by Diem, J. C.
Leo joined me a few seconds later. I had one boot on and was hopping on one foot trying to get the second one on without falling over. “Do you realize how ridiculous you look?” he asked.
Finally managing to don the boot, I snatched my coat out of his arms. “Don’t start on me.”
He realized I was close to tears and wisely said nothing as I stalked off down the street. Even as upset as I was, I still searched for enemies both in the sky and on the ground as I struggled to get into my coat. “Your sister is unbelievable,” I said when we’d walked for a few blocks.
“Brie is not technically my sister,” he replied then subsided at my glare.
I hated being corrected almost as much as I despised being told what to do. “Why does she even stick around if she hates me so much?”
“For the same reason that none of us will abandon you. You are our only hope against the forces of evil.”
His tone was far too reasonable and it grated on my nerves. My teeth ground together in an effort not to take out my anger and frustration on him. Unlike Brie, I actually counted Leo as a friend.
Eventually, I calmed down enough to walk at a normal pace rather than stomping along like I was trying to punish the concrete. My feet carried me to my favorite area of the city. We meandered along Fifth Ave and I managed to get some window shopping in while searching for threats.
My eyes passed over the window of a café then I did a double take when I saw Zach. He sat next to a girl with honey colored hair, big brown eyes and an impressive chest. Her tight red dress was obviously expensive. It revealed a cleavage that drew the stares of any male within sight. She wasn’t as inhumanly beautiful as an angel, but she was still gorgeous. She put her hand on Zach’s arm and leaned in to say something. He laughed at whatever she said and my blood boiled in instantaneous jealousy.
“Um, Violet, are you perhaps feeling a strong emotion right now?” Leo asked in a strained voice.
“You could say that,” I said, striving for control. “Why do you ask?”
“Because your eyes are glowing crimson.”
Aghast to hear that, I whirled around to stare at my reflection in the window. He was right, my eyes were glowing, but only faintly. Shock robbed me of my fury and the glow faded until they were back to normal.
When I turned around again, Zach and the mystery girl were leaving the café. He chivalrously helped her into a long black coat with fur trim. She buttoned it up then leaned in and pressed her breasts against his chest as she tried to kiss him. He turned his head at the last second so her lips landed on his cheek rather than on his mouth. She gave him a disappointed pout then climbed into a waiting town car. The window drew down and she waved coyly before the driver sped off.
“Let me guess,” Leo said slyly. “That is your beau?”
“Not you, too,” I groaned. “His name is Zach.”
“Who was the girl who just tried to kiss him?”
“I think her name is Candice Weller. Zach’s Dad and her Mom are trying to set them up.” From the look of it, both families came from money. Their combined wealth would probably be enough to buy half the buildings in the city. Or maybe all of them. Taking stock of my life, I realized I had absolutely nothing to offer my boyfriend. I was a penniless waif who was living on the charity of an ex-angel.
Staring after the town car broodingly, Zach took his cell phone out and typed something. I took my cell phone out just in case and my heart leaped into my throat when I saw a message from him. His text said that he missed me and he wanted to meet me tomorrow afternoon at three-thirty.
“I take it you have received good news?” Leo said dryly when my face lit up in a smile.
“Its excellent news. He wants to meet me tomorrow.” I texted back that I was on board with the idea. He responded immediately, naming our favorite café as a meeting place. It was several blocks away from here in a less expensive area.
Zach received my message and his brooding expression was replaced with a happy smile. He touched the necklace that I’d given him then sauntered off towards his home. In my jealous rage, I hadn’t even noticed that he was wearing it. A few seconds later, a man left the protection of a doorway down the street and trailed after him.
“Who is that?” Leo asked.
“That’s Giles. He’s a bodyguard who doubles as a chauffeur.”
“Exactly how rich is your boyfriend?”
“Very,” I said dryly. “If you take us to Park Avenue, I’ll show you where he lives.”
His curiosity was too great to resist my offer, so he zapped us both there. We were half a block away from the twenty story building and I pointed at it. “Zach and his Dad live in the penthouse.”
Leo’s head went back and he stared up at the fancy balconies far above us in awe. “What does it look like inside?”
“It’s gorgeous. There’s black and gold marble everywhere and they have a grand piano. Zach has an entire wing to himself and even has his own kitchen and chef.” Leo slanted a look at me and I knew what he was thinking. “I have no idea what he sees in me,” I said. “Now that I’ve seen Candice, I’m even more confused. She’s beautiful, rich and comes from the same world that he does.”
“You are prettier than she is,” he said staunchly, but he couldn’t argue with the other points that I’d made. I didn’t fit into Zach’s circle and I never would. In his own way, he was just as unsuited to me as Nathan was. Or to be more accurate, I was unsuitable for them.
₪₪₪
Chapter Twenty-Two
Leo whisked us back to the café and we resumed our patrol. I mulled over my options as we walked. A few minutes later, he nudged my side and pointed at a pack of demons across the street. We didn’t try to follow them this time. Neither of us wanted to be drawn into another trap and suffer more embarrassment. We merely watched them from a distance until they entered a building.
“Nice try,” I scoffed when they disappeared from our sight. “We’re not going to fall for that one again.”
It was doubtful that the hell spawn had known we were there. There were probably groups like this wandering around their chosen turf all over the city. They were trying to lure us into their lairs. They were using the same trick on us that we’d used on them. If it hadn’t been for the raven’s intervention, we wouldn’t have stumbled into the last trap at all. Thanks to the bird, I was now tainted and had a death sentence hanging over my head.
After an hour of randomly walking around, we headed back towards Midtown. “I have a confession to make,” I said when we were halfway back to our base.
Leo braced himself for the information that I was about to lay on him. “What is it?”
“I didn’t get this ring from a cheap jewelry store.”
He blinked in surprise and glanced at the ring I was wearing on my left hand. “Where did you get if from?”
“Zach bought it for me. It’s a real ruby and the band is platinum.”
Taking my hand, he brought the ring up to his face to take a better look at it. “This must have cost him a fortune.”
“I know.” I still couldn’t believe he’d spent so much on me. “That’s one of the reasons why I don’t want to break up with him.”
“Because he buys you expensive baubles?” he said with a frown of disapproval and dropped my hand.
“No,” I laughed. “It’s because he’s so thoughtful. He might be a spoiled rich kid, but he’s a really nice guy despite his upbringing.”
“Is that even possible?” he joked, which made me laugh again. That was one of the things I loved about the teen. He could always make me smile no matter how depressed I was feeling.
When we drew closer to our lair, we took pains to make sure we hadn’t been followed. Leo took no chances and teleported us inside when we were still a few blocks away. Nathan, Brie and Sophia were huddled at the table. To my surprise, Sam was sitting with them rather than watching TV. He was glaring at Brie with his arms crossed. She ignored him as if he didn’t ex
ist. Their conversation broke off when they realized that we’d returned.
“I want you to bring Hag and Orifice here,” I said to Brie without preamble.
“Violet,” Sophia said in the exact same tone that any parent would use as a warning. My mom had never bothered to scold me. Her response whenever I was being a pain was to give me a sad look. That was always enough to cut me to the bone and to make me feel remorseful.
Heaving a sigh, I tried again. “It would be great if you could ask Hagith and Orifiel to join us for a meeting.” My tone was exaggeratedly polite, but Sophia nodded her approval anyway.
“Why?” Brie asked suspiciously.
“Because we need to clear the air. Like it or not, we’re supposed to be allies. Maybe it’s time we started acting like it.”
She looked at Leo, Nathan and Sophia for their opinions. When they all nodded, she reluctantly agreed. “Fine. I will return shortly.”
“What are you up to?” Nathan asked as soon as she was gone.
“Nothing,” I replied and headed to the kitchen. He was on my heels before I’d made it through the door.
“I know you,” he said in a low voice. I wasn’t sure he even realized how seductive he sounded. I shivered and closed my eyes for a second. “I can tell when you are planning something.”
“How can you know me that well?” I said over my shoulder as I filled the kettle. “I thought you only popped into my life whenever I was in danger of dying.” He remained silent for so long that I turned to face him. My eyes widened at his guilty expression. “How often did you watch over me?” I asked softly so the others couldn’t hear me.
His gaze flicked to the door to make sure we weren’t being observed. “Far more often than I should have,” he replied just as quietly. “I watched you from afar during the day and I watched you while you slept at night. I have been with you almost every moment of your life since I rescued you from that toy chest when you were two. The only time I have not been with you was the night your mother’s life was stolen.”
That last part gave me a stab of pain, but my mind went straight to another conclusion. My face flamed and I took a step back. I should have felt violated at discovering his constant presence, but my mind was filled with visions of him watching me as I soaped myself in the shower.
He chuckled and moved closer. He lightly brushed his thumb over my flaming cheek. “I said almost every moment, Violet. I would never violate your privacy as I am sure you are imagining that I have right now.” I closed my eyes and pressed my face against his palm. He let his touch linger for a moment before pulling away.
“I really don’t have a devious plan in mind,” I said as I set the kettle on the stovetop. “I just think we need to join forces with these douchebags.” He winced at my choice of terminology. “I’m sick of them hiding in the shadows and watching me like I’m some sort of criminal. They could be doing something far more constructive than that.”
“Such as?” a familiar voice asked snottily.
My back went stiff when I realized it was Hag and that she’d overheard me. I glanced over my shoulder to see her and her sidekick, Orifice, standing in the doorway. “I’ll let you know just as soon as I’ve finished making tea,” I said evenly. I didn’t want them to know how fast my heart was racing at seeing them again. My inner demons reacted to my instinctive fear and quivered inside me. They could only hear and see what I could when I was under a lot of stress. I imagined they were getting a clear visual of the angels right now.
“We will join you shortly,” Nathan said and motioned for them to head over to the table. They obeyed him with reluctance.
Thankfully, it took several minutes for the kettle to boil. I was able to calm my fears, but I didn’t object when Nathan poured the water into the teapot then picked up the tray. He knew how badly my hands were shaking. Apparently, he knew everything about me. My face went red again at the knowledge that my guardian had watched over me so diligently and I’d never even known he was there. The only time I’d been able to see him was when he’d saved my life.
“You look flushed,” Sam said when I took my seat. Hagith and Orifiel had chosen to remain standing, which was good because there weren’t enough seats for us all. “Is your illness returning?”
“I don’t think so,” I replied.
“What illness is this?” Hagith asked in a sharp tone.
“Violet was attacked by a Wraith Warrior,” Sophia informed them as she poured tea for us both.
“I’m surprised Brie didn’t tell you that when she ran to you to tattle on me,” I said.
The teen sent me a sullen look. “I did not think it was important.” She’d told them that Nathan had used his grace to heal me, but she hadn’t bothered to tell them why it had been necessary.
“Of course it is important,” Orifiel said in shock. “How is she still alive?”
“Because I’m Hellscourge,” I said before anyone could offer their opinion on the subject. “I think you keep forgetting that.” This was what I’d been mulling over while Leo and I had been out on patrol. “I was chosen by Fate for a reason.” I met their stares and saw only contempt and disgust in Hagith’s and Orifiel’s eyes. They really hadn’t liked being called douchebags, even if it was an accurate assessment of their personalities.
“There has never been anything like me before,” I continued. “Or so Fate told me. I’m the only one who has ever defeated the master gate to hell. You guys can’t even enter the shadowlands.” Now it was my turn to show them contempt. “Even with all of your holy power, you’re pretty useless in this war.”
Hagith sucked in an affronted breath and Orifiel puffed out his chest. I plowed on before they could utter their protests. “Nathan made a point earlier that I think needs to be repeated for everyone’s benefit.” By everyone, I meant them. “ I’m going to be the warrior in this war. You guys are just the lackeys. So, the next time you believe I’ve stepped out of line and you feel the need to dominate and torture me, remember this; without me, you won’t have any way to defeat the minions of hell. If I’m not on your side, you will lose this war.”
Nathan masked his smile, but Leo didn’t bother to and grinned widely. Sam was staring at me adoringly. Even Sophia looked almost proud. Brie was the only one who looked like she’d just finished sucking on a lemon. Her sour expression was priceless.
“What are you saying, exactly?” Hagith demanded.
I pushed my chair back and stood. Placing my hands on the table, I leaned forward to stare them directly in the eye. “I’m saying that I want you both to back the hell off. Stop threatening me and my boyfriend. I’ll date him if I want to and no one in this room can stop me.” Nathan closed his eyes in pain, but I swallowed my guilt down. This wasn’t really about Zach. It was about establishing boundaries. “You don’t own me. You aren’t my boss. You don’t get to tell me what to do. I’ll do whatever it is that Fate has planned for me, but I’ll do it on my own terms.”
“What if we do not agree to your terms?” Hagith said. Fury filled her to bursting, but Orifiel had his hand on her arm to control her. His thoughtful frown indicated that he was taking me seriously.
“Then you won’t be my allies anymore. You’ll just be an obstacle stopping me from doing what I’m meant to do because you’re so hell bent on trying to control me.”
“It has already been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that giving free will to mankind was a grave error,” she stated. Breaths of shock were sucked in.
“Hagith!” her sidekick said in a shocked whisper. “Be careful what you say!” He cut a look at Nathan, who had hunched his shoulders slightly.
Straightening her spine even more, she stared down her nose at me. “I speak only the truth and you all know it.”
“I don’t disagree with you,” I said, to her shock. “Humans have made all kinds of mistakes and they never seem to learn from them. I’m just telling you that I’m not going to be your puppet. I’ll listen to your advice, but I’m no
t going to let you control me.”
They exchanged a look then turned to Brie. She was staring at me speculatively, weighing their options. She knew me well enough by now to know that I’d been pushed to my limits. If they shoved me over the edge, the consequences would be unpredictable. Not even I knew what would happen if they went too far. Being tortured had been the last straw. I wasn’t going to let them have that kind of power over me ever again.
“It seems that we have no choice,” Brie grated. “We cannot take away your freedom to make your own choices. I just pray that they will be wise rather than foolish ones that will end in the doom of mankind.”
From her posture and expression, she was already convinced that any choices I made would be poor ones.
₪₪₪
Chapter Twenty-Three
With our agreement hammered out, we settled down to discuss strategy. Two more chairs were produced from somewhere and Hagith and Orifiel reluctantly sat down at the table.
“What sort of progress have you made in locating the next entrance to hell?” Hagith asked, deliberately looking away from me. She directed the question at Nathan.
“We have spent nearly every day searching for it without success,” my guardian replied.
“Randomly searching the streets is obviously not working,” she said with a critical sniff.
Orifiel took over when he sensed our unified dislike that our efforts had been dismissed so easily. “Perhaps a more structured plan would be in order,” he suggested.
Sophia shook her head. “You cannot plan when Violet will discover the portals. Like the visions that I am sent, she will only find it when it is the right time.” Either Leo had shared my theory with her, or she’d come to the same conclusion on her own.
Neither of the new additions to our group looked happy about that. They wanted to take control and become my puppet masters even after I’d told them I wouldn’t cooperate with them. Clearly, it was in their natures to tell others what to do.