by S S Bazinet
* * * * *
Arel couldn’t stop staring at his godchild. He was used to adults, including himself, who all had their fixed routines and ways of thinking. The child in his arms eclipsed that world and brought in a feeling of new possibilities and new ideas about life. And the baby seemed so at ease. He slept so peacefully after his transition from the sheltered confines of his mother’s womb to the outer world. Even though he was being passed around from person to person, he didn’t seem to notice. Such a constitution was to be envied.
What kind of soul feels so comfortable with the world?
He glanced back at Michael, wanting some answers. Who was the soul who’d volunteered to incarnate in place of the original, intended one? Was this child someone Arel had known before, in one of his other lives? When he queried Michael before the child’s birth, Michael wouldn’t divulge any information.
The angel seemed just as tight-lipped about the matter now. He avoided Arel’s eyes and touched one of the baby’s small fists, making it react enough to open slightly, exposing long, delicate fingers. “Quite a miracle, isn’t he?”
“He’s perfect,” Arel whispered back. He looked up at Kevin. “And he’s lucky. He has you and Carol for parents.”
Kevin smiled. “Thanks for believing in me these past months.”
“Of course,” Arel mumbled, but he was focused on the child he was holding. He noted every twitch and movement the baby made. “Oh look, I think he might be waking up.”
The baby yawned and straightened his body out in a stretch. His miniature face became more animated. After he yawned a second time, his eyelids began to flicker ever so slightly. With a seemingly momentous effort, they managed to open just a crack. With another try, they lifted, exposing two grey-blue eyes.
Arel smiled. “That’s strange. I think he’s really looking at me, and with some degree of clarity.” He had read about babies and knew that it took time for them to be able to distinguish details at first. Yet this incredible child was definitely giving it a good try. The baby stared back at him with unwavering attention. His gaze had a powerful, almost primitive quality that reminded Arel of the gaze of a fierce bird.
But there’s more to what he’s doing.
The child was observing him in a manner that indicated an unexpected talent, as if he could see past Arel’s physical body and look at his very soul. As they continued to stare at each other, their minds merged for just a moment. In that brief space of time, knowledge was passed from one to the other. Arel’s earlier questions were answered. He knew the soul who was looking back at him.
Oh no! It can’t be! Oh hell, tell me he’s not who I think he is!
Arel had to tighten his jaw to keep from crying out as the child’s true identity triggered a terrible pain in his chest and closed off his airways.
Why? Why is this soul haunting me now? What did I do to deserve this misery?
In the next instant, the connection was broken. The baby closed his eyes and fell asleep again, leaving Arel gaping at his future. There would be no new beginning for him after what had been revealed. An untainted soul had returned from the dead, and Arel wanted no part of him. When he could finally breathe, he looked up at Michael with anger and hurt. “Take him,” he ordered quietly.
After Arel handed the baby off to Michael, he knew he had to leave. “I’m sorry, but I’m really tired,” he announced. He avoided making eye contact as he made up an excuse. He told the group something about his bad nerves and having to have some time to himself. It was true, but it was a gross understatement of the truth. Bad nerves? His whole body was sick.
Arel made his way to the parking garage alone. He insisted that Michael ride home with Peggy and Tim. He had no time for angels who allowed such a thing to happen. His only thought, his only salvation, was to get away from the hospital. He had to flee from the infant who brought back so much pain from Arel’s own childhood.
Arel wasn’t feverish anymore. Once in his car, he was stiff with cold. He drove out of the parking garage with gritted teeth, trying to contain the downward spiral his emotions were taking. But it was no use trying to fight facts or the past. By the time he reached the interstate, the cold hand of fate clawed at his chest and tore open old, chilling wounds. Luckily, traffic was light, and he would soon reach the exit he wanted to take. He had to put distance between himself and the baby. It probably wouldn’t help much, but he had to do something, anything to try to numb what was happening. Yet, a heavy blanket of darkness was gathering around him. No matter what Michael or his friends said about having a normal, happy life, he would never find peace. He’d never escape the worst curse of all, being alive and knowing that his past was swiftly catching up with him.
Chapter Three
PEGGY LET OUT a heavy sigh as she climbed the stairs. It was good to be home and on her way to bed. “I’m exhausted.”
Tim followed her up the stairs. “Carol was in labor for a long time,” he said quietly. “You stayed with her through most of it. It’s no wonder that you’re feeling worn.”
“I wanted to be there if Kevin flaked out.”
“I hope you haven’t overdone it.”
“I’ll be fine after a good night’s sleep.” She grabbed the handrail to help herself up the last two steps. As she made her way down the hall, she looked back at Tim. Little furrows of stress spoiled his usually smooth brow. His broad shoulders were slightly bent. Obviously, he was really tired too. “Are you getting anxious about our baby?” she asked as she ran her hand over her large, round belly.
“I’d be lying if I said no, but I think it’s normal to be a bit nervous.”
“At least you’re not like Arel.” She rolled her eyes. “He was horrible in the birthing room.”
“In all fairness, he was concerned,” Tim said as he took her hand and led her into the bedroom.
She let out another sigh. “Arel was nuts. I mean I love him dearly, but—”
Tim put on a serious face. “He’s wondering if he can be there for you too?”
“What? After the way he acted today?” Her tone was high-pitched and filled with alarm, but when she saw the mischief in Tim’s eyes, she started to laugh.
Looking only slightly contrite, Tim pulled her close and kissed her gently but with some degree of passion. “I love you, Peg.”
It was what she needed. When she had a tough day, he always found a way to distract her from her worries. “I love you too.” As she thought about their relationship, Arel came to mind again.
“Do you think Arel is really alright? He looked weird when he left the hospital.”
“He’s probably totally wiped out too.”
“I hope he got home okay.” She pulled away from Tim and walked over to the window. The rambling rancher next door was dark except for a light in the front room. She felt a little better knowing Arel was probably sitting in his favorite recliner and relaxing. She closed the curtain. “Maybe Arel needs somebody. An understanding woman might help him to unwind a little.”
“Maybe, but I can’t imagine him ever having kids.”
She giggled. “Arel would never make it through his wife’s delivery. But maybe one of these days, we could help him find someone.”
“Peggy, please.”
She turned and gave Tim a pleading look. “But I really care about him. He deserves to be happy like us.”
“Of course he does, but that’s his choice.”
“I helped Carol and Kevin find each other.”
“Yes, but Carol and Kevin are normal. Arel is—”
“He’s special. That’s what he is.” She walked back to where Tim was standing and put her hands on his chest. She enjoyed the feel of his solid, masculine body. “That’s why we have to keep our eyes open for someone just as special.”
Tim sighed. “I guess, but you’re forgetting what that person would be up against. I have no trouble admitting that Arel is caring and even nurturing to a fault, but he’s also . . . what’s the word I’m lookin
g for?”
“Intense?”
Tim nodded. “He can also be extremely moody, excessive, overly passionate, the list goes on.”
“Alright, I get the picture.”
Tim bent over and nuzzled her neck. “Good, now, can we go to bed?”
She closed her eyes and felt her weariness settle in deeper. “I can’t think of anything I’d like more.”
* * * * *
Abrigail sat on the white linen sofa, letting her sparkly, blue gaze travel around the living room. She wasn't in her angelic form. She'd taken on a physical body for the occasion. She smiled as she inspected the upper level of Arel's suburban home. It had undergone significant changes since Michael's arrival. Dark walls and carpets had given way to a lighter, more modern look. The décor reflected Michael's preferences, and Arel had been willing to indulge his angelic friend's wishes. Besides, Arel could always retreat to the lower, below ground level if he needed more conservative surroundings.
She turned her attention to her fellow angel. Michael sat in a chair by the window. A few gardening books littered the side table next to him. “You look very contemplative. I take it that the hospital event didn't go very well.”
Michael’s face remained calm, but there was a flicker of concern in his usually steady eyes. “Arel is very unhappy at this point.”
Abrigail sat back and allowed herself to appreciate the moment more fully. When she took on a physical body, she wasn’t used to its heaviness. It took a while to adjust to being contained in something as dense as flesh and bone.
Michael gave her a knowing glance. “It’s just the two of us. You don’t have to manifest a form if you’d rather not.”
Abrigail smiled back. “I need the practice. Besides, after the initial transition, it can be fun to experience reality in this way. And I want to be ready if Arel needs someone tangible to hang on to. Remember when he was dying and needed company? He wanted a soft place to lay his head. He might need that type of comfort again after today.”
“Yes, when Arel handed the baby over to me, he gave me a wounded look, the kind you give to someone when they deliver you to the executioner.”
“But he was doing so well up until now.”
“One of the biggest problems is that his energy is very low. He’s exhausted, and when he’s this tired, he has very little ability to stay balanced even when it comes to smaller challenges.”
“Would it have been easier if you told him about the child’s soul ahead of time?”
Michael’s head jerked up. “And give him months to worry?”
“I see,” she said as she looked away and studied a beautiful bronze that sat on a long side table against the far wall. It depicted a strong, masculine angel watching over a child. The bronze reminded her of Michael. He had been in the trenches of physicality for a long time. He knew a lot more about the human psyche than she did. “How can I help?”
Michael’s face brightened a little. “Gabriel is fielding this one.”
“Really? That should be interesting. Gabriel isn’t always what you’d expect an angel to be, not when he’s in physical form.”
“Hopefully, the role he adopts will be just what Arel needs.”
“So you’re not involved at all?”
“Arel doesn’t want to talk to me right now. In fact, every time he senses my presence, he only becomes more agitated and angry. It’s best if he thinks I’m not around.”
For a few minutes, neither spoke, but Abrigail continued to study her friend. With his strong, striking features, he projected a sort of commander-in-chief energy, and rightly so. In other realms he was accustomed to directing his legions. Now, sitting quietly, he hid his true nature very well. He appeared to be an ordinary human who was simply Arel’s faithful friend. “I’m surprised that Arel still blames you as often as he does.”
“He can’t help it. The fear overloads his circuits. He needs someone to blame when he can’t handle his emotional swings.”
Abrigail’s eyes sparkled playfully. “In other words, you let him shirk responsibility now and then.”
“He’s barely coping at times like this.”
“Was it a mistake to give him your blood?”
Michael’s response was immediate and assured. “I’ve always believed in him. That will never change.”
“One thing that’s consistent with Arel is the way he likes to run off when he’s unhappy. If you’d like, I can check on him for you.”
“Certainly. Give it a try.”
“I’m detecting a bit of doubt on your part. What’s going on?”
“He can still be very defensive when he’s upset.”
“Right, so you’re saying that he’s heavily shielded.”
Michael smiled but didn’t reply.
Abrigail raised her chin and sat up straighter. She wanted to help if she could. “Oh well, I’ll try to reach him anyway.”
This time Michael gave her a look of appreciation. “I hope you can get through.”
Abrigail shut her eyes and let her mind drift away from her physical form. Instead, she focused on her etheric wings. They were spread out behind her and acted like energetic antennas, searching for any information that might help. When she found Arel’s energy signature, she hesitated, softening her own vibration so she didn’t come on too strong. Arel could be very aware of an angelic presence after being around Michael. She had to reach out to him slowly, tuning into his energy field with a degree of caution. The last thing she wanted was to threaten Arel and make him feel more insecure. Finally, she pressed on and made contact. She pulled back immediately. “Oh goodness, he is upset,” she said with surprise. While she was being very careful with Arel’s energy state, her own was now slightly off-kilter. She had never felt that kind of shock from a human’s aura before. It was akin to what an animal felt when it touched an electrified fence. “And he’s much more powerful than I remember.”
“Sorry, I forgot to warn you about his newest trick. But it’s not intentional. He’s not consciously aware of what he’s doing.”
She gave herself a little shake, helping her energy to return to a relaxed state again. “I hope that Gabriel can find a way to help.”
The faintest trace of a smile crossed Michael’s lips. “If there’s a way, Gabriel will find it. Of that, I’m sure.”
“Oh come now, Michael. I know you. You’re still watching over Arel too. If you get a chance to help him, you will.”
Michael’s smile widened. “Of course.”
We hope you enjoyed these first chapters from book two, Arel's Blood.
The book is available on Amazon!
Other books in the series!
Book Three: William’s Blood
Book Four: Brother’s Blood
Book Five: Tainted Blood
The series is also available in Amazon's Lending Library!
OPEN WIDE MY HEART SERIES
Book One: Traces Of Home
A Love Story!
Lea is searching for a way back to herself. Trying to escape her tortured past, she runs away from her fiancé, Dr. Matthew Howell. Lost and alone, she accepts the help of Dr. Eric Lloyd and his mother. When they take her into their home and hearts, she finds security. But is the price too steep? Does she have to give up everything, even the man she loves, to reclaim her sanity and herself?
When Lea and Matthew are finally reunited, they're both shocked by the changes they see in each other. All seems lost, but the couple is now a part of a bigger picture. Their actions affect the lives of those around them.
Matthew and Lea, the Lloyds, Lea's parents and a psychiatrist, Dr. Paul Glass, are all thrown together in the mansion where Lea grew up. As it reveals its dark secrets, each person is forced to face their unwanted past. But once those unwanted memories are resurrected, no one can escape the destruction that follows. No one, especially hard-nosed Matthew, is prepared for the possibility that destruction can also lead one back to his or her forgotten dreams.
Av
ailable on Amazon
This book is also available in Amazon's Lending Library!
Author’s website, SSBazinet.com.
* * *
PRAISE BY READERS
“Mystery, Intrigue, Romance . . . so many twists and turns that you don't see coming.”
“Brilliant and Beautiful and Bold!”
“Bazinet is a master at taking a group of fragile people trapped in negative energy and turning it into a positive healing experience.”
For more information about S. S. Bazinet’s other books, please visit her website: ssbazinet.com
IN THE CARE OF WOLVES
Book One: My Brother’s Keeper
A Thriller, Werewolf Fantasy!
In this fast-paced thriller, family ties and loyalty are put to the test, especially for sixteen-year-old Theodore. The WKA, a powerful organization, abducted him as a baby. He grew up bearing the scars of the horrifying experience. When his real family finally locates him, they aren't what he expected. Finding out that he’s a werewolf, a gifted and extraordinary being, seems impossible. He doesn't have time to ponder his new identify. The pack is being hunted to extinction. Theodore must flee with his new family before the WKA and other opposing factions deliver a final, lethal blow. However, none of them are prepared for the possibility of the WKA’s most deadly weapon, Theodore himself. Has Theodore been secretly programmed by those who abducted him? In the end, will he betray his true family and a brother who is trying desperately to protect him?
Available on Amazon.
The series is also available in Amazon's Lending Library!
Author’s website, SSBazinet.com.
