by Anna Santos
I covered my red cheeks with my hands. Jacob was so direct and honest about his feelings that it was endearing. I felt that same need when I found my first mate—the consuming passion that came with the notion that he was the missing part of me. Until all my dreams were shattered by his coldness and the evil corrupting his soul.
“Do you feel the pull?” Jacob asked.
I nodded because I felt it, but I was too scared to want to trust it and end up getting hurt again. “I just need more time. I'm scared.”
“I know. I'll be patient.”
“Thank you,” I mumbled, feeling tired. Now that I had company, I was feeling safer and more willing to give in to sleep.
Jacob's hand touched mine. “Do you want me to take you to bed?”
I shook my head. “It's nice here. I like the cool air on my face.”
“I'll be quiet then and leave you alone with your thoughts.”
With heavy eyelids, I smiled and gripped his hand.
I must have fallen asleep because I woke up alone in my bed when the sun was shining high in the blue sky.
Chapter Four—The Angels’ Realm
I took a shower and spent a lot of time looking at my new long hair and flawless skin in the bathroom mirror. I felt pretty.
Dressing in a new sweater and the same jeans, I decided to explore the house while I searched for Jacob. I was somewhat familiar with it, so I wasn't afraid of getting lost.
When I arrived at the living room, I realized that the doors to the garden were opened and someone was swimming in the pool. It was rather chilly, and I wondered who was bold enough to face the cold water.
I gulped when I saw Jacob doing laps like a breathtaking merman and moving his sexy, ripped body along the water.
He stopped when he saw me and leaned on the edge with a smile on his lips. “Good morning! Did you sleep well?”
“Yes. No nightmares. And you?”
“I wasn't sleepy. I needed to burn some energy. I will make you breakfast.”
I gulped when his body vacated the pool. The water caressed his smooth skin and drops rolled down his torso. He walked to get a towel which he used to dry himself off. I followed every movement as if I was hypnotized. That man was a sinful temptation, and I was completely enthralled by his wet, raven hair, and his dimpled smile.
“Have you thought about what you want to do today?” he asked, drying his hair.
“I barely have any clothes. I have some money. If you could take me to the city so I could buy a few essentials that would be great.”
“I'll see who is available to go with us, only for security purposes, and then we'll go to a store where you can buy all that you want. My gift.”
“I can't possibly accept it,” I mumbled.
“I'm your mate. It's my pleasure to take care of your every need.”
My eyes lingered on his sculptured chest. My every need, I repeated to myself. That sounded nice, in a completely perverted way.
I licked my lips, and my hands grabbed the inside of my sleeves.
“Camille,” Jacob called, his face hovering over mine with narrowed eyes. “Are you okay?”
“Fine. Get dressed. I'll be in the kitchen, cooking for us. You eat, don't you?”
He nodded. “Everybody has already left for work, so we have the house to ourselves.”
“How many other angels live here?”
Jacob combed his hair with his fingers. “There are four couples living here now. It's a community house. We enjoy living like this because we don't have the safety of our own unreachable dimension. So, we are safer in groups if an enemy plans an attack.”
“Stronger as a pack. I get that. Why do you need to work? Aren't you rich?” I asked, looking around to prove my point about how luxurious that huge mansion was. Not to mention the palace in the other dimension.
''We are rich because we own several companies that provide the money we need to feed our gargoyle brothers and to buy medical equipment, finance charity institutions, and buy mansions.” He offered me a cheeky smile that melted my insides. “But let's not talk about work. We are on vacation until the final trial. We can go and do whatever you want. After we eat and buy you new clothes, of course.”
I smiled and nodded. The possibility of visiting Paris and going shopping was an enticing activity for the day. It would make me worry less about everything that was happening and had happened. Even if I was still preoccupied with my brother and the actions my former mate could take against me. But, I wasn't alone anymore. My brother was right. Paris was the safe place I needed to desperately find.
“Do you like scrambled eggs?” I asked.
“You'll find croissants, cakes, and plenty of other things in the fridge. Angels like anything that has sugar in it. There is also fruit. I'll be right back.” He leaned down and left a sizzling kiss on my cheek as his hand rested on my shoulder. My stomach jolted because of how nice it felt to be touched by him.
Four hours later and a lot of shopping bags, we arrived home with my new wardrobe, shoes, and feminine products. We had gone with Michel and Margo as our bodyguards. Margo had been a great help in choosing clothes, and I had time to get to know Jacob even more and see for myself how patient he was.
“I'll ask Danika and Savannah to help you put the new clothes in your closet,” he announced.
Looking at all the bags of clothes, I puckered my lips before speaking. “I don't know if the closet will be big enough.”
Jacob smirked. “I'm going to make some calls. The office is on the third floor if you need me. I'll join you at six, and put something nice on, please, so we can have dinner with the others in the palace.”
I nodded, eager to try on my new clothes. Then, I spun around to face him. “Wait, aren’t you on vacation?”
“Yes, but this is important for your safety. What's the name of the werewolf and the pack that was chasing you?”
Jacob’s face was serious. He worried about my safety. That melted my heart and gave me a sense of belonging that I had never really felt in my life.
“It's the Shadow Pack. Their leader is called Simon. They act like one of those biker clubs and even have jackets with logos. They basically rule the city of Lyon.”
“What's the name of your pack?”
Licking my lips, I used that opportunity to ask Jacob for another favor. “I'm from the Silver Moon pack. Our Alpha's name is Blake. Could you find out if my brother Thierry is alive and well? He's the Delta of my pack.”
“I will see what I can find out. Now go have fun unpacking your gifts with the maids,” he said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear and sending shivers down my spine. His smile was the most gorgeous thing in the universe.
The angels’ dimension was beautiful. The palace was bigger than anything I had ever seen. It was something else to watch the sunset and all the gargoyles scattered on the roofs, balconies, railways, and patios waking up from their curse and coming to life, leaving their stony prison.
I always enjoyed big dinners with all the members of my pack. We did barbecues and dinner parties in each other's homes. But the gargoyles and angels’ reunions were simply fascinating. It was like having six to seven packs together, celebrating the Moon Goddess in perfect harmony. They chatted, laughed, played the guitar, and playfully taunted each other like a big happy family.
After dinner, Jacob and I went for another walk in the gardens. He talked about his parents and his favorite place to hibernate when he was a gargoyle. We wandered into the forest, and I wrapped my arms around myself when the scent of the evergreen trees hit my nostrils. It reminded me how good it was to run free in my wolf form through the woods of my village.
Somewhere along the way, Jacob's hand grabbed mine and our fingers intertwined. I was enjoying the baby steps between us.
After a while of what I thought to be an aimless stroll, we arrived at a lake bathed by the moon that peeked from the magical opening to Earth. It was through there that gargoyles and angels traveled be
tween the worlds. And it was completely invisible to the human eye as were angels and gargoyles when in their natural form: with wings. My heart raced every time I saw angels flapping their wings.
I jumped when Jacob rubbed his fingers against mine. We were seated by the lake, gazing at the skyline.
“How big is this planet and does it have its own sun and galaxy in some faraway part of the universe?”
“I have no idea,” Jacob mumbled.
I gave him my attention. “What do you mean?”
Shrugging, he explained, “It isn't a planet. It's just a place that exists in another dimension. It doesn't obey the laws of physics that other planets seem to obey in the other dimension. It just exists as if it's magic that keeps it going. The opening is made by the power of a precious orb that some believe to be the heart of a powerful archangel. Without it, we would be stuck here, trapped for all eternity as the price to pay for our existence.”
“Why?”
He folded his hands together and looked at the lake before he spoke again. “We shouldn't exist. Gargoyles are demi-angels. We are the product of Nephilim. They were our parents. They gave us life and then, when they died, our ancestors were cast out to a realm of darkness, until a forgiving God gave us another chance. Gargoyles are cursed to sleep during the day, transformed in rock statues, and wake up during the night to watch over humans. We must keep the balance and the evil away. But, when we’re gargoyles, we don’t have another half. Not like other creatures made by God. We are incomplete until a perfect match is found, rejected by someone else. Then, after thirty days, if the trial is survived, we become complete angels with our partners so that it’s possible to finally ascend to another dimension after fifty years on Earth.”
“It seems scary to be born a gargoyle,” I said. “Is it easy for them to find someone to be with and make them into full angels?”
“No, it’s really hard. There are a few rejected souls. There are gargoyles who have waited more than two hundred years and still haven’t found a match. There are also some gargoyles who aren’t looking for a match. They would rather dedicate their lives to scientific research or studying the ancient texts.”
“How did you know that I was meant for you?”
“How did you recognize your former mate?”
“It was a gut feeling, his scent, his eyes.”
“A rejected soul shines brighter and differently. It’s like a magnet to a gargoyle. But, I only knew that you belonged to me when we stared into each other’s eyes. You could have been someone else’s match. I’m glad that you are mine, though.”
I hid my face between my arms and smiled at his words. Then, sadness took over me. “I was in pretty bad shape when you saved me.”
Jacob’s hand caressed my hair. “Our bond cured you, and I won’t let anyone harm you again.”
I nodded and tilted my head to look at him. “Tell me more about what happens to gargoyles when they find their mates.”
“Well, when we recognize and touch our mate, our bodies change. Gargoyles don’t turn into stone anymore and humans or other supernaturals gain the abilities of angels. And there’s also the cool matching drawings on our left arms.”
“Yes, that’s fascinating.” I rolled up my sleeve and watched how the light made my tattoos shine. “They are beautiful.”
Jacob was staring at my arm when I looked at him.
“Do you know what the tattoos mean?” I questioned. “They look like unalomes. They are Buddhist spiritual symbols to enlightenment.”
“Yes, they are kind of familiar. But these symbols are ancient angelic dialect. Each tattoo means a different thing. Only couples have the same one. Ours say: bound by destiny in the hope of finding love.”
Arching an eyebrow, I said, “You are making that up.”
His hand touched my arm and caressed it gently, leaving goosebumps in its way. “Maybe.”
I took back my arm and gazed at the lake. “Is there fish here?”
“Yes. It is beautiful down there.''
“Does it have mermaids, too?”
“No. Gargoyles are so ugly that we couldn't convince them to stay here,” he said, and I pushed him in a playful manner. “But we managed to bring a sea monster. He's our mascot,” Jacob teased further.
“I can only imagine what you feed them.”
“Bad vampires and evil werewolves.”
Grinning widely, I said, “I'll believe that when I see it.”
I leaned my shoulder against his and stopped talking nonsense. It was fascinating how things sounded funnier when we were interested in someone.
“Are you cold?” he asked.
“I'm good.”
“Do you think you would like to live here with us? Or do you miss being a wolf?”
“I miss it, but I like it here. I feel safe.”
“I’m glad. I know that it’s a huge transformation for you. I’m also adjusting to the fact that I don’t have wings or can’t turn into a gargoyle anymore.”
“Were you like one of those gargoyles who didn’t want a mate?”
“No. I have no wish to spend eternity alone. I want someone to share my life with. I want to have a family and someone to love and for them to love me also. Have you thought about it, Camille?”
“About having someone to love?”
“And building a family with.”
I nodded as I sucked on my lower lip. Jacob’s lips curved into a smile which made my stomach flip-flop. He grabbed my hand and kissed my knuckles. “As much as I’m enjoying our time alone, we must leave. I have an important meeting tonight with the King of the Vampires. We can return here tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
We walked the rest of the way in silence while holding hands. It didn’t feel awkward at all. It felt peaceful.
Chapter Five—The Meeting
Not even in my wildest dreams did I think I would be face to face with vampires and act so civilized about it. Despite most races agreeing to a peace treaty in the capital, the fact was that outside the city, werewolves and vampires were deadly enemies. There was no parlay if one of them ended up in our territory or vice-versa.
I wasn't allowed to join the meeting. I waited with Aaron and two more angels that I hadn't seen before. They were my escorts while Jacob talked to the king, alone.
“He will tell us if someone from the Shadow Pack tries to pay someone to find you or begins to search for you,” Jacob said when we left the vampire territory in our car.
“Vampires are their natural enemies. They can hunt during the day without the vampires realizing they are here,” I reasoned.
“Nothing happens here without Philippe being aware of it. He has humans working for him.”
“And the specters? What if Simon asks for their help instead?” The specters were powerful necromancers that worked for the highest bidders, and Simon had money.
Jacob softly brushed my hair away and rubbed my neck.
I stiffened and started fidgeting in the car seat. One of the angels was driving while Aaron had decided to fly. The other angel had teleported home. We were basically alone with the driver.
“He won't hurt you again, Camille,” he said. “I'll plant a spy in the cemetery to watch the movements of the specters. If a werewolf tries to contact them, we will know.”
I sighed in relief. “Thank you.”
“I have dealt with men like Simon before. Please trust me.” He lifted my chin to meet his eyes. My gaze fell on his lips after a brief glimpse of the tenderness in his expression.
I simply nodded and shifted my attention to the city outside, shining bright, unaware of all the dangers that lurked in the night.
Once we arrived home, I went to bed. It had been a long day. Yawning, I closed my eyes to sleep, enjoying the softness of my new pajamas and the delicate scent of my moisturizer. It reminded me of the open meadows with fields of flowers. I fell asleep only to wake up with a start.
Blinking at the watch, I realized I’d just slep
t two hours. I didn't remember what I had dreamed of. Then, I thought of Jacob. My heart tugged at my chest as if something was missing. I usually enjoyed being alone. I felt more comfortable that way. Why bother others with my presence? There was no need to have company when one was reading or watching TV.
My brother kept me company and tried to understand me. He was my best friend. And now, I didn't know if he was alive or not.
I got up and headed to the kitchen. As I reached the stairs, I noticed that there was someone watching TV.
Jacob lifted his head from the couch when I arrived downstairs. “Is everything alright, Camille?”
“Yes. I just came down for water. Why aren't you sleeping?” I reached the couch and looked at the TV. There was a movie playing.
Jacob sat up and patted the space next to him. “Do you want to join me?”
I circled the couch and joined him. The seat was warm. “Why can't you sleep?”
“I'm not sure if I know how to sleep anymore. It was easy when I was a gargoyle. The sun came up, and I would turn to stone. Now, I lay down, close my eyes, and there's a constant flood of thoughts tormenting me and preventing me from resting.”
My hand rested over his as I realized how everything would appear new and confusing to him.
“It happens to those who overthink things like us,” I said. “I'll stay here with you. Just relax.” I indicated, moving to the corner of the couch and motioning for him to rest his head on my lap. He did, and my fingers ran through his raven hair. “You need to rest. Just close your eyes if you feel tired. I'll stay here watching TV with you.”
He made himself comfortable before looking up at me. “What about you? Aren't you sleepy?”
Smiling, I said, “I'll go back to bed once you are sleeping.”
He nodded, and I could sense his body relaxing. I kept stroking his hair and caressing his cheeks and the curve of his neck. I enjoyed it and rejoiced at the notion that he liked my touch.
