Rose POV
I changed into my normal clothes and I got out of the lockers chatting with Lucy. We were about to go towards the front door when Gabriel stopped in front of us leaning to my eye level and I remembered the big tip he left for me so I thanked him for that:
- Thank you for the tip I did not expected you to enjoy my services so much. I gues the dishes i recommended were on your taste?
I said with a glint of amusement. He smiled back and answered:
- Of course, in fact they were amazing. This place might become my favorite restaurant in the entire town! I'm very glad I went on your hand.
He said with a wink at the end, I chuckled amused I was pretty sure he's just joking. The restaurant is good with great dishes but there were better places in town more suitable for a Lord like him and it was just a matter of time until he finds one of those elegant and expensive restaurant and then he'll forget about this place. The thought made my heart ache a bit but that was the reality and nothing could change the fact that one day he'll just leave like everyone else does at a moment.
His attention went to my friend Lucy who was scanning him from head to toe probably deciding if he's in fact good enough for me.
- And who's your friend Rose? Aren't you going to introduce us?
He asked me and I looked at him stunned for a few moments as Lucy stared into his eyes then I came back to my senses and I cleared my throat, he was acting like we were friends since forever but it didn't really bothered me for whatever reason.
- Well Lucy dear this is Gabriel and Gabriel this is my best friend Lucyla.
I introduced them to each other and Gabriel hold his hand waiting for Lucy to shake it
- A pleasure to meet you miss Lucyla, any friend of Rose is my friend as well especially if is someone as important as her best friend.
He said in his gentleman demeanor. Lucy looked at him deep in thoughts for a moment and I was starting to worry she might not like him but then she smiled widely and shook his hand whike leaning closer and whispering to him:
- So you're the Angel Lord that took my friend this morning. You better treat my friend right!
She said friendly but finished with a serious warning tone. He looked at her for a few moment then chuckled.
- Don't worry that's what I intend to do miss Lucyla, I'd never hurt Rose nor I'd ever let anything bad to happen to her.
He stated in a matter of fact tone determination clear in his voice while Lucy looked at him scanning him one last time with her gaze and smiled satisfied then she turned to me.
- I like him.
She stated with a huge grin plastered over her face. I let out a sigh of relief I was glad my best friend liked him even though she's very chatty and sociable she's not easily fond of people, she's a vigilant person. I took a glance at him and I noticed he's very pleased with what he heard from my best friend. Just what was this angel planning?
- So ladies do you mind if I accompany you? There is something I'd like to talk with miss Rose here.
He said looking at me with his gentle smile. I didn't had time to tell Lucy about everything that happened and I was planning to do it tonight I did not expected him to come to the restaurant let alone to offer to accompany us. It was a long Thursday and I was glad tomorrow was Friday, we usually have the weekends free unless there's a big event and Mister Anthony needs more help.
- Sure, it will be a pleasure!
Lucy said excited as he looked at her then at me waiting for my approval too
- Miss Rose?
He said looking expectantly at me as I looked back at him. His expression was too sweet so I couldn't refuse him even if I wanted so I nodded my head in agreement and I noticed how his eyes lighted up hopefully that made me smile for whatever reason.
We got out of the restaurant and we were about to leave when a man in a tuxedo approached Gabriel.
- My Lord what a pleasure to see you!
The man didn't seemed human to me, he had a nice wavy beige hair and emerald green eyes, he was wearing white pants and a light brown jacket with white buttons.
- Oh Liam, is been a while since I last seen you how have you been?
Gabriel seemed to know the guy quite well and I suddenly felt like maybe we should go without him as he seemed busy but then this Liam guy eyes landed on me and i could swear I saw his eyes glow like a cat for the split of a second. He seemed a little bit familiar to me though.
- Oh my oh my who are your pretty companions my lord?
This Liam guy looked at us and approached, Lucy was staring at him in awe while I was very confused. Gabriel then preceded to introduce us:
- Liam these are Rose and Lucyla, this is Liam
He said gesturing to each if us as he introduced us. Lucy squeaked in delight as I looked at her confused.
- I know who you are! You're Liam Northern! You're one of my favorite fashion designers ever!! Is such an honor to meet you!
Lucy said with enthusiasm as Liam smirked satisfied. That's when I remembered where I saw him Luxy didn't lose any chance to get her hands on every magazine that came out every month with his creations and model. He even had some pictures with him wearing his own creations in the magazine and she's always showing me the pics with enthusiasm.
I wanted to slap myself for not remembering earlier but I only mind slapped myself because it would look weird for the two gentlemen in front of us. Gabriel already gave me a concerned look so I plastered a smile that seemed to calm him down.
- Yes indeed that's me! Such a pleasurrre to meet such big fans.
He said to Lucy while kissing her hand and she blushed slightly, I mean is understandable is one of her idols. I looked at him a little puzzled as i thought I heard him purr when he said that phrase. Maybe it was only my imagination? Gabriel put his hand on my shoulder seeming to notice how I felt and the tingles erupted all over my body relaxing me at the closure while Liam looked at me with his head tilted a little on the side analyzing me. He smiled and kissed my hand without breaking the eye contact and I noticed his eyes glowing again so I made a step backwards. I heard Gabriel clearing his throat and the weird guy turned his attention back to him with a big smile. They started talking so I decided to give them some space and I went back beside Lucy who looked at Liam like a kid seeing his favorite sweets. I tugged her arm to get her attention and it worked, she looked at me confused.
- Maybe we should go, they seem busy.
I whispered to her and she look at me with a glint of sadness, I felt bad for that but I just didn't liked to be in the way and eavesdrop to their conversation as they seemed very caught up in it. Her expression softened and nodded so we slowly made our way towards the alley where i was extra careful so the happening from last night won't repeat Gabriel wasn't here to fight if any other demon decides to show up but I didn't needed a guy to protect me I could do it myself and i would also keep Lucy safe. She looked at me puzzled.
- Rose what are you doing? Is there something wrong?
She asked me worried.
- Is uh complicated I promise I'll tell you everything when we get home, just trust me okay?
I said quite nervous I didn't wanted to freak her out. She smiled warmly.
- I'll always trust you no matter what Rosy!
She said in her compassionate tone and that made me smile. Her trust and friendship was everything I needed. Soon we arrived at my place and once we were in the staircase I let out a sigh of relief that nothing bad happened and we weren't attacked by a weird crazy creature. We got to my apartment, I unlocked it and we entered. After I close the door and we took off our shoes Lucy laid down on the couch with a big sigh.
- I'm so glad we are done for today I feel so tireeeed
She whined cutely and I chuckled sitting on the further armchair.
- I'm glad too but the good part is that tomorrow is Friday and then we have the weekend free.
I told her with a smile
- So now tell me why did you acted so weird on the alleys? I can understand you felt shy around one of the most awesome fashion designers, he even gave me his autograph on my agenda!
She said taking out the agenda from her pocket with the autograph, I didn't even noticed when that happened as I was lost in thoughts at that moment. I looked at her and smiled then my smiled became nervous as I didn't knew how to tell her what I saw I didn't wanted tu crush her telling her that her idol doesn't seem to be human.
- Rose what's wrong? You know you can't fool me.
She said snapping me from my thoughts, she had now a very serious and concerned expression
- Lucy I...
I started looking at her, she gestured me to continue so I took a deep breath and I said in one breath:
- I don't think your idol is human
I averted my gaze not sure if I wanted to see her reaction. She was quiet and that worried me.
- What do you mean?
I looked at her again and I saw her shocked and confused.
- His eyes, didn't you noticed?
- Noticed what? They are a pretty emerald green just like jewels
She said as she was daydreaming at the handsome guy that was her idol. I sighed and I continued:
- They glowed...
I said more quietly now, she was now back to earth looking at me puzzled.
- They glowed?
She asked confusion obvious in her voice whike I nodded my head.
- Like a cat, I feel like he's probably partially cat but his energy gave me feline vibes.
I had this weird gut feeling every time I meet someone who wasn't actually human, I don't know how but I just knew I can feel it and I was always right. She looked at me stunned then voiced out more for herself but loud enough for me to hear:
- Wow my idol is a cat guy.
She said still baffled then she looked at me and smiled while continuing in a matter of fact tone:
- Well that's actually cool, he's a handsome skilled cat with great fashion taste.
I chuckled amused, I loved this girl so much.
- So you believe me?
I asked her trying to make sure she did in fact believe me. She gave me a mad expression and said:
- Really? Rose you're my best friend and you dont usually make things up, how can you even question that? Plus you're usually right with those kind of stuff I don't know how but you are.
I smiled at her with relief, I was glad she would believe and trust me. Then her expression changed to thoughtfull.
- There is something more you're not telling me isn't it? Like why were you so on edge as we walked on the alleys you're not usually like that. What happened?
She looked at me waiting for my explanations, I wanted to make myself even smaller on that armchair and hide but I knew I had to tell her, we don't keep secrets from each other so I sighed and said:
- Alright prepare yourself this is going to shake your whole world.
She put her legs up underneath her and watched me closely like a child waiting fir his bedtime story. I started telling her how I meet this gentleman last night while going home and her expression was in awe then i told her how the demon appeared out of nowhere and what he said, her expression turned to horror and concern then I told her how the gentleman got hurt while protecting me so I healed him, her expression went to awe once again then i told her how he killed the demon and her expression turned satisfied. Then I started telling her how I left him there and got home, her expression turned to "Are you for real?" Then i told her about this morning when the 2 angels took me and stayed in the back at my sides with the blonde guy being cold while the brunette one was warm and friendly and the way he tried to cheer me up and her expression went from mad to awe then I told her about the meeting with the Lord who turned out to be the gentleman I healed and her eyes widened in surprise then I told her about our conversation and she went mad at the part where he called me "pet". She looked like she was ready to go out there looking for him to punch him in the handsome face of his, then i told her how I stormed out and the brunette guy who tried to make sure I was okay but became victim to my vent and how I apologized to him, her expression went soft and compassionate then I told her how the lord appeared and insisted to take me back personally and how he apologized and she was in awe once again. Then I told her about our deal and alliance and how he holded my hand and she was grinning.
I didn't told her about the weird tingles yet as I still tried to figure out what was with that and why was happening but she noticed I wasn't telling her something important.
- Rose please talk to me, you know I'm trustworthy and your secrets are my secrets they'll never leave my mouth even if I'd died.
She said with a soft expression holding my hand in hers. I took a deep sigh and I said:
- Is just that, there's those tingles and weird things I feel everytime we touch or when he's around I just don't understand why yet
I said looking at the floor trying to decipher those weurd feelings. Lucyla also seemed deep in thoughts after what I said probably trying to find a good and logical explanation.
- Do you know if he's feeling the same?
She asked me waiting for my answer and I shook my head.
- I see, maybe you should ask him
She said with a soft encouraging smile.
- I don't know, i still don't know him that well and I can't let my guard down just yet
She looked at me with understanding caressing my hand then we started chatting about other things that happened during her night shift and we were having a good time until I heard the bell of the door ring. I looked at her and she looked at me, we weren't expecting anyone.
The bell rang again and I got up walking towards the door I felt his energy even before even opening the door but the moment I opened the door I was facing a seemingly mad Gabriel and I felt so small under his gaze I wanted to hide. Then I wondered how did he knew where I was living? But then i remembered he knew my complete name and I wasn't so surprised anymore remembering he was also a strong angel well now a strong and mad angel.
- W-what are y-you doing here?
I couldn't help but ask.
Gabriel POV
When Liam seemed to get an interest on my girl I wasn't going to have that so I looked at her and she had this deep in thoughts expression I was pretty sure she noticed he's not human and she was trying to figure out what he was. Well I knew what he was, a Lynx and I didn't liked the way that cat looked at my Rose. Then he kissed her hand staring deep into her eyes and his eyes started glowing for the split of a second I knew she noticed when she made a step backwards closer to me so I decided to help her out of this situation and I cleared my throat getting his attention. He showed me a big smile while I looked at him with a warning. He came back facing me so I unconsciously took my hand away from her shoulder as we started talking.
- So how's your business going?
I asked him genuinely curious about it, he was a renowned fashion designer and his models were known for their beauty.
- Things are well or they were, lately a black witch meddles with my models and they fall ill during our shows or photo shoots.
He said his expression turning dull and annoyed.
- That's definitely bad news
I said understanding his situation.
- And I was looking for you as the new Lord I thiught you could land me a hand? I already pledged my loyalty to you didn't I?
He said looking at me with puppy eyes, I looked at him unimpressed. I was debating if I should help him after the way he looked at my Rose, if she is truly my soulmate I guess this possessiveness is understandable. But then I sighed he did pledged his loyalty to me and as a fair leader it was my duty to protect my people, all of them.
- I'll help you but
I stopped for a few moments to see his expression he seemed happy then taken aback but he was waiting for me to finish
- I don't want you to flirt with these 2 ladies I introduced to you today
I told him in a serious manner, he looked at me puzzled then he smiled
- Oooh the Angel Lord is interested in these 2 humans? Let me guess is the cute blonde one? I saw the way you look at her.
He said playfully and I threw him an imposing gaze, he shivered under my intense glance but he continued:
- I mean I feel that she's special you should keep her but now actually talking about it where are they?
He said in a more respectful way and looked behind me so I turned to check and they were gone. I started looking around a little panicked but they were no where to be seen and I heard that big cat chuckle amused.
- What's so funny?
I asked him quite annoyed.
- You just lost 2 girls, how did you not noticed when they left? What a great Lord we have
He said in a mocking tone so I approached and looked straight into his eyes with a sly smile.
- Well maybe if a big cat wouldn't have distracted me with his problems demanding my help I wouldn't have lost them
He cowered under my gaze and made himself small, no more trace of mockery left.
I dismissed him and I started thinking where they could have gone, I decided to use my abilities and find her energy so I focused on her and I started moving I felt another energy around her and I guessed it was her friend, it took me towards the alley from the other day and I knew where they went.
I looked around after I stepped on the alleys and I walked a few minutes then as I havent felt anyone else around I spread my wings and took flight towards her place. Soon I got to her place and acted normally as I entered the staircase and went straight to her apartment, rang the bell and I waited but I didn't heard any movement so I rang it again and soon the door opened revealing her tiny frame at the door. She seemed very nervous for a few moments then I saw confusion in her eyes but soon changed back to nervousness she seemed like she was about to run away and hide from me but she didn't and she asked:
- W-what are y-you doing here?
- What am I doing here? You know very well what I'm doing here
I told her with my imposing tone as she started fidgeting with her fingers. I noticed her friend sitting on the small couch watching the scene unfolding like she was watching a movie.
Rose remained quiet avoiding my gaze and I started feeling bad seeing her like this but she needed to understand she can't just vanish like this, I was worried. She could have, at least, told me that they were leaving.
- We need to talk
I told her and she looked up at me with an apologizing expression but didn't said anything so I tried to reach her when she flinched and made a step backwards. Was she scared of me? Or did she went through some traumas? I stopped in my track looking at her worried, she seemed lost in a far away memory. Now I was even eager to know what happened to her in the past.
- Rose? Can I come in?
She didn't answered seemingly still lost into her memories so I walked inside myself closed the door and hugged her. She stiffened at first and tried to push me but soon she relaxed into my arms as the sparks enveloped my entire being.
- I was worried for you and I didn't had any way to reach you
I told her softly caressing her back then I heard her sigh and turned to look up at me, she averted her gaze with an apologizing expression and said shyly:
- I'm sorry, you seemed busy and I thought is better if we don't disturb you, I mean you have more important things to do then walk around with us.
She said trying to explain herself.
- I'm never too busy for you
I could hear her scoffing like she didn't believed me at all and indeed her expression was matching.
- I mean it
I told her firmly but she didn't seemed to believe me, after a few moments she tried to free herself and left my arms. The moment she did I felt this emptiness and longing to hold her again but she put some distance between us taking her blank expression, it seemed to me she built some walls around her and I just knew it will take some time until she can fully trust me and lower her guard but I wasn't going to give up.
- What did you wanted to talk about?
She asked changing the subject and I glanced at her friend who watched everything with interest.
- Maybe we should talk in private?
I suggested as i focused on her again and reaching to touch her shoulder.
- No need, she knows everything.
She stated simply as I stared at her in disbelief. I was about to ask her why would she disclose such informations but she answered like she had read my mind:
- She's my best friend we don't keep secrets from each other
Rose motioned me towards where her friend was sitting but she changed her place and was now sitting on the armchair as Rose threw her a questioning look but her friend only shrugged her shoulders and smiled.
She sat down first on her small couch and I sat beside her but the moment I did she put some distance going to the other edge, it wasn't a big distance I could have easily reached her if I wanted to but I was glad at least she let me sit close to her and that was enough for me.
- Well as you know we are now allies
I started after a few moments of silence and I brought both their attention to me.
- Yes what about that?
Rose asked confused. I took a deep breath as I didn't wanted to seem too demanding but I stated in a firm voice:
- And I will need you close by in case a dangerous situation appears.
She looked at me patiently waiting for me to finish what I wanted to say.
- I suggest you move with me in the mansion.
I finished trying to sound firm but considerate of her feelings and I noticed how her eyes went wide at my suggestion while her friend looked shocked but very excited.
- What are you saying!?
Rose said quite panicked as I was trying to understand why was she reacting like this It was a nice and luxurius place after all. But maybe that was the problem? I thought as I looked around at her modest place. There wasn't anything expensive here and I thought maybe that's how she's used to live. I focused my attention back to her as she continued:
- What about my apartment? Isn't it good enough for you? I know is not as luxurious as your mansion but still.
She seemed a little annoyed and I chuckled, she looked at me with a pouty face probably wondering what was so funny but before she could speak I said:
- Your place Is lovely just like you but is quite small for more than 2 persons isn't it?
She looked confused while her friend seemed very curious.
- More than 2 persons?
She asked me in a cute confused voice.
- I promised I'll guarantee your protection didn't I? How am I supposed to protect you alone if a crazy creature decides to come here and attack you? You heard that demon they are after you, that won't work and I can't risk it.
I said In a firm voice reasoning with her.
- He's kinda right
Her friend chimed in and I was glad she saw the logic in this situation. Rose looked at her and back at me still unsure.
- We can visit your place anytime you want to
I tried to convince her with this suggestion. She looked at her friend then back at me, she seemed uncertain and quite scared. Her friend had an understanding and compassionate expression.
- You should listen to him Rose I don't want you to be hurt and if he can protect you then you should accept it.
Her friend said looking at her supportive. My focus went back to Rose as she sighed and stayed quiet for a few moments debating.
- Plus that will give me the chance to see the mansion everytime I come to visit you
Her friend Lucyla said excited and ended with a sly smile making Rose smile, her smile made me smile as well. She turned her attention to me and said:
- Very well then I gues I'll have to accept your offer.
I was so happy she agreed that I reached to her and pulled her close to me by the waist. I felt the sparks erupting and I heard her gasp surprised by my sudden move, I hugged her dearly and kept her close to me breathing in her sweet scent of roses and vanilla. I looked down at her and she had this cute stunned expression with her cheeks red like cherry while her friend chuckled amused.
- Thank you, I promise you won't regret it.
I made her this promise out loud as her friend stared at us in awe. After i let go of her I was smiling enthusiastic at the idea abd I told her.
- I can help you get the things you need
They both stared at me confused.
- Why?
Rose asked looking straight into my eyes.
- You're moving in today
I said excited while still holding her waist and I noticed how her eyes widened in shock.
- WHAT!?
The 2 girls asked in the same time as shocked as the other while i chuckled and smiled at their reaction.
I mindlinked Elijah telling him to take Lucas and bring the car to her apartment.