Alice's Sacrifice (Alice Clark Series)
Page 11
“It’s not funny, Jake,” Cole spat.
“It’s a little funny,” he said measuring with his fingers. Cole let a chuckle slip but recovered quickly.
“Alright, just tell me what I have to do and where I need to be. And Jake, promise you will guard her with your life.” Every inch of him pleaded his case.
Jake dropped the smile and smartass demeanor he often carried and grabbed a hold of Cole’s forearm. “I will die before any harm comes to her. You go and you come back. If you can’t end him, then you hear him out and bring back his message. Remember to be sure, she’ll feel everything if something goes wrong.” He wants to meet at the worst possible place, near the rock by the river, just beyond the woods.
“I got it, Jake, thank you.” Cole shocked himself as he pulled Jake into a hug. Maybe it was the heightened emotion of the situation. It could have been the fear of what was to come but regardless, he was grateful to Jake for being there for both him and Alice. He could tell the gratitude was returned. After all the difficulties they had had, it was a defining moment for them to band together in Camille’s honor, in Alice’s, and all of their kind.
Cole nodded reluctantly and climbed into his Challenger. He touched the leather seats slowly before starting her, letting her roar to life with a low growl. Here goes nothing, was the only thought that came to mind. He looked into his rear view mirror to find Jake already gone. Staring at the house as if Alice was safely inside he thought, I’ll come right back to you, love. He turned off onto the road and headed toward where his mother’s soul lay tormented for eternity.
With slightly sweaty palms, Cole climbed out of his car and walked to the wood line to go to his meeting. He estimated where he would emerge from the woods by the riverbed and, without hesitation, ran at full speed, barely dodging tree trunks or the calls of the damned.
It’s a trap! His mother’s voice echoed.
There was no return, only straight through and a blind faith that it wasn’t a trap. The voices grew to unbearable limits, as they always did. Finally, as he could not take any more, he crashed through the last of the trees, landing hands first in the river. He stood up to a mocking applause. Dusting himself off, he tried not to seethe with the hatred that instantly filled him.
“Well done, boy,” Purah said approvingly.
“Thank you,” Cole managed to say.
“Very impressive indeed; stupid, but impressive. I had hoped your Alice would crash the party- I need to speak with her.”
Cole’s nerves kicked into high gear. He wasn’t sure how, but parts of Purah’s plans for Alice just came into view. He only had one way of getting her. “Me.”
“You are her weakness and vice versa. I will never understand human emotion. I’d say I’m sorry about all this but honestly, I do not care,” he finished with a bizarre laugh. “You can call her here right now and take care of this, or we can do it the hard way.”
Cole glared at the monster before him, “If you so much as harm one hair on her head, I will kill you!”
“I’m sure that won’t even be an issue.”
Bounty hunters began to appear through the tree line. He was surrounded and no amount of training could get him out of here. “Take me instead.”
“Oh, I plan to but I’m sorry, truly, this time. You aren’t the one, and everyone can’t be saved.”
Alice walked in to find Jake already at the bar, which made her laugh that she thought he wouldn’t have been. Camille would have laughed at her for giving him the benefit of the doubt. She slid onto the bar stool next to him, scanning the room for Fallen and Nephilim. “Hey,” was all she could muster after her confusing day.
“Hey to you,” following her eyes. “No one you know, but I’m sure they will report back,” he said as he waved to a Fallen at the corner table in the back of the bar. The Fallen returned the gesture with his middle finger.
“Wow, that’s your style! You two friends?” she joked. She wasn’t sure why, but something about Jake always made her feel better, at least lately.
“Me have friends? Come on now,” he teased.
They laughed exuberantly, in true enjoyment of one another’s company. “Thank you, I really needed that.” She knew it was true.
“So what’s going on?” Jake asked with nothing but seriousness on his face.
“We’ve just been through so much and it seems like the more I reach out to him, the further he pushes me away. Every time something new and ridiculous happens he just shuts down. It seems like he doesn’t see that that’s what I want to do. I’m barely protesting my instinct because of my love for him. I feel like something is going on and he just won’t let me in. He just gets so…”
“He acts like a girl?” Jake offers. Alice punches him in the shoulder, rocking him slightly out of his seat.
“Don’t,” she warned pointing at him.
“I know, I’m sorry, continue.” He made a sign of him zipping his lips and handing her the key. The gesture was so human that for a short moment she forgot that Jake wasn’t like her and Cole at all. He was a Fallen. Something in her told her never to forget that.
“I just don’t know; that’s all I was going to say. I don’t know anything anymore.” She didn’t cry; it wasn’t about being sad. It was as if a part of herself returned to her, only to leave her with the memory of what it felt like while it was there. She felt confused and broken, but she refused to falter, if not for her sake then for Cole’s.
Cole glanced at the Bounty hunters with disgust and hatred. Purah laughed at the sudden change in mood as Cole realized the immediate danger of the situation.
“Out of respect to your Father, I’ll try not to kill you. I’ll even give you a day for Alice to trade herself for you,” Purah said in a low growl tone.
Cole willed his wings to emerge, but it was of no use. Bounty hunters all around him grabbed him at every point, arms, wings, legs, back. All he could do now was try to fight them off and if that failed, never let them know the fact that his own injuries could cause Alice grave harm. With one last burst of energy he attacked the men holding him back and attempted again to flee from the horrid place, but to no avail. The last thing he saw was Purah smile before he hit him with all his angel strength straight into his gut. Cole had failed and the only thing he could do was try to be strong for Alice.
I’m so sorry. Cole’s voice echoed in both their ears. Alice stared at Jake’s jaw-dropped expression to find fear, and worst of all, knowledge.
“Where is he, Jake?” she demanded.
“He went to the meeting. He thought he could handle it himself. I wanted to go in his place, but he said he promised you he would avenge Camille for us all.” Jake pleaded but his tone was laced with angst.
“Time to go now!” she said in a panic, gathering her things. “We need to get there before it’s too…” her words were cut off as she was flung sideways off of the bar stool, clutching her ribcage. Jake barely caught her before crashing into the floor. She choked on the lack of air as she begged to breathe. Resting against Jake, she became deeply aware of what this was all about, and it was as she had feared. Camille’s death was a message, a point the bounty hunters were making; they would never stop. She could only hope they didn’t know what would happen to her if they hurt Cole.
“I’m rounding everyone up now,” he said clutching her. She wanted to hit him, to fight or argue, but she could only lean into his support and pray that Cole would be okay. Naturally, praying isn’t the first choice for a Fallen or Nephilim, but she no longer knew what to do and that itself was terrifying.
“Jake, we completed the stupid gift - or curse. We didn’t know.” Tears began to pour from her as she felt like someone was punching her repeatedly, but she did not dare to flinch. I’m right here Cole, be strong. I love you. Suddenly the pain stopped and she gasped for air. Jake watched her carefully as he reluctantly let her stand up on her own. She closed her eyes and focused in on the ocean waves that had caressed her skin just a few hour
s earlier. She focused through the space between them and reached for his soul the way they always had, without knowing. Just as her soul embraced its eternal partner, she heard Cole’s voice, and I love you. Do not do what they ask, it’s a trap, no matter what. All of it was a trap. His voice sounded as if it was echoing off a dozen walls before reaching her. She felt Jake’s arms wrap around her in a panic, and she fought him for as long as she could. Alice, I have to disconnect from you completely. I heard what they plan to do; they are counting on you ‘feeling it’. I can’t let my mistake hurt you. I have to block you out no matter how this plays out. His voice was terrified and that cut her so deeply. She knew he was fighting the pain to speak to her and that meant they were still hitting him. She could smell the Fallen aroma crawl into her nose, knowing her family had all arrived and she was running out of time.
“Don’t touch her!” Kokabiel’s voice boomed at Jake. “They are connected!”
“I know that! She was nearly flung across the bar; I was only protecting her!” Jake said through gritted teeth.
They were so loud it was making it difficult for her to feel the presence of Cole. Do not meet them no matter what, I love you, Alice. I have to go. The weight of the room shifted and she knew he said that to everyone so that they knew to stop her from saving him.
Don’t go! Please don’t go! Cole? Cole, no! Her body crumbled to the floor in ruins. She swam in salt and craved blood. “Don’t go, Cole,” her voice barely shook. “No…” She began punching the bar floor until the piece of stone crumbled beneath her. Jake whisked her off the floor, but she fought him this time. Determined to bleed the pain out of her,
Jake screamed, “Alice, stop it!” She looked into his fearful eyes and back at her bloody and broken hand. “Alice, did you block that from him?”
Her eyes grew wide in horror and she quickly blocked the pain from Cole. She couldn’t fathom how this all could have happened to her or why she deserved it. She did what all humans do when they hurt and grieve; she jumped from Jake’s grasp and ran up to her father with broken eyes. “This is all your fault. I shouldn’t even exist!” With one more dig to the one Fallen that couldn’t handle one, she flew out the door as fast as she was able.
She could feel them panic at what was to come. There was nothing she could do to block them out at this point, even after everything Sariel taught her to control her empathy. It was taking all she had to calm herself and block out the pain of her hand from Cole. She leaned her head against the trunk of her car in anguish.
“Here,” Kokabiel said, handing her a rag with ice. She glanced at him, wishing he would just leave her alone, but she knew that wouldn’t be the case. If anything “Fallen Security” would be intensified.
“Thanks,” she said, taking the ice and setting it on her hand. She flinched but she couldn’t help it, and she was a little surprised that she could punch the floor out the way she had. “You should see the other guy,” she joked weakly.
“Alice,” he said resting his hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him hopefully. “No matter what, you cannot meet Purah. You understand?” I will do everything in my power as long as I exist, to bring him home to you.
“I do,” was all she could say. She leaned her head on Cole’s father’s shoulder. In some ways it made her feel as if he were there with her.
Jake barreled out the door, seeping apology as well as rage. “Alice, I know you do not wish to speak with me, but I must apologize.”
“Why are you talking like that?” Alice asked.
“I don’t apologize often, at all, really. I thought that was how it was done.” He hung his head; everything from the cocky Fallen she once knew had vanished. “I am sorry,” he said. We will get him back. I will trade myself for him if need be. His eyes shot deep into her, telling her what she wanted to hear.
“Jake, none of us should have dismissed Cole the way we did. He confided in you, what do you know about the meeting?” Kokabiel asked quizzically.
“I only know the location and it was supposed to be an offer, not a kidnapping.” I set it up; I can do it again.
“I have a feeling I know what the offer is.”
“What’s that?” Penemue said as he crossed the parking lot to them.
Kokabiel stared at his brother nervously, “The offer will be Cole for Alice. They’ve been a step ahead of us this entire time.”
“That’s because they do not have emotions but they understand them,” Penemue noted.
“Like you,” Alice dared. She was hurt and couldn’t seem to help lashing out.
“Alice!” Jake and Kokabiel yelled in unison.
“It’s fine,” her father said, reverting back to his coldness.
“I’m going home, and I do not want a fucking babysitter,” she said with as much authority as she could.
“We didn’t ask you what you wanted,” Penemue answered.
“Fine. Mister ‘I’m on everyone’s side’ can come with me. Maybe you should go visit mom and find some humanity, before I decide not to help your kind at all!” Alice spat at her father. Without need for a response, she glared at Jake to follow her to her car. As she rode away, Penemue stared at her, stiff as a board between Kokabiel and Sariel, dumbfounded and deeply concerned.
“Don’t worry so much. I heard Penemue went soft in his later years. You should be out of here by nightfall.” A frail looking man with brownish, opaque, leathery skin, said to him.
“What time is it?” Cole asked flatly.
“He does speak. Its 4:00 A.M.”
Cole’s eyes shut tightly he envisioned Alice stepping out onto her front lawn at four a.m. I love the smell of 4:00 A.M. A tear escaped his clasped eyelids. He knew it was one of her memories, part of the gift, which angered him, and he was terrified of what random memories she would recall of him. “How long before they ask for the trade?”
“Oh great, now he’s filled with questions.” The frail man looked near death, but Cole knew it was only due the choices he had made in this life. “Any time now. Purah likes to make an entrance. As long as they trade, you’ll go free and unharmed.”
“What do they want with her?”
“I am not to harm you unless the deal is refused, so please do not push me!” he hissed. He lifted Cole’s head to meet his eyes, cocking his head slightly. “Human love, I will never understand such a redundant thing.” He let go of Cole’s jaw with disgust.
“Why do they want her?” Cole asked with force.
The frail man, if you could call him that, grabbed hold of Cole’s face and punched him squarely in the jaw. Cole’s body flew only as far as the wrist shackles would allow. “Salvation, you idiot, and not everyone gets saved,” he boomed. “Whoever is holding the prize at the end, wins.”
Cole stared attentively at the frail man before turning away. He was going to die here, and he was the only one who knew it, for now. He closed his eyes and concentrated on his father. It was the least painful choice of the three.
Son? Kokabiel asked.
I haven’t much time. Purah is on his way, if he isn’t already there. He wishes to trade Alice for me. I know her; do not let her accept there or at any other time. No discussions. Make sure Purah knows this. I think they plan to use her to get into heaven, after they hold her prisoner until the End of Days. Please protect her.
With my life.
And dad, they are going to kill me, so please help her block it out. I don’t think they’ll take lightly to the information link. Tell her… tell her I love her.
We’ll figure something else out, son, but I will do as you ask. Stay strong, lock your emotions away. It will be the only way to survive the physical pain I’m sure they plan to put you through. I love you.
I love you, too. Goodbye. Cole severed the connection as if it were a normal skill. He opened his eyes to find the Fallen traitor, the bounty hunter, staring at him.
“That was stupid, clever, but stupid.” He leaned in close to Cole’s ear, “and pointless.”
Alice stood staring at her coffee maker as it brewed another pot of coffee. Her eyes were pink from salt and her sleeves were soaked from cleanup. She felt physically ill and didn’t know if that meant Cole was sick or not, so she gave everything she could to block him completely out, leaving only a tiny worm hole to crawl in with a message of hope to him.
“I’ll go for him, trade myself. Tell me what to do!” Jake demanded from the edge of the counter.
“You can’t. I am the only one who can save him and I’m not stupid, Jake! No one will let me.” The hysterics started again. She couldn’t contain her emotional turmoil on top of everything else. Jake scooped her up in his arms tightly to calm her the best he could. It had become a normalcy in their relationship.
“Whatever the way might be, I will do it. Trading yourself is a last resort. You are a grown woman and I know you understand what doing that may entail.”
She pulled away from him; she refused to leave Cole in the hands of the most evil of the fallen angels, the bounty hunters. But it was breaking her heart to know that in the long term that may mean that she saved the evil and damned the many that she loved, Fallen and Nephilim. “What do…”
“Sorry to interrupt. Purah is on his way here now,” Kokabiel said as he rushed through the door.
“He what?” Jake said as his entire body tensed.
Kokabiel turned to Alice with kindness in his eyes, “I spoke to Cole. He told me to tell you that he loves you.” His thought was interrupted by a knock on the door. All three straightened stiff and silently.
“Let us in,” the voice of Sariel rang on the other side of the door.
“Purah is on his way to offer us a trade - Alice for Cole. Everyone must vote to refuse, for Alice’s safety. Cole requested this himself; he said that they plan to keep her prisoner until the End of Days as their ticket home.” Kokabiel stared into Alice’s eyes as he said each word.