Prophecy

Chapter 22: Tickled

*Xavia's POV*

While waiting for Grace outside the cafe, I observed the people exiting it. Some were comforting their children; the old man and woman seated close to him looked as if they had been scared out of their wits, and I felt for them. So many humans are genuinely innocent. I overheard Grace talking to her employees later, ensuring everyone got a safe ride home.

The measures she would take were so considerate of her. I had yet to discover where her friend's apartment was, and I was quite eager to see how it felt to be roommates. Before I could imagine how that would be, the memory of what had just happened with Aubrey's ex-husband resurfaced. I shook my head at the ridiculousness of it all.

Even though Grace and I were in no real danger, that fucking asshole could have seriously injured Aubrey... What kind of person who professes that they love you once upon a time goes to your place of work and tries to hurt you like that—divorced or not? If I hadn't told Grace to lower the light, then who knows what would have happened...

"Nothing did happen, though, Xav," Grace said, interrupting my thoughts as she stood beside me. She had apparently read my mind, too. Then, she continued speaking to me, "We kept Rey safe and made sure no one in the diner got hurt. Don't think about what-ifs. All that matters is that we're safe."

"You're right. Of course, my mate is right. I'm sorry for being stuck in my head." I stated honestly.

Grace replied, "It's okay, I promise."

Her words instantly vanished my worries, allowing me to see that the evening was incredible.

A slight breeze was in the air.

I kissed Grace lightly on the lips as she led us to where Aubrey lived, then placed my arm around her waist. I had to look up at the moon, which was so clearly visible, and I praised Grace's Father for the abilities that I was blessed with.

"You were amazing back there, you know? You were so quick. I saw you sensing his dark aura, and it was like you knew what to do in that situation." Grace said as she leaned into me.

I could feel my cheeks become hot at her compliments.

I squeezed my mate tighter, kissed her head, and said, "Honestly, I merely assessed the situation and acted accordingly. All I knew was that I couldn't be caught using my powers and scare the humans. Deep down, I knew you would find me, and that's when I mouthed the word 'lights' so I could get the upper hand. After that, it was over. Standing before Aubrey allowed me to see the police officers behind her ex-husband, and I just waited."

Grace snuggled closer, humming in response before saying, "Either way, that was amazing, and thank you for protecting Aubrey. You didn't think twice about it. Your actions were clear and precise; her safety mattered to you."

"Yes, she means a lot to you, and for that reason, she means a lot to me," I answered truthfully.

"I know what you mean because that's how I felt about Raziel when I—" Grace started to say, but she cut herself off as she stopped and lifted her arm, showing me a familiar tattoo design, but... this time, Raziel was white. My mouth literally dropped, and Grace spoke again, "That's right! Raziel became a tattoo and merged with my skin at the right time. He helped me calm myself when that man pointed the gun at you."

Oddly enough, before either of us could say a word, Raziel spoke in our minds simultaneously, "I'll explain once we are out of eyesight from the humans."

He's right. That's for the best.

When I looked at my mate again, she was smiling determinatively and eagerly, and so we went home.