“I found my mum down by a lake in London. Her body was brutally battered and all of her bones were broken. She was not intact. But what had frightened me most about seeing her was the fact that her eyes were wide open, as if she’d seen a ghost—as if she’d seen the unbelievable. It was horrific.”
“Oh, Braxton. I’m so sorry,” I murmur, feeling his pain.
He shrugs. “It hurts to think about, but I finally got over it.”
“But if you knew that your father had something to do with her murder, why didn’t you tell anyone? Why didn’t you report it?”
“I was too afraid, Alexandria.” His face turns gloomy and his blue eyes lose their spark. “See, my father thought of humans as wee little ants. He could crush them with one finger and not regret it. I didn’t want anyone to get hurt. I wanted to report it to the Guardian’s but after my mum’s body was found, I was forced to live with him. And living with him would have been hell if I didn’t have Felix by my side. Felix knew all about my mum’s murder, about our father’s motives, and how crazy and fucked up he really was.
“Felix helped me a lot and we grew up well together. He was a great kid but whenever my father would see us together happily, he would snatch Felix away and tell him to study or to just get away from me. He didn’t like to see us teamed up.” He sighs then reaches to scratch at another dry flake of pink paint. “Our father died when we were nineteen and after his funeral, Felix disappeared without a word. I’m not sure where he went, what he went to do, but he was gone for over a year. And I knew he wasn’t in college because he refused to go.”
“What?” I ask, hating to interrupt. “He told me that he finished private school early and went straight to college.”
Braxton’s face turns grim. “He did, huh?”
I nod heavily. “Yeah he did.”
“Well he must’ve lied. Felix didn’t go to college but he did go to private schools particularly for architecture. After that, he’d told me that he was quitting. He didn’t want to go. Wells and Son Incorporated was already signed over to him so he could come back to it whenever he wanted.”
“Why would he lie?” I ask, frowning. He lied. There was no reason to lie to my face.
“He probably just wanted to make a first impression with you,” Braxton jokes.
I shake my head. “Whatever,” I wave it off. “So after he disappeared, what happened?”
Braxton thinks on it before starting again. “Well, he came back and immediately started working. He was really good at what he did—although it was new to him—but I could tell that something was different about him. He left sullen, but he came back happier. And when he was around me, I could feel how powerful he was. It wasn’t normal. Felix was already strong before he’d left, but he came back ten times stronger than that.” His face twists as he focuses his gaze on the brown table tops. “Don’t freak out when I tell you this,” he says slowly, glancing up at me.
I press my lips. Usually when someone says don’t freak out, I tend to freak out anyway. But I need answers. I need all of the information that I can get. “Okay,” I mumble, twisting my fingers in my lap.
“I knew there was a Guardian Angel that lived in our complex but I didn’t think it was you. I used to see you with your brother a lot but I’d always assume that it would be your brother that was the gifted one. He just seemed like he would be a good fit. But that day when you’d first met Felix, I swear I didn’t leave my keys inside. I specifically remember placing the keys in my coat pocket before heading out. Now, I’m not sure how in the hell they may have been on the counter after we went to get Stacy’s keys, but I know for sure that I had them.” He pauses as I slide to the edge of my seat, my stomach clenching, and my hands shaking. “I have a feeling that Felix did the whole keys-locked-in-the-house bid purposely.”
My heart practically stops beating as Braxton’s blue eyes blaze into mine. “Wh-what? Why would he do that?”
He shrugs. “I have no clue. But something tells me that Felix knew about you and had to find an excuse to see you for himself. I don’t know what has him so interested, but sometimes it freaks me out. I know I’m a lousy klutz sometimes but I’m not that lousy to lock my door and leave my keys inside at the same time. I remember grabbing them and placing them in my right coat pocket, first thing. The whole point of going outside in the first place was to take a look at my car but that should have been a sign to me because Felix doesn’t know anything about cars. I probably know more about cars than he does—and I’m an artist.” He forces a smile but my heart remains still. Blood is rushing to my ears, trying to gush out of my ear drums. The palms of my hands sweat and I feel another cold sweat breaking out again. “Are you alright?” Braxton asks, sitting forward to eye me.
I shake my head. Hell no I’m not alright. I’m far from it. I’m most likely turning green on the outside. This only means that Felix knows much more than I think he does. And this whole time he’s been around me, maybe it is just a cover up. Maybe he’s the reason behind my memory loss.
“Well, you asked for it, Alexandria. I didn’t want to tell you because I knew you would freak out. You’re a soft girl,” he sighs. “But I’m not going to lie, it has been bothering me a bit, too. Things have changed with Felix and sometimes it’s awkward being around him because he is just so powerful. His strength is greater than all of the Angels in New York City combined . . . except yours.”
I look up quickly. “Mine? What do you mean?”
“You’re pretty powerful, Alexandria. I’m sure you’re ten times stronger than the intimidating Felix and he’s quite strong. The sooner you get to London, the better. They will tell you the same thing that I am telling you but you have to train to find out. If you want to remain safe, I would stick with Jules because he knows you better than anyone else in this world. And it’s not that I don’t trust my brother, it’s just that he’s changed and I’m not sure if it’s in a good or a bad way. I’m not sure what happened to him while he was away or whether I should be worried, but I think you should steer clear of him until someone finds out. He’s never hidden so much from me.” Braxton’s eyes grow dark like the abyss of an ocean. I nod, trying to recollect myself.
“This is just so much,” I mutter, shaking my head.
“I know. And it only gets worse,” he replies dryly.
“I see,” I say, but I what I really mean is that I see why he was about to stab himself. Now I see and I think he understands what I mean, too, because his eyes darken again.
“Is there anything else that you’d like to know?” he asks. “I want to finish up on Stacy’s painting before she gets home from work.”
“No, no. I think I’m good now. Thank you.” I force a grin as I slide back in my chair. He nods then leads the way to the door. I stumble out into the cold again but turn to face him with a forced smile. I open my mouth to speak but he beats me to the punch.
“Don’t worry. It may seem bad, but one thing I know about Felix is that he is far from evil. He has a good heart and it’s always been what I’ve loved about him. Something may have just happened—anything may have.” He smiles and this time it touches his eyes. But it doesn’t give me any kind of reassurance.
“Well, thanks,” I say then spin around. His door clicks shut and I rush upstairs to get home.
This is all too crazy. All too crazy. I definitely have to get the hell out of New York now. And fast.
BATTLE OF OFFERS
I guess it was best to shower up and clean myself before going out with Jules and Liam for dinner. I ran into Liam as soon as I got in and I wanted to talk to him but he was on his way out.
“Are you going to smoke?” I asked before he could shut the door completely.
He hesitated and I could tell by the look in his eyes that he was up to something shameful.
“Never mind. I don’t even know why I bothered to ask.” I brushed him off and immediately hopped in the shower.
Jules was over two hours before the expected
time and when he came, I was in the midst of flat-ironing my short hair as he stepped around the corner.
He scared the crap out of me, too. I wasn’t expecting him to be here so early. I guess I should have locked the door before I went to clean myself up. I let the flat-irons fall to clutch at my throbbing heart. Jules’ gentle smile disappears rapidly as he steps in further.
“I’m sorry. Did I alarm you?” he asks, reaching to clutch the flat-irons in his hand before they can hit the counter.
“Just a bit,” I smile, taking them away from him.
He smiles softly. “I do apologize. I guess I should have called to let you know that I was on my way, huh?”
No, it’s okay. Really.” I force a smile and I think he notices because through the mirror, his face pulls together and his eyes narrow just a bit.
“Alexandria.” He takes the flat-irons out of my hand to sit them on the counter. He then reaches to cup his gentle hands around my jawline. His brown eyes soften and, for a moment, all of my worries have been forgotten. Looking into his eyes is like being in paradise. I feel different, alive. Relieved that someone actually cares for me. “There’s something wrong. Are you still upset about last night?”
“No,” I fib. Well, that isn’t what’s really bothering me so I guess I’m not lying about that one.
“Then what is it? Where’s Liam?” He doesn’t release my face.
“He went out.”
He nods. “Well then what is it, Alexandria? Don’t hide stuff from me. Tell me. That is what I am here for.” He finally pulls his hands away but to me, they still feel like they are touching me gently, caressing his thumb along my cheek and below my ear. “Come here.” He reaches for my hand and drags me out of my bathroom to sit me on the edge of my bed. He slumps down beside me but his eyes remain focused on me. “There is a knowing in your eyes—something that you want to say but are afraid to reveal,” he prods, still searching for answers through my eyes.
I try my hardest to tear my gaze away from his but it is too hard. He has me and I can’t look away. I want to look at him. I want to tell him everything that Braxton told me earlier. I sigh as I finally glance down at my hands. “How long have you known that Felix was around?” I ask.
He pauses to think on it. “Since I’d first moved to New York. All Angels of the city gather together to meet one another and to know who we are fighting with when there is trouble.”
“Are Fallen Angels considered bad?”
“No,” he sighs, “not exactly. Not all of the time. But the Fallen Angels have a higher rate of turning destructive than the Guardian Angels. The Fallen Angels can do whatever they want and get away with it. Some stick by the Angel part and do good, fight for the humans, and protect what is around them but some that don’t like protecting or fighting will turn against us and forget about everything. There are rare cases where Guardian Angels are bad and if there is one, it is a terrifying thing because Guardian Angels are more cunning than Fallen Angels. We are more powerful, mightier, if I might add.”
I nod, taking in his facts. “Is there a possibility that a Fallen Angel would team up with Hellions?”
Jules frowns as his lips pull down. “It would be foolish and almost impossible for an Angel to join the side of a Hellion. If they are that dumb, they are only asking for death. We can sense the presence of an Angel when there is a group of Hellions. It is an easy pick-up because there is a mix of good and bad in the air. The scent is unfamiliar but it is a scent that I’ve finally figured out. It is a bit confusing when you first smell it but when you smell it again, you know what it is.”
“Have you ever smelled it on Felix?” I ask.
“N—no.” He shakes his head hesitantly. “Alexandria, why are you asking these questions about him? Are you alright? We can always cancel dinner if something is on your mind.”
“No, no. We’re not cancelling dinner,” I sigh. “I just—” I pause.
“What?” he urges, trying to be as patient as he can. He leans in closer while grabbing the tips of my fingers. “Tell me,” he whispers.
“Well, I had a dream last night—actually it was like more of a nightmare . . .,” I stop talking and immediately think of the icy hazel eyes. “I don’t want to believe it, but I think Felix has known what I am for a long time. I also think that he knows that we were mates way before my memory loss.”
Jules eyes darken as his grip tightens around my fingers. “I seriously doubt that,” he hisses. “He couldn’t have. There was a meeting and everything. He passed the test.” He shakes his head, still disbelieving.
“I know but I went to speak with Braxton earlier today and he suspects the same thing. He told me a ton of stuff about his father being somewhat evil and raising Felix. He said that Felix disappeared for a little over a year and came back ten times more powerful. He said that his father took the side of the Fallen but was on the verge of being evil.”
“He is powerful,” Jules murmurs, his face blank and his eyes distant. I know he’s speaking of Felix. “But that could come from anything. He may have just left to go and train—to become better. Most Angels that train for a very long time usually tend to be stronger than most.”
“I don’t know. I just have a feeling that Felix didn’t run into me by accident. He’s hiding something and I’m afraid that it may be worse than we think, Jules,” I say lightly but my heart is beating frantically, just from thinking about it.
“Alexandria—I mean that just makes no sense at all. No Angel can pass a test from the Leaders without something being revealed. And if he really were up to something, the Leaders would know. Plus, Felix is young, the Leaders are old. The Leaders are stronger and wiser than all Angels so they would know.” He sighs as he stands. “I just think that his intimidation may be getting to you or maybe he was mixed into your nightmare because you were thinking of him while also being worried about the Hellions.” His face saddens a bit but I frown because in some sort of way, it seems true. I was thinking of Felix last night but I’ve also been afraid of my life. But that dream felt all too real. It felt dangerous, like it was trying to tell me something. I want to tell him that it seemed to happen before I’d lost my memory. I want to tell him that I had glowing lavender wings and that my hands were glowing, too– that my body was heating up just as much as his had when we’d kissed on that bridge and I saw everything that he went through—but I hold off. I guess he’s right. Maybe I just need to calm down, stop getting so worked up. Even if Felix were bad, I’m sure that he would have had me at any moment. There were plenty of times when he could have taken me away—plenty of times when we were alone—but he didn’t. And somehow—even past his intimidation—I still felt like I was always safe with him, like I could trust him.
“I guess you’re right.”
Jules nods. “Everything will be okay,” he murmurs, leaning in closer to reach my lips. He pecks them lightly with a smile behind it. “Come on, let’s go tame that hair of yours.”
I smile softly but it is a tad bit forced. I’m not completely satisfied. I’m still worrying. My mind is still racing with doubts, with thoughts and accusations. But if Felix were really after me, he wouldn’t have been so hurt when I’d told him that I didn’t want to be with him—that I couldn’t. He wouldn’t have looked so gloomy and he damn sure wouldn’t have pulled off if he were crazy. He would have bound me to him, trapped me. He would have obtained me—just like Jules told me. He would have made me his and possessed me, no matter what I had to say. Felix stopped trying to obtain me and give me things after I’d found out what he really is. Ever since then, he refuses to give me any gifts unless I truly want them. But he could have done it against my will. He is a lot stronger and swifter than I am. I can’t even compare.
Jules lifts me up and leads me back to the bathroom. “Want to know something?” he asks, smiling as he releases my hand to turn around and face me.
“What?” I glance up to meet his silky brown eyes.
“I ordered t
he new plane tickets for London last night.” He’s grinning now. “We’ll be ready to leave next Wednesday at two in the morning. How does that sound?”
“Oh, Jules, that sounds great!” I hook my arms around his neck and pull him in. Our bodies mold and his wintery-Axe scent fills my nostrils. He always smells so good.
He chuckles then pulls back just a little to eye me again. “I’m glad this is making you happy. I promise I’ll make the trip worth it. You can get to know everything about me all over again. I can teach you new things, just like I had before. It’ll be like starting over—for the both of us.”
“That sounds great, Jules,” I grin.
“Good.” He kisses my forehead then pulls away completely. “So, tonight we are celebrating. No more worries and no more sad eyes, okay? We will have some champagne, eat at one of the best restaurants, and I will be sure that your night ends off well. Sound good?” he asks, grinning again.
“Sounds wonderful,” I agree.
He nods then makes his way to the bathroom door. “Finish getting ready. I’ll go out and watch some television or something.”
“Or something?” I ask.
“Yeah,” he shrugs. “I’m not really a fan of television. I don’t really watch it unless I have absolutely nothing to do—which is never the case in my life. There’s always something going on for me.”
“Oh, another thing that I have to add to my list of all things Jules.” I grin completely.
He sinks his teeth into his lower lip, revealing a seductive smile that makes me want to kiss him all over. “I’m glad you’re keeping notes.” He winks then spins around to make his way to the living room. “Just come out when you’re done. I’m ready whenever you are!” he calls and I can tell that he’s already sitting in the living room. I smile but then think about Liam. He still isn’t back yet.
OBTAINED (Book One) Page 20