Page 54 of Guardian

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From the twins’ apartment, Logan stared out into the night, letting his eyes roam over the adjacent buildings. Despite the late hour, there was still light in some of the hotel rooms across the street. A few night owls emerged from bars that were closing for the night, and taxis searched for late-night fares. Druggies and homeless people looked for a comfortable corner, and vampires looked for a quick meal among them.

Behind him, Logan heard Winter pacing. After returning to the apartment, they’d put a frozen pizza into the oven and eaten it, then waited, and waited some more. But so far, Winter hadn’t had a vision. There was no way of verifying whether Charles’s and Wesley’s spell had worked. Logan had done his best not to let Winter feel his anxiety. She was worried enough. He had to be the calming influence now, even though inside he felt anything but calm. If he couldn’t prove to the council that Winter’s visions could be controlled and therefore be of use to them in their fight against the demons, they would kill her.

“There’s no use in waiting around,” Winter suddenly said, frustration coloring her voice.

He spun around to look at her. “There’s nothing else we can do. We just have to be patient.”

“I’m not good at being patient.” She shook her head. “For all I know, this time tomorrow I’ll be dead and you’ll be on trial for treason.”

“Winter, please—”

“I can’t waste my last few hours in this world just… waiting. I need to do something.”

“There’s nothing you can do. Charles said it might take a while for this to work.”

She took a few steps toward him. “Why are you so calm? I mean, your life is on the line too.”

He sighed. “My life is always on the line. It’s been on the line ever since I was born. This is nothing new for me.” Though this time, it was different, because he feared for another person, for Winter. “But I wish I could do something for you. To take your fear away. You were thrown into this without any preparation. This is new and scary for you.”

He met her gaze and gave her a long look.

“But it’s my destiny, isn’t it? As a psychic. As a preternatural creature.” Her voice trembled a little, though he could see the effort with which she tried to show strength.

“You’re part of this world now.” He took a few steps closer, close enough so he could reach for her if he wanted to. But he didn’t follow his desire to touch her, even if it was only to comfort her and lend her strength. “One day, you’ll look back at this, and realize how strong you are and that you can survive almost anything.” He smiled at her. “I’ve never met a woman as strong as you.”

She shook her head. “Don’t they have female Stealth Guardians? I bet they’re much stronger than I could ever be.”

“That’s not what I meant. Sure, female Stealth Guardians are physically as strong as their male counterparts, but you, Winter, you’re strong in a different way. You’re resilient. You can weather any storm. You’re a survivor. And that’s more important than physical strength.” He lifted his hand, wanting to run it through her hair, but stopped himself.

Winter froze and stared at his hand, then back at him. She swallowed hard, and quickly, he lowered his hand again.

“I’m sorry,” he said hastily and tore his gaze from her face. “I didn’t mean to take liberties. I know you don’t want this. Not after everything that I’ve done.”

“What you’ve done?” She shook her head. “Oh, Logan, I’m not sure about all that anymore.”

“What do you mean?”

“What have you really done? You were given orders. You tried to follow them like a good soldier.” She put her hand on his bicep, surprising him with her touch. “But you didn’t do it. You didn’t kill me, even though you were ordered to. You defied your council to save me. At great risk to yourself.” She sighed. “Yes, I’m mad that you didn’t tell me, that you let me believe you came to save me from the demons. But even though that wasn’t your intention at first, in the end it was what you did. That’s all that counts.”

Hope expanded his chest. “Are you saying that you forgive me?”

She shook her head. “There’s nothing to forgive.” She ran her hand up to his shoulder. “I’m sorry for the way I reacted when Manus showed up here. For accusing you of using me.” She let out a breath. “What happened in Trenton, in that motel, wasn’t something you initiated. It was all my doing.”

“I didn’t stop you.”

She looked straight into his eyes. Instinctively he drew closer, unable to resist the lure. Everything he wanted was reflecting in those eyes.

“No, you didn’t stop me…”

“Winter…”

Her lips came closer. “Tell me you won’t stop me now either.”

His heart pounding with excitement, Logan raised his hand to her cheek and caressed it. “Oh, Winter, I don’t deserve you. You’re too good for this world.”

She turned her head to press a kiss into his palm. “Take me to bed, Logan.”