Sacrificial Lamb (The Other Angels Book 1)

by Ashley Nicole

  Michael tentatively puts his arms around me in return. He rests his head on top of mine and strokes my hair with his hands.

  After a few minutes of this my tears run out, but I don't move. Michael is the one who breaks the moment. "Abel is almost finished with your friends."

  I pull away and scrunch my eyebrows together. "How do you know?"

  "He and I share psychic bond. We can send thoughts to each other when we need to."

  "How?"

  "That's just one of his gifts. He can do it with one angel, and he chose me."

  "So, you only hear each other's thoughts when the other person lets you?"

  "Exactly. It's sort of like instant messaging in your head." Michael extends his arm to me once again. I wipe my eyes on my sleeve then loop my arm through his.

  We start walking back in the direction we came. Talking with Michael has really opened the flood gate to the hundreds of questions I didn't know I had. But now isn't the time. I have the rest of forever to get some answers.

  As the mansion comes into view so does three figures. Abel, Scotty, and Amanda. Once Scotty sees me, he runs toward me. I break away from Michael and let Scotty's crashing embrace pick me up and spin me in a full circle.

  As he sets me down his hands come up to cup my face. "I'm so happy that we're finally going to be okay again."

  I smile and look up into his eyes. "Me too, Scotty."

  "So now what?" Amanda's impatient voice makes me turn around and look at Michael again. He's looking at Abel who nods back at him.

  Abel looks at Scotty and I then Amanda. "Michael and I need to talk about one more important question. If you three could kindly wait in the meadow, I would appreciate it."

  "Why so many secrets?" Amanda stands in her iconic hands-on-hips position.

  "I don't want to get your hopes up until something is decided. Just in case. Michael will come to speak with you when we are through. However, no matter the conclusion we reach I want to extend my deepest gratitude to you. You three are true blessings." Abel then turns to the mansion and Michael follows him without hesitation.

  We stand still for a moment then Scotty takes my hand. "Let's go sit by the lake."

  I start walking with him but then look over my shoulder to Amanda who hasn't moved yet. "Are you coming?"

  "No offense, but I don't really want to be a third wheel to you lovebirds. I've got things to do, people to see, and all that."

  I ponder that for a moment then shrug it off and turn to look ahead again.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  Now that everything is finally right again, I allow myself to breathe and relax my tense body. Scotty and I sit on a dock at the lake in the center of the meadow. The sun is high in the sky instead of sinking low into the water, but I can’t help myself from imagining we are back on Earth and it’s our third anniversary where he took me on the perfect date before everything became complicated.

  I touch the locket hanging from my neck. Scotty looks over at me. “You feel it too, don’t you?” he asks.

  “It feels peaceful right now like it did that day at the park.”

  “I know.” He wraps his arm around me, and I lean into him thankful for the closeness. Even after everything this is where I want to be. I hope he knows that. After a comfortable silence Scotty’s curious tone pulls me out of daydreams. “You never asked what we talked to Abel about.”

  He’s right. I had wanted to, but I didn’t think I could. “I didn’t think you were allowed to tell me.”

  “You know I will always tell you anything. No secrets among us, Katie.”

  “Okay, so what did you talk about? It was about me wasn’t it?”

  “Yeah it was. Abel is concerned about whose side you’re on because you went to stand next to Cain at one point. I didn’t understand why you did that either, but Amanda told me she thought you had some sort of plan. I don’t know. It was weird.”

  “Does Abel think that I’m evil or something?” I sit up and look at Scotty scanning his face for any sign that I’m in trouble.

  “Well I wouldn’t say evil, but he wanted to be sure he could trust you. He believes that Cain had some sort of hold on you.”

  I think about my attack on Michael. Cain did have control, but I was able to fight back. Besides, that’s all over now.

  Scotty continues. “Abel also says that the control has been broken because no type of signal can transmit from Hell to Heaven.” Scotty shrugs away my behavior which helps me relax again.

  “I hate to break up the honeymoon guys, but that new angel wants to talk to us.” I turn around to see Amanda watching us with her arms folded across her chest.

  Scotty and I smile at each other and then stand up to follow her. “I wonder what he and Abel had to decide on.” He ponders aloud as we make our hike back through the woods.

  “Whether I’m trustable or not? Maybe they want to send me to Hell with Cain?” I shudder hoping that isn’t the case.

  “You told her about that?” Amanda punches Scotty in the arm playfully.

  “Ow! Did you expect me not to?” He replies as he rubs his arm.

  “I guess not. Seriously, Katie, there’s nothing you need to worry about. We already concluded you’re safe.”

  The three of us finally reach the mansion and Michael is standing there all calm and perfect posture. His eyes track us until we’re standing before him then he smiles. “You three are truly proof that miracles can be performed by everyday people.” He walks forward and places a hand on each of our shoulders in turn. When his eyes meet mine, he lingers a second longer but then backs up to his original position.

  “So, what happens now, angel man?” Amanda looks around skeptical of the tranquil setting.

  “Well, from here you three can build your new lives. It’s peaceful here and everyone is friendly. You can be whatever you want to be and have anything you want.” Michael pauses as if pondering over his next words. “Or, just this once, Abel will allow me to bend the rules and you can go home to a time before your death and you can live what was meant to be your Earthly life.” Michael only looks at Scotty and Amanda.

  “Count me in! What do I do to board that train!” Amanda answers without hesitation then looks around anxiously awaiting the way out.

  Michael hides a small smile. He waves his left hand to the side and a large mirror appears. “Stepping through this will take you home, but then the link will be broken, and you cannot return here until it is your time.”

  Amanda runs to the mirror. “Sorry guys, it’s been fun here and all, but I have some unfinished business to attend to back on Earth. Of course, I guess you know that seeing as you’re an angel and all.” Amanda touches her hand to the reflective surface. I know she’s anxious to go find Cassidy. It seems like it’s been forever since I heard her tell that story to Scotty. She turns to face us. “You two coming?”

  Scotty grabs my hand and takes a step forward. “Definitely.” When I resist, he turns around to look at me. “Come on, Katie, we’re going home.”

  “Scotty, I don’t think I can go back.”

  “What? Katie, it’s home. You can see your mom and dad and Marie again. We can be together again like before. No more Matthew or Cain or emotional controllers. Just us.”

  “I don’t think I would be safe. Cain could get me on Earth like the first time.” I look to Michael who nods in silent agreement.

  “I can’t let Kathryn return, only you and Amanda. Abel is concerned in keeping her protected and we can do that best here in Heaven.

  Scotty’s eyes fill with tears while mine flow freely down my face.

  “Then I’ll stay here with you.” Scotty grasps my hand firmly in his.

  I want that. More than anything. I’ve been fighting to keep Scotty and prove to him I love him despite what the angels led him to believe. All I’d have to do is ask him to stay and I know he would. I could control this situation in the way I want it.

  But I’m learning that the power to control
doesn’t always mean getting your own way. I tried taking control of my life by killing myself and that hurt more people than I care to add up. I could take control of this and have Scotty stay, but if I let him return to Earth maybe he could fix some of the damage I caused. He could watch out for Cassie, take care of his mom, reassure my friends that they didn’t cause my death.

  But if I ask him to stay we wouldn’t have to worry about those on Earth. We could be together…

  The stronger side of me wins. “I can’t ask you to do that. You need to go back to Earth and do what you were meant to do.” As much as it hurts to say it, I know this is what’s best.

  “You want me to leave you…?” Misunderstanding crosses his face.

  “It’s not that I don’t want you here with me, because I know you would stay if I asked you to, but I don’t want to hold you back from all that you want to do.”

  “That’s not fair! What about all that you want to do?”

  “I can play with my animals here, but your art is a big part of you, and I know you wouldn’t be happy here without that competitive atmosphere that you have back on Earth. At least, not until you’ve fulfilled your dreams first. You’ve always wanted to make a name for yourself and I know you are capable of doing that.”

  “But that means nothing to me if I can’t share it with you, Katie!”

  “Scotty, I’m always going to be with you. I’m only a breath away. Anytime you need to talk, I’ll always be right there to listen. And think about your mom. She’s alone now. She needs you.” The worst part is, I’m mostly pushing him away so he can achieve his dreams and reunite with his mom. Another small part of me still aches from the distance he put between us, even if it was emotion manipulation. The scars on our hearts are still there.

  Scotty’s shoulders slump because he knows I’m right. I know the thought of his mom alone hurts and I know he’d regret abandoning her later with this chance he has. “It’s not going to be the same though.”

  “I know. But one day it will be again.”

  “You think so?”

  “I know so. I can wait for you to return as an old man.” I allow a small playful smile to play across my lips.

  Scotty grabs me and hugs me tightly to him. “I love you, Katie.”

  “I love you too.”

  “Okay, this is getting to mushy for me.” Amanda makes a face. “I’ll see you guys later.” She sticks her hand through the reflection then steps through and disappears.

  Scotty turns from where she disappears to face me again. “So, this is really what you want?” He looks at me level and analyzes my face for any signs of uncertainty.

  I take a deep breath and let it out, composing myself. I look him in the eyes and smile. “Yes.” And I mean it. I know this is hard for him, but I can feel the relief from him that he didn’t have to make the decision alone. I know he’ll be happy with this second chance at life.

  He sighs but smiles back. “I’ll miss you.”

  “I’ll miss you too.”

  “Promise you’ll wait for me?”

  “Of course, pinky promise.” I pause a moment. “But try to find Amanda when you’re not too busy attending art shows. She needs someone to keep her out of trouble. I’d be okay if that was you.”

  His smile widens and he hugs me one last time. He let’s go and touches his hand to my cheek. I lean into it and close my eyes just for a moment. His lips touch mine so softly and in my head I think about changing my mind and asking him to stay, but I know I wouldn’t forgive myself for stopping him from pursuing this life he wants and deserves.

  He pulls away and I open my eyes to see his crystal blue ones looking back into mine. Then he turns to the mirror. He walks slowly to it, but he doesn’t look back at me. I’m glad he doesn’t because I don’t want him to see me crying again.

  The mirror shimmers as I watch Scotty walk through without hesitation. I know I made the right choice by letting him go, but I’m going to miss him.

  The mirror fades and I feel Michael’s presence beside me. “I assume you know how everyone’s life is going to go, and that you probably can’t tell me details, but does he do okay back on Earth?” I ask without taking my eyes off where the mirror used to be.

  “He lives a good life.” When he doesn’t elaborate, I start to wonder if that’s all he’s going to say. I finally look up at Michael and he is looking back at me. “That was a very selfless thing you did, Kathryn. You will see him again one day.” Michael reaches over and wipes away a tear sliding down my cheek. We stand in silence for a few moments. “Would you like me to walk you home?”

  “Not yet. I need a few minutes here alone.”

  “As you wish. I’ll be around if you need me.”

  “Thank you, Michael.” He nods and turns to walk away. I look back at the empty space in front of me and let the last of my tears slip silently down my face.

  Smile.

  I look up into the warm sunshine and let the smile slowly spread across my face.

  Epilogue – Scott

  I open my eyes and things begin to come into focus. I’m standing outside with a large group of people. In front of me is a hole dug into the soft black dirt of the cemetery. Katie’s casket sits beside it.

  Her mom stands beside me, trembling with grief. I reach out and grip her shoulder in comfort, noticing the gold bangle still dangling around my wrist. She places her shaking hand on mine then looks up at me. “I’ve never noticed how beautiful your silver eyes are before.”

  Shock makes me drop my hand. I inch away from the crowd of people and study the bracelet. The spike is still embedded into my skin. Panic rises in my chest but then sinks. This bracelet is used to travel from Earth to the Kingdom.

  I look up at the gloomy overcast skies. A few drops of rain land on my face. “There’s no need to cry now, Katie.” A small hole breaks through in the clouds and a sliver of sunlight streams down onto the gathered friends and family.

  “That’s better.”

  Coming soon…

  You’ve witnessed the battle, but can you survive the war?

  Keep an eye out for The Other Angels Book Two!

  Acknowledgments

  Firstly, I want to thank you, the reader, for choosing my book to read. Your support in my writing dreams means the world. If you could do me one more favor and leave a review, I would be most grateful!

  I also want to thank my tech support boyfriend, Anthony. Without him, I wouldn’t have a website, blog, formatted book, social media promo pictures and videos, the list goes on. I’d be lost. So, thank you, and I love you.

  I want to thank my beta readers for their early insight.

  Thank you to my editor and book trailer designer, Michele Sagan. Your amazing quality of help has brought this book to the next level.

  Thank you to my cover designer, Ryan Rinsler. I immediately fell in love with the design you created. Thank you for putting up with my endless questions and comments.

  Thank you to the Writing Community of Twitter. You all make me feel welcomed and supported every day.

  Lastly, thank you to all of you who believed in this book even when I didn’t. Your push and encouragement is what completed this project.

  I couldn’t have made it this far without all of you. So, thank you.

  About the Author

  Ashley Nicole resides in a small town in West Virginia with her boyfriend and spoiled kitten, River. By day, she works at her local vet clinic and by night she pours her imagination out onto a page. She has dreamed of becoming a published author for so long and with this debut, she has finally made it a reality. She has plans for dozens of other stories ranging from fantasy to dystopian to thriller and she hopes you’ll come along for the ride!

  You can keep updated on new book and writing tips by visiting www.ashleynicolewrites.com. Connect with her on her social medias Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

  As a writer, Ashley’s goal is to share everything she learns on her author jour
ney. She posts regular writing tip articles on her Medium profile.