his shoulder. My suitcase was already gripped in his other hand.
    “And after that, I would like to see you both in my study,” she said looking between Malachi and Kade. They quickly glanced at each other with a look of… Oh hell! We’re in trouble!
    “Emma, I hope you find your room accommodating. If you need anything, please let Henry know.”
    “I will. Thank you,” I answered.
    I guess I’d have to wait for answers until tomorrow. It was much too late and I could tell she was tired. I’d leave Kade and Malachi to tell her about my near-death experience, and the creature that almost killed me. I think we all had enough drama for tonight. I felt safe here. Like nothing could get me within the confines of this house, especially with Kade and Malachi nearby.
    “This way, Emma,” Henry announced, leading me up the stairway. We walked to the third level and took a left, down another hallway. He stopped at the first door on the right, swung it open, and flicked on the light. “After you,” he said motioning me to enter.
    The room was large, almost the size of my mom and dad’s master suite, and the first thing that hit me were the colors… they reminded me of my room back in California. The setup was almost exact too. It wasn’t over the top, like the rest of the house. It was just… normal. The queen sized bed was covered with a fluffy, chocolate-brown bedspread, and the many different shapes and sizes of throw pillows were all welcoming me to jump in.
    The furniture was a light blonde wood which made the room feel warm. There was also an attached bathroom, decorated in the same bright colors, and a large walk-in closet. Maybe I spoke too soon. This room was amazing.
    “This is all mine?” I asked.
    “Yes, Emma. Your aunt decorated it herself.”
    “Wow. It’s…it’s amazing.”
    Kade bounded in behind me, laid my suitcase on the floor next to the bed, and handed me my carry-on.
    “Hey. Thanks… for everything,” I said thankfully. I didn’t want to say anything more because Henry was in the room. I wanted to thank him personally for saving my life, but I guess that too would have to wait.
    “No problem. So, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow,” he muttered, his head slightly tilting to the side.
    “I guess,” I said, shrugging my shoulders.
    “Oh, you will,” he laughed. “I’d better get going. Have a good night’s sleep, Emma,” he said, lightly brushing my hand with his fingertips. I gasped, trying to catch my breath as the tingles surged through my arm.
    Dang him!
    I heard him chuckle as he left the room. What was I going to do with him? I’d have to wear gloves and a body suit with him around.
    Before Henry left, he made sure I knew where the kitchen was - first floor, take a left, and go all the way to the back. Simple enough, but