Enlighten Series- The Complete 3 Book Collection

by Kristin D. Van Risseghem

  “Zoe,” Kieran said softly, his eyes sad. “He’s been through a lot. We should let the angels fix him the best they can, then let him rest. When he’s ready, we’ll move him to his bedroom, so he’s more comfortable.”

  He placed his hand on the small of my back and tried to usher me away. I knew what he said was true; I needed to let them do their work, but I also needed to make sure Shay was okay.

  At least he was alive.

  “Okay.” I leaned in and placed a kiss on Shay’s cheek. “You’re safe now,” I whispered and stepped away.

  Vash came crashing through the back door, almost colliding with Sidelle, Cali, and Jackson, who were gathered behind me. He stopped, looked around, then scooped up Cali and hugged her.

  “You okay?” he asked. “I felt Jackson’s panic through the pack bond.”

  “She’s fine,” Jackson said. “Nothing happened today. Well, nothing that we couldn’t handle, anyway.”

  “What?” Kieran asked. “Come on. Let’s go into another room and talk.”

  “No,” I said softly. “You guys go. I’m staying here.”

  I watched Michael and Gabriel work, watched their hands fly over Shay’s battered body. Every now and then, Shay would groan, but he never opened his eyes or said a word. Michael dissolved Shay’s T-shirt and removed all the dried blood from his face and chest. Gabriel unwrapped the gauze and tried to clean the wound, but he shook his head.

  “It’s not working,” he said. “Whatever they used on him to make this cut, my grace isn’t healing him like it should.”

  “I can’t fix his chest, either.” Michael scratched his forehead, looking confused. “We’ll know more when he wakes. He should be able to tell us something then.”

  “When will that be?” I asked.

  “I don’t know,” Gabriel said. “I guess when he’s ready to face whatever it is he’s hiding from.” He dressed both wounds with new bandages and then outfitted Shay in a comfortable pair of pajama bottoms. “We’ll take him to his room to rest. You can watch over him there, if you’d like.”

  I nodded because I couldn’t get anything else out. The damage would leave awful scars. Shay’s perfect body would always be marred, and it would be a constant reminder to him of his time in whatever hellish prison he’d been kept in. I didn’t care that his chest wasn’t flawless anymore, but I was worried about how the memories would affect him.

  By the time I had figured out which bedroom was Shay’s, his dad had already tucked him under the covers. Gabriel nodded then flashed out of the room, leaving Shay and me alone. I trudged over, afraid to wake him, but also afraid he might never awaken. He looked so peaceful, tucked under the blankets, but I knew better. His arm muscles twitched, a silent indication that he was anything but. Behind the burned cheek, he ground his teeth. Every so often, he’d groan, making me think he was remembering what I suspected was some kind of torture.

  I lay on the bed, facing him, wishing he could just open his eyes and smile at me. Very, very carefully, I placed one hand on his cheek, to avoid the awful blister.

  “I’m not sure if you can hear me,” I said, my voice cracking. “I’ve missed you so much. Tons of stuff happened this past week that’s been important, and I wished you were there with me. I thought of you every day and hoped you were okay.”

  I sniffed, but I was determined not to cry. He needed me to be strong. He needed to hear my voice, know I was there for him.

  “I asked God to keep you safe. Kieran kept telling me to have faith, that they’d find you, but I was afraid to believe him. I’m just so happy you’re here now. You’re safe. And that’s what’s important.”

  I rambled on, hoping my voice might somehow reach him, bring him back. I told Shay’s sleeping form about the demon attack on pack land, letting him know who had died and informing him that now Vash was the Alpha. I told him how I’d used my Angel Light, about the new guy at school, and about Kieran’s misgivings about Aiden. I told him about my brand- new tattoo, but teased that he’d have to wait to see it. I told him we were planning to go to Fairyland this coming weekend, and how Sidelle’s brilliant suggestion to the school had made that possible. I even talked to him about mundane stuff like homework, of course that led to the topic of prom.

  “You’d better be well enough to take me, Shay.” I snuggled my body closer to his. “I won’t let you back out of it.”

  “How’s he doing?” Kieran whispered, tiptoeing into the room. “Any better?”

  “He hasn’t woken up, but he seems more relaxed.” I motioned for Kieran to come closer, though I was cautious not to move the bed too much. “At least he’s stopped twitching.”

  “That’s a good sign.”

  “Yeah, maybe.” I let out a long breath. “He’s been through a lot. I can see it in his face.”

  “Zoe, you should prepare yourself. Shay might not want to share whatever happened to him while he was in Hell. My guess is it’s traumatic and—”

  “Is that where they found him? In Hell?”

  “Yes.”

  “He should talk to someone about it. He can’t keep something like that bottled up. It’s not healthy. When he’s ready, and if he doesn’t want to talk to me about it, will you?”

  “Of course.”

  “Thanks, K.”

  Kieran patted my shoulder and left the room. I stayed next to Shay for a few more hours. When the moon started to peek through his window, I knew it was time for me to go. I wanted to stay, to be the first person Shay saw when he awoke, but I had to get home by ten for my parents. Reluctantly, I lifted my body away from Shay’s then stood and stared down at his soft blond hair. I moved a strand away from his face and imagined his aqua eyes opening. I backed away from his bed, still watching, not wanting to miss any movement, no matter how small. That’s when I noticed his body cast a slight glow, and I began to wonder.

  People seemed to think I’d eventually develop even more abilities than the Archangels. After all, I had brought Cali back from the dead.

  What if I could heal Shay?

  I bent over the bed, focusing like Sidelle had said earlier, looking deep inside myself. I had no idea what I was searching for. I had to hope something would show me the way. And just like that, there it was: a faint purple light, flickering in my chest, pulsing in time with my heartbeat. Thump. Thump. Thump.

  I held thoughts of healing and calmness in my mind. I expanded them, imploring Shay to open his eyes. As my thoughts expanded, so did the light. It moved toward my arm, and when I extended my hand and laid it on his chest, something magical happened. Purple Angel Light shot out from my fingers and created a glow in the room, and this time it was so intense that I stumbled back. Determined, I placed my palm against Shay’s chest, refocused, then forced my Light into him. His white Nephilim Light connected, then mixed with mine, creating a swirling effect.

  I could do this. I could heal Shay, take away whatever those demons had done to him.

  Feeling more confident, I pressed my forehead against Shay’s and opened my mind to his. The experience was shocking, like climbing over a brick wall that divided a calm meadow from a war zone. His thoughts were in turmoil. Pictures flashed, showing me a darkened cell, silver chains, black blood, and yet my face kept appearing in his memories. Every time my image appeared, his body and mind stilled, but it wasn’t long before the gore would start up again. I realized he was trying to find his way back from the darkness using thoughts of me.

  “Follow my voice,” I whispered mentally. “I’m here with you, Shay. Come back to me.”

  His body appeared in my mind, as clear as if I’d opened my eyes. I reached for him, and he sprinted into my waiting arms. His fingers twined through a fist full of my hair, and he breathed me in. A slight tremor ran through his body. Pain or joy?

  “Are you here, or am I imagining this?” He inhaled again. “Or maybe I don’t care. I think you are, and that’s good enough for me.”

  “Shay, I am here. I’m in your mind, and
I am physically standing over your body at Kieran’s house. You just have to open your eyes. Open them, Shay. Come back to me.”

  “Don’t go.” He shook his head, burying his face in my hair. “Stay with me a little longer. How are you here?”

  I stepped back. “I love you, Shay, and I will always find you. But you have to wake up now. I need you, Shay.”

  I took another step away from him, then another. Inch by inch, I walked backward with my arms extended in silent encouragement. He followed me, and we joined hands when we neared the swirling Light.

  “Are you ready?” I asked.

  He nodded.

  “Don’t worry, Shay. I will be with you.”

  I felt his absolute trust in me as I guided him through the barrier. It was warm and secure in my heart.

  Back in the real world, his chest heaved under my palm. I lifted my head, waiting. All at once, his body arched, and then he lay still.

  “Wake up, Shay.”

  His eyes twitched then opened. Without moving his head, he glanced around, and when he saw me, he smiled, though it looked like a painful effort.

  “Hi.” I blew out a deep breath and tried desperately not to cry. “Don’t try to move. How are you feeling?”

  “Like I’ve been to Hell and back.” His voice was husky and exhausted, but it was his voice.

  “So you’re ready to run a marathon with me, then?”

  “Yeah. Just give me a few hours.”

  He reached up, cringed, but still managed to touch my cheek. I could barely breathe through the emotion swelling my throat.

  “Thank you, Zoe. I’ve missed you so much. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me the most. I heard what you said while I was out of it, though, and it was your voice that helped me when I was there. You pulled me back. You have no idea what it was like—” His voice caught as he tried to rise. “But I don’t need to burden you with that. I’m just happy we’re together.”

  “Me, too.” Very carefully I embraced him, then forced him to lie back. He felt so good against my body, but I pulled away. Surprising me, he grabbed the back of my head and brought it down for a kiss—and not just any kiss. In it I felt all his swirling emotions: rage, happiness, and sorrow. I had almost forgotten the electrical shock that raced between us. With his good arm, he tossed the covers off. He also accidentally ripped his bandage.

  “Your chest looks better,” I said, impressed. The giant X was already scabbed over and had turned pink. “Well, okay. Your chest always looks good. I meant your injury.”

  He lowered his chin. “Really?”

  “It’s not as red as it was before when the angels first brought you here. In fact, I’d say it’s almost healed.” Then I remembered. “Look!” I squeezed his hand and turned them both over, so he could see my tattoo. “We’re not sure why I only got the Triquetra symbol, though.”

  “It’s beautiful on you.” He kissed my Mark. “This is special to receive this Mark from God, and that’s why you got it now, instead of having to wait until you’re eighteen.”

  He winced, reminding me that the best thing for him right now would be sleep.

  “I have to get home.” I dug out my cell and checked the time. “My parents are going to have a cow. I was supposed to be there already.” I tilted my head, gazing into those beautiful eyes I loved so much. “But I want to stay here.”

  “No. You go. I don’t want you to get in trouble on my account.” He attempted another smile. “How’re we going to go to Fairyland if you’re grounded?”

  “You’re in no condition to go to Fairyland, Shay. You need to stay here and rest.”

  The smile disappeared. “I’m not leaving you again.” He tried to rise once more but stopped when the pain got to be too much. He grabbed his shoulder and grunted, then collapsed back onto the bed.

  “See?”

  “Oh! You’re awake, Bull’s Eye.” Sidelle bounded into the room. “I thought I heard kissing sounds.”

  “Be nice, Sid,” I said quietly. “I have to get home. Will you watch over him?”

  “I’m not an invalid.” Shay clutched his stomach and sat partway up. “I’m almost as good as new.”

  “Listen here.” Sidelle pushed him back down. “Don’t make me become Nurse Meany. You wouldn’t like it. Now, do as you’re told and rest.”

  I gazed down at him, reluctant to go. “I’ll leave you in her capable hands.” I leaned over and kissed him again. “Behave.”

  “Love you, my Angel.” Shay blew me a kiss.

  “Loves ya back.” Not wanting him to see my tears, I turned and walked out of the room.

  I didn’t bother telling Sidelle how Shay had recovered so quickly; I didn’t quite know myself. He had once told me the Nephilim had better vision and enhanced speed, but he’d never said if that included healing. I assumed it did. In that case, the fast recovery could be his own body’s doing, and not me at all.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Zoe

  As I walked home with Kieran, a great weight lifted from my heart. We didn’t speak since I was wrapped in thoughts of Shay. He was back and in one piece, though I’d have to wait and see if his mind was still the same. I couldn’t imagine what being kept in Hell would be like, but I’m sure if it had been me, I’d be a changed person.

  “Be safe, Zoe,” Kieran said as I unlocked the front door. I noticed the table wasn’t set, and the kitchen was cleaned. My family’s rule was dinner would be served at five-thirty, and if you weren’t there, you were on your own. I broke an English muffin apart and popped it into the toaster. The few minutes it took felt like a lifetime for my grumbling stomach. In all my haste to practice my powers and tend to Shay, I’d forgotten to eat. Rummaging through the fridge, I took out jelly and cheese, and when the toaster chimed, I made a sandwich and sprinted to my room. After dropping my backpack on the floor, I went to the window and peeked out. Aiden’s shades were open, but he wasn’t there.

  I sat at my desk and ate my measly dinner. The rest of the house was empty, which meant my sister probably had soccer or volleyball or some other school event. I was glad of that, because I needed quiet so I could process everything that had happened. I also had to start thinking of a plausible English project topic. I dug out my homework, pushed my empty plate aside, and booted up the laptop. When the homepage opened with the cursor blinking, waiting for me to enter something in the search engine, I stared blankly at the screen. Each flicker reminded me of Shay’s heartbeat. After a few minutes of staring at the cursor, I conceded that I wasn’t going to get any homework done.

  I cleared a space between my bed and dresser, unrolled my purple yoga mat, popped in a video, and stretched. After an eight-minute warm-up, including a few downward facing dogs and warrior poses, a familiar tink hit my window. I paused the DVD, opened my white wooden blinds, and saw Aiden’s smiling face. He motioned that he wanted to talk, so I pushed up the window and sat on the ledge. Recalling the brush-off he’d given me earlier, I crossed my arms and glared at him.

  “Yes?”

  “Hey, Zoe,” Aiden said. “How’s it going?”

  “Fine.”

  “Are you mad at me?”

  “What gives you that idea?”

  “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe it’s your tone, or maybe it’s your posture.” He leaned against the windowsill. “Maybe you feel like I blew you off after gym class.”

  Precisely. “Did you need something?”

  “Nothing important. Just got back into town and wanted to see a familiar face.”

  I couldn’t keep quiet, though. “What’s with you flirting with Quinn then buddying up to Morgan?”

  “Morgan’s not so bad once you get to know her.”

  “Yes, she is. I’ve known her since grade school, and she’s always been horrible to me. But Quinn is special. I couldn’t care less if you like Morgan, but don’t string Quinn along.”

  He shrugged. “I’m testing the waters. Calm down. I’m not dating either of them.
Quinn’s going to the prom with Caden, so they might have a thing going on anyway.”

  “All I’m saying is that you better watch yourself. Quinn doesn’t play dating games, so you’re either with her or you’re not.”

  He grinned. “Aren’t you feisty today?”

  “Gotta go. I have to get back to yoga, unless you have some other pressing matters?”

  “Nah, it’s all good.”

  I closed the window and blinds and resumed my workout, lying on the carpet in pigeon pose then moving to the plank position. A few more stances, and my body was coated in a shiny layer of sweat. Yoga was supposed to have a calming effect, and usually it did, but not tonight. Instead, perspiration dripped onto the mat and my anger flared. I huffed and stopped the video.

  I needed to shower. After that maybe I’d try to get some sleep. Since we were going into Fairyland tomorrow night, who knew when I would be back in my familiar bed. I grabbed fresh boy shorts and a tank top and ran into the bathroom for my nightly ritual. When I was done, I checked my cell phone for any messages. The tiny blue light indicated I had a text.

  Shay: Howdy

  Squealing with joy, I jumped into bed with my cell phone in hand and typed.

  Me: Hi

  Shay: I miss you.

  Me: I miss you 2. You should be resting!

  Shay: I am. Sidelle says the X mark is, and I quote, “SO not worth calling you Bull’s Eye anymore.” It’s fading fast.

  Me: Does your shoulder still hurt?

  Shay: I barely feel pain. Can move my arm well enough.

  Me: You must heal faster 2?

  Shay: Yes.

  Me: Good. Glad you’re better. I want to stay up and chat, but you need rest, and I need sleep. Loves ya

  Shay: OK. Love U 2. CU tomorrow

  The next morning, I awoke with a jolt. I couldn’t exactly remember what I’d dreamt, but a shudder vibrated through me. After stretching across the bed, I started my morning routine—checking for all my books and homework, setting out clothes and coordinating shoes—then I hopped into the shower. After all, Shay might be coming back to school.