Free Your Guardian Angel (The Guardian Angel Series Book 1) by Skyla Madi

help but to shed a tear as my emotions set in. Even my long black hair seemed more ‘alive.’ It flowed in waves, adorning my new glowing, porcelain-like skin. I rubbed my fingers over my teeth… no fangs. I was no longer a vampire. Never again would I crave blood every second of every day, suck blood from a bag, or pierce the flesh of a human. I'd have a normal life, a life where the only things I'll ever need to worry about would be sleeping or boys or food.
    My body began to shake and a lump formed in my throat. I tried to fight back the tears that pushed against my eyes but I couldn't. Tears poured down my face, so clear and perfect. I don't know whether I'm happy or sad, maybe both. I’m happy I’m no longer a monster, but at the same time, I'm sad that I was lucky enough to get a second chance and my mother wasn't.
    I leaned against the wall and slid down to the ground, angry at myself for this imbecilic reaction. Drawing up my knees, I rested my forehead on them. I felt the cool tiles against my skin; my body went into shock and suddenly everything overwhelmed me. I didn’t want to do anything but curl up into a ball on the cold tiled floor. It seemed that not long ago I was in more pain than anything I’d ever experienced; now, I’m normal, I should be happy… but I don’t know how I feel.
    “Ruby?”
    A deep, calming voice echoed through the bathroom. It was Eli. I didn't open my eyes to look at him; I probably couldn’t if I tried. His crisp aftershave and clean sweat wafted into my nose as he sat next to me, not saying a word, just providing company. He still smelt amazing even now that I couldn’t smell his blood. I waited until the tears slowed before I leant my head against the wall next to him.
    “How long was I asleep?” I sniffled.
    “Twelve hours.” His lips arched with a trace of a smile, and my eyes were drawn to his lips.
    My heart pounded, he has such a sweet smile.
    “How are you feeling?” he asked softly.
    “Sore, overwhelmed, hungry, I think…” I wasn’t sure if it was hunger or nausea. I had forgotten what being hungry with a normal digestive system felt like.
    “Hungry? Why didn't you say so?” Mila’s cheerful face peered into the bathroom. “I actually planned a picnic for us in the clearing not far from here; there’s a waterfall and everything!”
    “Mila, I think we should give Ruby some time to adapt to everything,” Eli replied.
    “No, it sounds great,” I blurted. “I want to go outside.”
    His green gaze held mine and his lips formed an impassive line. He was not happy with my decision.
    “Are you sure?”
    “I feel like I need to get some air.”
    His eyes searched mine, looking for something. Eli exhaled as he stood up. “Okay, we’ll leave when you’re ready.”
    I sighed in relief; I didn't really want to go out but I needed a distraction. I just wanted to forget about what happened to me for the time being.
    The shower was a godsend. The hot water rolled down the back of my neck and trailed down my spine. The cool air clung to my body when I opened the shower door and stepped out. It was strange, feeling all these new sensations that weren’t actually new. All these new feelings reminded me that I was alive, that I was me again.
    Slight panic washed over me when I realized I hadn’t brought any fresh clothes in.
    “Thank god.” I exhaled when I saw a new shelf had been attached to the wall.
    Amongst the underwear and jeans that were stacked on the shelf there was a very pretty white summer dress, perfect for a picnic and catching some sun.
     
    When I was a vampire, I would apply make-up so I could look more ‘alive’ and less, well, dead. Today, I didn't have to put any make-up on, my dark lashes and once again full red lips had already given me that natural beauty look. I grasped the handle of the bathroom door and drew in a big breath before walking into a room full of people. Whatever the discussions in the room were, it went silent as