The Prophecy (The Guardians) - By Wendy Owens Page 0,42

save one thing, her hair had now turned an ashy shade of white.

“Gabe Harwood, get over here and give your old friend a hug.” Dina commanded. Without hesitation, Gabe rushed forward and scooped up her tiny frame, wrapping his arms tight around her and lifting her several feet off the ground.

He didn’t want to let go, he wanted to tell her how sorry he was he had not been there for Raimie, he wanted to thank her for leaving a way for Uri to find him. He said nothing however, allowing the embrace to speak for him. At last he did release her, taking one last thorough look at her.

“So that’s a new look for you.” Gabe jested, tussling her hair as he did so.

“Hazard of the trade.” Dina replied with a smile.

“I think it kind of makes her look bad ass.” Uri offered.

“Agreed.” Gabe confirmed.

“Gee, thanks guys.” Dina said before moving closer to the cot where Rachel was asleep. “Who do we have here?”

Gabe moved forward, reaching down to take hold of Rachel’s hand, he pulled it close to his chest before looking into Dina’s eyes and tenderly answering, “This is Rachel, she didn’t take well to the transport.”

“Humans rarely do.” Dina added, as if she had no trace of humanity left in herself.

“Yeah, she’s Gabe’s fiancée.” Uri added, giving a nudge to Dina with his elbow.

“What?” Dina gasped, a rare display of shock by her. After a moment’s hesitation she added, “You’ve been a busy boy while you were away.”

“Yeah, I can’t wait to see what Sophie thinks of her.” Uri laughed, not putting much thought into his words.

“Really, Uri?” Dina scolded, looking at the overgrown man with contempt. Though she was concerned about the information she was receiving and how it would affect the people in her life, including Sophie, Dina was of the mind that that was no excuse to be rude.

“It’s fine Dina, it doesn’t bother me, I got over Sophie a long time ago. Besides, she’s married to someone else now.” Gabe dismissed Uri’s thoughtless comment.

“Yeah, about that,” Uri said, teeth gritted as he sucked air between them obnoxiously.

“Uri, hush! It’s not your place.” Dina snapped.

“I don’t get it, what’s the big deal? He knows more than anyone how she can be.” Uri argued.

“I mean it, Uri! Shut it!” Dina added in an agitated tone.

“Wait, slow down, I’m confused, what’s going on?” Gabe demanded.

“Nothing.” Dina said attempting to dismiss the line of questioning.

“Oh, come on, what’s the big deal? Sophie’s always been a flake, he knows that.” Uri said.

“What are you two going on about?” Gabe was clearly puzzled.

“She never married him, left the poor guy at the alter—”

“Uri! That is enough!” Dina yelled, her tiny frame still managing to finally command obedience.

Gabe’s head was spinning suddenly. Sophie hadn’t gotten married? Why? Had something happened between her and her husband to be? Was there something in her that knew she had once been in love with Gabe? Perhaps she couldn’t go through with it because she was haunted by her feelings for him. Gabe shook his head, not allowing his mind to answer the questions. “I don’t really see how any of that matters; we were kids when we were together. She doesn’t remember me, and I let her go a long time ago. I’m serious, I’m with Rachel now. I love her.”

“I see…” Dina said glancing back at Rachel and then Gabe again. “Ok then. Oh, Uri, I almost forgot, Michael arrived while you were gone. He wants to see you right away.”

“For what?” Uri inquired.

“Michael’s needs are not my concern,” Dina answered coolly before noticing Uri’s significant wounds. “And when you get done with him, come back and see me, I’ll get you bandaged up— again— and a healing potion into you.”

“Yes mom.” Uri replied in a snarky tone. “Come on man, let’s go see Michael.”

“No, I’m not leaving her.” Gabe said, returning to Rachel’s side. “Besides, Michael asked to see you, not me.”

“That’s not a bad idea, I’m sure Michael will want to see you as well.” Dina suggested.

“No, I said I’m not leaving her.”

“Come on, she’ll be fine. She’ll be out for hours and besides that, Dina’s here.” Uri argued.

“No really, I can’t, Rachel has a thing about strangers.”

“You can’t be serious.” Uri chimed, clearly annoyed by Gabe’s statement.

“I want to be here when she wakes up, alright?” Gabe insisted.

“Gabe, I promise, if she wakes up before you get back, which I highly doubt, I will send for you immediately.”