by Layna Snow
Shit shit shit! Melody stood in the door way, wrapped in the sheet from the bed. Which was fucking hot. Her hair was rumpled, her skin bare as if she’d been in his room for a totally different reason. But hell she looked shocked, her hand covering her mouth as her eyes started to shine. Oh fuck. She was going to cry.
“I’m sorry, Kitten. I have a potty mouth and Seth is just a mean one sometimes. It will be alright. We won’t abandon you. I promise.”
He turned to look at his friend. Hoping that the jackass wouldn’t contradict him.
They both knew about abandonment. Caleb knew that Seth had been to two different foster homes before ending up at Cecilia’s. Cay had been to one. Being kicked out was a horrible feeling and Caleb was going to make sure that it didn’t happen to Melody. She was something to be protected and coddled.
***
Seth stood in front of the fire. He could feel the heat along his back, making him a little uncomfortable. No, it wasn’t the girl in front of him, staring at them in innocent terror. She was a naive little thing but she was also trouble. He wouldn’t let her have any effect on him.
He watched his friend coo at her and use his I-love-babies-and-puppies-and-rainbows voice. The one that soothed hurt animals and charmed women into his bed.
It didn’t seem to be working on the girl. She wasn’t even looking at the suave smooth talking man. No, she was looking right at Seth.
She must have heard the conversation. She looked terrified. As if she was afraid he would attack her. Or was she just frightened that they would turn their backs on her? Seth couldn’t tell. He wasn’t really good with this sort of thing. He focused on school and then on work. He didn’t spend too much time trying to talk his way into women’s hearts or pants.
Sure, he had girlfriends. He met people at work and occasionally in bars when Caleb made him go. He dated people who he met during school and other people in his field. But he didn’t have too much time to date. His school and work were most important to him. Since they were most important to Cecilia. She pushed him into it for a reason and he still felt like he had to make her proud. She died, and he was left having to protect himself and Caleb. He still had to do so.
Not to mention he was smart, a geek. He was used to being passed over. But now he was being looked at as if he had the power to break someone down. He wasn’t a fighter. He never had control over someone’s future safety and happiness. It was a weird feeling that filled him with a mix of power and fear. It was uncomfortable. And Seth didn’t like being uncomfortable.
Seth watched as Caleb moved towards the girl. He was doing so slowly, but Seth was sure that the girl didn’t mind too much. She obviously trusted Caleb. Unlike Seth.
Caleb was even able to wrap her in his arms. She didn’t protest, just stood there watching Seth wearily.
“Seth, the least we can do is talk to her. Ask her questions before we make a decision. This affects her too.” Caleb said, pulling Melody around until he could face Seth again, with the girl’s head pressed against his chest. They looked content. They looked like they had been cuddling for years. Seth pushed down an emotion at the sight. It wasn’t jealousy. He didn’t want her, no matter how pretty she was. And he wasn’t envious of her position in their lives, when Caleb normally spent all his time with Seth. No, what he disliked was how she had come between him and Cay.
But he couldn’t help but look into the innocent face of Caleb’s house guest. How could he judge her and make a decision without even talking to her. Caleb was right. She was a person. And deserved to be treated like a person. His emotions were groundless.
Seth nodded and strode into the living room area to sit back on the couch. They might was well sit while having this discussion. It might make Melody more comfortable. And that would get her to stop looking at him like he was an evil man who took away children’s candy.
When Caleb sat down on the couch, pulling Melody down in between them, he wrapped an arm around the girl. Seth turned in his seat so that he could face her when he asked his questions. She looked so cute cuddled into Caleb’s arms. Her wrinkled sheet was wrapped precariously around her. He could see her creamy shoulders and the swell at the top of her left breast. He almost wished the rest weren’t covered. God, he shouldn’t be thinking about this. No, he needed to focus himself so that he could ask her questions.
Logic, that was what was important here. He had to keep his wits about him. He couldn’t let her wrap him around her finger like she had with Caleb. No woman was going to take him over again.
***
Melody turned a little to keep an eye on the Commander. She had heard the Warrior call him Seth. The name fit him. It was no-nonsense, but soft. Deceiving. There was a lot behind that one name, just like there was a lot behind the man. She would bet that he was in just as good shape as the Warrior. But he kept it hidden behind his button up cotton shirt and pressed slacks. He was a dangerous one.
Melody might not know too much about the Surface, the place not Heaven or Hell where Humans reside. She might not understand Humans. But she was an Angel. At least she used to be an Angel. She had looked into people’s souls and dealt with sin. She knew Warrior Angels and had seen a battle or two. She was too used to God’s rules to pass judgement on the dead. She did not get caught up in the details of a person’s life, or how things worked. No, she judged the soul, not the person or culture.
She could see the truth behind the masks these men wore. And she knew that the darker one was the one she had to be weary of.
“Okay. So, what is your full name?” Seth’s low voice rumbled, pleasing to her ears.
Melody felt her eyebrows drawing together in—yes that had to be confusion. “Melody.” She answered. It was the name she was given, was he asking for her position as well? Surely he would have said that if he meant it.
Melody was not used to conversations like this. She simply did what she was told. This confusing circular dialog was difficult to comprehend. She was the one being judged so she did not know why Seth looked frustrated and angry.
Caleb tightened his arm around her. It felt good to have that hard warm limb circling her waist. She could feel the heat through the thin material around her. It seemed to warm her body. It made Melody feel safe and content. “No, Kitten. He wants to know what your last name is. Your family name.”
Melody turned her head to look over her shoulder at him. She just did not know what he was asking. She had hoped his face would give her some clue, but it did not. She still did not comprehend.. “I.. do not understand. My name is not Kitten. I am called Melody. There is no other name. ”
Seth made a noise of frustration, at least that was what she thought it was. Melody turned back to look at him. The man’s blue eyes had some grey, making them look like storm clouds. His face was more angular than Caleb’s. His lips were a little fuller and his hair was a little longer. Despite that, he certainly looked masculine. He reminded her of the pirate she had once seen. But certainly this man did not consume hellfire water and shoot people with a gun.
“For some reason Cay is using ‘Kitten’ as a nickname. I don’t know why but that’s not the issue. What is your last name? Surely you have one?” he asked and then made another growly noise at the look of confusion on her face—at least that was what it must have been. “You don’t know? I think she might be insane, Caleb. This isn’t right.”
Melody shook her head at Seth’s comment. Insane? There was nothing wrong with her brain. It was developed properly. God would not have made a dysfunctional Angel. She had obviously answered the question wrong. She would do better from now on. “No, please. Ask me another question. I will get it right. I was not given a ‘last name’. I did not mean to upset you.” She begged, worried that Seth would decide to make her leave.
Melody did not know about life as a Human. She needed help to learn. She needed someone to provide her with safety and answers. She was all alone down here without a clear path. God had sent these men to help her. She
could not disappoint them.
Seth took a deep breath. His mouth forming words. Numbers. Why was he counting backwards? Humans were funny creatures.
“Fine. How old are you?”
That was a question that Melody could answer. Even though age and years were different for Angels, she remembered the first time she was sent to the Surface. She could do the math. “I am forty seven.” She said happily. Her voice rising in pride.
“God damn it!” Caleb rumbled behind her, shocking Melody. How dare he!
“Do not use the Lord’s name in vain! He is the Almighty and you must respect and revere him!” she snapped. Anger, yes she remembered anger, filling her body. She could feel her body tensing. She wanted to strike him. But that was not right. One did not hit another person.
“Of course she’s religious.” Seth said, taking Melody’s attention from the Warrior.
She tilted her head. The new view did not give her a new perspective on his comment. “Yes. Of course I am religious. I was made by Him and worked for Him. I will always live my life for Him. Even if I have Fallen.”
Seth’s eyes seemed to focus on her then. “Fallen. What do you mean by fallen?”
Melody then realized something. These Humans could not tell that she once was a part of the essential Angel race. They thought that she was one of them. That was why they were asking her so many questions. If they knew, everything would be cleared up.
“I see that you do not realize what I am. I forgive you for your ignorance. I was part of the Holy army. However I disobeyed God and my wings were taken. I was an Angel. Now I am one of the Fallen.”
There was a silence. Both men had simply stopped. They stopped moving, breathing and talking. It seemed like they were thinking about her words. They certainly were trying to come to terms with her announcement. They must be in shock at the honour she was giving them.
4
Ten minutes later Caleb walked out of his room. He felt numb. He just didn’t know what to think. His brain just shut down, unable to compute what she just said. An Angel? Shit, Seth is right. She is crazy. He felt let down. Not that he really realized beforehand that he was counting on this girl to be something real.
She was pretty and needed his help. His protection. She made him want to be that knight in shining armor. Something other than a fucking victim.
Fuck, he felt like crap now. This wasn’t how this was supposed to happen. She was totally nuts and needed way more help than he could give. She needed to be in a mental hospital, not in his arms.
Cay shut his door softly, putting the solid wood between him and the girl. He felt betrayed by her for some reason. But he knew that she didn’t do this on purpose. She didn’t promise anything to him. Fuck, this is ridiculous.
What he needed to do was discuss this with Seth. He was the one who fixed all the problems. He was the one with the brain. And now he had the opportunity to see what could be done to repair this shit.
Earlier—after she dropped that bomb of suck—Caleb had helped the girl up, not noticing the annoyed look on her face. He had asked Melody to go with him to find clothes. She couldn’t stay naked forever—even if that’s what his body wanted.
Caleb didn’t even bother to look at Seth. He had not wanted to see the smug look on his face when he realized he was right. Not that Seth ever looked smug, he took it for granted that he was always right. Motherfucker.
As if sensing his horrible mood Melody had then stomped towards the bedroom door. She didn’t even wait for him to lead her, or direct her. I guess she’s going to wear my clothes then. Caleb remembered shaking his head. He didn’t want her to wear his clothes, she’d look adorable and sexy in them, he just knew it.
That was another reason he had shut the door, to keep himself out. He could swear she was stomping her foot and huffing in there. For someone who supposedly just Fell from Heaven, she sure had the angry female act down.
You don’t really believe her story Cay. Come on. She’s not a fucking Angel. There is no such thing. You got conned, sucked in by a pretty face, and thought with your cock. Should have listened to Seth. He’s the smart one. Not you. Never you. This just proves it, again.
Caleb rolled his shoulders, trying to relieve some tension. He had to face the music sometime. And he wasn’t talking about the little rant in his head. No, Seth would have a much better speech. He always did.
Caleb moved back to the couch. They needed to get this over with before the girl decided to come back out. “Okay. Now what? Where do we send her?”
Seth was sitting on the couch, his shoulders hunched over and his head down. Caleb could tell he was thinking. He had his hands folded in his lap, his fingers fidgeting with the ring on his right hand, his grandfather’s wedding ring. It took a moment for him to extract himself from his mind and look up. His eyes were a little unfocused, and his brows were drawn together. Fuck, Seth was definitely thinking deeply. “What do you mean? You’ve changed your mind? You’re not keeping her?” Seth asked, surprise lighting his eyes.
Caleb knew better than to get angry. It wasn’t Seth’s fault that he was in this mess, but fuck it was difficult and he was the only one here to take it out on. “Fuck yes. She’s clearly loony. She thinks she’s a fucking Angel! We can’t let her stay. She might be dangerous. I was fucking wrong. Shit! I should have just listened to you. You always know what’s best. You’re always right. I should be used to being the dumb impulsive one by now!”
Caleb had turned his head to look at the fire. A fire that Seth had fed while he was taking care of Melody. He was so caught up in his own self-hatred that he didn’t notice that Seth stood.
“You are not stupid! And you have never been dumb. You have done dumb things, but you were young. You have also done some great things. I don’t like when you talk badly about yourself. I wouldn’t be here if you were just some screwed-up idiot. Now, that’s neither here nor there. Right now we have to think about this problem.”
Caleb shook his head, denying the older man’s words. But what good would it be in arguing about his usefulness. It didn’t fucking matter right now. “Fine. But there is no problem, really. We will take her to a mental hospital. Or better yet, send for someone. She’d be gone and we can get back to work. Like you wanted in the first place.”
Seth got that unfocused look in his eyes. It was like he wasn’t seeing anything in front of him, but a book in his mind with all the answers in it. It’d just be his luck if that was true. Then he could claim that Seth was cheating his way through life, rather than just fucking smart! “No. You were right before. She can heal herself. She can’t just be given over to a hospital that will lock her up.” Seth answered finally, his eyes closing as if against an unwanted thought. Shit, was he changing his mind? What the hell?
Caleb couldn’t believe it. Did Seth seriously think....? No, he couldn’t be that dumb. “So you actually fucking believe she’s a goddamned Angel?” Seth never believed in a god, or the occult. He had mocked Cay when he wanted to visit a ‘real life haunted house’. He constantly told Caleb that dead was dead. There was no afterlife, no Heaven and no ghosts. No Angels.
“Of course not,” Seth scoffed, “but she has abilities she should not have. There must have been something done to her. Or she must have come into contact with something. Maybe we can test it. Get some blood work. I can call Tim.”
It all seemed sketchy to Caleb. He didn’t want her experimented on, even if she was batshit crazy. He just felt an instinctive denial. That also might have to do with the fact that he didn’t like Tim. The man was more sex-crazed than Cay was. But that might just be envy talking. He had lost a girl or two through the years to that man. And really, Caleb couldn’t think of another plan. They’d see what happened when it happened. Melody didn’t seem dangerous, at least not right now.
“Fine,” Caleb announced, feeling somewhat relieved. “I’ll sleep on the couch tonight. But don’t tell Tim too much. We don’t know how she got like this. We should keep thi
s on the down low for now.”
***
Melody could hear them arguing from her place on the bed. They argued for hours. The sun was starting to rise now, the darkness ending. And she knew it was about her. Why were they discussing this? They had no right to be mad at her. She had done nothing wrong. She had come down and blessed them with this wonderful gift, and they acted like she had sinned!
But then again, she had.
Melody had to remind herself that she had Fallen. This was not just a normal task she had to perform for God. This was not a test. This was what life would be like now. And all because she had sinned. Melody did not understand why she was punished. She had tried to be good. She had tried to follow the rules. She was being wasted judging souls. She wanted to do something helpful. To serve God better.
Pride. He said she was too proud. That she had thought too much of herself. That she had thought that she knew best. That was not true. She just wanted to help more. But He was always right. She had to have done something wrong.
Melody turned on the bed, laying on her side. She did not want to think about this now. She needed to think about herself. She needed to focus on bettering her situation. She needed to learn. So she concentrated on her surroundings. On her senses. She could feel the sheets beneath her body. They had started off cool but they were warming. Was she warm? Caleb certainly was. The thing under her head was a pillow, fluffy and comfortable. It cradled her neck and skull. She could not feel the air on her body, but the shirt was slightly heavier. It seemed to caress her as she moved.
And it smelled like Caleb. Actually, this whole room did. This must be his bedroom. Would he come sleep in it too? Surely that that was a sin—at least she thought she remembered hearing about that.