by Reid, Susan
Spencer smiled with a hand to his chest. “I appreciate your round the bend, back-handed compliment, Lorelei. I’m touched.” He feigned flattery.
“Aside from his looks, speed that surpasses our own, and great strength, his soothing energy is about as magical and holy as he gets.” She then said, after clearing her throat. She staunched the urge to laugh out loud again.
Spencer gave her a wry glare. “I guess I don’t need to remind you guys, but Starling here should know. Elite Seraphs are the second highest order of angels. There are nine tiers.” Spencer then turned his gorgeous, celestially animated eyes back to me. “I chose to be earthbound, to help protect humans and serve alongside the divine warriors— you guys will need us with what’s coming. However, being earthbound has its price. Imperfect flesh form and all the weaknesses that come with it. Once the choice has been made, there is no turning back. Not that I’d want to—beautiful women are definitely an incentive.” He said that last part in a seductively low tone.
“If you ask me, it was an excuse to divert a possibility just shy of being branded a Fallen.” Anthony pointed out.
Spencer sighed. “Well, no one asked you and it has nothing to do with being fallen. I never sinned. I made a choice to forfeit my spiritual form and take this one. If I hadn’t, then I wouldn’t be able to assist or interfere in anything regarding humans, or you guys because of free will.” Spencer told Anthony.
Scarlet and Crystal groaned with a roll of their eyes.
“Don’t forget to inform Starling that your flesh form has needs too…I mean, that is what you’ve told and convinced several other girls around the hall of recently, isn’t it?” Lorelei smirked with her arms crossed over her chest.
I think I knew what she was getting at and it completely shocked me. Scandal and sex…here? I had to pick my jaw up off the floor.
“I see you’re trying to play the noble and honorable card now.” Durien commented.
“You knew he would.” Anthony commented. Both he and Durien laughed teasingly.
Looking back down at my mummified forearms and hands, I was excited to see what my brandings looked like. I was dying to both wield and test out my blades. They’d better be as damned good as everyone claimed they were…especially after what I had to go through for them.
I swung my legs over, planting my feet on the floor to stand. “How long do I have to wear these?” I asked Durien.
“How do they feel?” Durien asked with a stretch of his arms above his head, followed by an exaggerated yawn.
I flexed my fingertips, and then tensed my muscles, attempting to make a fist. I felt a strange, slightly tingling, slightly burning sensation but it wasn’t painful.
“Weird, but they don’t hurt anymore.” I replied.
“You’re going to need to practice wielding your blades before you head out onto the training fields. Sean wants me to assist you with that process, for now. That’s why he wants us to meet him in the morning.” Spencer told me.
My eyes immediately flicked to Spencer…a handsome, deviously grinning Spencer.
How convenient.
“Oh no. Come on Starling; let’s go get something to eat so we girls can give you a few…pointers.” Lorelei eyed Spencer with a sarcastic grin.
Spencer grinned. He was so sure of himself.
Honestly, he was gorgeous enough for me to lose all common head sense. I wasn’t sure how I was going to handle being around him often. I was sure there was plenty to be distracted by and do, but not if he was going to be looking at me like that, with those alluring eyes. I turned away before he could see me blushing.
“Too late, someone already has a crush.” Anthony commented.
Scarlet shook her head at the revelation.
Spencer smirked at me once again, as if he already knew that much. I glared at Anthony for making the premature announcement and putting me on the spot.
“You can take the bandaging off any time you want to, unless you want me to do it now.” Durien raised a brow.
“Do it now, we want to see them!” Lira excitedly bounced.
“Yeah, do it now.” Scarlet concurred.
“Not if you’re tired. It can wait.” I said, once Durien yawned again.
“Hell, I’ll do it.” Spencer offered, reaching for one of the scissor like tools on the table.
Did he just curse? Why did a part of me —feel almost…infatuated with him now? I supposed it was the fact that, he was an angel but he didn’t seem to be behaving like one by my standards. I let him gently take my arm. Everyone crowded around once he began to ease the tip of the cutting tool beneath the bandages.
I studied him closely, inhaling the scent of him, which was neutral, like the scent of fresh dew in the morning. Why was simply being around him right now, and having him touch my arm, sending a warmth of tingling static through me. It automatically brought to focus, a distant memory of someone else.
I suddenly didn’t mind being around Spencer at all.
Everyone watched silently as Spencer carefully cut through the layers, and began to unwrap them.
Inch by inch, a portion of the elegant, shiny, silver lines of my brandings were revealed. I don’t think I even blinked once, as more of the bandages came away. I stared in fascinated awe at the complex, lines, curves, and intertwining patterns of symbols, all merged together, to naturally form the shape of my deific blades.
The brandings on each forearm were identical to each other. The precision was remarkable and flawless. The pointed tips of the blades stretched and wound around and down my forearms, ending at the tops of my hands. There were even symbols that wove in between each of my knuckles.
I was speechless in my admiration of them. They were absolutely, beautiful.
“Oh wow.” Lira said in amazement.
“Durien…you did an incredible job.” Lorelei whispered.
“Nice work.” Anthony nodded with approval.
“Not bad at all, D.” Spencer commented, pulling the last of the bandages away.
You would have thought I was showing off a newborn baby with the way everyone ‘oohed’ and ‘ahhed’ over them.
“Let’s all have dinner out in the courtyard. Then maybe we can help Starling with her aura sensory, and see if she can wield them tonight.” Scarlet suggested.
Durien yawned again, “You guys go on ahead. I need to clean up a bit here and I may just get a snack and turn in early. I’m exhausted.”
“Do you need some help?” I asked him.
“Nah, I got it. I’ll see what you’re made of in the morning,” He smirked at me.
“Shall we, beautiful?” Spencer offered with his elbow out for me to hook my arm through.
“Oh please!” Crystal shook her head.
Scarlet sighed and snickered, and they all began to parade out ahead of us.
I wanted to take Spencer’s arm, but I didn’t want to give him the idea that I was easily wooed by his charms either.
“I can manage thanks.” I gave a half smile.
“Your swagga is failing, man.” Durien teased with a chuckle.
~~~***~~~
Well, trying to wield my weapons had been a complete and epic fail. After we all ate, I tried several times, but to no avail. Such pretty brandings…yet totally useless to my lack of skill and ability to grasp handling them. I just wasn’t getting it and it was frustrating.
I did finally manage to control seeing auras though. That turned out to be as simple as tuning into background colors instead of the person. My eyes thanked me for that.
It was late. Everyone dispersed to either sleep, head back to their homes in the mortal realm, get in a few games, or read a few books, before turning in. I was tired too, but secretly, I really wanted some alone time with Spencer. I was more fascinated with the idea that he was a heavenly Angel at one time and I had many questions.
Lorelei quickly pulled me to the side before I took off with him.
“FYI, Spencer can’t read your mind, but he can
read your biorhythms, hormones, and emotions to a ‘T’. He’ll be drawn to them like damned magnet, meaning if you’re even thinking about kissing or sleeping with him, he’ll know it…and he’ll more than likely try to act on it. If he tries anything, you have the strength to beat the crap out of him, remember that. I mean it.” She whispered and pointed at me.
I couldn’t help but find humor at that revelation and her blunt advice, though I was sure she was completely serious.
“Got it.” I chuckled.
Spencer and I walked the outer garden courtyard. Like a gentleman, he offered to walk me back to my room. We walked through an open, wide breezeway. The night air was warm, and the perfumed aroma of both fruit and flowers, wafted in sweetly from the expansive field of the gardens. The moon was full and bright, pale lavender and yellow in its magnificence.
It was hard not to think about what Lorelei told me about him. It made me nervous because I was physically attracted to him. I had to think of something else, quickly.
Spencer spoke first, “Don’t worry, you’ll get it. It takes time. Nothing of greatness comes with ease.” He smiled.
“I hope so. It would be a travesty to be blessed with these and not be able to use them right.” I replied.
He laughed. “You will. They chose you for a reason.”
“Hey, what would have happened if I hadn’t caught them?” I suddenly had a thought.
“Hmm, we’d more than likely be cleaning up a really big mess back there right now.” He chuckled.
I looked up at him in surprise. He was grinning.
“I’m just joking. Actually, if you didn’t realize it, you automatically moved to catch them without even thinking about it, didn’t you?”
I raised a brow and nodded.
“When a weapon chooses you, you become like a magnet to it. That’s how it works.”
I still didn’t really understand.
He turned to look down at me while we walked. “There’s something about you, Starling. You’re different, and I’m not just saying that to get you to change your mind and spend the evening with me in my room. Although…” He trailed off.
I shook my head with a wry smirk. Deep down, I wondered just how skilled of a lover he had to be by default— not that I had any experience to compare it to, not one that I remembered anyway. The thought alone shot pulses of arousal throughout my body. I had no control over that.
I felt somewhat…dirty, still being able to feel turned on by the opposite sex. I guess immortal or not —I was still a woman with human flesh. If I could feel anger and pain, and I’ve definitely had enough of that already, then why wouldn’t I be able to feel sadness, happiness, or passion?
I sighed and forcefully stopped those thoughts. I glanced up at Spencer, who in turn, was looking down at me with a single raised brow. He was grinning devilishly with a twinkle in his captivating eyes.
Oh, crap. My heart was pounding. I blushed and turned away from him.
I watched him out of my periphery. He was smiling broadly to himself. A momentary silence lingered between us. I did notice that he had closed the gap between us just a little, so that our arms brushed against one another every now and then.
Lorelei was right about him.
Nice. A gorgeous, noble, ex-angel, who was basically a womanizing playboy.
“How come you chose to become earthbound? I mean, heaven has to be way better and less dangerous than this, right?” I suddenly asked.
He gave me an affronted look of surprise. “Less dangerous? What do you think angels do around the clock? Lay around on clouds with halos and strum harps? People are constantly in need of protection, guarding, healing, and restoration of faith. We’ve been battling the fallen and darkness since the beginning of time. They outnumber all of us by so many that it’s insane. People in the human realm remain unaware and clueless. The only exception now, is that the battle will spill over onto earth soon. Mortals who have no idea what’s coming, are going to be caught in the middle and used as pons. Whether I remained in heaven or not, doesn’t change which side I fight for. In my personal opinion, the big guy wanted to level the playing field a little. He began choosing his own divine warriors many, many centuries ago. What’s his criteria in who he chooses? I have no clue, but I can take a few guesses. Like with you, he’s definitely got an ace up his sleeve.” He explained.
I was shocked. Were any of those original chosen still alive today? They were immortal after all. Hearing this version of Spencer speaking, was gradually pulling me in to his supernatural charms.
I quirked a brow. “What do you mean by an ace up his sleeve with me?” I asked.
We stopped and faced each other.
“Your aura for one, is very telling. Wielding deific blades is rare if at all, but they chose you.” He continued on, “Morning Star is still after you too, and from what I’ve heard, he isn’t the only one.” He finished with a serious expression.
Durien told me that very same thing.
This was piquing my curiosity once again, and Spencer was going to give me some answers.
“What do you mean by that? Who or what is this other being that wants me?” I asked him.
He eyed me for a moment and then flashed his gorgeous, playboy smile. “I didn’t say who in particular. They all want you. Female divine warriors are especially popular, because they can be impregnated, among many other things.” He ogled me from head to toe.
Now that thought gave me chills and made my stomach turn. I felt my face flush when his eyes held mine.
Asking, ‘why me’ was a natural response, but there was no point. They why didn’t matter and it wouldn’t change the fact.
I shivered at the thought.
Satan was after me. If that isn’t frightening, I don’t know what is. Me, out of all beings, humans, and divine warriors, both in this realm and the human world.
“Well, I want to know who this other one is. Is that why some people have been giving me strange looks?” I demanded.
He sighed and pursed his lips. “Do you remember anything about your mortal life?” he then asked.
I wasn’t going to tell him that I was randomly seeing bits and pieces of it.
“No. I thought we weren’t supposed to.” I bit my lip.
“Good. Then that’s how it will remain. Just know that while I’m around, you’ll always be protected.” He stated plainly.
I was becoming agitated all over again. I pouted internally.
“I’d like to think that I can handle myself once I’m trained, but I appreciate the knight in shining armor mentality.” I replied.
He turned to me with another serious stare. “This has nothing to do with being a knight in shining armor. I have a duty to protect, just as you do. I made a similar oath on a completely different level than you guys, which now includes guarding you specifically, so deal with it.” He said.
I was surprised, flattered, and annoyed, all at the same time.
I sighed.
“Did the fallen take that girl Devlin recently, too?” I then asked.
He appeared inquisitive. “Devlin?” He repeated, turning his attention out into the dark distance beyond. He appeared to concentrate, as if trying to remember her or her face.
“The others said that some girl named Devlin was taken recently, and that it happens often.”
He pointed at me to affirm my statement. “It does happen a lot. You have to be careful out there. Just remember, trust nothing of darkness…especially the fallen ones.” He warned.
I felt bad for her. I could only imagine what her fate had become in their hands, divine warrior or not. She didn’t stand a chance against all of them on her own.
We finally began to walk once again.
Again, he was practically melded to the side of my arm. I gazed over my brandings again, loving the way they shone and sparkled in the moonlight.
“So, how come none of the others tried to rescue her or something? I mean, I know if it were me, I’d exp
ect, or at least hope that the others would come.” I then said.
“Trust me; she’s as good as dead. Once you’re airborne, you’re gone.” He said.
I snapped my eyes up at him in a glare.
He looked down at me. “I know that sounds harsh, but it’s the reality of where you are now and what we’re up against. Trust nothing and no one out there, especially if it’s been exposed to the darkness and those in Morning Stars dominion.” He clarified.
I still didn’t appreciate his callous, nonchalant reply.
“You’re right. I guess I’m just still trying to grasp it all. I’m sorry for insinuating that angels had it easy in heaven.” I replied.
“No apologies necessary. You’re certainly not the only one who’s ever thought that. Anyway, you’re going to learn many things as you experience them. There’s only so much you can learn in the texts.” He smiled.
I believed him. In fact, he was beginning to remind me of someone, but I shouldn’t be reminded of anyone. I had no idea who I knew when I was alive, and I may never know them again. That thought saddened me. We began to walk once again.
“What’s heaven like?” I finally asked him.
I heard him inhale deeply, “Actually, I no longer have any memories or insight into the vast heavens. I forfeited all of that when I made the choice, and it was for the very reason that you’re asking me this now. Humans naturally want to know, which is why we’re not allowed to retain any memories or information about it. There are always…not so pleasant consequences, for every choice that we make. It doesn’t mean that those choices shouldn’t be made though. Often times, the good far outweighs the bad. For me, I felt as if I would be more beneficial down here, given the pending circumstances and what’s to come.” He explained.
“But you still have some of the abilities and powers that you had as an angel though, don’t you? Like wings? Can you still fly?” I asked in wonder.
He shook his head no. “Not much more than you guys as divine warriors. My powers are limited now, and earthbound means just that. No more wings.” He sighed.