Chosen Soul

by S Lawrence

  Chapter 27

  CHARLIE

  Gooseflesh breaks out over my body as his coolness seeps into my skin. I wonder how I became an addict so quickly.

  One hit and I was lost.

  I kiss him, drawing in a deep breath through my nose so I can smell the scent that is uniquely him. He is a walking contradiction, icy cold and yet smelling of hot brownies.

  He finally breaks away and shifts so he is sitting beside me, making me miss the weight of him instantly.

  I wonder if it is like this for everyone, or is this intensity because of how we were created?

  “Does everyone have a soulmate or destined partner?” I ask, looking between all three of them. “I mean, if we were created for each other, did He do that for everyone?”

  They are quiet, but the men shrug eventually. Lillian’s voice is low when she finally speaks.

  “I like to think so but then I think about divorce and can’t I imagine it.” I nod.

  “Maybe humans just don’t have the patience to wait thousands of years for the perfect person,” Dagen raises a brow as he answers.

  “Isn’t that sad?” Depressing really, all these perfectly matched couples forever passing in the night. I look up at him to find him watching me. “I’m glad you waited.”

  “Me too, moll.” His hand rubs over my thigh.

  “So, how was it?” His grin says it all.

  “Amazing. Just like I remember.” Jealousy whips through me, but in the same instance, I don’t trust these fuckers on my back. I can’t very well set the world on fire. “I can teach you.”

  My head instantly shakes. Nope. No way.

  “Caliel could like he did me.” Lillian offers but still my head shakes. “In Heaven.” Those last two words stop my movement.

  Heaven. My eyes roll upward.

  “I’m guessing angel fire won’t do anything up there.” I look at the men to see if she is right.

  “We can ask,” Torryn offers while standing and moving inside.

  “You really should learn to use them,” Dagen states.

  “Okay, if he says I can’t hurt anyone,” I whisper, terrified.

  Torryn reappears, phone in hand. “Evander is going to get hold of Luc to have him ask. We should know soon.” As his words die away, Luc appears with his arms full of food.

  “I told you I’d be back with food,” he explains. “I came earlier but you guys had just taken flight.”

  “You could have waited with us,” I say but he shakes his head.

  “I had to check on something in Hell.” I don’t miss the glance between him and Lillian.

  Neither does Dagen. His eyes narrow as his head shakes. “Shady,” he murmurs but Luc ignores him.

  I sniff the air and grin. “Is that what I think it is?”

  Lucifer shrugs but his cheeks pinken. Oh my God, he is both hot and adorable. Of course he is, he is the ultimate temptation. “I thought you might like something to remind you of your parents and home.” His voice sounds sheepish and I jump up from my chair, crossing to where he is standing beside a table.

  Opening the bags, I see kabobs, hummus, pitas, and even grape leaves. I draw a deep breath and let the scents take me back to before my parents were killed.

  Tears well in my eyes as I turn to him. I give him no time or warning, just rush at him and wrap practically my entire body around him.

  A flash of blinding light.

  Fuck.

  My wings encase us, folding around him and I cringe, embarrassed until I hear him. A sigh escapes him, and it is filled with so much emotion that I can’t help but hug him tighter. His arms come up and around me, and I can feel his fingers sliding over my feathers.

  I hold him for longer than I should but I can’t help it. His song is the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard, and I feel tears streaming down my cheeks in response. Finally, the light dies away and the wings go back to where they are hidden.

  “Thank you.” His voice is deep and thick with emotion, and I can only nod.

  The others are silent as we break apart. Dagen comes up behind me and drops a quick kiss on my head.

  “So can we eat now?” Drawing the attention from both myself and Lucifer, he gives us a few moments to collect ourselves while he gets everything out. God, I love this man. Luc nods at him once.

  “I’ll get plates,” Lillian calls.

  Torryn saunters over and leans against the rail, looking back and forth between us.

  “Big babies,” he growls but I can see the mischief in his eyes. Luc sends out a tiny blast of power, flipping him over the rail.

  I gasp and race forward, but just as I reach where he had disappeared, he rises up before me, his wings flapping hard.

  “Asshole.” Said asshole just raises a brow as I glance over my shoulder.

  These guys are insane.

  “You get used to them,” Lillian says as she sets the plates and silverware down, her head shaking.

  Plates are piled high, and we all find seats around the table. We eat while telling stories about our lives. We try to focus on the good. Lillian is telling me about Dagen losing his mind when Torryn borrowed his car when Caliel appears.

  “Someone needs flight training?” He looks at me, and I suddenly feel my food in my throat.

  “Caliel can turn into a cat.” The words burst from Lillian’s lips.

  “Yeah, a real dick of a cat,” Torryn throws in.

  “Really?” I can’t help but ask.

  “Yes but I’m not doing it. Do you want to learn to fly and maybe control that fire?” He is using a voice that reminds me of some teachers.

  “Yes,” I mumble then smile up at the imposing angel. “If I get it all down, then will you show me?”

  He rolls his eyes, doesn’t answer, but holds out his hand.

  I kiss Dagen hard and quick then place my hand in Caliel’s.

  The next instant we are there and it is, well, heavenly. Peace fills me in a way I know I will only ever feel here.

  He leads me out past all the homes and into a field filled with flowers like nothing on Earth.

  “I taught Lillian here,” he says as he looks around. “Can you get them out on command yet?” I shake my head. “Okay, that first.”

  My lessons begin, and he is a slave driver. On and on it goes, until they come and go at my will. Then he starts on the actual flight. I hate to admit by the time that part arrives, half of the field and the flowers are destroyed.

  “You have to control the flames,” he shouts from where he is putting out another fire.

  “I’m trying,” I scream at him. I’m over it. Throwing myself to the ground, I refuse to continue.

  “Get up, girl.” His voice is harsh, and I raise my face to glare at him.

  “No.” The shock is comical even as he stalks toward me.

  “Caliel.” The most feminine voice calls out softly. He stops instantly, and I look back at the crowd that has gathered, where a single angel has stepped forward.

  She literally steals my breath with her beauty. If you look up angel, it should be a picture of her.

  “Anael.” His head lowers for a brief moment, and I can’t hide my surprise and interest.

  “Maybe… If you will allow, I could try.” He frowns and I know it’s because he can’t imagine anyone being able to if he can’t.

  I almost want to laugh. “You have my vote.” I glance at him. “If it matters what I want.”

  He waves his hand as he moves away from us. “Good luck,” he grumbles and then continues under his breath, “Watch your feathers.”

  Yep, dick.

  She draws a deep breath and lets it out slowly before coming and squatting in front of me.

  “Hello.”

  “Hi.” I smile up at her but I know it doesn’t quite reach my eyes.

  “I’ve heard much about the descendants.” She glances back over her shoulder at him. “Recently.”

  That word says so much.

  “It must be extr
emely difficult having not even the knowledge of what you are and then suddenly wings and vast power.” I feel tears in my eyes.

  Again. I swear I do nothing but cry since I met these beings. I nod, not trusting my voice.

  “You must be terrified of hurting someone.” A sob burst from my throat.

  “I almost killed him.” She sits crossing her legs like we did in preschool. Criss-cross applesauce. It’s funny the things that stick in your brain.

  “The one you love?” I nod my head. “How awful. I hear that humans love deeply.” Her eyes flick to Caliel.

  I wipe my cheeks and consider that flick. Caliel had told me how dampened the angels’ feelings are here in Heaven.

  If that glance means what I think it does well, Anael has some pretty deep feelings of her own.

  “We do.” I feel the flames this time and start to push back but realize it is the good ones. Her eyes widen, and I hear the others gasp.

  I don’t think about it. I just reach out and touch her, remembering Luc’s reaction. I’m not disappointed. I haven’t heard their songs here in Heaven but touching her, I can hear it loud and clear. I pull up the tune from Caliel that I’ve heard at home and I’m not surprised to find they blend perfectly.

  He is stalking over, and I look down to hide my smile. Get ready for it, Caliel, cause here it comes. Just as he stops, I whip my other hand out, grabbing his arm, and shove the power out and down my arms to them.

  I smile as those two songs intertwine and blend. I let them go just as quickly as I grabbed them.

  “You shouldn’t have done that,” Caliel says but he is breathless.

  “You’re welcome.” I smile at them both.

  “You will start another uprising in Heaven, Thea.” He drags me to my feet. Angry.

  “What?” He continues dragging me far across the field. Anael is jogging at my side, her face still filled with wonder.

  Finally, we stop and he whirls on me. Rage is stamped on his face. “They do not know what they are missing. What has been kept from them.”

  Oh. I feel horrible as I turn to look at those so far from us now. “I could…” He stops me.

  “No you can’t,” he growls.

  “Caliel.” Her voice is even more beautiful filled with the love she is feeling. “She only wanted to help me. Us.”

  I nod. “It will wear off, Anael. You will only have the memory. How will you feel then?”

  Fuck.

  Tears form in her crystalline eyes. “Why?” She asks.

  “Because He wills it.”

  “Well, He’s not here.” I’m pissed. Her face fills with fear and shock.

  “Blasphemy,” she whispers.

  “I just mean He left, so why can’t those that remain change things?” Caliel sighs.

  “If one emotion is heightened, so will others be.” Anger. Jealousy. Hate. Three awful emotions spring into my mind.

  “I’m so sorry. I just wanted you to be happy.”

  His shoulders fall. “I know, Charlie.” Back to my preferred name, thank goodness. “At least we know for sure the fire is tied to your emotions. You are so afraid you’re going to burn something that the flames are coming to protect you. You must learn to remain calm.”

  Easier said than done.

  We work for hours, and I want to cry as I watch Anael lose the love she was feeling. When I can finally fly flame free, I hug her and she smiles sadly.

  “Thank you for the glimpse of what could be.” Jesus, I suck.

  “Take me home, Caliel, please.”

  We materialize into chaos.

  Chapter 28

  DAGEN

  The city is imploding.

  The Fallen have recruited humans to do their dirty work. Cartel and coyotes have come with their armies. The sound of automatic weapons echoes through the air.

  The police weren’t prepared, so the streets are littered with the bodies of tourists.

  Men, women, and children are all dead. Blood runs like a river. This is way worse than what happened in New Orleans.

  I’m thankful the others were here in town. I duck as another bullet flies my way. It wouldn’t kill me, but enough of them would make fighting the ones I’m looking for harder. They would find killing me easy.

  I know they are looking for Charlie, hoping the mayhem will draw us away from her. I glance up and see Torryn gliding through the sky, his eyes scanning. Lillian is high above, out of reach of the bullets, the sword in her hand as she looks for those that held her captive for so long.

  Arkyn slides to a stop at the corner a couple blocks down, his head whipping from side to side. It stops suddenly, and I look in the direction he’s focused on. Just down the street across from him, a man is standing in front of some kids. They are screaming for their parents as two men stalk to them.

  The man shouts at the men, telling them to leave them alone. I start running, as does Arkyn. His voice rumbles down the street as he yells at the men. I push my power out, forcing the gun barrels down.

  Arkyn glances back and nods as he speeds up. He reaches the man and the children huddled behind him. I’m still holding the killers frozen. I can see the man start shaking as I slow, drawing near them.

  His adrenaline crashing. Arkyn is kneeling, speaking low as the man stares across at those hell bent on killing them.

  “How?” I watch as his brain tries to understand what’s going on.

  “Let’s get these kids out of here.” Arkyn looks up at the brave stranger. “Hey, man, you did real good, but we need to get these kids someplace safe.”

  He doesn’t respond at first then slowly he looks down. “Is there some place safe?” He looks around.

  It’s a valid question, validated even more as the rapid fire pop-pop-pop of an automatic weapon sounds from inside the building behind them. Screams cover any more sounds of the guns as the doors fly open and people rush out.

  In the stampede, we are so focused on now saving the kids from being trampled to death that we don’t notice them until it’s too late.

  The blood drains from the man’s face and his eyes grow wide. Turning, I see them but I’m not quick enough. Five new men are standing in the back of a truck that slams on its brakes. There is no time.

  The first bullet hits the man, center mass, and he drops, the frightened and shocked look frozen on his dead face. Everything happens in slow motion as I extend my wings and lift into the air, my rage releasing my demon.

  They don’t react, and I know the Fallen have done something to them. It could be something as simple as freeing their desires, their love of killing. More and more bodies are falling as I land behind them in the bed of the truck. I watch as one of the children jerks and blood blooms on her shirt, coating the picture of a kitten covered with glitter.

  Arkyn roars as he lifts the two younger ones in his arms. I have an instant of wondering where their parents are as I snap the neck of the man in my arms. My stomach drops as bullets tear through Arykn’s body. Lillian’s sword cuts through the remaining men in the bed of the truck as Torryn drags the driver out of the window.

  Jumping down, I rush to Arkyn’s side. He is on his knees, and I can see the unseeing eyes of the young boy he had held against his chest. The boy is dead, and the tiny girl is screaming for her brother.

  “Arkyn. Arkyn, hand her to me.” His arm tightens around the girl, and she clings to him. “I’ll keep her safe, brother. I promise.”

  I pull her gently from him and then cuddle her tightly against me as she screams.

  “Shhh, little one, we have you,” I whisper against her red curls.

  “All gone. Momma and Dada go bye bye.” Her words shatter something in me. “Mikey gone.”

  Arkyn’s shoulders slump. Her whole family is gone, and we have no idea if she has any other. Lillian moves to my side, her sword hanging down, and the little girl reaches for her, instinctively wanting a mother's comfort.

  I squeeze her tightly again and then hand her over.

 
“Hello, sweetheart. What’s your name?” Lillian asks her softly.

  “Bri.” She sniffs. “Momma calls me baby girl.” Fresh sobs take over.

  “I’m going to get you somewhere safe, okay, Bri?” Her curls bounce as she nods. “Okay, come on, let’s get out of here. Close your eyes. Close them very tight.” Once she does, Lillian takes to the air.

  “Her whole goddamn family.” Arkyn still holds the boy who was only a few years older than the tiny girl. He can be no more than seven or eight and yet he had tried to save her. Brave little man.

  The hair on my arms begins to stand on end as a street light bursts. Arkyn is losing control.

  “Dagen!” My name is screamed and I turn my head, seeing Charlie racing down the street. I spin and start running to her just as lightning hits the truck. I glance back at Torryn, and he nods as he starts to Arkyn.

  More and more lightning hits the ground as the lights in the casinos closest to us flicker. Charlie’s eyes flick around her.

  “Arkyn is losing control of his demon,” I yell over the cracking of the bolts.

  She takes in the scene and nods. “I can see why,” she says as we finally come together in the middle of the street. “What the hell is going on?”

  “The Fallen.” She needs no further explanation.

  “They’ve sent in an army of expendables.” I shake my head as more gunfire pops through the night.

  “We stopped some on the way here.” I look around at her words.

  Seeing my confusion, she looks behind her. “Well, he was with me.”

  More lightning crashes, and I turn to look at Arkyn, red eyes greeting me as he stands and places his charge gently on the ground. Long black claws curve over the child's cheek as Arkyn whispers his promise for revenge.

  His face is hard when he turns to us. “Lead me to them, girl,” he demands.

  Charlie bristles slightly at the girl. “I don’t know where they are.”

  “Listen for their fucking song or whatever,” he growls at her, and she jumps at the harsh tone.

  “You better rein it in, brother.” My voice is low and brooks no argument. “Don’t talk to her like that. I know you’re upset, but do not take it out on my woman.”