Angels & Demons: The Series

by Megan Linski

  “You said that last night. You don’t have to repeat it,” I mutter, irritated. “Where are we going?”

  “Sault St. Marie. My friends will be there,” he says.

  “And what friends are these?”

  Thames holds his breath, then— “We’re meeting my brother, Cairo, and his girlfriend Cassia for lunch.”

  I freeze. The infamous Cairo and Cassia.

  I put the bowl down slowly and say, “I… didn’t think you wanted to do that.”

  “We can’t wait any longer.” He puts his hands in his pockets. “There’s some stuff we need to discuss.”

  “I don’t have anything to wear,” I say. I don’t want to wear the same clothes I did yesterday to meet Thames’ apparent dream girl.

  “I’ll buy you some,” he says. “You can wear some of my clothes to the store.”

  “You don’t have to buy me everything,” I say, though I’m loving the thought of wearing Thames’ clothes.

  “Shut up, yes I do,” he quips, smirking.

  Thames goes back to his bedroom to take a shower. I lie back down on the couch and think about what’s to come.

  The mystery will be solved, but will I be able to stand up to it? How will I measure up?

  I’m too busy thinking about how I should act around Cairo and Cassia I don’t notice Thames come out of the bedroom. His footsteps grab my attention; I look up and see that he’s shirtless again, beads of moisture dotting his chest.

  Thames’ wet hair is seriously making me drool. I think he notices. He raises an eyebrow, then tosses a bunch of clothes at me. “Come on. Let’s go.”

  I take a shower without Thames (which makes me sad) and forgo washing my hair, but putting on his clothes makes it all worth it. His jeans are so cozy, and his t-shirt is well-worn and soft. While slipping on his hoodie I get a whiff of the woodsy cologne he wears.

  I make the resolution that he’s not getting any of this back before wondering what shoes I’m going to wear. The dress I woree last night came with heels, and I left them behind after Cody pushed me on the bed.

  Thames chuckles when I step out of his room. “You look like a guy.” Unexpectedly, he hands me my tennis shoes.

  “I always look like a guy,” I counter back. “And why did you teleport back to get my shoes when you could’ve just brought me back clothes as well?”

  “Maybe I like spending money on you,” Thames says. He gets his coat down from the closet and slips it over my shoulders. His hands press into me as he does so.

  “Maybe I should just teleport back to my dorm and get my own clothes myself so you don’t have to buy me any,” I say, quite set on the idea that’s what I’ll do.

  Thames grabs my chin. He pulls me closer, bending down and looking into my eyes. “No.”

  It’s like I’m caught under a spell. Alrighty, then. Whatever you say.

  Thames opens the door for me on the way out. A gust of wind blows my hair back— it’s a cold day. Snow is falling. I snuggle into Thames’ Carhartt jacket and enjoy the smell. Smoke and burning wood… a bonfire on a cold night.

  The drive to Sault St. Marie only takes forty minutes, but Thames makes it feel shorter while blasting his screamo-rock music. He turns it all the way up and mouths all the words, hitting the steering wheel with his hands like he’s playing the drums.

  He’s really getting into it. It’s like he doesn’t even realize I’m here. So cute. We could’ve teleported, but there’s something about taking a drive with someone that brings you closer… makes you feel connected. I’m glad we took the long way instead of cutting corners.

  When we get to Sault St. Marie the first thing Thames does is stop at a women’s clothing store. Because Thames is buying my clothes, I let him pick out what I should wear. He chooses a cozy knitted dress, maroon in color, with thick black leggings, furry snow boots, and a long gray overcoat. He even gets a cute gray hat and mittens to match.

  Thames doesn’t let me see the price tags and makes me walk away when he pays for it. Unfair.

  It’s very warm. And really feminine. The outfit isn’t what I usually wear, and it makes me a little uncomfortable, but I can’t deny that it fits my personality. I feel like I’ve been afraid to be myself for a really long time, and just now am coming into it.

  Dad says fashion is stupid and clothes are meant to be practical. Screw him.

  Thames notices I’m a little self-conscious. He reaches out and grabs my hand. “You look beautiful,” he whispers, then gives me a kiss on my cheek.

  His words make me feel like I’m floating. Damn right I do. I look great. Freaking gorgeous.

  Thames’ holds my hand as we walk through the streets of Sault St. Marie. It’s freezing, but I’m not cold… Thames’ hand in mine keeps me warm.

  “It’s getting close to lunch,” Thames says, checking his watch. We should get over there.”

  Thames pulls me in the direction of a restaurant aptly named Petoskey Place. It’s a tiny joint, one of those Northern Michigan restaurants with homecooked, stick-to-your-ribs food.

  “Don’t be worried,” he says. “He’ll love you.”

  His tone betrays a bit of nervousness. Is he worried that his brother won’t like me?

  Thames opens the door. The inside is decorated in a hunter’s lodge style, a blazing fire in the stone fireplace.

  I know who Cairo is before Thames has to point him out. He’s sitting at an isolated table in the corner, looking guarded. His hair is blond, neatly trimmed. He’s got a chiseled, square face, light green eyes. He’s wearing an expensive weatherproof jacket and jeans that must’ve cost two-hundred dollars.

  He’s a prep. Refined around the edges, instead of rough, like Thames. I can already tell this guy is one who enjoys his rule book.

  I can see the similarities. They’re brothers, all right. But totally different.

  Thames walks to the other side of the restaurant. “Hey, bro.” He reaches out a hand for Cairo to clasp.

  Cairo takes it; he rises from his seat to give Thames a tight man-hug. “Doing okay?”

  I see that Thames loves him. I decide I care about Cairo, too.

  “Yeah.” Cairo lets go. His voice is musical, all Nephilim; I can sense the power coming off of him in droves. He attracts people in the best way. The angel in him is so strong that it’s tough for me to remember he’s a half-breed.

  Cairo claps Thames on the shoulder. “Cassia will be here soon.”

  Cairo lets go of Thames and turns his attention to me. His eyes widen. “I can’t believe it. You were right, Thames. She looks just like her.”

  “I know, right?” Thames nods. “Freaked me out, too.”

  “Um, I am here,” I say grumpily. “I’m not deaf.”

  Cairo gives a small laugh. “Sorry,” he says. He picks up my hand and kisses it lightly. “I’m Cairo Cross. I’m glad we’ve finally gotten the chance to meet.”

  “Watch it,” Thames growls under his breath.

  “I wasn’t doing anything.” Cairo retreats, and sits down. Thames and I move to the other side of the table. I notice Thames puts his arm around me after we sit down and pulls me close, like he’s establishing some kind of barrier.

  Is Thames really that insecure? Cairo’s hot, but in my opinon, he’s not as gorgeous as his brother. Besides, I could never go for a straight-edge like him.

  The waitress takes our drink order and we wait for Cassia. My stomach is flip flopping… I feel almost nauseous waiting for her to get here.

  “So, you’re a Nephilim?” Cairo asks, playing with his straw. Thames’ arm is still around me.

  I nod. “Yeah. Not part of the council, though.”

  “We’re part of the council, Cassia and I,” Cairo starts. “But we won’t reveal you to them. It’s not fun being their servants. Your secret’s safe with us.”

  “Thanks.” I force a smile before looking at Thames. What exactly was the point in bringing me here? Why is it crucial I meet them today?

  Cairo
opens his mouth again. But then he shuts it, and rises to his feet. “She’s here.”

  The look in Cairo’s eyes is difficult to comprehend, yet plain to see. If I had to sum it up in two words, it would be “unconditional love.” She must be here.

  Thames unwraps his arm around my shoulders and slowly rises to his feet. The color is gone from his face. He seems subdued, nearly embarrassed. I want to hold his hand again, but this doesn’t feel like the time.

  With the boys standing I feel like I have to get up, too. I hold my breath and turn around to come face to face with the girl that’s been haunting my mind for months.

  The breath is sucked from my lungs when I meet her brown eyes. I’m looking at my twin.

  Cassia’s hair is dark and curly, a chocolate brunette, while my hair is straight and honey colored. My eyes are green. Hers are brown.

  But those are the only distinct differences. Her nose is mine. Her pale skin is mine. Her eyebrows, cheekbones, hands, even her body is mine. We have the same shape, same height. I’m convinced we could swap shoes and be the same size. It’s almost scary.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I peek at Thames. He’s looking wary. Was Thames originally attracted to me because I look like her? I feel betrayed.

  She’s wearing an owl sweater that seems worn, and well-loved. It’s cute. I feel like, even in my dress, she looks better than I do in just jeans and that old sweater.

  Cassia seems cowed. She takes a deep breath, then holds out her hand. “Hi. I’m Cassia Delamore.”

  I swallow, then grasp her soft hand lightly. “I’m Faline Delamore. Thames calls me Lena.”

  She smiles almost painfully. “Thames calls me Cass. You can too.”

  “Cassia.” Cairo pulls out a chair for her. She lets go of my hand and sits down, and Cairo pushes her in.

  Cairo practically glows when he looks at Cassia. That light… it’s impossible to put out. Wondrous.

  His devotion is undeniable. No wonder Thames felt like he was the odd man out. There’s no competing against love like that.

  I plop back down in my chair and everyone else follows suit. We stare at our drinks for a moment silently.

  It’s awkward.

  “Well…” Cassia starts by giving a sigh. “I think it’s obvious we can’t deny we’re related.”

  “You’re older than me.” This can’t be happening. I won’t accept this as reality. My reality.

  “Two years.” Cass places her hands around the coffee Cairo ordered for her to warm her hands. Then she gives an accusatory look at her boyfriend. “Though I don’t know why you didn’t tell me sooner.”

  “Or me,” I say, glancing at Thames. Both guys look incredibly guilty. “What the hell is this?”

  “We didn’t want you guys to freak out,” Thames explains, looking from Cass to me. “When I met you, Lena, I saw the similarities instantly. I called Cairo and we discussed. He thought it was just coincidence, but after you told me more about your past we figured out something was up.”

  “So, what? We’re cousins?” I wonder aloud.

  “We…” Cairo clears his throat. “We think you guys are sisters.”

  Cass and I look at each other. Sisters?

  “Both of you are Nephilim,” Thames says. “And you both share the same last name.”

  “My mom didn’t have any other kids. She died in a fire after I was born,” I argue.

  “My mom died in a fire,” Cass pipes up. “What was your mother’s name?”

  I already know her answer is going to be the same. “Mathilda.”

  Cassia swallows. “Dad used to call her Tillie. Didn’t he?”

  My stunned silence is the only answer she needs. God, it feels like someone just punched me in the face.

  Cass slowly lets go of her coffee. She puts her hands on her head. She looks like she’s going to be sick.

  “Where have you been?” she asks slowly, and she raises her head. “Where have you been all my life?”

  My insides are slowly being crushed. I shake my head back and forth— this isn’t possible. “No. No, you told me Cass didn’t Awaken until a few years ago.” I point at Thames. “I Awakened early. Right away, at birth.”

  “We figure your parents did a switch. Split you up after the council began looking for your father. He took one girl and your mom took the other,” Cairo says quietly. “It would make sense that your dad took Faline, as he was the angel, and left Cassia with her human mother.”

  “You guys should’ve told us the minute you had suspicions, not kept it a secret. I don’t understand how you two could do this to us.” Cassia pushes back from the table and glares at her boyfriend. “Especially you, Cairo. We agreed after I Awakened there’d be no more secrets.”

  “Yeah! This is totally messed up!” I shout. I stand up and kick the chair back.

  “Lena—” Thames lunges for me, but I jump away.

  “I need some air.” I practically run out of the restaurant and into the frozen outdoors. I stick my hands in my pockets and steam… this is a huge secret, and Thames didn’t mention it to me for two months. What kind of a twisted, sick game is this?

  “Hey.” There’s a tap on my shoulder. I turn around to face the stranger. Cassia.

  A bit of bitterness rises up in me. How could Thames not fall for her? How could any guy? She’s beautiful. The Nephilim in her is subdued, almost nonexistent, but she doesn’t need it. She has this perfect grace about her that attracts everyone. I don’t have that.

  “What do you want?” I ask, kind of snobbily. I don’t mean to be rude to her, but still.

  “We’re getting off to a bad start,” Cassia says. “I know our boyfriends—”

  “Thames isn’t my boyfriend,” I say. How could he be, with someone like you cluttering up his past?

  “He hasn’t asked you out yet?” Her tone is surprised, like she can’t believe it.

  “No.”

  Cass seems unhappy when I say that. “Weird. I felt the chemistry between you guys the moment I walked in. I was hoping that…”

  She sighs. “It doesn’t matter. Look, I’m a pilot. Pilot in training, anyway. I’ll take you down to the airstrip. We can get to know each other better. No stupid guys around.”

  When I don’t respond, she adds, “By the way, Sydney and Emalee talk about you all the time. They don’t shut up about you.” She smirks. “Lavonne’s totally jealous. She can’t wait to meet you when she comes back for Winter Break.”

  It pisses me off even more that my friends were hers first. But I figure that I should at least make an effort to get to know her.

  She could be my sister, after all.

  I nod. “All right. Let’s go.”

  “You wanna fly?” she asks. She looks around; there’s no one on the empty street corner to see. “It’s not far from here.”

  “Sure.” I bend down and spread my wings to take flight. Cass does the same, her wings appearing behind her in a darkened array.

  At the sight, shock vibrates through me. Her wings. They’re black.

  Most of the time, Nephilim wings are white. Sometimes a Nephilim can be powerful enough that their personality shines through and a bit of color appears, like the brown in mine, but Nephilim wings don’t come in black. A Nephilim’s wings only turn black if they’ve lived through something horrendous… only if they’ve survived a sin committed against them too vile to speak of.

  Something that’s a violation against their soul.

  Cassia’s wings being black tells me someone did something absolutely terrible to her. For the first time, I feel sadness for her. And sympathy.

  Maybe Thames being in love with her isn’t her fault.

  Cassia takes off into the sky, and I follow.

  Cass knows how to fly, and she’s a natural, but I can tell she’s far from being practiced. She bobs and weaves in the sky as we proceed toward our destination. I fly closer to her and shout, “You doing okay?”

  “Yeah,” she calls back. “Just ne
w to all this.”

  “Do you need my help?” I ask, flying closer.

  “Nah.” She grins. “If I slip, I’ll catch myself.”

  She spirals down toward an isolated air strip in a very secluded area. It’s a small airport with only a few hangars. Besides a small black cat prowling about, it appears deserted.

  Cass lands and walks toward the first hangar. She punches in a few numbers on the security pad, then rolls open the giant door. Inside is a massive aircraft, a jet big enough to seat at least a few dozen people.

  “I figured we could talk here,” she says. “There’s no class today so we won’t be bothered.”

  She grabs a blanket from a locker nearby. She spreads it on the ground and sits cross-legged upon it, looking up at me.

  I sit beside her. “Okay. What do you want to know?”

  “Everything,” she starts. “What do you remember?”

  “Not much.” I shake my head. “Mom died, then Dad moved us all around the country and trained me as a Nephilim. If he thought we were becoming too close to being discovered by the council, he took me somewhere else.”

  I look at the plane. “I was homeschooled my entire life. The only thing that mattered to my dad was making me the best demon huntress he could. I didn’t get any freedom until I moved into GLS. That’s where I met Thames.”

  “What’s your dad like?” Cass leans forward. It’s like she’s hungry for more information about this angel that might be her father.

  “I don’t know.” I shrug. “Strict. Really smart. A good fighter.”

  I chew on the inside of my mouth. “Not really affectionate.”

  “I see.” She leans backward. “I would figure as much, if he truly did leave me and Mom.”

  “Maybe it was a mistake. If he was being hunted by the Nephilim council, it makes sense that he’d leave you behind with Mom. It would’ve been safer,” I say. “He couldn’t leave me because they would’ve taken me from her. Perhaps it was the only way.”

  I feel like I’m making excuses for my dad, but at the same time, I also feel a need to defend him. Even if his actions were wrong, it’s like… he can’t be wrong.