To Fall (The To Fall Trilogy Book 1)

by Donna AnnMarie Smith

  Bozo earned his name today. He sniffed and picked up everything in our path. I didn’t have the strength or endurance to stop him each time. I should have known better and left him at home. Bozo’s body tensed with his nose in the air, signaling me he was onto something. Before I could yank him back, he pulled hard on the leash and I stumbled forward. My eyes caught what had his attention—a quail sprinted in front of us. Bozo jerked against the leash again; I planted my feet and held my ground.

  Bozo flipped his body backward, the collar slipped off, and the leash went slack. I groaned. I guess he could be smart when he wanted to be. I was going to have to go after him because if Bozo ran back into the neighborhood, a car could hit him. I was already winded from the exercise and the heat, but he wasn’t too far away. Twenty feet? I could catch him.

  A slight jog ought to do it. I was close to grabbing his scruff, but he sprinted off again, another twenty feet away. My heart pounded behind my chest wall and my breaths came hard and fast. The hot air was harsh in my throat.

  Pushing myself to close the distance, my legs moved faster this time. A few feet from Bozo, tightness clamped around my heart and a chill ran through my limbs. I was in trouble. Clutching my chest, I could only swallow shallow puffs, lungs burning for a full breath. My legs wobbled beneath me, hands tingled, and pain screamed through as though a saguaro landed on my heart.

  My knees and hands hit the hard dirt, and rough gravel dug into my flesh. Moving my hand to my pocket, I cursed. No cell phone. I should try to get to the street so someone could help me, but my body was failing.

  Gripping my pill bottle, my eyesight blurred and focus would have been awesome right now, because I couldn’t feel my fingers to lift the plastic lid.

  I needed help like yesterday, but I couldn’t muster air to scream. The lub-dub of my heart slowed in my ears. Pain became my focus. What did I have to do again? Whatever was holding me up, gave way. The ground rushed toward me, my shoulder and head hit the hard dirt, and my sunglasses flew off. A plume of dust mixed with the blinding light of the sun filtered over me, and I let my eyes close.

  I awoke to a weightless feeling, my body swayed, warm skin embraced mine, and the scent of clouds enveloped me. Blinking, the searing sun filled my vision.

  “Welcome back.” My heart raced again to the low, husky voice.

  11

  Xander

  I was an ass. I didn’t know how not to screw up around this girl. She turned me into an utter moron. She was just a human. One of billions. So why was it every time I was around her, my head felt a little fuzzier, my heart sped up, and weird things happened to my stomach? Because she’s not just any girl.

  She called me “Xander.” I had been called Alexander since Creation, never anything else. I liked it and it surprised me how much. It was silly, only an omission of three letters, but it made me feel special. Special to her. She saw me as…a human.

  After beating my head against the mountain for saying that one word finally, I went home.

  I shouldn’t have said it. I should have wiped her memory of me, but when her eyes met mine, I couldn’t let her forget me. I couldn’t take this memory away from her. So instead, I made an ass out of myself and I didn’t stop there. I kept doing it.

  Monday morning, before the sun rose, the alarm on my cell phone chimed. It was under my pillow, muffled so my siblings wouldn’t hear it. After a shower, I slipped into running clothes. Reaching the kitchen, I abandoned my stealthy pace, sensing Caleb.

  “Good morning, Brother!” Caleb grinned over the mixing bowl, ready to make omelets. “Ham and cheese?” he asked.

  “Yes, please. I had resigned myself to cold cereal. A hot meal sounds much better.”

  He shrugged and hair fell across his brow. Wait…Caleb’s hair didn’t move. He rushed out of his room. He knows something is off with me. “I wanted to make sure I had a full meal before running around this morning.”

  My back was to Caleb and my hand hovered over a drinking glass. “You’re going?” My voice was rushed. I would give myself away.

  “Alexander, you’ve been pulling all the shifts, tiring yourself out. I wanted to relieve some of the burden.”

  My smile was tight. “Thank you, Caleb, that’s very thoughtful.”

  He finished dicing the meat. “Not a problem.”

  Risking exposing myself further, I said, “You know, I’m up, and you have this whole power breakfast thing going on. Why don’t I join you? Keep you company?”

  Caleb stopped just before pouring the eggs in the pan and blinked. “Excellent!”

  Running to Abby’s neighborhood, we received friendly waves from those on their way to work. I caught sight of Kate’s Camry as she shuttled the twins off to class and Caleb tapped me on the arm when he spotted Margaret’s red Elantra. Abby would probably stay in the house, playing on her laptop or watch a movie from the couch. For two Guardians to be here was senseless. I began to feel embarrassed for inviting myself.

  Circling the neighborhood again, my breathing stalled. Abby was yards away, walking a yellow lab. She looked incredibly sexy in tiny black running shorts and a tight pink T-shirt. I should have worn sunglasses to hide my stare from Caleb.

  Abby had a tough time reining the dog in. He sniffed the surface of every plant, licked every bit of gravel, and anything moving caught his attention.

  “This dog needs to be taught manners,” Caleb complained. “He’s gonna rip her little arm out of her socket.”

  Bozo’s presence upset the neighborhood dogs as they barked and howled at him. He tried to climb into a neighbor’s yard, pushing rocks onto the sidewalk.

  Yanking his leash back, Abby slipped on the gravel. “Ugh, Bozo! Quit! Whoever said labs were smart was dumb!”

  We chuckled at her.

  There were a few children at the neighborhood park playing in the yellowing grass. Bozo barked and pulled Abby.

  “Never again! Those eyes won’t fool me next time, Bozo!” Abby tugged hard to get the dog away from the park and took him on the jogging path behind the houses. The dog poked his muzzle into each hole and thick bush. “You’re gonna get your nose bit, Bozo. I should let you, teach you a lesson.” But Abby didn’t; as frustrated as he made her, she made sure he was safe from himself and stepped around any dangerous obstacles.

  The trail was too sparse for us to find cover, forcing Caleb and I to keep an unsafe distance from her.

  Caleb groaned, “Oh, that’s not good.”

  Bozo trained on a quail. Caleb and I broke out into a sprint when the collar popped off the dog.

  “That’s even worse!” I watched Abby run after the dog. Her little body collapsed into the rocky dirt. Panicked, I pushed myself faster.

  “Don’t you do it!” Caleb growled, realizing I was ready to unfurl my wings.

  A grunt was my response.

  I reached Abby first, sliding along the dirt, kicking it up onto her already sandy body. She was sweaty and cold, but breathing, and her heart beat with weak pulses in her chest. Healing her, I picked up the pill bottle and put it in her back pocket. I scooped her up out of the dirt.

  Caleb kneeled and reprimanded Bozo. The dog hung his head and whined. “Naughty boy! You left Abby. Bozo, you have to be more careful, you must mind her. You can chase birds in the backyard, but while you’re out with her, you should be a good boy. She needs your protection.” Sighing, Caleb picked up the leash. “Is she okay?”

  “She’ll wake up soon.” I gazed down at her limp body tucked against me. The sun beat down on her olive skin, droplets shimmering like diamonds. A long ponytail brushed my bare stomach. Her hair wasn’t just dark brown but made of natural strands of reds and honeys. Abby’s peaceful face snuggled into my chest with warm, deep breaths. Lips grazed my skin, sparking every cell inside me, desperate for more.

  Abby shouldn’t have been where no one would find her. If we hadn’t been watching…

  Caleb picked up her hat and sunglasses. “It’s too hot out here for her.
We should head back.”

  As we walked, Abby’s dainty fingers skimmed me, hidden between us. Once again, I was irritated we had an audience. She whispered, “Xander.”

  With the realization that she was dreaming about me, I failed at hiding my smile.

  “What’s a Xander?” Caleb peered over at her.

  I cleared my throat, finally able to keep a straight face. “Uh, me.”

  His brows rose. “You must have made quite an impression the other night.”

  “No. I…well…I am an angel,” I stated, puffing out my chest.

  Caleb made a point to glance at himself. “I’m much better looking than you. If I had been there, she would be dreaming about me. Let’s see what happens when she wakes up. Her eyes will be on me, guaranteed.”

  Shifting, she let out a tiny moan and long black lashes fluttered open.

  “Welcome back,” I said.

  Her heart erratically beat and her eyes widened, letting the sun reflect off the multitude of light browns swirling in a sea of dark, hypnotizing me. She was staring, full out gawking at me and I loved it. “Hi.” It was little more than a squeak.

  Abby didn’t notice Caleb. I actually didn’t think she noticed anything but me. He cleared his throat to grab her attention and I fought like hell not to smile.

  She blinked at Caleb, and then her eyes went right back to me. “Abby, we found you passed out by the canal. Are you feeling all right?”

  The recognition of my words was slow, her eyes lost their unfocused haze, and she bolted up in my arms. “Bozo!”

  Caleb burst out into a laugh. “Most people say, thank you.”

  Her little hands flew over reddened cheeks. “No, I’m sorry. My dog, Bozo. He ran away from me. He could get—”

  “This dog?” Caleb offered.

  She stared at Bozo as though he’d sprouted another tail. “How did you…he’s…listening to you?”

  I regretfully set Abby down, noticing her hand lingered around my bicep longer than necessary.

  “Thank you. I tried running after him, but—” Her eyes darted away from us as though she knew she said too much.

  “But?” I prodded. I didn’t want her to feel shame for her heart problems, but it was written on her face.

  Abby stared at her dusty sneakers. “Um…I must have passed out from the heat.”

  Okay, she wasn’t ready and I shouldn’t push her. “Abigail Miller, this is my brother, Caleb.”

  I could see the question written all over her face. Although built alike, we didn’t look related.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Abigail.”

  She smiled with her correction. “Abby, please.”

  Caleb handed over her hat and sunglasses. “We should take you home and get you out of this heat.”

  As we walked, Abby asked, “Do you guys live near here?”

  Caleb nodded, contemplating his answer. “Hmm. Not too far.”

  “Caleb, do you work at the hospital, too?”

  He smiled and asked dumbly, “Too?”

  Abby frowned, her gaze bouncing between us. “I…I thought Xander worked at Desert Springs. I saw you there.” Damn.

  “No, you must have me confused with someone else. Never been there.” The lie grated off my tongue like sandpaper. I couldn’t even look her in the eye.

  Her mouth formed around the question again, but we arrived at her porch. Flicking her eyes to the door, she blurted out, “You don’t have any water bottles with you. Would you like to come inside for a glass of ice water? Lemonade? Tea? Or…I have some Gatorade.” The pleading in her voice was adorable.

  I opened my mouth to accept her invitation when Caleb said, “No, thank you, Abby. We’re going to finish our run before our shoes melt. It was nice meeting you.” Caleb was prudent. Two strange men should not be in her parents’ home with Abby alone, and Margaret could come home soon.

  The disappointment that drew across her face was unmistakable, but she tried to hide it with a smile.

  Caleb stole off down the drive. I leaned in close to catch one last look into those eyes and breathed in her spiced jasmine scent, allowing it to imprint on my brain. “Abby, try not to run after Bozos.”

  She swallowed. “Bye.”

  Flashing her a smile, I ran to catch up to Caleb and hit his arm. “I think the only eyes on you belonged to the dog.”

  “Shut up,” he snapped and I laughed. “I can still outfly you,” he grumbled.

  Stopping cold, I challenged, “Can you outrun me?”

  “Undoubtedly.” He threw me a wicked grin.

  12

  Cresil

  I liked this town, Phoenix. Not as much as Vegas, pure sin that place. Last time I was here, it was for business. Waste of a good lay. Shame, really.

  Astaroth had flogged me and took half my dominion away as punishment for my insolence.

  Thousands of years passed before I healed and regained enough energy to return and search for a soul that I alone was convinced of being gone. Astaroth would keep me alive if he thought I was searching, but he never said I couldn’t play.

  In moments, I found a bum downtown, drunk, laying out, burning in the blazing sun. I wouldn’t need alcohol for this vessel; this guy’s mind was wasted from the Vietnam War. Visions of his buddies torn to pieces at his feet kept him in a cycle of insanity. I preferred to possess cleaner humans, but he would do.

  Without a clue as to what year it was, I cracked open a newspaper bin and pulled one out. Hell’s fire. I knew it had been some time, but twenty Earth years?

  Since downtown women tended to be more astute and on their guard, I made my way towards the suburbs. There, the women possessed greater degrees of innocence, which made what I wanted to do to them much more pleasing. There wasn’t any joy taking when a human was willing to give it to you.

  The town had grown to an astounding degree from when I had been here last. Coming upon a strip mall, I overheard talk of a party. I’d be a fool not to pry. Two good-looking, young guys with booze would be a nice start to my playtime.

  One kid droned on and on over his recent break-up, and I didn’t want that headache running through my head. The other kid was promising, though.

  “Man, it’s a good thing your cousin works at the liquor store, Tyler.”

  “I know. And it doesn’t suck my parents are going away again. Maybe I can get with Mel tonight.”

  The kid stopped unloading the cart, blinking at his friend. “Already? Man, you just wiped off the lipstick stains from Rachel.”

  “Jake, shut your virgin mouth and help me out with this keg, will ya?”

  “Jeez, Ty, relax. I was joking.”

  Tyler hit Jake on the arm. “Did you see Mel in her bikini? Man! She is hot! And she was all over me. There is no way she won’t give it up soon.”

  Jake rolled his eyes when Tyler looked away.

  I followed them home.

  The party teemed with temptation; an immoral buffet laid out for me. Jake was a jock and had nothing other than sports and getting laid on his mind. Perfect. He started drinking, even better. Slipping in, I took over, claiming his body as mine.

  Much to my delight, he already had a hard on for a pair of Double-D’s stuffed into a skimpy bikini in the spa. She had another guy ready to get into that bikini. Far be it from me to be a cock block. Besides, I liked my girls to leave something to the imagination. Innocent and young was how I preferred them.

  Tyler’s hand hit my arm. “Jake, did you see the new guy, Alexander Wright?”

  I feigned interest. “Nah.”

  “He’s over there talking to your boy, Greg. He’s an asshole. Thinks his shit doesn’t stink.”

  From Tyler’s demeanor, he was ready to piss on the entire house and lay claim. I might as well play along. “Where?”

  The kid pointed across the room. Of all the luck. No soul. A rat. Wait…I remembered this rat. This must be his jurisdiction. He was here to play watchdog over these drunk kids. I should abandon this vess
el and go find a bar.

  Jake’s thoughts drifted to a girl someone had told him of, wanted them to hook up. It was worth my time. Scanning the room, I spotted her. Oh, she was ripe. She was exactly what I needed. Dark hair, dark eyes, those pouty lips that could scream for me. Mmm, yes. Definitely worth the risk. I made my way over to her.

  Damn, it had been a long time since something so pure came into my lap. Those pink polka dots begged me to rip them off her. Long legs stemmed from tiny white shorts, hugging a tight ass. There may be a rat here, but there was no way he would expose himself.

  Pouring another drink down my throat, I called out, “Hey, Pink Polka Dots!”

  13

  Xander

  Abby had told her parents she would be at Tyler’s tonight and I went early to scope the place out. This week’s party had even more kids here and the girls wore less clothing. One blonde in the spa had wrapped herself around a boy, and I was sure her bathing suit and what they were doing were illegal in forty-nine states.

  Tyler eyed me the moment I arrived. I overheard him ask a few people who I was before approaching me. “Hey, man, I heard you played the hero at my house last time. I’m Tyler Gibson. You’re, Alexander Wright, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, nice to meet you.” I held my hand out.

  He hesitated before shaking it, sizing me up. His dark skin suggested a Mediterranean heritage and light brown eyes were unfocused with the scent of whiskey on his breath. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but how did you get into my party?”

  “My apologies.” I grabbed the exposed skin on his neck. Now I was an invited guest and our parents were acquaintances.

  He asked, “You going to White Tank this year?”

  “Yes, I am.” I assumed he was referring to the college, and if I had said no, red flags would have gone up.

  Brown curls sprang up as his hand ruffled over his head. “You play football?”

  “For fun.”

  This answer pleased him and he relaxed. “That’s cool, the team isn’t for everyone.” Neither was humility. “You play any sports at your last school?”