Ben sits a little longer and almost says something else, but then decides against it. He slowly stands. “It was good to see you, Jo. Really. Take care,” he says, and walks away.
I can’t believe I’m watching the man that I’ve loved for so long walk away from me again, only this time, I’m the one that made the decision for us to part ways. I continue to watch him as he opens the door and then as he passes in front of the windows as he makes his way down the sidewalk.
“He’s gone,” I say to myself, and I have a mixture of feelings about it as a tear slips down my face, then another. I wipe them away and look at the time. “Wow . . . time flies when you’re not having fun, too.” I gather my things and I’m about to leave when Seth is suddenly standing next to my table. “Oh!” I say, “I didn’t even hear you walk up.” I smile in return for the one he’s already offering me and I feel that cozy thing that I keep getting around him.
“He left?”
I just nod and continue to get my things together as Seth turns the other chair back around and sits.
“Are you okay?”
I stop what I’m doing and consider the question for a moment before I answer. “Yeah,” I say and smile more broadly, “I really am.”
“Umm . . .” he says, obviously wanting to say something but not sure if he should. “So . . . are you going to see him again? I know it’s none of my business, but−”
“No,” I say. “I don’t plan on seeing him again. I told him to go home to his wife.”
“Oh! Okay. Good,” he says with a very relaxed and satisfied smile.
“Good? That makes you happy?” I ask coyly.
“As a matter of fact, yes. It does.”
“Why’s that? Did you want him for yourself?”
“Eww . . .” he says through laughter. “Absolutely not!” Seth says, then a more serious expression takes over his face. After a moment passes a soft smile returns as he studies my face. I see his eyes slowly focus on mine, then my nose, then my lips, and I feel the heat rise in my cheeks. I hope they don’t show I’m blushing. When he gets back to my eyes, again, I swear I can see him start blushing. “I want you for myself,” he says.
The cozy feeling grows, spreading throughout my body. I’m definitely not unhappy about this turn of events today. “Oh,” I say, and smile.
“Will you go to dinner with me tonight? I get done here at about six. I can pick you up at seven.”
It’s the same question Ben had asked me only minutes before.
“I’d love to, Seth.”
But, this time, the answer was oh−so different.
“Fantastic,” he says, and I see the happiness he feels about my answer in his eyes. He has happy eyes, and I know I’ll enjoy looking into them more. I hope I have the chance to do it a lot more, actually, because something tells me I’m going to like doing it even more after spending time with him. Seth pulls his phone out of his pocket. “What’s your number?”
I tell him and, as he puts it into his phone, his smile seems to get slightly larger. He’s continuing to do something with his phone and then my phone’s text alert sounds. I pick it up and look. The text reads: Text me your address. I’ll be there at seven. I’m really looking forward to tonight. I look up and smile at Seth as the barista walks over to our table. Seth looks at him and starts laughing. “I know,” he says, “you need me.” The barista smiles and nods and walks away.
Seth looks back at me. “I really am looking forward to tonight, Jo.” Seth stands, leans over to me, kisses my forehead, and says, “See you tonight.”
I know my smile will be plastered on my face most of the rest of the day as I grab my iPod and turn it on. “Yep,” I say as I stand, put my ear plugs in, pick up my things, and then find a Sarah McLachlan song and hit play, “these are my stomping grounds, again.”
I walk out into the cold, autumn day, but don’t feel its chill this time. It’s invigorating and seems to speak of exciting times to come. I’m walking to my car, not paying much attention to anyone until I see him—he’s walking toward me with a look of determination etched into every crease around his eyes.
“Shit,” I say aloud to myself as he’s drawing nearer. He’s not taking his eyes off of me and I wonder what on Earth is about to happen, now. I’m about to take my earplugs out so I can hear what Ben has to say but he’s moving faster than I think. Before I can remove them, his hands are cupping my face and his lips are against mine. I don’t kiss him back at first, but then I give in to the feeling of electricity that’s now humming through my body. He pulls away and I stare at him. I’m completely stunned. His hands are still on my face and he’s still dangerously close. I feel his breath, more rapid than it should be and warm against my face, and I realize I haven’t taken a breath since he stopped kissing me. I inhale deeply, but it that seems to trigger a flood of emotions and tears begin to stream down my cheeks. He kisses my again in a, take that, kind of way that’s like a period at the end of the most important statement he’s ever made, then he removes my ear plugs. “Jo,” he says, “I am not going to give up on us. I’ll get my stuff figured out, and then I’m coming back for you. I love you. I just want you to know that before I leave town.” He kisses me again, more tenderly this time, and walks away. Not turning back around when he says, “I’ll see you soon, Jo.”
I’m still standing on the sidewalk several minutes later, but my tears have stopped. I know my love life, that was non−existent when I woke up this morning, has just become incredibly complicated. That yesterday that I missed so badly is back, and then today happens.
Not . . .The End
Then, Today (A That, Then This Novella)
Coming in summer 2017
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank my readers for being so supportive and encouraging. I couldn’t do this without you.
To my beautiful daughter . . . as always, you are my best, most precious blessing. Thank you for being so amazing.
To my mom . . . you have always been my rock. I love you.
And to the Lord above. Thank you . . . for everything.
About the Author
Teal Haviland lives in Tennessee with her daughter and her four—legged friends. She enjoys photography, travel, reading, music, cooking, daydreaming, writing (of course), and above all spending time with her family and friends.
Teal grew up with a love for anything fantastical or outrageous. After years of dreaming of worlds where fairies, angels, demons, and shape shifters (to name a few) exist, she finally decided to begin writing her stories down. Inception, book one in her series The Reaping Chronicles, was her first published novel, and her first nonfiction title is Divorce with Heart, Damn It!
Bonus Content
The following pages are chapters from my award−winning book, Inception (The Reaping Chronicles), book one in my first, published series.
Here’s the blurb:
The world is in danger. Mankind is sinking deeper into darkness it cannot understand.
Demons are easily capturing souls as they lead men and women down dangerous paths from which there is no return, while Javan, one of the Fallen, seeks an ancient book and the power it promises. If he succeeds, humans—and the world as they know it—will be destroyed.
There is someone who is capable of stopping Javan . . .
If she discovers him in time.
Gabrielle is one of the most powerful angels ever created, her job one of the most important. She has come to Earth to learn more about humans and what influences them, and to fight evil she sees growing at an alarming rate. She soon finds herself carelessly distracted with one human in particular, however. Lucas Watkins holds a promise of peace and love for Gabrielle that she never believed she could have again.
As feelings between her and Lucas become more than she can deny, so do the dangers mounting against him. After discovering who Lucas is, and the choice he faces, she realizes Darkness will come for him through demons and fantastical beings he thought on
ly existed in his imaginings—forcing fairytales to become his reality.
Caught between her new mortal ties and ancient immortal responsibilities, Gabrielle must race against what seems to be an ever—quickening clock to learn what she needs to know, protect Lucas, uncover Javan’s plan, and find a way to stop him and all who live in Shadows.
Things become more complex than she ever anticipated, her decisions more critical, and what begins as a quest for information rapidly places her in an even more crucial position within the longest and most important war ever waged.
Join Gabrielle and her allies in a story of love—past and present—fantastical beings, hidden realms, magic, fate, loss, and the fight of good versus evil.
________________________
I’ve included the first six chapters. I hope you enjoy it.
HAPPY READING!!!
Prologue
The Matter of the Book
Elijah stood in front of the fallen angel he only knew as Lek. He hadn't seen him for two days, not since the demon had given him the Book.
That day, Elijah's heart had skipped when he realized what was wrapped in the crimson cloth in Lek’s hands—the Book of Barabbadon. Adrenaline had surged through him, knowing that, at any moment, Lek could realize he was being deceived, disappear with the Book forever, and put an end to Elijah's revenge.
Today was already a day past when Elijah had told Lek he would keep his part of the deal and help him return to Heaven. Elijah had considered the torture Lek would inflict when he understood the betrayal, though the physical pain would be nothing compared to the mental anguish Elijah had been trying to keep at bay for months—ever since Ramai had slaughtered his wife and children in front of him. He still woke several times a night from nightmares full of the blood and screams of those he loved, reliving the mental and emotional torture as the light of life faded slowly from their eyes . . .
Until there was nothing left except blank stares.
That was three months ago. Now, with the Book safely hidden and trusted family told of its location, Elijah looked forward to the moment his life would be brought to an end by this demon's hands.
"I have had a difficult time finding you, Elijah. Why is that?"
Elijah could tell by the demon's accusatory tone and tightly clenched fists that he already knew the answer.
A sense of calm came over Elijah, and he pushed aside regret. He knew if he had just said no to Ramai, this would have ended then, and he wouldn't have to feel guilt for recreating the Book. He and his family would have died either way, but at least the Book would have never existed again. He wouldn't have felt the loss of his loved ones for more than the few moments before his own life faded. Nevertheless, he foolishly thought Ramai would keep his word that he would spare his and his family's lives. Now, Elijah couldn't destroy what he created—he had no way of saving the human world from its power—but he had been able to hide it from Ramai in a place he thought would be safe for a long time.
Hopefully, those I told can keep the secret.
Lek moved slowly toward Elijah who focused on the bulk of the demon, particularly on his arms and his now unclenched hands that seemed to be abnormally muscled—abnormally strong. He wondered how Lek was going to kill him. Would it be with those hands?
Will he rip my limbs from me? First my legs and then my arms so I cannot run—with no defense—as he does whatever else he wants before I die? Is there some other, even more painful or mentally agonizing, way he can kill me?
Elijah was surprised that he remained calm. Even while he imagined such horrible ways he would enter into death, his pulse was steady and smooth, breath slow and deep. As Lek took the last two steps to bring them face to face, Elijah had to look almost straight up to meet his gaze.
Lek's eyes stared into his. Although now that he was so close, they seemed less soulless, more consumed by hatred and darkness. The breath of the demon was as foul as Elijah remembered, even overtaking the stench of his body.
"You knew I would kill you if you did not hold up your end of the bargain, human. Yet, you did it anyway. Not smart."
The smell and heat that accompanied Lek's words made Elijah blink rapidly at first, but then he stared back just as hard. He was ready to see his wife and children again, ready to have the sorrow that had been all he had known for far too long leave him, ready for whatever this fallen angel was about to do.
Elijah smiled at Lek. "Sooner or later . . . we all reap what we sow."
Chapter One
Gabrielle ~ The Reaper
Phalen fumbled with her clothing, stumbling in her flip-flops as she did. Gabrielle laughed from seeing someone who is normally so graceful and sure of herself being so awkward and clumsy.
'Phalen, please stop acting so uncomfortable. You're going to bring more attention on us than we need,' Gabrielle thought to her friend as they made their way down the busy boardwalk separating the beach from a strip of shops and restaurants.
'I am uncomfortable,' Phalen retorted. 'Why, exactly, do I have to wear these things on my feet? There's hardly anything to hold them on.'
Gabrielle laughed again but continued to silently converse with Phalen. 'Because this is what females wear on hot, sunny days at the beach. Now, seriously, stop fidgeting. We have to see how long I can go unnoticed.'
'I still don't know how I let you talk me into this,' Phalen continued. 'Why would you want to stay in one of these bodies, anyway? They are strange . . . all these extra emotions and thoughts. It's no wonder they make so many mistakes—all the contradictory thinking battling back and forth in their heads. I can't tell right now if I need to be concerned about how I look, or if someone doesn't like my appearance, tell them to mind their own business. And that's just the start of the things I have going on in my mind in the few minutes I've been in human form.'
'That's precisely why I need to live in one for a while. I want to know how their senses and thoughts drive them to do the things they do. Why is that so difficult for everyone to understand? And you came with me because the only way I was allowed to try this was under the condition that I have a skilled fighter with me. You are one of the most skilled I know.'
'More like the most compliant angel you know. Why do they think you need me for assistance if there's a confrontation? Everyone knows you can take care of yourself just fine. Compared to you, I'm an amateur.'
'Don't sell yourself short, Phalen. I've seen you in battle, and they have, too. As far as why it's so important to have a comrade with me, you'll have to ask them. I think it's all Amaziah's doing. He's over-protective of me. I probably don't make things easy for him, though.'
Phalen snickered.
'Oh . . . Gabrielle . . . there isn't an angel around who would say there's anything easy about you. And, for the record, there's no way I'm questioning them,' Phalen raised a finger toward the sky, 'about me being here.'
'See,' Gabrielle answered through snickers of her own. 'A skilled fighter and honest. What more could a girl ask for?'
'Ahh, but, you're no girl. You're one of the most—'
'Shh! Don't say it. We should stop communicating this way. Speak aloud from now on unless the situation calls for other means. The Fallen will find us far easier if we don't.' Gabrielle glanced at Phalen to see if she understood, but she looked puzzled. "If they are paying close enough attention, which they hopefully aren't, communicating the way we were will be a beacon to them, and they will be curious. It makes our energy vibrate on a much higher level than a human's. Amaziah didn't allow for me to veil myself, and I don't need them finding me faster simply because I am not being careful. He is already sure they will notice me quickly."
Phalen shrugged and a playful expression flashed across her face. "Okay. But I am not responsible for what might be thrust out by this human tongue." Phalen smiled. "Hey, I sound pretty good . . . for a human."
Phalen's perpetually good mood was refreshing and a nice counter to the struggle that Gabrielle had with her own constantly fl
uctuating emotions—trying to keep herself happy and not downright bitchy was proving more of an issue every day.
"You most certainly are responsible. You'll have just as much control as you do in your Divine form."
"If you say so."
"I say so." Gabrielle smiled, hooking her arm around Phalen's as they made their way onto the beach. Both stopped and took off their flip-flops, quickly finding they didn't like the way the sand felt as it slid between human skin and shoe, scratching at their feet with every uncomfortable step. Phalen shot Gabrielle a look that said she was happy to get them off her feet without needing to say a word.
When they resumed their walk, Gabrielle watched as, each time she put her foot down and let her weight rest on it more, the warm, thick sand fell around her foot, covering it slightly. The closer they got to the water's edge, the more compact and damp the sand became, causing the fine grains to become cooler and squish through her toes instead of blanketing her feet like they were before. Once they reached where the waves grabbed at the shoreline with soaking hands, Gabrielle turned and glanced over her shoulder to see the footprints they had left.
"That's something we don't usually see."
Phalen looked behind them as well, smiling in response, and then both faced forward again.
"So," Phalen began, "what exactly are you supposed to be doing now?"
"Nothing. Except seeing how long it takes for me to be noticed by the Fallen. It's Amaziah's way of proving his point."
"Well, he does have a point. You're nothing more than a huge target to them, whether you want to face it or not."
"It's not that I'm not facing it. I know the danger I'm in anytime I'm away from Heaven, but I also know the state of things here. We're losing the war with Darkness. Besides . . . I can handle myself pretty well."
That Yesterday Page 4