Shattered (Guardian Series Book 1)
Page 2
Camael reached down from the heavens above and placed her hand over Jaycee’s head, barely touching her, and captured her charge’s fear, replacing it with calmness and clarity. She seeks to help Jaycee have faith in herself to know she can get out of this situation.
“Jaycee, you need to follow your intuition,” Camael breathed over her charge.
Jaycee
10 years ago
Just breathe Jaycee, I sternly and silently chide to myself. Calm down and think. How far am I from the fields? Can I keep moving back towards the fields without being seen or heard? I quickly focus my attention back to the scary man, who just stepped down from the cabin of his truck.
“Oh shit,” I whisper aloud. I quickly cover my mouth with my hand. Just at that moment, he looks in my direction. My heart just stopped beating. He can’t see me, can he? I know he can’t. I can barely see through the brush when I walk home this way.
“What did you say little girl,” he teases. Was that a statement or a question, I wonder to myself. “Can you say that a little louder for me so I can hear you this time?”
Silent. I am as silent as a lion stalking its prey. How am I staying so calm right now? What does he want from me? Does he want to hurt me? Does he want to take me home? I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.
Then it hits me like a hurricane, he probably wants to hurt me. He probably wants to assault me, just like I hear on the news.
Well, I’d like to see him try. I might be short but I’m fierce. I have strong legs and a strong mind. I’ll outrun him, or I’ll stand and fight him, but he’s not taking my virtue. That’s for me to give away, not for him to take.
He’s stalks away from where I am hiding. He stands slightly further ahead from where I’m hidden. I consider my escape routes which are limited. I can continue to move back but I really need to be where he is; otherwise, I won’t be able to penetrate through the brush to get to the fields. I quickly scan the sidelines of the field to look for an alternative opening, but I don’t see one.
I can move back down the pathway and get back to the road. But which direction do I go when I get there? If I head back towards Boone’s place, I’ll lose momentum, running uphill. If I continue to head towards the creek, then I know I have more options. I can charge up the steep hill and connect to the third set of fields, or I can take the old trail way which runs alongside the creek towards Upper Forest Lane, then connect to Spider Creek Road and race home. I would have to pass Rick and the horses, but that beats being caught by this asshole.
Ugh, I need to decide and fast.
“Why don’t you share your thoughts with me,” he taunts. “I have all the time in the world to wait for a beautiful girl like you. I love blonde girls with blue eyes with such a luscious body. Did you know that blue eyes are one of the purest colors?! It comes in many shades just like the ocean. I want to see all the shades your eyes turn.”
I can’t play out all the scenarios in my mind fast enough. I must decide and fight like hell until I know I’m safe. He wants to see my eyes change color. He’s fucking insane. That’s it, I’m making a run for it, towards the creek. If he catches up to me, I’ll take the trails to the old wooden bridge. His truck will never be able to cross the bridge. I just need to get home.
He has messed with the wrong girl. This is my home. These are my woods, my fields, my trails. I know where they all lead. He has all the time in the world. Well, so do I…. I think.
Guardians
Always Watching
Ephesians 6:10-11 Finally, be strong in the LORD and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
There is a hierarchy of angels; some traditions believe there are different levels or ranks of angels. Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel are essentially known as the chief angels. Angels vary in their ranks; their differences are marked by appearance and the number of wings each angel possesses. Regardless of rank, each angel presents at least one unique gift the angels uses to help their earthly charges.
Camael’s gifts include strength, courage, and war. She is an archangel who radiates strength and courage at the time of need. She is nurturing and strives to create a peaceful environment around her.
Josiah is also an archangel. He possesses wisdom, knowledge, and judgement. Even in the darkest points of his charges’ lives, he provides humans clarity and forgiveness.
Angels like Camael and Josiah are given assignments like Jaycee because of the destiny which lies ahead. The assignment’s future is known to only God. Over the centuries, angels have learned that when two specific angel types are assigned together, they know their charge is going to go through many tribulations; ones that require strength, courage, wisdom and understanding to overcome. Angels never question God’s motives. They don’t have to. They wholeheartedly believe in him, serve him, and are loyal to him. The angels use their abilities to help their charges navigate through life.
“Camael, you need to calm down.” Josiah directs. “If you aren’t calm, how do you expect to help Jaycee?”
“How do you expect me to be calm,” Camael exclaims. “I can hear the vile thoughts that man is thinking. I’m not sure I can help her, Josiah. He’s even frightening me. Are you looking for his angels? Maybe we can work out an agreement and they can help change the outcome.”
“I don’t believe he’s being followed by his angels anymore, Camael.” Josiah responds. “I’m picking up on a strong stench of bourbon and death. Typically, when that smell wafts, it means the charge is being influenced by lower ranking angels…demons.”
“That’s just wonderful, Josiah.” Camael declared. “His demon better not show up here until after we can get Jaycee through this situation. If we get distracted and have to fight off demons, then nobody will be protecting her.”
There was sudden movement over on the next mountain peak. Josiah could see a pair of snake-like eyes staring back at him. Camael’s attention follows Josiah’s line of sight and she goes silent. The eyes begin to move towards them at an alarming rate.
A battle looms on the horizon.
Jaycee
10 years ago
The man is less than 20 feet from me. He has sandy blonde hair, cut short to maybe an eighth of an inch. His eyes are green, but I can see a small tint of yellow. He has brawny shoulders, thick biceps and broad thighs. His body style reminds me of a wrestler or fitness trainer. He looks like he’s in his mid-twenties, wearing white sneakers, camouflage cargo shorts, and a black t-shirt. I have no idea who this man is. I have never seen him before in my life. I don’t understand why he is doing this.
“If I had to take a bet, you are hiding to the right of me, because you snuck up early through the brush,” he calls out. “The question you need to ask yourself is, do I already know where you’re hiding? You look hot in the green tank. I can’t wait to see what’s underneath it,” he calls out.
This is it. This is my only chance. I quickly scour the ground to find a rock to throw and distract him. I grope around and find a few rocks and pebbles on the underside of the bush and collect the larger ones, then carefully move a little to the side to get a good aim. I bend my neck slightly to make sure he hasn’t moved. He hasn’t moved, except in his need to search for me. I slip a medium size rock in the pocket of my shorts, I think that I might need that later. I put a larger rock in my right hand and take aim.
The rock goes high above the roof of his truck on the other side. He quickly whips his head to the left.
“Oh, there you are,” he shouts. “Don’t worry, I’ll come and get you.”
He turns around and starts heading towards his left. For a brief moment, I feel relieved. This may change my escape route. He passes his truck. I gather another rock and throw it towards his previous position.
“Now, it seems like you’re playing games with me,” he states. “Tell me little girl, do you like to play chess? I do. I like to take the pawns and kill them off one by one. Even
though the horses are meaningless to me, the knights have value in what they represent. All men long to be a woman’s knight and shining hero, but being a knight is trivial to me, I want to be the king…actually, I want to be your king. What do you say, will you be my queen?”
Oh, no. I can’t see where he went. That last stone didn’t deter him. Did I just blow my cover? All of a sudden I hear his footsteps and crunching sticks. The footsteps are getting closer. I have a rock in my pocket and one in each hand. Time to go!
I pivot in the direction of where the road is and I take off running, as fast as my legs can take me. The branches are marking me and cutting me open as I zip pass them. I’d rather be beaten by the bushes than have this guy get his hands on me. I tightly squeeze the rocks in my hands--the only lifeline I have right now.
His steps are increasing behind me. He’s yelling something that I can’t quite hear. Adrenaline coursing through me, I can’t hear anything. I make it the road and quickly turn right towards the creek. I hear his footsteps hit the road about 15 seconds behind me. Good, at least he’s not in his truck; maybe I can outrun him. I didn’t factor that into the scenario ... I expected him to take his truck.
I continue running down the slight decline of the road where the creek is fast approaching. I’m never going to make it up the steep hill to the other set of fields. He’s too close to me. I’m going to have to take the trails.
“Please leave me alone.” I plead. “I don’t want any trouble. I just want to go home.”
With my next breath I scream as loud as I possibly can, “Help me, someone please help me.” I know the Deans’ live a short distance past the creek, but they are too far to hear my cries.
My lungs are winded, my legs feel like jelly. I can’t continue at this speed. I make the turn at the creek and race to the trail, passing the last clean break for the fields.
“I’m a wolf who likes to chase,” he snickers. “I’ve been watching you for a long time. I know all these trails and fields, just like you. You won’t outsmart me. Are you getting tired yet? I can keep this chase up all day. I can’t wait to hear you scream my name. Oh, you don’t even know me, do you? Call me Jack.”
What the hell is wrong with him? I’m seething angry.
“Fuck you asshole. I’ll outrun you, outsmart you, and turn your ass in. You need help,” I holler back.
I’m getting ready to cross the old, weakened wooden bridge. I’m scared that the bridge is too old and rotted to hold my weight…that it will crumble to the water below. I quickly leap across suppressing my fear, when all the sudden I hear a loud splash. I instinctively turn my head, assuming he fell in the water but no, there he is, standing in front of me. The corners of his mouth slant upwards and a large rewarding smile peers back at me.
“Check,” he said.
I snap my head around and jolt ahead when my hair is suddenly yanked backwards and a burning sensation creeps into my hairline.
“Got you! What do you have to say for yourself now,” he barks.
“Checkmate asshole,” I yell back. Using my right arm, I open the palms of my hands and bash the rock to the side of his head; and I don’t stop until he releases my hair. Feeling him let go, I lift my right leg and kick him square in his manhood. When he lunges forward to cover himself, I take the rock and hit him in the back of his head with all the force I have, until I see blood. I take off with more fire burning in my veins, determined to get to a safe place, even if I can’t make it home yet.
“Hey, get back here,” he yells. “Please, you hurt me, badly. I’m bleeding, you need to come help me”.
This is a game to him, I remind myself. He thinks I’ll have sympathy for him and turn around. I’m not a fool. I didn’t hit him hard enough to cause any damage. I wounded him enough to escape. I hear him stumbling around behind me and hear his footfalls starting. He’s chasing me again. Damn it, now what do I do?
Have I ever seen him before? Ever since the chase began, I’ve been racking my brain trying to think if I’ve ever seen him before, but he’s not in any memory I have. Why is he doing this to me? What does he want from me? Am I ever going to make it home again? My list of uncertainties grows.
I can’t show my weakness. Thoughts of my friends start to filter in as I continue to run. Am I ever going to see my friends again? Will Darius ever know what happens to me? Ever since he moved to Arizona to live with his mother, I’ve barely spoken to him.
Darius was a boy I met last year at the library one day after school. We immediately connected and talked every day on the phone. Even though he is four years older than I am, I’ll never forget those eyes; deep green with thick eyebrows. His eyes always captivated me while his mouth paralyzed me. His hair is dark with a tint of red that only showed itself when certain lights hit it. Every time he looked at me, I melted right into his arms. He was the best kisser. I could never imagine anyone kissing the way he does. I know we would still be together if he didn’t have to move away.
Darius used to call me after he left but the calls have become less frequent. I really loved him. I guess I do still love him in some way. When I think about him or talk about him I refer to him in the past tense because he is. He’s becoming a memory to me, a sad memory without a photograph. Even so, maybe he’ll come back into my life. If he were to come back, I’d drop everything just to be with him again. He ignited a spark within me that I didn’t know existed. He always made me feel so special when we were together. He would open doors for me, praise me, always showed compassion and was genuinely concerned for my safety. He really was such a southern-style gentleman. I miss him so much. I wonder if I’ll ever hear him whisper those three little words to me: I love you. Doubtful. He’s gone—probably for good. A hard truth, one that’s not easy for me to accept. No matter what, though, I think I will never stop loving him, my heart will always long for him.
Then again…what about the boy I met last week? Wyatt! Though nothing like Darius, he is was very attractive. He took me to dinner and then we took a drive around town and talked about life. We talk on the phone every day and he’s promised to take me on a date once his soccer schedule and work schedule allow it.
Wyatt is three years older than I am. It’s crazy, I’m more attracted to older men, than boys my own age. His eyes are also striking; beautiful, big brown eyes. Those eyes compliment his short, chestnut colored hair. He has a long nose, and a prominent chin line. He plays on the varsity soccer team as the striker. He towers over me in height by seven inches. I first spotted him a few weeks ago when he sped past me in his red ford truck, as I was walking to the creek. The moment I first laid eyes on him, I told myself that I was going to have him.
A few days after that encounter, my brother Jimmy and I were hanging out with a group of friends. ‘Hanging out’ in our town consists of cruising the block and chilling in the parking lot. As soon as we pulled into the parking lot, I noticed Wyatt, sitting on the concrete wall. I boldly walked over to him and invited him to join the group at Ray’s Pizza. He accepted my invitation even offered to give me a ride. I turned toward my brother, nodded my head to signal this decision and walked with Wyatt to his truck.
After we were done eating, Wyatt asked my brother what time he should have me back at the parking lot because he wanted to take me for a drive. Jimmy told him to have me back by 11:30 pm, to which Wyatt agreed.
During our drive, we talked about life, dreams, our aspirations. It was the first connection I had with a boy since Darius left. I found myself comparing the two of them the entire time. Wyatt laughed more. He wasn’t as serious as Darius was. Darius seemed to be more the protective and jealous type. Wyatt seemed more carefree and laughed at my jokes or my silly comments. I told him where I lived on Spider Creek Rd and I learned that he lives a few miles away from me, which explains why I saw him that day on my walk to the creek. We returned to the parking lot a little early but not before we exchanged phone numbers. As I opened the door to Jimmy’s car, I caught a glimpse of Wyatt d
riving away.
I was so giddy as I talked about what all we did and said to each other. A few miles up the road, I noticed Wyatt was pulled over watching for Jimmy and I. I had a huge grin on my face and waved as we drove past. He smiled back and then suddenly pulled out behind us, following us the whole way home. He honked his horn as we pulled into the driveway. It was the sweetest gesture that he followed me home. Looking back, I felt that we had an instant connection. I think I fell in love with him that night.
The sound of another voice pulls me away from my memory.
“You better pick up your speed because I’m right behind you,” Jack warns. “I should probably let you know that I am a long-distance runner. You might want to reconsider your thoughts if you think you can outrun me.”
Will he ever give up? I’m beginning to feel lightheaded. I need to shake it off. I keep pushing myself with all the strength I have. Suddenly, my vision changes. Things are starting to appear further away, the images before me are getting darker; the sounds grow silent. The next thing I know, I’m falling. Oh, no this can’t be happening.
Guardians
Always Watching
James 4:7 7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Demons are malevolent creatures, who were created when Lucifer was cast out of Heaven. They are evil entities whose only desire is to cause destruction, harm, and death, to all they encounter. Old folklore suggests people should never say a demon’s name aloud. If they do, they invite the demon into their home. Folklore also suggests demons only have power when others believe in them. However, everyone struggles with warfare, whether they believe in it or not. Warfare can be physical, emotional, or spiritual. The latter is in the unseen Spiritual warfare is when a human’s guardian angel fights the demons and evil entities attacking them. Josiah and Camael are poised for such a fight.