Prophecy

Chapter 17: Grace

*Xavia's POV*

I kept quiet, suddenly worried that I shouldn't have even made that comment, but... the more I looked at Grace—my mate—the safer and at ease I truly felt. Having her hand on mine was comforting, and it gave me goosebumps. Her touch felt so right, so perfect against my skin. I still couldn't fathom having someone who was meant for me and me alone.

My father always told me we would never find love; it wasn't possible. We were too evil, and no one could ever love something as sinister as us. So, I went on, believing I would be alone for the rest of my life, and that's why I never even tried to get close to anyone... until now...

I am so naive to have believed him...

Even as I sit here, in front of Grace, just remaining silent, she's happily waiting for me and what I must admit to her... Deep down, I knew she would continue to wait for me patiently. Most importantly, that radiant smile I've loved since I saw it would remain on her beautiful face. It was comforting, yet it was still new to me, which I was oddly okay with. I wondered if that was because I already inherently trusted her...

Actually... I know why...

The moment she mentioned us being mates, everything literally clicked for me. I felt this immense connection, even more than I had felt when we interacted before this day. It was so much more—so potent... so unbelievably pure and unbreakable. I had thought the way we stared into each other's eyes was intense before today... that was nothing now. We were already becoming so in tune with each other; all we've done so far is talk.

I saw Raziel look up at me, and I met his eyes.

Look how peaceful he is with her. If that's not clear proof, then I don't know what is. We are safe and loved with Grace... its obviously clear.

A smile grew on my face at the sight, and I lifted my gaze; I needed to see hers, to get lost in them. Whenever I look into her bright green eyes, she holds a shared sense of purpose, an unspoken understanding that we're meant to do something significant together. Even from the beginning, Grace's presence had always ignited a spark within me; I just didn't know what it was yet, and now... I was so ready to see what our future had in store for us.

Everything around us was calm and quiet, so I decided to take a chance and test something... I intertwined our fingers together, and upon my action, I heard her heart skip a beat. It was evident that I affected her just as much as she affected me, and it was amazing, to say the least. The one thing I knew I needed to do next was getting much more complicated as time passed.

I want to kiss her... no... I need to...

But... I will wait until the time is right...

The best part was that I could tell she felt the exact same way, and I loved that so much. It even gave me a slight confidence boost, though I don't think I really needed it... however, I wouldn't mind it. Before I finally spoke up and told her what I needed to say, I thought about our recent conversation and felt wonderful. I loved the way we could easily banter back and forth, and it felt so utterly natural.

I was as ready as I'd ever be.

I took a deep breath and said, "I came to Earth on a mission... to kill you..."

I wasn't expecting her quick response.

"I know," Grace said, her smile never fading.

"And you're sure you don't want to amend your previous statement about not knowing everything?" I asked, humor laced in my words.

What I had said caused my mate to giggle, causing my heart to flutter in response to its beautiful sound. Fuck, I'd give anything to hear her laugh again. Grace used her free hand, and with her pointer finger, she petted Raziel's head as she said, "You make a point, and I have a logical explanation for how I knew about your mission. However, there is more I need to tell you, but... I wanted to make sure you were ready and wanted to hear it."