Dust of My Wings

by Carrie Ann Ryan

  She tried to sit up and winced. He quickly moved toward her and helped her lean against the couch cushions.

  She gave a small smile. “Maybe I should have taken your offer of the bed.”

  Their gazes caught, and Shade gulped.

  Bed?

  He cleared his throat and handed her the glass of milk. “Drink this. I’m going to clean your cuts. Then we can eat.” He sounded like an ass, but he needed to get his thoughts off her naked in bed. Then underneath him. Maybe calling his name as he filled her.

  Yeah, because that image was helping.

  She took a sip of her milk, handed him the glass, and leaned over so he could access the worst of her cuts. He slowly raised her shirt and cursed. The cut had partially healed, but the wound was angry and red.

  She’d have been dead if she hadn’t been a brownie. Something Striker hadn’t counted on. Thank God.

  “How does it look?” she asked.

  He gently cleaned around the area, careful not to hurt her. “Healing.”

  “So, this whole healing thing is a perk.” She gave a shaky laugh. “What else do I get? I mean, other than going gold every once in a while, I don’t know what special powers I have, if I even have any at all.”

  He finished cleaning her wound, lowered her shirt, and then handed her her dinner. “First, this is a stir-fry. I made sure you had even amounts of chicken and veggies, so you can actually eat.”

  She blushed. “Thanks.”

  “Don’t be embarrassed; it’s not weird. It’s you.”

  She gave him a look. “It’s weird.”

  “Well, maybe. I’m still okay with it.”

  She shrugged and took a bite. “Mmm, this is good. I didn’t know you could cook.”

  Pleased that she liked the meal he’d prepared, he smiled. “I’ve been around awhile, I had to learn.”

  “I guess you did.”

  They sat in silence and ate, Shade not really tasting anything he ate. “To answer your question, you’ll have strength and the ability to fend off attackers using…I guess you can call it, magic.”

  She brightened up. “Really?”

  “Yep. We’ll have to talk to the other brownies to see exactly what it is, but I know you have this sort of energy that you can expel if needed.”

  “Cool.” She frowned and played with a piece of chicken with her fork. “It didn’t help too much, did it?”

  “Not this time. That’s because you don’t know how to use it. We’ll figure it out.”

  We? What if there wasn’t a we?

  ****

  Lily set her plate down on the coffee table and blew her bangs from her face. “We?”

  He smoothed her cheek, careful of the mark she remembered getting when the door exploded in on her.

  “I’d like that.”

  She closed her eyes, but she didn’t lean into his touch. She couldn’t.

  “I’m so sorry, Lily.”

  The sincerity in his voice caused a chasm to open within her. She closed her eyes, unable to take it.

  “I know you are, Shade.”

  “When I first came here, it was to protect a secret bigger than me. I didn’t know you, had never even set eyes on you, but then I met you. Each time we spoke I fell that much further in love and felt like that much more of a bastard for what I might have to do.” He took his other hand and rubbed small circles on her wrist, sending shivers down her spine. “I hated it. Hated it, but when we kissed, I knew I had to tell you.”

  “Then we slept together, and you still didn’t tell me.”

  He nodded. “I know. I was a coward. I didn’t know how to broach the subject. No matter what, I would have fought for you. I have fought for you with the council, even before you became a supernatural, Lily. I would have done anything, and now that you’re a brownie, it was all for naught.”

  She closed her eyes. She’d been so angry, so lost, when she’d found out. Even then she’d known he didn’t have a choice. It didn’t make it any easier to swallow though. She knew he loved her, as she did him.

  She opened her eyes, and his fractured blue eyes bored into hers. “I can forgive you, Shade. I don’t know if I can forget.”

  Relief washed over his face, and she almost broke down and threw herself into his arms. Only the pain in her side and the fact that she had to be stronger than that held her back.

  He leaned forward, his lips pressing softly against hers. She sucked in a breath and closed her eyes, her resolve weakening. He was so gentle, so caring, even when he’d been the worst sort of ass.

  He pulled back, and she relaxed, though she missed him. Traitorous body.

  “I need to know more about you.”

  “Anything,” Shade agreed.

  “Who are you?” She blushed. “I mean, what do angels do? What is their purpose? Or really, what is yours?”

  “I’m a warrior angel. I protect the other angels and dole out justice.”

  “But who decides who and what is just? God?”

  Shade shook his head. “No, we’re not God’s angels. We’re just another race. The council decides what is just. There are three sects of angels. The council, which is a group of elder angels who are our leaders. The warriors, which is a small group of us who are stronger than others who protect our race. Then the others. Though they are still strong and important. Without them, we wouldn’t have a race. They are the reasons we are alive. They are our teachers, healers, philosophers. Angels didn’t come into existence to oversee humanity. We came into being because we were one of the original supernaturals. We were the ones who went into hiding first. We were the ones who formed our council first, though I don’t know if that did any good. The council members aren’t the nicest of angels.”

  “We live our daily lives either in our enclave, which is a special hidden part of our world where we congregate. Other species have similar places. Some angels go out into the world and live amongst the humans, but not all. I live in the enclave, but I still move among humans because I crave it. I enjoy learning new things and evolving as times change. Not all angels do that, but I’d like for them to. It’s enriching. Angels also mate with other species, just not humans. Our lifetimes are just too different for that to be feasible.”

  “Wow. So, you’re not just a normal run-of-the-mill angel. You know, if angels were run-of-the-mill.”

  He smiled. “Not quite.”

  “Is that why Striker wants you?”

  His face clouded over and he snarled. “Yes, and I believe there’s more, but I have to prove it.”

  “I can talk to someone about what Glenn said if that helps.”

  He relaxed and took her hand. “If it does, I’ll let you know. I still don’t want Striker knowing about you and your new self yet. Okay?”

  Right. Because everything she did apparently turned into danger.

  “So, you’re a warrior who enforces the law, so you have to uphold it.”

  He nodded.

  “That’s why you did what you did.” The pieces began falling into place.

  He kissed her palm. “Yes, but that doesn’t make it right.”

  Her skin tingled where his lips contacted her skin. She reached up and brushed his cheek. His body was warm and inviting. “I will find a way to trust you again, Shade. After all, saving my life should help out some.”

  Their gazes connected, and he traced a finger over her lips. “I never want to see you hurt again.”

  Daringly, she leaned forward and kissed him lightly. “I need to know more about what I am, so I can find out what we are.”

  “I’ll do anything.”

  “I know.”

  Chapter 20

  Bacon sizzled in the pan, and Shade flipped over each of the strips. The aroma of eggs, bacon, and hash browns filled the kitchen, and his stomach rumbled. Lily sat on a stool beside him as he cooked. She’d refused to relax anywhere else. He didn’t mind. He liked having her near, not only because he loved the way she looked in old jeans and one of h
is button-down shirts, but also because the dangers that surrounded them weren’t gone just because he wanted to live in this too-homey atmosphere. No, for all they knew, Striker, and even Law, could be on them any moment. However, Shade didn’t think so. Striker would need time to regroup after losing Azel.

  “So, sprite, are you ready to learn some more about what you are today?”

  Since she’d said the night before, she wanted to know who she was before she could find out who they were as a couple, he’d oblige because it was fine with him. He’d give her a jumpstart on her education.

  Her eyes brightened, the rosy color that had been absent from her cheeks the day before, back.

  “Of course. What do you have for me?”

  “Well, in folklore, brownies are useful house sprites, which mean they assist in tasks around the house.” He grinned as recognition dawned.

  “My cleaning.”

  “Yep. You’ve always had a predisposition toward having things in order. That must come from your genes. At least partially.”

  “Does that mean all brownies are OCD like me?” She grinned.

  “I think you’re one of a kind.”

  “Jerk!” She batted him with a dishtowel, a smile on her face.

  “Hey, I meant it in a good way.”

  “Sure.”

  Brave, he leaned down and kissed her. When she didn’t pull back, he took it as a good sign.

  “And,” he continued, “they are usually good natured, but mess with one of their friends, and you better watch out.”

  Lily tilted her head, a thoughtful look on her face. “I could see that. Though, how I could protect anyone is just a guess.”

  He plated their food and walked with her to the table. As they ate, he reassured her. “We just don’t know your trigger, but we’ll figure it out and then learn how to control it. That’s why we’re going to meet the brownies today.”

  Her eyes widened, and she choked on her eggs. He pounded on her back and gave her some water. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay. You just startled me. So, we’re telling everyone?” Fear clouded her eyes, and Shade felt like an ass for bringing it up like that.

  “I think we at least need to tell the brownie council. They aren’t as, well, stern as the angelic council, and they’ll know how to help you. The more I think about it, the less I think we can hide this. There are seven of you that could, or have already, changed. Who knows what your friends will turn into? I don’t know why they haven’t turned already, there must be a trigger we’re not thinking of. We need answers. I’m not knowledgeable enough about the intricacies of brownies to help you with every detail.”

  She played with the food on her plate, lost in thought. He lowered his fork and clasped her hand. “I won’t let them harm you.”

  Her gaze caught his, and he fell that much more in love with her.

  “I know.”

  Relief spread through him. At least she gave him that much, although he hadn’t protected her the day before because, he’d left her. He clenched his fists and held back his rage. He wouldn’t do that again unless he had someone watch her. He loved her too much for that.

  “Okay, tell me something else about what I am.”

  He nodded. “Okay, well, brownies are very loyal to their families.”

  A shadow passed over her eyes, and he felt like an ass all over again.

  “What is it?”

  “Nothing.”

  “It’s something. Tell me.”

  She shrugged and took their dishes to the kitchen. He followed and helped her dry as she washed them.

  “I don’t really have a family.”

  “Maybe not blood relation, but you do have your friends.” And me.

  She smiled. “Yes, you’re right. I mean, my parents are alive, but not really parents, you know? They’re just people who I used to live with even though they gave birth to me. I haven’t really talked to them since I broke up with Bryce.” She scrubbed the pan harder.

  “Bryce?” He held back the jealousy dripping off his tongue.

  She looked up at him, surprised. “Oh, my ex.”

  “I gathered that.”

  She laughed. “He’s not worth mentioning. Just an ass that I thought I’d fallen for, moved across the country with, and then lost when he found a stacked blonde.”

  “What a bastard.” He’d have to look up Bryce and kill him. Okay, maybe just maim him.

  “Yeah, pretty much. He’s balding, married, and has three kids that he hates according to what people tell me.”

  “I guess you lucked out.”

  She looked up at him and smiled. “Yeah, I guess I did.”

  He couldn’t take that for more than what it was. Though he hoped it was so much more.

  Once they were finished, Lily changed clothes into a sundress, though Shade missed his shirt on her small body. They got on his bike and rode to the edge of the forest. His erection dug into his zipper at the feel of her body wrapped around him, but he did his best to ignore it. Today was supposed to be about her and not his urges.

  Yeah, it was going to be a long day.

  He pulled over, and they dismounted. As he put away their helmets, she wrung her hands together and stared at the tree line.

  “You ready to go?” he asked.

  “No. Yes. Maybe.” She laughed, and he pulled her into his arms. She wrapped herself around him, and he inhaled her sweet strawberry scent.

  “We don’t have to go in.”

  “Yes, we do.”

  He kissed the top of her head, and she moved away. “Okay, then. It’s not that far in.”

  “How do humans not see it?”

  “It’s like the angel enclave where I live.” Her eyes widened at the mention of where he lived and he inwardly cursed. They had a lot to discuss. “There’s a pocket of space between two trees where a whole word lives.”

  Her eyes widened. “That’s not possible.”

  He stopped and kissed her nose. “I have wings, baby; anything’s possible.”

  “It doesn’t make any sense though.”

  “Lily, physics tells us that multiple dimensions can exist. Humans just haven’t proved it yet. If they’d ever think past string theory and quantum dynamics, they’d understand. Well, I’m going to prove it to you now.”

  “This is kind of cool.”

  “Yeah, pretty much.”

  “Lily Banner, welcome home,” said a voice from beyond a copse of trees, making both of them stop in their tracks.

  “Shade…”

  “It’ll be okay.” He took her hand with his free one, ready to reach for his sword if he had to fight.

  “You won’t need that, young man.” A small female, a brownie, with long brown hair and warm eyes walked toward them, and Shade immediately felt at peace. It was as if this woman meant no harm, even if she could have brought it. This woman would make his true half happy. That much he knew.

  He nodded, and Lily gripped his hand tighter.

  “Thank you for bringing our Lily back, young Shade Griffin. It’s lovely to finally meet you, Lily dear.”

  “What do you mean?” Fear and anticipation laced her voice.

  “It was told to us many centuries ago that a lost child would be brought to us by a blue-eyed warrior with a lightning-quick determination. Welcome home.”

  “You knew this would happen?” Shade asked.

  The woman shook her head. “No, not quite like this. Once the storm approached and you consummated your binding, we knew Lily was ours.” They both blushed at the mention of just how they’d consummated. “Silly me, I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Agda, the brownie council leader.”

  Lily bowed her head, and Shade followed. Power and warmth resonated from the leader. This brownie was no weakling. Brownies are fierce warriors, and it would probably be best to give her proper respect.

  “You know me?” Lily asked.

  “Of course, child. As brownies, we’re connected and can feel each other
. Though you’re still so new, you may not notice it yet. But, you will. We will always be here if you need us. Come and meet some more of your family. Shade, you are welcome, as well. You are family now that your true half is with us.”

  Lily’s grip tightened on his, and she looked up at him. Moisture filled her eyes, but she smiled. “I’m home.”

  He kissed her cheeks and brushed the tears from her lashes. “Yes, you are.”

  “Come with me?”

  “Always.”

  They met the rest of the council and various others. There were brownies everywhere, young, old and new, like her. The brownies were tall, short, and all sizes in between, as unique and interesting as every species imaginable. Each home was a rounded dome set between two trees or rocks, the front doors wooden with vines of ivy decorating the outside.

  The people wore clothes mostly brown in color, and the fashion was a mix of the past with the present. Some wore garb that looked like robes, while others dressed in jeans and T-shirts. Truly eclectic, but fitting. Each brownie would come up to them smile, hug, and touch. They were truly a warm race.

  They loved his Lily because she was one of them, and for that Shade knew he could trust them. After all, they were her family. Distant family, yes, but family. They ate around a fire in the center of town, the group coming together in a party to celebrate the return of one of their own. They roasted a large pig on a spit and had every type of bread and cream he could think of, and there was music and dancing.

  Shade laughed when he noticed a few of them counting the veggies and pieces of cheese on their plates to make sure they were even.

  “You’re not alone,” he whispered and cuddled her close.

  She smiled, her body glowing gold with peace. “I know. I’m so happy right now.”

  He kissed her softly and met Agda’s eyes. She smiled warmly, and Shade nodded. This woman understood his Lily, and for that he was grateful.

  A young male brownie, who appeared to be about ten years old, walked up to them, his body gold, and a small smile on his face.

  “Lily? Would you dance with me?” The boy darted a glance at Shade as if asking permission.