“No I swear to you I didn’t know Richard killed all those people. If I had; I would have stayed away from him.” “I’ve al ways found the Guild to be fair. If you come forward before they summon you, it will benefit you. You need to tell them everything; leave nothing out. When can you be available to meet with them?” she asked.
“I can meet with them any time. You realize if Natalie and Jeziel discover I’ve met with the Guild, they will view it as an act of betrayal. They may seek revenge against our daughter’s. Natalie is far more dangerous than her father, especially if she is keeping company with Jeziel.
“I’ll call Eve and explain the situation to her. Be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. I tried to warn you Richard was up to no good. Perhaps next time you will heed my warning,” Marie said.
“I regret bringing you and the girls into this more than you know. I can’t change what I’ve done.” “It’s not too late to redeem yourself. The Guild will see you are basically an honest man, who was influenced by Richard. If you go to them first, it will show them you’re willing to assist them. Wait here and I’ll call Eve. Then, we’ll decide our next step.”
“That wasn’t so bad dad,” Yvonne said.
“It could have been a lot worse,” Yvette concurred.
“We aren’t out of the woods yet girls. Let’s wait and hear what your mother has to say, after she speaks to Eve.”
A short time later, Marie returned to advise Phillipe the Guild was willing to meet with him tomorrow. “Plan to arrive there around nine in the morning. We can use the rest of the day to relax, and have some fun. Don’t worry, I explained everything to Eve, and she is sympathetic to your situation. Richard may be dead, but they view Natalie and her cousin Jeziel as the real threats.”
She turned to her daughters. “Why don’t you girls look through some of those packages? I’m sure you’ll find something you can wear. Then we can return to the beach. I must say this isn’t how I was planning to spend the first day of the New Year.”
Yvonne and Yvette quickly started rummaging through the bags. Their mother always remembered to bring the latest fashions home to them. When they were convinced they found the perfect swimsuits, they excused themselves, and went into the guest bedroom to change.
“There’s a swimsuit for you too, Phillipe. Why don’t you change, and we can forget about all this nonsense until tomorrow. It won’t do any of us any good to allow it to consume us. A nice relaxing day at the beach might be just what you need to release some of your stress.”
“I doubt it will help, but if you insist, I won’t disappoint you anymore.” Marie was sympathetic. “You haven’t d isappointed me. I knew how manipulative Richard was. Go change, by that time the girls will be ready and we can leave together.”
“I know I take you for granted Marie, but I swear I love you. I will do everything I can to keep you and the girls safe.” “I know,” Marie said. “What do you say we get back to the beach? The sun and the waves will do you good? You’ll have to trust me on this.”
She walked over, and gently kissed her husband on the cheek. Phillipe knew how fortunate he was to be married to her. She always had his back, even when he didn’t deserve it.
When Alannah and the girls woke up the next morning, they were excited to go horseback riding. The other families brought their little ones over for breakfast too. Aura tried to avoid Aidan.
Aureus and Dareus arrived just before seven thirty. Aura had breakfast ready, and on the table. Since all the little ones would be joining them, they ate in the dining room.
Eve announced she and Angie would be busy with wedding arrangements, so they wouldn’t be going with them. Myra, on the other hand, was looking forward to going riding with Mahlyssa and Shannon.
“Are you coming with us too?” Alannah asked Aidan. “I wouldn’t miss your first riding experience. That is - if your mother has no objections,” Aidan said.
Aura could sense he was in a foul mood, butshe wasn’t going to let his attitude ruin their first riding lesson.
“It really isn’t up to me,” Aura said. “We have more than enough horses for everyone,” Dareus said. “I think the little ones will have a great time with the miniature ponies.”
Bren start ed laughing. “I can’t wait to see Aidan on a horse. If it’s anything like him riding in a plane, it will be a riot.” Tracy and Alannah giggled too.
“Have you ever ridden a horse before?” Aureus asked. “Many years ago, before we had all these mechanical contraptions. I’ll admit it was quite enjoyable,” Aidan said. “Times have changed, haven’t they?” Dareus said.
“Sometimes I think we forget about the simple things in life,” Aura noted.
“We shall have a wonderful day. The weather is perfect,” Aureus said.
“Let’s finish breakfast and then we can leave,” Bren said, as she stuffed a muffin in her mouth.
“Some of the horses have been with us many years. They are as faithful to us, as all of you are to Heaven,” Dareus said. Aura smiled, but Aidan was not amused. Was Dareus somehow insinuating not all of them were faithful? Perhaps Aidan was just being paranoid because he felt Aura was being so friendly with them. Instead of her taking her seat next to him at the table, she sat on the other side of Alannah, close to Dareus.
Even though Aura knew the truth about Dareus and Aureus, she promised Iris her to keep her secret. The boys really didn’t look anything like their mother. They had long brown hair which fell to their waist. They kept it tied neatly with several wraps, much the same way that she did. Their eyes were a sea green color and it was pretty difficult to tell one from the other. Aura didn’t have any trouble, but she was a seer.
The one distinguishable feature that separated the brothers was a small scar above Dareus’s right eye. It was barely noticeable to most of them, but Aura saw it clearly.
She sensed Aidan was not impressed with either of them. Perhaps it was because he didn’t know their story. Aura found it almost amusing that Aidan could be jealous of them, knowing they were priests. But she would keep that to herself.
By the time breakfast was finished it was almost eight thirty. The little ones didn’t want to wait any longer to go riding. “Shouldn’t we wait for Jeziel before we leave?” Aidan asked. “I’m sure Dareus can give you directions to the farm. You can meet us there when she arrives. I see no reason to keep the little ones waiting,” Aura said.
The girls were still in their pajamas, so Aura picked the three of them up, and carried them to her bedroom with Aidan following behind.
“What should you wear today?” he asked. Bren already decided they would wear long sleeved flannel shirts and jeans. Their choice wasn’t very ladylike, but Aidan wouldn’t argue with their selection.
“Don’t forget our hats,” Alannah reminded her mother. “Your hats are in the living room closet with your coats,” Aidan said. “Not those hats. We have special hats to wear.” She walked over to the closet and showed him the cowboy hats Aura bought for each of them.
The girls all put the cowboy hats on their heads, and Aura snapped a picture. “You certainly look like you’re ready to go riding.”
Aura had to stop for a minute when she heard Alorrah laughing. “They look really silly Mommy.” She wasn’t expecting to hear from her other daughter. “When I come home, will you get me a hat too, Mommy?”
Aura was sure Alannah heard her sister, and she started laughing too. “Mommy will make sure you have a hat when you come home. We can all go riding together,” she promised Alorrah.
Bren had to tell Tracy she could hear Alorrah now too. Aura didn’t understand how that was possible. Perhaps it was because of the bond she shared with her little sister. She certainly couldn’t deny any longer that Bren was a seer, but Aura had no idea how powerful Bren’s gift was.
“Alorrah, can you see everything we’re doing now?” Aura asked. “Yes , Mommy I can even show some things to Alexis.” Aura heard another voice in the background. It must have
been Alexis’ voice.
“Is Alexis alright?” Aura asked.
“Mortriel moved her closer to me now, so I can see her all the time,” Alorrah said.
“What about Fionn? Is Fionn still alright?”
“He’s close to us now too. Mortriel told the others to stop hurting him. He put us in the same cage together,” Alorrah said. At the sound of the word cage, Aura felt her knees buckle. She couldn’t imagine what they were doing to her family. Why would Mortriel suddenly have a change of heart and try to treat them more humanely. Aura was certain he had an agenda, but she had an agenda too; one that he would find out about very soon.
“Is Fionn still hurt?” Aura asked Alorrah. “No Mommy - they stopped beating him and one of the girls tried to clean him up. They are feeding him now, and they brought another cot for him to sleep on. I told him you were coming soon. We can’t wait to see you,” Alorrah said.
“I can’t wait to see you either. You tell Fionn and Alexis to stay safe. I’ll find a way to bring all of you home; I promise.” “I know Mommy. We believe in you,” Alorrah said, and then she was gone. Aura looked at the ring on her left hand. Even if she didn’t want to be bound to Aidan, she was grateful to be able to communicate with Alorrah.
She smiled at the girls. “Let’s get your coats and then we can go,” Aura said. Alannah and the others came up to her, and held her hands. “It will be alright, Mommy. Pleasedon’t worry. Alorrah is coming home, and Alexis and Fionn will be with her. We’ll be together soon.”
Aura hugged them as tight as she could. It took all of her energy to fight back the tears. She wouldn’t cry in front of Aidan. She damned him for being friends with Jeziel. She vowed if Aidan got in the way of bringing them home, he would suffer her wrath.
Aidan didn’t hear the conversation completely, but he saw how distressed Aura was after speaking to Alorrah. He wanted desperately to hold her, and tell her everything would be ok, but he wasn’t sure that it would be. For now he would keep his distance, because that was what she wanted. He wondered if they would ever be the same again. The thought saddened him. “Was their life together over, before it even started?”
“Your friend is coming Aidan, I don’t think you should keep her waiting,” Aura said.
“How could you know she’s arriving now? Have you seen a vision?” Not wanting to tell Aidan she could smell her, she just shrugged her shoulders, and hurried out of the room with the little ones following close behind.
Aura moved around Aidan and scooted the girls downstairs. When they got to the living room she asked, “Is everybody ready to go riding?”
The little ones were jumping with excitement. Eve had cowboy hats for Mia and the others. Aura laughed out loud when she saw them.
The girls chose fleece-lined jean jackets to complete their look. Aura snapped several more pictures. They were certainly ready for their adventure.
Dareus gave Aidan the directions to the farm. It was decided that he would meet them there, after Jeziel arrived.
Aidan wished she would hurry, so they could all leave together. As they were about to walk out the front door, Jeziel appeared. The timing couldn’t have been any more perfect as far as Aidan was concerned. He wasn’t worried about spending time with Jeziel, but he didn’t like Aura spending time with Dareus and Aureus.
Jeziel didn’t appear to be dressed for the day’s activities. Though she was wearing jeans and a sweater; she was also wearing heels that were at least four inches high.
“How is she going to ride a horse in those shoes?” Bren remarked.
“Maybe she’s done this before,” Tracy said.
“I hope she doesn’t hurt the poor horse,” Alannah said. “I thought we weren’t supposed to use spurs?” “I’m sure the boys won’t let her cause the horses any harm,” Aura said, as she hurried the children out the door. She didn’t acknowledge Jeziels presence except to nod in her direction.
Jeziel walked up to Aidan, and slipped her arm through his. “I could hardly sleep last night. I was so glad you asked me to join you. This will be our first real date,” she squealed.
Aura laughed out loud, as she began to put the girls in the car. Any sympathy she felt for Aidan quickly dissipated in that moment. Dareus and Aureus would be riding with her, since neither of them drove.
When the little ones were settled, Aura looked back to Aidan. “We’ll meet you there.” She then hurried into the car, and drove away before he could say anything. The rest of the family followed her, leaving Aidan alone with Jeziel.
“Well I guess it’s just the two of us,” Jeziel said, as she held tight to Aidan’s arm. “Shall we join the rest of them?”
Aidan was angry with Aura for abandoning him. He intended to follow her. He walked Jeziel to his car and helped her get buckled in. “This is really cozy,” she said.
“Jeziel, please don’t get the wrong impression. I have no intentions of being anything except friends,” Aidan said. “I know but there’s no reason two friends can’t share some quality time together. Is there?” she asked. Aidan smiled. “No I suppose you’re right.”
Eve and Angie watched as the two of them drove away together.
“I hope Aidan knows what he’s doing with her,” Angie sighed.
“He is definitely being tempted,” Eve agreed.
The two women returned to the kitchen to finish cleaning the breakfast dishes. Eve knew Phillipe Devereaux would be arriving shortly to meet with the Guild. She wanted to make sure they would be there to greet Marie and her daughters.
Chapter 12
When Natalie and Meredith woke up, they found that Jeziel was gone. She left a note advising them she would be spending the day with Aidan, and not to wait for her.
Since neither of them knew how to cook, they decided to go out for breakfast. No one would recognize them with their new identities. As they were walking out the front door, Natalie was surprised to find Samhael waiting for them.
“I see you’ve decided to stay with Jeziel. That’s probably for the best right now,” he said.
“Samhael, I don’t believe you’ve met my grandmother. This is Meredith, Richard’s mother.” Meredith wasn’t expecting to be met by such a handsome and elegant man. Samhael looked angelic, with his crystal blue eyes, and neatly trimmed shoulder length blonde hair. His black Briani suit was tailored and expensive looking. Henry would never wear something so audacious.
“So we finally meet,” Samhael said, as he kissed Meredith’s hand. “Please allow me to give you my condolences about the death of your son. I know the two of you were extremely close.”
“You knew my son?” Meredith asked.
“Quite well actually, I was assisting him with some of his little obstacles.”
“I’m afraid he wasn’t forthcoming with all of his plans.” Samhael smiled. “I have every confidence Natalie and Jeziel will follow through with Richard’s campaign.”
“He planned to take over the government of Utopia, but beyond that, I’m afraid I didn’t know his plans.”
“I have every intention of offering my assistance to you and the girls.”
“Any help you could give us to destroy the Guild and their families, would be greatly appreciated,” Meredith said.
“Were you planning to go somewhere this morning? I don’t want to keep you.” “We were going for a bite to eat. Then we thought we might do some shopping. We really didn’t take time to pack. We were in a bit of a hurry,” Natalie said.
“Perhaps you will allow me to accompany you. I know of a discreet place, where you can be safe from prying eyes.” “That’s kind of you. Natalie knows her way around, but I am completely disoriented here. We would be indebted to you for any help,” Meredith said.
“Where is Desiree? I trust she and the baby are safe,” Samhael asked. “Charisse has taken h er to an undisclosed location. She was afraid the Guild would come to question her. She’ll be safe. The plan is for them to contact us, after they’ve settled into their new home,
” Natalie said.
“Shall we be off then? It won’t take long to reach our destination. I’m sure you’ll find everything you need once we arrive there,” Samhael said.
“Will we will be going to New York?” Natalie asked. “No, I know of a little bistro across the Pacific. You might be surprised to find how tranquil the area is. They stock all the latest fashions there. It’s an ideal place to shop.” He took their hands and transported them to his island hideaway.
As soon as they arrived, they saw many beings scurrying about. It was obvious, this was a place where the fallen gathered. The weather was beautiful. The sun was shining bright and the temperature was pleasant. Meredith, who always loved the sea, could hear the sounds of the waves splashing against the rocks.
“Don’t concern yourself with the appearance of the residents; you’ll be completely safe here,” Samhael said, after seeing the concern on their faces. “It’s just a little place we found many years ago. The angels don’t know of its existence, and we like to keep it that way.”
He led them to an outside bistro, which seemed to be quite popular. When the proprietor saw him, he quickly came up to greet Samhael and his guests.
“Samhael, it’s so good to see you again.” The man seemed genuinely happy to see him. “Oliver, my friends haven’t eaten breakfast yet. Perhaps if it’s not too much trouble, you could prepare something delicious for them.”
“Anything for you; will you be joining them as well?” “I believe you’ve talked me into it. Should we start with some tea, and then you can bring us your breakfast special. I’m sure that will suffice for the time being,” Samhael said.
Natalie and Meredith couldn’t help noticing the man had a long deep scar on his left cheek and he walked with a noticeable limp. Samhael watched them staring. “Oliver had a little run in with the Elite guard. I can assure you, he can be trusted.”
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