Phillipe struggled to set himself straight. “What do you want with them? They’ve done nothing wrong,” he insisted. Jeziel picked up a jewel encrusted dagger from the coffee table and removed it from its sheath. “Very nice –I’ll bet this is worth a fortune.”
“Take it then. Take whatever you want, but I beg you leave my family in peace.” Sweat was forming over his brow and his lips were trembling.
Jeziel and Natalie moved closer. “You have betrayed us. I saw you cozying up to Aura and her family. Did you think that you could escape us?” Jeziel hissed.
“Take me then, but leave my family. They’ve done nothing,” Phillipe pleaded.
Jeziel started laughing. “That’s not the way it works. All for one and one for all,” she said. Before Phillipe could call out to Marie and the girls, Jeziel took the dagger and slit his throat. Natalie watched, as Phillipe tried to stop the flow of blood that was soaking the antique chair. Despite the gurgling sounds, Phillipe was unable to utter a single word of warning. He slumped forward, falling to his knees. Jeziel kicked him, turning him, so that he would be on his back. She and Natalie watched him draw his last breath. They stepped over the body, and proceeded noiselessly towards the stairway.
Natalie grabbed another dagger from a large curio cabinet in the living room. “The mother may have some skills, but I can assure you neither of the girlswill put up much of a fight,” she whispered.
“Leave the mother to me, and I’ll let you have the sisters,” Jeziel said, as she wiped the blood from the blade on her jeans. It didn’t take long to find Marie and her daughters in the master bedroom rummaging through the closet looking for something to wear. They piled the dresses on the bed, and paid little attention when Jeziel and Natalie both forced their way through the bedroom door.
With one swift motion, Jeziel stood behind Marie, and slit her throat from ear to ear. When Yvonne and Yvette saw the blood pulsating from their mother’s neck, they started screaming for help. Realizing no one was coming, they ran to the corner of the room, turning their backs on the attackers.
“There’s no one to help you,” Natalie screeched, as she grabbed Yvette by her hair and turned her around.
Yvonne covered her eyes with her hands, and started crying desperately. “Why are you doing this?” she cried. Jeziel moved her hands away and stared into Yvonne’s eyes. “I am Lucifer’s daughter, and I’m doing this – well because I can.” At that moment, Natalie and Jeziel both drove their knives deep into the chests of Yvonne and Yvette. As the sisters lay dying, both girls sat on the bed pilfering through the designer dresses. Jeziel picked up a strapless dress, and held it up to her. Of course it was red.
“I believe I’ll wear this to the rehearsal dinner tonight. What do you think?” she asked Natalie. “I think we’d better get out of here, now. The Guild may wonder where they are and come looking for them. If Aura has seen what we’ve done, she’ll have her father take you before the High Council tonight.”
“I’m not worried about Aura, but you’re probably right. We should get out of here. Let’s go back to the beach house. I’m sure your grandmother is gone, and I’m getting hungry. We can get cleaned up there, and then grab a bite to eat. I can come back to the cottage later this afternoon and get ready for my dinner with Aidan,” Jeziel said.
“I’m not sure it’s wise for you to be around the Guild tonight. They’re bound to know something’s wrong, and they’ll be pointing the finger at us.”
Jeziel started laughing. “Well - we did just murder the Devereaux’s. I wouldn’t worry, between Samhael and Aidan, we’ll be completely untouchable.” Jeziel looked in the closet for a matching pair of shoes. After finding a pair of red heels, she and Natalie left the Devereaux’s. “Today is my lucky day. I got a new outfit without even having to go shopping.” Jeziel was still laughing when they arrived at the beach house.
Desiree was nearing the end of her pregnancy and Charisse knew it would only be a matter of time before the child would be born. She tried to speak to her about severing the relationship with Meredith and Natalie, but her daughter was still resistant.
“How can you ask me to abandon them? They’re my family. If Richard were alive, we would be married.”
“Richard is not alive and I want your son to grow up without worrying about the threat of death.” “Natalie promised he will be protected. He shares Lucifer’s blood. Surely you could remember that, Mother. He will be as strong as Richard.”
“Richard wasn’t strong enough to escape the Guild. Think about his well being Desiree. Do you think the Guild has forgotten Natalie’s involvement in Jasper and Ella’s deaths?” They will eventually make her accountable.”
“You don’t have to remind me about the Guild, Mother. They took my sons father from me. I look forward to the day when they are all dead.”
“Desiree, think what you’re saying. Your son deserves a chance at life. Don’t you want him raised as you were?” “What’s wrong with the way Richard was brought up? Meredith taught him to stand up to others who were weaker than him. My son has his father’s blood, and I will raise him to be like his father. I’ll never forget what the Guild did to me,” she shouted.
“You’re being unreasonable. You’re still grieving Richard’s death, but I’m trying to keep you safe.”
“Natalie and Jeziel will keep me safe.” Realizing she wasn’t going to change Desiree’ s mind about Richards’ family, Charisse dropped the subject. She was right to be concerned. In her heart, she knew Desiree would seek out Natalie after the baby was born. She would no longer be safe on her island.
It was time to consider Phillipe’s sug gestion. Desiree was no longer her daughter, she belonged to Lucifer now. It was the same path her father took.
If Charisse had told Desiree about her father years ago, there was a chance she would never have involved herself with Richard. She knew now, it was a mistake to keep the truth from her.
She never told anyone about Jon; not even his brother. Marie and Phillipe would have been sympathetic to her, but it was too late for those regrets. She would stay with Desiree until the child was born, but then she would join the others in Aeden.
Desiree was so obsessed with revenge; she would never see what Natalie and Jeziel were capable of. Charisse would not participate in another innocent death.
She didn’t know that Natalie and Jeziel had already killed Phillipe and his family.
Meredith arrived in Utopia just before noon. Francesca greeted her at the door. “Baroness, is everything alright?”
“I wanted to check on you and the others. Have you heard any news?”
“Things have been quiet since we last spoke. You’re aware that your son Joshua is getting married?” Joshua - Meredith had not thought about him since before Thanksgiving. She realized that she had no one now, not even Natalie. Once her granddaughter married Samhael, she would forget all that Meredith had ever done for her.
Seeing the worried look on her face, Francesca asked, “Is Natalie still safe?”
“She has bonded with her cousin, Jeziel. I’m afraid she has already begun to turn against me,” Meredith said.
“She loves you like a mother. Why would you think Natalie would betray you?” “She is impulsive and reckless. Her behavior played a large part in her father’s death. Richard was at least patient; Natalie is consumed by revenge. She has plans to marry Samhael, a fallen angel that Lucifer regards as a son. Samhael is not one to be challenged. If I don’t play my part in his plan, I will be eliminated,” Meredith sighed.
Francesca swallowed hard. “Do you think they will come here?” “Natalie intends to declare war on Utopia. She has Jezie l and Samhael to help her. It’s time for you to leave. I can no longer keep you safe.”
“We haven’t broken any laws. The Guild has no reason to come after us,” Francesca insisted. “I’m not worried about the Guild. I can’t believe I just said that. Nataliewants retribution for her fathers’ death. She may bring Samhael here, or w
orse, Lucifer’s children, Jeziel and Mortriel.”
“You also have Lucifer’s blood. Surely, he would not want you harmed.” “I used to think with Richard in charge are lives would be bet ter. We could stand against the Guild. Now, I realize that the Guild is not the enemy. If war comes to Utopia we will all die. Natalie won’t fight for me. Samhael wants me to bring Desiree’s son to him after he’s born. If I fail, he will order my death.”
“I can’t believe Natalie would allow them to kill you. You’ve always been so close.” “Jeziel and Samhael can offer her more than I can. I have nothing, now. I want you and the others to leave. It’s better if I don’t know where you are. It’s the only way I can protect you. I still have some money from my Father’s estate. I want you to take it. You’ve always been loyal to me. It’s time to start living your own life.”
“Baroness, why don’t you consider going to Henry? I’m certain if he realizes your sincerity, he will help you.” “Henry can do nothing for me now it’s too late. I thought by aligning ourselves with Jeziel and Samhael, they would protect us. But they have bigger plans. They want to rule the earth. Charisse will never let me take Desiree’s son from her. Samhael swears she is under the influence of the Guild. I asked about Desiree, and he said he would deal with her in due time. I don’t even know what that means.”
“I’m so sorry, Baroness.”
“The only way I can keep you safe, is to mak e you leave. This isn’t negotiable Francesca. You’ll have enough money to begin a new life in one of the other colonies. The Australian colony accepts transfers all the time. You may even consider going to Aeden.”
“Please don’t ask me to leave. Utopia has always been my home. I am no longer young. How can I start a new life somewhere else?”
Meredith reached out and touched Francesca’s cheek. “You are angelblood. You were only sixteen when you came to my parents. You have a long life ahead of you. Perhaps you might meet someone and start a family of your own.” Meredith smiled kindly at her friend.
“You are the only family I have ever needed Baroness,” Francesca said, as the tears flowed freely down her cheeks. “If you truly care about me, you will d o this. If not for yourself please, do it for me. If they become angry with me, they will make an example of you and the others. They burned the Enchantor and her servants while they were still alive.”
“What crime did the servants commit?” “Their only crime was being faithful to Claudia. I thought it was a monstrous act, but Natalie enjoyed watching them burn. I spoke to her about the innocent lives lost. She responded by saying, if they were faithful to Claudia, they deserved to die. I have no doubt, if they become disenchanted with me, they will kill all of you too.”
Meredith walked to her bedroom and came back with a leather pouch. “I want you to take this. There is a great deal of money here; enough to take care of you and the others for the rest of your life. I’m sorry it has to be this way, but I see no other choice. Promise you’ll do this for me.”
“I’ll do as you ask,” Francesca said. “I have to leave, but I wish you the best. If by some miracle we survive this, perhaps we can return to Utopia.” She walked out, realizing this would be the last time she would see her friend.
Meredith saw Arthur walking towards her, as she left the property. “I can’t let him recognize me,” she whispered. Arthur approached her. “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure. Are you looking for Meredith?” Meredith knew she had to lie. If Arthur discovered her identity, Samhael would be furious. “I was looking for Meredith, but she appears to be out.” She forced herself to smile, though she had nothing to be happy about.
“Are you a friend of hers?”Arthur asked. “Yes - we met months ago in Paris. I was there with my son and we became friends. You don’t know where she is, do you?” “I’m afraid she doesn’t confide in me. We were never close. Meredith hasn’t been in Utopia for at least a week.” “I’m not surprised. She likes to travel. If you happen to see her, perhaps you would be kind enough, to say her friend Athena stopped for a visit.”
“I’ll give her the message.” “If you’ll excuse me, I really have to be going.” Meredith knew that Samhael expected her to return to the beach house. There was no way to avoid him. If she didn’t do as he requested, she felt sure that he would kill her. “It was nice to meet you, though I didn’t catch your name.”
“You’ll have to excuse my poor manners. My name is Arthur Carnegie.”
“I really do need to get back to my friends. It was a pleasure to meet you, Arthur.”
“The pleasure was all mine.” With that Meredith disappeared. Arthur stood there shaking his head. How could Meredith be so foolish? Did she think she wouldn’t be recognized? She may have altered her appearance, but nothing could ever change that voice. He started walking towards the sanctuary, when he saw Paul standing in the yard.
“Arthur, it’s good to see you. I thought I saw you leaving Richard’s home. Has Meredith returned?” Arthur smiled. “Meredith has returned, but she is using the name Athena. She thought by changing her appearance, she wouldn’t be recognized. I’m afraid her voice gave her away.”
“Does she know you recognized her?” “No, but there was something different about her; she almost seemed sad.” “Perhaps she realizes that becoming friendly with Jeziel and Samhael wasn’t in her best interest. Natalie is planning to marry Samhael in two days. Aura wants me to reinforce the wards around Utopia,” Paul said.
“Can’t you bring Natalie before the Council now?” “Aura has asked us to wait. She has plans of her own. The Guild is not happy about it, but we have to trust her to guide us.” “I’ll make sure Utopia is secure. Is there anything else we need to do?” “If anyone sees Jeziel, they may actually think they are seeing Natalie. It’s important for them to know the difference. Jeziel is Lucifer’s flesh and blood. She is far more dangerous than Natalie, but the two of them together, with Samhael; we may have our hands full.”
“I’ll notify the other residents immediately,” Arthur said. “Just make sure, that if anyone sees Jeziel, they are to notify yourself or Axel. The Guild will take care of the rest.”
“Do you intend to notify Henry?” “Unfortunately, the more Henry knows, the more likely he is to take matters into his own hands. He has not forgiven Natalie for killing Jane’s son. Henry will be in Aeden for Joshua’s wedding. You and Axel can notify theresidents.”
Arthur shook his head. “They thought they would be safe with Richard gone.” “I’m afraid the others are far worse than Richard. Once Natalie is married to Samhael, she will be even more brazen, knowing she’ll have his protection. I need to return to the valley, but I’ll be in touch.”
Arthur nodded and walked into the sanctuary. He had a feeling they would be going to war, sooner than later. He hoped they would be ready.
Chapter 27
Samhael returned to the beach house just after Meredith. “I trust you had a nice visit with your friends?” he asked. “Yes – it was pleasant,” Meredith forced herself to smile.
Before she could say anything else, Natalie returned. She was covered in angelblood.
“My God –what happened to you?” Meredith asked. Natalie smirked. “Jeziel and I had a little meeting with Phillipe Devereaux and his family. They won’t be betraying us again.” Meredith stared at her granddaughter in horror. “Why don’t you take a shower while I take your grandmother to the other house? Then, we can plan to spend the rest of the day together. I have something special planned for you.”
“That sounds good. I can’t wait to get out of these clothes. Where are you taking me?” Natalie asked.
“I’ll let that be a surprise.” She walked over and hugged Meredith before running into the bedroom. “According to my calculations, it’s almost six o’clock in the morning on the island. I’ve taken the liberty of having some clothing delivered. Unfortunately, I have to insist you leave your personal items here, or at Jeziel’s cottage. I’m sure you’ll find the house quite
comfortable. Shall we go then?”
Meredith nodded. She suspected that Phillipe and his family were dead. There was no doubt that her granddaughter was enjoying taking the lives of the angelblood, and Meredith wondered if she would soon suffer the same fate.
Samhael extended his hand and they were transported to her new home. It was a two bedroom cottage right on the beach, with all the amenities she could have asked for, or needed. Samhael even thought to have the kitchen stocked with fresh fruits and assorted drinks.
“You’ll find several restaurants and shops nearby.” He placed a large stack of money on the table. “If you require anything, you need only ask.”
“How long will I be staying here?” “That depends on when your grandson is born. According to my sources, the child is due any time now. You can plan to meet Charisse and Desiree at the market later this morning. Natalie and I are planning to be married the day after tomorrow. When you leave, you’ll tell them you have a wedding to attend that was planned months in advance. I doubt they’ll mind. If they ask why you’re here, your husband is recently deceased and you needed some time to grieve. I’m certain that Desiree will empathize with you. It will be a good way to begin the conversation. I have every confidence they will welcome your friendship.”
“Are you sure they won’t recognize me?”
“You may want to work on that voice and don’t wear any jewelry they might recognize.” Meredith realized she was still wearing her wedding ring. She removed it and placed it in a dish on the table. Samhael watched her and smiled. She wondered if Arthur saw it when she was in Utopia. Shewouldn’t mention it. Somehow she didn’t think Samhael would take kindly to the news. “When will I see you again?”
“I’ll be in touch. You’re not a prisoner, but you will have to be discreet when you leave. I don’t want to raise any suspicion.” A knock came to the door and Meredith almost jumped out of her skin. Samhael laughed. “It’s only your breakfast. I thought you might want to eat before going to the market. Charisse and Desiree live in a house a few hundred yards down the beach. I’m sure you won’t have any problems finding them.”
Esra's Prohpecy (Book 3 An Angel-blood Novel) Page 20