Thick mist made it hard to travel putting two feet in front of me, so I took to the trees. Once I scaled the tree branches, I perched on the highest limb. A harmonious sound drifted to my ears. Jumping to the next tree, I waited to get a glimpse of who was making that sound. I saw a female human. She had long blonde wavy hair flowed about her as she skipped through the trees humming along with the birds. She was painfully beautiful. Her alabaster skin looked like porcelain.
These humans looked like us but without power and immortality. I’ve always thought of humans like birds, something small and insignificant. Why would Valcrum keep us from this planet? I floated to the tree adjacent to the tree she stood underneath. She belongs to me. She and I will have a beautiful life in Xundar.
Closing my eyes, I envisioned several wolves. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw three, mangy, wet, dark grey wolves heading toward her. Jumping down from the tree I approached her. She startled and turned toward me.
“You scared me,” she said. Her yellow dress flowed about her.
“I won’t hurt you.” I placed my hands in the air, so I appeared less threatening to a female in the woods alone.
“What is your name?” She backed away from me her fingers clutching at the ends of her dress.
“My name is Trevor Demkar.”
“My name is Lily Lawson. It’s nice to meet you.” She turned and started walking the other way.
“I’d love to talk to you some more. Don’t rush off.” My nose twinkled, as I smelled the scent of wolf dander in the air.
“I’d love to stay longer but I can’t. I must get back to my mother. She’s ill right now and I’m taking care of her.” She bent down and picked up a wooden basket full of blackberries.
“Can you help me find my phone? It’s the only one I have.” I turned and looked at the ground and walked north toward the wolves. I pointed toward the direction I had met her and kept walking. Once I was a few feet ahead of her I disappeared up the tree.
“Sure. Where were you last?” asked Lily. She stopped next to every tree looking for my phone.
That dress was so beautiful I hated to ruin it. Her butt looked nice and firm in the material. I allowed my mind to slide inside the wolves making them famished and yearning for the next kill. Once they thirsted for blood, I drew them to her.
The ground pounded as the wolves rushed toward her. She looked up and all three wolves appeared in the mist surrounding her.
“Trevor!” She screamed my name then ran in the opposite direction but stopped short when the black alpha wolf took three steps toward her.
I savored hearing her call my name. The frantic panic that made her voice edgy didn’t dull my excitement. This wouldn’t be the last time that she called my name. I promised that I wouldn’t hurt her and, after today, I won’t. Why should she want to stay here on earth taking care of her mother when she can be with me?
What’s a little pain? She will never have to hurt or feel sickness again. Surely that is worth a little pain today. I’m sure she knows that she can’t outrun a wolf let alone a pack of wolves. Her death is imminent. I hope she allows it to be quick, but if she does not; I’ll get to see her feisty side.
Lily backed up. She looked behind her and saw the three wolves. Jumping up she grabbed a tree branch. The grey wolf ran toward her. She swung and hit it in the face. Before she could lift the branch again the black wolf leaped in the air and bit her neck. Her screams echoed through the woods as she tried to fight the wolf. A few minutes later the black wolf had torn a huge bite from her neck and her legs shook as blood colored the dirt.
The wind suddenly changed. Turning I grabbed Dylan by the neck.
“What are you doing here?” Dropping my hands, I narrowed my eyes at him. His scent was very different. His aura was green. He had mated.
“I like planet earth. What happened here?” asked Dylan.
“These wolves were hungry.” I shrugged and turned toward her just as the wolf ripped off her right leg.
“Too bad, you cannot use your power to save her. We had better get back to Xundar soon before someone notices we’re gone,” said Dylan.
“I would have helped her if I could. You smell of mating. Whom did you mate with down here?” The stench was pungent and not at all enticing.
“There was a beautiful creature running through the mountains. I followed it and we mated,” said Dylan.
“Let’s get back.” Dylan always liked hairy creatures. It was something about them that excited him. Valcrum forbids us from mating with creatures because the offspring is not in his image. Dylan’s indiscretion could cause Valcrum’s wrath to rain down on us. I’ve gotten my Lily so there’s no reason to come back down here.
“When are we coming back down here,” asked Dylan.
The wolves had run off. There was not much left of Lily. I saw her spirit ascend to the sky.
“We can never come back down here. You were right. There’s nothing for us here and we do not want Valcrum to find out.” I rushed through the forest. The sky had darkened, and time had passed without me noticing it. Valcrum could be waiting for us as we speak. The thought brought a shiver up my body.
“If I come a few more times Valcrum might not find out,” said Dylan.
“If you have fathered an offspring Valcrum will unleash your spirit in the realm of torture where you will be tortured for all of eternity. Do you want that?”
“No. It is best that we never come back or speak of tonight ever again,” said Dylan.
“Yes. That is the best. You have had all day Dylan.”
Chapter One
Cade Cohen
Dang. I’m screwed. When the headmaster summons you to his office, the Chamber of Wisdom, you know you’re done. I’m always doing something but usually I don’t get caught. Things have changed recently and I’m not sure why. After cutting the last leaf off my bonsai tree, I rush inside.
The halls aren’t as populated with angels like it used to be. There was a time when the halls were packed like sardines in a can, and I had to elbow my way two feet in front of me, to get to my destination. It seemed like no matter how we prepared for the enemy, he evaded us. Passing through the kitchen I grabbed a cold peach.
“Where are you running off to?” asked Bethanny. She twirled her hair around her finger as she stood inside the doorway.
“Just grabbing a peach. Do you want one?” I held up the fruit as I closed the refrigerator.
“Do you want to grab some lunch later?” She dropped her books and moved slowly to pick them up. Her low-cut blouse was hot pink, and more buttons were unbuttoned than buttoned.
“Thanks, Uhm.?” I didn’t know her name. The way that she dressed or half-dressed herself, didn’t sit well with me. I’m not rude, but I don’t like easy girls. This world has enough issues without boys and girls convoluting it with mixed messages.
“Bethanny Holland.” She extended her hand.
“Cade.” I quickly shook her hand and moved toward the door. A sense of guilt washed over me, at how quick I brushed her off. I turned around to see if she knew where the cafeteria was located.
“Do you know where the cafeteria is located,” I asked.
“Yes.” She bent lower, and her cleavage spilled out from her blouse.
“I think you missed a button. You wouldn’t want Ms. Barnes to say something when you’re in the cafeteria. We have a dress code here at the academy.” Here at the academy guys were like wolves, and maybe that top was all she had to wear. I’m sure she’s knew and doesn’t how fragile a girls reputation can be here at the academy.
I frowned then walked past her. Every year more or more girls came here to sharpen their claws and land a boyfriend, instead of sharpening their magical abilities. Don’t they know we are at war?
“What about tomorrow? You’ve got to eat sometime.” She leaned against the door. Her lips curved as she shrugged her shoulders.
“Oh. Excuse me. I didn’t know anyone was in here. I just need somethin
g to replenish my sugar,” said another girl as she came through the door. Her large glasses made her look like a librarian, and her red hair against her fair complexion was mesmerizing.
“You’re interrupting. Go to the cafeteria like everyone else,” said Bethanny. She folded her arms and nodded toward the door.
“Here. Take this peach. I picked it fresh from the enchanted garden. I’m Cade Cohen.” I handed her the peach.
“I’m Melody Ackerman. Thanks so much. I’ll be out of your hair in a jiffy.” She took the peach and bit into it, closing her eyes as she chewed slowly.
“Do you know where the cafeteria is located?” I held the door for Melody. I could feel the girl’s breath on my neck.
“Nope, but you’ve been so nice, please stay here with your girlfriend. I can find it,” said Melody.
“I don’t have a girlfriend, and I’m heading that way. I’ll show you.” I escorted Melody down the hall and around the corner. She blushed as she fidgeted with her short curly hair. In the stylish grey plaid book bag on her back, I saw a Shakespeare book.
Glancing at the clock, my stomach clenched. I was already five minutes late, but at least I could tell Liam that I was helping the new recruits. He’s always on me to help more with their training and acclimation to their role as a spiritual warrior.
“Thanks again for the peach. I’ve met some people so far but they aren’t as nice as the people in Denver where I come from.”
“Welcome to the Angel Academy of Eastwick.” I smiled. I stood there much longer than needed watching her stand in line to eat. I’m famished but my time is up. A chill ran up my spine and I looked at the window. Heading back into the kitchen I grabbed myself a peach. I’m still dreading seeing Liam. I’m excited about lunch tomorrow if Liam Moretti doesn’t kill me first.
Turning around, I saw Bethanny. She was frowning and biting her lips. She should’ve done her homework. I don’t like rude girls. I’m a choosy kind of guy and I want the kind of girl I could’ve taken home to mom.
She’ll forget about me as soon as she sees all the other guys here. This place has more diversity than all fifty states combined. I guess I need to keep my head down and follow the rules. I’ve never dated a student at the academy, but Melody might make me break my own rule. Rules are meant to be broken.
Liam’s office was dark. Frowning I closed the door behind me. Walking past his desk, which had papers thrown all over it, I summoned my inner chi. Something was wrong. Liam is many things, but he isn’t disorganized. Jumping up, I grabbed Liam’s secret sword that was attached to the wood ceiling beam.
Stalking to the back, I paused at the green trail. What the heck? Liam might be in danger. We had protocols for reasons, and this was one of them. Pulling out my phone, I texted, the only person’s number in my phone, who I hate.
Walking to his bookshelf I touched the secret book. Once the bookshelf opened, I raked my nail across my wrist allowing my green blood to spill into a vial. A second later the door opened, and I flew down the steps.
“What took you so long? I was summoning you for a reason. I’d be ash by the time you showed up,” said Liam. His clothes were drenched in blood. The weird spattered patterns of green blood were everywhere.
“I was showing some students the cafeteria. What’s going on here?” I shifted from one foot to the next. It’s hard to give him excuses when I know that this place is littered with secret cameras everywhere. Even though he trusts me I don’t know where all of them are.
“You were breaking hearts and flirting. That’s hardly an excuse to be late.” He tore off his shirt and tossed it into the fireplace that burned in the hearth.
“You’ve redeemed yourself with my sword.” Liam smiled as the light from the fireplace cast a warm glow on the blade. Each of the precious rubies gleamed in the case.
“What happened here? I saw your desk looking shabby and immediately knew that something wasn’t right.” I narrowed my eyes as I watched him clasp the cufflinks on a crisp white shirt.
He held up his hands. “I’m fine. It’s Corey Adams. He’s sick.”
“I can leave now. I’ll be in Alabama in an hour.” Corey was the proverbial screw up. If there was peace, he was the one who caused the trouble. Corey was hell on all of us.
“He’s here. Come with me.”
I followed Liam around the corner. He never allowed anyone in the basement. I stood at the door watching him walk down the steps. I’m not sure I want to see what’s going on. This isn’t good. When he disappeared around the corner, I flew down after sheathing the sword on my back. I’m not sure I want the sword far from me.
Chapter Two
Arianna Deeds
Today was my birthday, but that is not why today is special. My whole life was reduced to this day. My left eye is constantly twitching and my big toe aches. I feel like a lopsided washing machine that is overloaded. It’s not that something is wrong, everything is wrong. The sky looks like a black blanket and storm clouds are moving across the sky at a sloth’s pace. Great. All I need is for it to rain today. Glancing at Kyra was like looking in a mirror shattered into tiny pieces. No one could pay me to wear anything purple and glitter was positively criminal. Everything she wore was adorned with purple glitter. How can two identical twins be so different?
“Are you worried about tonight?” asked Kyra. She sat on the bed rifling through two mounds of clothes.
I love my sister. I do but I’ve been sharing a space with her since we were in mom’s cramped womb. I desperately need my space. Kyra is messy. I will never understand how she can pick up dirty clothes off the floor and put them on. Gross. Glancing out the window, the city looked like an abandoned wild forest. The city of Atlanta seemed to be flooding. Every day it rained.
“It’s only natural to be worried on the most important day of our lives. You’re the only person I know, who doesn’t worry about anything ever.”
“Why is your bed cluttered with clothes? Every piece of clothing you own is tossed on your bed.”
“Stop turning up your face. My clothes don’t stink and I’m able to wear my jeans three times before I need to wash them. My butt doesn’t sweat like yours.”
Rolling my eyes, I grab my purse off the bed. The day is wasting away, and I have things to do. I didn’t have much time to get to work. Unlike Kyra, I understand that money doesn’t grow on trees, and mom is struggling to keep a roof over our heads. We may not have the latest designer jeans or sharpest shoes in the city, but we had each other. Family is worth more to me than anything in the world. My job stinks but it helps keep the lights on.
“Wait for me,” said Kyra. I heard her slam our bedroom door behind her.
“Mom’s still going to find the mess you left in the room. For once, think of someone besides yourself. Mom works two jobs to keep everything afloat.”
“You act like the job at Pratt laboratories is your future. Do you think you’re saving lives?” asked Kyra.
Gritting my teeth, I turned the corner ignoring her. Sometimes I wish I could let my fist pound into her face like I used to do when we were younger.
The city wasn’t safe anymore. If it wasn’t the rogue vampires mugging and snatching people off the streets, it was the opportunistic criminals. Nobody wants to be bullied, so they bully. In every situation there must be a victim. I’m not sure the vampires are the problem but I’m not trying to find out either.
This was my least favorite part of the day. The city looked like a nuclear warhead had detonated twenty years ago, leaving what resembled an industrial headquarters for slaves. Atlanta no longer looked like a city. The only thing left were tall scraper buildings overlooking the next tall industrial compound. Humans created machines that built the industrial compounds that make up the city. It looked like a jail cell.
There are very few trees left. We have breathing apparatuses that cover half our face, so we can venture beyond the compounds we now call home. When I envisioned my future, I never thought my home would
become my prison.
“I’m talking to you.” Kyra yanked me around to face her. She folded her arms across her chest.
“Get your head out of your butt. Spit that gum out you know it’s illegal.” I peeked down at my watch before staring at her. She kept popping gum in my face, blowing large bubbles before sucking the sugary candy back into her mouth. The cherry flavor drifted to my nose intensifying the dull ache in my stomach.
“The government has made everything illegal.” Kyra pulled out the small purple cracked mirror and applied several coats of lipstick to her lips.
“Look around you. Things are not the way they used to be twenty years ago.” I pointed at the bullet holes in the cement wall next to me.
“You always do what you’re told. For once in your life have an original thought. You look down on me, but I make my own decisions and do not follow the ones forced on me,” said Kyra.
Pushing her out of my way, I rush down the street. The rain has stopped but the dark clouds suggest it’s only a matter of time before the rain start again. Coming up to Hide Me park, I basked in the few tall oak trees that remained. I looked past the decaying leaves and partially split branches to linger in one of the remaining things humans still have.
“Kyra something’s crawling on me.” Hopping around I tried to flick whatever was on me off.
“Sounds like a personal problem, sis,” Kyra smirked at me and went to lean her feet on the tree while she watched me.
“If it’s a tick and I get sick I’m going to make sure you get sick too.” Dropping my purse, I took off my long sleeve shirt and pulled down the undershirt. I saw him.
“You can’t bring Joe. If you lose him, we will never find him.” I cupped the turquoise body close rubbing his orange spots. What made her think she should bring her Tokay Gecko with us? How long has she been sneaking him out the house?
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