by Holly Vane
“I promise you, I will find a way to stop him.”
Caleb heard footsteps and took off up the stairs. His side burned with the effort but sheer will drove him forward.
The battle for Earth had started and without Holly, they didn’t stand a chance.
8
Holly Adams sat up. Her head felt as big as a watermelon and her mind was as hazy as the sky on a hot summer’s day. The blood and dirt on her dress had gone as was the unbearable pain.
“That was a close one.” She sighed getting to her feet. Finally looking around Holly frowned in confusion. “Guys?” She stood in a meadow of grass, a faint breeze made the grass shiver, giving it the appearance of being alive.
It took her a while to register that she didn’t feel anything, not the cold blow of the wind, even the tips of the grass slipped through her fingertips without any real definition. “Crap.” Just when she decided to walk, a sudden heat exploded behind her, Holly turned tentatively. “Mum…?”
Margaret Adams smiled back at her warmly, and all logic went out the window. Wrapping her mother up in bear hug Holly wept till she had no more tears left to cry. Her mother ran fingers through her hair and just held her. Getting a hold of herself Holly asked the question she should have upon first seeing her.
“What…?” Or at least tried to but the words escaped her. Margaret looked more radiant than when she had been alive. Everything about her seemed more slender and beautiful.
“You’re in the Elysian Fields Holly. It’s where Immortals come when they…pass over.” Holly’s smile faded.
“You mean die.” Margaret nodded. “I’m dead…?” Her stomach heaved and Holly took deep breaths trying to process it. Dominic’s image broke through the panicked thoughts in her mind. “I can’t…not yet. I can’t leave him.”
“Holly listen to me, we don’t have much time. You’re not exactly dead yet, that’s why you can’t feel anything. Your life is hanging by a thread and only you can chose your fate.”
“Meaning?” Holly panted, gasping for breath. The star lit sky seemed to be pressing down on her.
“It means God has given you a choice.” Her heart pounded and she wondered just how many revelations one girl could deal with before her body gave out from sheer exhaustion.
“Behind me is a bridge.” As soon as Margaret said it the bridge appeared out of nowhere, as did the river that trickled underneath it. “You can take my hand now and cross that bridge. Spend eternity with me and every single loved one you’ve lost. They’re all waiting for you.” Holly looked wishfully at the small wooden bridge.
“Or you can chose to go back. The world needs you Holly. He needs you but it’s up to you.” Tears burned in her eyes.
“Mum I can’t…” Margaret moved forwards and grasped her daughter’s hand.
“Yes you can. You have grown into a beautiful strong woman Holly, and no matter what you decide, I will always love you.” Holly’s eyesight flooded with salty water and in her heart she knew her decision had already been made. Holly couldn’t leave Dominic.
The tears stopped as soon as she realized it and her mother smiled knowingly. “Give my grandson a big kiss when you meet him.”
“You know…?” Her mother gave her a reproachful look.
“Just because I’m dead doesn’t mean I’m gone Holly. I’ll never truly leave you. And just for the record…I’m happy for you. Just don’t your father I said that.” She added conspiratorially. They laughed and Holly’s heart burned with love.
“I love you mum.” She hugged her one last time then turned and walked back to the world that needed her.
She smiled as she passed her father and Ricky who waved at her from the other side of the stream. And knew she had made the right choice, even though her heart was breaking.
It wasn’t her time, not yet…
***
Waking up in her own bed was like stirring from a very good dream. Her body felt stronger than it ever had before, and she looked at everything with a new insight.
The stars in the night sky illuminated Dominic sleeping in the armchair beside the bed. He groaned and thrashed every few seconds.
Peeling back the covers Holly looked down at her snug cotton pyjamas, and crept over to the edge of the mattress, never taking her eyes off of Dominic’s troubled face. He seemed even more gorgeous, if that was possible, than before. Dark tousled hair fell over his burrowed brow and his skin was so flawless it could have been plastic.
Placing hands on the chairs armrests Holly leaned in and placed a kiss on his lips. “Wake up.” She whispered in his ear then sat back. His eye lids fluttered then flew open. Dominic’s eyes darted around the room before focusing on her.
“Holly…?”
“The one and only.” She replied with amusement. Watching the confusion on his face develop into disbelief was like air to her. “I’m dreaming…” He whispered. She reached out and grasped his hand.
“Does this feel like a dream?” He looked down at their entwined hands and pure unbridled love lit up his dark eyes. Dominic pulled her to him and Holly went willingly. He held her so tight she couldn’t breathe but loved every second of it.
“How…?”
“Does it matter?” His lips on hers told Holly it didn’t and her body wrapped around his on the chair. The kiss tasted sweeter than a jelly donut and she felt starved of him. She pulled away just enough to tease his sweater over his head.
Dominic shot her an uncertain look. “Holly maybe we should wait till…”
“I won’t break.” She told him with hungry eyes. In fact she felt so good it should be a crime. Her hot kisses on his neck killed any protest he might have, and Holly’s heart raced as he pulled her closer into his firm chest.
They’re fingers and lips swept over every inch of skin, as if to reacquaint a part that had been severed. Undressing each other slowly only increased their arousal and by the time Dominic finally gave in and entered her she was on fire. His lips smothered her cries of pleasure, so it didn’t wake Legion and Caleb that were sleeping in the living room.
Riving and panting they came together then moved to the bed. As the first rays of the morning sun penetrated the window Holly curled herself around Dominic and finally fell into a deep sleep.
9
The hot water was sinfully pleasant against her skin. Despite only falling asleep an hour ago Holly felt wide awake. She had tip toed past Caleb and Legion on route to the bathroom, they both looked worse for wear and she didn’t want to wake them.
Hands brushed her waist and rested on her stomach. She hadn’t even heard the door open. She couldn’t stop beaming, coming back from the dead had given her a new lease on life, even Dominic’s touch felt different.
Holly leaned against him as his fingers went south, a low moan escaped from her throat and she felt him stiffen. Dominic rubbed himself against her bottom and they both couldn’t fight the flames of desire any longer.
With masterful authority that turned her on like a tap, Dominic spun her round so that her back pressed against the wet tiled wall of the shower. She let out a yelp of excitement as he parted her thighs while nuzzling her neck.
If there really was a Heaven on earth then this was it. This Immortal was Holly’s whole world. The sun rose and set with Dominic as far as she was concerned, there wasn’t a cure for what she felt for him and her emotions used to frighten the living daylights out of her. No one should have that much control over someone else, but it felt so right and Holly knew deep down that Dom would never willingly hurt her, despite the Vampire’s warning.
She dug her fingernails into his slippery flesh as his teeth sank into the sensitive skin of her neck. “God…fuck me Dominic now…” she panted unable to wait a second longer.
He obeyed thrusting into her with ease. Her whole body screamed for release and Holly begged him to go faster. She held his hazel eyes as he lifted her thigh and stroked into her with barely contained frenzy.
“Aw…that’s
it…” She flung her head back and welcomed waves of euphoria that rocked her body, like a sailboat in the middle of a storm.
“Come for me Holly.” He ordered in a husky voice that sent shivers of pleasure up her spine.
“Christ…I am…” Her pitch rose into a thready cry as Dominic brought her to the edge.
“Dom?” There was a knock at the door and Caleb’s strained voice called out his name, with an animal growl Dominic dropped her leg and pinned both of Holly’s wrists to the shower wall. Holly’s wet opening strained at taking all of him inside but it felt glorious. His hot semen erupted inside of her like lava from a volcano as he called out her name.
“What’s going on in there?” Caleb asked before turning the handle and appearing over Dom’s shoulder. The shower door was tinted glass and Holly was in no hurry to move. Dominic still held her in place and if he wasn’t careful he was going to make her hot for him again. His breathing slowed and that old devilish smile crossed his face.
“I’m pretty certain it’s my name that’s on the lease. So why can’t I still get some privacy?” He muttered. Holly laughed and couldn’t resist the urge to kiss him.
“Dom!” Caleb knocked on the glass. “Is that…?” Dominic pulled away with a frustrated sigh.
“I’m gonna kill him.”
“Behave.” Holly told him. “We couldn’t hide away forever.” She made to move but he refused to let her.
“Holly…” He bowed his head and for a second he wasn’t Dominic. His voice jittered with nerves and he never got nervous.
“Legion!” Caleb yelled racing out the bathroom.
“What?” She asked, ignoring the fact that their private lovemaking was about to have an audience. Dominic seemed torn about something and she silently begged him to let her in, but ultimately it had to be his choice. She couldn’t force him to open up.
“We should get some clothes on.” He said finally leading her out the shower, she tried not to show her disappointment as they dried off and pulled on fresh clothes.
“Are you ready for this?” He asked her before opening the bathroom door. Holly nodded trying not to laugh. When she stepped over the threshold strong arms pulled her into tight bear hugs.
“It’s a miracle!” Caleb’s amazed tone said, as he set her down only for Legion to replace him.
“Welcome back.” He whispered with more emotion to his voice than Holly had ever heard Legion show before.
“Thanks.” Something pulled at her insides and she looked at the window.
“What is it?” Legion asked on noticing her body language change. Holly crossed to the window and gazed upward. Every fibre of her being was pulling her to his window but she didn’t know why. People walked the sidewalks, cars went speeding by, it was just another day.
“How is this even possible?” Holly heard Caleb whisper to Dominic.
“She just woke up. No blood no pain, nothing.”
“Holly?” Legion said again, watching her move across the apartment and out the door. She didn’t know where this feeling was leading her just that she had to follow. Footsteps sounded behind her as she walked down the corridor to the stairs.
“Holly.” Dominic caught her arm. “What is it?”
“I don’t know.” She replied and after searching her face he let her go. As Holly climbed the steps she heard them do the same. At the top a strong gust of wind blew the door to the roof open, as if showing her the way.
Moving onto the roof Holly looked up just in time to see objects falling from the sky. Dominic followed her gaze and squeezed her hand.
“What in the name of…?” Legion uttered. At first they were so far away that Holly’s limited eyesight couldn’t make them out, but as they continued their fall the outlines became sharper.
It was a body. A body with white wings.
There was a whole host of them plummeting through the sky. “What’s wrong with them? Holly asked. “Why don’t they use their wings?” Caleb bent over and she heard him sobbing.
“Holly,” Dominic said measuredly. “They can’t use their wings because they’re dead.” She gasped and looked up again.
The Heavens were raining down dead Angels.
10
“We have to help them.” Miles exclaimed. Layla shot him a disgusted look. “Why? They didn’t help us when Michael wanted to level our town.” Out the corner of her eye Holly caught Caleb shoot them a sharp glare before succumbing to grief.
Legion had ushered them off the roof and back into the apartment. He had called Andrea and she had brought along Brooks, Layla and the others. Upon seeing Holly alive and kicking they all gathered around and squeezed ten bells out of her.
“I have to do something.” Caleb said suddenly getting to his feet. His sapphire eyes had dulled to grey and were rimmed with red. She knew what it felt like to watch your loved ones die and be helpless to stop it.
“Caleb we are.” Dominic told him gently from the kitchen island, which he was sitting on top of.
“Sitting around is not my idea of helping!” Caleb shouted at him. “I have to go…”
“You are doing no such thing!” Jade told him pulling on his hand that she held in a death grip. “You’ll only get yourself killed.” A dull thud boomed above their heads as another Angel hit the roof. Caleb wobbled and fell back into the armchair sobbing like a new born baby.
“Holly?” Legion said, and she could feel their eyes on her. “What do you think?” She let out a sigh and lifted her head.
“Your right Layla. Heaven has done bugger all.” Holly felt Caleb’s accusing stare. “But there is good up there.” She turned and held Caleb’s eyes. “You taught me that. If we don’t help them then Lucifer will have won. It’s about time we stopped running and show Lucifer who we truly are, and that he can’t have our home because it’s ours and we aren’t giving it up without a fight.” She hadn’t meant for it to all spill out like that and held her breath anxiously while they all stared at her with surprise.
“Well said.” Legion mused. Holly returned his smile.
“Of course I don’t actually have any idea of how we’re going to help.” She added sheepishly.
“Leave that to me.” Legion replied with a wink, and Holly had never seen him so happy.
“You have a plan?” Andrea asked.
“He always has a plan.” Dominic reminded her playfully.
“We have to avert Lucifer’s attention from Heaven, and the only way we can do that is by meeting his army head on.”
“You’re mad.” Brooks injected. “They outnumber and outgun us. We’ll be like sitting ducks.”
“That’s why we need to recruit.” Legion checked his Rolex. “And we have to do it quickly.” Holly could see the gears turning in his head as he stared at them. “Right it’ll be better if we spilt up. Layla Miles.” They hurried to their feet like soldiers caught napping. “Go back to St. Heralds and gather every Nephilim you can.”
“Legion…” Andrea said but he cut her off.
“I know they are your students and you feel responsible for them. But we need everyone one we can get Andrea. And you have some powerful Nephilim at your college.” She nodded warily but looked far from pleased.
“Brooks I want you to go to Shropshire, England. There’s a coven of very powerful witches there that will be more than happy to help us.” Brooks raised his eyebrows.
“How am I supposed to get there? It will take days on a plane.”
“I’ll get to that in a minute.” Legion told him before turning his attention to Andrea. “I need you in Boston, seek out a man named Tibias. You’ll probably find him in the sewers underneath the city, somewhere in the south side area. He’ll find what you need.”
“Got it.” Legion cast a pitiful look at Caleb.
“Can you get word to Castillo?” Caleb wiped at his eyes and sat up.
“Yes.”
“Good. Tell him to hang on, help is on its way.” Caleb stood but Jade refused to release him.
“She’ll do whatever you ask. You’re part of this world.” Caleb added when Jade started to protest. She shrank back like he had slapped her.
“Where do you want me?” Holly asked merely just to ease the tension that hung over Caleb and Jade like a heavy rain cloud.
“You can take Balion. After the way he was drooling over you the other night, he’ll find you hard to resist and the Vampire will make a strong ally.” Dominic jumped down off the island and crossed over to her.
“Brother I want you…”
“If you think I’m letting her out of my sight then you’re crazy.” He told Legion in a firm voice. Holly saw Layla grin slyly over in the corner. Legion looked back and forth between him and Holly. “Just don’t let him screw it up.” He finally conceded. Dominic shot him an annoyed look and Holly had to hide her smile.
“Okay it’s time we got this show on the road.” He said moving away. “Since we don’t have time to take conventional means of transport. Me and Dominic will blink each of you to your destination, and give you what…? Say three hours to complete your mission. Upon which we’ll blink you all back. Any questions?”
“What if takes longer?” Layla asked.
“It can’t.” He told her simply. “The longer we take, the closer Heaven gets to extinction. Dominic you take Andrea and Brooks then come back for Holly. Layla Miles and Jade your with me.” As the first group left Caleb moved to leave but Holly wrapped him up in a hug.
“Come back to me In one piece.” She whispered in his ear. Holly was worried what he might be tempted to do. She knew how much Heaven meant to him, what Angels meant to him and she didn’t want him doing something stupid. He gave her a shadow of his former smile then left.
Jade glared at her but Holly just rolled her eyes, they had more important problems to deal with then her jealously. However Jade didn’t feel the same because she made to get up, thankfully Legion appeared and blinked her before she could open her mouth.
