The Prophecy (The Guardians) - By Wendy Owens Page 0,45

not believe his ears, he had managed to sit through the entire encounter and Michael not say a single word to him. Had he somehow not noticed his presence? Did he not recognize him?

“Umm, one last thing, Sir,” Uri interjected.

“What is it?” Michael asked impatiently.

“We should probably talk about security for the wedding.” Uri suggested, unable to withhold his snickering as he did so. Gabe wanted to reach over and throttle his friend.

“We don’t have time for this nonsense, Uri, what wedding are you referring to?” Michael demanded.

“Gabe’s of course.” As the words flowed out of Uri’s mouth Gabe froze, unable to do anything, but stare at the faces around the table as they heard the news. “Oh, that’s right, none of you have heard the fantastic news yet. He is engaged to be married to Rachel.”

“Thanks.” Gabe mumbled.

Michael’s eyes stared intensely at Gabe who shifted uncomfortable under the scrutiny. “Is this true?”

So he does recognize me, he thought.

“Yes sir.” Gabe replied. He didn’t know why he was calling him sir, in that moment he was no longer even sure how he felt about the man. Gabe had carried around so much resentment and anger for his old mentor, the involuntary offering of respect had caught even himself off guard.

Looking over to Sophie, Gabe could see the shock on her face. When their eyes finally met, her gaze shifted to one of hurt. Gabe was confused; she didn’t remember him or what they had together, why would it matter if he married someone else?

“Everyone else, you’re dismissed. Gabe, please stay behind.” Michael instructed.

“Sir, Rachel is in the infirmary.” Gabe began.

“Is she alright?” Michael asked, the concern evident in his voice.

“Yes, sir, it’s nothing like that. The transportation spell was rather difficult on her.” Gabe explained.

“Good— that will be all everyone. I said I want to speak to Gabe alone.” Michael repeated firmly.

“Sir— what I mean is, well—” Gabe stammered as he tried to figure out how to express himself. “I don’t want her to wake up surrounded by strangers. Can this wait?”

“Uri, go to the infirmary and wait with Rachel until Gabe gets there.” Before Michael finished giving the order, Uri was halfway out the door.

“Yes, sir.” he answered over his shoulder and then was gone, Sophie and Haim following close behind.

“She knows Uri, if she wakes there’s no need to worry.” Michael offered as he began to pace the room, glancing at Gabe occasionally. “It’s been a long time.”

Gabe said nothing in response.

“I suppose congratulations are in order.” Michael Continued.

“Thank you, sir.”

“I want you to know how deeply sorry I am that Uri involved you in all of this again. After you made your decision to leave, I made it very clear to everyone they must not interfere. He should have never brought Rachel to you; it wasn’t fair of him to do so.” Michael said sympathetically.

“Really? I’ve been gone for over five years and all you can tell me is you’re sorry I’m here?” Gabe surprised even himself with the question.

“That’s not what I meant.” Michael answered flatly.

“Of course not—” Gabe said sharply. “Sir, is there a reason you wanted to talk?”

“I told them to leave you alone because you made it quite clear you wanted no part of the Guardian life. It was out of respect for you. Now, with Rachel, Uri has set things in motion that is dragging you back into all of this.”

“I’m not sure what you think my being here means, but I’m glad Uri brought her to me. I can’t imagine my life without her.” Gabe defended.

“You always were a romantic soul.” Michael added with a smile.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Gabe snarled. Michael said nothing, Gabe continued. “Are you talking about Sophie?”

“I know how much all of that hurt you, Gabe, I never wanted to wipe her memory and I never would have if I would have known what it would have led to.” Michael explained.

“Is that it? You think I blame you about Sophie’s memory? Well I don’t, you can rest at ease knowing I placed that blame squarely on my own shoulders.”

“It wasn’t anyone’s fault.”

“Yeah, Michael, it was. I was the one that insisted on the procedure. You warned me and I lost everything, happy?”

“You think that made me happy?”

“I don’t know what I think.”

“I see…” Michael continued.

“Is there something else?”

“There is a lot of history here, I know, and I’m not trying to fix it, but it’s my responsibility to make certain you understand.”

“Understand what?” Gabe asked