Savage Redemption: A Dark Urban Guardians Fantasy

by Anni Antoni

  “I believe it got confused and shut down.” I chuckled as I saw Frank’s skeptical expression. “Or if you like it simplified, we killed and dispersed the demon in her with love. It was a tough struggle, and we both bear permanent marks of it – our eyes that flash red, and Kat’s white hair. Tell your scientist buddies if you like.” I laughed as Frank’s expression turned from skeptical to outright disbelief. “See, I told you it wasn’t scientific.”

  Kat laughed at Frank’s reaction too. “We love-bombed the demon energy and killed it.”

  Frank relaxed and his eyes flashed amusement. “No, not scientific, but it’s as good an explanation as any, I suppose.”

  “May we keep the test results? I’d like to have something to show my brothers and their mates as proof of what I’ve been saying. Understandably, they’ve been a little wary of us over the past few days, although, to be fair, they’ve given us the benefit of the doubt.”

  Frank handed the papers over and we said our goodbyes. Having the official confirmation in our hands was reassuring, especially for Kat.

  “Feeling better?” I asked.

  “Yes.” She sighed, clutching her results, and I sensed relief as her last fears dissipated. “Can we flash to Africa today? I love the wild animals there and I want to see them up close.”

  Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I loved indulging her. “Anything you want darlin’. Let’s Google it, so we know where to go. But first, I’d like to share our official blood test results with the others. Do you mind?”

  “I’d like that. They need to know the truth. Best to get everything out in the open,” Kat replied a little nervously.

  Satisfied with her answer, my mind wandered for a moment. The one thing I hadn’t discussed with Frank or with Kat was how the demon energy would affect us.

  Yes, it was dormant, but it was still part of us and it would be interesting to see how it expressed itself, if at all. Something I admired about demons, having lived with them for so many years, was their passion, sadly lacking in most humans and some older Guardians, including me.

  I was lost, cynical and jaded for many years before meeting Kat. A little extra dose of passion, already evident in the bedroom, much to my delight, wouldn’t go astray. Was it purely my love for Kat or was the demon passion exerting influence too? Did it even matter? Our love transcended those concerns.

  However, Kaleb’s words rang in my head, too, at odd moments. Being a fixer of human problems, as he described, would sit well with Guardians. It would be interesting to see if new passions drew us in that direction.

  Meanwhile, in the week since Kat had become a Guardian, I loved training her and watching her new gifts grow. She amazed me with how quickly she learned.

  Our new passions would develop in their own time, and I looked forward to being surprised by them. Meanwhile, life was deliciously unpredictable and every moment a joy with Kat.

  Chapter 34.

  Kat’s New Life

  We sat together on the couch in companionable silence, sharing our feelings and thoughts through mindspeak. Already I couldn’t imagine closing my mind to Joe. Mindspeak with him was like a warm hug.

  “Are you ready to face the others?” Joe squeezed my hand, acknowledging my nervousness.

  All my life I’d been rejected, through being dragged from school to school, always the awkward new girl. I knew nothing about making friends, I’d never had one for more than a few weeks. After a while I stopped trying to fit in.

  Anxiety squeezed my insides. What if they don’t accept me? The thought bounced around my head.

  Joe kissed my forehead and answered my thoughts. Don’t worry pet. Just accept what comes, then deal with it. I’ve always found that works a treat. He chuckled. I’m calling a meeting now. Okay?

  I nodded my agreement. Nervousness made my hands clammy, and I wiped them on my T-shirt.

  West was first to arrive, flashing in with his arms around Liz.

  “Hi you two.” Liz smiled at us.

  “We’ll all be here for the meeting, so why don’t we have dinner together later? I’m trying out a new menu at my Italian restaurant and I’d appreciate feedback, said West.”

  “Sounds good.” Joe stretched and put a reassuring arm around my shoulder.

  “Thank you.” I stretched my lips, in what I hoped was a pleasant smile, at West and Liz, while nodding my agreement at eating together.

  The elevator door opened, and Nathan and Emily spilled out, deep in an animated discussion. Something to do about computer programming, I gathered. The two of them stopped talking long enough to exchange greetings and then resumed their earnest discussion.

  Joe, West and Liz chatted about West’s new menu, while I wondered where Esau and Claire were. Esau was usually first on the scene whenever Joe called a meeting.

  I wasn’t the only one puzzled.

  “Where’s Esau? And Claire?” Emily interrupted her discussion with Nathan. “Are they coming?”

  “They’re on their way,” said Joe after a moment to contact Esau by mindspeak. His face broke into a mischievous grin, and his eyes sparked red for a second.

  It still took me by surprise to see Joe’s eyes turn red, and I returned his grin. Something unexpected was about to happen, my own eyes misted red, anticipating the fun. Considering Joe’s reaction, it was bound to be something no one could know.

  Esau flashed into the room, carrying Claire, whose face was flushed a pretty pink. The strangest expression sat on Esau’s face as he settled Claire onto the couch, making sure she was comfortable. It was a combination of terror and joy, like nothing I had ever seen, and his eyes glowed a constant red, indicating high emotion.

  What’s going on, Joe? You know, don’t you? What’s the big secret? Curiosity ate at me, while my nervousness took a back seat.

  All in good time, pet. Esau and Claire will share something with us after we’ve given the group our news. He patted my hand, but I felt like kicking him in frustration.

  “Glad you could join us Esau, Claire.” Joe stretched and put the arm that wasn’t around my shoulders over the back of the couch. He leaned back and crossed his legs, taking a deep breath.

  “Now we’re all here, we can start the meeting. Anyone who wants to share, do so in the order you arrived at the meeting. Okay?”

  A murmur of agreement ran through the group. Joe waited for quiet before he began.

  “As you are all aware, Kat is a hybrid, and bravely faced her coming-of-age transition about a week ago, a time when the demon in her struggled to come to the fore.”

  All eyes were upon me and my cheeks grow hot as I squirmed under the scrutiny.

  “It was a life-and-death struggle, and it took both of us to beat the demon part of her. If the demon in her had won the struggle, Kat would now be a Cambion, needing human or possibly Guardian energy to stay alive on Earth.”

  Claire gasped and everyone else was silent, still staring at us.

  “But you beat it? Is that for good?” Emily asked.

  “Yes,” I said. “Everything’s stable now, including the white hair and red eyes.” I smiled uncertainly at the group. Would they accept me?

  “Yes! Yes! I knew you could do it, and I love your new look,” screamed Claire. Untangling herself from Esau, she rushed over and threw her arms about me. Laughing, we ended up in a heap of arms and legs on the couch.

  That prompted everyone to go into action. Claire pulled me to my feet and gave me a bear hug. Liz and Emily rushed over to join in.

  While I was having my first ever group hug, Nathan, West and Esau joined in too, each one offering their congratulations. My heart was overflowing with happiness and love for my new family.

  I looked over at Joe, still seated on the couch, grinning. “Hold on to your hats,” he said. “There’s more to come.”

  The attention turned once more to Joe, although we were all still locked into a happy group hug.

  “Kat’s demon energy was tough and hungry. It was eating up
the human in her. By the time we stopped and neutralized it, all her human energy had gone. She fought on with her Guardian energy, and that’s what eventually took over. Dr. Frank’s blood test proves it. Kat’s now a Guardian with a mere ten per cent dormant demon energy. Again, let me stress – the demon in her is dormant.”

  “Whoooo, an instant Guardian.” shouted West.

  “I didn’t think it was possible,” laughed Nathan.

  “Neither did Frank. He’s still shaking his head,” said Joe from the couch.

  Liz kissed my cheek, and once again, everyone congratulated me, until I was overwhelmed by all the attention.

  Joe must have sensed it, because he walked over to us, grabbed one of my hands and kissed it.

  “I’m proud of you darlin’,” he said, his eyes glowing red. Then he chuckled as he looked around at the group. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’m claiming my mate back, and I think Claire and Esau have something to share.”

  We all went back to our seats, and an expectant air hung in the room.

  “Before Esau speaks, can you tell us how come you’ve got red eyes, Joe?” asked West. “I don’t get that at all.”

  “Well, as I said, Kat’s demon energy was strong and hungry. It sensed it was losing the battle for Kat, and attacked me. When the battle was over, some of Kat’s demon energy lodged in me, but dormant. It was a long, hard battle.”

  Joe raised my hand to his lips and winked at me. Once again, my cheeks grew hot.

  Understanding dawned on West’s face. “Long and hard, eh?” His lips quivered as he tried to suppress a grin. “I must say the addition of demon energy has only improved you Joe. You seem more relaxed these days. Or is that Kat’s doing?”

  “A little of both, I’d say.” Joe chuckled and his eyes flashed red as he kissed my forehead.

  Esau cleared his throat and there was silence as all eyes turned to him. Once again, a strange look, part panic, part happiness crossed his face. He stood and looked around the room.

  “Claire and I have something to announce,” he said. Claire stood next to him, her eyes shining. He put his arm around her waist and drew her to him. A wonderful look I can only describe as reverence, shone from his face as he turned his head and gazed into her eyes.

  Tears came to my eyes and a strong, protective pull gathered around my heart as I gazed at Claire. Puzzled, I sent the sensation, together with a query to Joe.

  It’s Guardian energy. Relax. I’ll explain later.

  Esau refocused on the group. “We’re pregnant! I mean, Claire’s pregnant. We’re having a baby!” Esau looked as though he would burst with pride.

  I squealed and launched myself at Claire, giving her a huge hug. “I’m so happy for you,” I said, laughing as tears ran down my cheeks.

  In no time, another group hug formed around Claire and Esau. Everyone was talking at once. Joe stood next to me, one arm around me, one arm on Esau’s shoulder.

  I looked up at him, sharing my happy feelings, rewarded instantly by his happy feelings washing over me.

  I’ll be the baby’s Guardian, won’t I? The thought both terrified and excited me.

  Looks like it, but don’t worry, I’ll be here to help.

  Joe would always be there, ready to help, I realized; and so would the others. We were a family.

  This was my new home, and I belonged with these people, my new family. I would even have responsibilities when the baby arrived. The strong tug around my heart surely meant I would be the baby’s Guardian in time.

  Things could change dramatically in a few short weeks.

  Gran. Suddenly I ached for her. How she would have loved to share this life with me and she would have loved Joe. Had she ever been able to use mindspeak? She would have loved to try.

  Now I was a Guardian, living with other Guardians, she would have been so proud of me. To honor her unselfish devotion to me while I was growing up, I would devote myself to becoming the best Guardian I could.

  Gathering all my love and happiness in one glorious burst of emotion, I sent it to her, wherever she might be. I didn’t expect an answer, but neither did I expect what came back.

  A deep, tranquil peace filled my being, comforting me and giving me hope that somehow my message had reached Gran. Had she communicated that peace?

  I would never know for certain, but surrounded by my new family, with Joe by my side, I resolved to embrace my new life, not only for myself, but for Gran. I would be happy and accept my new responsibilities for us both.

  Looking up, I caught Joe’s eye. Smiling, I communicated my joy and commitment to my new life to him.

  The End.

  Thank you for reading Savage Redemption. If you enjoyed it, please leave a review where you purchased it. Reviews help Amazon notice authors and new readers find us. Thank you.

  Here is the link for Savage Redemption, Amazon US

  To leave a review, simply scroll down the page, to where it says ‘leave a review.’ No need to write an epic, a sentence or two is all that is necessary Thank you and thank you for your interest in my writing.

  From the Author

  If you enjoyed Savage Redemption, I’m sure you will enjoy my other books just as much.

  Other books I have written are listed below. All my stories can stand alone, even when written as part of a series. However, when read in the following order, they form a much richer experience.

  Urban Guardians Series

  Thief Catcher – Urban Guardians 1

  Amazon USA

  Amazon UK Amazon Canada Amazon Australia

  Esau Demon Prince – A Taste of the Urban Guardians World

  Amazon USA

  Amazon UK Amazon Canada Amazon Australia

  Esau Demon King – Urban Guardians 2

  Amazon USA

  Amazon UK Amazon Canada Amazon Australia

  Bad Angel a stand-alone short story that introduces the character Of West, who appears in Urban Guardians 3

  Amazon USA

  Amazon UK Amazon Canada Amazon Australia

  West Remembered (Wicked Guardian) – Urban Guardians 3

  Amazon USA

  Amazon UK Amazon Canada Amazon Australia

  Savage Betrayal -A Dark Urban Guardians Fantasy, Joe’s story

  Amazon USA

  Amazon UK Amazon Canada Amazon Australia

  Short Stories

  The Wish Angel – A Short Paranormal Romance

  Amazon USA

  Amazon UK Amazon Canada Amazon Australia

  Cat’s Purrfect Storm – A be-Witch-ing Tale of Enchantment and Hate at First Sight

  Amazon USA

  Amazon UK Amazon Canada Amazon Australia

  I love to connect with my readers. You can find me and say hi or give me a ‘like’ so I know you’ve visited, on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/anniantoni/

  Read my blog on http://anniantoni.com/blog

  Follow me on Amazon, so you will be notified when my latest book is published.

  https://www.amazon.com/Anni-Antoni/e/B015BYFDDI

  Keep reading for some surprises…

  A GIFT FOR YOU (because you’re an awesome reader)

  Your FREE BOOK is available HERE

  P.S. Scroll down for a surprise bonus from the Urban Guardians world which I just decided to include because today, as I’m putting this together, it’s a chilly Saturday, the perfect day to curl up, keep warm and keep on reading…

  Bonus Short Story

  What's an Angel to do?

  With years of rigorous training to complete before he even receives a name, No-name, serial number Hawk 2651, is a created Urban Guardian with a huge dilemma.

  A beautiful, pure young woman's need calls to him with a

  force so strong he is powerless to ignore it. Will he risk all for the desperate but enticing pull of a young woman unhappy with life or remain committed to his duty?

  He must choose between his heart and his duty. What his heart calls him to do is forbidden – the punishm
ent severe. Does he have the heart to turn his back on his calling and risk everything for a forbidden love?

  How far is he willing to go to find out?

  BAD ANGEL – Hawk 2651

  The doorbell chimed, the sound piercing my heart like a dagger. My breath froze as I looked at Westley, my mouth suddenly dry, my voice cracking, “Oh no. Is it them? It can’t be, it’s too soon.” Tears welled in my eyes and a pulse hammered in my ears.

  He cupped my cheek with his hand and I leaned into it, taking comfort from its solid warmth. “Who else would be out here?” he said, shrugging his shoulders and attempting a smile. “Don’t worry Lizbet, if I’m not terminated, I’ll find you when my training is finished. Even if they take my memories away, I’ll find you. We’re connected now, destined to find each other again.”

  ‘Terminated’, he said it so casually, but it was unthinkable. His tutors couldn’t…

  He leaned in to give me a gentle, lingering kiss and I clung to him, one last time, not wanting to let go. With a deep sigh, torn from his inner depths, he pulled back from me, put his hands on my shoulders and traced the outline of my face with his fingers, as if imprinting it into his memory. “I’ll let them in. You come down and meet them when you’re dressed. Do what I told you as soon as we’ve gone. Promise me Lizbet.”

  “I promise.” Looking into his eyes, fully aware of my responsibility, I felt the blood drain from my face.

  He hugged me briefly, savagely to his chest in a final embrace. Then, taking a deep breath, he released me, turned and walked out of the bedroom.

  The ache of his absence already gnawed at me as I pulled on jeans and a clean top. The sound of unfamiliar voices drifted up the stairs, and my pulse quickened.

  “What’s going on?” asked my friend Claire, popping her head round the door. She had been keeping my kid brother Elias occupied in the room along the hall. The voices from downstairs were louder, more heated.