Ancient Whispers

by Sammi Cee

  “But you’re going to be near me, right? You’re not leaving the hotel or whatever.”

  “I probably won’t be able to stay with you when you go to your uncle’s room. We may be supernatural, but we still need to get the layout of the shipyard and discuss our plan. We have to consider that when this is over there are going to be a bunch of scared, harmed people to deal with.”

  “And homeless, don’t forget the people they’ve kidnapped were homeless to start with,” Ophaniel’s voice pipes in.

  “Okay. I get that. What do you guys need me to do, then?”

  Azorath’s steely gaze bores into mine. “Whatever he asks of you that will keep you safe. Let us worry about the rest.”

  “But it’s only three of you. My uncle walks around with at least five men with him everywhere he goes. And then you’re saying other people are coming to bring those poor people. How is that enough?”

  Smiling gently, Azorath releases the blanket with one hand to stroke softly down my cheek. “We’ll be fine, my little worry wart. Don’t give us a second thought.”

  Again, Ophaniel says from the bed, “And Deo will be at the door waiting to get us all out of here and cross us through to Highvale.”

  “Deo? Who’s Deo?”

  Ophaniel cackles. “Oh, you thought my wings were a glorious introduction to supes, wait until you meet our friend Deo. He’s a demon unicorn.”

  Before I can ask him if he’s kidding, my room door is opening and Ophaniel and Azorath disappear. The only reason I still know they’re present is that the blanket moves in around me, and the sides are bunched into my own hand at my side. Then the comforting presence of Azorath is gone.

  “Denny, you okay, kid? What are you standing there like that for?” the friendly voice of Chip pulls me back to reality.

  “Chip, I’m glad it’s you and not Gio.” I sigh in relief. Chip at least has always been kind to me.

  “Yeah, I’d just arrived when the boss said it was time to get you. I volunteered to come since I know Gio gives you a hard time.”

  “Oh, okay. Um… just let me get dressed, and I’ll be right there.” I scurry around the room from the dresser to the closet to get my clothes as fast as I can. It’s amazing to me that only thirty-six hours ago I was dreading this moment with everything in me and didn’t have a hope in the world. Now I’m filled with anticipation and can’t wait to get this show on the road. I want it to be done and keeping myself busy will make the day speed along.

  After running into the bathroom to shower, brush my teeth, and get dressed, I come out to find Chip sitting in the chair that’s still at the head of my bed. “What were you doing last night, Denny? Why’s your chair up here?”

  “Oh, I was restless and I couldn’t get comfortable.”

  He squints his eyes at me but doesn’t question me further as I stuff my papers that I’ll need to finalize the details for the transport into my bag and follow him out the door. As soon as we’re on the elevator up to the penthouse, I ask, “Why do you work for him, Chip? You’re not like the others. I don’t get it.”

  Eyeing me warily, Chip answers, “We all have our reasons, Denny. And we all have our own crosses to bear. Just do what’s asked of you, and I’ll do my best to keep you as safe as I can. I owe your father that much.”

  At the mention of my father, the pain for my parents’ senseless death rises up in me again, almost choking me. But I stuff it back down and focus on the task at hand. Maybe I didn’t save my parents, didn’t even know they needed it, but with Azorath and his friends’ help, I will save these people.

  “What’s that face for?” Chip asks right before the elevator opens to the penthouse.

  Not sure what expression I’m making, I say, “Nothing. I did a lot of soul-searching last night, so I know you’re right. I’m going to keep my head down and do what’s asked of me.”

  The last thing I see as I exit the elevator is Chip’s narrowed eyes. He knows me better than any of the other guys, so he knows something is up with me. He knows how I fidget and how scared I get. Note to self: act like a scared idiot.

  As soon as I’m sitting at the workstation that’s been set up for me, Gio comes over and smacks me on the back of the head. “Walt said you had that damn TV blaring all night. I thought I told you to turn it down. What were you doing in there? Crying to your mama? Oh, that’s right. You don’t have one.”

  Seething, I forget the vow I just made leaving the elevator and swivel in my chair to face him. “Fuck you!”

  I barely have time to register his vein popping out in his forehead before my head is rearing back from punch to my nose. Blood spurts everywhere and my eyes water, tears popping up and spilling over my eyelids and down my face. “I don’t know where the fuck you got this mouth on you all of a sudden, but you better watch yourself.”

  My uncle’s nasally voice demands from across the room, “Gio, calm the fuck down. He’s got a job to do today. You can’t go making him where he can’t see, and the last thing we have time for is to have to take him to the ER. Why don’t you hit the hotel gym or something? Get lost so he can get busy.”

  “This isn’t done, kid,” Gio mutters as he knocks into my chair as he walks past me toward my uncle.

  Feeling a towel being pushed into my hands that are up cupping my nose, Chip says, “Let’s get you cleaned up, okay? Come to the bathroom and I’ll help ya.” After I’m standing, Chip puts his hand to the small of my back and guides me into the bathroom. “Sorry about that, Denny. I couldn’t get to you fast enough.” As he turns on the sink and cleans me up, he curses, “Dammit. I thought I told you to keep your head down. I can’t protect you if you’re starting shit with Gio.” He’s speaking low so that only I can hear, but his voice is harsher than he’s ever directed at me.

  We don’t speak until I’m cleaned up and I see Chip reaching to turn off the water. Summoning up all my courage, I whisper, “Were you there, Chip? Did you help them kill my parents?”

  Round, startled eyes jerk to my face, searching to see if I really do know the truth. Whatever he sees must assure him I do, because he answers, “I didn’t know, Denny. Not until it was too late to save them. I was there, but I was driving the getaway car. I’d been told that your father owed his brother money and wouldn’t pay up.”

  Leaving the water on, he bangs his hand onto the top of the sink, hanging his head while he continues in a harsh whisper, “We were friends since we were kids, your uncle and me. Even your father used to run around with us. But then in high school he became friends with Gio. Started doing things I wasn’t into, so I didn’t come around as much. But when he started the company, he said he needed a friend he could really trust. I figured maybe I could help balance out the influence Gio had on him. Denny, I had no idea what they were planning. I didn’t realize what your uncle needed you for.” Sad, kind eyes run over my face as tears pool in his eyes.

  “It’s not really my hacking knowledge he needs, is it Chip?” I ask. The truth is written on his face, so I don’t need an answer. Without saying another word, I turn and reach for the door handle so I can go get to work.

  Right before I turn the knob, I hear, “I would’ve left that night if it wasn’t for wanting to try to keep an eye on you and Rhonda. I wanted to protect you both from the monster your uncle had become, and I’ve failed. I’m so sorry.” I leave the bathroom to do as I’m told.

  15

  Azorath

  “Az, you’ve got to get your head in the game. What’s your problem?” Ophi asks.

  “Denny’s hurt, I can feel it,” I say.

  “So he really is your suflet mwenza?” Caedmon asks.

  I nod without looking at my old friend. It’s good to have him with us, and on our side, since Caedmon ruthlessly carries out his purpose when met with the worst of humanity. However, nothing can distract me from the pain I can feel from my soul-mate.

  “I didn’t think you two could talk to each other, yet. Denny didn’t look like he knew what I
was talking about,” Ophi says.

  “I haven’t exactly had time to teach him anything. This is all happening so fast. If we had only had a couple days together, I could’ve taught him so much. He’d be able to hear me speaking to him. As it is, all I’m stuck with is feeling a faint tingle of his pain through the beginning of our connection.”

  There’s more, Azorath. You don’t have to teach him what’s been inside him since his conception. Reach out to him. Find him with your mind. He’ll hear you.

  Cocking my head to the side, I wonder if I’m hearing the voice of my creator right now or if it’s wishful thinking.

  Ophi says, “Well, what does Ancient One say about it?”

  Caedmon and I both whip our heads around to where Ophi is standing. “What’re you saying?” I ask, while Caedmon asks, “Since when did you start listening for his voice, again?”

  Ophi raises his arms in surrender, “Hey, an angel can change his ways. Once I saw the connection forming between Az and Denny for myself, I knew that Ancient One must’ve spoken and set this up.”

  “Do you believe Ancient One is going to begin giving supes their soul-mates, again? After all this time? Why would he suddenly remember us?” Caedmon demands.

  “He never forgot us,” I protest.

  “He did. Of course, he did. Even if he didn’t establish the council, he allowed it. We were never supposed to live this long alone, burdened by humanity without reward. And every day they get worse. Every day they’re more and more lost.” Caedmon pivots on the balls of his feet and storms away.

  “What the heck was that about?” Ophi asks me.

  “I would say our cranky vampire is lonely.”

  “But, it’s Caedmon. He barely tolerates us. What would he do with a soul-mate? A mortal could never survive him and his tendencies.”

  Shrugging at Ophi, I turn to watch Caedmon cross the shipyard and disappear in between two huge containers. After only a moment’s hesitation, I put my faith back in my creator. The whole reason he said he chose me in that dream is because I’ve always been faithful to the sound of his voice, and I have.

  So I focus my mind on thoughts of Denny. The images that I’ve accumulated of him since I first arrived at the casino filter through my mind, one by one. How adorably awkward he was, how his eyes would widen in fear but narrow in irritation, how vulnerable he was when he spoke of his mom on the Ferris wheel, the way his face transformed and became more youthful once he truly believed I was an angel, his bliss as he came, and then onto the pain I know he’s feeling right now.

  With the images playing through my mind, I open my heart and cry out for him, “Denny, can you hear me? Please hear me.” Out of the corner of my eye, I see Caedmon come to stand next to Ophi and the two join hands as their eyes close. Knowing that my friends are linking their power to mine, I try again. “Denny, open your mind, baby, and you’ll be able to hear me.”

  Suddenly, faintly, I hear, “Azorath, is that you?” inside my head.

  “Yes, yes, it’s me. Concentrate on me. Picture me and follow the sound of my voice, then you’ll be able to communicate with me.”

  Like the static from a radio station only coming into range, his voice comes to me until I can finally hear him clearly. “Something told me, it was in my head, or in my heart, or my stomach… I don’t know, it’s so strange how I keep hearing this voice directing me. Guiding me to you Azorath.”

  Tears trek down my face knowing that the Ancient One is looking out for my soul-mate with me. That knowledge fills me with confidence that not only will evil not prevail tonight, but that we can get to the bottom of why the council would tell our whole realm that soul-mates were no longer an option and cut us off from the half that was created for us.

  “Baby, are you okay? What happened?” I ask him through our connection.

  “Gio got pissed off at me and punched me in the nose. But don’t worry about me, Azorath. Do whatever you guys need to do to prepare. They’re definitely bringing me with them tonight. If anything goes south, I’m the one who will be left to face the consequences.”

  “Okay, if you need me, call out to me. I’m right here.”

  “I will. I’ll see you soon.”

  Once his voice disappears, it’s not like before. I can feel his presence as if he’s right next to me. It gives me the peace I need to continue preparing for tonight.

  “Are you guys ready?” I mouth to Ophaniel and Caedmon.

  We could speak through a supernatural link, but I don’t want to cut off communication with Denny. He’s hurt worse now than he was before. Apparently, Gio thought he was answering his uncle disrespectfully and gave him an ass whipping in the elevator as they left to come to the shipyard. I’d felt each punch to the stomach and the kick to the side as if they were actually happening to me. As outraged as I am about Gio’s treatment of my soul-mate, it’s the uncle who stood by and watched that I cannot wait to show my power. And Caedmon has claimed Gio. Gio was the one who orchestrated the death of Denny’s parents, he’s abusive to his sexual partners, and now he’s beaten Denny. Our cranky vamp has decided that despite his hatred of fresh blood, Gio is worth the nausea.

  Whenever he’s had breaks throughout the day to eat or go to the bathroom, Denny has told me all the tidbits he’s picked up in the penthouse. The only person he’s asked us to show some form of mercy is Chip. After explaining what Denny told me to my friends, we’ve all decided that even though he’s an active participant in this human trafficking operation, he’s a victim in many ways himself. So we’re doing what probably started the folk lore of old to begin with, we’re going to give him eyes to see who we are and what we can do. Then we’re going to release him and allow his own mind to deal with him.

  Denny was thrilled with the news now, but later, once he learns more about my world and how it interfaces with his own, he’ll understand the true state we’re leaving Chip in. It’s the purity of his own heart that will determine the life he’ll end up living.

  Exactly on time, things begin to happen. Two huge charter buses with blackened windows pull through the gate. To humans who are watching it looks like the buses suddenly roll to a stop. In reality, an invisible Ophaniel has grown in size for his wingspan to be able to encompass both busses. He will stay like that, protecting the humans inside, only allowing those who kidnapped them out to face me and Caedmon.

  Next, three black SUV’s pull around, also with windows tinted so dark, they’re black. “Wow, subtlety isn’t high on their priority list, is it?” Caedmon asks in disbelief. I have to agree with him that it has the air of a low-budget, gangster movie. “Are you ready, Azorath?” he pants. The anticipation of the chase has morphed us both to our most primal forms.

  “I am,” I growl. The only remaining fear is that what I’m about to do may have an adverse effect on my mate, but I believe that the mating bond will protect him from the shadow of my wings. As the door begins to open, I see Denny roll out of one of the vehicles. Gio’s ugly sneer is the next thing I see emerge from the car as he looks down in disgust, spitting on Denny. A low uncontrollable rumble begins in my chest at the treatment of my mate.

  As I begin to grow, Caedmon’s words float up to me. “Have no fear, my friend. I will gladly perform your vengeance.”

  Knowing that Caedmon will not let me down, I extend my black, almost purple with streaks of blue, wings out and swoop one over the occupants emerging from the SUV’s and those who had stumbled out of the busses. Instantly, they become confused and disorientated. Dropping the weapons that were in their hands and stumbling into each other. Unexpectedly, I see the woman I paid to distract Gio last night scoot right out of the back of one of the vehicles and reach down to drag Denny out of the chaos. In the center of it all stands Chip, his head swiveling between the large white-winged angel and the black-winged angel that only he can see.

  Once I know that everyone is disorientated, I shrink down to around six and a half foot and begin to help Caedmon deliver justice. The h
uman police can’t do what we can do, nor should they be allowed to try, convict, and dispatch judgment on others. But this is why we were created. And the kidnapping of others to sell for personal gain with no regard as to what may happen to them, is a crime we don’t excuse. One by one, Caedmon and I move, effectively ending their lives with a quick twist of their necks until three remain. Chip has witnessed it all, but all Gio and bossman have been able to see is people dying around them. Dropping like flies for no apparent reason.

  Caedmon stops running and is now visible to their human eyes at the same time that I remove all invisibility. Gio’s eyes widen as he recognizes me. “Boss! That’s the guy who was with Denny on the Ferris wheel.”

  “Well, don’t just stand there. Get him.”

  Caedmon’s low-pitched growl says, “Oh, he’s got his own problems.” Then Denny’s uncle and I both stand and watch as Caedmon plays with his food. Not that they know he’s about to be his food, but Ophi and I do. Ophi looks over from where he’s still sheltering the busses—not to protect anyone from anything now, but to give the occupants total peace, one they can never achieve on their own. The peace that only an angel’s wings can give—and shakes his head as he chuckles.

  “Caedmon, enough already,” I bark, wanting to get this over with so I can go to Denny.

  “Fine. You’re still no fun, Azorath,” he says before he moves with lightning speed to bend Gio back over his arm, like they’re dancing, and descends on his neck with a ferocious growl.

  Ophi’s chuckle filters down to us. “Azorath, if Caedmon is calling you boring, then you know you’d better step it up. Denny will be ready to leave you within a week.” Then turning to Caedmon, he grimaces. “Dude, don’t slurp on your food. I can hear you all the way up here. That’s disgusting.”