Dark Angel (Anak Trilogy)

by Sherry Fortner

  “Well, do you want to be?” he replied with a wide smile ignoring my ill temper.

  “Geez,” I muttered. “I guess you’re used to all the girls just falling at your feet worshiping you. Sorry, I’m not that girl. Besides don’t you ever get mad? I insult you. I am rude to you. I'm mean to you, and you just smile and say something sweet. Good grief!” I said turning looking at him and rolling my eyes. Even as I said it, I knew I wasn’t being honest. I could be that drooling girl in a heartbeat. Now, I’m a dishonest murderer all because of Zell, but I would still love to be his girl. I would fall at his feet too, drooling, but I did still have a shred of self-respect left. I resisted the temptation to drool. “By the way, I can drive myself.”

  “No, I promised your father. I, too, keep my promises.”

  “Oh, Ok, I’m ready then,” I growled.

  Zell got me to church in record time. If I didn’t trust him completely, I would have been terrified, instead of just semi-terrified, of the speed with which we traveled. As we pulled in the parking lot, I let out a long sigh.

  “That was the most terrifying ride that I have ever had to church or anywhere else on this planet,” I spouted off pushing open the door and climbing out. When I stood and turned to tell him good-bye, Zell was already out of the car putting on a suit jacket that had been hanging in the back seat.

  “Oh, no you don’t. You’re not coming in with me,” I said even more terrified than I was on the ride over here.

  “Of course I am. Your dad invited me,” Zell remarked very innocently.

  “You show up at my door on Sunday morning in a suit, and then talk my dad into letting you drive me to church. Of course, he invited you. You had this planned all along,” I was incredulous.

  “I have to be with you to protect you,” Zell said innocently shrugging his shoulders.

  “Nothing is going to attack me at church, Zell. I did fine until five days ago when you showed up.”

  “Truly? Did you really, Annie? Or, do you just think you were fine, never knowing that I had your back?” Zell asked smugly.

  “You’re impossible,” I yelled slamming the door of his car. “Sorry.” I said apologetically rubbing the car door. I was sorry that I had slammed the door of his exquisite car. Zell was instantly next to me. He took my arm and placed it through his, resting my hand on his forearm, and then covering it with his own hand.

  “Apology accepted. It’s just a car, and . . . I’m very possible,” he laughingly whispered in my ear pulling me toward the door.

  The pianist was already playing when we entered the back of the sanctuary. I always sat on the first pew just to the left of the podium where my father preached, so other members of the congregation never sat there leaving that spot for me. I could hear people turn watching us pass and the whispers which rippled behind us like a wave. Zell’s hand was still over mine holding it in place on his arm. I tried to slide it out from under his as we walked, but Zell applied even more pressure holding it there. He looked at me and gave me a very wicked grin. We were, unknown to the congregation, having a tug of war with my hand very subtly. When we reached my seat, I gave up the fight. Zell never released me, but he moved into position to sit in my spot on the end pulling me down next to him. My father was watching this show Zell and I were putting on with great interest. I know because I saw the corners of his mouth begin to turn up in a smile and sent him a cold glare. Dad coughed and covered his mouth.

  My hand was numb by the time the service was over. Zell never took his eyes off my father or his hand from around my tightly clenched fist. He was locked in, and I could tell he was listening to every word. As for myself, I had no idea what his sermon was about. I had years of practice of drowning sermons out with my thoughts. My mind was swimming with thoughts: thoughts of killing the vampire last night swirled around in my head, Zell’s arrogance at practically inviting himself to my father’s church, and the domineering way he escorted me into the sanctuary locked on his arm in front of the whole congregation. I had known most of these people my entire life, and then he had the nerve to escort me down the aisle and sit in my place on the pew. Zell seems to know everything about me, so I am sure he knows that was my place where he chose to sit. I pouted. Zell listened intently to every word that came out of my father’s mouth. I was so angry with Zell that I heard nothing. I had been absorbed in plotting my revenge on Zell, and I did not notice when the service ended. My father walked down the aisle to the front doors dismissing the service and waiting to shake hands with and speak to everyone as they left. Being in the first row, Zell and I were the last to approach my father, my hand still locked against my will under Zell’s.

  “Excellent sermon, Dr. Hayes. I was very moved,” Zell spoke quietly looking into my father’s eyes. ”Would you and Annie be my guest for dinner?” I would like to speak with you further about your comments on the Fallen Angels.”

  “What do you think Annie? I would love an opportunity to discuss the topic with Zell.”

  I opened my mouth to say no way, but Zell put painful pressure on my fingers still sitting on top of his arm. My father looked eager to spend more time with Zell. My poor father who saw so little joy since my mother died. Zell, I could tell no all day but not my dad. Dad never asked me for anything, and it was impossible for me to deny him his request. Of course, that is exactly what Zell was counting on.

  “Oww . . . K,” I exclaimed as Zell dug his nails into my arm. The sound came out as an affirmative statement even though I didn’t want it to sound that way. It was the consent for which my dad was waiting.

  “Wonderful,” Dad beamed.

  “Please ride with us, Dr. Hayes,” Zell offered.

  “It’s not every day that I get an opportunity to ride in a Lamborghini. I accept your invitation.”

  “Excellent,” Zell beamed dropping my hand like a hot potato as he put his hand on my dad’s back to guide him toward the car. They both ignored me and walked deep in conversation to the waiting Lamborghini. I stood there for a few seconds forgotten. Then, I stomped behind them my heels making quite a racket on the stone walk to the car. Zell held the seat up for me to climb in the backseat. “Annie, ride in the back so that I may continue conversing with your dad on the ride to the restaurant.”

  If looks could kill, Zell would be falling over dead about now. If my glowering scowl bothered him, he never showed it; instead, he bestowed a lovely smile in my direction. Zell and my dad talked easily all the way to the restaurant. Of course, Zell chose the most elegant restaurant in town. He drove to the covered entrance and tossed the keys to the wide-eyed young valet who was waiting.

  “I didn’t know Lamborghinis came with a backseat.”

  “They don’t. This is a prototype that hasn’t been put into production yet, the Estoque. The auto makers put the production of the Estoque on the back burner while they pursued a sports utility version, so I have one of the few ever made. I also have the sports coupe, but I drove the Estoque this morning hoping you and Annie would be my guests for dinner.”

  “How interesting,” my father cooed.

  My dark mood soon vanished as I saw how much my father was enjoying dinner and conversation with Zell. They talked theology, scientific theory, and about several of the great minds of the past. If only my dad knew that Zell had most likely known Da Vinci, Sir Isaac Newton and Einstein and not just studied them; then perhaps, he would not be so enamored of him. Still, I was glad to see they made great companions. Dad has been alone for so long. Even being a pastor, most people simply wanted him as a confidante or a counselor not as a friend. Even Jon saw him as an obstacle not as a person. I relaxed and began to enjoy dinner with Dad and Zell. Zell really was a charmer and regaled Dad and I with many humorous antidotes.

  “What does your father do?” Dad asked Zell.

  “My father?”

  ”Yes, and your mother how is she?”

  “My mother died in childbirth when I was thirteen.”

  “I am so sorry to
hear that. It is very unusual nowadays for a woman to die in childbirth.”

  Zell’s silver gaze moved to my eyes.

  “Your father?” Dad inquired.

  “My father taught me at a young age how to fashion swords and knives. You may have heard of the family business, Starr Knives?”

  “Starr Knives? Of course, Starr Knives is a household name. The very finest cutlery available.”

  “Thank you. It is very kind of you to say so.”

  Thankfully, the waiter brought the check to Zell and squelched any further conversation about Zell’s family.

  Zell paid for dinner, and we headed toward the church to pick up my dad’s car. I asked Dad if I could drive the car back because I wanted to stop by Kate’s and return some earrings I borrowed. In reality, I was hoping Zell would be gone when I got home. Zell gave me a worried glance, but he didn’t say anything.

  Kate wasn’t home either. I really wanted to talk to her about everything that had happened this weekend. Disappointed, I dropped the earrings off with her mom and started for home. Of course, when I returned, Zell’s obscenely gorgeous car was in the driveway. I think if I had not returned until midnight, he would still have been there waiting.

  When I entered the room, Dad and Zell were deeply engrossed in a conversation about Fallen Angels once again. Neither one even looked up when I entered the room. I stood there for several minutes, but neither even looked my way.

  “Hey,” I yelled. “I’m home.”

  Zell immediately stood up and acted as though he just realized I was in the room. I knew better. He was ignoring me. My dad, yes, he was an expert at ignoring me. Not Zell, he was aware of my every move. Who was he trying to fool?

  “Annie, your dad has given me permission to take you for a drive. Would you like to go?” Zell asked.

  “Not really,” I shrugged trying to give a little pay back to Zell for neglecting me.

  “Annie, go and get some fresh air. You hang around this house too much. Go with Zell,” my father begged. I knew this is exactly what Zell was counting on.

  “Ah Dad,” I whined.

  “Please Annie. Go make friends with Zell. You don’t go out enough with your friends.”

  “I’ll go only to please you father,” I growled scowling at Zell. He turned back to my father.

  “It has been a pleasure making your acquaintance, sir.” Zell stated taking my father’s hand and shaking it.

  “I would like to make a request of you sir before I go,” Zell began.

  “What is your request?” my father asked him.

  “I would like to court your daughter,” Zell replied seriously.

  “Court me?” I echoed amazed.

  Zell ignored me completely and waited for my father’s response.

  “Court me?” I said a little louder this time.

  Zell continued to ignore me and met my father’s gaze, eyeball to eyeball.

  Finally, my father tore his eyes from Zell’s beautiful silver ones and looked at me puzzled.

  “What do you have to say about this, Annie?” my father asked me.

  “I think all this is stupid. That’s what I think. This is the twenty-first century, and you’re asking my father if you can court me?”

  Zell never looked at me once. He continued to look at my father.

  “Annie, do you or do you not want to date this young man?” Dad asked me.

  Slowly, Zell turned his silver stare on me.

  “Or not,” I answered. “Zell, this is all unnecessary. We can hang out as friends,” I said as nonchalantly as possible even though I was sure my dad and Zell could hear how wildly my heart was beating.

  “Annie, the term, hang out, would be disrespectful to you. I don’t need someone to play pool with. I want you as my girlfriend. I want to date you with your father’s blessing,” Zell said seriously.

  My father looked at me raising one eyebrow as if in a question smugly grinning because he knew I had met my match. I hated it when he did that. It was like he was asking, “Well young lady, what do you have to say for yourself?” Instead, he said, “Finally, a young man that will show my daughter the respect that she, and all women, deserve.”

  I huffed looking from my father to Zell. I was surprised that my dad wasn’t pulling out what hair he had left screaming, “Yes, of course you can court her.” All of this was so corny. But then, this was Zell’s style. If he did anything, he did it in the appropriate way—beyond reproof. I crossed my arms and huffed again.

  “Never,” I said almost gagging on the words.

  “Annie?” Zell gave me a look, and I knew he was not pleased with my response. “Never is a long time, trust me.”

  “Oh, Ok. You win. I agree. I will c . . . c . . . court Zell and anyone else that I choose.” It was all I could do to stutter it out. It all sounded so lame. I added that last part about anyone else that I chose just to irritate Zell.

  “In that case Zell, you have my blessing to court my daughter,” my father adjusted his glasses nervously as he spoke, but I knew he was ready to flip a few cartwheels. “And anyone else you may choose young lady will be dealt with on a case by case basis.” I knew it! Zell already had my dad wrapped around his little finger.

  “Thank you sir. I promise you that I will be good to Annie and protect her always.”

  I rolled my eyes feeling nauseated.

  “Good grief, Zell. Knock it off. You sound like you are asking for my hand in marriage,” I said exasperated.

  “I wasn’t going to do that just yet. If you want, sweetheart, I will be honored to ask your father for permission to marry you.” Zell winked at Dad over my head unknown to me.

  “Ahhhhhh!” I yelled. Gritting my teeth, I stomped to my bedroom and slammed the door and threw myself on the bed.

  A few minutes later, I heard a soft knock on the door.

  “Annie?” It was Zell’s voice.

  “What?” I yelled.

  “It’s a nice day. Let’s go for that ride in the convertible,” Zell pleaded.

  I pulled a pillow over my head and didn’t answer.

  “Annie?” Zell’s voice came through the door again. “Please.”

  “Oh, Ok,” I groaned dragging myself off the bed. I didn’t really want to lie around the house all day anyway, especially when there was a convertible sitting in my driveway. “I’ll be out as soon as I change.”

  I went to the closet and tossed my heels in a box. Then I let the pink dress fall to the floor. I tossed jeans, slacks, skirts, dresses, sweaters, and tee-shirts one right after one another in the floor looking for something to wear. Zell was always perfectly dressed. I wanted to look perfect too.

  “Hmmp, fat chance of that happening,” I growled. I was just too much of a tomboy. I didn’t have perfect clothes. Nor, had I ever wanted them until this moment. Finally, I settled for a newer pair of jeans, a black tee-shirt with my favorite band plastered all over the front, and black and silver glittery flip flops. I twisted my hair up and put a silver clip in it.

  “Let’s go,” I growled at Zell when I entered the room where my dad and Zell still deep in discussion sat talking.

  “Certainly,” Zell rose to his feet and shook my father’s hand. “It has been wonderful to meet you sir, and I look forward to seeing you often in the future,” Zell said for my benefit.

  “Anytime, Zell,” my father gushed back.

  “Add another conquest to Zell’s long list of groupies,” I said aloud staring at my dad in disbelief.

  I stomped out the door leaving Zell behind. Zell grinned at my dad and shrugged. Dad laughed.

  “Good luck, son,” Dad wished him still laughing.

  I was sitting in the passenger’s seat buckled in when Zell made it out of the door.

  “Do you mind if we go by my house, so I can change?” Zell asked.

  “No,” I grunted.

  “Why are you always in a bad mood when I’m around?”

  “It’s just you wind everyone around your littl
e finger. It’s getting disgusting.”

  “Would you rather I made them hate me? Maybe, I could flip my wings up, and let them see me for the monster I truly am.”

  Instantly, I was remorseful. “You are not a monster,” I replied looking out the window. I didn’t want to meet his eyes. I suddenly felt like I would cry.

  Within twenty minutes we were at Zell’s lake house.

  “I’ll just sit here by the lake while you change.“

  I was mesmerized by the beauty and calming effect of the lake even though the last time I saw the lake there was a vampire standing knee deep in it.

  Zell stood very still listening and smelling the air.

  “Everything should be fine. You’ll be safe here while I change. I won’t be but a few minutes.“ Zell headed for the house taking off the coat of his suit as he walked.

  It was a warm, sunny afternoon. The big meal, the warm sun, and the sound of lapping water relaxed me, and within minutes my eyes began to feel heavy. I’m not sure how long I slept, but when I awoke Zell was watching me from the chair next to mine

  “It’s pleasant to sleep,” he said quietly. “You look so beautiful and peaceful when you sleep. I could watch you for hours.”

  “Don’t be silly,” I yawned stretching. “Why would you want to do that?”

  “I’ve waited on you for so long. I can’t get enough of being with you or just looking at you. I’m sorry if I seem forward at times, but believe me, I have no agenda other than keeping you alive and spending as much time with you as possible.”

  “Yeah, right, six thousand years of waiting, I believe you said.” I still didn’t buy into the idea that Zell was six thousand years old. He looked to be late teens at a stretch maybe twenty.

  “I used to look younger, but I have aged some since you have been born. I have been careful all my life to get enough rest so that when you were born, I could not sleep and age, yet still not be too old for you. The night we spent at the island together was the first time I’ve slept in seventeen years. “

  “That’s impossible."

  “With me, it’s very possible, even a fact.”

  “How can you go without sleeping?” I asked still not believing him.