Esra's Prohpecy (Book 3 An Angel-blood Novel)

by Linda L. Creel

  Aura still needed him to follow through with her plan, but that didn’t mean she was going to play nice anymore. Bren must have heard the noise because Aura could feel the force of her shield wrap around the door to her bedroom.

  “You think because we are pureblood angels, we don’t have feelings. We feel pain just like you, but we’ve been taught not to show emotion. Perhaps if you were ever alone, you would understand what it feels like,” Aidan said.

  “You were never alone,” Aura said.

  “I was alone more than you know.” Aidan walked up the stairs without saying another word. Aura plopped in one of the chairs. “What did those guardians do to you?” she whispered. In that moment she felt like she understood Dahnael. It didn’t excuse his anger, but she understood that he didn’t have the same upbringing as his brother and sister.

  A soft voice trickled into her thoughts. “You cannot make his choices for him, Aura. He will not give up his friend and that decision will cost him his family. My Father saw something in him before he was born. Perhaps it is the same thing that he saw in another son. Have you forgotten the lessons that your father taught you. The fallen can make you feel an overwhelming sense of sadness. Do not fall into their trap.”

  Aura knew that Esra was right. Was that how the angels felt when Lucifer turned his back on Heaven? She could only imagine. Still, it pained her heart to know that this was Aidan’s brother. Jeziel was changing him. Just like Lucifer changed so many in the past. How many of them had regrets for following him.

  Dahnael opened the door, and plopped on the bed. He worried that Michael would command him to return to Heaven, but he would disobey his father. He wasn’t going back. Dahnael was a powerful angel. He trained with the other guardians and he was well regarded for his strength and his cunning.

  He was sorry that he had given Avriel’s ring to Aura, but it was too late to change that. Aura would never return the ring. Dahnael would have to think of another way to retrieve the sacred gifts. Then, Aura would belong to him, and he would control the eternal children, and their powers.

  Chapter 24

  When Aura awoke after a few hours sleep, she was thankful that the girls weren’t awake. She went down to the kitchen to start preparing breakfast, and was not surprised to find Aidan already waiting there for her.

  “I trust you got some rest?” she asked.

  “I had a lot on my mind.”

  Aura made up her mind that she wasn’t going to argue with him this morning. She had too many things to do. “Would you like a cup of tea?”

  “I would like to know about our future?”

  “I’m not sure what you want from me, Aidan. I’m not interested in a future with Jeziel. I thought I made that clear.” The girls came downstairs and made their way into the kitchen. None of them were happy to see Aidan there. In fact, Alannah was downright grumpy.

  “Good morning,” Aidan said with a smile.

  “Why are you here? I thought you would be with Jeziel,” Alannah said curtly.

  “I know that you’re angry with me for being gone so long, but I lost track of time.” “Yeah – you always lose track of time when you’re with Jeziel. Why do you protect her, when she hurts everybody? Are you going down the dark path with her?” Alannah asked.

  “What makes you think Jeziel is on the path to darkness?”

  “Please-are you really that blind?” “Jeziel has been nothing but truthful.” He turned to Aura. “Are you influencing her?”

  “You think that because Jeziel’s eyes are brown, that she’s still loyal to Heaven, but her blood tells a different story.”

  Aidan slammed his fist on the table. “If you’re convinced that Jeziel is guilty, why don’t you confront her?” he shouted. “It’s not my job to police Jeziel. As long as she stays away from Alannah and the girls, we won’t have a problem,” Aura said calmly. “Jeziel is changing you. Everybody else can see it, but you. Jeziel is really bad and if you keep company with her, you’re going to be bad too,” Alannah said.

  Aidan glared at Aura. “Do you truly believe I would turn against Heaven?”

  “I don’t know anymore.” Not knowing how to respond, Aidan stomped out of the room. The four of them listened as the front door opened and slammed closed.

  “I’m glad he’s gone,” Alannah said. “He isn’t going to protect us. All he cares about is Jeziel and we all know that she only wants Mommy’s ring. He promised to always be there for you, Mommy. He promised! Now Anastasia is dead, and Mortriel swears he is going to take you away,” she sobbed.

  “Alannah, is that why you’re so upset? Mortriel has no idea of my powers. I’m not going to leave you,” Aura said, as she stroked her hair.

  “We have hope now. If seeing Bodhi doesn’t give us hope, nothingwill. I’m going to bring the others home soon. I believe I know a way to make it happen, but we have to be patient just a little longer. Things are already set in motion. Before you know it, we’ll all be together.”

  “What will happen to Dahnael?” Bren asked.

  “I can’t answer that. If he continues his relationship with Jeziel, there is little any of us can do to help him.” “Don’t cry Alannah. I’m coming home.” Alorrah was speaking to her sister. “Mommy’s not leaving you. We’ll all be together soon, I promise.”

  “Ok, Alorrah. I won’t cry anymore,” Alannah said. Aura wiped her tears away with a tissue. Tracy and Bren heardAlorrah’s voice too. They each took one of her hands. “Come on we‘ll go upstairs and get dressed. Aura will have breakfast ready then,” Bren said softly.

  The three of them left the kitchen and walked upstairs to their bedroom.

  Samhael showed up at the beach house with Jeziel and Natalie, by seven thirty. Meredith was just getting up.

  “I trust you slept well?” he asked. “Very well, thank you. Are you just now returning?” she asked Natalie. “Yes – Samhael and I made a night of it. Natalie didn’t mention that Samhael had taken her to see Lucifer. But seeing him wasn’t the only surprise. She discovered something wonderful while she was there.

  “You can’t tell anyone about this, not even Jeziel,” Samhael warned.

  “Why can’t I tell her? Do you doubt her loyalty?” Natalie asked, in defense of her cousin.

  “She will find out soon enough. For now, it will be our secret.” Natalie was glad Samhael trusted her. She was looking forward to a long happy life with him. “We have good news, Grandmother. Samhael and I are getting married. Isn’t that wonderful?” Natalie said, showing off the diamond on her left hand.

  “When did all this happen? Are you sure you want to jump back into the fire so soon? It hasn’t even been two weeks, since your first marriage was annulled.”

  Samhael gave Meredith a scathing look. “No one considers her brief union to that boy,” he said.

  Meredith could see that Samhael wasn’t happy about her last comment, so she tried to recover. “When is the big day?” “I really don’t like long engagements. W e were thinking about the day after tomorrow. I should have everything arranged by then,” Samhael said.

  “I’m assuming you won’t object to our union,” Samhael asked Jeziel.

  She laughed. “I couldn’t be happier. If things work out, perhaps I will be exchanging my own vows in the near future.”

  “What are your plans today?” Samhael asked Meredith. “I was thinking about going to Utopia, to visit my friend Francesca.”

  “Since you like the beach so much, perhaps you might consider taking another trip,” Samhael said. “It would benefit all of us.” “I’m sure I don’t understand,” Meredith said. “I know where Charisse and Desiree are. I want you to take up residence near them. It’s more of an island, but you’ll be comfortable there. Since your appearance has been altered, no one will recognize you. You can’t let them know your true identity.”

  “Why is that important?” “We believe Charisse is trying to turn her daughter against you and Natalie. Desiree remains loyal, I assure you, but the same
is not true of her mother. I have arranged for you to reside in a cottage nearby.”

  “Charisse has turned against me?” Meredith couldn’t believe that her best friend would sever their relationship. “Charisse doesn’t want you or Natalie involved with Richards’ son. I’m afraid your friend is under the influence of the Guild. My instructions are simple. Befriend them, but not as Meredith. You will present yourself as Athena. Make up some story about losing your husband recently, and you came to the island for a rest. You will be free to come and go as you please, but you need to inform me immediately of the child’s birth. I want you to bring the boy to us as soon as he’s born.”

  Meredith’s mouth dropped. ‘’You want me to take him from his mother?”

  “That’s exactly what you will do. Do you want the Guild to gain control of the child?”

  “Certainly not – he’s my flesh and blood. He belongs with his family.”

  “Then we are in agreement,” Samhael said.

  Meredith couldn’t help feeling that it wasn’t a request; it was more of a demand. “When do I leave?” she asked.

  “You’ll have a short time to visit with your friend in Utopia, but I warn you the governor may see through your disguise.” “Henry is with his friend Jane. I’m not planning to see him while I’m there.” “He is not your only concern. Arthur Carnegie remains there. The Guild has already warned him to be wary of any strangers coming to the city. If you keep your visit short, you shouldn’t have any problems.”

  “I’ll do as you ask, but how will I contact you after the baby is born. Surely you aren’t planning to come to the island. If Charisse is loyal to the Guild, she’ll warn them of your visit.”

  “I have no intention of visiting. I’ll give you instructions after you return. Natalie will be with me, so there is no reason to worry about her. It’s important I know exactly when the child is born.” “What about Desiree? Am I to leave her?”

  “We’ll take care of Desiree in due time. The child is our primary focus.”

  “How am to find this house?” “After your visit with your friends, I’ll meet you here. At the first sign of trouble in Utopia, you will return here. Remember, no one must recognize you,” Samhael affirmed.

  “You’ll be fine, Grandmother. Samhael won’t let anything happen to you,” Natalie assured her.

  Samhael smiled. “Of course not - as long as you follow my instructions everything will be fine.” He took Natalie’s hand in his. “Shall we have some breakfast? I believe the café down the beach is open.” He ushered the three women out the door and they walked a few yards to the outside café. Surprisingly, it wasn’t crowded and they had no problem finding a table on the verandah, overlooking the water.

  “If you’re planning to return to Aeden, perhaps you can make a little stop on the way?” Samhael asked.

  “What kind of little stop?” Jeziel asked. “There has to be some consequences for Phillipe Devereaux’s betrayal. I have it on good authority that he will be in New York this morning with his wife and daughters. Perhaps you should pay them a visit.”

  “I would be only too happy to stop by. Will we have need of your services?” Jeziel asked.

  “No I don’t think it would be wise to burn the house, but you can still cause some damage inside, if you catch my drift.” Jeziel smirked. “I’m sure Phillipe thinks he has the protection of the Guild. How do you know that they’ll be alone?” “His daughters are impulsive. They have acquired a taste for the finer things in life and will want their own belongings to be brought to the sanctuary in Aeden. I doubt that the Guild will even notice that they’re gone. Fools-they think they can leave and return without anyone knowing about their absence.”

  “Won’t Aura see what’s going to happen and try to warn them?” Natalie asked. “Aura doesn’t see everything. From what I understand, her visions are still erratic. Her shield can only reach so far. Now I suggest we finish our breakfast, so your grandmother can meet her friends in Utopia. I want her to be at the cottage I’ve rented, before lunchtime.”

  “How do you know that the Devereaux’s will be in New York?” Jeziel asked. “You are not the only one who has friends in Aeden.” Samhael smiled, feeling pleased with himself. He had no intention of telling Jeziel who his informant was. There really was no reason for her to know.

  “We can visit the Devereaux’s, and I’ll still have time for a nap before I meet Aidan this afternoon. I think it’s a perfect plan,” Jeziel said.

  Natalie agreed. It was time they made a statement to the angelbloods. Anyone who betrayed them would pay, with their lives.

  Chapter 25

  . The girls returned a few minutes later and appeared to be in a better mood. As Aura set the table, she noticed Alannah looking for Aidan. “Did he leave to see Jeziel again, Mommy?” she asked.

  “I’m sure he probably just went for a walk, to enjoy some fresh air. Let’s finish our breakfast. We have a lot to do today.” Aura hated that Alannah was so upset and afraid. “You will pay for this Mortriel,” Aura swore under her breath. “No one hurts my daughter, no one.”

  The rest of the family soon made their way downstairs and took seats in the dining room. Aura hoped the rest of the morning would be uneventful. Rita and Jessica were busy talking about the rehearsal dinner.

  Aura would meet with Mahlyssa after breakfast and inform her of the plan to fool Jeziel. She would only tell her as much as she needed to know. Nothing was said about Aidan or Jeziel. Nobody seemed to care that neither of them were there.

  “Do you have everything ready for the dinner tonight Papa?” Rita asked. “The restaurant expects us around six o’clock. We don’t want to keep you girls up too late. Tomorrow is a big day.” Papa winked at Aura.

  “Do you know where you’ll be honeymooning?” Aura asked. Will and Joshua looked at each other and smiled. They kept changing their plans to keep the girls confused. As they were finishing breakfast, Aidan returned to the house. Aura didn’t ask where he was, fearing it would upset Alannah, if he was with Jeziel.

  Everyone could see that Aida n’s eyes had darkened. They tried not to stare, but it was a dramatic change. Bren quickly returned to the conversation to the wedding, not wanting to focus attention on Aidan.

  “I can’t wait to dance with Uncle Gabe,” Bren said. “Yeah we’re gonna dance all night,” Tracy added. Alannah continued to stare at Aidan, until Alorrah broke into her thoughts. “You can’t let him know what you’re thinking,” she whispered. Bren and Tracy looked at Alannah. They heard Alorrah’s warning.

  “You think he’s a good dancer?” Tracy asked, shifting the subject back to Gabriel.

  Rita laughed. “I would bet money on it.” Will was grateful that Eve taught him to dance. “Your Uncle Gabe won’t be the only one on the dance floor. I’ve been working on a couple new moves myself.”

  Bren started giggling. “We already know you got moves.” Alannah and Tracy started laughing too, and Will’s face turned beet red with embarrassment. Rita just shrugged her shoulders. “You’ll get used to her. She’s going to be your little sister after tomorrow.”

  Bren bent her head and slid a pair of “Billy Bob” teeth into her mouth, before flashing a big smile at Will. Joey spit out his milk, and Mia almost fell out of her chair laughing. Before long, everyone was giggling and cackling with her.

  Papa retold the story of being in church, when Bren gave Mia a pair of the teeth. Logan tried to get them away, but Bren had put chocolate syrup on the inside and Mia wasn’t giving them up.

  Father Patrick had to step away from the dais when he saw Mia. His laughter was infectious and soon they were all laughing with him. It was ten minutes before he could return to the service.

  By that time, Mia spit the teeth out because the chocolate was gone. They landed in the back of Adam’s head. While everyone else, including Mia laughed, Adam took it in stride and put the teeth in his jacket pocket. To this day they blamed Bren for making Mia a chocoholic.

  The m
ood was set and the rest of the breakfast was more relaxed, though Aidan still felt he was being ignored. He had to find a way to get back in Aura’s good graces or everything he hoped for, would be lost. In the back of his mind, he kept feeling that something was wrong.

  If Aura discovered his true identity, he would have to come up with an alternative solution to get a commitment from her. Once they were legally married, his brother would have to step aside. That was a law that Aidan would never break.

  Dahnael was convinced the best way to approach the situation, was to make Aura jealous of Jeziel. He would bring her to the dinner tonight and finally give her the dance that she had been waiting for.

  When breakfast was over, Iris insisted on washing the dishes and cleaning the kitchen. There was a dishwasher, but Iris preferred to use the sink.

  Will and Joshua decided to take the little ones to the park. There was snow on the ground and it gave them an excuse to get out of the house.

  Aura, Jessica and Rita followed the boys. As soon as Will was outside, he picked up some snow and pelted Bren. It didn’t take long before they were all throwing snowballs at each other. Rita had never seen Will act so carefree. He was laughing as hard as the little ones.

  While Jessica decided to help the boys, Aura sat on the bench with Rita. “Are you nervous about tomorrow?” Aura asked. “Not at all, I know Will loves me. It’s funny though, I never thought I would get married before you.” “Don’t be ridiculous. You’re a year older than I am.” They both watched the kids rolling in the snow. “Have you and Will discussed having children yet?”Aura asked.

  “We both want some, but I’m not sure how soon. It’s going to be hard enough to get used to sharing my bed, let alone having a child.”

  “You and Jessica have been sharing the same bed since you were babies,” Aura teased

  Rita laughed. “I don’t think it’s the same thing.”