Sins of the Innocent - Jamie McGuire Page 0,27
like I thought.”
“Then what is it?” I asked.
“You were right,” Bex said, his voice low. “You’ve always kept the Balance.”
“So, I’m like Eli? Or I was?”
“You’re powerful. You’re not a hybrid, not an Arch.”
“Right, I’m neutral. But I disobeyed him.” I blinked, a sinking feeling weighing me down as realization set in. “Like Moses. Like Lucifer.” Tears were streaming over my cheeks. “Did I fall in love with Levi because I was sent to Hell?”
“I don’t know yet.”
I ran my thumbnail along my bottom lip. “I’ve already failed.”
He slowly shook his head. “You’ve never failed. You disobeyed. But you were sent here as a second chance, Eden.”
I stared at him while tears welled up in my eyes. “Is that what the scrolls said?”
Bex touched my shoulder. “It’s what Eli said.”
I wiped my cheeks until they were dry. “You’ve spoken to him?”
“Jared did … just briefly. Levi defecting and turning mortal has changed everything. But Eli wouldn’t say much. What we do know is that everyone is on edge. The situation is precarious.”
“So, now what?”
“The translation of the scrolls is slow. It’s a dead language, you know.”
“I guess it doesn’t matter. I can’t imagine this would be solved with an apology.”
“I think that’s exactly what this is all about. He’s offering you redemption.”
I turned to look out the window, chewing on my thumbnail. “Did I forsake my station for Levi?”
“If you’re neutral, you should get to love who you want.”
I glanced over my shoulder at my uncle. “Oh my God, that’s it. When I fell in love with the Levi, I couldn’t be neutral.”
Bex’s eyes fell to the console between us. He knew I was right.
“But”—I slapped the steering wheel, and it whined under my twisting grip—“I’m not in love with him!”
“You sure about that?” Bex asked.
“Yes! We just met! And he’s not even that cute!” I frowned. “Okay, that’s a lie. He’s beautiful.”
Bex looked disgusted at my admission.
“If I just don’t love him, if I carry out my purpose, does that mean I’ll be forgiven?”
“I don’t know. It would make sense, but it doesn’t seem like he’s going to let it go. And Eli said—”
“Levi is an arrogant ass. It shouldn’t be that hard to stay away from him.”
“Whatever happened between you two, he’s hung on to it all this time. You were separated, and the moment he found out you had been sent here, he defected. He betrayed his entire dominion for you. Do you think that’s something you can ignore?”
“I’m going to try.”
“That’s the big plan then. Evasion,” he deadpanned.
“Sounds good to me,” I said, gunning the engine toward home.
The elevator ascended, chiming at almost every floor, letting businessmen and women on and off. I stood shoulder to shoulder with the employees of my mom’s company, Titan Shipping, but few recognized me. Unlike her, I spent my days training for something she called much more important.
The stainless steel walls reflected every movement, every glance down at the floor, while strangers stood in close quarters, waiting to be set free or for more people to join us. Some held files, and some cleared their throats or sighed, anything to fill the awkward silence.
By the time I reached the top floor, only two remained. The doors opened, and a man gestured for me to go ahead.
“Thank you,” I said.
I passed him and walked down the hall, straight to Mom’s office. I greeted her longtime assistant, Beth, whose eyes widened with recognition.
“I don’t believe it!” she said with a trace of her Oklahoma accent. “What brings you downtown?”
“I need to speak with my mom, please.”
“Of course. I’ll just tell her you’re here.” She picked up the phone and wedged it between her cheek and shoulder, shuffling papers and winking at me while she waited. “A pretty young lady is here to see you. She looks like your husband. Okay, a little like you, too.”
Beth smiled and set down the phone onto its base. “Go on in. And don’t let it be a year before I see you again, okay?”
“Yes, ma’am,” I said, passing by her desk.
I turned the knob on the door that still read both Mom’s and my grandfather’s names. Her office hadn’t changed since I was little, if ever. She still used grandfather’s phone, the chair was more than just comfortably worn, and the same paintings were on the paneled walls. Every time I visited, it was like going back in time.
Mom was sitting at her desk, navigating her mouse. After a few quick clicks, she rolled her chair