Cas nods. “Good point.” He turns and pins me with his blue-eyed gaze. “We’ll come back to this later, human scientist.”
We turn and pass under an archway between rows of bookcases to the right. The row is long, and I find it difficult not to reach out and open one of the books. Each one is completely different, and seems to glow from within. When we reach the end, two enormous doors gilded with gold stand before us. They must be at least three stories high. They open before us as if by an unseen hand, and we enter an enormous throne room with what seems like miles of stairs to the top. But we begin to climb, and before I know it, we’re standing before the throne.
“Peter.” Zakiel says with a strange accent.
The angel on the throne is looking down at a large parchment, winding it as he reads. He stands and comes to the edge of the dais without looking up, and the three angels bow before him.
Peter is glorious. His wings, their feathers tipped in gold, extend much farther than those of the three angels I’m with. He’s beautiful like a god of the ancient world. Curly blond hair frames his face in a perfect halo. His eyes are intelligent, his gaze sharp. A long, straight nose, warm, generous lips, and a strong jawline complete the package.
He’s shirtless and tattoos like nothing I’ve ever seen before grace his shoulders and chest. He wears perfectly pressed black slacks, the fabric shimmering with intermittent golden threads.
He gives off an air of immortality and I realize he is much, much older than the three angels with me. Even Zakiel. At that moment, he looks up.
His gaze flies straight to me and his eyes widen in shock. Then they narrow in rage. “Why did you bring her here?” His voice is thunderous. He yells in what I’ve come to think of as Angelic. And although I don’t understand it, for some reason when he speaks, the words somehow form themselves in my mind.
“The hell dimension has put a hit on my—on Gillian. A horde of demons came after us, and I couldn’t leave her down there to die. With all of them after her, she won’t survive without protection.”
“Do you realize what you’ve done?!” Peter roars.
“What have we done?” Cas asks hesitantly.
“You’ve let the entire demon world know she’s one of us!”
The angels stare at each other in disbelief.
“What are you talking about?” Brion asks.
Peter begins to pace, and continues as if Brion hadn’t spoken. “A century in the making, a sleeper half angel, the one who can sway the balance between good and evil. Nearly immortal, needing minimal protection.” He turns to the angels. “And you three have just blown her cover—in front of a horde. Congratulations! It’s a clusterfuck of interdimensional proportions!”
I stand there with my mouth wide open.
“How will they know she’s half angel?” Brion chokes out.
“Because no human can enter Heaven in corporeal form. The mortal body can’t stand the higher frequency vibration. When she reappears down there, the demons will know immediately what it means.” His eyes narrow and he gestures wildly with his hands. “And if you think they were after her before, just wait until you get back. Now that they know she’s half angel, they will move Heaven and Earth to find her.”
My ears are buzzing. My brain can’t process what I’m hearing. Half angel? Nearly immortal? Demons will move Heaven and Earth to find me?
I turn to Brion and he wraps his arms around my shaking body. The other angels come to stand on either side of us.
“So,” Brion asks Peter, “What do we do now?”
To Be Continued…
PART THREE: ANGEL AWAKENED
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
1
Gillian
All of Heaven has grown quiet. Or perhaps my shock has made it so the only thing I can hear is the rapid pounding of my heart. None of this can be real. I can’t be standing in the clouds…in Heaven, speaking to four angels.
And their claims about me are even more ludicrous.
For the first time, I pause to consider the most logical explanation. It was me that got hit by the bus in front of the coffee shop that day. I’m probably in a coma, lying in a hospital bed somewhere dreaming of hot angels. Dreaming of being more important than I really am. And of having a beautiful, wonderful man who can read my mind.
Isn’t that what every lucky heroine in every novel gets?
But that sort of thing just doesn’t happen in real life.
Especially when I’m just a lonely scientist.
Peter watches me closely his golden eyes filled with concern. “Are you all right?”
I look at the other three angels, and then at Brion. “I’m dreaming, right?”
Peter’s brows shoot up and he regards Brion. “Yet another reason we don’t bring humans here.”
“You mean, half human half angels.” I recognize my voice holds an edge of hysteria, but can’t seem to stop it.
Brion’s voice rumbles in my ear calmly. “It’s okay. Just being dead was enough to send me into shock. This is a lot.”
“And you,” I say, pointing a trembling finger at Peter, “somehow think I’m The One, the person who will sway the balance between good and evil. That only happens in the movies!” My laugh sounds a little crazy.
Peter sighs and rubs his forehead.
Brion turns me toward him, and our gazes meet. “Gillian, take a deep breath.”
I do, even while I glare at him. “I don’t need a deep breath.”
He gives me a hesitant smile. “There’s my little scientist. Now, take another deep breath.”
I hate that I’m starting to feel calmer. “Do you really believe all this nonsense?”
Now, his smile spreads. “Do you remember how, not so long ago, you didn’t believe I was an angel?”
I freeze. That’s right. If all of this is a coma-induced dream, my beautiful, tattooed warrior angel isn’t real either. And Brion is the most real thing I’ve ever experienced in my life.
But if I accept him, I have to accept that everything else is real, too.
Air rushes from my lungs. My knees feel weak. None of this makes any sense. It’s like a fantasy, and I became a scientist for a reason. My logical mind pushes away questions of spirituality, afterlife, and destiny.
Brion says nothing, but simply holds me close.
I feel the pull toward him and sink into it. It’s exactly what I need. I hang on to him as tightly as I can, reveling in his strength. His wings come around me, wrapping me in warmth, and I realize I’m shaking.
All four angels are silent, and I wonder if they’re communicating telepathically.
After a few minutes, I pull myself together. “So what…” I clear my throat. “What am I supposed to do?”
Peter’s voice is grave. “On your thirtieth birthday, you will become immortal. At that time, you will choose to join the light or the dark. Your choice will determine the destinies of millions of people. Everyone who lives on Earth for the next thousand years.”
“Like Star Wars?” Another hysterical laugh bubbles out. I try, unsuccessfully to cover it with my hands.
Peter sighs, staring upward.
Praying for patience? I can’t help but think, followed by another little laugh that makes Brion exchanges glances with Cas and Zakiel.
Brion’s gaze flies to mine. “When is your thirtieth birthday?”
Oh yeah, right. Because if this is all true, my birthday is suddenly very, very important. I wish I could laugh again, but suddenly, none of this seems very funny. If it’s true, the fate of the world depends on me… and I don’t believe in fate.
And what’s more, it also means that the little battles we’ve had with demons so far… well, there’s going to be a lot more of them. If the demons have been hunting me just for my machine, what are they going to do now? A vision singes my mind. One of being ripped apa
rt by demons in Hell.
I shiver. Is that my future?
“Deep breath,” Brion whispers into my ear, sending shivers down my spine. He then continues more loudly. “Your thirtieth birthday?”
My mouth opens, but nothing comes out. I try again. “In five days.”
“Really.” Brion’s mouth forms a grim line. “There’s no way this was an accident.”
“No,” Peter affirms. “But it is interesting.”
“Interesting?” Brion’s repeats, dryly. “Michael stole her invention, now hordes of demons are after her, and her life and the fate of Earth hang in the balance. What is so interesting about it?”
I hate that he’s spoken my fears aloud. Made them real. But if they are real, then I’m glad he’s here. I feel like we can face them—together.
Peter puts up his hands for peace. “You misunderstand.”
Brion crosses his arms over his broad chest. “How so?”
“Michael betrayed us. But in waiting so long, he made sure we have to protect her for only five days. Until she’s immortal.” Peter pins me with his golden gaze. “In every soul, there is both light and dark. No angel is completely good. And no demon is completely bad. Remember that. It may save your soul.”
I’m pretty sure demons are bad and angels are good, so I don’t know what to say. I simply nod.
“Five days?” Zakiel’s eyebrows rise. “That doesn’t sound so bad.”
“It wouldn’t be, under normal circumstances. But there are demons who will go to any lengths just to have her.”
Brion clenches his jaw. “Where can we take her that she’ll be safe?” he asks Peter.
“Can’t I just stay here?” I pipe in.
The three brawny angels turn to Peter, and I feel a surge of hope.
“I wish you could. It would make all of this much easier.” Peter looks at me, sadness in his eyes. “You’re not immortal yet, Gillian. The fact that you’ve remained in Heaven this long is only due to your angelic side. But I’m afraid it won’t last much longer.”
And just like that, my hope fades.
Brion’s entire body tightens. “So what can we do?”
The angel shakes his head. “All you can do is stay one step ahead of them.”
Brion stands up straighter. “We can do that.”
And the determination in his voice, the fire in his eyes when he speaks makes me believe he can. That he’s going to protect me. Even on his own, if he needs to.
“Of course you can,” Peter says, rising from his throne. His gold-tipped wings fully extend and his voice thunders through the hall. “You are warriors of Heaven. Prove it now. Protect Gillian at all costs.”
The angels nod and it’s as though a shock goes through my body.
Suddenly, everything falls into place. Until now I’ve been resisting. Hoping in the back of my mind that all of this was a bad dream, and that I’d wake up and tomorrow would be another normal day of work.
But I’ve finally reached the tipping point. I believe in Heaven. I believe in angels. I even believe in demons. And I believe in their power to shape humanity for good or evil.
My place in it is still harder to believe, but I’m getting there.
I take a deep breath. “So all I need to do is chose the side of good and all of this will end? We’ll win?”
“Whomever you give your heart to after your thirtieth birthday, and consummate that relationship with thereafter, will be the side you choose.”
I almost laugh. The fate of the world depends on whether I have sex with an angel or a demon? I give Brion a reassuring look. I got this. Too easy.
But Peter must have seen my confidence. “Don’t think it will be easy. You know the calling you feel for Brion? There will be a demon that calls you similarly. He will appear loving and logical. That is the power of the dark side—to become what you believe you desire. To appeal to your baser desires and make you believe it’s your right to satisfy them.
“But it isn’t Truth. Love for all things, self-sacrifice, and allowing others the freedom to choose for themselves. These things are Truth. Making the right choice will be the most difficult thing you’ve ever done. It will hurt. It will sometimes rip your heart in two. But if you choose the light, you will protect others from having to make the choice. And if you choose the darkness, you will doom others to make it for themselves for the next thousand years.”
When his speech is finished, Peter furls his wings and sits down on the throne behind him.
None of us speak. It doesn’t feel like there’s anything left to say.
We turn to leave, but then Peter calls to me. “Gillian.”
I turn back and he beckons me to come closer, so I approach him cautiously. “I do have one thing for you.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small, pink and gold ring box. “This has been passed down through the ages, and I’ve held on to it for as long as I can remember. The instructions are not to open it unless all hope seems lost.” He steps forward and hands me the box. “I’m giving it to you now with the same edict.”
I put the box in my pocket and suddenly feel a wrenching pain. It’s coming from the center of my being—as if I’m being ripped apart.
Peter cups my face in his hands, and I feel enormous power coming from him, holding me in place. He speaks quickly, but clearly. “You are the future now. Whatever you do, stay alive. And when the time comes, remember how it feels to give, to love selflessly, and to care about something higher than yourself. The true choice between darkness and light is subtle – there are a million shades of gray. There is darkness even with angels, and light even within demons. You have to pierce through to the heart of the matter and decide whom you most truly align with. I pray it will be light.”
At that, Peter disappears and everything dissolves around me.
2
Gillian
When the world around me reappears, the blinding pain is gone. But I can’t quite catch my breath.
Brion appears suddenly and puts his arms around me. “Steady. Breathe slowly.”
Zakiel is in front of us, putting his hand against the rocky outcropping at the very top of a mountain.
I look to the left and instantly feel a sense of vertigo. We are literally on the edge of nothingness, and the clouds are far, far below. Brion holds me tightly and wraps his wings around me.
To my surprise, I hear a door open. When I look ahead again, Zakiel has disappeared inside the opening in the rock. Brion unwraps his wings and gently pushes me inside ahead of him. The minute the door closes behind us, my breathing becomes easier.
A knock on the door behind us puts us all on high alert. Zakiel opens it cautiously to find Cas on the other side. “That was fast,” Zak comments.
Cas steps inside and looks at me. “And that was close.”
He’s holding my box of research. “I stopped by your cabin and picked this up. Or what’s left of your cabin.”
Brion winces, and I hastily step forward and grab the box from Cas.
He seems relieved to be rid of it, and furls his wings. “Peter said she can’t come back until she’s immortal, even for a second. Or she may poof out of existence for good.”
Poof out of existence for good? I can’t even begin to process that idea.
Brion and Zakiel look grim.
“Is that what the terrible pain was?” I ask, my grip feeling slippery on the box handles. “It felt like I was splitting apart.”
“That’s because you were,” Cas answers.
“Hey,” Brion says angrily, “take it easy on her.” He puts an arm around me protectively.
My mind is starting to paint a perfect picture of what they’re describing, and my stomach lurches. There’s no way I’m going back to Heaven until I’m sure it’s safe.
“Thanks.” I reply dryly, leaning back farther to compensate for the weight of the box. Then I peruse the tiny room. “What is this place?”
“This is Zakiel’s safe house,” Brion explains wit
h a strained smile. “Unfortunately, you’re not the first person we’ve had to protect from demons.”
His admission makes me feel a tiny bit better. All this talk of The One had me feeling as if I was the only human who’s gone through this. Half human, my mind reminds me, and all the other humans didn’t have an entire demon horde chasing them.
I shift and bump into Cas, mumbling an apology, then shift and bump into Zakiel. “Geez. This is going to be a rough five days with all of us crammed in here together.”
“Oh,” Zakiel laughs. “That’s because we’re only on the top level.” He walks to the far wall and puts his hand against it. With a flash of light, a trapdoor seems to pop out of the floor. He gestures to it and Brion holds out his hands for the box. I give it to him, glad to be rid of the weight, then find myself climbing down a circular staircase at least three flights into the center of a space that widens with every spiral. Light comes from irregular slits in the walls all around the upper stories.
“Nice,” I say.
Zakiel turns back to us and spreads his arms wide. “Please, make yourselves comfortable. My home is your home.”
I walk toward one of the sofas set out in a large rectangle around a great square carpet, trying to take in the entire space. The walls of the safe house are made of stone. The ceiling is vaulted in the center up to where we came in, and it looks like there are rooms around us that branch off with double doors. There are a number of swords and paintings on scrolls on the walls. It seems very…Asian. “Where are we?”
“China.”
“Really?” I walk to the closest window, but all I can see are clouds. I’ve always wanted to visit China. It’d be great if I wasn’t in horrible danger.
“How safe is this safe house?”
“As safe as any other place in this world for you.” Zakiel answers from the kitchen.
Something twists in my belly. Which means not safe at all.
Cas and Brion come down from the stairs. I can tell they’ve been talking by the tense way they carry themselves.
Cas walks around the room and looks out the windows. I can see he’s astounded by the mountaintop safe house, just as I am. “China, huh?” he says, “not bad.”
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