Beyond Secret Worlds: Ten Stories of Paranormal Fantasy and Romance

by Aimee Easterling

  “Blane, it’s done,” Ruby whispers, her lips brushing the tender flesh of his earlobe.

  “Yes, done,” he whispers back and strokes her hair.

  The deafening uproar outside can’t weaken Ruby’s resolve. It’s only a matter of time before the mob switches focus to the newly collapsed tunnel entrance miles from here.

  The locus of the fiery explosion.

  Ruby feels its searing blast in her belly, her pounding heart.

  And all through her scorching green veins.

  “Somehow, they will come,” Ruby murmurs.

  “In droves,” Blane says, pressing Ruby closer.

  “And I will heal them,” she whispers as she nuzzles into his neck. “It is only fair.”

  ***

  Continue the adventure with the Fireseed Series, which begins with Fireseed One and continues with Ruby's Fire (available in the Secret Worlds box set). Visit http://catherinestine.com/ for more information.

  Dream’s End

  A Broken Angel Short Story

  By L.G. Castillo

  Copyright © 2015 by L.G. Castillo.

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

  Archangel Gabrielle sank onto the bench in the courtyard. Her pale blonde hair, tied back in a chignon, glittered under the sun as she stared at the small paper in her hand. This was it. The paper’s contents were the end of her dream; a dream she held onto for centuries, and until now, still hadn’t come true.

  She gazed around the courtyard, emerald eyes taking in the blossoming cherry trees, lush grass, and colorful flowers that surrounded her. It was Heaven, but how could Heaven exist for her if she followed through on her duty and handed the assignment to Lash. By placing this assignment in his hands, her dream would never see the light of day.

  Lash.

  She gritted her teeth as she thought of the rebellious angel who seemed to enjoy defying her authority. As an archangel, she was his superior. He refused to acknowledge that as well as his angelic name Lahash. He had even convinced other angels to call him Lash. Jeremiel, the Archangel of Death, followed his best friend’s lead and announced his new name as Jeremy.

  Tapping the paper against her palm, she considered what would happen if she didn’t deliver the task to him. In all the time she’d worked as an archangel, she’d unfailingly followed through on her obligations. It hadn’t always been easy. Lash, a mere seraph, couldn’t comprehend how difficult it had been for her to hand over his last assignment. It hadn’t been easy knowing that fulfilling his duty meant one child would live, and the other would die. There was always a reason for carrying out her duty, and if Lash had just done his, he wouldn’t have been banished.

  No, I must do this.

  She let out a breath, her shoulders slumping with defeat. There was a reason Lash was given this particular assignment at this moment in time. Just as there was a reason her dream must end.

  At least Raphael, Lash’s greatest ally and mentor, would rejoice in having Lash back home again. Although it had broken his heart to see Lash thrown out, it had been a great relief to her.

  She’d struggled with the guilt for a while. As defiant as Lash was, she knew he had a good heart. Even so, with him gone, she’d finally been able to breathe. Life in Heaven was almost as it were before he and Jeremy had arrived. But even with Jeremy’s good nature constantly trying to cheer Raphael, nothing could rid of the emptiness in Raphael’s eyes. And nothing she said or did could win over his heart. Oh, he was kind. He’d treated her with great affection as he would a sister, but nothing more. And she wanted more . . . desperately wanted more. Now, her time was up.

  She squeezed her eyes, fighting back the memory of when Lash arrived. What if he hadn’t been allowed into Heaven in the first place? He wouldn’t have been a constant reminder to Raphael of what he’d lost.

  Unwelcomed images of Lash flashed through her mind. How he’d laid at Raphael’s feet motionless. The elation on Raphael’s face when Archangel Michael told him Lash would stay in Heaven and then devastation when he heard the one he wanted the most would not be joining them. All she could do was stare at Lash’s handsome face and think that she would never forget who Raphael truly loved. Lash was a constant reminder of that one person, the dark-haired angel, the angel she could never be. It was more than anyone could bear, even an archangel.

  She squeezed her eyelids tighter, fighting sobs that threatened to escape. Tears she’d held back since the first day she realized the one person—the only person she could love—his heart belonged to another.

  “Gabrielle, have you met with Michael? Did he bring good news?”

  Raphael!

  Her eyes flashed open at the sound of his voice. Quickly, she brushed back the lone tear that managed to escape from her cheek and forced a smile. Her heart skipped a beat as he moved gracefully across the courtyard to her. Even though she saw him every day, he still took her breath away every time she saw him. Wise, kind blue eyes looked at her and for the first time in a long time held a great joy she hadn’t seen in centuries.

  Her heart twisted at the thought of the last time she’d seen it. It was when he’d first met the dark-haired angel. The one person who he’d sacrificed everything for, even duty.

  “Yes, I have,” she said. “Whether the news is good or not is a matter of opinion.”

  Raphael frowned at her bitter tone.

  She bit her tongue wishing she could take back her words. She didn’t want to upset him, but when it came to Lash, it was hard keeping back her true feelings.

  “My apologies, Raphael. I know how much you care for him.”

  He sat next to her, his blue eyes studying her. She shifted uncomfortably under his gaze.

  “I understand. This is difficult for you,” he said.

  She blinked, her heart racing faster. Did he know? How could he? She locked her feelings deep inside knowing that as much as she dreamed of him loving her that his heart belonged to another.

  “I . . . well . . . Yes, I expect Lash will give me a hard time about this. It has been over three decades since he was cast out, and I know he blames me for it.”

  “He doesn’t—”

  Raphael paused when she arched her eyebrow at him.

  “Yes, I believe that he may think you had a role in his being cast out,” he continued. “Lash is very intuitive. He knows there is more going on than what we’ve led him to believe. He doesn’t know or remember, but he senses it.”

  “With this assignment, it will all come back to him. His memories.”

  Raphael’s face beamed. “Michael agreed to have his memories returned to him?”

  “No, but as you said, he’s very perceptive. He’ll suspect something the moment he sees this assignment. A love like the one he had knows no end.”

  I would know.

  “So it is her,” he said. “She is the seventh angel.”

  She nodded. “Yes, it is she. We’ve waited centuries for her return. We are sure of it.”

  Raphael leaned back and let out a breath. “It’s finally happening. My mistakes are finally being made whole again.”

  And I will lose you.

  “When will you leave?” he asked.

  “As soon as I locate him. That shouldn’t be too difficult. Lash keeps himself in the lowliest places.”

  Raphael frowned. “He’s angry. He thinks he’s punishing us.”

  “It’s juvenile. I’d hoped he take his time away to better himself instead of falling even lower.”

  “Please try to be understanding, Gabrielle. This was all my doing. If I hadn’t left with Lucifer when I did, what happened to Lash and his bro—”

  “Shh, Jeremiel is coming.” Gabrielle placed a hand over Raphael’s quieting him. Her hand lingered reli
shing the strength it held. Her heart melted at that simple touch. She pushed her feelings aside knowing it was of no use.

  She pulled her hand away and gazed at Jeremy, who bounded to them with the same excited expression Raphael wore.

  They were so much alike. Jeremy was a younger, more dynamic version of his mentor. She smiled as he approached. It was hard not to like him. Even though he had no memory of his ancient past, he walked with a confident air. It was as if he knew he was once considered a god among men. One only had to look at him to see why. Though all the angels were beautiful, Jeremy was stunning. His golden hair was bright like the sun, and his skin was sun kissed. His greatest joy was the water, and he spent much time near it. Rather than staying in the living quarters with the other angels, he built a small cottage near the stream where he spent his days swimming.

  Sapphire eyes danced with happiness. Her heart saddened as she held the paper with the one name that would not only be the end for her but would also take the joy away from his eyes too. It was bound to happen. The past was catching up with them. It always did.

  “It’s happening, isn’t it? Lash is returning?” He grinned.

  “Not necessarily,” she said. “Lash has to agree to the assignment first.”

  “Oh, he’ll do it. He’ll bitch about it, but—”

  “Jeremiel,” Raphael reprimanded.

  Gabrielle let out a frustrated breath. If she were fair, she’d report him to Archangel Michael. She’d punished Lash for less. But as she gazed at Jeremy, seeing so much of Raphael in him, she couldn’t do it.

  “Oh, man, sorry about that. What I meant to say was that Lash will do it,” Jeremy said. “I could take it for you. He’s more likely to agree if it came from me.”

  He was right. Lash would do it if Jeremy presented it to him. As archangels, Raphael and Jeremy were allowed to deliver assignments, but since Raphael was forbidden contact with Lash while he was on Earth, it only left Jeremy.

  She had no intention of giving it to Jeremy. Lash would snatch it up in an instant if it came from his best friend.

  She tucked the paper in her pocket safe away from Jeremy. Guilt gnawed at the back of her mind as Raphael and Jeremy talk excitedly to each other about Lash’s return.

  “Thank you, Jeremy. But Michael has entrusted the assignment to me. We must take every caution that he’ll prove his faith before he can return.”

  “He’ll do it,” Jeremy said. “You know, Lash. He’s just a little stubborn.”

  “A little?”

  Jeremy laughed. “Okay, a lot. But he means well. You know, that could’ve been me who got kicked out. I don’t think I could’ve gone through with my assignment if Lash hadn’t stepped in and just did it his way.”

  “That’s the problem. He should’ve stuck with his assignment. That’s our duty,” she said.

  “We’ve all made mistakes,” Raphael said.

  “Yes, we have.” Her voice softened.

  As have I, by never telling you how much I care.

  “Well, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go to the bridge and search for Lash,” she said.

  A stream ran under the ancient bridge. It was only from the bridge that angels could look down to Earth. With her angelic powers, the water became like glass, a window to Earth where she could pinpoint the location of people and other angels who were on assignments.

  “He’s at the Lucky Seven Strip Bar.”

  “Jeremy!” Raphael exclaimed.

  “He is. He’s a regular there.”

  Gabrielle scowled. “Why am I not surprised by that?”

  “Hey, gotta have some fun. At least, he’s dedicated to his role. If you’re going to be a fallen angel, might as well fall all the way,” Jeremy said.

  She shook her head as spanned her wings, ready to take flight.

  “You’ll do your best, Gabrielle? To convince Lash to take the assignment?” Raphael asked.

  Gabrielle paused and gazed into Raphael’s eyes. The angel she’d loved since the beginning of time, the only one she desired. There could be no other.

  “I’ll do my duty.”

  That was the most she could say. Her best hope was that Lash would mistrust her so much that he’d refuse the assignment, despite his wish to return home.

  As she whisked herself into the air, she gazed down at Raphael wanting to hold onto that look of hope and love in his eyes, knowing it wasn’t for her. She wanted to pretend, even if it was just for a while. The moment the paper left her hand it would be the beginning of the end.

  ***

  Want to read more about broken angels Lash, Jeremy, Gabrielle, and Raphael?

  Secrets are revealed in the Broken Angel Series starting with the full-length novel, Lash (Broken Angel #1).

  Also by L.G. CASTILLO

  Broken Angel Series

  Your Gravity Series

  Strong & Wilde Series

  Secrets & Surrender Series

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  The Hex

  by Lucy Leroux

  Copyright © 2015 by Lucy Leroux.

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

  Excerpt from "Cursed"

  “How did your aunt die?”

  Isobel wrapped her arms around herself. “I'm not sure, but I know she used her magic to hurt someone. The man she was supposed to marry. He'd decided to marry someone else because they had a larger dowry, and she was heartbroken...and then angry. She decided to take revenge.”

  The Hex

  Moira ran headlong over the barren cliffs, the weight of her skirts slowing her down. The distant sound of dogs barking behind her sent a bolt of fear shooting up her spine. She could barely breathe, but she had to keep going or she was going to die.

  You're already dead.

  She had sealed her own fate through her rage. Her former fiancé, Duncan, might never walk again, and he had lost the use of his right eye forever.

  It wasn't supposed to be this way. Right now she and Duncan were supposed to be on their honeymoon in the English countryside. Instead, he was maimed and she was being pursued by his father, Boyd Fraser, and his men.

  Don't forget the dogs.

  She lifted up her skirts, and then mentally tried to reach inside herself, tapping reserves she didn't know she had. Putting one foot in front of the other, she forced herself on, stumbling occasionally over a rock or hole.

  She should have never agreed to marry Duncan. He'd come to her village with a group of men doing business with the village elders. She had been infatuated with him from the start and was flattered when he seemed equally taken with her. He had come back to see her several times over the course of the next few months. She'd been foolish enough to believe he loved her when really all he'd wanted was her small dowry.

  Her mother, Helen, had never approved of Duncan. Moira should have listened to her, but she'd been blind to the warning signs, intent only on her romance. He proposed a few months after meeting, and she wouldn’t hear a word against him. Despite her mother’s protests, she had left Carrbridge to marry a near stranger. She had never spoken to her mother again.

  Moira had followed Duncan to his home village of Stonehaven, believing their marriage was only days away. Then in a blink of an eye it had all been over. Duncan had come to her and broken their engagement, explaining that he’d found another girl with a bigger dowry and that he never wanted to see her again.

  She had been devastated by Duncan’s defection, but might have been able to forgive him for breaking the engagement if it hadn’t been for what followed.

  The day after Duncan had co
me to see her she was asked to leave the room she had let at the local boarding house. The landlord had told her that they didn't want her kind of woman there. When she asked what kind of woman she was supposed to be, they told her soiled goods had no right to mix with decent people.

  Moira had died inside when she heard that. It wasn't enough that Duncan had forsaken her; he'd had to destroy her reputation too.

  Her love had turned to hate and she'd struck out, determined to hurt him as much as he'd hurt her. Her magic had always been used to heal, to concoct salves and potions that helped the weak and the sick. But betrayal had made it a weapon.

  The hex she'd mixed up was meant to inflict pain—the same pain Duncan had dealt her times three. She'd wanted him to suffer, to give him a memory of fear and anguish that he would carry for the rest of his life. But he wasn't supposed to be permanently harmed.

  She had underestimated her own rage. The emotion she'd channeled into her spell had overwhelmed it. When Duncan was struck down, his body hadn't been able to contain the force of her anger. His leg had broken in two places with the violent contortions, and he'd managed to claw at one eye—partially blinding himself—before members of his family had tied him down. They dosed him with enough laudanum to make him insensible, but not before he'd whispered in his father's ear, giving Boyd Fraser her name because she'd been fool enough to tell her fiancé what she was.

  When everything had gone wrong, Moira had fled to a cheap inn. Boyd’s men had come for her early that morning. If she had been asleep in her bed, it would already be too late. However, the unfamiliar noises of the coaching inn had woken her well before dawn. She'd heard them coming and had jumped out of the narrow ground floor window, hurtling past the morning bustle in the courtyard and toward the cliffs near Stonehaven.

  The landscape was different from Carrbridge. Here on the coast the plants were sparse and scraggly from too much salt air. There were no trees to hide behind. Her only hope was to stay ahead of the dogs. If she could only stop, she might remember a spell to divert the animals and help her hide. But there was no time.