The evening was winding to a close when Thrill and Jordan swayed to the music.
“Mind if I cut in?” a voice interrupted them.
Startled by Mark’s gall, Thrill backed away, and Markus instantly took his place.
“That was rather rude,” Jordan said.
“I was biding my time.”
“Yeah, with Beth clinging to every inch of your body. It’s sickening, don’t you think?”
He smiled broadly. “Angels aren’t usually privy to those feelings. I must admit, there is a certain thrill.” He chuckled and pressed her to his chest.
“I wonder what’s going to happen now?” she said.
“Life goes on.” He hesitated. “I’ll be leaving soon.”
She lifted her head and stared into his eyes.
“My human self will cease to exist, but I’ll be guarding you, always.”
Basking in his warm arms, Jordan nuzzled her head under his chin. Her cheek lay on his chest, hearing his heart beating. “I’ll miss you. I mean, this way.”
All of a sudden, he stopped dancing. His arms loosened, letting her go, and he walked away.
Baffled, she stared at his retreating. What’d I say?
HOME FROM THE honeymoon, Seeley barreled into her parents’ house. She dropped her bags on the floor as she clutched Jordan. Full of smiles, Declan slogged behind with extra baggage.
“Two and a half weeks seemed like an eternity,” Jordan said. “You look great.” Then turned to Declan. “You look good too, Dec.”
A crooked grin spread over his face. “Gee, thanks, Jor.”
“We came straight from the airport,” Seeley gushed. “I couldn’t wait to see everyone, and Declan and I are going to spend the night here before moving into his apartment.” Then she peeked at her parents. “If that’s all right with you, Mom and Dad?”
“Of course,” Em said, her expression glowing approval. “We want to hear all about the Hawaiian honeymoon.” She linked her arm into Seeley’s, and they headed into the living room.
Declan and Jordan heaped the luggage in a pile next to the door. Declan wiped his forehead. “I’m pooped.”
Henry snickered, smacking him on the back. “My Seeley’s too much of a woman to handle, eh, kid?”
“Her stamina is outstanding.” Declan shook his head, eyes laughing. “She’s got more get up and go than I’ll ever have.”
“Yeah, and mine’s gone up and left,” Henry said. The men lumber to the kitchen and uncapped two beers. Henry’s attitude had drastically improved with another man around.
TUNNELING BENEATH HER pillow to block all noises of her mom and Declan giggling in the adjoining room, she was startled to feel a caress on her shoulder. She flung off the pillow to see her mom.
“You and I haven’t had a minute to ourselves,” Seeley said, lowering to the edge of her bed.
“Things are going to change.” Jordan pushed off the blanket. “They’re already different.”
“I know, but you always come first.”
“Don’t say that, Mom. I’m all grown, well, almost. Life’s been crazy. You deserve this time. Take it and run.”
Seeley peered lovingly at her. “When’d you get so philosophical?”
Jordan snuggled into her mother’s arms, thinking that, at thirty-six, she was more attractive than ever.
“Father James phoned me in Hawaii,” Seeley said while absently running her fingers through Jordan’s hair. “A friend of his needs our help. There’s a sect kidnapping children, and he thinks it’s an offshoot of the Order. We’re meeting in a small village outside of Charlottesville. I leave in two days.”
Jordan’s eyes bulged, shaking her head. “No, Mom. No. I thought—”
“You thought because I got married, I’d forget about my calling?”
Crestfallen, she nodded. “Something like that.”
“By now, the Order’s chosen a new leader, just as adept and as lethal as Asa. One day, I’ll call it quits, but not now. I had another vision. I saw children, and I saw the house.”
Jordan felt her mom shudder.
“It was bad, really bad.”
Changing the subject, she nudged Jordan to lighten the mood. “What about you, anything happening in your brain?”
“Not much. The nightmares are far and few between. And I talked with Father James. He didn’t mention calling you.” Tracing the scar on her hand, she said, “I’ll go with you.”
“Absolutely not. Your body and mind are still healing.”
Her mom’s adamant decision came as a relief. She felt physically fit, although a real vulnerable nutcase. I’m a coward.
“Give it time. You never know, maybe we’ve started on a new path.” Then she added, “I’ve been explaining everything to Declan. He wants to go on this trip. What do you think?”
Guilt-ridden about her own inability to cope, and worried for her mom’s safety, she said. “Declan should go. He’s part of the family now.”
IF ONLY I HAD WINGS
I’D FLY AWAY WITH YOU
JORDAN SLANTED INTO her locker, sorting through tattered folders and slipping the bulk into her book bag. A tap on the shoulder made her twitch. Beth Schaffer.
“I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“You didn’t scare me.” Jordan flung the book bag over her shoulder. “What’s up?”
“In private. Come to my car.” Beth browsed the hallway. “I’ll drive you home, and we can talk.”
Uncertain of Beth’s motives, she said, “Sure.”
“Yesterday, Mark told the whole family he’s leaving,” Beth relayed once they were buckled in her compact hybrid.
Somewhat frazzled herself, Jordan nodded.
“Since you’re related, why can’t he live with you?”
Jordan had to be careful. “We’re not exactly related. He’s the son of my father’s friend.” Not exactly a lie.
“Why does he have to leave?” she whined, not really listening to her. “The guy doesn’t own a cell phone. I might never see him again.”
Markus didn’t lead her on in any way, shape, or form, did he? “Have you and Mark, uh…you know.” She felt like a moron asking such a personal question. “Dated, or anything?” She braced herself. Say no.
“I wish.” Beth sounded wistful. “I’ve practically thrown myself at him.”
Phew
“I wondered if he’s seeing someone on the sly. I chalked you off the list, since you’re related. But Ronan, I thought for sure they were hooking up.”
Swinging into the driveway, Beth parked the car. Her tone changed, becoming almost hostile. “This is between us” Her eyes narrowed. “Understand?”
Please don’t unload on me.
“I’d been doing everything to get Mark, you know. I actually snuck in his room one night and waited in his bed. Totally naked. I’d be dead if my parents caught me.” Beth’s fair complexion heightened to a bright pink, and Jordan didn’t want to hear the rest.
“Well, I fell asleep. The next morning, I was in my own bed. He carried me to my room.” Beth wiggled her perky nose. “Do you think he’s gay?”
Jordan drew a comical picture of Markus carrying Beth’s faultless, naked body.
Does he have human urges? There was all his smart-alecky wit about Ronan wanting more than just his light, and the thrill of dancing with Beth, and he looked at her funny after she had said she’d miss him, in that way.
“What’s so funny?” A hurt Beth, with sinking eyebrows, gaped at her. “He’s gay, isn’t he?”
“His sexual preferences are his own,” she said, trying to keep a blank expression. “We never talk about those things.”
“Remember, this is our secret. Not a word to your cronies, Paisley or Cayden. Agreed?”
“Of course.”
THE NEXT MORNING, Jordan plunged out the door into drizzling mist. Tabling the book bag atop of her head in hopes of preserving her hair, she winded past the house and was surprised to see Markus.
&nbs
p; “Can we walk to school one last time,” he asked. “For old time’s sake.”
She smiled. “I’d love to.”
It seemed natural to relay her conversation with Beth. While she didn’t press him for an answer regarding sexual urges, she was dang curious. As if he could read her thoughts, he blasted her with a fascinating smirk. Aware of his magnetism, she tripped over her feet. He shagged her elbow before she landed on her face. Mortified, she readjusted her shirt. No wonder Beth and half the school drooled over her angel. He was a sight to behold.
Out of the blue, he asked, “How’s Seeley?”
She hadn’t expected her mom to enter the conversation when conferring about angels and desire. “Mom’s fine. She’s going to another meeting with Father James, and this time, Declan’s going along.”
Markus gnawed on his lips and stopped walking.
“Ezekiel will be with them. And if there’s any trouble, you’ll help too?” she said, noticing a pulsing vein in his temple.
He didn’t reply, and his face remained disciplined, showing no emotion.
“Markus, you’re scaring me,” she said. “Without our angels, we’d be dead—”
“Stop.” He chased fingers into his wild mane of hair. “Ezekiel and I’ve grown close in the past seventeen years since your birth. He’s helped me, and I hope I’ve helped him. We’re like a team, like you and your mother. We’re there for each other.”
Markus rested a hand on her shoulder. She stared at the hand pierced by a dagger, the hand that had taught her how to fight and slay demons, saving them, time after time. She thought of her glorious angel being sliced open, in limbo between life and death, battling Lucifer, and healing her from her death on the cross.
She then peered into his dazzling eyes, which reflected more than he would say.
“I’ll miss our walks,” he said. “Remember, I’m only a whisper away.”
“What’s wrong? I feel it.”
“Jordan, life can be convoluted at times. Believe…” His voice grew faint.
Markus was gone.
The soft weight of his hand on her shoulder lingered, and a lone tear leaked down her face.
This enigmatic puzzle called a dream,
Or a nightmare if you please,
Flaunts my waking consciousness
What is it that I saw…
What more does it mean…
Dreams Do Come True
JORDAN SETTLED COMFORTABLY on the porch’s Adirondack chair. She propped her ankles on the railing, and her hands lay in her lap. Diminishing daylight altered the sky bluish-purple, a shade that reminded her of Markus’s eyes. Henry yawned his way through the screen door, breaking her reflections.
“Goodnight, Jordan.”
“Night, Henry.”
“Lock up, okay?”
“Yup.” After her grandfather’s footfalls receded, she whispered, “Markus, I know it’s only been a few weeks, but I miss you. And there’s something I wanted to say.” Jordan stalled, in hopes he might appear. Eliciting a stoic sigh, she said, “I…I love you.”
Perturbed by his absence, she powered up her mental ability. She scooped rocks littering the road. One by one, she shot at dangly leaves, her accuracy right-on. She smiled.
Jordan dropped her legs from the rail and glimpsed the secluded landscape, making sure no one was in sight. Raising her arm like readying to wave at a passing vehicle, she closed her eyes. Contemplating.
It seemed too easy. Ether, hot and thick frisked her fingers. Within seconds, a glowing sword became visible, fitting perfectly into the palm of her hand. Astounded, she turned the gleaming sword in her hands.
“Markus?” At the mention of his name the sword dissolved.
Absolute quiet surrounded her, so soundless it hurt. Then the nighttime symphony returned. A twig snapped behind the house, more than likely a herd of deer making its way through the woods. Crickets chirped and bullfrogs croaked. Stretching her arms, she yawned and went inside.
In her room, her textbooks were strewn across the bed. She groaned, thinking about final exams. Haphazardly bundling the materials, she stuffed them into her book bag and got ready for bed.
Summer’s fragrance drifted in on a breeze. She inhaled, looking at the billowing curtains.
“Markus?”
Nothing.
She punched the pillow, and not finding her comfort zone, she tucked her knees under her chin. “Markus, you said you’d come if I called.” Not even a faint flicker.
She plopped onto the pillow and stared at skittering patterns on the ceiling. As she fought sleep, her eyelashes fluttered.
Walking through a hazy hallway, Jordan came to a standstill and studied a framed photograph. Tight grins touched the mouths of Declan, herself, and Seeley with a swaddled infant nestled in the crook of her arm. A baby?
She twisted her head on the pillow. I’m dreaming.
A pleasant gurgly sound filled her ears, and curious, she sank deeper into the dream. She padded to an archway. Seeley was in a rocking chair, and a baby suckled at her breast. The greedy slurping stopped as she walked towards them. Seeley raised her striking face, a motherly smile gracing her pretty lips. She drew the fluffy blanket from the infant, revealing downy auburn hair.
Jordan felt the foolish grin on her face, marveling at diminutive fingers and the tiny heart-shaped lips. She bent in for a closer look. The baby opened its wide eyes, varying in hues of blue and black with defined red-ringed pupils. Demon eyes.
Jolting awake, the vision vaporized. Her pulse racing, Jordan wrenched upright, wheezing and panting. All was calm in the house, excluding her thrumming heart. She searched the dim bedroom for some sign of her angel. Disappointed, Jordan took a deep breath, pulled herself together, and thought, Just a dream. It was just a dream…just a dream…
Cathrina Constantine resides in Western New York with her husband, five children, two Labrador Retrievers and her cat, Bones. When not with her family, reading, or stationed at the computer, you will find her walking in the backwoods with her dogs, conjuring up a new tale.
Cathrina writes mainly YA/Paranormal Thrillers, Mysteries, Contemporary, and Dystopian Fiction. To date her books published by Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly are Don’t Forget To Breathe, Tallas, Snow on Cinders, and the Wickedly Series.
YOU CAN FIND CONSTANTINE HERE:
www.facebook.com/wickedly333
www.cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com
www.goodreads.com/cathrinaconstantine.com`
Amazon authors page: www.amazon.com/Cathrina-Constantine/e/B00EPENYGE
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cathconstantine
WICKEDLY THEY DREAM
Insidious and creepy to behold
Weaving barbed threads of stories to unfold
A mysterious dream or vision so it’s called
Has clutched my heart into a stall
Struggling to alter the enigmatic vision
As I sink deeper and deeper into my nightmarish affliction . . .
WRAPPED IN SLUMBER, and well aware she was ensnared in a prophetic dream, Jordan clenched her jaw. This was the fourth consecutive night of experiencing the identical vision. Willing herself to sink deeper, she hoped for a different outcome. Her dream spread like multicolored oils over canvas, and she refocused her subconscious like a camera lens to sharpen the image.
It felt so realistic as she walked through the dimly lit hallway, and for the fourth night, lingered to study the framed photograph on the wall. Her own tight, smiling face, stared back at her, along with those of her stepfather, Declan, and her mom, Seeley, who cradled an infant.
Having the dream previously, Jordan knew what to expect next. Sure enough, soft cooing reached her ears. She veered toward the sound. Again, she headed down the corridor where shadows seemed to follow. Coming to a T, she turned her head to the right, and looked into a black abyss. To the left she perceived a strip of light spilling from an archway.
So far, nothing had changed.
She entered a room filled with a golden ambiance. Seeley sat in a wooden rocking chair with a baby suckling at her breast. Apprehensive, Jordan stepped forward. The repetitive, greedy slurping wasn’t as endearing in the dream this fourth time around.
Seeley peered up at her, a smile rounding the points of her pretty lips. In preceding visions, Jordan had immediately looked at the infant. But this time, taking a moment longer, she gazed into her mom’s face, which was now stretched with concern.
Jordan noticed something was different.
Seeley’s eyes spoke volumes of alarm and uncertainty until she lowered her eyelids. She drew the fluffy blanket from the infant’s head, revealing downy auburn tufts. The baby’s diminutive fingers curled into a fist and tiny heart shaped lips seemed to be cooing.
Don’t look, Jordan cautioned herself. Wake-up! Don’t look. Don’t look!
Snagged in the dream like a rabbit in a snare, she stooped lower and leaned even closer to the infant. Knowing what she was about to envision, she shouldn’t be surprised.
How can I change the vision?
The infant opened its eyes. Jordan gasped. The eyes varied in hues of blue, red, and black. Demon eyes.
Normally, she woke in a sweat. On this occasion, she felt the grip of something in her hand. Raising her arm, her fingers tensely curled around the hilt of a shiny blade. She studied the demon infant and reluctantly aimed for the eyes.
Jordan jolted awake, her heart thumping. Breathing with difficulty as she propped herself up on her elbows. The vision evaporated before her eyes like mists in the wind. All was calm, except for her pounding chest.
The vision changed.
“JORDAN, IS EVERYTHING all right?” Seeley said into the cell phone. “It’s after one in the morning.”
“I know.” Jordan’s teeth met in a grimace. Why’d I phone Mom at this late hour? “Just wanted to wish you a safe trip, and . . . and watch your back.”
Wickedly They Come (The Wickedly Series Book 1) Page 25