by Maggie Walsh
A moment later, Crew, Laylen, Haven, Xander, Shelby, Xavier, and Liam rushed in. They were all in defensive mode and ready to fight. “Where’s the threat? Are the little ones okay?” Laylen asked.
Cass couldn’t answer. His throat felt thick, like it was swollen shut with a scream of terror trapped behind it. His eyes were wide, and he kept looking around at everyone, confused by what was happening.
A small, gentle hand pressed against the center of his chest, and immediately Cass’s heart and breathing calmed. He looked down into beautiful violet eyes and saw peace and love there. He reached up a hand and ran his fingers through the silky-soft black and pink strands. A sweet smile came to the gorgeous man’s lips and Cass wanted to see that smile forever. It made him feel good, strong, protective.
“Sleep, love,” Shay said, and Cass’s eyelids suddenly felt very heavy. He couldn’t fight it. His body felt numb as he dropped back against the mattress and everything went dark.
* * * *
“What in the hell was that?” Gabriel growled, but Kia knew it was from fear. Gabriel was afraid for his brother.
“Cass has started remembering. His dreams are taking him back. We were just there, but what he saw was too much for him and his brain pulled him out. The memories were too painful so his mind protected him,” Kia explained.
“Are you sure they were memories and not dreams?” Taylor asked, wrapping his arms around Gabriel’s waist.
“Yes. Very sure. Every night Castiel has dreams. Most are night terrors of a horrible monster. They wake him and he cannot go back to sleep. From what I have seen in his memories, these night terrors have plagued Castiel for many, many years. Probably since he was a child.”
“There’s no way,” Christian said. “Cass is my best friend. We tell each other practically everything. If he were suffering from night terrors all these years, I think I would know.”
“Not if he didn’t want you to know,” Shay replied. “Has Castiel always separated himself from the rest of you, like he has with this room? I know we haven’t been here long, but I have noticed that none of the other suites are quite like this one. It is designed for serenity and peace. Even this plush bed has a purpose, creating a sort of womb effect. It is definitely relaxing and makes one feel calm and tranquil. And this is also the only room with a second-floor loft. One that has a glass enclosure with a living room, so that Cass can sit for hours and look out. It is set away from the rest of you, more private, secluded. Maybe the night terrors are why?”
“Cass doesn’t separate himself from us,” Gabriel answered. “He’s always been Mister Social. Except after that night in the Underworld, after he was impaled by the demon spear. Then he started pulling away.”
“Yes, I believe that. During the day, he is very involved and showers you all with his wit and love, but at night he disappears into his seclusion.”
“That’s true. Since we were young he always went as far away from others as possible at night.”
“You’re right,” Christian agreed. “No matter where we moved to before coming to Sanctuary and since we came here,”
“I believe it was because of these terrors,” Kia offered. “When he was young, I suspect it was something else to begin with, but then the terrors began. From what I know of my mate already, he doesn’t want to appear weak. He needs everyone to believe he is strong, but he needs that space where he can hide away and be himself. Let his guard down, and show his vulnerability. This is his personal sanctuary.”
“How do you know all of this, Kia?” Raffy asked as he sat on the edge of the pillow bed.
“Cass doesn’t realize it, but every night when he dreams, he takes me with him,” Kia replied. “I have seen his normal dreams, his nightmares, and his night terrors. I have been there with him, since we arrived, as he has battled his demons. But tonight’s night terrors took him back in time. Back to the place where his real-life nightmare began.”
“What was it?” Christian asked and joined his mate on the pillows.
Shay gave Christian a soft smile. He knew his mate’s best friend only wanted to help and bring Castiel peace, but only Castiel and Gabriel could bring them both peace. “I’m sorry, Christian, but that is not Kia’s place to tell you. It is Castiel’s story to tell if he wishes to share it with you.”
“But you said that is what you both do. You help others to heal their souls, so can you help him?” Jesse asked.
“Yes, but this does not just include Castiel,” Kia said. “There is another that needs to experience it with him and they both need to help each other heal.”
“And who is that?” Raffy asked.
Kia and Shay both raised their heads and looked to Gabriel. His eyes widened. “Me? But I dealt with my past a few years ago.”
“Yes, you began your journey, but you did not complete it. You need Castiel to do that, and he needs you,” Shay said.
“I don’t understand any of this, but whatever my brother needs, I’ll do,” Gabe replied, stepping closer.
“You’re a good brother, Gabriel. And from what I have seen, you always have been. Always sacrificing yourself in hopes of sparing your little brother. But I must warn you before we begin, the things you are about to see are what pure evil is made of,” Kia said.
“That I am about to see? What does that mean? And pure evil? I’m used to that. Hell, I grew up with that. I’ll do whatever is needed to help Cass,” Gabe said with conviction.
“The evil you knew is far worse than you were aware of. If you do this, you will no longer be able to hide from the truth. You will see all. But the path you have already started on your own healing will open up, and it will help you both, as well as your cousins.” Kia looked to Micah.
“Me? But I am their only cousin,” Micah asked.
“Raith may not be their cousin by blood, but he was raised as one of Alpha Raphael’s own. He was raised as your brother and their cousin,” Shay answered.
Micah nodded in agreement. “So, we need to help Castiel, too? Okay, what do we do?” Micah asked.
“Yes, you are a part of this, as well. Both you and your father. If Castiel and Gabriel are to heal fully, they will need you three to see, as well, and help pull them through this.”
“So, what do we do?” Gabe asked.
“Castiel is asleep,” Kia said. “I can bring you there so that you may see. But I warn you, you will not be able to get involved. Wherever Castiel’s memories take us, you will only be witnesses. Those of us there with you will be able to see and hear you, but those from the memory will not. This may be a journey that you are unprepared for.”
“Will it help to heal Gabriel and Castiel, because that’s all that’s important,” Raith said.
“To truly heal we must face our past,” Shay replied. “We must see the truth of what happened. Only then can we begin to try to understand and deal with what we suffered. Then the healing can begin.”
“Okay, so tell us what to do,” Gabe said.
“First, I think we need to call upon your father so that he can take this journey with us,” Kia and Shay answered together.
“I’m coming, too,” Taylor said.
“No, Taylor, you are not,” Shay replied.
“Gabriel is my man and Castiel is my brother-in-law. I can be there to help them.”
“No, you cannot, Taylor,” Kia said, giving Taylor an apologetic smile. “You can help them once we return, but you cannot help them while we are in there,”
“Why did you say it like that? Cannot?” Jesse asked.
“Because we cannot get involved with memories. We will be there as observers, witnesses, but we will not be seen or heard. With Taylor being the guardian and very powerful, I fear he may be able to break through the veil between what was and what is. As much as we will want to stop what is happening, we cannot, or we risk the future after that moment,” Kia explained.
“So, if Taylor goes, he may be able to change events, which will screw up this future we have now
?” Raffy asked.
“Yes, and none of us want that to happen. Again, as painful as the past may be, it still needs to happen for us all to be here now.”
“You know I can just hijack you, right?” Taylor said as he crossed his arms over his chest and gave Kia a mischievous smirk. “Just by touching you, I can siphon your powers and be there. Or I can project what is happening so that we all can see.”
“We are fully aware of your powers, Taylor,” Shay responded softly. “But this time it is not up to you. I know you want to be there for your mate and help him, but trust me on this one. He needs to do this without you. When he returns, he will need you more than ever.”
Gabriel wrapped his arms around Taylor and pulled him close, looking deeply into his eyes. “It’s okay, sweet baby. Thank you for always wanting to be there for me and protect me, but Kia and Shay are the experts on this, so let’s do what they say so we don’t screw anything up. If you changed something from the past and I ended up not having you now, it would destroy me. I already survived whatever happened in the past, but I will not survive not having you.” Gabriel placed his forehead against Taylor’s.
“This sucks, and not in a good blow-your-mind, scream-until-you-lose-your-voice, life-affirming-way,” Taylor huffed. “You’re my mate and it’s supposed to be me and you against the world, not you go and I’ll wait here masturbating, while playing with my own ass, until you come back.” He kissed Gabriel lightly on the lips.
“Don’t put that vision in my head now, sweet baby. Not when I’m about to go…well, wherever the hell I’m going.”
“What’s going on, son?” Papa Angel asked as he walked into the room.
Everyone turned surprised eyes to him. “Dad, what are you doing here? How did you know we were just talking about you?” Micah asked.
“I woke up about an hour ago with a vision of this. All of you standing here, and I knew I needed to get here. I let myself in. So, what’s happening?”
Shay and Kia once again had to explain what they could do, then they told the senior Angel what had happened so far, and what they were about to do. As they spoke, Cass groaned and thrashed a few times before Shay placed a hand on him again, calming him.
“Okay, let’s do this. Let’s help my boys,” Papa Angel said without hesitation.
Chapter Eleven
Cass was running down a dark deserted street, legs pumping as fast as he could, arms swinging, heart racing, and he was breathing hard. He was afraid to look behind him and see what exactly was chasing him—he had a feeling he already knew. It was always the same. He could hear heavy footfalls behind him, echoing in his ears, the sound getting closer. Cass dodged right when he reached the corner and found himself in a dead end. Large trash containers lined the brick walls, and garbage cluttered the pavement. Strange creatures slithered and scurried all around him, moving in and out of the shadows, disappearing under the trash.
Cass ran to the far end of the alley hoping he could jump the fence, but when he reached it, the fence changed into a solid brick wall. Cass punched and kicked the wall hoping to break through, but nothing happened. He looked up to see how far the jump would be. Maybe in wolf form, he could make it, but the wall rose up into the dark sky until it vanished from his sight. He turned, placing his back to the wall and looked around frantically for an escape or something he could fight with.
A sudden thought of his demon powers hit and Cass held up his hand, concentrating on creating an energy ball, but nothing happened. He closed his eyes and took a deep calming breath, letting it out, as he tried to control his breathing. He opened his eyes and focused on his hand, concentrating, but again, nothing happened. The small hairs on the back of his neck raised and his body became clammy as goosebumps broke out all over. Cass suddenly got the feeling that eyes were on him. He raised his gaze, slowly swinging it around his surroundings trying to find the source.
A sinister laugh whispered on the wind and got louder as the seconds ticked by. A large dark figure stepped into the opening of the alley, silhouetted by the street lamp behind it. He couldn’t make out the face, but Cass was overwhelmed with the feeling that this was not a mere mortal or a paranormal. Whatever this was, was what nightmares were made of.
The figure moved closer, slowly advancing toward him as if taunting him, and building up the anticipation. An ear-shattering squeal filled the alley and Cass looked down, seeing one of the strange creatures being squashed under the boot of the dark figure. Another cry came, but it was coming from above, and the sound was higher in pitch and volume. Cass dared a look up and found the sky filling with strange bat-like creatures, but he knew these demonic pests, he had seen them before.
It was the Malava, the winged beasts from the deepest depths of hell. Their bodies were about the size of Chihuahuas, but they had no fur. They were covered in hard, crusty scales like dragons, with tails twice as long as their bodies, with a sharp piercing tip. Their arms were more like humans’, with sharp claws at the end of their fingers that could rip a man open. The head was like that of a cat but covered in the same hard scales. They had massive wings for their size and when fully extended they spanned four feet from tip to tip. Their eyes were big, round orbs as black as night, and hard to see against their black scaly skin. And mouths as wide as their faces and full of razor sharp teeth. But it was their bite you had to watch out for. Their saliva was so toxic that one drop on the skin would burn a hole straight through, and the path left behind would continue to burn until the two parts separated and fell away from each other. It could literally cut a man in two, depending on where the drop landed.
So, did this mean he was in the Underworld? The streets he had run through didn’t look like the ones in Geryon City, but even though he had spent a lot of time in the Underworld with the Legion Warriors as they taught him how to use his powers, he had yet to see all of the Underworld city.
The dark figure moved closer, gaining Cass’s attention again, but now it was standing only a few yards from where Cass was pressed against the brick wall. The figure loomed above him at damn near twenty feet. Cass still couldn’t make out the face, but the figure smiled and razor-sharp white teeth shone.
Cass knew this was it. He would either have to fight his way out, or die trying. He stepped away from the wall and planted his feet firmly on the ground as he raised his fists, preparing for battle.
“You think you can take me, you pathetic weakling?” the dark figure’s voice was very low and deep. It vibrated off the walls and Cass could feel it in his chest. He didn’t know what to say to the creature, or why it was chasing him, so Cass just remained silent.
“And you had such wonderful prospects once of being a strong man. Now you are just a pitiful thing,” the voice changed and was becoming more human. It was a voice that sounded very familiar.
The figure stepped closer and shrunk a few feet, as it stepped into the glow from a street lamp. Cass could now see his face. The man before him took his breath away and made his stomach twist, as his heart again started to pound within his chest. How was he here? And how was Cass able to see him so clearly? There were no lamp-posts in this alley. It was dark as hell. Yet Cass could see every feature of his brother Michael’s face as he took another step closer.
“You don’t scare me anymore, Michael,” Cass sneered, showing a bravado he didn’t feel.
“Are you sure about that, pup?” Michael took another step closer as his hands lifted, going to his belt buckle. Cass’s gaze dropped to Michael’s hands and he began to shake violently.
“You’re not a child anymore, mate. You’re strong and powerful,” Kia said from beside him.
“Sweet pea, you shouldn’t be here,” Cass replied in a panic and grabbed Kia around the waist, pulling him close.
“He’s not real, Castiel. He can’t hurt you anymore.” Kia ran a gentle hand up Cass’s chest.
“Of course, he’s real, Kia, he’s standing right there and I won’t let him anywhere near you.”
&
nbsp; “Cass, Michael is dead, brother,” Gabe said, stepping out of the shadows. “He can’t do anything to either of us again.”
“Gabe. No, you can’t be here either—he’ll hurt you. He always hurt you,” Cass said in distress.
“I know, Cass, but Michael is gone. He died a long time ago. He can’t get to us now.”
“Come on you little pussy, you know what you have to do to save him,” Michael taunted as he pulled the belt from the loops of his pants in one swift motion, then folded it in half, and slapped it against the palm of his hand.
“You can make him go, Castiel,” Kia encouraged. “Stand up to him. See him for what he really is. Your brother was never twelve feet tall. See him through the eyes of the adult you are now, not the child he tormented.”
Cass turned to face Michael, giving him his full attention. He needed to be a man. He needed to protect his mate and his brother. Cass pulled his arm away from Kia and gently pushed him back behind him. He straightened his spine, squared his shoulders, and took a step forward. “You’re not real.”
“Hahaha, who do you think you’re talking to, pup? Now get down on your knees.”
Cass felt that familiar panic rising inside him, and he forced it back down. “You’re not real,” he said with more force.
“If I have to tell you again, I’ll make you pay,” Michael sneered.
“You’re. Not. Real,” Cass said slowly and forcefully.
“Oh, the puppy thinks he has a bite, huh? Come on, puppy, show me your bite if you think you’re man enough,” Michael taunted as he took another step closer, towering over Cass.
Cass looked up, meeting Michael’s gaze. “You’re. Not. Real!” he replied with conviction.
Michael laughed maniacally again and swung his hand out to grab Cass around the throat. Cass quickly ducked out of the way and spun around, throwing out his leg and sweeping Michael’s legs out from under him. Michael crashed to the ground and disappeared.