by J. N. Colon
I really needed to eat before I started slobbering like a dog in front of a juicy steak.
“Would you ladies like to try this?” Ms. Norma stopped next to us, balancing a tray of bite-sized pieces of chocolate cake topped with some kind of red berries and sauce. “It’s a new creation of mine.”
Cue the drool now.
“You don’t even have to ask.” I reached for one of the little parchment paper cups, licking my lips again. “It smells divine.”
Jessica took one for herself and passed one to Mrs. Gracin. “What is it?”
A toothy grin spread over Ms. Norma’s face, lighting up her tawny complexion. Her prominent cheekbones and dark eyes added to her exotic beauty. She may have been older, but she was still a looker. “It’s devil’s food cake topped with a raspberry and cherry glaze.”
That sounded fracken delicious.
“I’m calling it Forbidden Fruit Delight.”
My hand halted in front of my mouth as the name reverberated through my mind. Had Astaroth whispered this idea to Ms. Norma? Was he hiding in the shadows somewhere laughing? It was too perfect of a coincidence to happen naturally.
Her face fell. “Is everything all right, Lena?”
Three pairs of eyes stuck to me, waiting. Jessica’s brows shot up her forehead. She knew I never turned down dessert.
But she didn’t know I’d turned down the real forbidden fruit in Hell.
I forced a smile. “Everything’s fine.” My voice came out squeaky so I cleared my throat. “Maybe you should think of a different name though.”
“If it’s going to be called Forbidden Fruit Delight, shouldn’t it have apples on it?” Mrs. Gracin surveyed the glistening scarlet mixture. “Because that’s what it was, an apple, right?”
“Actually, that’s a myth,” Ms. Norma said, flicking her braid to the other shoulder. The thick necklace of silver and turquoise glimmered as she moved. “It wasn’t an apple at all. They don’t really know what kind of fruit hung from the tree in the Garden of Eden.”
Nefas.
Jessica covertly nudged my shin with the toe of her blue sneaker.
“The name’s fine, Ms. Norma,” I said, opening my mouth and tossing the bite down the hatch. Heavenly mixtures of sweet chocolate and tangy berries exploded over my taste buds. I could almost ignore the name. “It deserves an A plus, plus.” It really did. I just wouldn’t be eating it unless she changed the name. It brought on too many memories of my little impromptu visit to Hell.
“It’s amazing, Ms. Norma,” Jessica said, licking chocolate off her lips.
Mrs. Gracin nodded, shaking her fancy updo. “I third that! In fact, I’m going to have to get me some to take home to Harry. He’ll love it.”
“That’s fantastic.” Ms. Norma beamed and pivoted, heading back to the counter.
I followed her. “Do you have any pies today? I’d love to get a piece or two.” Or ten.
She set the platter of samples on the counter and faced me, frowning. “I’m sorry, Lena. I’m fresh out of pie. Jimmie Knowles took my last three down to the town square for the contest.”
My shoulders drooped. That must have been the guy who left with the big boxes a minute ago. “Contest?” Was Mystic Hollow having some kind of pie contest where a blue ribbon was awarded? How could I be a judge on that panel? Dream job, anyone?
Ms. Norma slipped behind the counter and pulled out the rest of the Forbidden Fruit Delight, the silver bangle bracelets on her arm clanking together. “The pie-eating contest.”
I froze. Did she just say pie-eating contest? “Come again?”
“It’s one of the events today to raise money.” She grabbed a knife to cut Mrs. Gracin a piece. “The prize is a thirty-dollar gift card to any store in town.”
“Has it started yet? And how much is it to enter?” I was bouncing on the balls of my feet, my mouth already salivating. Please tell me it hadn’t started. An excuse to stuff my face with sugar? How could I pass it up?
Mrs. Gracin waved from her table. “It’s ten dollars to enter, but you better hurry. It starts in seven minutes. My Harry is one of the judges.”
Jessica snatched her phone and shoved it in her pocket. “Let’s go, Lena. I’ll get you there without any wipeouts.”
I sprinted over, banging into the edge of a table. Son of a biscotti!
“Be careful, Lena,” Ms. Norma called as we raced out of the door.
“Jess, you’ll be my hero if you get me to the town square on time and in one piece,” I said.
She giggled. “As long as I don’t have to wear a cape and spandex. That’s not really my thing.”
“You got it, babe.” She might want to reconsider though. Sebastian would be speechless if he saw her in a formfitting superhero outfit.
We made it to the town square with three minutes to spare. The goal wasn’t to win. For me, entering was already winning.
A couple dozen people sat at folding tables covered in plastic red-and-white-checkered cloths. Volunteers placed a pie before each person and secured their hands behind their backs. I marched toward a woman sitting behind a smaller table. She was in charge. She had a clipboard.
“Is it too late to enter?” I asked, my heart skipping a beat as her head tilted up, revealing her face. She was the woman who stared me down on a bench in front of TVs & More a few weeks ago. Black had eclipsed her eyes. I’d thought I was hallucinating.
Was the dweller still inside of her?
She gave a friendly smile. “You’re just in the nick of time.” Her sticker nametag read Marissa.
I reached into my pocket and pulled out a ten, handing it to her. “Awesome.”
Her gaze swiveled to Jessica. “And you, hon? Do you want to enter?”
“No thanks, Marissa.” Jessica nudged me. “I’m here for moral support.”
The woman grinned and handed me a ticket. “Give this to that gentleman over there, and he’ll explain the rules.”
“I’ll be cheering you on, Lena,” Jessica said, meandering away to find a spot among the scant crowd.
I made it to the pudgy man and handed him the ticket. The sun beamed down on his bald head. “I’m entering.”
He surveyed me and chuckled. “You’re a little tiny thing.”
My brows dipped. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
He held his meaty hands up. “I didn’t mean to offend you, miss. I just don’t think a little thing like you has much of a chance.”
I shrugged. “I’m here for the pie. That’s all, Chuckles.”
A round of loud, boisterous laughter burst from his mouth, the jowls on his face quivering. “All right then, miss. I can respect that.” He jerked his chin for me to follow him to one of the tables, grabbing a pie on the way. “The name’s Barney.”
I sat at the end of the table. “I’m Lena.”
“I figured as much. I know everybody else in Mystic Hollow.” He placed the glistening pie in front of me.
I licked my lips. Thick cherry sauce leaked from the holes on top of the crust. “Let’s do this.”
“Someone’s excited.” He motioned toward my hair. “You might want to put that up.”
“Oh, right.” I grabbed a hair tie off my wrist and pulled my hair up—or at least what would stay—on the crown of my head. I wasn’t one of those girls who looked cute with the half ponytail on top. I looked like Gene Simmons about to don his Kiss getup.
“I’m going to have to tie your hands.” Barney produced a blue scrunchie from a bag.
I stretched my hands around my back. “Go right ahead. All I need is my mouth.”
He shook his head with a grin and secured my wrists together. “The first person to finish the entire pie wins the thirty-dollar gift certificate. Second place will win two tickets to the fall festival, and third will win a bowling game down at the alley.”
If I managed to get third place, that gift was going to my dad. Heavy balls and slick floors did not mix well with this girl.
Jessica
waved from the crowd. Sebastian had popped up beside her, giving me two thumbs up. He must have finished his science project.
Marissa stood up front with the clipboard clutched to her chest, and a silver whistled poised near her lips. She began a countdown from ten. A person stood at the end of each table to monitor the contestants. The man sitting on my right took one look at me and smirked.
“Three, two, one… Go!”
My face sank into the pie with a splat. Gooey sweetness flooded my mouth. The crust was the right amount of thickness and dusted with a sprinkling of coarse sugar. I’d do this every day if it were socially acceptable. Hell, I’d do it anyway. James Raven was the only one who might have a problem with me consuming a couple pounds of sugar daily.
Cheers echoed through the crowd, spurring me. I gobbled the mess of crust, fruit, and sauce faster.
I hadn’t started off wanting to win, but the adrenaline was doing a number on me. So was the sugar. Plus, I could actually win this contest. This and any kind of classic rock trivia.
I went in for another bite, finding nothing but the sticky pie tin. I peered up. Holy sugar rush. I ate the whole thing while everyone else was still munching away.
I stood so fast, my body teetered backward. Luckily, Chuckles was there to catch me.
He blew the silver whistle around his neck. “We got a winner!”
The crowd applauded, and Barney ripped off the scrunchie securing my hands behind my back. “That was something else, little miss.” He clapped me on the shoulder with so much gusto I lurched forward.
I bit back a wince. “Well, the pie was that good.”
Marissa marched over with her clipboard. “Congratulations. Where would you like your gift certificate?”
“The Sugary Spoon.” It was the least I could do since Ms. Norma let the cat out of the bag on the contest. I would have missed it without her.
“Fabulous choice.” She winked and began scribbling on a piece of paper. “It’ll be ready for you at Ms. Norma’s shop by tomorrow evening.”
Barney handed me a couple napkins. “You’ve got a little something on your face.”
“Funny.” The sticky cherry sauce covered me. I glanced down. Craptastic. My shirt was ruined. There was a price to pay for this massive sugar rush.
A hot zip tickled down my spine, and I froze. Oh my gawd. No. Please no.
My head lifted. Jayson was walking toward me, a smirk curling his lips. And to make matters worse, the impeccable Strawberry Longlegs was on his heels.
Someone shoot me now.
I wiped my face, but it was no use. I’d need a hose to wash the remnants of pie off.
“I thought I might find you at the pie-eating contest.” Jayson stopped in front of me, humor glinting in his eyes. “I didn’t think you’d win though.”
I shrugged, trying to ignore the extreme flush in my cheeks. “I’m full of surprises, Casteel.”
Hannah’s smile was anything but friendly. “Congratulations on winning. Quite the talent you’ve got there.”
“It’s one of many talents.” I gave her the same fake smile.
Jayson took the napkin from me and tried wiping the sticky sauce off. “You need a wet one.”
“Or a shower.” A piece of crust dangled in my hair. My lids drifted closed. So effing embarrassing.
A low hum vibrated in Jayson’s chest. “I could always lick it off.”
Fire spread over my skin, and I sputtered. “Yeah, um, not happening, Neanderthal.”
He stepped closer, gold beginning to pop in his hazel irises. “Are you sure, Angel Eyes? I don’t mind.”
My knees were trembling from his scorching look. If he wasn’t careful, I was going to end up on the ground.
“Can I at least give you a ride home?” he asked, his voice dipping to dangerous octaves.
A thrill zipped through my insides. What was going to happen after the ride home? My dad was out with Max. We’d be alone for several hours…
Someone cleared her throat. “J.J., I thought we were going to meet up with Kale and Emily.”
“You can go.” His bottom lip snagged between his teeth. “I’m going—” His words abruptly cut off, and his stare lifted above my head.
I followed his line of sight and spotted a man and a woman standing in the crowd. Standing and staring. With black eyes.
A cold chill spilled down my back. Oh, great. Dwellers.
Jayson’s nostrils flared. “They just keep coming out of the woodwork,” he growled.
“We better go take care of them,” Hannah said, shooting me a smirk. “Hopefully, the humans are still alive.”
Jayson’s attention returned to me, and he sighed. “I’ll see you later, Lena.”
I nodded, choking back the disappointment. I knew he felt it when his eyes softened.
“I’ll try to stop by before you go to bed.” He leaned down, his lips brushing the shell of my ear as he whispered. “I might even tuck you in if you’re a good girl.”
I snorted on a laugh even as my stomach tightened. Jayson Casteel was going to be the death of my innocence.
Chapter 6
Mr. Jensen rolled the clear plastic scroll on the overhead projector to a new page of notes entitled Lucifer. I rubbed my arms to warm them. To our theology teacher, Lucifer was another character in a myth. To me, he was flesh and blood. He existed. I’d met some of his followers.
“Lucifer fell because of his pride. He wanted to rule the universe instead of serve God.” Mr. Jensen’s voice carried through the classroom. Most of the students were carefully paying attention—all except Jayson and Kale. They knew this story, the real version.
“He was the highest of all angels, but his place under God still made him unhappy. He rebelled, and God cast him and the others that sided with him out of Heaven. They became fallen angels.”
Astaroth’s stunning blue eyes appeared in my mind, staring at me from the shadows. I shivered.
“To understand Lucifer’s place in Heaven, let’s take a look at the types of angels.” Mr. Jensen moved down to more notes written in different colors. “There are three spheres—or hierarchical systems—of angels. The first sphere consists of Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones. Seraphim are those closest to God, literally and figuratively.” He wrote Lucifer in red pen under Seraphim. “Lucifer was Chieftain of the Seraph, the highest order of angel in Heaven.”
I twirled a lock of hair around my finger. What exactly caused Lucifer to rebel? Was he too close to God and got a taste of the power he knew would never be his?
“Cherubim are the keepers of knowledge. They maintain celestial records. They were also the ones to physically remove humankind—Adam and Eve—from the Garden of Eden.”
All because stupid Eve ate a damn nefa from the tree of knowledge of good and evil and then gave some to Adam. Great job, Eve. And thanks for following like an idiot, Adam.
Mr. Jensen continued, oblivious to the bitter thoughts bouncing in my mind. “Dominions are the first type in the middle grouping of angels.” A smile quirked the edges of his lips, faint wrinkles forming around his green eyes. “Think of them as middle management. They receive orders from the first sphere and dispense them to the lower orders of angels.”
He made Heaven sound like one big corporation, and God was the CEO. Did that make Hell the rival company with Lucifer as the head, gunning for more customers—i.e., souls?
I snickered. It could make an interesting show. Drama or comedy.
“Powers preside over births and death.” Our teacher rubbed his hand over the light stubble coating his jaw, his bicep flexing beneath his shirt.
This guy shouldn’t be allowed to teach a bunch of high school girls. One glance around the room and any idiot could tell most of them were harboring a major crush on him. I wouldn’t be surprised if a few were drooling.
Melinda raised her hand, catching the teacher’s attention. “Where do Archangels fit, Mr. Jensen?” A giggle rippled through her voice, and she fluttered her lash
es.
A grimace crossed my mouth. That girl had no shame. She hissed like a feral cat at any girl who so much as looked at Austin but flirted with the teacher.
“That’s a good question, Melinda.” He flashed a crooked smile that had every girl blushing. “Archangels don’t necessarily belong to any sphere. They’re the warriors and protectors who guard all in Heaven and on Earth.”
I covertly glanced at Jayson. His shoulders were stiff as stone. Was he thinking of his father, Nithael?
“Last but not least are guardian angels. They watch over households and individuals.” He used his pen to motion around the room. “I think we all have our own guardian angel watching over us.”
I didn’t know about everyone else, but I had an irritating and scorching hot half-angel watching over me.
Mr. Jensen flipped the lights on, shattering the wicked trail my mind had been traveling down. “Everyone, break up into pairs and work on this practice test.” He placed a stack of papers on the first desk in each row to pass back. “The real test next week will be similar to this.”
The screeching of desks dragging against the tile echoed as students began to choose partners. Jessica spun around, but her gaze drifted up, landing on something over my shoulder.
“Want to be partners, Jess?” Kale stood behind me, shooting her a lopsided grin.
“Oh.” When Jayson meandered up, a knowing smile split her lips. “Sure.”
That left me working with the Neanderthal.
Jayson and Jessica switched seats, and he turned his desk around to face mine.
I crossed my arms against my chest and leaned back. “I hope you don’t think I’m going to do all the work, Casteel.”
“Not if I want to pass.” His eyes twinkled under the harsh fluorescent lights. “I’m kidding. Don’t try to hit me. You’ll only hurt yourself.”
I shook my head. This guy was impossible. “Do you know what really happened with Lucifer? How and why he fell?”
Jayson dragged his fingers through his hair and let out a long sigh. “Lucifer wanted to rule. That’s true. He thought if he had enough angels on his side, he could overthrow God. He started whispering and pointing out all the favoritism God showed to humans.”
