by Holly Vane
Dominic froze and she felt his body tense. His black eyes were fixed onto a patch of darkness a few yards in front of them, not having supernatural eye sight herself she saw nothing out the ordinary. “What is it?”
“Stay here.” He told her distractedly then walked off disappearing into the shadows.
Holly stared after him straining her senses so that she would hear any movement. The dark seemed to expand and press in on her from all sides. She fought to remain calm moving in a circle trying to pierce the impenetrable night.
She felt someone move behind her. She swung round and found herself staring at Caleb’s broad frame.
“Jeez Caleb! Are trying to do give me a heart attack?” He held a finger to his mouth to indicate that she should be silent. “Huh?” His sudden appearance had thrown her off her game. His bright sapphire eyes glowed like cobalt crystals and the familiar warmth spread through her. Without a word he took her hand and led her off to a blue pick-up that was parked on the curb of the sidewalk like he hadn’t had time to park it properly.
“Where’s Dom?” She asked stubbornly as he held the passenger door open.
“He said he’d meet us there.” Caleb answered coolly. “Get in Holly.” The tone of his voice, commanding and hard, rubbed her the wrong way. Who the hell did he think he was?
Not more than 24 hours ago he had dumped her harshly then vanished without so much as an explanation, now he was ordering her to get into his truck.
“No.” She took a few steps back holding Caleb’s stare.
“Damn it Holly we don’t have time for this!”
“I’m not going anywhere with you!” She told him harshly.
He slammed the door shut with anger. “I’m still your Guardian Holly and you will listen to me, I’m trying to save your life here.”
She froze. “What?”
A scream echoed around the lonely parking lot. It shredded Holly’s resolve and she dumped the teddies on the ground and took off in the same direction hoping to find Dominic in one piece.
She stopped peering into the abyss listening, she was just about to run back towards the distant lights of the amusement park when Caleb grabbed her waist.
“Get off me!” She yelled as she struggled against him. “I’m not leaving here without Dom!”
“Yes you are, even if I have to drag you.” Came his measured reply.
There was no way she could break his hold he was too strong. “Caleb please!” She pleaded as he carried her over the tarmac. “Why are you doing this?”
He pinned her against the body of the pick-up and stared down at her. “Dominic can take care of himself. I have to get you out of here.”
From the corner of her eye Holly caught movement. Whatever it was it was gaining on them quickly. Instinctively Holly pushed Caleb away from with all the strength she possessed. He stumbled back just enough to avoid the gleaming axe that embedded itself in the wing of the pick-up.
The arm that wielded it was covered in religious tattoos. Holly’s wide eyes travelled upwards till she found herself looking into grey cold eyes. The man that was clad in biker’s leather and sported a skin head tried to wrench the axe loose but by then Caleb had recovered. With a deathly grace he moved behind the man silently, and snapped his neck. Holly heard the crack as his bones shattered. The man crumpled to the floor.
“Now will you get in the truck?”
“But…I-I thought they couldn’t cross?” Holly stammered in shock at what had just happened. He had materialized from the dark like a nightmare.
“Immortals can’t,” Dominic’s voice said suddenly. The sound was music to Holly’s ears. “But humans can.” He pushed the guy who’s arm he held to his knees in front of them. Relief flooded Holly and she ran into Dominic’s arms. “Are you okay?” She asked him searching him for cuts. Dominic smiled and held her hands still kissing the backs of them. “I’m fine princess.” He said taken aback by her public show of concern.
“We should get going,” Caleb said. “Andrea expected us an hour ago.”
Dominic dropped her hands. “Take Holly to the college, I’ll pick up her suitcase and meet you there.”
“What about him?” Holly motioned to Dominic’s hostage.
“I’ll take care of him.” Dominic said with glee.
Caleb yanked the axe from the body of his pick-up with ease then discarded into the flat bed back. “Holly.” He opened the passenger side door. She hesitated. The last thing she wanted to do was get in, why couldn’t Dominic take her and they could pick up the suitcase together later?
“Hey,” Dominic’s soft voice soothed as he came up behind and stroked her arms lightly through the sleeves of her hoody. “I’ll be right behind you.”
“We won’t stop.” The machine like tone cut through the romance of the moment and they all turned to the burly man kneeling on the floor before them. A long white scar ran down his right check and he wore a twisted smile.
“Shut up.” Dominic warned.
The captive had eyes only for Holly. “Why can’t you just leave me alone?” She asked him shaking out of Caleb’s grasp when he tried to hold her back.
“We serve the Lord and you’re his enemy.” He spat. “Your unholy and should be slaughtered. Your entrails will be ripped from you while your heart still beats so that you can witness God’s work…” Dominic’s knee drove the man’s head back, teeth flew through the air. “I said shut up.” Dominic told him viciously in a dangerous low growl.
“Are going to kill him?” Holly asked.
“Eventually.” Dominic snapped. A grin spread across her face. “Make it hurt.” She said before picking up her teddies and settling into the cool leather interior of the pick-up.
Caleb closed the door while locking eyes with Dominic’s. He went round to the driver’s side.
Holly cuddled into the door as the truck pulled out the lot and turned left. She had never wished anyone harm but he deserved everything that Dominic was going to inflict on him.
“Enjoy Sunnyside?” Caleb asked breaking the tension that hung in the cab between them.
“Yeah I did.” She replied bluntly. “it was mine and Dominic’s first date.” She added smiling when she saw her words wound him. “Not that you have the right to complain, since you practically pushed us together.”
Caleb missed the gear change and the engine crunched noisily. “I did what?”
“Venice was the most time you and I spent together since you came back from Heaven.”
She saw his jaw tighten and he let out a deep breath. “Holly I don’t want to fight.”
She snorted her contempt concentrating on the thick forest that blurred by.
The bendy road dipped suddenly into a steep decline and Holly got her first glance of St. Heralds. It was mostly dotted scraps of pine woods that was occasionally broken by modern designed buildings. As the truck crept through the sleepy town She glanced at the dashboard it was 9.30pm and the town was already deserted. They passed dark shuttered bakeries, diners, groceries and flower shops.
Caleb took a right and rambled down a cobbled road that opened up in a cul-de-sac type campus. Stretches of bright green lawns and sprinklers dressed up the stone work buildings that was lit by antique looking streetlamps, the whole college looked like something out of a Harry Potter movie. The central building was a brick tower that peeked to an incredible sharp point where a flag rippled in the crisp breeze. The buildings either side were dormitories, she could that from the groups of students that flowed in and out.
Caleb pulled the Ford over to the curb and killed the engine. Holly grasped the door handle.
“Wait.”
She turned to him. His tanned body still appealed to her and the familiar warmth that soaked through the leather towards her made her want to feel those strong arms of his again. He stared through the windshield his features frozen in pain. Holly took out his ring from a jean pocket. “You should have this back.” She said softly.
He looked down
at her outstretched hand. “It was a gift. Keep it.”
Frustration welled inside her. She needed closure. “Why’d you do it? When you gave me this ring you said that I would always have your heart. What changed?”
He glanced sideways at her his blue sapphire eyes dimmed to grey. “Everything.” He whispered. His answer chilled her more than she would have liked. She got out of the cab.
“Holly wait…” Caleb followed suit. “I don’t want things to be like this. Just because we broke up doesn’t mean I’m going to abandon you.”
“Broke up? You dumped me Caleb! You haven’t even said why. I deserve to know that at least!”
“I’m I interrupting something?”
“No.” Holly yelled at a reappearing Dominic, the same time as Caleb yelled. “Yes.”
Dominic let out a low whistle. “Awkward.” He muttered.
“Ah! There you are. I was beginning to think the worst.” A soft female voice said.
“Andrea sorry for the hold-up.” Dominic said, greeting the beautiful slender blonde who had spoken. “We ran into a bit of trouble.” He gave her a warm hug. Her green eyes sparkled. “Why doesn’t that surprise me? You always had a knack of finding trouble Dominic Prince.”
Jealously stabbed Holly. There was something in their intimate greeting that suggested Dominic and this bombshell had been more than friends.
“And this must be Holly.”
Andrea stepped forwards and embraced her. “I’m so glad you’re here.” She pulled back. “I have a feeling that St. Heralds will be a huge help to you.”
“It has been already.” Caleb interrupted sweeping forwards. “Thank you for agreeing to this.”
“My pleasure. Now let’s get you settled shall we?”
They all started off across the lawn until Andrea’s manicured hand stopped them. “I think we can manage from here boys.”
“I’ll wait in the truck.” Caleb mumbled to Dominic while Andrea unburdened him of Holly’s suitcase. “I’ll give you two a moment.”
“I hate saying goodbye to you.” Holly told Dominic who wrapped his arms around her. “It won’t be for long. Andrea’s right you need to get settled in.”
“But I’ve only just got you.” Holly complained. She knew she was acting like a whining, moping teenager but she couldn’t help it. Now that she knew the wonder of all of him she couldn’t do without it.
“There’ll be time for us later Holly.” His lips came down on hers hard. The hot flames of passion fanned in her stomach. From somewhere ahead Andrea cleared her throat.
“I hate her already.” Holly grumbled grudgingly drawing away.
“Give her a chance Holly, she’s actually pretty cool.”
“When am I going to see you again?”
“Try keeping me away.” He smirked before pulling away and pivoting her round. He smacked her backside firmly which only made her want him more.
“Now get going.” He ordered.
“Yes sir.” Holly mused before forcing her feet to move.
“Holly.”
She turned back.
“I’m proud of you.”
Dominic’s words lightened her heavy smile and she crossed the remaining grass with an actual spring in her step. She could do this. She would do this for the sake of the Devil she loved.
Chapter Five
∬
Guiding Light
Holly followed Andrea through the neutrally decorated college.
“The cafeteria is to your right.”
Holly glanced to her left to see a wooden partition encircling a vast dining area made up of Mable wood chairs and white linen tables. They came to awe inspiring spiral staircases. “There are elevators located in the foyer that we passed as we entered.” Andrea instructed as they climbed the steps. Holly masked a yawn zoning out of Andrea’s guided tour. It wasn’t that she wasn’t grateful; she was tired and needed to crash. They marched down generously lit nude corridors that reminded her of a hotel lounge.
“Right here we are.” Andrea stopped outside room 409. “This is you. Oh before I forget this is your timetable.” She handed Holly a folded sheet of A4 paper. “Don’t worry we’re kept your load light. I’ve selected classes that I think could benefit you most. One of which is summoning.”
Holly glanced up from the sheet. “Summoning?”
“I’ll explain more tomorrow. I run the class and it just so happens to be your first lesson.”
“Great.” Holly tried to sound enthusiastic but failed miserably. Andrea moved a stray strand of hair from her face. “I know this is hard Holly, being shoved headfirst back into society and I want you to know that you can come to me with anything. I will gladly listen.” Holly smiled warmly. “Thank you.”
“Well I’d best leave you now. Your roommate has most of the same classes as you, so just follow her and you’ll find your way in no time. Goodnight Holly.”
“Night.”
Holly watched Andrea drift along the passage she moved with as much grace as Caleb did. Pushing down on the handle she wheeled in her suitcase.
“SURPRISE!”
A startled Holly paused as light blinded her. She glanced around the room; girls dressed in various pyjamas were packed in like sardines. Wide eyes stared at her with something close to awe.
“Holly Adams.” A short slip of a thing came up to her. “I never thought I would get to meet you!” She let out a high pitched squeal and Holly backed away from the loud piercing shrill.
She was suddenly surrounded and was bombarded with questions like: “Where’s Caleb?”
“Is Dominic as evil as everyone says?”
“What’s it like having a threesome with Immortals?”
“Did Caleb really give you his ring?”
“Who’s better endowed?”
“Do they ever overwhelm your mortal body with their p…”
“Alright. That’s enough for god sake!” A sexy deep voice barked as the door opened behind a gob-smacked Holly and a Latino with short dark hair and ripped jeans walked through. “Give the girl some privacy will you. She’s only just got here. Get out now!”
A stream of disappointed faces passed out into the corridor and the dark haired girl slammed the door shut behind them. “I’m so sorry about that.” She said crossing to her animal print bed. “They’re like Mariah Carey on Steroids.”
Holly couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m Layla Rodriguez, your roommate.”
“Holly Adams.” She replied moving over to her own appointed double bed. She sat down heavily still reeling from her arrival committee. “How do they know all that?”
“You are kidding right?”
Holly shook her head.
“Girl you’re a legend here. There’s nothing about your life that they won’t find out trust me, they’re better than tabloids.”
“I’m a what?”
Layla shrugged off her jacket and sat down facing Holly. She could have been a supermodel. Tall, dark and athletic. “We keep up with the goings on out there, and everyone’s talking about you, Lucifer’s get out of jail card. Plus it gathered momentum when the hottest studs on the planet defected for you. I know it’s a bit brazen of me to ask but what is the deal with you three? Some rumours say your with Caleb, others say that it’s Dominic and there are a few that say both. Do you like…take them into you at the same time because I thought you were a virgin when you met them, and whoa! I’m not sure that even I could take manage them two together.”
“It’s not like that.” Holly said slowly opening her suitcase horrified at just how much her new roommate knew. “Caleb’s my Guardian Angel.”
“And your boyfriend.” Layla added.
Holly moved to the closet on her side of the room and started to hang up her clothes. “Not anymore.”
“Oh.”
“We broke up…well it was more like he dumped me.” She said truthfully.
“What? Why?” Layla spread out across her bed.
“Not a clue
.”
“He just binned you like that?” Layla snapped her fingers.
“I’d rather not talk about it.”
“Jeez I’m sorry that must have sucked.”
The hole he had made in her heart was still a gaping wound. She finished packing listening to Layla drone on about clothes and men and parties. Then followed her to the community bathrooms down the hall. It was empty at this time of night and Holly took full advantage basking in a long hot shower. She finally stepped out when her skin was wrinkled like a prunes. She stripped down to her vest and panties then hit the hay only to toss and turn.
She reached out and peered at the clock on her bedside table it was exactly one am. She knew her head was too full of stuff to sleep, her sudden celebrity status for one. How come Caleb and Dominic had never warned her about it?
It made her uneasy to know that her private life wasn’t as private as she had thought. Sighing she kicked back the covers and crept out into the hall.
“Can’t sleep?”
She spun at the sound of Caleb’s voice and saw him leaning against the opposite wall looking far from innocent in a fitted tee and low hanging jeans. “Caleb? What are you doing here?” She said hushed not wanting to wake her fan club. God knows what they would do if they came face to face with him, probably faint.
“I couldn’t leave it the way we did. I hate us fighting like this. Holly I know I hurt you…”
“Caleb.” She interrupted. “I wasn’t exactly an Angel myself was I? I don’t hate you. It just hurt. It still hurts.”
“And you fucking Dominic behind my back doesn’t hurt me?”
“So this is about him.”
He made an exasperated sound and hung his head. “Maybe a little.”
She joined him on the wall. “Caleb you mean more to me than life itself, but you keep things from me, ever since you came back to me you’ve been this totally different person. Not to mention you were never there when I needed you.”
“And Dominic was?”