Inception (The Reaping Chronicles, 1)

by Haviland, Teal

  She could tell he wasn’t happy about her decision to allow Lucas to see the Elders with her, but he didn’t dwell on the subject. Maybe he knew she’d had enough for the day. Before she descended back to Earth, back to her body resting peacefully next to her love—potentially her future enemy—she asked him about the other angels.

  ‘Amaziah, why is it I feel my brethren are all focused on me? Are they angry? What have I done that’s causing this reaction?’

  ‘They aren’t mad at you, but they do have concerns. They know you have already lost one love, and they all know about your relationship with Lucas. They are concerned how you will handle the possibility of losing another who’s dear to your heart. They don’t know if you’ll be able to bear it again because they don’t know if they could, and they are worried about what it might cause you to do.’

  ‘What it might cause me to do? What do they think I will—Oh. They think I might choose to stay with Lucas if he decides to choose Darkness. Wow … they have so little faith in my love for Yahuwah. I admit, Amaziah, I won’t want to leave Lucas, but if his path is one we can’t travel together, I will leave him. I will do whatever I have to do to protect my home and serve my Lord. Lucas is in my heart and soul—but both belong to Yahuwah.’

  Amaziah reached his energy to hers and, this time, Gabrielle reached back, welcoming his ability to soothe her a little. She heard the last words she said to Amaziah slip back into her consciousness as he murmured softly to her in Enochian. I will leave him. I will do whatever I have to do to protect my home and serve my Lord. Lucas is in my heart and soul—but both belong to Yahuwah.

  She felt a momentary flux in her resolve as she thought of the implications of what she’d said. But it was a strong enough deviation from what she thought she would do if that circumstance presented itself that she wondered if her statement to Amaziah would turn out to be false.

  Would I hesitate to stand by Yahuwah and fight for him, and my brethren, if Lucas chose Darkness?

  She didn’t want to admit it to herself, but that question troubled her more than anything else at that moment because she knew she couldn’t honestly say she wouldn’t.

  How can I care for him so much that I would doubt my own loyalty to Yahuwah? What has happened to me?

  She left Amaziah to return to her troubles on Earth that were now worse than before she entered her eternal home. As she did, she realized she was descending back to Earth from Heaven and entering what was becoming her personal Hell.

  Chapter Fifty-nine

  Javan ~ The Kicker

  “Why can’t things be easy … just once?” Javan asked without expecting an answer. There was no reason, in particular, he felt he deserved anything to be easy for him, but he could still ask the question. Cecily knew exactly where the Book was located, and he couldn’t be happier about that news, but it wouldn’t be easy getting it.

  He was on his terrace, watching the cars on the freeway that cut the city in half. He lived on one side of that highway; Gabrielle lived on the other.

  Even the city has us on different sides.

  He hadn’t asked why it would be difficult to get the Book. He was almost afraid to, thinking maybe they should just go and deal with whatever the issue was. Imagination could make the possibilities much worse than reality. With one exception—his first encounter with Gabrielle since he’d become one of the Fallen. That reality was far worse than his imagination ever contrived, and he was still shaken from it. She was the only thing he wanted from his former life—his former home—the only thing he longed for.

  I can’t take any more time thinking about something I don’t have the ability to change … yet.

  “So,’” Javan began, forcing his longing for Gabrielle out of his mind, “what’s so difficult about retrieving the Book? The Gates of Hell aren’t exactly something I’m worried about.” He hadn’t turned to look at her, purposely avoiding the urge that would hit him as soon as he did.

  “It’s not the Gates of Hell I’m concerned about, either. For one thing, it’s in a public place, and—”

  “Still not concerned,” he interrupted.

  Cecily was now standing next to him. “Still not my concern, either. The problem is that where it’s buried has gone through some changes Elijah didn’t foresee. The spot where the Book has been concealed for all these years is close to the tomb of Marie Laveau in New Orleans.”

  “Is there going to come a point where you’re going to just tell me why this is a dilemma? Because I’m still unsure of what’s posing a problem.”

  “You don’t have any idea who Marie Laveau is, do you, Javan?”

  Javan raised his head and hands to Heaven as if asking for Divine help, which he knew better than to think he’d actually get, then let them fall to his legs with a slapping sound. “Please. Enlighten me.”

  “Marie Laveau was one of the most powerful Voodoo priestesses who ever lived. Even in death, she’s still beloved and protected by those who practice Voodoo. The protected part is where our problem lies.”

  “How so?”

  “Voodoo practitioners consider the location of Marie’s remains a place of power. Spells are continually placed on the cemetery grounds to provide a barrier to any who are evil or intend on doing evil—powerful and efficient spells. Those who practice Voodoo are trying to keep their beliefs and practices from being turned into something Dark. The culture has suffered greatly because of how the belief and followers are portrayed by movies. They’re doing what they can to ensure that image isn’t inflated by certain people exploiting its power.”

  “That’s sweet and all, but can you skip the history lesson and get to the kicker?”

  “The kicker, Javan … is that the Gate that’s near the cemetery is simple to get to, but where the Book is located, about two hundred yards away, is off limits to those like you and me. Or to a human with ill intent. The spells confuse any who enter who are evil or want to bring about evil through their intentions. As soon as you or I walk onto those grounds, we wouldn’t remember why we were there. It’s subtle but intense. You can go in, but you can’t get the Book. I can’t, either.

  “I’m Elijah’s last living relative, and I can’t lay my hands on it. The only person who can walk into that cemetery and keep a clear mind is someone who is pure in thought about why they are walking in to begin with. Much less why they want the Book. Now do you understand?”

  Javan had intertwined his hands and placed them on the back of his neck, his arms cradling his head tightly, trying to keep from feeling as if his head was going to explode.

  “Why? Why? Why? Damn it!”

  How am I going to get someone who doesn’t have ill intent to retrieve the Book? There has to be a way. I will find a way.

  “No spell is going to stop me from my destiny.”

  He was pacing on the terrace, almost frantically, as his mind twisted through possible scenarios, trying to pinpoint a solution. He was frustrated, and adding to the frustration, images of Gabrielle and Lucas kept popping up, invading his thoughts.

  He didn’t mind Gabrielle, but Lucas—Lucas needed to go. And not just from his mind. He would find a way to get him when Gabrielle couldn’t protect him. The fact that she cared enough to protect Lucas, an insignificant human, infuriated him further.

  In that moment of fury welling up inside him, he had a moment of clarity and abruptly stopped pacing.

  If Gabrielle cares that much about Lucas, if she will do everything she can to protect him, then there is a good chance that Lucas will do anything he can to protect her. Especially something as simple as retrieving a book from a cemetery.

  It was worth a try. It would mean keeping Lucas alive longer than he wanted to—longer than he was comfortable with. But if it worked, it would be worth every second he let Lucas continue to draw breath into his pathetic human lu
ngs.

  Javan felt his blood pressure calm and a partial grin pushed his cheek.

  This could work.

  He screwed up years ago by letting the Hunt bloodline continue, but now he could use the setback to his advantage.

  “Things do happen for a reason. Now I just have to figure out the logistics.”

  Cecily had been straddling the brick wall that acted as the terrace’s railing, apparently bored. His sudden shift in demeanor and expression seemed to intrigue her, and she pushed off the wall, spanning the twelve-foot distance with little effort and landed silently in front of him.

  “Do tell.”

  Javan looked into his cohort’s eyes, allowing himself to be taken in by them again. Desire for her overtook his need for planning, prompting him to take what he wanted at that moment.

  “Later.”

  Chapter Sixty

  Gabrielle ~ Simple Pleasures

  Gabrielle tried to rest when she got back to Lucas. But lying next to him, watching him sleep, all she could think about was the danger he was in—and what he could become. It made her stomach churn and lurch, and she spent most of the evening wondering whether or not she was going to be sick.

  She needed to decide how much to tell him. He was having a difficult enough time with the threat he was already aware of—the Qalal. What would he do knowing that once Javan found out who Lucas was, he would also be on Javan’s hit list—not to mention legions of demons if it looked as though Lucas would choose Light and even more Divine angels if he appeared to lean toward Darkness?

  How long will it take him to realize he will be on my hit list if he chooses the path that will make him my enemy?

  At about three in the morning, she couldn’t take it anymore and decided to get a jumpstart on her work. She left her human body again and called to Sheridan. Ascending was more difficult this time. Not because it was hard to do physically but because she didn’t want to feel what she had earlier from her brethren again. Sheridan greeted her as she entered into Heaven, and Gabrielle could tell that she felt the same as the others, that Gabrielle might choose Lucas over Yahuwah. She tried to ignore it, but it was difficult to proceed as if there was nothing going on. She suspected her second in command would grasp anything she could use against her, so she really wasn’t surprised. But she couldn’t help but feel sadness creep over her, knowing so many others felt she was capable of being disloyal. For a long time, Gabrielle had thought that there was a good possibility Sheridan would try to vie for her position, but even Sheridan should know better than to think she would just abandon Yahuwah.

  Work went slowly, and Gabrielle was pleased when she’d finished. Karma was balanced; her mood could go either way. But with all that was going on, and all that could happen, Gabrielle was apprehensive about getting through it without biting someone’s head off. She was better when Lucas was with her, but at school, it wasn’t always possible.

  She returned in time to see the sun come up. Lucas was still sleeping, resting on his side with his arm draped over her, his leg entwined with hers. She wished they could stay like that forever. It was a simple thing to derive so much joy from—sleeping and waking with the one you love.

  Simple and perfect.

  Gabrielle lay with her eyes open, studying his face. He had masculine, intense features. Even while he slept, with no expression, he looked strong. You could tell by his dark hair and eyebrows and his sculpted face that, with the animation of a wakened state, he would be captivating. He was beautiful.

  She couldn’t help but reach out to touch his face, slowly tracing his high cheekbones and jaw line. She followed the bridge of his nose to his full lips, so richly colored that they looked as if they’d been soaked in red wine.

  As she traced his mouth, entranced by thoughts of how much she wanted it pressed against her own, she saw his eyes begin to flutter open. She continued running her finger around his lips but looked into his eyes as he began to wake. She felt a smile stretch under her finger, and she smiled back. He caressed her face in return, and she let her eyes close so she could enjoy this simple pleasure—a moment with him she would think back on every second they’d be away from each other during the day. She felt the spinning sensation begin as it still did when they touched. She was so swept away in her feelings she almost didn’t notice he’d shifted to kiss her. When his lips met hers, as she’d longed for them to, she felt the world and her worries fade away. All that mattered was that moment with his lips on hers, their bodies pressed against each other, the heat and weight of him on top of her, and their new, raw love for each other. During these few stolen moments they had alone, nothing else mattered, and Gabrielle wanted to remain swept away with him forever.

  But she knew, even while lying there content in his embrace—even as an angel who was created to live forever—that forever can’t exist when time is running out.

  Nonie and Nate practically tackled Lucas when they saw him later that morning in the school’s parking lot. They even seemed happy to see Gabrielle. She’d assumed he had gone to see them yesterday but now realized he must have stayed home, maybe wanting a break from everyone for a while.

  They had a lot of questions about how Gabrielle’s dad was doing. Almost too many. It felt a little too much like a probing mission. She’d almost forgotten that Emma told Nonie and Nate that she and Lucas had gone to Florida to see him in the hospital. Gabrielle told them her dad had chest pains, but the doctors determined it was stress and said he’d be fine.

  Lunch brought on a flood of conversation while they lounged on the school’s front lawn. It stemmed mostly from Nonie, and if anyone had been listening who didn’t know better, they would have thought she hadn’t seen them in weeks instead of days. Nate, on the other hand, was oddly quiet. And just as oddly, staring at Gabrielle most of the time. Gabrielle was feeling more and more like she would never gain Nate’s approval to be part of Lucas’s life.

  The day was mild and sunny with puffy white clouds dotting the sky, like popcorn had been tossed high into the air and had become suspended—the kind of day poets write silky, flowing words about spending with the one they love or how its beauty reminds them of where their heart longed to be. The thought reminded her of a poem she’d heard once. She closed her eyes and lay down on the cool, soft grass. Wanting to remember its rhythm and words—wanting not to be, at least visually, aware of Nate’s steady scrutiny.

  Intent on absorbing every experience she could now that time for enjoying her human body was passing so quickly, she gave in to her senses.

  She focused on the heat from the sun on her skin and how it felt hotter where she was exposed than the parts of her that were covered. She remembered, only briefly, how it felt for the sun to warm every inch of her skin as she and Javan spent the day on the beach together. It seemed as if it just happened, but it was over two hundred years ago.

  The tightness that clamped her heart when she thought of Javan seemed to squeeze a little harder than usual. Gabrielle had hoped that being with Lucas and seeing what had become of Javan would cause that vice to loosen its grip on her emotions, but it didn’t seem to want to entertain her hopes.

  I’ll never be free of him … not really.

  She let the bittersweet memory and the knowledge of her continued feelings for Javan be washed away with a cooling breeze that hinted of the change of season that was approaching. It soothed her skin that was starting to get a little too hot under the sun’s assault, caressing her as it played with the fine hairs on her arms.

  She smiled. Mingling with the scent of the pizza Nonie was munching on, whenever she actually stopped talking or laughing long enough to take a bite, was the earthy smell of dirt and grass, the scent of a cigarette, and her new favorite smell—Lucas. He smelled of soap, cologne, and something masculine she couldn’t find the words to describe—but liked. The breeze blew against her sk
in again. It seemed cooler, making her shiver.

  Breath warmed her ear as Lucas whispered to her. “Hey, love—you okay?”

  The sound of his voice sent another chill through her for a much more enjoyable reason than the one that came a moment before. Without opening her eyes, she turned her head to briefly meet his lips.

  “Right now, I’m fine,” she said as she opened her eyes to look at him.

  He didn’t ask what she meant, but she thought he knew exactly what was behind the words she spoke, and right now … he was fine, too.

  Chapter Sixty-one

  Lucas ~ Didn’t Hear Much

  Lucas watched Gabby as she made sandwiches after school at Nonie and Nate’s house. He needed to concentrate on all the schoolwork he had to make up that was spread out in front of him, but with everything that was going on, it all seemed so trivial.

  What am I going to do, dazzle a vampire with my knowledge of calculus and biology?

  It was easy to get distracted with Gabby near. Everything she did seemed to add to how spellbound he was. She even made the simple act of making sandwiches look alluring. He was paying attention to her for more than her obvious beauty, though.