Gargoyles I, II, III: Dark Angel Alliance

by Rach Elle

  “Um, yeah, we have one that records the pumps. You can see the street behind them, I guess.”

  “Mind if I take a butchers?”

  “Well, my manager isn’t here, so…”

  “I’ll be just a minute.” When the kid still wasn’t sure Sunders leaned into him, “Time is of the essence.”

  After a moment the kid shrugged, “Alright then, it’s through that door over there.”

  Sunders entered the backroom where a small number of monitors were set up. One displayed the front counter, the other recorded the interior of the store, and the third was focused on the pumps, just as the kid had said. He quickly figured out how to work the monitor and camera recordings and rewound the tape to the exact date and time he needed. A wide smile played across his face, raising his cheek bones and displaying his crow’s feet as he watched the rental car approach the give way sign then turn to the right.

  Sunders left the petrol station without muttering a single word to the attendant. He hopped in Madge’s car and took a right at the fork.

  It was getting late and Madge was growing anxious. Her shift was over and she wanted to go home, but she had lent Mr. Harper her car earlier in the day and he had yet to return.

  Finally, the elevator doors opened and the Scotsman walked onto the fourth floor. His long strides carried him proudly. She reveled slightly in his aesthetic appeal. She had always thought of him as handsome. His salt and pepper hair and the light wrinkles on his face when he smiled or was confused made him look refined. His Scottish accent was endearing too; especially when he was enthusiastic and happy, which, judging by the look on his face as he approached her, was his current mood. He tossed her keys to her, “Thank you lass,” he smiled, “I’ll see you tomorrow then.” He continued down the hall and she took pleasure in watching him walk away.

  Sunders entered his office in the best mood he’d been in all week. He had driven around for a couple of hours hoping to see something that would lead him to the whereabouts of the old man, Junior or Awilda. He knew he wouldn’t be able to recognize the old woman since he’d only seen the top of her head thus far. Unfortunately, he didn’t see anything of usefulness. But he still held his head high as he returned to the map of London that was spread across his desk. He grabbed a big black marker and circled the general vicinity he believed the gargoyles to be in; an expansive residential area with mansions and castles. The only reason they would head in that direction would be to find a remote place to live, he wagered. After all, it was that same night after they left that they returned only to pack their belongings and leave again. Wherever they went the first time they were undoubtedly returning and he was willing to bet that’s where they were now. Sunders looked at the area within the circle he’d just drawn. He was so close he could almost taste it.

  18

  Awilda quietly emerged from Simon Crispin’s room. The sounds of Alvin and Mason playing hockey on the ballroom floor beneath them exploded in her ears almost instantly. She marveled at how soundproof the rooms were in this castle. It was made mostly of stone and therefore hard to penetrate with sound alone. She was willing to bet not even the shifters could hear through the walls. She jolted slightly at the sound of Cooper yelling at the boys for roughhousing and decided to find some peace and quiet. She didn’t feel much like retreating to her room and instead headed up the stone staircase that led to her favorite place in the castle.

  Awilda enjoyed the darkness of the stairwell as she ascended in a large circle. She couldn’t get the image of Simon out of her mind. He was still much bruised and even though he was sleeping peacefully, she could tell he was still in pain. She felt guilty; if it weren’t for her he never would have been in that park and come face to face with that blonde Protector. She wished like hell she could talk to him, but he barely had enough strength to open his eyes, let alone carry on a conversation.

  She reached the top of the stairs and entered her glass tower. The wind that whooshed through the trees played like white noise and a sense of calm swept throughout her body. She closed her eyes and inhaled a deep breath before exhaling slowly and softly.

  “Awilda?”

  Awilda’s body startled at the low male voice. She whipped around to see Junior standing at the top of the stairs. “How did you know I was here?” She asked.

  “I saw you head this way and wanted to make sure you were okay; you looked upset.”

  Well, that’s because thanks to me my only friend is bedridden. “I’m not upset. I’m fine, really.”

  Junior walked further into the round space. “Wow,” he breathed, “you can see just about everything up here.”

  “Yeah,” Awilda crossed her arms in front of her body and gazed out the closest window. “I found this room the day we got here; when you and Kingsley kicked me out to talk to the other shifters.”

  Junior nodded slightly.

  “What were you talking about anyway?”

  Junior shrugged, “It’s not important now. Things were different back then. New information has come to light rendering the entire discussion pointless.”

  “You’re talking about Kingsley lying to you, aren’t you?”

  Junior’s eyes darted to meet hers. For only a second her heart jumped into her throat. She quickly regained her composure and forced it back down into her chest cavity where it belonged.

  “He’s not the man I thought he was,” he began, “I’m sorry.”

  “Sorry for what? You didn’t know.”

  “I asked you to trust him.” His voice dropped to a whisper, “I asked you to trust me; I was wrong.”

  Awilda smiled softly, “You really need to stop beating yourself up for that. You more than redeemed yourself when you risked your life to protect me from the DAA. You even took a bullet for me.”

  “It will never be enough.” His eyes bored into hers. “Every time I see you I see the cut and bruising on your throat and I’m reminded that I did that to you. I caused you pain and I almost took your life and that’s something I could never forgive myself for.”

  Awilda lightly shook her head. She hated hearing his voice laced with regret. “Then I guess I’ll just have to forgive you enough for the both of us.”

  Junior wanted to fall apart. He wanted to drop to his knees and cry at her feet. His chest was swelling with emotion for the woman standing before him. He observed her slender frame as she wore second-hand clothing from Cooper; a pair of jeans and a large sweater with a neckline so big it fell to one side, revealing a bare shoulder. Her hair was in a ponytail and the gray locks weaved through her otherwise dark brown hair like highlights. The moonlight shined on her gracefully, enhancing her features as she looked into his eyes. The image of Tauggle standing over him and telling him that this amazing woman was indeed the prophesized destroyer flashed in his mind and made him sick to his stomach. “You should know for all intents and purposes, Kingsley is no longer your shifter.” He said.

  Awilda cocked her head to the side in question and he tried not to smile. He loved it when she did that. “I didn’t think you guys had a choice in the matter.”

  “We don’t; but he has lost all privileges when it comes to having a Responsibility.”

  Awilda smiled and lowered her eyes to the floor. “I don’t think watching over me is a privilege.”

  I do.

  “It kind of sounds like you’re punishing a child,” she continued. “Last I checked Kingsley is a grown man. I heard him apologize to you in the park; beg for your forgiveness even. The things he did were deplorable, I can’t argue with that; but at the time he felt like he had a good reason. It can’t be easy watching so many of your loved ones pass.”

  “It’s the burden of a shifter, but we all have to bear it.” Junior’s gaze moved to the treetops outside the nearest window.

  “Yes, but for as long as he has? How old is he?”

  Junior thought for a moment, “About three-hundred.”

  Awilda had to stop her jaw from dropping to the floor, �
��And how old are you again?”

  “Eighty-two.”

  “That’s a big difference.”

  “I can’t believe you’re really defending him. I thought you weren’t able to forgive him yet.” His eyes returned to hers.

  She shrugged, “I’ve had some time to think things through.”

  “And you’ve decided he was misunderstood?” He said flatly.

  “No, just misguided. His love for Elizabeth and fear of being without her was so strong he couldn’t see straight. I think you know what that feels like.” When Junior didn’t answer, she continued. “After all, wasn’t she the reason for your attempted murder charge? Someone hurt her and you tried to kill him; sounds a little misguided to me.”

  “I never tried to kill anyone.” He looked down to the rooftop below. “Her husband abused her and she ordered me not to hurt him. I knew I wouldn’t be able to appease her if the abuse continued so I made it look like I was on the verge of killing him.”

  Awilda creased her brow. “You went to prison on purpose?”

  Junior slowly nodded, still refusing eye contact. He hated how much of a chicken shit he was. A real man would have killed the bastard; just as Kingsley did seven years later. “I needed to be locked away; somewhere where I could be controlled and not pose a threat.”

  “Wow,” Awilda breathed. Junior winced. He didn’t want her to think of him as a coward. After a moment she continued, her voice filled with sadness. “I can’t believe you did that. You forwent your freedom and years of your life just to make her happy.” She took a step toward him. “But that’s who you are, isn’t it? You put others before yourself without blinking; just as you did for me in the park. And just as you’re allowing Kingsley to share the guest house with Elizabeth; because it makes her happy.” She watched as his head slowly turned and his blue eyes met hers. “You’ve suffered in silence for her for so long,” she placed her hand gently on his large tattooed, muscular arm. “She’s lucky to have you.”

  Awilda looked into the face of the man before her. His jaw was sculpted and his brows hung low over his beautiful blue eyes. He stared at her with an intensity that made her body heat rise and her heart race. They stood so close to each other; completely still and breathless for what seemed like eternity before finally, swiftly, Junior dipped his head and pressed his lips to hers; wrapping his strong arms around her body and holding her as tightly to him as he could. She swooned instantly, her head swimming and her heart threatening to pound out of her chest. She closed her eyes and opened her mouth for him as he kissed her passionately. His lips were overpowering and his tongue licked at hers. The heat rolled throughout her body, making her weak at the knees. Without hesitation he compensated and held her upright in his arms. She latched onto his biceps and curled her fingers around his muscles, feeling them tense at her touch. For a brief second she realized that this was her first kiss.

  Awilda’s eyes shot open and she pulled her mouth away from his. He looked at her with confusion as she began to panic; fear overtaking her body. She let go of his arms and stepped back, freeing herself from his hold. What was she doing? She barely knew this man and was nowhere near stable enough to continue in the direction that this was going. She needed to leave. She needed to go back to her room and calm down. There could be no future with Junior. They were practically different species.

  Junior stood still, unsure of what to say. He’d crossed the line; that much was obvious. “Awilda, I’m…”

  She ran past him and quickly descended the stone staircase without listening to his apology.

  “Well that was a bust.” Junior jolted and whipped around to see Tauggle leaning casually against a window. He appeared to be checking the cleanliness of his nails when his eyes drifted upward to the stunned and clearly aroused shifter.

  “What the hell are you doing here?” Junior growled.

  “I told you; I go wherever she goes.”

  “Well she’s gone now. I guess that means you should leave too.”

  Tauggle shrugged. “It’s really more of a guideline than a rule.”

  Junior pinched the bridge of his nose and turned his back to the Limrid. He could feel his anger rising; mostly at himself for overstepping his boundaries with Awilda. Of course she wouldn’t want him romantically; he’d almost killed her for Christ’s sake. He set his jaw, clenched his fist and in a release of hatred for himself he punched the stone archway in front of him. He heard a small crack and his hand hurt like hell. He wondered if he broke a bone. He didn’t care; it was a small price to pay for his stupidity. Goddamn. She was just beginning to warm up to him again too.

  “You shouldn’t get too close to her anyway,” Tauggle began. “She is, after all, the soon-to-be destroyer of the human race.”

  Junior’s eyes burned red and fangs elongated in his mouth. He quickly turned and charged at the Limrid, his fingers dying to wrap around the little shit head’s neck. Just as he latched onto Tauggle’s throat the damn thing disappeared only to reappear behind him.

  “Hey,” Tauggle sang, “why the hostility? I’m only speaking the truth.”

  “You’re wrong,” Junior heard his voice quiver.

  The Limrid watched the defeated savior for a moment. Normally he reveled in stirring up illogical emotion and seeing where it would lead, but for some reason he had little interest in doing so tonight. “Perhaps,” he conceded. “Nothing is set in stone, as the humans say.”

  Junior turned around slowly and leaned his back against the window. What he wouldn’t give to feel the cool glass on his skin. “Why are you here?”

  “My master ordered me to never leave the premises.”

  “No, I mean in this tower; right now, with me.”

  Tauggle pursed his lips. “I was simply wondering where you’ll go from here.”

  “What?” Junior bit.

  “With Awilda; you care for her deeply, as evidenced by the way you watch over her and by how devastated you are that she rejected you.”

  Junior narrowed his eyes at the Limrid. “You want to know what my next move will be?”

  Tauggle nodded.

  Junior shook his head and his shoulders slumped in emotional exhaustion. “I guess I’m just going to have to… keep trying.”

  Tauggle’s eyes popped with surprise, “Even after she turned you down? Why on earth? She clearly doesn’t want you.”

  “She could change her mind one day.”

  “And until then you’re just going to…” Tauggle’s voice trailed off.

  Junior shrugged, “Be there for her. I will work everyday to make her see that I’m worth giving a chance.”

  Tauggle shook his head, “I will never understand human emotions; so muddled and gray.”

  “Then understand this; nothing in life worth having comes easy.” Junior locked eyes with the Limrid and tilted his head curiously. “I never realized you had so much gold in your eyes.”

  Tauggle stepped back suddenly, his eyes darting nervously side to side. He opened his mouth to speak but when he couldn’t think of any words to say he simply disappeared, leaving Junior alone in the tower.

  19

  Elizabeth’s eyes fluttered open in the morning light. The mattress beneath her was soft and luxurious and she didn’t want to move; but she had learned a year ago not to take any day for granted. Reluctantly, she rolled over to see Kingsley lying next to her. He was propped up on his side, watching her with a soft smile on his bearded face. “Good morning,” he cooed.

  “Hi,” Elizabeth yawned. “What time is it?”

  “Only ten; I’ve made us some breakfast.” He hopped out of bed and left the room to grab the food tray from the kitchen.

  “You prepared a meal?” She called as she sat upright.

  He reentered with a tray of bagels, croissants and muffins. “Prepared is such a strong word; but I did arrange the assortment all by myself.” He set the tray over her lap and left again to grab some juice. “Cooper made sure our kitchen was fully stocked,�
�� he called from the other room.

  “That was nice of her,” she smiled as he returned with a bottle of OJ. “She’s making sure we have plenty to wear too. Just yesterday she had her tailor taking Awilda’s and my measurements so she could send out for some ‘real clothes’.” She wrapped the words in air quotes.

  Kingsley climbed back into bed and the two began eating. Elizabeth tried to ignore the aching in her muscles. She wanted nothing more than to go back to bed and sleep the day away. The fatigue made her think of Bawli and all that he said to her on the rooftop the other night. Perhaps Junior did need time to prepare for another loss. The last thing she wanted was for him to learn that she knew her fate all this time and neglected to tell him. She didn’t want him to feel hurt or betrayed. He had done so much for her over the years. He had the right to know, didn’t he?

  “What’s on your mind, my love?” Kingsley looked to her with concern.

  Elizabeth put her croissant down, “I’m not feeling well today; I’m a little tired.”

  “Then you should rest. I can bring the food back at a later time when you’re ready.”

  “No, no I need to eat; I’m famished.” She thought for a moment as King took a drink of his juice. “I think I need to tell Junior.”

  Kingsley looked as though he had no idea what she was talking about.

  “About me, King; I need to tell him about me.”

  Kingsley shook his head and placed his glass down on the tray. “You know how he’ll react; it’ll destroy him.”

  “He deserves to know.”

  “No, he doesn’t.” Kingsley got up from the bed and headed to the door.

  “Where are you going?”

  “I’m not talking about this anymore. You’re not telling him and that’s final.” He stormed out of the room.

  Bawli sat alone at a table meant for four on the terrace outside his bedroom. The sky was cloudy and gray and wind rustled through the trees. He wagered it was cold outside; but in his t-shirt and boxer shorts he happily and comfortably took another bite of his breakfast omelet. The grilled onions, peppers and mushrooms danced like a Broadway chorus line on his taste buds and he washed it down with a glass of milk. He took a break from his food and grabbed the paper folded next to him. He located the crossword section, leaned back, crossed his left ankle over his right knee and retrieved the pencil from behind his ear. The curtains to his room swayed and the birds chirped as he answered the first clue. He smiled contently. He loved mornings.