Immortal Memory (Book One)

by Sylvia Frances

  A deep, dark bitterness fueled Zach as he stood face to face with evil. Yes, Azazel could send him back to heaven before Zach got the chance to torch his brother’s corpse. The angel realized how he must gather all the dying faith within him to end this demon forever. Protecting his family mattered most to Zach. And although he despised admitting it to himself, keeping Simra safe began to be his top concern.

  Chapter 10

  "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong." - 1 Corinthians 16:13

  Simra felt refreshed after cooking, eating, a shower, and cleaning the kitchen. She was ready for the night ahead of her. The meat loaf, homemade macaroni and cheese, and boiled okra caused her to fall asleep on a full stomach. Where was Zach? He'd been gone far too long.

  The day had been full of surprises. She discovered a journal in a drawer with her grandmother's handwriting and name. All the answers were coming together. Everything Zach said began making sense.

  But how did Zach and Tristan stay so young all these years? How did people not suspect something? Years ago, her grandmother came here from Farmerville. She came to search for Simra's great-grandfather. He never came back home to them. Lucinda fell in love with Zach while Tristan attempted forcing marriage with her.

  Zach tried protecting her, and Lucinda claimed the angel blamed himself after she got captured. However, Lucinda wrote that Zach did rescue her. She called him her "earth angel". Lucinda wrote how sad she was when Zach left and that he would always be her first true love.

  Zach loved Lucinda too! That's why he looked at Simra the way he did. Because they looked and acted so similar. He saw Lucinda in her granddaughter. What a creep! Both brothers were no good.

  The only reason Simra and her family would stay at this lake house with him would be to keep them safe. Period. After Tristan got destroyed, she never wanted to see the angel again! He hurt her grandmother, and he wanted to do the same to Simra. She would not allow her heart to be broken again!

  Glancing outside, she noticed the orange and pink colors of dusk hovering over the dirt road and trees. Mandy and Lucinda would arrive any moment to ease her mind. Keeping herself and her family safe mattered more than anything. The persistent ringing of her phone startled her.

  Drawing her hand back, she hesitated to answer. Something terrible could have happened. “Hello?”

  “Sim, this is Jeff. Meet me at Espresso Café tonight. They’re performing live music.”

  Simra gripped the phone tighter in her hands. “It isn’t safe for me to leave the lake house. Mandy will arrive any moment. I should stay.”

  “All right. Wait for her, but the drug dealer’s completely distracted right now. He’s very preoccupied. Listen. I found stuff out about Zach and Tristan, and I saw something today.”

  He paused and added, “The drug dealer will be somewhere else tonight. Promise. You’ll be safe. Mandy can come too.”

  “Jeff, I-“

  Zach walked into the room and interrupted her conversation. “Let’s meet him. Tell him we’ll go. I’ll take you and will protect both of you.”

  A strained silence fell between the two friends until Simra spoke. “We’ll be there, but I have to wait for Mandy.”

  “Great! Be careful, Sim,” Jeff replied before hanging up the phone.

  Simra bolted up from sitting in the chair and placed her hands on her hips. “It’s too dangerous! Tristan’s out there and almost defeated you last time. And where have you been all day?"

  Zach’s eyes reflected calmness. “My parents were in trouble. I had to save them. I spent time searching for Azazel's body, but I couldn't find it. I read Quint's thoughts to see where he dumped the corpse, but the body wasn't there. Someone moved it, and I don't believe it's in anyone's house. The corpse is hidden well. Have faith you'll be protected. Seek God and trust Him. He'll protect you.”

  Daring to take a step closer to him, Simra pursued interrogating the angel. “How do I know what you're saying is true? And God never protected my family.”

  Simra’s breath caught in her throat when he inched closer and placed a few strands of hair behind her ear. “God's angels don't lie. There's evil in this world. Adam and Eve made that choice long ago for bad things to happen to mortals. Bad things will happen here, but God sent His Son to die for you. You'll be saved and have eternal life, and there'll be no more death. If you believe and trust in His Son, you'll have eternal life. There'll be no more death one day, and you'll see your family again. You should start by trusting Jesus.”

  The slight brush of his warm hand against the side of her face caused her heart to melt. Simra became lost in his eyes, and tears filled her eyes. “I'll see them again if I trust Him?”

  Zach reached his arm around her waist to pull her closer. His lips were only a breath away. “Yes.”

  The angel’s warm skin ignited her soul on fire when he brought her lips to his with a tender kiss. Never did her heart melt in such a way to an all-consuming kiss. It felt so true.

  Simra opened her eyes to see a tall figure of Tristan kissing her and jerked back in response. No, Zach broke Lucinda's heart. Simra would not allow him to do the same to her. And she kissed the angel who would collect her grandmother’s soul! “I can't do this. Mandy and Grandmother will be here any moment. I need to stop by my house and change into another pair of clean clothes. Then, we can go to the coffee shop.”

  A soft knock tapped at the door and drew them more apart. Simra rushed to answer it. Her heart hammered against her chest from Zach’s unexpected kiss. Simra’s lips still tingled from the soft caress of his. She could still taste his kiss, which reminded her of sweet honeysuckle. Falling in love with an angel of death was a frightening and tragic mistake.

  She opened the door to find her grandmother with a blanket around her. Mandy stood beside Lucinda with several bags of luggage. Simra sighed in relief and hugged them. They were welcomed inside the kitchen. “Come in. Make yourselves comfortable. Grandmother, welcome back. I’ll make sure nothing happens to you. This house is still very secure.” She framed her grandmother’s face in her hands.

  Lucinda studied her surroundings, and a slight smile slipped across the old woman’s face. Her grandmother’s hands grazed the furniture as though she belonged there. She seemed to feel at home.

  The lady mumbled unclear words to Zach, Mandy, and Simra. Lucinda paced around the house. Simra took her grandmother’s hand and followed her around the place. She couldn't help but wonder if Lucinda remembered this house.

  Mandy followed them around the house. “What are you talking about, Sim? Has Grandma been here before?”

  Simra sank into the plush couch beside their grandmother. She explained the story Zach told her. "Grandmother came from Farmerville, Louisiana to find her father. He came here years ago and never returned there. She stayed in this house to be protected from Tristan or Azazel. Azazel is his demon name. That's why he and Zach have different last names."

  Mandy gazed at their grandmother, who smiled and mumbled. “She does seem happy to be here, but it's still difficult for me to believe in ghosts.”

  Zach picked up a pillow on the couch and tossed it toward Simra’s cousin. Glowering at her, his eyes ignited into a hot fire. “That should make you believe, and I'm an angel. Not a ghost.”

  Mandy’s lips parted in surprise, and she gasped at her cousin. “How? How could it be? Who or what was that?”

  Simra couldn't control a slight giggle. “Zach. He's an angel, not a ghost. He wants you to believe in him and how this is real. He’s here to protect us against Tristan. My ex-fiancé’ is the one who’ll hurt all of us. Zach means no harm and saved my life from Quint and Tristan.”

  The words escaped from her lips. She had no intention of saying such good things about the angel. Simra still had her doubts about him.

  “What should we do?” Mandy asked in a hushed tone and took a seat on the other side of their grandmother. Simra’s cousin placed an arm around Lucinda as though p
rotecting her.

  Simra exchanged glances with Zach, then back to Mandy. “Jeff wants to discuss something at Espresso Café with me. He mentioned something happening today. Can you stay here with Grandmother and keep the two of you safe? If Zach’s parents come, tell them to call me.”

  “What if they call the cops on us, Sim? You said this is their property now.”

  Zach interjected before Simra could respond. “They’ll understand completely. My mom and dad will welcome all of you here. Just explain how this house is protected from the demon who attacked them today.”

  Simra repeated to Mandy what Zach told her. “Just stay with Grandmother. There are three beds in the back bedroom and the master bedroom. Pick which one suits you and Grandmother the best. Zach and I must go meet Jeff.”

  Mandy clasped and unclasped her hands. “Wait. You said Tristan’s out to hurt you. Jeff might be in danger too.”

  Simra took her cousin’s hands in hers and tried to avoid the fear enveloping her own heart. By going to the coffee shop, she would place their friend in much danger. Simra had to make sure nothing happened to the detective tonight. It all started with trusting God.

  “I know, Mandy, but Jeff's got to help us. We’ll be fine. Zach told us to trust God, and He'll keep us safe. And Zach will protect us.” Simra placed a gentle kiss on Mandy’s cheek and squeezed her hand.

  “I'll say a prayer for you all, Sim. Be careful.”

  Simra lingered for a moment, opened the screen door, and stepped onto the porch. She turned to Zach. “Let’s get this done. I’m beginning to believe that everything will be fine.”

  Zach gathered her into his arms and went to Simra’s house. She observed the blurry surroundings out of the corner of her eye, but his soft stare reached deep into her. Simra savored a small taste of God’s world. She felt nothing but beauty in these moments. Splendor enveloped Simra and flowed through her.

  Then, she shook her head after recalling how he reminded her of Tristan sometimes. Zach was a restless angel and would not stay in this world after serving his duty to God. He'd leave her just like he left Lucinda all those years ago. But where did he go before?

  The angel placed Simra onto her feet in her front yard and stepped onto the patio. Zach gave her a solemn look. "I deeply regret not saving Lucinda in time. It's all my fault that she got cursed because I was distracted. I was too busy trying to sort out my feelings for her. She and I weren't meant to be. Heaven needed me, and that's why I left. I had no intentions of hurting her. I loved her, and that's why I distanced myself."

  Tears filled Simra's eyes. "You could've been honest with her about you and Tristan from the start. Then, maybe none of this would've happened. Now, you should understand why it's so difficult to trust you. You tend to hide things like your brother. Some angel you are." She walked away from him and went into the house.

  "Simra…" Zach followed after her.

  Avoiding Zach, Simra walked into her bedroom. Tormenting memories caused her senses to overflow. Shadows of multiple candles flickered all around the bedroom. A bottle of white grape juice glistened on the night stand beside two wine glasses. Tristan’s gift of the wooden heart, “Forever Mine”, stood beside the bottle. The heart was still there and sent chills throughout her body.

  She heard the faint sound of their old love song "I Crave for You" somewhere inside the room. It was the one Tristan picked out for them. The singer's eerie voice drove her to the edge of insanity. Tristan's Burberry cologne sucked her into a tormenting past of artificial love.

  Simra walked out and rushed into the angel’s arms. “He’s in the bedroom.”

  Zach framed her face in his hands. “Have faith that he won’t bother you. Pray while you change into your clothes. Azazel’s only trying to win you back. Pay no attention to him.”

  Tears flowed down her cheeks from all the emotions draining her. “He has it set up exactly the way he did when I came in from work. It was before we had problems and like the night he asked me to marry him.”

  Zach pulled her close and squeezed her with affection. “It was all a lie. Azazel’s only playing with your mind. He wants you to stay in the past. Let go. It’s for your own good.”

  Simra tilted her head up and nodded. Zach and Tristan were playing with her mind. “Yeah, I know. I refuse to have my heart broken ever again.”

  Zach framed her face in his hands. "I might've let Lucinda down all those years ago. But I promise I'll never let you down, and I especially won't let her down again."

  Unsure of what to believe, Simra refused to trust Zach. She turned and stomped into the bedroom. She tried praying the entire time she was in the bedroom. Simra searched the closet, grabbed what she needed, and rushed into the bathroom. She took one last peek at the bedroom. Grimacing at how Tristan tried to win her back, she shivered before slamming the bathroom door.

  Simra changed into a pair of light blue jeans and a long white blouse with the sleeves stopping at her elbows. She slipped her feet into a comfortable pair of sandals. Her blonde strands of hair were tied into a ponytail. The outfit was perfect for being at the lake.

  She rushed out of the room to meet Zach. The frigid temperature caused her to shiver. Objects in the rooms clattered. Portraits rattled on the walls and almost collapsed to the floor. The flames vanished from the candles in her room. Tristan’s fury shuddered throughout the house.

  Zach gathered her into his strong arms and carried her out the door before it locked behind them. “Azazel's getting angrier. Let’s meet Jeff before my brother decides to do something insane.”

  Simra peeked over Zach’s shoulder to see the glowing yellow eyes of Tristan. She kept her eyes locked on the hideous demon until Zach got them away. Her body shivered at the frightening appearance of him.

  Demons did exist, and his glowing eyes proved the reality of evil. She recalled reading the journal. What he did to her family all those years ago made her feel sick. Her stomach churned more at the thought of something happening to Jeff. She must do whatever it took to protect him tonight.

  Chapter 11

  "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." -Psalm 91:11

  They arrived at Espresso Café in no time, and Zach placed Simra on her feet at the side of the building. “Simra? We’re here.”

  She almost didn’t hear him. Simra’s feet stayed frozen to the ground from shock. “I…I know. His eyes. Tristan’s eyes were-“

  “Glowing? Yes. I know. They glow when someone’s made him extremely angry.”

  She leaned against the brick building. “I've never seen anything so frightening. Why don't you and your brother be honest about what you really are in the beginning? And why haven't his eyes ever glowed before?”

  Zach's eyes filled with softness. “He was in his mortal vessel then. Just be glad you haven't seen his entire demonic form. It's frightening. While the demon resides in a human body, it can’t make its eyes glow. He didn't tell you everything because he didn't want you to know what he is. I never told Lucinda because she would've thought I'd gone mad. She would've ignored my warnings. Then, Azazel really would've gotten the best of her.”

  He paused and explained further. “His demon’s separated from the vessel now. He’s stronger than ever now. Azazel should’ve returned to the underworld, but he stayed to possess you.”

  “Why’s it only me and Grandmother who sees you and the demon? Why doesn’t anyone else see you two?” She dared to ask.

  “Azazel cursed you both. He made it so all your grandmother could remember and see is the demon tormenting you and her. She doesn’t remember anyone or anything else, but I promised Lucinda I’d protect you.”

  He paused and added, “Azazel cursed you to see his demon and Lucinda’s death. I am death, and my brother didn’t realize what he did until after he completed the curse. Again, I’m sorry.” His eyes were full of compassion.

  She kept seeing Tristan's eyes in her troubled mind. And Zach couldn't fool Simra wi
th his lies of not betraying her. He had already betrayed Simra by showing the same feelings toward her that he showed for Lucinda years ago. And he was collecting her grandmother's soul.

  “She’s not dying anytime soon. I’ll make sure of it. Why’d he choose me and my grandmother?”

  “Lucinda's beauty, determination, and innocence captivated him years ago, but she rejected him. He sees her in you. Azazel believes he has another chance to have her now. What I feel for you is different. It's stronger than what I felt for Lucinda. I've been praying for God to remove these feelings because they're wrong, but He hasn't. I don't know why. I'm fighting what I feel for you the best I can."

  A sob lodged in the back of her throat. He just admitted that he loved her. Hearing him admit it already broke her heart because they were wrong for each other in so many ways.

  Simra fought back tears. “I’m going inside to see Jeff.”

  Zach placed a gentle hand to her cheek with his eyes intense on her. “Even if it's wrong, know that I'll always be with you. Go for now. Jeff’s waiting. I’ll guard the outside of the shop.”

  That only made it worse. Simra turned away before she would start crying and walked into the coffee shop. She inhaled the strong aroma of coffee. The mellow acoustic music caused Simra’s tightened muscles to loosen with delight.

  The people swayed to the talented young singer’s calming tune on the small stage in the front. A harmonica was attached to a metal band around the woman’s face. She also played the guitar. The musician with short dark hair and black-framed glasses sang magically as she performed. Her voice and music sent delicious waves of delight through Simra. For a second, all was forgotten about the evil around her.

  Then, she spotted Jeff sitting by a window. He sipped on a cup of coffee in his hand. Simra was reminded of the reason she came in that instant. For the first time, going to see a musical performance with him wouldn’t be fun like the old days.

  Her blood turned cold from the fear of losing him to an enraged demon. Faith. She must hold on to what little faith she had inside of her.