His father was an angel who bedded his human mother, but she died in childbirth. Lucca never had the chance to know her. Maybe she was the exception to the rule and that’s why his father wanted her. He tried to ask him about her once, but he refused to speak of her. Maybe it was for the better. This way, he could think highly of her and not be disappointed by the truth.
The shimmering light to the left of him told him a Watcher had arrived, hopefully with good news. The figure stepped closer, folding his wings against his body. It was Gideon. He hoped his arrival meant the job was done, but once he saw his face, he knew the plan had failed.
Gideon didn’t have to be present to know what went down between Eli and the demons. He had the ability to channel into the energy humans and preternatural beings left behind at a scene. The more emotion involved, the easier it was for him to see the full picture. “Eli and the human still live,” Gideon confirmed his suspicions.
Lucca took a deep drag then threw the cigarette on the ground, grinding his boot on top of it. He inhaled deeply, nostrils flaring, but he managed to keep his temper in check. “The human shouldn’t have been a problem and Eli’s powers have been bound. How could they miss? Where are the Talici demons? I’ll kill them myself for their stupidity.”
“You won’t have to.” Gideon pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. “Eli did the honors.”
Lucca met Gideon’s gaze, startled at the discovery. “He doesn’t have the glamour.” He ran a hand through his hair. “He’s much stronger than I anticipated.”
“He was a warrior back in the day. His strength couldn’t have been all glamour.”
“Mmm-hmm.” He didn’t need to be reminded about Eli’s fighting skills. He fought alongside Eli a time or two. His sword hand took down many enemies and he was swift and sure with his blows.
“He protected the female,” Gideon droned on. “He could have left her to fend for herself, but he charged toward the danger, standing in front of her, guarding her. Perhaps, he truly does love her.”
“You’re telling me this because?” He shook his head in disbelief.
“I tell you this because others have their doubts in following you on this course of action. Maybe we should sit back and see how this all plays out.”
“If he proves his love for her is real, it will be the end of the Watchers. What will we do then? Huh? Go on our merry way to find our soul mates. Gag me, please.” He stuck his finger in his mouth, making gagging noises to emphasize. The gesture was a bit childish, but he’d seen it once in a movie and had always wanted to use the gesture himself. Finally the opportunity presented itself. “I have no desire to be strapped down with a human. What’s the point? They die in a blink of an eye.”
Gideon’s brow rose. “You’re worried you might grieve when the human perishes?”
Lucca glared at him, narrowing his eyes. “No dimwit, I don’t see the point of wasting my time.” His attention returned to the car as it began to rock with more fervor now. “I’ll send the Hashasheen demons to take out Eli.”
“Demon assassins?” Gideon looked horrified at the prospect. “They poison their victims.”
“Not my concern. Dead is dead, is it not?” He looked toward the heavens. “With Ol’ Hallow’s Eve upon us, the veil has thinned, allowing the otherworldly realm to blend with the human world. It shouldn’t be too hard to convince the demons to cross over for a lesser fee than usual.”
Gideon’s wings snapped at his side. “A Watcher should die with honor.”
“Pleee-ase,” he drew out the word. “Eli has no honor, sniveling like he is for a human mate.” He waved a hand at Gideon in dismissal. “Now, go. I have work to do.” He left Gideon’s side and walked toward the vehicle. The disturbance in the air told him Gideon had left. “Pansy,” he muttered under his breath.
He used his glamour, his clothes changing into a police uniform. He took out the flashlight attached to his belt and tapped on the window. His mouth curved when the car’s rocking came to an abrupt halt. The guy brushed the haze away from the window and peered out.
“Police,” he said, holding up a badge that also had a hidden camera. He had to prove to his client that his best friend and girlfriend were deceiving him. His finger slid over the button and snapped away. What a show his client would have. “May I see some ID, please?”
They came from a Halloween party. The female still wore her cat ears and he could make out the cat whiskers smudged on her cheeks, but that’s all she had on in terms of a costume. She tried desperately to cover herself with her hands. He wanted to laugh. Her double-Ds needed something a bit larger than her palms.
He stepped away, allowing them to throw on some clothes. They cooperated, looking ashamed and…frustrated. All good as far as Lucca was concerned. After they were dressed, he handed them back their IDs. “You’re going to have to take this somewhere else.” Yeah, you’ll have to screw your friend’s girlfriend some other time. Probably not tonight, though, since the female sounded miffed.
“I told you we should of went to a hotel. Cheapskate.” She crossed her arms over her chest that was now covered under the feline garb she’d worn to the party.
“Sure thing, officer,” the guy said, ignoring her.
Lucca walked away, a grin sliding into place. Glad to be of service.
Chapter Ten
With Ryden safe at home, Eli set out to find a Watcher he could trust. Someone local, since he couldn’t spread his wings and take flight, or shimmer to his desired location. He never thought he’d miss the simple way his kind could manipulate time and space at will. When he was growing up, it didn’t taken him long to realize the magic was similar to how weres shifted from one shape to another. In a sense, he supposed the Watchers were shifters, too—both human and angel.
Just like born shifters, he didn’t have to strip bare to utilize his wings’ potential. All preternatural beings shared two realities. It was the glamour—the magic of the shift, revealing the true self that was hidden from the human eye.
His lips curved as he thought about Hollywood’s rendition of how preternatural beings shifted. Clothes didn’t have to be removed or shredded to shift from one reality to the other. The magic of his species made it possible to go from one form to another without difficulty.
Eli was glad he put down the top of his convertible. The fresh air billowed over him, giving him the sensation of flying. He bought his BMW used, with probably too many miles on it, but he’d like the sleek black look of it and the fact that he could put the top down and not feel confined.
As he drove, he knew whom he wanted to see, Zaiden, a fellow Watcher, who was also one of the Guards of Judgment. He was also someone he would call a friend. Best of all, he didn’t live too far away—Newport Beach to be exact. His house overlooked the ocean. He’d been there a time or two. Watchers weren’t one’s to hang out and shoot the breeze. If they sought company, there was a reason for it. He had a reason to visit tonight.
Zaiden was one of the oldest Watchers, born in the beginning when the angels first came to earth and took humans as mates. Eli was a baby in comparison to him and he’d lived centuries. Eli was born in the thirteenth century, a child from two half-angels that fell in love and mated. His parents were together for two centuries before a fatal war injury claimed his father. His mother mourned his father and faded away to dust soon afterwards. He couldn’t help becoming a romantic himself. His parents taught him that the Fallen weren’t soulless creatures condemned for all eternity. They truly believed the Fallen were beings who became lost. They forgot how to fall in love. Finding their soul mate, a true match would redeem them and put them on the right path once more. He hoped God looked kindly upon his parents, who truly loved each other, and took them under His fold.
“Ummu, Abbun,” he spoke to his parents in prayer, using the Arabic translation of mother and father that he used in his youth. “I hope you can hear me. I found my soul mate and on my honor, I’ll die trying to prove it.”
As he parked the car in front of Zaiden’s house, he was glad to see the lights were still on. Watchers didn’t require much sleep. Even though he’d been sent to the past, all Watchers would be aware of what had transpired, waiting to see the outcome. The Elders would have seen to it. Fail or succeed, he would be made an example.
He walked up the well-manicured pathway, leading to Zaiden’s house. The smell of the sea filled his nostrils, taking him back to the day he revealed his true self to Ryden. They’d spent the day at the beach, enjoying the sun and the surf. Ryden leaned near, kissed him, and told him for the first time that she loved him. He felt her love for him spill into him. The awareness filled his every pore, even the air he breathed. If there had been any doubt of his need to tell her before about his true self, her proclaiming her love for him changed everything. So he broke another cardinal rule and told her what he was. For the first time in weeks the gnawing ache inside him eased. She didn’t run screaming or think he was a freak. She reached her hand out and caressed his wings, her fingers soft and loving. Her gaze met his and held. “I love all of you, every bit of you and your trust in me only makes me love you more.”
Trust. Wasn’t that the foundation of all relationships? Without it, you had nothing.
He looked up at the heavens. The sky was dark with clouds and the moon was only a crescent and didn’t give off much light. He stepped onto Zaiden’s well-kept porch, his gaze landing on the two patio chairs and table. He wondered if the Watcher actually sat out here to enjoy the evening or if it was only for show. He turned away and let his hand fall hard on the front door with three quick raps.
A few moments later, the door opened and the tall half-angel filled the doorway. He had dark hair and startling light blue eyes that could pierce right through you. “Hello, Zaiden.”
His blue-eyed gaze slid over him and he pursed his lips together. “Well, isn’t it the lovesick fool on my doorstep. Are you lost, because I’m quite certain that human of yours isn’t here?”
“Nice to see you, too. Do you mind if I come in?”
Zaiden inhaled deeply, giving him a long, drawn out sigh, but he stepped aside with a wave of his hand.
Eli waited for Zaiden to shut the door then followed him into the living room. Black leather couches and a sleek black coffee table were arranged near the fireplace. Abstract oil paintings decorated the wall. Ceiling to floor windows were on three sides of the room with a sliding glass door that led out to the patio. When the sun rose, the rocks and sea below would be revealed. It was like being in the clouds but with your feet still firmly on the ground.
Zaiden’s easy steps took him to his sidebar. He lifted a decanter and poured the amber liquid into two glasses. He walked over to him and handed him one. “You look like you could use a drink.” His gaze swept over Eli, taking in his appearance. “I take it back, you look like you need the whole bottle.”
“I look that good, huh?” Eli chuckled and downed the dram of whiskey, liking how the warmth of it felt sliding down his throat.
“Is she worth it?”
You could always count on Zaiden to be direct. “Yes.”
“Well then, here’s to you proving it to the rest of the godforsaken Watchers. Zaiden raised his glass to his lips. He jerked his head back, downing the amber liquid in one gulp. “Why are you here?”
“Ryden and I were attacked by two Talaci demons. They claimed one of our Brethren paid them to kill us.”
Zaiden placed his empty glass on the sidebar. “That’s a serious charge. One punishable by death.”
He nodded. “I know, but the demon was quite convincing. I was hoping you would check into this. See if there is unrest among the brethren.”
Zaiden’s brows dipped together over the bridge of his nose.
“You already know there is.”
The Watcher nodded. “Heated talk, not much more. But if you say someone has set a price on your heads, I will look into it further.”
Eli stared at his glass then placed it down. “I do not wish to point fingers, but you know as well as I do that Lucca doesn’t care for me.”
Zaiden’s low rumble of a laugh had Eli looking at him with a raised brow and his lips curved. Saying Lucca didn’t care for him was an understatement.
“Lucca looks to find fault in your actions, but cannot.” Zaiden sighed heavily. “This is what makes him dislike you so. After your banishment, he was one to speak up against you. I shall look at him first.”
Eli met his old friend’s gaze. “Thank you.”
Zaiden placed a heavy hand on his shoulder. “Stay safe, sadeeqy,” he slipped into the old language.
With all that had happened, Eli felt comforted that he still called him friend.”
Zaiden’s features changed, his brows drawing together and his eyes flashing to dark blue as he leaned in near and inhaled deeply. “Blood,” he growled. “You are injured. No wonder you look like something a slayer dragged in. Where?” His gaze slid over him.
“I’m fine. With my powers bound, healing is slower, but it seems I’m still healing faster than a human and Ryden—”
“Stop with your mindless chatter and show me,” he interrupted. “And if you think you have the mind to refuse me, you don’t. In your condition, I shall have no trouble holding you down while I search myself for the wound. Your choice.” Zaiden’s words weren’t meant as a threat; they were a promise.
“This is the second time I’ve been bullied tonight.” His hand went to his T-shirt and he lifted it with a quick movement then let the material drop. “See all bandaged.”
Zaiden’s lips pursed together. Without a word or permission, he used his preternatural speed. He had the bandage in his hand and was eyeing the wound with a narrow gaze. “I see the Talaci tried to gut you with a dagger.”
“And as you can see, the demon did not,” he didn’t bother hiding his annoyance, not that Zaiden cared in the least.
The Watcher placed his palm on the wound. The warming glow from his hand began to do its work and Eli could feel his strength returning to normal.
He swallowed the lump in his throat, appreciating the kindness Zaiden bestowed. “Thank you.”
Zaiden met his gaze and nodded.
Once healed, Eli didn’t prolong the visit. He came for a reason and once discussed, he was ready to be on his way again.
Zaiden shut the front door and headed back to the living room. “You can come out now.”
Sarice stepped out of the shadows, shimmering into flesh. She had arrived a few minutes before Eli knocked at the door. At his request, she kept her presence unknown so Eli would feel free to speak.
“I’m surprised he came here?” Her voice was deep and smooth, like velvet.
Sarice came from the Blagden Clan of demons who sided with the Fallen. Sarice was a result of a demon mother and angel father, a half-breed, or what they liked to call themselves, Dark Angels or Darklins. The Watchers had fangs, but the Dark Angels were more like vampires in nature, craving blood, needing it to survive. They could fly, having wings like their fathers, feathered and majestic as the archangels’. Like his brethren, the race was also condemned.
“Eli is a friend,” he told her.
She looked at him. Her violet eyes were actually a deep blue, rimmed with a fine line of red. They were beautiful eyes, but they weren’t her best feature. Sarice had the strength of a warrior, but still possessed all the womanly curves the male species enjoyed. “It is dangerous to be his friend,” she warned. “He walks the line of blasphemy.”
Zaiden
’s lips drew together into a fine line. He didn’t need to be reminded of Eli’s transgressions. “I don’t choose my friends for convenience sake or for their beliefs no matter how misguided they might be. You should know this, Sarice.” His hand snaked out, dragging her against him. She exposed her neck and he grazed his fangs over the tender area of skin. They’d known each other a long time and he’d helped her out of scrapes that could have put his livelihood with the Brethren at stake.
“Mmm…yes, I know of your loyalty. I meant no offense. I only meant you should tread lightly. The Watchers want his wings and I’ve heard rumors that the Talaci demons want him gone as well. It wouldn’t take much to persuade them to take out Eli and his human. The Talaci thrive on challenges. Add a payment and they’re sure to come out to play, but they aren’t the ones to worry about. The Hashasheen demons are. It’s rumored there’s been a bounty placed with them.”
He pulled back, his eyes narrowing. “You are sure of this?”
“He’s been targeted. The Talaci won’t be the only ones interested in a fee. Once the hit is out, there is no stopping it. It means glory to the Hashasheen to take out their prey. The Watcher won’t stand a chance. The Hashasheen don’t fear death. If they die, they believe their death will mean a higher reign in the afterlife. I’ve always wondered about their logic. Higher level in hell is still hell.”
“Hmm. Eli’s glamour is bound. He won’t be able to protect himself, let alone keep his human safe.”
Sarice slid a finger up his arm. “Don’t fret. I’ll shadow the Watcher.”
His brow lifted. “At what price?”
Her lips curved and her gaze slid over him, landing on his neck. “You know what I want.”
Eli- Warriors for the Light Page 6
