Intended Series Collection: Books 1-6 by Abigail Grant (best summer books .txt) 📗

“Neo,” I say, but I don’t know what to say next. I’ve never experienced abuse, so how do I relate to that?

He glances at me but quickly looks away again. His broad shoulders are slumped forward and his pointed jaw is harder than usual. “My uh… my dad used to hit me a lot.” He shrugs again. “I can’t really say why. He just felt angry, I guess. Not when my ma was alive, though. It’s like he always had this anger in him and once she wasn’t there to calm it, he couldn’t control himself anymore. It all came out.”

I breathe slowly, letting him talk without interruption. “I get real angry sometimes, too. It’s like I want to hit something out of nowhere. That’s why I’ve traveled and found demons to kill. I was always afraid I’d hurt someone good if I didn’t fight the evil.”

I touch his shoulder. “You’re not like your dad, Neo. I can tell you that just from the month I’ve known you. Don’t leave without even knowing who you could be with the person you’re meant for.”

He is quiet for a minute. “I’m sorry for kissing you in Texas.”

I nudge him. “Well, I should have told you about Gavin sooner. I mean, I did move in with you and never mentioned that I had an Intended. I honestly can’t blame you for taking a chance.”

He nods. “Yeah, it really was your fault.” He smiles and I laugh at his teasing. “Seriously though, don’t be mad, but I do not see you that way anymore. After meeting Alexa, my whole world has changed.”

“I know what that’s like. Those Cole twins can really sweep an orphan off their feet.” I giggle again and this time he joins me with his much more masculine chuckle.

“I guess I’m just scared. It has been a long time since I’ve had a real home. Alexa feels like that home, you know?” His words make me want to start crying again.

Today is going to end me.

I nod. “Oh, I definitely know that feeling, Neo.”

Chapter 3

“Are you ready, hon?” Aunt Mags places her hand on my shoulder as we stand together in Gavin’s dining room.

I don’t have an answer to her question. Am I ready to marry Gavin? Yes. Am I ready to realize my full strength? Maybe. Am I ready to be a wife and a demon fighter? If only I knew. I’ve been a demon fighter for a while now, against my wishes, but I’ve never been a wife.

How can I want to marry Gavin but also be afraid of the idea of being someone’s wife? I’m supposed to be a student right now, dealing with stupid college guys and mean girls, having adventures that make me realize my potential and my place in the world.

I guess I’ve done all of that in one way or another.

I stare at the large double doors before me. I haven’t even looked outside at the ceremony setup. Alexa and Kassy wanted to surprise me and do it all themselves as a birthday gift. Knowing those two, it’s definitely over-extravagant and probably a lot to take in.

It’s not dark out yet, but I can see the orange light from the coming sunset bleeding through the curtains on the glass doors. It’s time for me to make my entrance and meet Gavin on the path only feet from me.

I run my sweating hands along my white chiffon dress. The beaded white coil around my waist pulls the dress tight around me with each deep breath I take. My arms are bare, with only two thin straps to hold my flowy, floor-length gown on me. I never knew wedding dresses could be beautiful and comfortable, but I have Gram to thank for that. The woman has impeccable taste in everything under the sun it seems.

“Aella? Are you ready?” Aunt Mags asks the question again.

This time I release the nervous breath from deep within me and nod. “I’m ready.” I smile at my adoptive mother and see that her green eyes are wet with tears. “None of that, mom! I’m actually wearing makeup for once and I can’t mess it up.”

She chuckles at me and we both turn toward the door. I grab the handle and push the glass door open to reveal a sight that makes my heart stop. My groom.

Gavin spins to me as I step out into the chilly air and his eyes roam my entire body, instantly darkening at the sight of me. He finds my eyes again and shakes his head. “Beautiful,” he says in a quiet reverence.

I can’t help my own newly golden eyes as they take in all of the magnificence that is Gavin Cole on his Bonding day. He is dressed completely in white. From his white suit coat, unbuttoned at the front to show his white silk tie to his nice dress shirt that is tucked into his white slacks. It all fits him perfectly, even down to the smooth white loafers on his feet.

He looks like an angel.

“You’re an angel,” Gavin says to me, mirroring my thoughts of him exactly. He steps closer to me and one of his hands slips around my waist, along the soft fabric of my dress.

I smile up at him and shake my head, causing my long, wavy hair to slide across my bare back. “I was thinking the same about you, Mr. Cole.”

He pulls me tight against him and I shiver from the contact.

Gavin tilts his head and searches my face. “Are you cold? It’s supposed to snow tonight.”

I grin back at him. “Actually, I’m quite the opposite of cold.” A blush creeps up my neck.

His eyebrows raise and his golden irises fall to my lips. Before he moves closer I have the sudden realization that Aunt Mags was just with me and is likely watching our exchange.

I step back from Gavin suddenly and look around us, where we are completely alone.

“She left