Author's Note: Okay. Please do not kill me. I do not expect my readers to forgive me for the long wait, but I haven't had a lot of chances to write. I lost nearly all my motivation to keep this story going, but I know that nothing can justify my two-year absence! Just know that I couldn't find it in me to abandon this story forever. I hope that this update doesn't disappoint. I'm a little rusty, so I don't think I was able to meet everyone's expectations. Even so, I love you all!

Author's Note 2: I haven't edited this, so excuse any errors (i.e. grammar or logical flow).

Disclaimer: I do not own the Angelfire series. Maybe if I could just go back in time and say that I do, I might. Lol, enjoy! x

Bittersweet

Everyone's got their patience, and here's where mine ends — right on the line between happiness and betrayal.

After leaving the library, Cadan thought some sweets would cheer me up, so we decided to drop by a small pastry shop that sold the best looking cookies I have ever seen. Well, perhaps everything seemed that way now. I was desperate to try and see the good in everything. Maybe then I'd be able to see the good in my situation — and that gave me hope that even this will pass.

Interrupting my train of thought, Cadan placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "What shall milady be having after today's seemingly unfortunate events?"

Surprisingly, that was enough to bring a small smile to my lips. "This shop looks exquisite. Are you sure this is alright?"

The mesmerizing gleam in his eyes showed sincerity. Striking me as almost miraculous to see Cadan in such a state, that fraction of a second stressed the complete absence of any feigning arrogance and usual cockiness that the typical Cadan embodied. "Don't even worry about it. Choose whatever you like, Ellie."

"Okay," I said, pointing towards a box of pink heart shaped sugar cookies. Ironic, isn't it?

"Odd choice, but okie dokie. Do you want anything to drink?"

"Anything will do."

"Alright." He ordered two glass bottled ice teas and reached for his wallet. After handing over a few bills, he asked the lady to not bother placing them in bags since we were going to eat it on our way to the park.

"Enjoy the rest of your evening," the lady behind the cashier said; and with that, we were off to the park.

"She was pretty nice, huh?" He asked, trying to make small talk.

"She was," I replied nonchalantly. I was in my own cloud of thought, trying to figure out a way to explain earlier's...dispute.

"Okay, well we're here. Tell me what happened. Although, I can sense that there may be trouble in paradise already? I can't say I feel bad about it though." Leave it all up to Cadan to find a way to joke around in the oddest of situations.

Had I just not experienced one of my worst heartbreaks, I would have laughed, played along, and thought of a good come back to counter his smart remark. But I couldn't find it in me to see the humor in the situation, when the pangs of betrayal strike my inner core of emotions.

Cadan noticed my sudden forlorn state and guided me towards a soft, flat patch of grass. As we sat down, it felt awkward at first since I didn't really know how to start. However, after he moved around a bit and got into a comfortable position next to me, I felt assured—assured that whatever I had to say, he would take me seriously. This day was definitely turning me into a drama queen. Sign me up for Hollywood, baby.

I appreciated how patient Cadan was. He didn't try to hurry me into speaking. After a minute or two, I took a deep breath, spared a glance in his direction and saw that he was staring right back at me with a compassionate look on his face. I wasn't quite sure how I could do this without falling apart, but once I got started, the story spilled from my lips as I relived every agonizing moment of it.

"Will was...is one of the people I trust the most. He never lied to hurt me on purpose, but when I met Ava, I just knew there was something...off. Something he wasn't telling me. Prior to that, I had even asked him if he was ever in a relationship before, and he said no." I paused for a while to reassess my words.

"He said he's never had any girlfriends before me. I believed him." My voice broke at the last sentence and a tear escaped from my eye. Cadan placed a comforting hand on my knee.

"Hey, it's okay. I'm here, alright?" He asked with genuine concern.

I smiled and continued. "He has a way with words, doesn't he? What Will failed to mention was 'No, I've never had a girlfriend before but I have slept with someone – Ava.' I know he never intended to hurt me, but why do I feel this way? Do I even have the right? Tell me this Cadan, can anything justify how I feel betrayed when Will is not even at fault here?"

Cadan thought for a moment and said, "I'll answer you...after you eat a cookie."

Sexy, charming demonic vir say what? "Wait. Huh?"

"I mean exactly what I said. Eat one first, then I'll answer you."

As weird as what he just requested was, I did it anyway, and I'm glad I did. I actually felt better.

"Here's what I think, and no, I'm not Dr. Phil so my advise will not be as well crafted as it should be. But with everything that you just said, no one is right or wrong. Will is not at fault, you said so yourself. You're not to blame either because you can't control the past or other people's decisions. As much as I want to punch pretty boy in the face for making you feel this way, I can't."

While he was talking, I didn't notice how many cookies I ate until only half was left. In all fairness, Cadan didn't dare mention it. He was too caught up in his speech as he stared into the night sky.

"Whether or not you have the right to feel betrayed, you have every right to feel whatever you feel because you love him. Isn't that what usually happens? I'm not accustomed to this lovey dovey shit, but I know...that when you love a lot, you have to prepare to suffer a lot too."

After he finished his word of advise, he sighed and ran his hand through his hair. He grabbed for a cookie and turned to see how I was doing. I was in awe at everything he just said. Who knew a reaper like Cadan could be so...wise? That definitely cleared up a lot of things for me. But as the heart and mind function as two separate things, I couldn't rid myself of that sick feeling deep inside my chest.

My features turned sour as I grimace at the discomfort. Heartache really does happen. Maybe next time you'll be more on guard, Ellie. I thought to myself. Everything started to blur out of focus and I found myself in feel thought once again. That didn't last very long as Cadan started clapping his hands in front of my face.

"Hey! Ellie!"

I slapped his hands away. "What?"

"Your phone is ringing?" He said with a bemused look.

It took a while for it to register but I unceremoniously reached for my phone and saw that the caller was...

Will.

I felt my stomach squirm as I suddenly panicked. What am I supposed to do? Should I answer it? Ugh, this is unbelievable. While I was trying to get my senses into check, Cadan seemed to find the play of emotions on my face rather amusing.

"Are you going to answer that?"

I instinctively reached for a cookie and took a bite into it. My phone was still ringing, and after I had devoured the sugary goodness, I reached for another one. The box however, was no where within my reach. Cadan had the box in his hands and kept me from taking another. No one stands in the way between me and my love — food.

What the— "Cadan!"

"You've already had more than half and I've only had one!" As childish as he sounded right now, I found it kind of cute. What? No. He is NOT cute! He's annoying and depriving you of your cookie rights! What was I even thinking? I tried to shake the thought from my head.

"I thought you bought those for me to make me feel better?" I asked, my expression bewildered and confused. Psh.

"I bought these for the both of us so we could have something to munch on while we have our heart to heart session about your guard dog. Now, there's only one left and I intend to eat it," he said matter-of-factly and that brought a frown on my face.

I huffed and groaned. "Fine go ahead. Enjoy. Vir." I couldn't help but feel incredibly annoyed and happy at the same time. Cadan had gotten my mind of Will for a while, and I didn't even notice my phone stop ringing during our childish banters.

"Thanks, love." As he brought the cookie closer to his mouth, I suddenly had the greatest idea yet. Time to use my woman powers and get that damn cookie! I never approved of using seduction as a means to get something, but this situation called for it! And I was not about to let him get away with this. Geez, you really are a gluttonous child, Ellie. Great. I was scolding myself. Better schedule another session with my therapist.

I inched closer to Cadan and leaned into his scent. He suddenly stiffened, looking like a movie on pause with his hand in front of his face, mouth agape, and a tense look about his handsome features. I took his shocked state as a leverage, resting my chin on his shoulders. Might I say, he had some fine shoulders. Mmm-mm. He still hadn't moved but he quickly composed his features and finally had the will to ask, "W-what are you doing, love?"

"I just thought I'd watch you eat that last piece of cookie up close." I replied, trying so hard to sound sexy. No, you sounded like a dying walrus, okay?

He gulped, saying nothing.

"You could give it to me. You will give it to me. Right, love?" Though it started to sound like I was using mind-control, I was having too much fun to even care.

Still nothing.

Here it goes. I took the cookie from his hand and ran my free hand down his face. Maybe it looked awkward, but it felt rather...nice. It only feels nice because you're getting what you want, DUH. Well, none of it matters. I was able to attain my goal in mind — I intend to complete my task. Cadan was still in his state of shock, staring wide-eyed at me as I bite into the cookie, crumbs falling everywhere.

I softly moaned at both its satisfying taste and the victorious feeling I felt. Who knew dirty tactics could be so delightful to the one who had the upper hand?

That definitely snapped Cadan out of his daze as his signature smirk started to form. Uh oh. This does not look good at all. His sudden change of attitude gave me a whiplash. The situation was immediately reversed and I was the one motionless and vulnerable. Damn it. I cannot let him win!

Desperately trying to just shove the last piece of it into my mouth, I felt like my muscles were made of hardening cement and couldn't move any faster. Cadan was suddenly inches away from my face. This seemed very familiar. He maneuvered my hand and gently twisted ever so slightly so he could skillfully have me drop the remaining bit of my hard-earned prize in his mouth. He was so close, I could feel his breath fan over my face.

"I have to admit. You are rather a temptress aren't you, my dear Warrior?"

I let out a shaky laugh.

"Now, now. Hush, love." He snaked an arm around my waist and his lips moved impossibly closer to my own. No, no, no...I can't! Move, Ellie! But I couldn't. I merely shut my eyes and waited for him to just get it over with. I was too worn out to resist. Heaven knows I may not even want to resist.

I felt light pecks on the corners of my mouth as Cadan kissed me ever so gently; like feathers floating across my skin, yet purposely avoiding my mouth. A few more pecks later and I found myself peeking through my lashes, only to see his beautiful bronze eyes looking back at me.

"Ellie," He whispered.

"Mm?"

"You eat like a reaper. You had crumbs all over your face," he said with a wink. With that, I shoved him off me and crossed my arms over my chest with a loud HMPH! Cadan had the gall to start laughing.

"I adore you." He managed to say in his fit of laughter.

I couldn't take it. Dont' smile. Don't laugh! But I just could not help myself. I rolled my eyes and let out a soft chuckle.

"Might I admit, the crumbs tasted hell of a lot better than the entire cookie."

"Ha. Funny."

"I'm serious!" He held his hands up in defense, making me giggle at his silliness. I felt like a giggling idiot with a schoolgirl crush. Wait, what crush?

"Whatever." Whatever, you devilishly charming monster.

A comfortable silence came afterwards, and that didn't bother us in the slightest bit. I started to feel sleepy and let out a yawn, stretching my arms and nearly hitting Cadan's head. Oops.

"Hey! Easy, tiger," he said, quickly dodging my hand.

"Sorry!" I quickly apologized, which earned me a smile from Cadan.

"I think it's time for me to take you home, love. Wouldn't want you to pass out on a park bench."

This was truly what I needed — a break; some time with Cadan. As much as I didn't want to admit this to myself, I felt safe with him. It was surprisingly easy to talk to Cadan. Who knew that this bad boy had a soft side? I was always so used to him constantly putting me to the test with all his smart-ass statements and constant flirting. After today, I believe I have found someone that I could trust. But how long would this last? After Will had lied about Ava, I was afraid to trust anyone completely at this point. Even so, I had to face him sooner or later. There was no hiding from the love of my life. I couldn't just toss Cadan aside though; and neither could I do that with Will. The lingering question is, however: what is Cadan to me?

"Alright. Shall we?" He stood and offered his hand for me to take.

I narrowed my eyes at him, remembering what he had previously done — making me lose my cool and having my plan backfire.

"Aw, come on, love! Please tell me you're not still upset about me using my spicy skills of seduction. Who knows, maybe I'll give you free sample lessons. All you have to do is go out on a date with me." And thus the cockiness returns.

I ignored his last sentence. "Let's go," I say as I shove past his outstretched hand.

Pacing ahead of him, I hear his footsteps following right behind me.

"Normal people walk side by side. Just saying."

"What's the matter, love? It's been five seconds. Miss seeing my gorgeous face already?" He matches my pace in two short strides and reaches for my hand.

I nearly jerk my hand away in surprise. "What are you doing?"

"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm holding your hand."

"I know that, but why?" I ask as I try to pull my hand from his grip.

"Because I can and I want to, ergo I will." Sheesh. I knew better than to argue with him.

I didn't say anything after that. We walked in silence, relishing the night breeze. It wasn't long before Cadan came to a stop and released my hand. All at once I felt the absence of his warmth.

"What's the matter?" I asked, facing him.

He simply smiled and replied, "Will is waiting for you on the porch. I wouldn't want to intrude."

"Oh," was all I could say. It was a bittersweet moment, to be happy to have been with Cadan for the evening and sad to know that I wouldn't get to see him for a while. I had to take my duties as Preliator seriously if I wanted everyone I cared about safe and out of harm's way. For the next few weeks, I will most probably be exhausted from training and buried in schoolwork — didn't sound so promising.

He leaned forward, his lips centimeters from mine once again, but at the last minute, he lifted his head and ended up planting a kiss on my forehead instead. I looked up at him with a mixture of confusion and disappointment.

"Don't look at me like that. It kills me," he said with some strain.

"Thank you, Cadan." I wish I could say more, but I couldn't bring myself to think of anything meaningful to say to him.

"You're welcome, Ellie. If you need anything, just call my name and I'll be there. And yes, I got that from a song."

I laughed briefly. "I still have your jacket you know."

"Keep it."

"Another thing to thank you for."

"Don't worry about it, love. Good luck with your guard dog Will."

"Night, Cadan. Good bye."

"Good bye, Ellie." Sending me one last wink, he disappears into the grim leaving my alone in the chilly, dark night.

Cadan was right. Will was waiting for me on the porch when I got there. The sight of him sent a pang to my heart. He looked so daunt, a look of worry etched on his face; I half ran towards him.

"You look terrible," I say, tempted to wrap my arms around him. But I couldn't. The pain was still fresh and I at least needed to sleep on it before doing anything rash.

"I was worried about you. You didn't answer my call. Where have you been?" He tried to take hold of my hand but I moved away.

"Out."

"It's late. Who were you with? Ellie, can we please talk?" I was about to give in, but a thought flashed through my mind — an image of a blonde vir. I shook my head and Will mistook it as my answer to his question.

"Please, Ellie."

"No. I'm tired and I'm going to bed. Good night." I pushed past Will and headed up to my room.

There was no use locking the door to keep him out but I did it anyway. Too exhausted from today's series of events, I skipped a shower and changed into my PJs. After collapsing on my bed, I was still conscious enough to feel someone tuck me under the blanket and place a kiss on my cheek before I fell into a sleepless oblivion.