Blood Covenant (The Covenant Series Book 3)

by Lynn Landes

  Her laughter stops when she hears a noise outside a few minutes later. Quietly, she backs up into the wall preparing to port away if necessary. “No!” she whispers in horror when she feels Malach. She spins reaching for her power when she hears him.

  “Elina! Don’t you dare run away from me again!” Malach yells.

  “No!” she says.

  Malach blocks her power so she can’t teleport. Eyes wide with panic, she bolts for the door only to find him standing in front of it. She is trapped inside with him.

  Desperate to get away, she scoops up a glass bottle throwing it at him.

  “I won’t watch you die, I won’t!!” she screams snatching another glass bottle up, she starts firing them at him, screaming, “I won’t, I won’t!”

  “Elina! Stop this instant!”

  Dodging another bottle, he does the only thing he can think to do, he jerks a tarp from the top of a crate and throws it over her head. She races at him, just as he hopes and he grabs her porting them to the safety of an abandoned building near the docks.

  The moment he grabs Elina she fights with all of her strength to break free. She is powerless without her abilities against the archangel.

  “Let me go, Malach!” she screams outraged at his treatment of her. He tosses her to the ground like a sack of potatoes and releases the tarp freeing her.

  Elina jumps up to run, but he moves lightning fast pinning her to the ground. His large body is stretched on top of her and her wrists are trapped in his tight grip. His large muscular legs are pinning hers beneath his.

  “Elina, you are forcing my hand. Look at me!” Her eyes are squeezed tight, and tears are escaping, sliding back into her black hair. “Look at me,” Malach whispers. “See me, Elina. See me...”

  Heart pounding in her throat, “Nameed!” She screams in her mind.

  He leans into her throat and rests his forehead on her shoulder. “See me, Elina.” His emotions wash over her and he feels the panic begin to fade. He releases her hands and she wraps her arms around his neck holding on tightly.

  “Malach!” she moans and like a dam bursting she holds onto him and weeps for all they have lost and can never have.

  He rolls over sitting up, shifting her onto his lap shielding them with his magnificent wings. His tears join hers and he weeps with her. She kisses his damp face and looks at last into his emerald eyes. “I won’t watch you die because of me!”

  “Elina, I am dead without you! Let me have whatever time I have left, at your side! I am close but I promise not to fail you again. Will you not trust me?” He asks with hurt in his tear filled eyes.

  “Fail me? It was not your failure, but mine! This attraction between us, Malach it is wrong!” pushing against his chest, he releases her unfurling his wings. He feels relieved that she is finally talking to him.

  Elina paces away to put space between them, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.

  “I know we can handle it together, Elina.”

  She is shaking her head no at him before he finishes his sentence.

  “That’s just it, Malach. You don’t know anything!” she yells.

  “Then tell me, what is going on? Why are you pushing me away, Elina? I can handle anything but that.” He hangs his head and his black hair drops shielding his face from her. His shame, calls to her heart, and she knows she must tell him.

  “It is time,” Nameed whispers in her mind.

  Elina walks toward him until she is close enough to taste his breath. She clasps his checks in her hands, and whispers…“See me, Malach,” echoing his words back to him.

  The moment she says the words, the images rush in. He sees her standing on the deck of Polly’s house and tastes their first kiss.

  Elation fills his mind as their souls unite. The next image is of the two of them surrounded and the pain. The images flood in, pain, fear for her, and all of humanity. He sees their failures and the price that humanity pays.

  Horrified, he tries to break free, but she holds tightly to him. Elina does not break her hold even when he stumbles and falls to his knees before her.

  “See, all, Malach.” He hears the cries of his brothers as they fall, one by one, to death and despair. He hears thousands of humanities voices silenced in an instant when Raphaim frees the fallen and they attack. She bares her soul to him and finally, she is free to complete the Covenant.

  “What have I done? Have I tainted your soul, Elina? Have I damned us all to death?” he asks in a hoarse voice.

  She falls to her knees in front of him once more. “Malach, don’t you see? If it were only my soul and not the souls of both heaven and humanity, I would gladly fall with you! I would take the punishment and spend whatever time we had, completely yours. But even I am not selfish enough to damn them all.”

  “Then we will do just that, Elina. We will spend whatever time we have left, together. I promise to help you with your task. Just don’t ask me to walk away! Whatever happens, we must face it together. Promise me!” he demands grabbing her hands.

  “I promise,” she rises up to her knees and leans in, “Malach, I love you.” She smiles and joy fills her eyes as she finally says the words. “If I have to die, let it be in your arms, that is my heaven.”

  He kisses her, tasting the salt of her tears and the truth of her words. The beast inside is satiated.

  Chapter 25

  “I have a plan, Malach, but I will need help. Lots of help.” Malach pulls her up from the ground and wipes the tears from her face. Then cloaking them from view, he leaps into the air, passing silently through the roof of the building.

  Elina wraps her arms around his neck and inhales the scent of him into her soul.

  He cleanses her body, clothes her in the ways of his people and heals the wounds from the battles she has fought.

  “Tell me your plan, Keeper.” He says softly in her ear.

  “I feel him, he’s on his way to get the pen. Maeling and her family must be protected, but I need to get to the ship.”

  Lost in the feel of his arms around her, she is not paying attention to where he is taking her. They land in the dirty alley beyond the docks. She smiles up at him, for the first time she feels as though she is not alone.

  “You never were alone, Elina. You just had to trust in your Father, and in me.” He says leaning in to kiss her.

  “Malach?” she whispers, but she does not stop his descent.

  He pauses a breath from her mouth and his eyes flash with a fierce possessiveness.

  Her head swims with passion, love, and trust. The feel of his love for her flows through her, erasing every doubt. How can something that feels so right, be wrong? In his kiss, she discovers the purpose of her life, the very reason for her existence.

  His tongue tastes hers and they dance in the moist hot heat. His hand finds its way to her neck and he holds her tightly against him, savoring the taste and feel of her.

  She smiles and chews on his lower lip, sucking it gently and his grip tightens on her waist. He breaks away and runs a trembling hand through his long hair.

  “I trust you Malach. It’s time to finish this. I think Jake and the Lua should go get Maeling. You and I will go after the pen.”

  His eyes go dark at her words. “This place is crawling with shadow demons, Elina. Are you ready to fight?”

  “I’m always ready, Malach. I had a great teacher.”

  Concealed, Nameed smiles from the shadows watching the couple and silently ports. He returns to the house Elina’s family had chosen to use as a sanctuary.

  After she had left days earlier, they all packed quickly and left, guided by Ronnie ending up here.

  Now, he watches Polly through a window from the tree line at the edge of the yard. What he would have given to spend eternity at her side?

  The years fade away and he remembers her as she was. Powerful, beautiful, and faithful. He had almost given up eternity, but Polly had saved him. Her faith was like a beacon to the demons of this world and he w
as ordered to protect her. As long as she walked this earth, he would be here, silently guarding her until her father calls her home.

  “Grammy, look at the Angel.” A child’s voice calls out from inside the house. Polly moves to stand beside the child and smiles, taking her hand, she looks in the direction she is pointing.

  Alex has been working on a project of his own. He has been saving the children abducted by the Fallen from the Mockers realm of hell. With the help of local Watchers, the children are being healed and returned home when they can be. Polly has asked to raise the orphaned children who have no homes to go back to.

  “Do you see him? His wings are striped like a tiger!” she says, staring at Named through the window. Polly’s smile fades and she walks to the window and places a wrinkled weathered hand against the pane of glass.

  “I see him, sweetie.” Polly remembers him, “His wings are amazing, but his eyes are what I loved the most. Eyes that could see past the shell and into my soul. Oh, how I miss his eyes.”

  Nameed stands outside the window, hand to hand with Polly and the years fade away in memories. For a moment he almost shows himself to her. The snap of a broken branch behind him draws his attention back to the task and he pulls his hand away.

  Polly sighs as the connection fades and she turns to look at the child, “Angels are always around us, watching and guiding us. You are very lucky to have seen him.” Polly’s voice floats to him and he smiles. As he passes silently back to the trees a voice sounds to him.

  “I’ve been waiting for you. What took so long?” Alex stands staring at the Angel in front of him.

  Nameed pulling himself from past memories flares his striped wings out asking, “Are you ready to help your sister?”

  “I know what must be done, Nameed. The question should be, Can you keep up?” A smile on his face, he ports out.

  The nightmares had started when Alex was five and they were relentless. Only Nameed and Hunter knew of his struggles, they kept him hidden and protected. When Alex was six, Nameed began his training with the help of Hunter. As the brother of the Keeper of the Light he was gifted with her same abilities.

  The last few years have been the hardest. So much youth, determination, and protectiveness for those in this world. Nameed had no doubt that Alex could handle being a keeper, but rather how long he could hold him back until the time he was needed.

  Relief replaces frustration as he prays, “He is ready Father, protect him and strengthen him for the trials and tribulations ahead.”

  Chapter 26

  “The mission is to remove the child and family as quietly as possible.” Jake dictates, falling back with ease into the role of captain. He checks the clip of his gun before snapping it back into place.

  “Yes, sir Chief.” Seth says, snapping to mock attention.

  Jake smiles, shaking his head and looks at Heather, “Your job is to get Maeling out. She is the priority, get her and get out,” he explains as he slides his gun into his holster, hoping he will not need to use it.

  Heather nods, looking at Jake, “Exactly how am I supposed to do that?”

  “I will cover you,” Seth promises. “You won’t be alone, darlin,” he says in his best southern accent.

  Heather laughs out loud and shoves at him.

  “Get them to safety, Makaio and Loe will cover the parents and I will take the grandfather. If we get separated our rendezvous point will be the fish market. It’s crowded and easy to disappear into. Any questions?” Jake asks.

  “Yes, exactly how are we supposed to travel back in time?” Loe asks the obvious question looking around.

  Leilani, walks into the room with a shocked look on her face. “We have visitors,” she whispers and steps aside.

  Simeon bends down and steps through the door. The Lua brothers are large warriors, but they look miniscule compared to the enormous angel. “Someone need a ride?” he asks, smiling at Jake and Seth.

  Jake grins and stands with Seth. “I guess we get to ride in style?” Seth says with a huge smile.

  “Elsbeth asked me to give these to you.” Simeon tells them holding out a small box with pride.

  Heather is the first to move. When she removes the lid, she gasps. Inside, resting on black velvet are silver dragon pins. They are curved around a small blue bead. “They are blessed and will shield your threads, preserving your strength for the journey.” He explains.

  “They are exquisite, but how did she know?” Heather asks.

  “Elina.” Simeon replies simply. “There are enough pins for all of you, including those we leave behind.”

  “Thank you,” Makaio says, looking down at his wife. Heather hands him a pin and with trembling fingers, he is quick to pin Leilani. She returns the favor as Heather quickly hands them out.

  Simeon watches these humans, who are ready to fight and sighs. “If you wish, Makaio, I can place your family in a protected place until this is over. I can assure you of their safety.”

  “Thank you, I would be honored to place their safety in your hands.”

  Leilani covers Makaio’s hand with hers and he kisses her forehead. Outside his granddaughters are playing and his sons are waiting for him, ready to do as he commands.

  Simeon bows and leads the way outside where three angels wait. The children stare at the angels, with a look of awe on their young faces.

  One of the angels flaps his wings at the children, battering them with wind. The girls squeal in delight and the youngest, at two years old toddles over and lifts her arms, “Up, up, birdie.” The angel smiling, squats and lifts her.

  They all laugh, as goodbyes are made. Makaio kisses his wife softly, whispering, “A hui hou’. Until we meet again.”

  In the silence that remains, the sons are led in prayer by their father. Finishing with a quiet “Amen.” Makaio looks back at the large angel watching them, “We are ready.”

  Chapter 27

  The archangel, and keeper, wait in the silence of the alley for Maeling to skip past. She is headed to the ship and Elina knows this must be perfectly timed. She knows the pen is on the ship, but not exactly when she finds it. Alex told her he found it in the ship’s galley.

  Maeling hums and skips along unaware of the evil awaiting her.

  As an archangel, Malach can cloak both of them from being seen, so they follow silently behind the child. They watch as she sees the ship, and feel her excitement as she wanders along.

  Elina smiles at the joy in Maeling’s voice when she calls out to her father. They watch as he lifts her into a hug and barks out orders to the workers loading the ship.

  Maeling suddenly goes still. Her smile fades away to be replaced by shock. She moves quietly watching the demon shadows following the men.

  They creep quickly along, avoiding the afternoon sunshine by using the long antennae on their heads to guide them. The fluidity of their bodies is amazing as they flow along effortlessly up the side of buildings, along roofs, into cracks, and crevices.

  They resemble a centipede with four foot long, fur covered bodies. Each of the twenty, multi-jointed legs have black stripes with spiked tips on the ends.

  Maeling jumps in horror when one of the demons leaps onto the back of its victim. Lightning fast, it wraps its legs around the victim before sinking it’s antennae into the unseeing eyes, sucking the life force out of them.

  The victims are unaware of what is happening to them except that they feel lethargic as though a heavy presence is pushing them down. Elina follows Maeling to the top deck for a better look and Malach stays close behind.

  “Maeling, what are you doing? It is not safe here, if you want to watch do it from the Captain’s deck with me,” her father orders. When he turns to walk away, she sees that he carries a small wooden tea crate.

  “Yes, Ba-ba.” She replies sweetly following him up the wooden steps to the deck above.

  Malach takes Elina’s arm gesturing to the demons below. They seem to be cowering in fear and those that don't run, drop d
own in fear. Elina looks at Malach and her stomach drops. His face reflects her thoughts.

  “Mocker.” She hears the word in her mind.

  Maeling’s father’s voice draws Elina’s attention.

  "It’s a tea service, which I must find a place for. Maybe you could help me with that?” He asks. A sudden crash and her father quickly sets the tea set down and rushes off.

  When Elina looks back the child is gone.

  "She went down into the ship, you follow her and I will stay here and guard our exit. Hurry!" Malach urges.

  Without a word she rushes along down a ladder and along a hallway.

  Maeling enters a small doorway leading into the galley. Elina catches up in time to hear a crash. Stepping into the dark room, Elina sees Maeling in the throes of a vision.

  In her tiny hand she holds a wooden pen. The tea crate is scattered around her on the floor and Elina knows, this is what she has been searching for.

  Maeling gasps when the vision releases her, and jumps up desperate to hide the pen. She spins in fear when she hears a sound behind her.

  "Hello, Maeling." Elina says softly in perfect Chinese.

  The child clutches the pen close against her chest. Eyes wide with shock, she stares at Elina. “They said you weren’t real.”

  Elina squats down eye level with the young girl. “What do you think, Maeling?”

  Maeling steps closer and touches Elina’s cheek with one hand. “I know you are real, and I know why you have come.”

  Elina smiles, “You are in danger, Maeling.”

  Her brown eyes fill with tears, “They killed the man who made this,” she gestures and lifts the pen up into the air.

  Elina starts to speak, but a loud explosion on the upper deck rocks the boat. Maeling flings herself into Elina’s arms.

  She hugs the child tightly to her chest, “We are out of time, Maeling. May I have the pen?”

  Elina stashes the pen in the front pocket of her jeans and drops down to grab the ink well. “Hold onto this for me, okay?”