Lover Uncloaked (Stealth Guardians #1) - By Unknown Page 0,72

often with people who want to succeed, no price is too high.”

His words sunk deep into her, and she felt how they resonated with her. Would it be the same for her? Would she be willing to pay any price just to succeed and reach her goal? And what would she give up for it? Her soul?

“The demons took control of him, but Aiden thought he could still save him, even though it was too late for him. He already belonged to them. In the fight that resulted, the human, controlled by the demons, drove a blade forged in the Dark Days into Julia. In blind rage, Aiden massacred him. I’ve never seen so much blood and gore in my entire life. But Julia, it was too late for her. She died in Aiden’s arms.”

Leila gasped, tears threatening to burst from her eyes. “Oh my God.” Her heart bled for him.

“To this day, he blames himself. And he despises humans for their weakness, for their lack of strength in resisting the demons. He still protects them, but . . . ”

“But what?” She nudged forward, eager to hear more.

“When he had to kill his charge last week, I can only imagine that the memories of what happened to Julia came flooding back to him. I haven’t seen him so agitated since her death. He won’t hesitate again to kill a human if he believes the demons have taken hold.”

She nodded numbly. “How can he even be around me? He must see all the parallels between me and Julia’s murderer. He must think that I will succumb too.”

Hamish gave a soft smile. “And yet, he seeks to be near you.” He hesitated. “Maybe you can help him restore his faith in humankind. Perhaps if he sees that not every human is weak, he will finally realize that what happened was a terrible tragedy, but it doesn’t mean every human poses the same danger.”

“But how can I do that? Did I mention that I’m a coward? I felt claustrophobic in that portal you took us through. I was shaking like a leaf. I’m not strong,” she protested. She shied away from any kind of danger.

“You’re stronger than you think.”

“But Aiden . . . he’s so angry with me now. Because I called my parents.” How could he forgive her when she’d reacted like one of the weak humans he despised?

“He’s not angry. He’s scared because he thinks he’s failed to protect you.”

“I wish I could believe that.” She sighed and paused for a moment. “Uh . . . may I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“You said he despises humans for their weakness.” She searched his eyes for confirmation and found it. “He told me he doesn’t touch his charges . . . that he never . . . ” She broke off. Maybe she shouldn’t go down that road. “Forget it.”

“Leila, I’ve seen the way he looks at you,” Hamish helped.

Heat shot up her cheeks as she made another attempt to get her question out. “Does he ever get involved with humans?”

“A few days ago I would have said ‘no’, but today, seeing him with you, I have to revise my answer.”

“But . . . what does he want from me?”

“Why don’t you ask him that yourself?”

The sound of footsteps coming from the entrance door made her look up. Aiden stood at the door to the living room, his eyes trained on her. Their gazes locked, and the world around her faded into the background. All she saw was the man and his heart, vulnerable, bare, and without protection. She understood now what he needed.

TWENTY-SIX

They’d been talking about him, but Aiden had only heard the last couple of sentences. But at present he didn’t even care what Hamish had been saying behind his back, because all he could do was stare at Leila and lose himself in the depth of her ocean blue eyes. Eyes she didn’t avert, but with which she looked at him with equal intensity.

“Why don’t I go to the village for some food?” Hamish’s words barely registered, nor did the fact that his friend brushed past him and left the house.

All of a sudden Aiden stood in front of her, pulled her from the couch, cupping her shoulders.

“Your parents are safe.”

He saw the relief that went through her, then continued. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Tell you what?” she echoed, her lips parting in the most inviting way he’d ever seen. A sheen of moisture covered them, making him want to