Light in Darkness

by Brandy L Rivers

  Jophiel gave her a grave look. “I’ve seen his methods. Even if you didn’t willingly, he could take your blood and pump it into another, changing them without your consent, or theirs.”

  Slater scrubbed a hand over his beard. “We have a real problem. There are many Others in Edenton. All sorts. Some powerful individuals he would take great pleasure in using.”

  “We need to stop him,” Lincoln stated.

  Robert nodded. “Slater, you’ll have to up the patrols. Everyone will need to be notified.”

  “Will do.”

  Lincoln stood taller. “I want to help.”

  “Me too,” Victoria said, looking up at him with a determined smile. “However we can help, we will.”

  Slater gave Lincoln a fierce look. “You will. For now, go home.” He nodded to Jophiel and added, “Might want to catch up with your father before HARP decides on a plan of attack. Figure we have at least a day, maybe more before they decide Byron is a lost cause.”

  “If they already abandoned their base, and left Monty, isn’t it possible they expected him to be taken?” Lincoln asked. “This could be some elaborate ploy, but for what I have no clue.”

  “Either way, I’m not sure there is anything for us to do at the moment. Abandoning the base likely means they aren’t prepared for us yet, and we still have time.” Victoria squeezed Lincoln’s arm. “I’m sure Robert and Preston have more questions for Byron, and maybe even Monty.”

  “We do.” Preston tapped his finger on his chin. “I’ll send Jophiel to you later, Lincoln. I have questions for both him and Had. Maybe they can help us find something damning enough we can take HARP down.”

  Jophiel moved in front of Lincoln and placed his hands on his shoulders. In his head he heard, I’ll come to you as soon as I have a chance. It seems to me you have someone who needs your attention first. I won’t stand in the way of love.

  Once again, he was at a loss. “Preston has the address. I’ll see you when you get there.”

  “I’ll bring him by later,” Preston assured.

  Squeezing Lincoln’s shoulders, Jophiel smiled. “I’m looking forward to getting to know my son.”

  “I’ll see you later,” Lincoln offered. So many emotions churned through him, making it hard to decide what he actually felt.

  “Go on. I’ll be there when I can.”

  Victoria nodded to him, then took Lincoln’s arm, pulling him from the room.

  Chapter 10

  “Are you okay?” Victoria asked once they were settled in her car.

  Lincoln wasn’t sure. He looked over with a heavy sigh. “Mom always held out hope my father would come back. She was sure he’d fallen, though she never said why. I don’t believe he’s fallen. So why didn’t he come for her sooner? There had to be a reason.”

  She looked over with a sad smile. “I don’t have the answers. Maybe you can ask him? He said he would come by later.”

  “I never thought I’d see him. Part of me wants to be mad that he’s too late. The other half wants to learn everything about him.”

  “Only you can choose what you do.” Victoria started the car and pulled out of the parking lot. “If you need someone to talk to, I’m here. About anything.”

  A smile pulled at his lips. Reaching over, he captured her hand. “You aren’t the evil scary monster you think you are, Victoria.”

  “For you, I hope to never be.”

  “You won’t.”

  Her gaze slid to the glove box before meeting his again. “I still have the movie in there. With you expecting company, maybe we could watch Swing Kids at your place?”

  “Can’t wait.”

  * * * *

  Lincoln climbed out of the car after she parked. Victoria leaned over to grab the movie from the glove box. She sat up in time for her door to open.

  His pale green eyes delved into hers, his mouth curving into a smile as he took her hand and pulled her up. “Thank you for coming over. You’re a welcome distraction to a hundred questions I can’t answer.”

  Her hand landed on his chest. “If I can help, I will.”

  He licked his lips before closing his eyes. “Let’s take this inside.” Lincoln looped his arm through hers.

  She leaned into him, letting him take the lead. “I like your newfound confidence.”

  He glanced over, the corners of his mouth tipping up before he unlocked the door. He stepped inside after her.

  While he locked the door, she walked over to put the movie in. “You want anything while we watch?”

  “Other than your company, no.” Lincoln moved to the couch, sitting at the arm, prepared with the TV remote.

  “Would you mind if I sat close?” She attempted to keep her tone innocent, but her mind certainly wasn’t pure.

  “Please do.” He swallowed hard and placed his arm on the back of the couch, leaving room for her to cuddle up beside him.

  Taking the invitation, she snuggled in. He smiled over at her as he pressed play.

  * * * *

  Lincoln held her close, caressing the ends of her hair. She wasn’t sure how far to take things, so she let him lead, knowing he was probably wondering the same. There was something powerful between them, born of more than desire. The innocent beginning was so different than anything she’d experienced and she wanted time to explore and savor what she shared with Lincoln.

  As the movie ended, she pressed power and sat up, turning toward him with a smile. “I can’t wait until our lessons. The movie brought back happy times.” She licked her lips and watched him stare at her mouth.

  He laughed softly, shifting to better face her. “I hope I don’t disappoint.”

  Leaning in, she touched his face, losing herself in the pale green orbs. “You won’t,” she whispered before brushing her thumb across his bottom lip.

  A light groan escaped. “Victoria, I want to kiss you.”

  Her eyes flashed to his. “You never have to ask. I’ll always indulge in a kiss, and more.”

  He closed the distance, pressing his lips to hers. His kiss, innocent as it was, ignited a desire stronger than anything she could recall.

  Her fingers drifted into his hair as she deepened their connection. His arms wound around her, pulling her flush against his chest with another groan.

  Pressing closer, she kissed down his jaw, then throat. He smelled like heaven and she craved a taste, not a drink, just a taste on her tongue.

  Wheels on gravel startled her. She pulled back as her breath heaved.

  “Did I do something wrong?” he asked, with a tremble to his voice.

  “Of course not.” She caressed his cheek again and he leaned into her touch. “Though, I think your father has arrived. Not sure you want to be caught making out on your couch like a teenager,” she teased.

  His lips twitched. “Never had to worry about that before.”

  “That still surprises me. You’ve always been such a gorgeous young man. In the last few months, you’ve filled out nicely, and I find you hard to resist.”

  “Don’t resist, Victoria.”

  There was a polite knock on the door.

  “This evening, I must.”

  He took a slow breath, nodding slightly. “If it weren’t for my father,” he laughed as he stood, “I would do my best to convince you otherwise.”

  “Wouldn’t take much.”

  “I’ll remember that.” He walked to the door.

  * * * *

  Facing away from Victoria, Lincoln swallowed back his desire and shifted the bulge under his fly. His father had perfect timing. He wanted their first time to be special—for both of them.

  Drawing a slow breath, he plastered a smile on his face and opened the door.

  Jophiel stood on the porch with his hands behind his back. Preston unsuccessfully attempted to contain a smile.

  Lincoln pushed away the temptation to request they leave and come back tomorrow morning. “Hey, come inside.” Stepping out of the way, he glanced over at Victoria. />
  She stood by the couch. “I’ll let you two catch up.”

  “You don’t have to leave,” Lincoln protested softly.

  She nodded. “I should. There are a few things I need to do before sunrise. Don’t forget our lesson tomorrow.”

  “I won’t,” he promised.

  Victoria closed the distance and placed a soft kiss to his lips. “You need answers. He has them.”

  “Good night, Victoria.”

  “Sweet dreams, Lincoln. Thank you for the movie.” She gave him one last kiss before slipping through the door.

  He let out a breath and turned to find Preston and Jophiel both staring.

  “You care for her. I’m sorry I interrupted,” Jophiel offered.

  Lincoln shook his head. “Don’t worry. We have a date tomorrow.”

  Preston grinned. “I knew you had it in you. You two call if you need anything. I’m going to head out.”

  “Thanks, Preston. For everything.”

  “Don’t mention it. And hopefully I can keep Hadraniel occupied until tomorrow.”

  “Had means well,” Jophiel rebutted.

  “He’s a pain in the ass, and you know it.” Slapping Lincoln on the back, he smiled. “I’ll call tomorrow.”

  “Later, Preston.”

  The mage left, leaving Lincoln standing in the same room as his father. He turned around slowly. “So, what do I call you?” he asked.

  “Whatever you’re comfortable with, Lincoln.” He gave a sad smile. “I’m sorry if I gave you the impression I didn’t want to see you, too. Until my dream last night I didn’t know I gave Ethyl a son. I miss your mother terribly, and never stopped searching. Perhaps I’ll find her in heaven before she moves to the next life.”

  Lincoln’s head tipped to the side. “The next life?”

  Chapter 11

  Jophiel stared at his son in awe. Lincoln looked more like him than Ethyl, but there was something more beautiful in his features that certainly came from his mother. The young man before him seemed to take everything in, watching and deciding. He didn’t jump to conclusions, or if he did, he didn’t stay with them.

  His question was fair, yet, hard to explain unless he believed in reincarnation. The next life. Taking a breath, he put his thoughts in order.

  “Do you believe in the afterlife?”

  “Heaven and hell?” Lincoln asked plainly.

  “That’s a part of it, as well as purgatory and reincarnation.”

  Lincoln’s brow scrunched. “You’ve chased my mother before?”

  “Many times through the centuries. Your mother’s spirit is bound to mine. I cannot resist her, never could. That may yet be my downfall, but I love her with every ounce of my soul. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for her.”

  “How many times?”

  Jophiel smiled softly. “Many more than you could imagine. We never seem to have enough time together. I always find her before some huge event that tears her away from me. Without fail, I come for her each reincarnation, ready to sweep her off her feet.”

  “And if she rejected you?”

  “Luckily, she hasn’t yet. Though, if she did it would break my heart to let her go.”

  Lincoln shook his head. “Why didn’t you come back for her this time?”

  “I tried. Jones, one of HARP’s leaders, held both her brother and me captive. I managed to free Pete but I was recaptured before I could follow. Whatever he told Ethyl sent her running.”

  Lincoln crossed the distance and placed a hand on his shoulder. “She waited for you. She never gave up hope. Mom loved you until the day she died. Said you would find her again. I thought she meant in heaven.”

  “Your mother did what she had to in order to raise you.”

  “How did you find me?”

  “I dreamt of you when your wings were granted. Not all Nephilim attain their wings. It takes an act of heroism done out of selflessness.”

  “I was about to kiss Victoria. I didn’t even think when I shielded her. I’m pretty sure lust was a factor more than heroism.”

  Jophiel laughed softly. “Lust isn’t always dangerous, Lincoln. Sure, it can be the root of horrible sins, but it can also be the start of true love that forges so strong it can never be broken. Not even over centuries.”

  A thoughtful crease spread on Lincoln’s forehead. “That makes a world of sense.”

  Jophiel dipped his head in a nod, a smile spreading. “Nothing is black or white. There are a billion colors in between. Emotions and intentions play into it. You acted because you are a good man. I’m betting it wouldn’t have mattered who Byron’s victim was, you still would have instinctively chosen to protect them.”

  “Good point.” Lincoln rubbed a hand over his jaw. “Um, you thirsty, hungry? Anything? I probably should have asked that already.”

  “I’m sure you must be hungry by now.”

  “Why is that?”

  “You were entertaining a vampire. One who won’t drink from you, so you probably felt like you shouldn’t eat in front of her?”

  He frowned. That had gone through his mind. “Was that wrong?”

  “No, but you should realize, she understands you have needs. As I’m sure you understand she has needs. She won’t look poorly on you if you take care of biology.”

  “I’ll remember that.” He went to the fridge and pulled out stuff for sandwiches. “You never answered about yourself though.”

  “I could eat.” He moved to stand against the counter, watching Lincoln. “Your mother, how did she pass?”

  “Like I told you earlier, cancer. They didn’t find it until it was so far gone, there was nothing they could do. I could have taken the pain, but she didn’t want me to.”

  “She might have worried you would heal her in the process.”

  “I knew she wanted to go. I would have given her some comfort, not taken the sickness.”

  “Preston said you moved here recently. That her spirit had lingered in her home?”

  Lincoln blushed, nodding his head. “She was very religious my whole life. That didn’t change in death. She took offense to who I’m falling for. Didn’t like the fact I was… um…” he looked over and shrugged.

  “Your mother didn’t approve?”

  “Mom never liked Victoria. I think it’s the fact she’s a vampire. Until her death, I don’t think she realized I’ve been pining over Victoria for years. Mother’s presence was welcome until she started worrying about me going to hell.”

  Jophiel frowned. “How long ago did she die?”

  “About five months.”

  “And she was staying for you?”

  “Maybe waiting for you, though I don’t know for sure.”

  “Well, until we have this situation sorted, I can’t go to her. I will though. Staying in heaven won’t be an option for either of us, but I will find her and make sure she understands that you are a good man, and that Victoria is a woman worthy of you.”

  Smiling, Lincoln turned toward him. “How do you know?”

  “Hadraniel filled me in on her past. She had a dark start, through no fault of her own, and overcame much to get where she is. Victoria is a nurturer. Perhaps your mother never saw that side of her.”

  “I doubt my mother knew her at all. She was a recluse, preferring to stay away from everyone.”

  “Because of HARP. Seems everything comes full circle eventually. We’ll deal with them. Then I can see Ethyl again. Right now, you’re more important.”

  Lincoln smiled softly and handed over a sandwich. “I have the day off tomorrow. Let me send Dane a text, and then we can go to Mom’s house. There’s a box of letters she wrote to you. All her journals. I didn’t think to bring them.”

  “Didn’t believe I’d come?”

  He shrugged. “Not really. Shouldn’t surprise me. Mom used to say love always finds a way.”

  “It does. Not always in the timeframe we want. However, real love can overcome any obstacle.”

  “Like how you alw
ays find your way to Mom?”

  He nodded. “One day, when we have hours to talk, I’ll tell you about all the times I won her heart. If you’re interested.”

  Smiling he nodded. “I’d like that.”

  * * * *

  Victoria pulled up behind Preston, who parked in his garage. She climbed out and called, “Can we talk?”

  Preston sighed. “Tell me you aren’t trying to talk yourself out of Lincoln.”

  Her face scrunched. “No. What gave you that impression?”

  “The way you froze when you saw Hadraniel walk in. What’s your history with him? He wouldn’t say.”

  She winced slightly. “He helped me find my way back. At first, I was afraid his presence meant I was slipping back into old patterns.”

  Preston nodded slowly. “That makes sense. You’re not, if that helps.”

  A soft smile graced her lips. “It does.”

  “Then why did you follow me?”

  “Think Byron is safe? That he won’t fall into more trouble with HARP?”

  “If we released him, he might. However, we’re keeping him with Monty for now. Until we can be sure they have really let them go, we’re keeping him under guard.”

  “Good.” She sighed. “Part of me wants to make Byron pay, but mostly, I feel sorry for him. We aren’t all monsters. Maybe he can learn the difference.”

  “He’s beginning to. We’re changing his perspective by helping him.”

  “And Monty is all right?”

  “Yeah. He says he’s sorry. He didn’t know about HARP, or that his brother would fall into it. Didn’t realize that being a vampire was going to be so difficult.”

  Victoria snorted. “He wasn’t listening when I told him it wasn’t what it was cracked up to be. Sure, I could live forever, but it’s a lonely existence.”

  Preston shrugged. “Doesn’t have to be.”

  “Maybe not.”