The Angel Series Collection - Books 4-5 E-Book

Jo Wilde

• Herausgeber: Next Chapter
• Kategorie: Fantasy und Science-Fiction
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Beschreibung

Books 4-5 in 'The Angel Series' of romantic fantasy novels by Jo Wilde, now available in one volume!
Deviant Angel: Stevie Ray Collins stands defiant against the Illuminati, refusing to surrender his free will. As the Fourth of July approaches, Stevie prepares for an epic battle. With the world in turmoil, the fight for humanity begins. The old government has crumbled, famine ravages the land, and unlikely alliances form with the alien "peacemakers" alongside the Illuminati. When Dom and Jeffery are taken captive, Stephanie pledges to rescue them and confront Aidan. United, Stephanie and the Cajun embark on a desperate quest - but are they already out of time?
Death Angel: While Val seeks to reignite their relationship, Stephanie harbors unresolved issues and questions his loyalty. Their personal problems take a backseat when they learn that Dom and Jeffery are held captive in the treacherous Shadow Sphere, inhabited by ghouls. Racing against time, their goal is to rescue their friends before they vanish into another dimension forever. Amidst the rescue mission, Stephanie uncovers a startling secret about Aidan. Can Stephanie and Val save Dom and Jeffery in time, and will Stephanie find herself drawn back to Val - or back into Aidan's grasp?

Leseprobe

THE ANGEL SERIES COLLECTION

BOOKS 4-5

JO WILDE

Copyright (C) 2023 Jo Wilde

Layout design and Copyright (C) 2023 by Next Chapter

Published 2023 by Next Chapter

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the author’s permission.

CONTENTS

Deviant Angel

1. Reflection

2. Throes of Cataclysm

3. Gator Diving

4. Lies Unveiled

5. The Land of Yonder

6. A Few Good Men

7. Deed of Trust

8. Freedom Fighters

9. Bombs Away

10. Steal Away

11. The Lion’s Den

12. Respite

13. The Point of No Return

Death Angel

1. Looking Back

2. The Gentlemen’s Club

3. The Council

4. Angel of Death

5. Stranger Things

6. Aurora

7. No Mercy

8. Death Comes

9. No Good Deed

10. Selfless

11. Glass Mountain

12. Sword of Destiny

13. The Riddle

14. I Always Have

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About the Author

DEVIANT ANGEL

THE ANGEL SERIES BOOK 4

REFLECTION

Looking back throughout the short years of my twenty-two years of life, I, Stephanie Ray Collins, never dreamt that my journey would’ve ended at this very spot. Looking down the barrel of my enemies, I knew my demise was imminent. Even a genetically engineered angel couldn’t have seen what was to come. I thought I had as much a chance as anyone, living a normal life, free to decide my own destination. I was dead wrong.

The Illuminati would never retract their ironclad claws from my flesh. I was their prized treasure and my sticker was far too valuable for them to ever let go of me. I may be a piece of property to the Family but this piece wasn’t going down without an old fashion fight, but first… I had an uprising to go to.

The world had gone to hell in a handbasket. The system we once knew and depended on from the simplest task as getting the Sunday newspaper had come to a screeching halt. Every little minuscule part of our socialism, economy, and commerce had gone rogue. Famine blanketed the countryside like a frozen winter. Folks forced from their homes to the streets, banks closed and the almighty dollar suddenly crashed. People rioting and innocent ones shot in cold blood, left to bleed out onto the streets. As if in one sweep, the United Nations collapsed in less than one day.

The new authorities under the rule of National Socialism declared The Order to be invoked, likemartial law only far more sinister. Our old government had completely fallen. It was gone. Vanished in one night, just like the walls of Rome, our system collapsed, crumbling to the ground.

New rulers had emerged or maybe they’d been ruling all along, behind the shadows, in secret? Aidan was right. The Elite were always there watching, hiding, and waiting for their time to act. The populous were blindsided.

I recalled something that Aidan once told meif people new the dark things that lurked in the shadows, they would go insane. At the time, I didn’t understand. A lot had changed since then. Now I understood exactly what he meant. I wished I could go back to that time of ignorance.

As reality played its evil hand, the rulers had spread their poison like Hitler conquering half of Europe. Although this uprising was on a much larger scale, taking the world by sweeps and bounds.

The Illuminati had the world by its feet, but not me. I refused to give them my free will. Because of my threat and rebellion, they wanted rid of me. I reckoned, since I wouldn’t join their political massacre, they viewed me as their enemy. I reckoned that any opposing threat had to be dealt with effectively… but I wasn’t going down alone. I planned to take some with me.

It was going to be one hell of a Fourth of July in my neighborhood. This time, I was coming with my guns loaded just like the gunfight at OK-Fucking-Corral or at least that was my theory.

THROES OF CATACLYSM

I stood in the throes of cataclysm and the hard realization that I'd been duped once again ripped through me. My gaze dropped down to the ring that embellished his middle finger, the diamond eye that betrayed his identity as the faceless boy… my beguiling adversary. A deadly mistake on his part!

With complete certainty, I knew what I must do next. It was like the walk of doom. Mine. I scoffed.

Fuck ‘em.

Aidan froze. Sweat beaded his forehead. My pendulous knives hovered dangerously at his throat. The cold blades obeyed my command. I narrowed my eyes at Aidan. He knew only one slight slip, and my knives would finish him off. I smelled his fear, and I reveled in it.

Rage surged forth deep within my core, and it obeyed. The winds whipped through as I unleashed my essence, an inauspicious place where I did not recognize myself.

As if we stood in amidst of a tornado, my powers soared and the tempest grew fiercer. Everything began twirling at warp speed. The winds howled encircling Aidan and me as if we were its prey. Trees snapped back and forth violently.

Focusing on my enemy, I reigned back my powerful essence as it gnarled in protest. I asked in a voice unknown to my ears, a voice of a true and deadly Zophasemin. “I’m going to ask you this once,” my voice echoed. “Don't lie to me, druid,” I warned in a calm, steel voice. “It was you and Sally all along. The two of you framed me!”

Aidan’s mouth opened to speak, but it seemed the cat had taken his tongue.

“After all this time, you hid in the shadows of anonymity like a yellow-back coward with that damn needle, full of God-knows-what!” I hissed through gritted teeth. “I remember your diamond ring.” My eyes fixed on his third finger, the ring glimmered in the sunlight, gold diamonds marking an eye. I nodded at it. “It’s quite unique. Though, it’s hideous.” I snarled.

As rage embraced my internal war, I began to toy with Aidan. With a flick of the wrist, another knife appeared pointing straight at his groin. I taunted him with a wicked smile.

The glint in his blues confirmed his fraught. I knew that I’d never become a victim to him ever again and I delighted in that little insight. Aidan didn’t dare flinch, not even a twitch. He was wise not to trust me. Hell, I didn’t trust myself at this point.

I eyed him cautiously as the dark seductress deep within my core sang its wondrous song. Intoxicated, I craved the essence like a bloodthirsty vampire craving to feed. But I fought the urge and harnessed its desires.

Answers hung on the tip of his tongue and I needed the truth. I called to him in that strange voice. “It was your hand that was behind my suffering. It was your evil magick that compelled every lawman and judge in the state of Louisiana to convict me. You were the mastermind behind my fate, sending me off to an asylum where they left me lying in my own piss and vomit, under a constant drug induced stupor by your orders. As I laid unconscious for months on end, unaware, my child grew within me.” My voice broke from the gut-wrenching pain that consumed me. “After I gave birth, you ripped my baby from me, denying a mother of her own child. You destroyed everything I loved!” Electricity coursed through my body as lightning struck a tree and snapped it in two. “Tell me this is not true!” I screamed with spittle spewing. My madness was more than a simple emotion. I was a mother aching to cradle her child, a child I’d never had the chance to know, a mother seeking justice.

Aidan stayed silent for a moment.

“Tell me, NOW!” I demanded. I wanted to rip his heart right out of his chest and set it ablaze. Yet, I held the essence back. I was in control… nothim.

“Yes, it’s true!” he admitted, his eyes wide with alarm. “It’s all true!” Aidan bellowed. “Everything is true! Sally and I are married. We married two centuries ago. The girl lied to you. She’s immortal,” he rambled as if he was standing before a priest.

“Stop! I don’t care, druid. Tell me why you framed me?” I stared at this stranger as my stomach winced from his atrocities. How could I have ever loved this man?

“Wait! I’ll tell you!” Aidan exclaimed, losing what little courage he had. “Before you run your bloody knives through me at least give me the opportunity to explain.” Without thinking, he flinched, and my knives inched closer. He pressed his head tight against the tree as he pleaded. “Wait! I'll tell you everything.”

Unexpectedly, I heard a deep laugh. I tilted my chin sideways, catching the Cajun standing only a few paces behind me, smirking. He nodded to Aidan. “This one deserves death. He does not respect women, non! This pig murdered my sister!” The Cajun growled. “He got her drunk and had his way, this one did. That murderous bastard used his black magick on her. His puppets… the Law Enforcement claimed she committed suicide. It was lies! All lies. My sister would’ve never taken her life.” The Cajun belted out; loathing filled his voice. “If you like… I will happily dispose of this filthy baggage for you. Gotta gator out back that's hungry.” A wicked smile touched his lips.

Then, it occurred to me. “What did your sister look like?”

“A lot like me only a higher pitched voice.” Sarcasm poured from his perilous voice. “Adaline was about your height, sixteen, dark hair, and dark skin… very beautiful. She was good. Never in trouble, full of life. She had plans, that one, college, husband, and children. Adaline was full of dreams.” The Cajun’s eyes moistened. “The police found my sister’s body in the alley across from the Catfish diner. It was the last place she’d been seen alive. The authorities are liars. I spit on ‘em!” The Cajun lurked forward and placed his hand on his gun holster, fingers tight around its hilt as he continued, “Funny how things bite you in the ass. My peeps thought they were doing a good thing. They wanted Adaline away from the thugs of the city.” The Cajun’s face hardened. “They moved her to the small town of Tangi where that sociopath lived.”

Emitting only a cold stone face, Aidan exhibited no remorse. The word savage came to mind.

I remembered the girl at the diner where my mother worked. She was wasted drunk hanging on Aidan. I had just had a huge argument with Sara. Aidan had caught me before I’d left on my bike. He’d arranged for Jeffery to pick the girl up and take her home. Could he have lied about that too? My incensed eyes cut back to Aidan. “Is this true?” I carefully eyed my captive. He lingered a moment as if he were conjuring up a lie. “I sent her home with Sam.”

“Wait! I thought Jeffery had picked her up.” Could he had been lying to me? Come to think about it, I didn’t see Jeffery in the driver’s seat. In fact, no one got out of the car.

My suddenly iced.

“The diner?” Aidan’s brows pleated as if he had a sudden onset of amnesia. “I don’t recall having Jeffery waste gas on a drunk girl.”

I narrowed my eyes suspiciously. When did Aidan ever forget anything? “You don’t remember?”

“Why would I remember such a mundane thing as some poor drunk twat’s name?” His face carried no apology.

“Which one, Sam or Jeffery?” I spat out fighting against the fathom foot that pressed against my chest.

“Why the concern? She was merely a human girl.” Finally, the villain revealed himself, emotions laced with arsenic.

I could hear the Cajun cursing a slew of words. “If you don’t kill that bastard, I swear I will.”

I craned my neck, eyes fixed on the Cajun. “Nick, back off! You’ll get your turn!” I gravely promised. I whipped my eyes back at Aidan. “It looks like you have many enemies, druid.”

“Get on with your barnyard trial. I have admitted to all my mishaps. You decide.”

Nothing about him felt right. He exhumed the epitome of disgust. A far cry from the man I once knew and loved.

“No good deed goes unpunished, right?” I stared Aidan in the eye unlike that day he captured me. The essence rumbled deep within. I could feel the enmity begging to spew forth, and all I had to do was release its fervor on him. It’d be over just like that. Still, I couldn’t do it.

Not yet.

Aidan spoke up. “You are aware as well as I am, the Family controls every living creature from the earth to the heavens, human and numinous. I’ve never belonged to myself. Nor do any of us, even you!” he paused. “Brave or perhaps witless, your father adventured down another path. He risked his life to leave the Family. If you ask me, he was a fool. Look what good his short-term freedom got him… buried six feet under."

“Shut up!” I stepped up, fist flexing by my side. “You don’t get to speak about my father!”

“You mustn't get yourself in a tizzy, sweetheart. I am merely stating a fact.” His arrogance superseded his common sense.

“Can the facts, druid! I haven't got time for your bullshit."

“Stupid, inbred! You think I'm wasting your time? Something you should know about your family… our family. If you defect from their sanction, you are as good as dead. The Family considers this apostasy, which is unforgivable. As you know, I make no excuse for my actions. I did what I had to do to survive. You can believe me or not, but I had no knowledge of where you were hanging your hat, so to speak. However, my uncle and the Family felt it was best I didn’t have any contact. They claimed that a large sum of money had been exchanged for the baby. Shortly after, you disappeared with no forwarding address.”

I spat at his elaborate tale. “You’re lying! Money doesn’t mean anything to me. You knew I would’ve never agreed to such bile.”

“It’s funny how fast a person can change their minds when he or she has no family and no means of support.”

“You have yet to tell me why I took the fall for crimes I didn't commit.”

“What does it matter now?" he shrugged. "You’re free, aren’t you?”

“Tell me!” I hissed.

Aidan exhaled a restless sigh. “Very well, if you insist,” he said in a grudging voice. “The trumped-up charges were for show. It was only a front to the public’s eye. We had to make it look legit. The Family wanted the heat off their trail. There were too many lives lost to sweep it under the rug. Therefore, they decided it was in the best interest for everyone if you took the fall.”

“Fall? Your family murdered people and destroyed my life. It wasn’t a fall. It was an atrocity. I lost my child!”

“Doesn’t the end justify the means?”

There I had it, the worm in the apple. “No! Aidan, it doesn’t,” I bellowed.

“Look! Sorry to offend, but that’s how my world operates. A few lives lost for the greater good.”

I almost charged him, but somehow, I held my feet planted to the ground. “What about our daughter?” My voice broke, “Dawn?”

“What about her?”

“Did our child’s death justify your fucking means?”

Aidan held his tongue for a brief moment, and then he answered. “I supposed she became collateral damage.” A thirst for blood surged through me. I wanted him dead! To keep from unhinging my fury, I drove one knife through his right shoulder.

Aidan screamed out from the sharp stab. “You fucking bitch! If I get loose from here. I’m going to kill you myself!”

Silently communicating, I ordered my blades to still until further orders. They obeyed, hovering in Aidan’s face.

Aidan was my captive now. He was pinned against the tree as blood trickled down his arms and chest. His once crisp, white shirt changed into a deep crimson and with each breath he took, his face deepened in agony.

Good! His heart may be a cold stone but at least, he was feeling pain. I flashed a satisfying grin. “I hope you bleed like the swine that you are.”

“I had no way of knowing if you were in Tim-buck-fucking-two or at the Bahamas living it up with some fruity drink on the beach.”

“You lie.”

“You’re right!” he threw at me like shooting bullets. “I should’ve looked further into your whereabouts, but I had to protect Dawn. I was backed into a corner, sweetheart. It’s the truth. I swear!”

“If you cared for our child so much, then why did you let your family take Dawn’s life?” I swallowed the lump that choked my pain. I wasn’t going to cry, I wasn’t going to cry. I repeated inwardly to myself.

“My uncle and the others in charge informed me that Sally and I would be raising the child. We’d teach her magick and our traditions. The family’s long term goal had never changed. They wanted immortality.

I repeated my question. “If what you say is true, then why did they take Dawn’s life?” I gritted through my teeth.

“It was not until I tried to escape with Dawn did the family turn on me. Sally ratted me out to the Family. I knew better than to trust that bitch.” Aidan sneered.

“Yet, you trusted Sally enough to join her diabolical scheme to take me down.”

“That’s where you are wrong! I didn’t get a say.”

“Why are you still alive?”

Aidan’s lips pressed tight and then he relented. “I remain useful to them.”

“Like how?”

“The Family knows I can find you.”

“They know your whereabouts?”

“My uncle bugged my jeep. Don’t worry, Van or the Family won’t come for you unless I defect or you murder me.” His voice seemed stiff as if he’d been rehearsing lines for a Broadway play.

Holy geez! I’d put everyone into danger. I stared at him puzzled. “The Aidan I once knew would’ve never allowed this to happen.”

“Don’t blame me. Your lover boy has left a vapor trace that the Family can see miles away.”

“You’re lying!” I stepped closer. “Val would never be so careless. But you… coming here with a tracking device attached to your damn jeep takes the cake!” I wheeled on my heels, my gaze slamming into the Cajun. I shouted, as my voice spewed with panic. “Get under his jeep and find that damn tracker. Destroy it!” Then I shouted over at Jeffery and Dom. They’d gathered outside on the porch watching in silence. “Get your things. We gotta get moving fast. The Family will be sending their forces.” I turned back to Aidan, our eyes locked. I had one more lie to uncover. “If you can track me, then why didn’t you find me at Haven Hospital?”

“You may find this hard to believe, but it's the truth. The Family cast a spell. A recherché spell that blocks my sensory.” His lies rolled off his tongue like sweet nectar. “It was not until you came to stay with Dom and Jeffery that I was able to find you. The Family used you as a decoy to pull me out of hiding. I underestimated them.” Aidan jerked from the festering knife stuck in his shoulder. The old blood had dried his shirt as the fresh blood spread farther down his chest.

“Why should I believe you?”

“Because it’s the truth!” He spewed, desperation marked his tone. “I want you back. Why is that so hard to believe?”

I scoffed. “And what? Sally, you and I all live happily ever after under the same roof?”

“I don’t love Sally. I never have. I’d ditch her in a heartbeat to be with you. Besides, she’s untrustworthy.”

My brow shot up. “I could say the same about you.”

“Like I said, I do have flaws.” His voice seemed weaker. The pain was getting worse.

The soft Stevie wanted to run to him and throw her arms around his neck, but the hard Stevie preferred a daggered rammed through his lying, black heart. “Stop it! Stop saying those things to me. You do not get to whisper sweet nothings in my ear after you and your damn family destroyed my life. Everything that has ever meant anything to me, you have taken. The only thing I have in my heart for you is contempt.” Calm rage poured from my voice.

Then I recalled a druid spell. One I inherited from Aidan when we had infused ourselves together. I began to chant, arms spread like an eagle’s wings, calling to the elements, and demanding their powers.

“Est a tangle textu nos weave, oh quam nos decipio, nostrum pectus pectoris repletus per lugeo, nos must aufero is sceleris, a rutilus lux lucis mitis weaved, permissum suus subluceo take temerarious inter redimio him ut is nemus oh sic angustus si is wiggles retineo him anhelo!”

As my voice rose above the rising tempest, black, menacing clouds gathered. Thunder roared, and lightning streaked the sky. In the blink of an eye, a glowing rope materialized, snaking around Aidan’s body, binding him to the tree. His eyes flew wide open. “Don’t kill me!” he shrieked.

“You’re not getting off that easily.” I flashed him a dark grin. I thought at this point that I’d stepped off into the world of never, a land that had never been touched. I had to admit, there was something exalting about this all-knowing power. It made me feel alive, electrifying.

I spotted Jeffery and Dom embraced in each other’s arms with the look of fear. Even the Cajun stood back eyeing me cautiously.

“What’s wrong?” My eyes cut to Dom and Jeffery and then to the Cajun.

Jeffery spoke up in a worrisome tone. “Boo, go look at your face.” His gaze quickly pulled away. “My face?” Alarm trickled over me. My hand shot straight to my cheek. Something was wrong. The strange texture of my skin was thick, like molten rock. The surface was hard and rough. I darted to the closest mirror … Aidan’s jeep.

When I peered into the small mirror, hysteria seized my mind. I froze, astounded. Staring back at me was a hideous creature glaring at me in mock horror. Instantly, my hands flew to my face as bloodcurdling screams escaped my lips. “What have I’ve done?” I whaled.

My face had warped into a sick green with mounting wrinkles. My teeth had turned black as ink. My eyes were yellow. The creature in the mirror was as frightening as it was hideous. I collapsed to the ground, rocking back and forth sobbing. “I’ll never use my powers again! I’ll never wish evil upon anyone ever!” I ranted, through streaming tears. I didn't want anyone to see me like this. I tried covering my face with my hands.

Without warning, I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder. The Cajun had come to my side. Without a word uttered, he gathered me gently into his arms and carried me inside. He ventured down a narrow hall and into a dim bedroom, and gently laid me down on a bed, covered with a red patched quilt. I was in the same room before, dim lighting, a small dresser and a nightstand with a lamp setting on it.

As soon as the Cajun set me free, I shied away, with my back to him. The monstrosity that had consumed me repulsed my entire being. I couldn’t stand for anyone to see me like this. I laid there heaving with painful tears while every regret I'd ever felt plowed its way through my mind. I wept not just for the ugliness that I'd become, but also for the loss of my child and for the abomination that resided within me.

All the rage.

I felt I was dying inside.

Then, out of the haze of my nightmare, a voice brought me back. “Look at me!” The Cajun spoke in a tender voice. “Come on belle fille!”

While dread twisted my gut, I eased up into a sitting position. I kept my face down and hidden with my hands and hair.

The Cajun’s gaze felt like tiny needles stabbing me simultaneously. I despised him for seeing me like this, ugly and an abomination. “Don’t call me that! I’m hideous!” Among other emotions, a deep sense of shame robbed me of any dignity.

“Don’t hide your face.” He tugged at my hands.

“Stop!” I jerked away. “Don't look at me!” I balled up into a fetal position with my back to the Cajun.

No matter how hard I resisted, he was relentless. “Your face has returned to normal. Look for yourself, you are still very beautiful.” There was gentleness in his thick voice.

I flipped on my side facing the Cajun. My hand reached for my face. A burst of hope shot through me as I slid off the bed and darted down the hall to the bathroom. My heart pounded against my ears as I flipped the light on and went straight for the mirror.

Slowly, I reached up and lightly touched my cheeks while I stared blankly at the mock image. The girl with the green eyes, though frightened, stared back at me. Nick was right. My face had returned to normal.

I glanced up from the mirror and saw the Cajun leaning in the doorframe. A sudden rush of joy came over me as I rushed into his arms. He held me close to his chest, stroking my hair whispering soothing words in his native tongue. He held me tight for a good while, until I loosened my grip and the tears had dried. The warmth of his smile echoed in his voice. “Now you are better, yes?”

“Yes. Much!” I spoke shyly, dropping my gaze and pulling away from the comfort of his arms. His kindness reminded me too much of the old Aidan. The Aidan I once loved. I couldn’t get involved with another man. Three wasn’t a charm in my book. There would be no love interest here, not today or ever.

Giving him nothing more than a forced smile, I quickly skirted away, heading outside. I left the Cajun standing alone. He didn’t like me, and I was comfortable with our toilsome friendship. It kept things simple. Right now, with everything toppling on my shoulders, simple was all I had to give.

GATOR DIVING

Jeffery and Dom had scurried about packing their personal belongings. I didn’t have many possessions. I finished in less than ten minutes, throwing a few items in an army green backpack.

When I stepped outside, I noticed the tracking device laying on top of the jeep’s hood. I went straight to the car and gathered the tracker in my palm, carefully examining it. The device was the size of a dime with a tiny, blinking red light. I assumed the light was the homing mechanism.

I began thinking that if we sent this thing in the opposite direction, it might buy us some time. I glanced over at Aidan. A spike of hope stirred. Luck might be on our side after all.

His eyes were fixed on me as he stood there, tied to the tree. If he so much as sneezed, the magick rope would tighten its grip like a python squeezing its prey. And for added protection, the knife in his shoulder kept him still. He wasn’t wiggling out of that bind any time soon.

I reckoned that was the perks of being a genetically engineered angel. Though, I had no idea how I’d conjured up the rope. It was as amazing as it was frightening. I still preferred a bat. Much simpler and just as effective.

As much as I hated the notion, Aidan would have to remain as my prisoner. If his internal radars pinpointed my location, we all were sitting ducks.

I especially worried for the safety of Dom and Jeffery. If the guys landed in Van’s hands, I didn’t want to begin to think what he’d do. It seemed nothing had changed. Van was still hell bent on finishing me off. He’d stoop to any measure to draw me out.

That meant he’d use the guys for leverage. If Jeffery and Dom ended up hurt or worse, I wouldn't be able to live with myself. I had to get them out of the line of fire and to a safe place. The problem was, where?

Right now, anyone associated with me was in imminent danger. Even more of a reason why I needed to find a safe place for the guys. I’d figure it all out, but for now, we needed to get moving and find a new hideout and the sooner, the better.

In the break of silence, a twig snapped. In a deadly flash, I drew my knife. It hovered over my head ready to charge. When my eyes landed on the person approaching, I relaxed, sending my magical knife back to its sheath. I exhaled a tight breath. It was only the Cajun.

“Donnez-moi le dispositif!” (Give me the device!) He demanded.

“What are you going to do?” I asked, unsure if I should trust him.

“Ole Saint Nick has some tricks up his sleeve.” His dark eyes glistened with mischief.

I snorted a short laugh. Someone really needed to talk to him about referring to himself in third person. “Oh really,” I said. “This I gotta see.”

The Cajun snatched the tracker out of my palm and off he went in three long strides to my one. Sprinting to keep up, I followed closely behind him, heading straight for the river at the backside of the house. A sense of dread came over me. I hoped he knew what he was doing. I might be able to throw a little magick here and there, but that swamp, bayou or hell water, scared the crap out of me.

In one swift motion, the Cajun pulled a knife from his hip, sliding it between his lips and tugging off his jeans, down to the bare. Without missing a beat, he dove into the murky water as if an Olympian swimmer had gone Tarzan. His masterstrokes were precise and fluid.

Jeffery and Dom had gathered beside me, watching in silence at the Cajun’s head bobbing up and down, as he glided with ease across the steady stream.

Jeffery wedged his skinny ass between Dom and me to the front. “What the hell is that crazy hunk-of-loveliness doing in that nasty river?” Jeffery craned his neck, eyeballing the fully nude man. The three of us stood frozen, eyes glued to the Cajun. The starkness in our faces revealed our alarm.

I always had a healthy fear of the bayou. I respected its savageness. It was a haven to creatures of the dark. As for the rest of us, if we were smart, we keep our distance.

I had to admit, there was a part of me that felt enamored over the Cajun’s dare-deviltry. Though, however brave he might appear, it was a reckless stunt that could get him killed.

I stood holding my breath, eyes glued to his glistening muscles flexing in the water. I watched in awe and horror as the water commenced splashing violently like an eruption from beneath.

All at once, a huge scaly tail emerged, following a white belly, churning in the roily water, thrashing this way and that. We caught a glimpse of the Cajun rolling under the water in a tug of war with the gator. His knife glinted from the sunlight as he clenched it between his teeth. I stifled a gasp, daring not to make a sound. Jeffery was doing enough screeching for all of us.

The gator fought furiously. Yet the Cajun clung to the back of the beast, riding it like a bronco in a rodeo. With each death-dealing spin, he held the creature’s snout tightly shut as he and the long-tail reptile pirouetted in a fierce battle.

“Uh-huh, it’s not every day you see a naked man battlin’ an alligator.” Jeffery stretched his neck over Dom’s shoulder to catch a look at the Cajun’s glimmering backside popping from the water.

“Jeffery, shut up!” I nudged him with my elbow.

Dom flashed him a warning, but remained quiet.

“Oookay!” he threw his hands to his hips. “I’m just sayin’.” Jeffery pursed his lips, giving me the evil eye. I snorted a laugh and turned my attention back to the commotion in the water.

We watched helplessly from the bank as the Cajun continued wrestling the mighty creature. With no warning, a dead silence swathed the forest. Even the birds stopped chirping. Not even the soft hum of a Cicada among the trees. The river calmed, and a soft trickle meandered downstream.

All at once, movement stirred. Two perfectly round eyeballs peeked the surface of the murky water. It was the gator drifting aimlessly down the river stream as if he’d had a lazy day sunbathing.

We all three gasped in fear as alarm hit me like a head on collision with a freight train. The Cajun hadn’t surfaced. In a fit of fury, I tossed my boots off and started stripping off every stitch of clothing down to my underwear.

The white of Jeffery’s eyes nearly went to the back of his head, “What the hell are you doing?” he shrieked, grabbing my arm.

“I don’t want my clothing to hold me down. I have to save Nick!”

“Stevie, the alligator!”

“Dom, I’ve gotta go after him!” The Cajun was an idiot, but he doesn’t deserve to die. Yet, I wasn’t letting his rash decision slip past me, either. I couldn’t promise that he’d remain intact when I got my hands on him.

Just as I started to plunge headfirst into the foul water, the Cajun’s head popped up with his knife still gripped between his teeth, swimming toward us.

A rush of relief came over me. I was happy to see him and the thought of jumping in the river didn’t seem like an unthinkable task.

When the Cajun pulled himself onto the bank, my mood quickly shifted to a boiling stew. “What the hell were you thinking? You could've gotten yourself killed!" I shoved his chest hard. "We don’t have time for such recklessness!”

“Ah, how sweet!" Water dripped down his face as he flashed his white pearly smile. "I had no idea you cared so much, Red.”

My face blazed as I fired back. “You arrogant son of a ” The Cajun interrupted.

“Non!” he wagged his finger, tsking me. “You leave mon mère (my mother) out of this." he snarled. “I solved the problème. The device is deep in the belly of the alligator. It should keep those bâtard busy for hours. Perhaps days.”

“You-you wrestled that six-foot-something beast.”

“Oui! Just call me the gator whisperer.” He slapped me on my back as if I were one of the boys. “See… Saint Nick is smart. Yes?” The Cajun tapped his temple with his finger.

We all stood there gaping at him. I thought I was impulsive. The Cajun had me beat.

“We need to leave now! Got any ideas?”

“Oui, we can go to my place. Tie your boyfriend up in the jeep and you ride with me.” As his eyes slowly roamed over my body, my face blistered. I’d forgotten about stripping down to my bra and panties. In a huff, I snatched up my clothes and stalked off with a slew of curse words trailing behind me.

LIES UNVEILED

Sitting on the back of his damn bike and clinching my arms around his waist had not been my idea. In fact, I despised it. The Cajun reeked of swamp water. It had been bad enough for me to cling to his half-naked body. Granted, with the dirty water slapping my face, I was at the end of my patience. I preferred eating bugs over coughing and gagging on the stale water that tasted like rotten fish.

Watching the Cajun snorkel at my uncomfortable plight only escalated my pissy mood. The man detested me. His bold grin across his face proved my suspicions.

Dom drove the Jeep and Jeffery sat in the passenger seat, doing his usual directing. I had battened down Aidan in the back with the magickal rope. He was nicely snug, and knew better than to attempt breaking free. My knives hovered evenly with Aidan’s neck.

Despite everything, my heart tugged at my decision. I tossed a glimpsed over my shoulder at my prisoner. I no longer knew this man. Where did that Aidan go? The man who risked his own life for mine.

That Aidan was gone, and in his place, a soulless monster resided. I mustn’t forget that the present Aidan had proven where his loyalties lie. The Illuminist had their poisonous claws in him. I realized that Aidan inherited his family's traits.

Setting aside my guilt, I had to keep my family safe. Perhaps giving myself up would get the Family off everyone else’s tail? The guys would be fine with the Cajun. They were no threat to the Family, but staying with me, I feared would put a target on their backs.

I desperately wished Val were here. He’d know what to do. I was more helpless than a toddler. Just because I had the ability of a powerful angel didn’t mean anything. The few tricks I had up my sleeve weren’t enough. I didn’t have the supernatural smarts to get us through this. I was no match for the Family. None of us were.

Strange now that I thought about it. I’d give away every bit of my magickal birth to be an ordinary girl again. Looking back, struggling for food and a roof over my head and even having my crazy mom by my side, sounded like a little piece of heaven compared to now.

I wished I could go back to blissful ignorance, thinking I was human, benighted to the harsh world’s reality.

In my world, fairytales weren't for the faint hearted. It was far too sinister and far too deadly. I shuddered. Gosh, how I wanted my dad right now. Nevertheless, I knew that wasn't going to happen, and yearning for the impossible meant disappointment and a huge distraction. It was time that I put my big-girl panties on and got with the program. Impulsive Stevie had to die, and strategic, warrior Stevie had to step up to the plate and take charge.

I turned back facing the Cajun’s head. Thankfully, from the wind drying him off, he wasn’t slinging mud in my face any longer.

My mind began to trail back to Nick’s grandmother, Mable. She hit the nail on the head and was right about Val. He never was my true boyfriend. I thought he was the one. Then he left me here, earthbound, and defenseless.

Val really thought the Cajun could protect me. I didn’t see how. Yet what other choice did I have right now? I had to give him credit. Regardless of how much he despised me, he’d stuck to his word helping us. No wonder Val depended on him.

Loneliness swallowed my sigh. I was alone with no back up from any one of my kind. Even after Val and I had broken up, I somehow felt he’d find his way back to me. We’d work through the issues of the Zophasemin’s prejudice. I now knew how wrong I was. Chances of that happening were zero. Val had left this realm, abandoning his human body and returning to his natural form, a spiritual creature.

Strange how I was the same race as Val and his mighty warriors. Though, I couldn't materialize into a spirit form like the rest of the Zophasemin nation. Unlike my fellow brothers, Val explained that I was earthbound. I’d already felt like an outsider looking through a plate glass. His words confirmed my beliefs. But where did I go? Whom could I turn to for help? I didn’t belong to the human race no more than I belonged to the Zophasemin.

Artificial was the term Val used. I supposed the Zop leader viewed me as unnatural and impure as his own kind did. How could a nation accept diversity when their own leader could not? If Val had stood up for me, perhaps his race would’ve accepted me.

How ironic. I bled just like any extant creature, human or not. I was as real and genuine as the best. I resented the term, synthetic.

I finally came to a hard realization that Val’s absence was for the best. If I hadn’t pushed myself through his men to take one last look at him before he left, he would’ve vanished without so much as a goodbye. He knew he wasn’t coming back and that I’d never see him again. Whatever we had was final. I wasn’t his first priority and never was. If I was going to keep my family safe and survive this uprising, I had to keep my head on straight. Forget these men. They had brought nothing but misery to me and if I didn’t get a grip, they would be the death of me and possibly the death of Dom and Jeffery. That, I couldn’t fathom.

* * *

It seemed every road we’d traveled was paved with dirt. Deep craters marked the way with erosion by previous high waters. Good Ole Saint Nick hit every pothole in sight too. Thank God for my death grip around the Cajun’s waist. He seemed not to mind. An interesting observation, I thought. I wondered how he was breathing with my hands tightly latched around his lungs. He didn’t complain, and I didn’t plan on letting go either. I wasn't going to die today. I’d save my death for a better cause.

I tossed another glance over my shoulder. Dom was tailgating us. The area here seemed to host some sketchy characters. I reckoned that Dom didn’t want to get lost in this neck of woods and especially with Aidan.

The closeness the boys once had with their employer had dissipated. It was understandable considering the change in Aidan’s behavior. The only one who could stand to be around him was Sally. I hope she didn’t come looking for him. The last thing I needed was another captive.

I planned to kiss the ground once we reached our destination. This ride was torture and with rápida Diablo (speedy devil) flying down the byway, hitting every freaking hole, I expected my butt to be bruised tomorrow. To top it off, my lungs would be hacking up dirt for the next month. I hated the woods and the rough outdoors. I hated the swamp, the bugs, snakes, and gators. I wasn’t too fond of the Cajun grinning every time he flew over a bump either.

After what seemed like an eternity, we finally pulled up to a clearing surrounded by Cypress trees down in the basin. I could see that the land was not prime soil and living down here had its hardships.

A small house stood nestled in the middle of the clearing. The cabin was built from pine with white stucco pressed between each log and stood high on pier and beam. Steep steps led up to the large wrap around porch. There was no grass, only dirt in the yard. I reckoned there was no point in planting greenery when the floods killed everything in its path.

I noticed at the side of the house a boat flipped over, tied to a post with an anchor dropped to the ground. My guess, it was to keep the boat in one place when the floods rushed through. Farther down, toward the back of the house, a ramp led up to the house, I assumed it was for his bike.

It was apparent the work of love that went into building the home. The cabin was solid, most likely sturdy enough to withstand the frequent storms in this God forsaken country.

When we came to a halt, I climbed off the bike and made a beeline for the sanctuary of the front porch. I climbed the steps and went straight to the rockers. I flopped down in one, and immediately a sigh of relief escaped my lips as comfort enshrouded my badly beaten backside. I smiled as my hands rubbed against the smooth arms of the chair. The wood felt cool, and the chair rocked with perfect precision, an ingenious design. I leaned back, taking in the wonderful solace of the chair and smiled to myself.

Suddenly, I heard footfalls approaching. Startled, I whipped my eyes open and my gaze landed on the Cajun. He was as bad as a little puppy, following me wherever I went. I exhaled. He was very easy on the eyes, just a little rough around the edges, which worked for him. Too bad, he didn’t have a personality. I scoffed as I watched him climb the stairs, one stomp at a time.

“Must your face sour whenever you look at me? Most ladies enjoy my company,” Nick bragged tossing his crooked smile at me.

“Those women are paid by the hour,” I mused. I couldn’t resist the jab.

“If you keep that nasty attitude no one will ever care about you,” he sneered.

“Don't worry, I'm as cuddly as a porcupine!” I smiled back. Deep down, I feared he might be right.

“You are one bitter woman. I suppose if you got with him,” The Cajun nodded at Aidan. “I’d be bitter too. The problem with you, is you have never had a real man. One who is willing to stick up for you and stay by your side when times get rocky. Your choice of men is no good.”

“Val would be here if he could!” The Cajun had a point, but my pride got the best of me. I didn’t want to admit he was right.

“Moi! However, he was not a man. He was a celestial being, an angel. Even if he wanted to stay, it would have never worked between the two of you. His kind does not permit such ….”

I halted that damn coonass right then and there. “Stop it! What do you know about me? You’ve known me for about one hot minute. Until you do, don’t be so quick to judge me.” By then, I was on my feet and in his face. Or somewhat. He was an astounding six foot five and I barely reached five-five.

“Pas de problème! (No problem) I was only trying to be nice.” The Cajun threw up his palms in surrender. “I really do not care about your lovers. You probably lie still like a stump.” His scornful eyes locked with mine.

“Let’s get something straight, Saint Nick. As soon as I can find us a place to go, your sorry ass is relieved of duty,” I hissed in his face.

“Red, I’m going to give you the same advice you have been so kind to have given moi. Take a bath. You stink. There’s a towel and soap in the shower. It’s on the back porch. Enjoy!” He smiled, but it didn’t touch his deep brown eyes. I stared at him for a moment as faint laughter drifted from Aidan who remained tied to the Jeep. With a deep throaty growl, I twirled in my shoes and headed for the back porch. Nothing like a cold shower to wash off the dirt and angry steam. I had a strong hunch that this wasn’t going to end well. Between the Cajun and Aidan, my nerves were grating fast. What was Val thinking?

* * *

I sent Jeffery off to find my bag of clothes. Luckily, he found them in the nick of time, as I’d finished showering. “Thanks, Jeff!” I reached up over the wooden enclosure, snatching up my backpack and smiled.

“Hurry up! I want to shower too. I hope you didn’t take all the hot water,” Jeffery mumbled, stomping off and disappearing around the corner of the porch. I shook my head, laughing.

Though there wasn’t a hot and cold valve, the clean water was amazing. The shower was enclosed with crafted wood, attached to the side of the house with plumbing connected to the outdoor pipe and a wide showerhead hanging above. It was like a regular indoor shower only it was on his back porch. “Rats!” I fumbled through my bag. Just my luck, no bra. Great! No bra around a bunch of men and only a thin tee shirt to wear. Crap! No Wal-Mart to remedy that problem either. I had my dirty bra that reeked of swamp and sweat. Geez, I missed the comforts of the modern world’s conveniences. Nothing I could do about it right now. I did what any woman would do, I sucked it up and decided to keep my arms folded.

In a rush, I slipped on my cut off shorts and doubled up on the thin tank tops. I figured if I wore two tops, no one would notice. I ran a hand through my hair and felt the matted tangles. My hair was a mess. I didn't care. It was the least of my worries. I grabbed my cowboy boots and slipped them on. My old western boots couldn’t have been a better fit. They pretty much reached my knees. Out here in the bayou, I doubted the old leather would protect me from a gator, but it might stave off a snakebite.

Once I stepped into the house, I caught sight of a cozy fire radiating the fireplace. The sound of the kindling crackling brought back memories of a time I didn’t care to revisit. I quickly started to exit the house but stalled. I’d unknowingly walked upon a conversation that appeared heated. I eavesdropped listening to the Cajun and Aidan. I knew I shouldn’t be snooping. The last time I’d listened in on a private discussion, it didn't turn out well for me. Even still, I couldn’t peel myself away. A deadly habit, I reckoned I had.

“You should be ashamed of yourself, rich boy.” The disdain in the Cajun’s tone was blistering.

“You’d be wise to mind your own business,” Aidan’s aversion matched the Cajun's.

“I am a good judge of character. You, ami (friend), are rotten from the inside out. Did you take this young girl’s virginity?”

Aidan answered with silence.

I heard the ire in the Cajun’s words. “Of course, I should’ve known. You had to go and ruin this innocent girl. I have a mind to horse whip you.”

“What do you know about family and duty?" Aidan snarled. "Bet you've never had to do a thing in your whole pathetic life except run your mouth and snort a keg of beer down.” The narcissism in Aidan’s voice was startling.

“You think you know me well,” the Cajun laughed darkly.

“Don’t worry about the girl. She received an ample settlement for her services.”

“One thing you forget rich boy.”

“And?” Aidan growled.

“All the money in the world will never bring her child back.”

“She will move on.” Aidan’s voice resonated with a coldness that turned my blood cold. I bit my lip, reeling in my own anger.

“Are you that conceited?” the Cajun snarled. “It is your family’s selfish greed that has brought mayhem to this girl. She’s a fugitive because of you!”

Aidan scoffed, “Must we be gloomy?”

The Cajun spoke a calm cold voice. “I'd much rather take a Benelli M4 semi-automatic rifle to you. Maybe before the uprising is over, I will have that opportunity.”

“Get over yourself,” Aidan dismissed him. “I believe my family has improved her life,” Aidan contended proudly. “She can grow old and weary, never having to lift a finger ever again with her wealth.”

“Setting aside the little fact that money is useless right now. You think money can erase the bad deeds you and your family have committed. You’re wrong! She’s only twenty-one. She has yet to live her life, and you once again have taken that from her. No wonder she is bitter. If I were her, I'd be throwing knives at every man’s balls that came in close contact of me. You are a hypocrite, and you call me trash? In my book, I’d much rather be my kind of trash than yours. It is not the material things that makes men. It is the good deeds men do that makes a man. You hide behind your tainted magick.” I heard feet stomping and stopping short. I peeked around the corner. The Cajun had gotten in Aidan’s face. “I say come out like a man with your fist up. Let’s see how long you last then, yes?” The challenge in the Cajun’s voice was grave.

I doubted Nick’s blows would be as fast as Aidan’s. I knew far too well how deadly Aidan could be if pushed. I had to admit, the Cajun defending my honor took me by surprise. Aidan’s cavalier attitude was expected.

I needed to break this scuffle up before the Cajun got himself skinned alive. I stepped out onto the front porch. My eyes landed on the Cajun. He stood up from Aidan who was sitting in one of the rockers. My eyes drifted to Jeffery standing on the bottom steps tapping his foot nervously. Dom stood by the Jeep, pulling out his and Jeffery’s bags.

All eyes fell on me. Talk about uncomfortable! The tension in the air was heavy. I blew out an awkward breath. Instead of reacting, I pretended I didn't notice and directed my attention to Nick. “Hey, what kind of vittles you got around here? I can get dinner started.”

The Cajun stood up as his eyes lingered a little too long over my tank top while Aidan sat quite full of piss. Jeffery kept wiggling as though he might pee in his pants. The smartest one of all, Dom, had kept his distance from the volatile situation.

The Cajun answered, “You look good enough to eat.” He flashed his crooked smile, perfect white teeth, openly flirting with me.

“Do you mind if I go through your kitchen and see what you got to eat?” A terse smile toiled at the corner of my lips. I ignored the Cajun’s compliment. He was only taunting the prisoner. I had no plans to join his little spar. I caught a glance at Aidan. Noting his angry blues, that Cajun better watch his step. An immortal druid brawling with a human, the odds were stacked against the Cajun and I wasn’t too keen on the idea of having to step between those two big jugheads.

The Cajun caught my attention, disrupting my train of thoughts. “Don’t worry about cooking. We’re having guest coming later. Barbeque and beer. We’re having a social gathering. I know some bedfellows who can help. Go rest. I’ll watch the prisoner for you.” The Cajun flashed a far too confident grin.

“Nick, I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” My lips twisted sourly.