by Susan Illene
The camera panned around the reflecting pool where there were huge crowds of visitors milling about, including families with children. It might have only been five in the morning in Alaska, but it was nine on the east coast.
“Remiel gave the media two hours’ notice before he planned to show up,” Derrick explained.
Cori lifted her brows. “This should be interesting.”
“Wait, I see something now,” the reporter said, pointing toward the sky. The camera panned upward at a faint figure with large, white wings flapping gracefully. “My God, he’s flying!”
People on the ground were jumping and shouting with excitement. Remiel had to put on a good show if he wanted everyone to believe his identity. The supernatural had been out for a while, but they’d wonder why angels had stayed hidden until now. He steadily made his way down, landing a dozen yards behind the reporter. A moment later, two angels flashed behind him. They were wearing resplendent white robes and had golden halos over their heads. They also glowed brightly, giving off energy that could be seen even through the television.
“This is incredible,” the reporter continued. “I can’t believe this is happening.”
She seemed to be at a loss for words, but Cori could understand that since her first glimpse of an archangel had been overwhelming for her as well. She might not have liked them that much, but they were a sight to behold.
Unseen trumpets blared, and everyone settled down.
Remiel ran his gaze across the groups of people gathered before focusing on the camera. “I am certain you are wondering why I am making my presence known now and not before.”
The reporter moved a little closer to him, and the camera zoomed in on his face.
“While we may have stayed hidden from humans until now, we have always been watching, guiding, and protecting you. This world is not a perfect place, nor was it meant to be, but there are certain circumstances that require our attention and force us to intervene more than others—the supernatural being one of them.”
“What do you mean?” the female reporter asked, thrusting out her microphone.
Remiel stared at her with his golden gaze. “I’m afraid demons have infiltrated this world, and it is no longer possible to keep them out. The recent attacks you’ve seen were not done by the supernaturals of Earth, but rather the denizens of Hell.”
The reporter’s hand trembled. “Why are they here now? Why haven’t you stopped them?”
“Let us say it is a complicated matter and not one easily resolved.” He turned his gaze back to the camera. “Unfortunately, they insist on a presence here, and the best way to contain and control them is to allow them to visit Earth with conditions.”
“Demons are dangerous, though, right?” another reporter shouted from off-screen.
“They are.” He glanced in the direction of the speaker. “But they also know we have warriors in place to punish and execute any who do not obey the rules. They wish to come here and be among humans, whether we like it or not. In order to prevent a war where many innocents would die, we have to compromise.”
“Was that the reason for the attacks across the world we’ve seen in recent months?” the first female reporter asked.
Remiel’s visage turned grim. “I am afraid so, but if you’ve noticed over the past couple of weeks, those calamities have stopped.”
It was true. Bartol had told Cori that part of the agreement to even hold the treaty summit was the demons had to quit attacking humans. Things had even improved enough that Emily and other supernaturals in her high school were able to take their final exams and graduate the day before. For the younger children, they’d completed their final assignments at home with the teachers visiting them to monitor any tests they still needed to take. Cori missed Emily’s graduation since she had the baby to handle, but she and Bartol had sent the teenager a generous gift card she could use to fix up her dorm room that fall. Ginny and her girls stayed a little longer at the cabin to be safe. They were packing up, though, and would be heading home tomorrow.
“So what happens now?” another female reporter asked.
“We will have a representative on Earth who can be contacted by human agencies when there are any concerns or troubles. The demons will have a delegate as well. We shall work together to keep the peace and allow humans to live as normally as possible despite the change of circumstances.”
She stepped into view of the camera, wearing a white blouse and gray pants. “But it won’t really be the same anymore, will it?”
He stared at the woman, gaze revealing untold millennia of experience. “It has never been normal, but now you’ll be aware of what is happening around you instead of being kept ignorant. Until recently, we’ve masked the dangers of supernatural creatures from you because we thought it in your best interest. It is time for that to end.”
The reporter swallowed. “What happens next?”
“We will keep you informed as events progress,” he replied.
Then before anyone else could ask further questions, a burst of light exploded and he flashed away. The other two angels disappeared a moment later. The first female reporter turned back to the camera, clearly shaken. “This is monumental news. We thought it was shocking when vampires, witches, and other mythological races revealed themselves, but this is the most major revelation yet. Angels and demons—the world suddenly seems far too small.”
Ginny turned off the television. “Well, that went better than expected.”
“Yeah, because no one knows how to react yet,” Cori said.
She could only imagine how the coming months might go after humans digested what was happening. At least supernaturals wouldn’t be their biggest worry anymore. Perhaps, they’d even be smart enough to start befriending sups for protection against the demons.
Raguel spoke up, “Angels will keep it under control.”
“How?” Ginny asked.
“The same as when supernaturals came out—through spells that will calm people and allow them time to adjust,” he explained.
Melena sighed. “That wasn’t a perfect plan, either. It had its flaws.”
“It will be enough.”
Bartol took Cori’s hand. “Whatever happens, we’ll get through it.”
She smiled at him. “Yeah, we will.”
“Is it too early for a drink?” the sensor asked, glancing toward Cori’s liquor cabinet. “Because right now seems like a good time for one before I get too busy at work to even sleep.”
Melena was certainly going to have her work cut out for her. She was supposed to be meeting with a couple of demon candidates that week to see which one would join her agency as a representative. With their assistance or not, though, her division of DHS would be dealing with a lot of suspected demon problems. It was the same when the supernaturals came out.
Ginny moved toward her daughters, who’d fallen asleep on the couch after having been up extra early. “Not today it isn’t. I’ll just get them upstairs in bed and then join you for a drink.”
“I’ll help you with the girls,” Raguel offered, and took Aislin into his arms.
Before they even reached the stairs, a cry from the second floor got Cori’s attention. “Looks like Sybil doesn’t want to sleep anymore.”
“I’ll go with you,” Bartol said, putting a hand on her lower back.
She smiled at him, grateful he was quick to help these days. The world was a crazy place with more creatures in it than she would have ever dreamed of a few years ago, but she’d never looked forward to the future more. Even a crying baby was a blessing and gave her hope. Cori and Bartol left Melena and Kariann downstairs, preparing drinks for themselves.
“Here’s to sunlight not burning you anymore,” the sensor toasted.
“Here’s to you playing games with the demons. Good luck with that,” Kariann said, laughter in her voice.
Their voices began to fade, but Cori caught Melena’s response, “Don’t make me stake you so soon after you got your daylight
tattoo. It would be a waste of Cori’s hard work.”
“As if you could take me,” the vampire scoffed.
Epilogue
Cori
It was a perfect late-June day, beautiful and warm. The geraniums, orchids, and Northern Yarrow that Joy had planted over a month ago were in full bloom, and the additional decorations they’d placed on the lawn brought the whole scene together. Cori couldn’t have asked for more since she was getting married in a few minutes. The only thing shielding her from the groom was a white tent they’d set up next to her house where she could get ready in privacy. There were too many guests, including her sister and her family, who’d come to stay for the occasion to prepare in there.
Cori had barely been able to sleep the night before, but thankfully Sybil hadn’t shared the same problem and only woke twice briefly for feedings. For now, the baby rested in the bassinet they’d brought into the tent so Cori could nurse her one last time before putting on her wedding gown. Everything had to be timed perfectly when one had a six-week-old child to consider.
“You look amazing,” Melena said, standing behind her where she checked herself in the mirror. “I can’t believe this is really happening.”
Cori stared at herself. The top half of her black hair had been pulled away from her face and clipped with a long, white veil, and the bottom half had been curled and left to flow freely a little past her shoulders. Her dress was cream silk with a heart-shaped bodice that fit snuggly up top before flowing down in an A-line that just brushed the ground. She’d dreamed of wearing such a gown when she was younger, but she and Griff had done a courthouse wedding with no frills. Cori might have preferred jeans and tank tops most of the time, but she still liked to dress up when the occasion called for it.
She smiled at the sensor. “Thanks.”
“Everyone is ready and waiting,” Joy said, coming into the tent. Her mother had gone out to let the band know they could start playing the wedding march in a minute. It was headed by Micah, who had handled Melena’s after-wedding party.
Cori turned to Kariann. She was doing a surprisingly good job of rocking Sybil in her bassinet and keeping her calm. Who knew the tough old vampire could have a soft spot for babies? She claimed she was glad to have never experienced motherhood for herself but had no problem living vicariously through others. They’d made certain she had fed before she came—not that she was known for drinking the blood of innocents, but it couldn’t hurt to be cautious.
“Are you sure you’ve got this?” Cori asked.
The vampire—who wore a blue sheath dress in the same design as the bridesmaids—nodded. “I can easily carry her down the aisle. She hardly weighs a thing.”
“Great,” Melena said, another of the bridesmaids, and gestured at everyone. “Then let’s get this started.”
Joy peeked her head outside, letting Ginny know she could send her girls down the aisle to spread the flower petals. After a moment, she and the sensor went out next. Cori joined Kariann at the bassinet, picked Sybil up, and gently kissed her forehead. The baby smiled and cooed back at her. For the occasion, she was dressed in a pretty pink dress with lace trim that looked absolutely adorable on her. The photographer would be getting a lot of pictures of that after the ceremony.
Taking a deep breath, she handed Sybil over to the vampire, watching as Kariann gently cradled her. “You’re next.”
“I can handle it. Don’t worry.”
Cori watched her friend and baby leave the tent, music wafting gently over to her. Micah usually played rock music, but he and his guys had practiced for the wedding so they could use the appropriate songs for the occasion. She was amazed at how well they sounded.
After waiting a few seconds more, she stepped outside and gave herself a moment for her eyes to adjust to the bright sunlight. Then she turned toward the front lawn and found the long stretch of burgundy carpet between aisles of chairs that led to a makeshift altar. There was a flower arch just before it where she’d join Bartol. Since her father wasn’t alive to give her away, she’d chosen to make the walk alone.
Everyone was “oohing” and “ahhing” at her. Despite her resolve to remain calm and collected, it made her blush. Cori wasn’t used to being the center of attention. Everyone she and Bartol knew was there. Her sister with her husband and kids, along with a bunch of her aunts, uncles, and cousins she hadn’t seen in ages. Derrick, Eli, Lucas, and Tormod—with both of his parents—were there as well as a few other nerou she’d gotten to know over the past year. Raguel and several more archangels had shown up just before the ceremony, too.
But the most surprising guest was Kerbasi. Cori and Bartol had talked about it and decided to invite the former guardian. He still didn’t remember anything from the last fifteen hundred years, but that meant he’d lost his crassness and sarcasm, so he wouldn’t cause trouble. Oddly, she sort of missed the old version of the man. It was much easier to harass and give him a hard time before. This version of him was cold and emotionless. A part of her hoped he’d get his memory back soon since at least then he’d be more interesting.
Kerbasi was sitting at the back row of seats by himself, rigid with his hands resting on his lap. He gave her a nod as she passed. She smiled at him, but no light entered his eyes. Had he been that way until he’d started guarding and torturing nephilim prisoners? What had changed him to become the man everyone hated later?
Leaving those questions for another time, she focused her gaze forward and found Bartol up ahead. He stared at her with warm, loving eyes that made her want to rush forward. She’d never seen him in a tuxedo before and couldn’t believe how good he looked in one. It was too bad they needed to finish the ceremony first because she wished she could sneak away with him right then and rip his clothes off. More and more, he was letting her touch and explore him. He wasn’t totally relaxed yet, but he was far better than a couple of months ago. She could even put an arm over him at night now without him freezing up.
As soon as she reached him, he took her hand and they faced the minister—who happened to be Remiel since he’d done this sort of thing before with Melena and Lucas. The archangel had his wings folded behind him, but they jutted high over his shoulders. He wore the same white robe with golden trim she’d seen when he did his press conference, but he’d foregone the halo. He was impressive enough without it. No doubt her relatives would have all kinds of questions after the ceremony about how she had such a colorful array of friends. Her mother had been sworn to secrecy about it until now and hadn’t told them anything.
Remiel started with a speech about love, patience, and kindness. Cori listened with half an ear while staring at Bartol. Despite the audience, he didn’t look frightened or nervous at all. He’d said the previous night he would concentrate on her to help him get through it, the same as when he’d proposed.
She smiled and mouthed the words, “I love you.”
“I love you, too,” he said, then pulled her close to press his lips to hers. Bartol wasn’t a man known for long, pretty speeches, but he had other ways of showing he cared. He had overcome major obstacles for her that would have been impossible for most others. He was worth the wait, and she was glad she’d ridden out the storm until he’d found a way to get past his trauma.
Remiel cleared his throat. “Could you two save that for later?”
“I think it’s a little too late, archangel,” Kariann said, rocking the baby. Sybil was waving her arms around and smiling, totally capturing the guests’ attention.
The audience laughed.
Cori and Bartol looked at each other once more. They would have forever, and neither one of them could wait to get started.
“Hurry and finish,” Bartol growled. “We don’t have all day.”
A smile played at Remiel’s lips. “In fact, you do have forever.”
He was right. Once Sybil was weaned, Cori would take the final step to become immortal. The world had its dangers, but she felt confident her little family would make it t
hrough with the help of family and friends. After what happened with Griff, she never imagined being in such a happy place. It went to show that life really could get better if one just waited for it.
Wondering what’s next in the Sensor/Dark Destiny World? Kerbasi, of course! If you want to see him get his own novel, feel free to encourage and let Susan know (links to social media are on the following pages). If all goes well, the new archangel’s book will be out late 2019. Naturally, he’s got quite the story to tell!
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Dark Destiny Series:
Destined for Shadows
Destined for Dreams
Destined for Eternity
Sensor Series:
Darkness Haunts
Darkness Taunts
Chained by Darkness (novella)
Darkness Divides
Playing with Darkness (novella)
Darkness Clashes
Facing the Darkness (Kerbasi holiday novella)
Darkness Shatters
Darkness Wanes
Dragon’s Breath Series:
Stalked by Flames
Dancing with Flames
Forged by Flames
Christmas with Dragons
Captured in Flames (coming soon)
About Susan Illene
Susan Illene served in the US Army for eleven years and worked as a human resources specialist and an Arabic linguist. She served two deployments to Iraq, and after leaving the army, she studied history at the University of Oklahoma. She currently lives with her husband and son in Oklahoma, along with two high-maintenance cats doing their best to help her write her books.
For more information visit: www.susanillene.com
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