“If we have the chance to bring down Natalie, Samhael and Jeziel, I say we wait,” Rita said. She looked at Will. “We may have to shorten our honeymoon, but won’t it be worth it? We have the rest of our lives together. We can always take a second honeymoon,” she pleaded.
“I don’t have a problem with that. Just tell me where I need to be, and what I’m supposed to do,” Will said.
Rita threw her arms around his neck and pulled him close to her for a passionate kiss. The entire room erupted in applause. “Now, I suggest we forget about this for tonight. We can have a short memorial service for the Devereaux’s tomorrow morning before the wedding. Can you be ready?” Aura asked Father Patrick.
“Of course – the church will already be set up, but what of their family?” “We can’t take t he chance to notify Charisse. Desiree may try to find Natalie and tell her what we know. We’ll just say a few words. They have already ascended, and if the truth be told, the girls didn’t really have any friends,” Aura said.
“At least Bodhi will be able to come to the wedding now,” Bren said. She looked at her little friend who was still sad. “Who wants icecream?” she asked.
Mia, who had not fully recovered, pulled Bren out of the chair to the ice cream bar. It would take at least a few dishes of chocolate ice cream to settle her, but Aura didn’t mind. Better a few dishes of ice cream, than to have nightmares about Jeziel.
They returned to the celebration not giving another thought to Jeziel, or Aidan.
Chapter 28
When they left the restaurant, Aidan stopped first at Aura’s house to pick up a change of clothes. After Aura’s behavior at the rehearsal dinner, he intended to teach her a lesson. At first, he considered dropping Jeziel off at the cottage, and then returning to confront Aura about her behavior. But he changed his mind when he thought of how friendly Aura was with the twin brothers.
Aidan made the mistake of bringing Jeziel into Aura’s home. As soon as she walked in the door, she collapsed to the floor, gasping for breath. It was as if someone, or something, was choking her and cutting off her air.
Aidan saw her discomfort and ran to her. “Maybe you shouldn’t be here,” he said. He carried Jeziel though the door, and gently laid her on the grass. She was still coughing and choking, as she struggled to breath. As soon as she was able to speak, she stared at Aidan. “What the hell was that?”
“Aura must be using some of her powers to keep you away,” Aidan said apologetically. “I’ll take you home.” He pulled her up and she clung to him. Her eyes were wild with fear. Aidan hurried to the jeep and opened the door, buckling her into the seat. He drove away from the valley as quickly as he could. Seeing Jeziel looking so pitiful, Aidan became angrier. His grip on the steering wheel was so tight that his knuckles turned white.
Aidan decided that he would go back to the restaurant and confront Aura. Jeziel, on the other hand, was still trying to recover from feeling that she was being squeezed like a lemon.
When they arrived at the cottage, Jeziel ended her night with Aidan. “I think I would rather just get some rest,” she said. She kissed him lightly on the cheek, and walked inside. Her legs were trembling and her hands were shaking, as she slumped on the couch. Jeziel had never felt that kind of power before. She needed to speak to Samhael, and warn him.
Aidan didn’t argue. He hoped that she would be safe, but he needed to speak to Aura. He had never witnessed that kind of power, either. He couldn’t imagine the other gifts that the Almighty had given to her.
As he pulled into the restaurant, he tried to calm himself. If his eyes turned dark, they would all know that something was off. Dahnael was no fool. He knew that some of the Archangels would be present.
He opened the car door and walked towards the restaurant. When he opened the door, the first vision he had was of Aura dancing with Dareus. All bets were off. He couldn’t contain the rage that was building inside him.
Bren and the girls knew that Aidan would be returning. She cautioned the rest of the family to keep the truth that Aura and Michael had told them, to themselves. He was not to know that they knew his true identity.
The music stopped as Aidan walked to where Aura and Dareus were dancing. Despite the presence of the Archangels, Aidan was still insistent on confronting her about Jeziel.
He tried to separate Dareus from Aura, but his hand never touched the angel priest. With his fist raised, and ready to connect with Dareus’ jaw, Aidan was knocked to the ground. But it wasn’t Aura’s shield that protected the brother, it was Bren’s.
“What the hell did you do?” Aidan screamed.
“I did nothing, Aura said calmly.
“I’m afraid that was me,” Bren said proudly, as Tracy and Alannah flanked her sides. The three little ones stood tall, showing no fear.
Aidan picked himself up. He glared at Bren. “I’m not talking about your little shield. I’m talking about what Aura did to Jeziel.” Aura raised her brow. “I really have no idea what you’re talking about. If you’re referring to knocking Jeziel down, I’ll gladly take credit for that. She shouldn’t have tried to hurt Mia.”
“WHAT DID YOU DO TO JEZIEL, WHEN I TOOK HER TO YOUR HOUSE?” Aidan screeched.
Aura started laughing. “I did nothing to your little girlfriend. You should calm yourself. Your eyes are turning black!” “That’s enough, son,” Michael said softly.
“You’re right. I have had enough. I’m going back to my family!” Aidan shouted.
Michael started to approach him, when Aura held his arm. “Let him go. He’s not going to Jeziel,” She whispered.
Michael nodded. Aidan ran through the door, slamming it behind him. They heard the Jeep tires squeal, as he sped away in anger. “What did he mean?” Aura asked Michael. “I didn’t do an ything. Not that he should have taken Jeziel to my home, but I did nothing more than reinforce Gideon’s shield to protect the valley while we were gone.”
Bren started laughing. She projected an image on the wall, and they watched as Jeziel turned red-faced and dropped to the floor as soon as she entered Aura’s home.
“I owed her one,” Bren said. “That’s a little something I learned from Uncle Gabe.” Aura stared at her sister in amazement. Perhaps she was more powerful than she realized. Gabriel was a warrior and God’s hero. Bren and Tracy both must have received special powers that the rest of the family wasn’t aware of.
Mia started shouting. “You no takes him crap, Bren. I no takin hims crap either.” She started kicking her right foot, and they watched as stars of angelfire burst from her shoes.
“Let’s have some more ice cream,” Will said, with a mischievous smile on his face. He had a new appreciation for his little sister and Mia.
But that was nothing compared to the pride that was written all over Gabriel’s face. The girls seemed a little taller to him. “They’ll be just fine,” he told Michael, and somehow - Michael knew he was right.
After the dinner ended at midnight, Aura dropped Dareus and his twin brother off at their farm. “I can’t thank you enough for what you have agreed to do,” Aura said.
“We’ll see you in the morning for breakfast,” Dareus said. “Unless, you think it would upset someone in the house.” “He won’t be back for a couple of days. Tomorrow we’ll have the wedding. I have a feeling that Samhael and Natalie may move their own wedding date to tomorrow. Jeziel just got a little taste of fear from Bren this evening. But she’ll be recharged after speaking to Samhael. He’ll remind her that she’s Lucifer’s daughter.” Aura hugged them both, and drove back to the house.
The little ones were already falling asleep, so Rusty took them back to the house. There was no one that Aura trusted more with her little ones. She knew that Dahnael was going to seek out the Elite Guard. He had always been close to Malakiel and Caeus.
Aura wasn’t concerned. She would use the time to put the last phase of her plan into play. If anything, it would be a relief not to have to deal with Dahnael for a short time
. Soon, she would be reunited with her family.
If Dahnael wasn’t lost, he would be after meeting with the Elite Guard. Aura knew they despised the angelbloods. Malakiel would challenge her again, but this time things would not end so peacefully. This needed to happen too. Just like Dahnael returning to her home, and trying to pretend that he was sorry. He hadn’t even begun to be sorry for what he was planning, but he would be, very soon.
When she reached the house, the little ones were sleeping soundly in her bed. She changed into her night clothes and snuggled next to them. She couldn’t believe how much they had grown in the last few weeks. They would need their strength for the war that would soon find its way into their valley. For now, she would sleep and hope that her visions wouldn’t find their way into her dreams. She could use a little peace.
Dahnael thought about going home, but he feared that Michael would make him return to Heaven. He lost his temper, but hadn’t really done anything wrong. He could easily explain his fit of anger; he was trying to defend his friend.
Still, he would never have guessed that Bren was responsible for the attack on Jeziel. He would have sworn it was Aura who had used her powers. What other gifts did the young angelbloods have that he didn’t know about? It was common knowledge that some had been born beneath the veil of the strongest angels in Heaven. But Aura was born under the veil of the Almighty. He had seen the power of the light in her hands.
Dahnael wanted that power. No other angel could match his strength once he controlled the sacred gifts. Aura was certain that she was going to send them back to Heaven. He had to find a way to go back to Aeden. Dahnael was strong, but he was also cunning. He would seek guidance from his friends in the guard. He hadn’t seen them since he was called back to Heaven by Michael. That was months ago.
He made his way to Savannah, Georgia, where he was likely to find some of the lesser ranked angels of the guard. They would know the way to Caeus and Malakiel’s camp. As he came to an old graveyard, he called to his brothers. A few minutes later, Xavier appeared. Dahnael smiled when he saw the angel.
“Where is your purple cloak?” Dahnael asked, as he threw his arms around Xavier’s shoulders, and stood back to admire him. “I have no need of it here. You’re a sight for sore eyes. Where have you been these last months?” Dahnael told him the story of being summoned as a guardian for Aura. “Do you mean that was you on the porch, and not your brother?” Xavier laughed. “How did you pull that off?”
“It was Michael’s decision. Where are Caeus and Malakiel?” Dahnael asked.
“Not far from here. I’ll take you there.” The two angels disappeared in a flash of white light. Meredith walked to the market in town after she finished her breakfast. Though shewasn’t familiar with the island, it wasn’t difficult to maneuver around. When she saw Charisse and Desiree, she decided to use Samhael’s strategy of bumping into them, accidentally. She waited for their backs to be turned, and tried to be inconspicuous,when she knocked the fruit out of Desiree’s hand.
“Please forgive me. I wasn’t paying attention.” Based on Desiree’s size, Meredith could see the baby was due anytime. She reached down to pick up the fruit.
She looked at the vendor. “My apologies - I’ll pay for this fruit and anything else she chooses. I am so sorry.”
Charisse smiled at her. “That won’t be necessary. I haven’t seen you here before.” “I arrived last night. I recently lost my husband and decided a respite would be good for me. My name is Athena– Athena Summerland.”
“I’m Desiree and this is my mother Charisse. I also lost someone I cared deeply about. My mother and I are staying here until my son is born,” Desiree said.
Athena smiled at them. “I doubt you will have long to wait.” Something about this woman made Desiree comfortable. Perhaps it was because they shared a similar story, or maybe it was because they had no other friends on the island.
“We were just about to have brunch. Have you eaten?” Meredith lied. “No - I thought Iwould take a walk first.” “Perhaps you would join us then?” Desiree said.
“That would be welcome. I’m afraid I don’t really know anyone else here. I live in a cottage not far from the beach. I could show it to you if you like.”
“What do you think Mother? We can walk Athena to her home, and then have brunch at one of the restaurants.” Charisse hadn’t seen her daughter smile in a long time, so she agreed. When they arrived at Athena’s cottage, they realized her home was next door to their own.
Desiree invited Athena to see her own house, which was much larger. After touring their home, the three women walked to a nearby restaurant.
Meredith knew Samhael would be pleased with her progress. She would make an excuse to leave the ladies later for a short time. Knowing Charisse wouldn’t allow Desiree to leave, Meredith would offer to bring something back for them. She thought it would have to be something they couldn’t get on the island, like French pastry.
When Jeziel returned to the beach house, it was still afternoon. She hated trying to keep track of all the time changes; it was too confusing. When she walked inside, Samhael and Natalie were enjoying a late lunch.
“We weren’t expecting you back so soon. I thought you’d still be with Aidan,” Natalie said, until she saw the chocolate stain on the red dress.
Jeziel was still shaken by her experience at Aura’s house. “Something has happened,” she said, before she collapsed in one of the chairs.
“Did the Guild find out about the Devereaux’s?” Natalie asked. “The Devereaux’s are the least of our worries. One of those brats spilled a drink on me. When I lost my temper and tried to lap her, Aura used her shield and slammed me to the ground.”
Samhael started laughing. “I did warn you about Aura.” “Yes – well maybe you should have warned me about her other powers,” Jeziel scoffed. “Aidan tried to defend me. We left and he took me to Aura’s house. As soon as I walked in the door, I felt like someone was choking the life out of me. I couldn’t breathe. Aidan took me outside, but it took minutes before I could recover to even speak.”
“I’m afraid you may be mistaken. I doubt Aura has that kind of power. That sounds like something that Gabriel would do. There is a rumor that two of the younger angelbloods were born beneath the veil of Gabriel. If he transferred his power to them, they would be capable of taking the very breath that you breathe. I have seen Gabriel do this to his enemies before.”
Are you telling me that those brats have that kind of power?” Jeziel coughed, and held her hand to her mouth. When she removed it, there were streaks of a dark viscous substance covering her palm.
Natalie stared at Samhael. “Will she be alright?” “She’ll heal, but I think we should tell Lucifer about this as soon as possible. Perhaps we should consider having the wedding this evening at midnight. All the arrangements have been made. I only need to have the dresses delivered for you and your grandmother. The timing will be perfect. It will only be afternoon in Purgatory.”
“I’m in no mood for a wedding,” Jeziel pouted. She couldn’t believe how insensitive Samhael was being. “That’s not your decision! Get yourself cleaned up. By the time we exchange our vows, you’ll be fine.” Samhael had no tolerance for Jeziel’s fears. She was Lucifer’s daughter, and it was time she remembered that.
Meredith returned to the beach house, but she was almost afraid to enter when she heard Samhael screaming at someone. Perhaps he would welcome her news, and she wouldn’t suffer his wrath.
She took a deep breath, and walked into the cottage. Natalie ran to her and threw her arms around her neck.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Samhael said. “We’ve changed the wedding date to today.”
“It’s already afternoon, why the change in plans?” Samhael didn’t like being questioned about his decisions by Meredith, anymore than Jeziel. Meredith decided to change the subject. “I have good news?”
“Really-what news is that?” “I did exactly as you said and I
met Charisse and Desiree. I’m supposed to join them later for dinner. I thought I would pick up some French pastries. Desiree hasn’t left the island, and I thought it would be appreciated.”
“You’ll have time to take the pastries to them, but you’ll have to excuse yourself afterwards. Tell them you have a wedding to attend.” “When do we have to leave?” Meredith asked. “You’ll have a few hours, but I don’t like to be kept waiting. I’ll have the dresses delivered shortly. Jeziel will wait here while I take Natalie to Purgatory to get ready.”
“Don’t you want me to go with her?” Jeziel asked. “I’ll have Verah see to her needs.” Jeziel wasn’t about to argue with Samhael. She would relax until Meredith returned. After the wedding she would return to Aeden. She was curious to hear about what happened with Aidan and Aura, after he went back to the restaurant.
“I should be going,” Meredith said. “I want to stop in Paris before I return to the island.” She didn’t wait for any long goodbyes. She hurried out the door, and used a portal to take her to a bakery not far from Charisse’s home.
This was one wedding she wasn’t looking forward to.
Chapter 29
Aura woke early the next morning. Thankfully, she had a restful sleep. She went downstairs to fix breakfast, and was surprised that the kitchen was already bustling with activity.
Iris turned and smiled. “I hope you don’t mind, but I thought I would cook this morning.”
Aura hugged her. “I don’t mind at all. That will give me more time getting the girls ready.” Aura knew she would be having a conversation with Iris soon to inform her of the plans, especially since her sons would be endangered. But that could wait until later. This morning, she was looking forward to her sister’s wedding.
At seven thirty Dareus and Aureus arrived. They had the forged bow with them. Aura excused herself, and asked Mahlyssa to join her in the library. Dareus handed the stick to Mahlyssa. Aura projected an image on the wall, so Mahlyssa could see what Bodhi’s bow looked like when Aura’s hair touched it.
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