The Keepers of Hell Box Set

by Danielle James

  Antonio grinned like the idiot he was. “Better to ask forgiveness than to ask permission,” he said.

  “Fuck me,” Ash grumbled.

  “Hey, she can help,” Antonio argued.

  “We are going to be in trouble for this,” Ash reminded him.

  “No worries, me and the big guy are solid,” Antonio answered in his carefree way. Ash shook his head. Antonio might seem carefree and happy go lucky, but the angel was a warrior for a reason, a fact that Ash had to remind himself of every time he considered killing him.

  “It’s starting,” Kaia said as the music began to play.

  Lucas watched as his beloved family filed into the seating area and took their seats in the front row. A stage had been set up with red, white, and blue ribbons all around it. A large, framed photograph of Lucas stood on the corner of the stage. It was his annual military photo in his blues. The American flag hung proud but at half mast, a signal to all that a soldier had been lost. His platoon was there as well wearing their dress blues, standing in a line in front of the stage. The men he had given his life for.

  He hadn’t known how much he needed to see them until the five of them were right in front of his face. Somehow, it made everything Lucas went through before going to Hell worth it. Tex had a baby girl that he could go home to now. Chris was engaged. Every one of them had someone to go home to, someone to help make their lives complete. Lives they would get to live because Lucas made the decision that spared their lives.

  A silence fell over the crowd as seven members of the Secret Service filed onto the stage, each taking his or her place in the best position to protect everyone, but especially the President.

  “Thank you all for coming,” the Secretary of Defense said into the microphone center stage. “It is my privilege to announce that today, we will be honoring three Marines who fought bravely, above and beyond the call of duty. Without further delay, please welcome the President of the United States.”

  Jensen smiled as he watched Kaia from his peripheral vision. Her back straightened and her head held high, she was already on the watch for any signs of danger. She appeared at attention, stiff even, but he knew that she would be ready to jump into action on a millisecond’s notice. After all, that had been her job in life, and now in death as well.

  “Mr. President,” the Secretary acknowledged the man as the Presidential march played. The two shook hands and exchanged familiar smiles before President Whitmore took the microphone.

  “Welcome everyone,” he said. “We are here to honor three men who stood tall in Hell. Three men who displayed exceptional courage under fire. Three men who, in spite of the impending danger, risked everything to fight for each other and for their country.”

  A polite applause broke out from the gathered crowd. Ash couldn’t help but scan the entire area for anything amiss, but all was quiet with both human and demon.

  “Let us begin with a prayer,” the President continued.

  Everyone bowed their heads, including the silent and invisible angels, while the President asked God for strength for their soldiers, peace for those who have returned, and solace for the families of those who fell.

  “And now we begin,” he continued. “Lieutenant James Francis Cowell, under heavy enemy fire, pushed forward on enemy lines while ….”

  “Do you really think this will work?” Shelly asked in a whisper to Jake.

  “I don’t know,” Jake answered her. “But it’s the best shot we have.”

  “Quiet in front,” Antonio hissed.

  “They can’t hear us,” Macy said softly, patting her mate on his arm.

  “Shut it,” Ash commanded and the angels were silent. They all watched and listened as two Marines were honored and their Medals hung around their necks.

  “And now for our final soldier this evening,” President Whitmore said. “It is with a heavy heart that we honor Gunnery Sargent Lucas Michael Black, of the Black Wolf Clan. On November 18, 2015, Sargent Black was retiring from his shift when his camp fell under attack. Due to his keen senses, Sargent Black was able to warn his platoon and they were able to fight back. A grenade landed too close to them and Lucas made the ultimate sacrifice. Without thought for himself, he threw his body on to the live grenade. After a long battle, Sargent Black finally succumbed to his injuries. At this time, I would ask that his family join me on the stage.”

  Lucas watched as his mother and siblings stood and walked up the steps to stand next to the President. He couldn’t stop himself from going with them and standing tall next to his mother, who had a sheen of tears in her eyes. With a gentle hand that she would never know touched her, Lucas let all the love he felt for his family pour into her.

  “It is an honor to have you with us today,” President Whitmore continued. “I can think of no greater sacrifice than to give one’s child to the service of his country. I personally thank you for the gift of your son and his service. His strength, his love, and his memory will forever be ingrained in our hearts. Please accept this medal in his honor.”

  He handed a frame to Lucas’s mother. Inside was the medal. Bright blue ribbon held the star in place, backed by red velvet and a small card with Lucas’s name embossed in gold letters. His mother took it and photos were taken as somewhere in the background a bugle played the mournful Taps.

  Lucas watched as the ceremony ended and his family left for home. “I guess Balthazar has bigger things to do than to chase us,” he finally said after everyone left.

  “This isn’t right,” Ash said. “Besides allowing Hell on Earth, the things Balthazar wants most is to kill me. He had a perfect opportunity and didn’t take it.”

  “That only means one thing,” Kaia offered. “He’s up to something much worse.”

  “How can you be sure?” Shelly asked. “He isn’t the brightest crayon in the box.”

  “I know my criminals,” Kaia answered. “If Balthazar wants us dead, or deader, and here we are right out in the open, then there is a reason for it. Psychos do not just give up or not pay attention. He is up to something.”

  “Well, we still have dinner,” Antonio pointed out. “And we can’t eat unless we get visible. Let’s just make sure no innocents get hurt.”

  “So, you aren’t interested in the food at all,” Ash said sarcastically.

  “Of course, I am!” Antonio belted out. “I love food!”

  Ash rolled his eyes and said, “Come on,” before flashing himself away.

  ***

  Everyone followed Ash, a trick that Kaia needed to fine tune. She needed Lacy and Liam to help get both Jensen and herself to the restaurant. Even though Lacy told her she would learn and get used to it, Kaia wasn’t so sure. Flashing, being visible or not, hiding her wings … these were all things that she was very rough on, and that awesome power she had displayed in Ash’s office? She couldn’t force it no matter how she tried.

  The all materialized outside the back entrance of a restaurant called Rhino’s, a paranormal friendly establishment in Antonio’s hometown of Los Angeles. The bright red sign shown like a beacon against the dark night sky.

  “Let’s get visible!” Antonio said, extremely excited at the prospect of food.

  “What if you see someone you know?” Kaia asked him. “Aren’t you supposed to be dead?”

  “Nah,” he answered her. “I just gotta hide my wings. This place is always packed, so the odds of someone seeing me and recognizing me is slim anyway.” He looked Kaia up and down. “As lovely as those wings are, you are gonna have to hide them.”

  Kaia concentrated on making her wings invisible. “Did I do it?”

  Jensen smiled and took her hand. It was a wonderful feeling, his skin on hers. She had thought she would never feel it again. Now, here they were, dead but in corporeal form, able to touch each other once more. “Try again,” he said reassuringly. He squeezed her hand and the action gave her the confidence boost she needed. Kaia tried again and this time she knew she had been successful when the oth
er angels present applauded.

  “Okay then,” Lucas said, pulling Ryver to his side. “Let’s eat.”

  They entered the restaurant, and Antonio had been right. There were a lot of people there. The hostess didn’t waste any time finding them a large booth in the VIP section, though. It would seem that Antonio had connections.

  “This is a nice place,” Kaia mused aloud. “I’m not sure what to call it, though. I mean, the décor says high class while the atmosphere says sports bar. There are TV’s on the walls, and yet the servers all wear neck ties.”

  “That’s what I like about it,” Antonio said as he slid into the booth. “It’s full of contradictions.”

  The party of twelve fit comfortably in the large booth with a little bit of room to spare. After they ordered drinks, Kaia turned to Ash. “Who is watching things while we’re gone?”

  “My assistant Mali does a lot of the administrative work. Of course, should anything happen, he knows to contact me immediately.” He sipped his bottled beer and then continued. “But I also have a strange connection with Hell. I would feel it if something weren’t right.”

  “Came with the job, huh?” Kaia asked.

  “Not at first,” Ash told her. “It took some learning. Just like it will for you.”

  “You should have seen the first time he tried to fly!” Antonio barked out on a laugh. He slapped his hand down on the table for emphasis. “After he finally got himself in the air, I had to rescue his ass before he pinwheeled into the dirt.”

  “Shut it, Antonio,” Ash growled.

  “What? Not everyone can fly right off the bat,” Antonio said. “Except me. I fly beautifully.”

  “Modesty has never been Antonio’s strong suit,” Macy added with a smile. “In fact, he sang to me for weeks before I gave in to him.”

  “That’s sweet, though,” Kaia said. “Romantic.”

  “Oh sure,” Macy agreed, flipping her long hair over her shoulder, “If you enjoy constant caterwauling and screeching.”

  “I can vouch for that,” Ash said, “He sings like a dying cat.”

  Kaia chuckled. “It can’t be that bad.”

  “See?” Antonio said, “Someone appreciates me. Let me serenade you.” He opened his mouth as if he were going to sing when a round of “No!” erupted from the whole table.

  “I guess, maybe, some other time,” Kaia said.

  “Or not,” Jensen interjected. Then in a whisper meant only for her he added, “It really is that bad. Please don’t encourage him.”

  “I’m seriously offended,” Antonio said playfully. Kaia knew without a doubt that he was not.

  The food arrived, and as soon as the aroma of the steak hit her nose, Kaia realized that she was famished. She cut a small bite and lifted it to her lips. The meat was flavorful and tender, nearly melting in her mouth. Had food ever tasted this good before? She knew exactly why it was this time. She hadn’t drank a drop of alcohol in days and her taste buds were recovering.

  “Oh, are you fucking kidding me?” Shelly, the demon, snarled, staring at the television behind Kaia. She craned her neck around to see what she was talking about.

  The man on the TV was standing at a podium, announcing his intent to run for the Presidency. “Ronald Train?” Kaia asked incredulously. “Why, oh, why would he think he could be President?”

  “He is a smart businessman,” Jake answered.

  “Like hell,” Kaia answered back. “He got lucky a few times. But really, he doesn’t know shit about politics. What has the world come to?”

  “That’s a new one on me,” Ash said. “I was shocked when Whitmore was elected. Not because he can’t do the job, but because we as a people are still very much set in our ways and some are still very prejudice.”

  “I’m not even really talking about him,” Shelly said. “Although that is pretty fucked up. Look at his assistant.”

  “What about him?” Kaia asked. “I’ve never seen him before.” The man standing behind Train was tall and muscular, blond hair and an even tan. He was dressed in an Armani suit but didn’t really look like he belonged there.

  “You might not have seen him before, but I have. The rest of us all have. That’s my dear old dad,” Shelly said.

  “Fuck,” Ash snarled. “Why the hell would he be trying to get into politics?”

  “There’s a lot of power in politics,” Kaia told them. “He could have a lot of influence should his candidate win.”

  “So that’s what he’s been up to,” Lacy said. “That’s why we haven’t seen him lately. He’s hiding in that body and using Mr. Train as his puppet.”

  “I wouldn’t doubt if that isn’t Mr. Train,” Shelly said. “He’s probably nothing more than a puppet for Balthazar at this point.”

  “Well, I can’t imagine a world where a business tycoon gets elected,” Lucas said. “The fucker cheats on his taxes every year.”

  “Whatever he’s planning,” Ash said, “We have to get to the bottom of it. Kaia, it’s time you used your connections to get us some intel.”

  “Got it,” Kaia said, nodding her head. “But, I’m dead. How am I supposed to accomplish that?”

  “You told me yourself that not every employee in the White House is human,” Jensen reminded her. “I say we start there.”

  “That’s right,” Lacy said. “The rules say humans shouldn’t see us—not that they can’t—and nothing about supernaturals.”

  “Do we really want to play with the rules again?” Ash asked.

  “Because that turned out so well last time,” Elizabeth pointed out sarcastically.

  “What happened last time?” Kaia asked.

  Ash shook his head and then looked at her. “You.”

  Chapter Ten

  “Stop freaking out,” Macy said with a reassuring smile. “No one can see you.”

  “Are you sure?” Kaia asked. “I always thought I would haunt this place, but not like this.”

  “You know exactly where to listen in, right?” Macy asked her.

  “Yes, but holy cow, Simon!” she exclaimed. “You’re supposed to be dead!”

  The vampire walked right up to Kaia and embraced her in a quick hug. “So are you little lady. How is it that you can see me?”

  Macy gave Simon a little wave. “That’s all me,” she said. “Necromancer.”

  “Nice to meet you necromancer. I’m Simon.”

  “Macy.”

  “Why are you here? And why the hell did you shoot me? And what the fuck went on in your head?” Kaia shot the string of questions at him in quick succession.

  “I think I want to know too,” Macy said. “I have no idea what she’s talking about, but if you shot the angel then I’m curious.”

  Simon gave them a toothy grin. “I didn’t want to shoot you, Kaia. I was aiming for the President. I knew you wouldn’t let me, but the intention was not to hurt you. I owed a debt to a demon, and that was how he collected payment. I knew I would be killed, but at least then I wouldn’t be his slave anymore. Besides, I didn’t kill you.” He scratched his head and then added, “Did she say angel?”

  “Show him,” Macy said with a smile.

  Kaia concentrated on her wings and they appeared as if by magic. She guessed that was really what it was. Magic. Beautiful, powerful magic.

  “Whoa!” Simon said in awe of the fiery red wings that towered over Kaia’s head. “Those are gorgeous. How’d you land that sweet deal?”

  Kaia fidgeted for a second and then said, “That’s a long story for another day. We have to get inside and see what’s going on. Have you seen the news lately?”

  Simon nodded. “Yes, I did. Can you believe that asshat is running for President? What’s worse is that he made it through the primaries.”

  “He isn’t working alone,” Kaia told him. “He’s got a pretty powerful demon helping him. I need to find all the information I can get on this.”

  “Well, I don’t think he’s gonna win,” Simon told her. “And if by some
streak of luck he does, there is a plan in place to assassinate him.”

  “How do you know that?” Macy asked.

  “I’m a ghost. I go wherever I want. I hear things.”

  “I’m not surprised there. What else do you hear?” Kaia asked him.

  “Wait,” Macy said, moving to stand between the two. “You heard there is already an assassination plan? From who? Can the government do that? Do they do that? Who really killed Kennedy?”

  Simon laughed. “I don’t know who killed Kennedy. But yes, the government can and do always have a contingency plan. This idiot will never keep office.”

  “But if he is elected by the popular vote,” Macy started.

  “Then he will be sworn in,” Kaia answered.

  “But not for long,” Simon added.

  “Good grief, it’s a good thing the government keeps this kind of thing a secret,” Macy said, “Otherwise there would be an uprising and all hell would break loose.”

  “Hell is already breaking lose. We need to get inside,” Kaia said. “Are you sure no one will see us?”

  “Trust me,” Macy told her.

  “I’m coming with,” Simon told them.

  “More ears the better,” Kaia answered.

  The trio walked right through the security checkpoint for visitors and then straight into one of the most heavily guarded buildings in the United States. “This is the main hall,” Kaia said to Macy who was gawking at the inside.

  As they walked, Kaia told Macy a little bit about each room that they passed. She had worked there for so long that it had all become commonplace to her, but through Macy’s eyes, it was all new again. She had forgotten how exciting just being inside was. There was so much history, so many people that had come and gone that the building was full of imprints of their lives.

  “This is the Oval Office,” Kaia said, standing outside the closed door. “Now,” she turned to Simon, “How do we get in without alerting anyone?”

  “Oh, that’s easy,” Simon told her. “Stand back a second.”

  Kaia and Macy stepped back and Simon stood in front of the door. He concentrated for a second and then raised his hand to knock. It wasn’t loud, but it was there. After a moment, an agent opened the door and looked for whomever knocked. Of course, he didn’t see anyone and when he opened the door more fully, that was when Macy and Kaia made their move. They crouched down slightly and crept right past the unaware agent.