by Ciana Stone
He gave a sound that was growl-like and flung the man. Nevaeh gaped in shock. The man sailed a good thirty feet through the air and crashed into the side of an old oak. He was definitely unconscious when he hit the ground.
Gabriel whirled and when he did, Elysia made a dive for the driver's side of the car. She jumped in, not even bothering to close the door. Tires smoked as the car tore down the drive.
Gabriel watched her leave then turned to Nevaeh. "Are you okay?"
She nodded. "You saved me."
"I told you I was coming."
"But you did. You did. You came to my rescue."
He smiled. "Does that make me your knight in shining armor?"
"Oh much better."
"What's better than that?"
She walked over to him and reached up to smooth tendrils of his hair back from his face. "My guardian Angel."
He smiled but it faded fast. "That's cool. I think. But I'm not sure I want to be just your guardian angel."
"Then how about my hero?"
"Now that I can handle." His smile returned. "And does the hero get a proper thank you?"
"Well, depends on what you mean by proper."
"This."
He took her in his arms and took his time giving her a long, passionate kiss. When he released her, she smiled up at him. "You really are good at that."
"So you've mentioned. Does that mean I should stop practicing?"
"No way. You know what they say about practice, right?"
"No, what?"
"Practice makes perfect."
"Then we'll have to do a lot of practicing because you know I strive for perfection."
Nevaeh chuckled then sobered. She knew he was trying to help her regain a measure of calm and she appreciated it. He'd erased the fear she'd felt for herself, but she couldn't hold back the worry and fear she had for her father.
"My dad's gone, Gabriel."
"I know."
"You – you know?"
"Yes. He's save Heaven. He and Thelonious stayed at my place in the Keys last night and are meeting us at Ellie's."
"Thelonious? Who's that?"
"Oh sorry. Taighan."
"I'm confused."
"But not for long. Come on, let's go inside and you can get cleaned up and we'll head over to Ellie's."
"My car's at the care facility."
"Who needs wheels when you have wings?"
"You have a point. Okay, come on it. It'll only take me ten minutes."
"I think it may take a little longer."
She looked at him over her shoulder as she unlocked the door. "Why?"
"Well, I did just battle the bad guys and earn my hero badge, so I probably should clean up and you know how important water conservation is so…"
"Showering together just makes sense."
"Exactly."
She opened the door and stepped back. "Then after you, hero."
Nevaeh followed him in and it occurred to her that she'd now had two men in her life who had been heroes. Her father and Gabriel. She hoped she got to have both of them in her lives for a long time.
Chapter Twelve
I know she's nervous despite her protestations to the contrary. I can feel it as I hold her in my arms and we wing our way toward the Marsh ranch. Nevaeh's fear is for her father. She's scared his cure is temporary and she'll lose him to a disease she thought he suffered from.
Or that Elysia and her followers will do something to hurt him, or kill him. She's worried about bringing trouble to her friend Ellie and Ellie's family, and she's worried about putting me in some kind of danger.
In short, she's worried about everyone but herself. Well, she does have a personal concern. She's scared of losing her father. And me.
I can't speak for her father, but for myself, I'm pretty sure she's stuck with me. At least as long as she lives. And I don't know how long that will be. I can't measure my own lifespan. I don't know when I came to be or when I'll cease to be, but I do know that my kind enjoy extreme longevity.
She's part Angel, so perhaps she will as well. Not that longevity would ever be a factor in the way I feel. I hope I can convince her of that when the time comes that she asks.
And she will.
Gabriel alighted in the yard, near the entrance to the patio of Ellie's house. He set Nevaeh down and clasped her hand. He could see the people on the patio. Ellie was holding her child. Her husband Cam sat beside her. Nearby was Cam's brother and his wife, Cliff and Lily.
Eldric was there, as were Layla and Augustus.
"My dad's here." Nevaeh's hand tightened on his.
"Yes." They started for the door.
"And that guy – the dark haired one with the intense eyes I saw at Asha's estate."
"Severin."
"Yes and the Wizard."
"Andre."
"And who's the older man and woman?"
"Thelonious and Zerena."
"Who are they? Are they related—?"
"Nev!" Ellie spotted them and rose, handing the baby to Cam. "Come in."
She met Nevaeh at the door and hugged her. "Are you okay?"
Nevaeh held her friend for a few extra seconds. "Yes, I'm fine."
"Hey, Gabriel." Ellie smiled up at him. "I guess you know everyone?"
"Yep. But Heav—sorry, Nevaeh doesn't."
Nevaeh's father hurried over to her and she hugged him tight. "I was scared to death when I went to the facility this morning and you weren't there."
"I'm sorry honey. We thought it best that I leave last night and Gabriel was kind enough to put us up."
"We?" She pulled back from the hug and noticed that all eyes were on her.
Gabriel could feel the tension radiating from her. "Nathanial, maybe you and Nevaeh should take a little walk – have a little private time. There are some things I need to tell the others."
He saw the way Nevaeh looked at him and he reached out to give her shoulder a soft squeeze. "They need to know what happened this morning."
She nodded. "Okay."
"So, a walk?" Her father held out his hand.
She took it and he led her out. Once they'd left, Gabriel looked around. "Okay, here's the deal folks. Elysia tried to grab Nevaeh this morning."
"You're sure it was Elysia?"
Gabriel looked at Eldric. "I know you don't want it to be, but yes. It's Elysia. Your sister."
A soft gasp had him looking at Ellie. "I'm sorry, Ellie. No one wants to believe that someone in their family could be evil, and maybe that's the wrong word, but she's definitely responsible for abducting Nevaeh and …"
He looked at Augustus who stood. "And she was involved with Asha in the attack at the estate."
"You're certain?" Eldric asked.
Augustus nodded. "Unfortunately."
"And what does she want with Nevaeh?" The question came from Zerena.
"That we don't know." Augustus looked around at everyone. "And it's why we're all gathered. To find out what Nevaeh knows and plan our course of action."
"You mean a battle plan." Andre spoke up.
"War." Severin added.
"If it comes to that." Augustus looked at Gabriel. "We do everything in our power to protect the innocent and prevent Darkness from eclipsing the Light."
Gabriel nodded. That sounded very much like war to him, the kind that had been going on since before man. And war was a dirty business. No one emerged clean when the taking of life was involved.
Not even Angels.
*****
Nevaeh felt like she'd had the rug of reality jerked out from under her. The last two hours her father had told her things that made her entire life a lie. She didn't know what to think or say, and had reached the point where she couldn't talk with her dad anymore.
"I need to find Gabriel."
"Nevie, I know this is hard honey, and I'm sorry that we didn't tell you but we—"
"Yes, I know you were trying to protect me. I get that, Dad. I do. And no matter what, I love
you. But this – him…them…"She gestured toward Thelonious and Zerena. "…it's a lot to process. I just need … I just need a break. I'm sorry."
"Take all the time you need, honey. We're not going anywhere."
Nevaeh gave him a quick hug then hurried back to the house. Gabriel was sitting on the patio with Augustus and Layla.
"Where's everyone?"
"Inside." Gabriel stood. "You okay?"
"Yes. No. I don't know, I guess. Can we talk? In private?"
"Sure. How about a walk?"
"Fine."
Gabriel took her hand and they wandered out into the back yard. For a few minutes they walked in silence. When they reached the edge of the lawn and stepped into the shade created by a grove of old oaks. Gabriel stopped and turned her to face him.
"You're upset about what your father told you?"
"Did you know?"
"Not until recently."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"It wasn't my truth to tell, Heaven. Your father deserved the opportunity to tell you himself."
"This is crazy, Gabriel. Batshit crazy. I can't be … I'm not … I'm just a normal human."
"You're normal by your definition of normal, but you're not human."
Nevaeh pulled her hand free of his and put both her hands over her face. "How can this be real?"
He pulled her hands away from her face. "Do you feel that way about me? I'm not human and yet you accept me for what I am. You even love me."
She couldn't stop the squeak of surprise that slipped out. How could she have forgotten that he had the ability to get inside someone's head? Now he knew.
"I love you, too, Heaven. Human or whatever."
"Whatever seems applicable. What am I? Fae, Daemon, Wizard, Angel?"
"A little of all?"
"Is that possible?"
"Well here you stand so I guess it is."
"But I thought Angels didn't mate with other species."
"We don't normally."
"Why?"
"I guess because we don't know much about our own origins."
"What do you mean?"
Gabriel led her over to one of the old trees and pulled her down on the ground beside him. "No one really knows where we come from. The other species can kind of trace their lineage – at least in the other realm. We can't."
"But you can trace your ancestry, right? I mean you know who your parents were and your grandparents and all that."
"Yes, but that can only be traced back so far and there reaches a point where we – well where we reach a dead end."
"Okay, but why does that keep you from marrying outside your race?"
"Good question. I don't really know. I do know that Gavreel, your mother mated outside our race."
"To a … Fae slash Daemon."
"Yeah."
"Wonder why I didn't get wings?"
"I guess the Fae and Daemon blood was stronger."
She nodded and looked to the side, thinking about what her father had told her. "Did you know that my dad is a lot older than he looks?"
"Yes."
"You did?"
"Well, I guessed. I knew your great-grandfather. A long time ago. Before your father was born. I met him right after Augustus faked his death and left Rome. We traveled to what is now Ireland and Thelonious and Zerena were living there."
"And you became friends?"
"Yes."
"So, Thelonious says that not all Preternaturals are gifted with extreme longevity. He said that the lifespan of the Fae is short compared to Vampires and Daemons and of course, Angels.
"He says I may stop aging at a normal rate before I hit my thirties."
Gabriel shrugged. "I wouldn't know. Your father doesn't look much older than his early forties."
"This is weird."
"I suppose it is. But it's the truth. And now you know all there is to know about your family, and you have your father back, so that's a good thing."
"Yes. It is. It's the best thing ever. I thought I'd lost him, Gabriel and I felt so alone. It was … never mind."
"No, tell me, Heaven."
She looked into his eyes. "It was so lonely. I don't make friends easily. I mean good friends. And I never fell in love so once my dad fell ill – sorry, once he let them do that to him to protect me, I felt like I was just pushing a rock up a hill, day after day, never reaching the top and never having anyone to lean one or even talk to."
He reached over to caress the side of her face. "That had to have been hard. I'm sorry."
"Well, I guess it made me strong. I don't know. But like you said, I have my dad back and …"
"And?"
"And I know what it feels like to be in love."
"It's a first for both of us."
"It is?"
"Yes, it is."
"Then I guess we have reason to celebrate."
"Yes, we do. And we will. But I'm afraid we may have to postpone that."
"Because of Elysia and Asha?"
"Yes. A plan has been formulated and as much as I am against it, you're part of it."
"What kind of plan?"
"I think it best if Augustus explain."
"Okay, but first I need to tell you something."
"What?"
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For being here. For caring."
"I'll always be here, Nevie."
"Nevie?"
"Is it okay if I call you that? I heard your father say it and it just seemed to fit."
"I think I'd like that. And I will too, Gabriel. Be here, I mean. As long as I draw breath. I'll always be here for you."
His kiss was sweet and slow, tender and so filled with love and emotion that tears streamed down her face. It was the most powerful thing she'd ever experienced and that feeling seeped right into her bones. She knew she'd never forget it. And she'd never stop wanting or loving the Angel who offered it to her without strings or questions.
"Nev?"
Nevaeh and Gabriel both turned in the direction of the voice. Ellie stood a few yards away. "Everyone wants to talk. If you're up to it."
Nevaeh got to her feet, her hand firm in Gabriel's. "I'm fine."
"You sure?"
Nevaeh cut a look at Gabriel. "Does everyone know?"
He nodded and she returned her gaze to Ellie. "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"How did you feel when you found out you're Fae?"
"Like it wasn't real. I mean, I still feel human, but the others have helped me understand."
"Then help me."
"Oh Nev." Ellie hurried over to her and hugged her tight. "I know this is – well, it's a little scary but it will get better, I promise."
She drew back to arm's length but kept a firm grip on Nev's arms. "No matter who your parents or grandparents were, or what abilities you have, you're always going to feel like you – like Nevaeh. Just like I feel like Ellie. What brand of human we are doesn't change who we are. Do you understand?"
"I think so. I mean, I don't suddenly feel special or anything. I feel like I always have."
"And that's how it's supposed to be. It's like Augustus once said – we all measure normal by ourselves. So, despite your family being of the Seven tribes, you're still Nevaeh. That won't change."
Nevaeh hugged her. "Thank you."
"Any time. That's what friends are for."
Nevaeh pulled back with a smile. "I love you, Ellie. You're a good friend."
"As are you. Now, are you ready to go talk with the others?"
Nevaeh looked at Gabriel. "Are we?"
"I'm with you Nevie."
She held out her hand. "Then let's do this."
With one hand in Gabriel's and the other in Ellie's she headed back for the house. She didn't know that she was ready for any of this, but she'd learn to be. For all their sakes, she'd learn.
Everyone was inside, in the family room, when they reached the house. Nevaeh felt a little uncomf
ortable when everyone stopped talking to look at her. She tried to quell a sudden bout of nervousness and addressed Augustus.
"Ellie tells me you have a plan."
"We are trying to formulate one."
"And I'm guessing I'm involved."
"Yes."
"Then let's hear it."
"Would you like to sit?"
"No, I think I'll stand if that's okay."
Gabriel moved behind her and pulled her back against him, placing his hands on the top of her shoulders. She hoped he could feel how much she appreciated the gesture. His touch helped calm her.
Augustus gestured around at everyone gathered. "I understand from Gabriel that the woman who abducted you from the Hampton's estate is Fae and goes by the name Elysia. We believe her to be Eldric and Ellie's sister, but the only way to be sure is for someone who knows her to join minds with you. Will you allow that?"
"Sure, but it's only fair to tell you that I can't sense you anymore at all. In fact, when she had me, I tried to call you mentally or sense you in my head and nothing was there."
"We—"Thelonious gestured toward Severin. "—believe that may be due to your unique genetic make-up. Vampires can establish mental links through blood with Fae, but rarely with Daemons and never with Angels. Since you have the blood of Daemon and Angel, it may prevent the link from being permanent."
"And I don’t know Elysia," Augustus added. "But Eldric does. Would you allow him to touch your mind?"
"Yes."
Eldric rose and crossed the room to her. "This will take but a moment. If I could ask you to close your eyes?"
She did as he asked and followed his directions. "I am going to cup your face in my hands. Breathe in slowly through your nose to the count of four and then out to the count of twelve. At the count of twelve, I want you to focus your mind on Elysia."
Nevaeh saw Elysia in her mind and as she did, she felt Eldric's hands tense on her face and she opened her eyes. The pain she saw in his eyes almost made her cry.
"I'm sorry, Eldric."
He nodded and turned to face the others. "I know who she is." He looked directly at Ellie. "Our sister, Elysia."
"That's impossible. She didn't cross over when you did and the door was sealed."
Zerena spoke up. "Might I speak?"
