An Angel for Avery

by Ciara Lake

  “I saw a man with one like it on television. It appealed to me, so I created one for myself. But I would prefer to buy what I need.”

  “I’m on a tight budget. Student loans, you know.” Avery looked down at her hands.

  “Students loaned you money?” Aiden sounded amazed.

  “No.” Avery giggled. “I owe the bank back for paying for my college. I’m the student they loaned money to.”

  “Oh, I see.” He moved her clothesbasket, placing her magazines inside. “So much has changed in this century.”

  “Anyway, I’m kinda low on funds. I’m sorry.”

  “Why are you sorry? There is no problem.” Again, he touched her, pushing her hair back behind her ear. His touch was tender. “Like I told you, do not worry. I have currency for such things. It was not my intent for you to buy what I need. Now, show me what else needs to go to the new cabin.”

  He led her into her bedroom. Obediently, she showed him the rest of her things to be moved.

  “Now, sleep.” He rubbed her arm and patted her hand. “I will take care of things.”

  “Okay, I think I will rest. Suddenly, I can hardly keep my eyes open.” Yawning, she laid down. As soon as her head hit the pillow, she was dreaming. Her dreams were peculiar, making her toss and turn. Faces of people she did not know along with their emotions intertwined with her own.

  * * * *

  Aiden added wood to the fire. The blaze crackled and devoured the dry timber.

  “Brother Aiden, you have been missed.”

  Aiden looked over to see Zayel standing in the middle of the living room area of the new cabin Grace had given Avery. The golden-haired man’s wings retracted then vanished.

  “I felt you. I am happy you have been recovered. What holds you here?” Zayel looked around. “In this mortal’s humble domicile?”

  “It is good to see you, Zayel.” Aiden approached him. “Having been imprisoned for so long, I am taking some time to enjoy my freedom.”

  “Of course, brother. As you should.” Zayel nodded. “We have worried for you. It is good to know you are well. It has been too long without you.” He grasped Aiden’s forearm in greeting.

  “Is Osage still free?”

  “As a powerful wizard, he lives long and avoids our pursuit. When you disappeared, so did he. Rayford Bashun died a tragic death after his niece died. It was very sad.” Zayel looked down. “Mortals have such short times in this world. For it to end for Maggie at such a young age was unfortunate.”

  “Yes.” Aiden nodded. “A shame indeed.”

  “We know you fought hard. Maggie lived long enough to tell Qasim all you had done. She was very grateful for your sacrifice. We searched for you for decades.”

  “I know you did. I saw you. You were very close at times.” Aiden stacked logs neatly in front of the fireplace. “Maggie has passed to heaven. She suffers no longer. She is with her heavenly father.”

  “Yes, brother, she attained her rightful place reserved for those good humans. Her uncle Rayford was corrupted. He betrayed you to Osage. He set a trap to imprison you. Nothing could have changed the outcome. Evil has only small victories which are, mercifully, short lived.”

  “This is true.” Aiden brushed the dirt from his hands and crossed his arms to stare at his brother-in-arms.

  “So you are going to remain here for a time?” Zayel turned to look over the place. “It is a fair shelter.”

  “Yes, I am fond of the female whose tears freed me from my crystal confine. She broke the curse on the very day she found me. Her soul is sweet.”

  “I see.” Zayel sat down on the sofa.

  Aiden leaned against a near wall.

  “Also, she has a face and form which is rather appealing to the eye.” Zayel chuckled. “Right, brother? I observed her walking to work. She is a fine example of womanhood.”

  “Yes, Avery is beautiful. I do not deny I enjoy her loveliness. At times, some human women can be…nice.” He pushed his hair back from his forehead. “She is waiting for me at the other cabin. We are moving into this place tonight.”

  “Very well.” Zayel relaxed further into the sofa. “I will not interfere with your activities. I will let the others know you are well. I am certain Qasim will not interfere with your time off. It is well earned. A word of caution though—avoid using too much angelic power. If Osage is alive and well, he may more easily sense you are free. I found you by sensing your power.”

  “Yes, I will be careful.” Aiden smiled as his brother vanished in a cloud of gold dust.

  “Be well.” Zayel’s voice echoed in the silence. “We will visit soon again, brother.”

  * * * *

  Curled in a ball, Avery’s hair spread like a curtain of silk, covering her entire pillow. Aiden’s hands itched to touch the soft brown curls. A petite female, she had a lovely figure, one that for certain enticed men. Her full breasts were proportionate to her small size and nicely shaped. His body suddenly ached in places foreign to him. All of him had been dormant as he watched the world from his glass cage. Now this sweet-smelling female was awakening his most basic self. Even when he had been free, he’d been a commissioned warrior assigned the duty to protect a ward. As such, it had been a long time since he’d enjoyed pleasures of a sexual nature—centuries, in fact. Always disciplined, he refrained, shoving his desires deep down within him.

  “Avery, it is time to wake. Let us go shopping. I have procured an automobile.” Aiden touched her arm.

  Avery stretched, blinking as she turned to look up at him. Her big brown eyes were wide as her recollection fully returned.

  “You procured an automobile?” she sat up. “How? What exactly does that mean?”

  Her hair tumbled around her shoulders. His eyes wandered to her chest. She wore a white t-shirt, which cupped her breasts nicely. Avery was unaware how sensual she was; he could detect her innocence. Warmth radiated from her small body. Inhaling deeply, he filled his lungs with her unique scent.

  “I held my sword to a man’s throat. I allowed him to keep his soul for his automobile.” Aiden enjoyed seeing Avery’s eyes widen even further. He chuckled. “I am teasing you. I called a number given on television for a rental agency. They delivered it a half hour ago. It is very nice. Trust me, no one lost their soul. I am not that kind of angel, only a demon would do such a thing.”

  “Oh, of course.” A relieved look passed over Avery’s face. “I have a car we could have used.” She pushed her hair behind her shoulders, giving him a nicer view of her bosom. “I’m not sure you should tease me.”

  “And deny me the small pleasure of seeing your priceless reaction?” He tilted his head to the side, watching her. “No matter, we can enjoy this automobile for now. It is a black cat. Very sleek.” He sat on her bed’s edge. “I am fond of these machines.”

  “A cat? You mean a Cadillac?”

  “No, a Jaguar, I believe.” He grinned. “It is a shiny one. It goes fast and rides smooth.” He winked. “I tried it out. Very nice human invention.”

  “Oh, nice car.” Avery smiled back at him. “Sounds fun. Sounds expensive too. How did you get it? With what money?” She looked at him oddly. “And you couldn’t have a driver’s license. Could you?”

  “I already told you that I have currency. I have had much time to accumulate it. Worry not. Angels come well equipped to travel through the human world. I heard there is a shopping venue not far from here with all sorts of stores. The rental agent gave me directions and put the address into the car’s GPS. It is a remarkable gadget.” He reached for her hand. “We have five hours until we have to be back for dinner at the inn. I am looking forward to a good dinner.” He patted his stomach. “There are many things I wish to enjoy this night.”

  “Okay, just let me change. I can’t go in my pajama bottoms and t-shirt.”

  “Your things are in your other cabin. We will walk there.” Aiden stood. “Let us go.” He gently squeezed her hand. It was soft, delicate. His body tensed with the fe
el of her. Intense new feelings passed through him, nearly making him stumble. She picked up her purse. “The cabin is not far. It is very nice. A lot larger. Here is your jacket.” He held it for her to put on.

  “Thank you, you are a gentleman.” Avery allowed him to help her into her coat and then followed him out of the door. She looked up at the sky when they stepped outside. “It’s still overcast.”

  “It stopped raining though, at least for now. It will rain again tonight. I can feel it.”

  They quickly made their way to the new cabin. When he opened the door, she smiled widely. She was obviously delighted. It pleased him to see her happy.

  “This living room has two sofas.” She walked into the room and pointed at the fireplace. “Did you start this fire? I love fireplaces. It’s so cozy and nice here.”

  “Yes, I started the fire. There’s a fireplace in the master bedroom too.”

  “That’s a romantic touch.” She walked over to the large picture window on the other side of the room. She pressed a hand against the wall, leaning forward to look out.

  “A Christmas tree will look beautiful here. This is like a real house.” Avery spun around. Her face was alight with excitement.

  “The bathroom off the master bedroom looks to be very enjoyable too. A large tub is in the room. It is large enough…for two people.” He grinned.

  Avery’s face flamed pink at his words. “Oh, nice. I like to take baths.” She quickly walked toward the kitchen. “Wow, this is big too. Perfect for cooking a real dinner.”

  “This is conducive to eating good meals. I should like to learn to cook.”

  “I can teach you.”

  “I was hoping you would offer. Come, let me show you your room so you can get dressed.”

  “The bedrooms are nice sizes too.” She stopped at the door to the master bedroom. “What an enormous bed.”

  “Yes, with a large television on the wall.” He pointed.

  “You like television, don’t you?” Avery teased.

  “Yes, it has been my window to the world. I learned most of what I know about your current world from television. A lot of the time while I was imprisoned, I could see a television or hear a radio from my location. When I could not see one, I was miserable. Well, more miserable than usual, I should say.”

  “So you felt physical pain?”

  “No. But I do have emotions. I’ve experienced frustration, loneliness, and anger, to name a few.” He picked up the remote control and turned on the television, then flicked through the channels. “The one in the living room is bigger.” He turned to look at her.

  “I saw it.” Avery looked at him with soft brown eyes. He could feel her emotions penetrate him. He felt her concern. Typically, it would irritate him if a weak human had sympathy for him, a strong angelic warrior. However, these feelings coming from Avery made his heart soften.

  Like a rainstorm, an urge washed over him to hug her tight, kiss her senseless. He clenched his fist to control his rising emotions. He fought back the desire to pull her close to him and enjoy her soft body against his, to lay her down upon the bed. He wanted to rest between her thighs, to feel her grip him with her legs as he pushed inside her. The lustful urges filled him, almost pushing him to take action to make his dreams real.

  Shaking his head, he regained his control. Aiden pointed the remote at the television and turned it off, then walked past her. The other night he’d watched several movies which only stoked his desires more. “I will leave you to get ready.”

  “Okay, I’ll be quick.”

  “I put your clothes in the closet. I think you will find everything in its place. Your dress coat is in the front hall closet. I will wait in the living room.” Aiden walked out the door and closed it behind him. It clicked shut with more force than he intended.

  * * * *

  Avery took her favorite black dress out of the closet. Holding the dress up in front of her, she looked in the mirror. She giggled, excitement bubbling up inside her. It’s not every day I get to ride in a Jag with an angel.

  She rushed to the bathroom. Avery pulled her hot rollers out and set her hair. Aiden had placed her makeup bag in the top drawer. Spending more time than usual, she made her face up, even her eyes. Smiling at her reflection, she released her hair from the hot rollers. Her full curls bounced around her head. Running her fingers through the curls, she arranged them.

  In a few minutes, Avery was dressed in her short black dress. It molded her shape nicely, revealing a tasteful amount of cleavage. Sheer hose with high-heeled shoes completed her look. Quickly, Avery exchanged her bulky purse for a tiny black bag. She studied herself in a floor-length mirror, then walked to her bedroom door, ready for her angel. She paused as she placed her hand on the doorknob, then walked back in the bathroom and sprayed on a touch of the expensive perfume her father had given her for her twenty-third birthday.

  “Now I’m ready.” Nerves made her palms slightly sweaty.

  When she opened the door, Aiden was waiting in the middle of the living room. He was watching the large TV screen. The sight of his giant form nearly made her forget to breathe. Each time she saw him, her mind stalled in awe of his handsomeness. He held the remote control in his hand. Thoughts of those large hands touching her intimately passed through her mind making her flash hot. What’s wrong with me? These thoughts are surely sinful.

  “Are you ready?” he asked as he continued to watch a news program.

  “Yes. I’m sorry I took a bit longer than I planned.” She walked toward him.

  “It is fine. You were not too long.” Aiden turned the TV off, set the remote down, then turned to head for the door. He stopped when his eyes fell on her. Warmth flooded her cheeks as he examined her from head to toe. Aiden was not inhibited in his study of her attributes.

  As if enraptured, they stared at each other, and neither moved.

  “You are as…beautiful…as Helen of Troy. No, more beautiful.” Hesitating, he approached her. He took her hand and kissed the back of it. “I had no idea I was in the presence of such mortal loveliness.” Aiden bowed at his waist. “You are a princess—no, a queen.”

  “Hardly.” Avery pulled her hand back and turned to retrieve her coat. Instantly, Aiden was behind her and helping her into her coat.

  Aiden sniffed her neck. “Avery, you smell exceptionally good.”

  The heat of his breath and his closeness made her freeze. To her utter surprise, he kissed her bare shoulder and trailed a few more up to her neck. She trembled and leaned back into him.

  “Forgive me,” he whispered. “You are much too difficult to resist.” He moved away from her to hold the door open, gesturing for her to walk in front of him. “The car is parked close.”

  Avery stepped outside, the wind whipping her hair. “Thank you.” She looked back at him as he closed the door. I can’t believe this fairy tale dream is happening. I don’t want to wake up.

  “Here is a scarf. It is chilly outside.” He handed her a large golden-colored scarf. The material was delicate silk. It was the color of spun gold. She held it to her face, appreciating its feel. “It will keep you warm as well as protect your beautiful hair from this damp weather.”

  “It’s lovely.”

  He took it from her hand to put it around her, helping her adjust it on her head. Tenderly, he pushed her hair beneath it.

  “You are so thoughtful.”

  “You are so lovely. The gold scarf is perfect with your coloring. You need precious jewels to adorn your loveliness too. All other men shall be envious of me when they see you on my arm.” He leaned close to her, and Avery thought for sure he was going to kiss her—his eyes told her as much. She turned to make it easier for him to kiss her. He hesitated near her face, yet he did not kiss her. “Let us go shopping.”

  He took her hand and led her to the car. Avery nearly had to jog to keep up. But the rush to the car brought her back down to earth and rooted in reality.

  “I need to drive this car, to
go fast.”

  “Why?” she asked.

  “I just need to concentrate on something…else.”

  He helped her inside the car and hurried around to the driver’s side. As if he had driven the route many times, Aiden took them right to the shopping mall.

  * * * *

  “It’s really crowded. I don’t think we’re going to find a good place to park.” Avery peered out her window as they drove around the parking lot.

  “I will let you off at the door so I can park. If anyone bothers you, call my name.” Aiden stopped the car. Within a second, he was around the car to open her door. “Wait for me. I shall be quick.”

  “Yes, of course I’ll wait.” Avery stood near the entrance, out of the wind, as she watched his taillights head for the rear of the lot.

  Crowds of people entered the department store. Two little girls dressed in matching coats waved to her.

  “Hi there.” Avery smiled at them. Watching them enter, she gazed inside the doors to see Halloween decorations were up, and she could see they were getting ready to set up Christmas décor.

  “Hmm, look at all these Christmas decorations. They are beautiful, but it seems as if Thanksgiving is going to be passed over.” An elderly couple nodded at her as they walked by.

  “Yes, it does. There’s not much money to be made on Thanksgiving. It’s all about Christmas sales,” Avery replied.

  A thirty-something, red-haired man dressed in a brown leather jacket stopped next to her. She could smell his strong cologne in the wind. The man grinned from ear to ear as he looked her over. Avery felt as though she were a window display too.

  “Shall I get the door for you?” The man gestured toward the door.

  “I’m waiting for someone.” Avery turned away from him.

  “A beautiful lady like you shouldn’t be standing out in this cold by herself.” His voice was smooth. He moved closer, almost invading her personal space. “Come on, I’ll get the door.”

  Avery felt her hair rise on the back of her neck.

  “She is mine.”

  Avery looked up to see Aiden only steps away. His face was twisted into a harsh, unyielding mask as he stared at the stranger. The man grimaced, then disappeared with a wave of people. As soon as he was out of sight, Aiden’s features relaxed. She smiled to herself, looking up into his concerned gaze, watching as his jaw muscle flexed. A moment later, he glanced down at her, all traces of anger replaced only by concern.