Dark Angel (An Angel Novel Book 2)

by Jane West

  To be fair, even if I wanted to, I couldn’t make a decision of where my heart stood. My stomach knotted. When I’d walked into Mardea’s bookstore that evening, little did I know my life was going to change course, meaning the already-sticky triangle just became more complicated.

  As it stands, if the storekeeper, Mardea, was telling the truth, then Aidan was alive and he had our child in his safety. That certainly changes everything. Perhaps all my pending questions would come to a light.

  Considering all things, I couldn’t exclude the Family. It hasn’t left my notice that they could be behind this travesty. Either way, if Mardea was telling the truth or lying, I needed to watch my back. An act of haste could get me killed, and worse losing my child forever.

  Before I could proceed forward in my life, I needed to find my child. My next move finding out if Val had stumbled across any helpful information. If I were a betting girl, I’d bet that the Zop leader took it upon himself to seek this storekeeper, Mardea out and confront her. Val made it very clear that he didn’t trust her, nor did he care for the necklace either.

  Despite Val’s cooling off, I had to see him. If he didn’t want to come to me, then I’d go to him. I couldn’t sit around the house any longer.

  ***

  One hour later, I stood in front of Val’s bar, trying to settle my nerves. I wasn’t sure if my uneasiness came from running into Razz or confronting Val.

  I’d rushed getting here. I threw on the first pair of holey jeans I could find, a light tank top, my scuffed-up cowboy boots, and my western hat. Makeup took too much time, so I dashed some water on my face and brushed my teeth. I figured I looked perfect to hang out with the scumbags who frequent the bar. Obviously, the Zop clan was not my fav. I had a problem with prejudice pigs.

  Keeping that in mind, I brought back-up my trusty dagger. I never left the house without the steel. I’d gotten pretty handy at throwing. I could hit a snake, thirty feet. It’d be nothing to thrust a blade between one of these jokesters’ eyes.

  Shortly after, I entered the bar like I owned the joint. Wasting time wasn’t my forte, so I directly went straight to the bar. A young man behind the bar approached me. The glint in his eyes told me he knew my kind—an impure. “What will it be?” his disdain was apparent.

  “I’ll take a beer, dark draft, and Val, if he’s around?” I flashed a sugary smile.

  The guy scoffed, nodding. “He’s over there.”

  I pivoted on my heels, immediately dropping my beer. “That son of a bitch!” I hissed through clenched teeth. Gawking incredulously, I stood there, beer spattered over my clothes. “What is she doing here?”

  Then I heard the bartender snort behind me. “It’s one of those on-again-off-again affairs.”

  “She’s not a Zop. So you approve?” derision spilled forth from my tone.

  “My approval doesn’t matter. Just glad his girlfriend doesn’t stink like an impure.”

  I scoffed over my shoulders at the bartender’s dig. I wasn’t going to dignify that comment with an answer.

  It wasn’t hard spotting Val. His blonde locks stood out among the crowd. He was in the center of the dance floor, dancing with his partner. Suddenly a sinking sensation washed over me, like I was falling into a black hole. I couldn’t rip my eyes away as I watched.

  A lopsided smile seemed glued to Val’s face, though, I knew that look. He once looked at me that way, along with something else I’d not seen before a man in love. Apparently, the whole world knew, including the hired help but me. By the way their bodies pressed together, swaying to the music, there was no question, they’d shared more than just friendship. All this time, he never mentioned a girlfriend, but one thing I couldn’t deny—I had to confront this bitch once and for all. Before I gave it another thought, my dagger left my hand. End over end, it sailed through the air past the crowd, right on target, the dagger nicked his lover’s ear.

  It all went down so fast. In one instant, she yapped, grasping her bloody ear. The room fell silent, following only a second later an echoing thud, piercing the wall clear on the other side of the bar. I smiled to myself. I got the results I wanted—Val’s attention and that bitch’s hands off him.

  Seeing the girlfriend’s starkness, only sweetened my endeavor until I realized that every eye in the joint had my back for a target. Despite the potential of getting mobbed, the only pair of eyes that I’d concerned myself with was the livid gold ones blaring at me. One glimpse of his steel jaw and I knew I’d crossed the line. At this point, a fight was inevitable, but his anger didn’t seem so important. I wanted to know what he was doing with her.

  I kept my feet planted to the ground and teeth gritted, staring back as Val charged straight for me.

  Now in my face, he towered over me with a six-foot-five fierceness consuming and threatening. My heart hammered against my chest.

  I raked in my fear. I couldn’t let a little thing as death stop me from confronting him. I stiffened, bracing myself for the storm.

  “Just what the hell do you think you’re doing?” Val wailed through clenched teeth.

  “Oh...just playing with my little old knife.” I flashed a mischievous smile.

  Then her hand snaked around Val seductively, trailing the line of his chest. Obviously, she knew his body very well. It took everything I had not to beat that despicable woman with my bare fist.

  As I expected, the bitch interjected with a sultry coo. The sound that would prompt me into having my memory wiped in order to forget. “Fancy meeting you here, Steve.” She purred of acid.

  “You must be on break.” I snarled “Rumor has it that the corner’s a bit slow these days. I hear they pay whores well, but only if they have all their teeth. You might want to offer a discount.” I taunted as if the devil sat on my shoulder.

  She snorted a tight smile. “What the hell are you talking about? I have all my teeth.”

  The blonde had no clue. “Yeah! Not for long.” I spat her name as if it carbonized my tongue, “Helen!”

  I etched my hand to my second knife hidden in the back of my pants. Helen had the speed of a cheetah and claws to match. I wasn’t about to let my guard down.

  Val stepped between us, blocking me from any chance of taking down the blonde. “Helen,” he ordered, sternly. “Stay put! Let me get rid of this nuisance. I’ll be back shortly.” He winked at her. Then Val turned a cold eye on me, swooping me over his shoulder, carting me outside to the goddamn sidewalk again. It was starting to become an annoying habit. Once more, I seemed to have found myself left on the curb like an empty milk-jug.

  When we were out of earshot, he set me down roughly. Shaken off balance, I fell, landing on my keister. The disenchanted part he didn’t bother to offer me his hand to help me to my feet. Instead, he hovered over me with veins in his neck standing out in livid ridges. “Can you not take a hint?” he blasted me. “If I wanted to talk to you or see you, I know exactly where to find your pampered ass.”

  “Yeah, I see why you haven’t been returning my calls.” Without delay, I shook off the embarrassment and sprang to my feet. “What are you doing with her?” I snapped, resting my hands on my hips.

  Val’s eyes tightened as he leaned closer. “I know what it must look like,” he barely whispered. “But sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures.”

  “What?” I spat. “You getting laid?” The ache of betrayal struck. A pain I knew too well.

  “It’s not like that, Stevie,” he whispered heatedly.

  “What is it then? You sleeping with the enemy?”

  “Not exactly.” Val sighed deeply as he weaved his fingers through his hair. “Helen and I go back a long ways.”

  “Is she the discreet person you were hiding from me?” I hissed as I jabbed a finger in his chest.

  “I didn’t tell you because I knew how you’d react.”

  “If you can’t be honest with me, how can I trust you?”

  “I haven’t deserted you!” His voice rose, no l
onger a whisper.

  “Oh, really? If I hadn’t thrown my knife, I think you would’ve taken her right there on that filthy floor!”

  “If I didn’t know any better,” a lopsided grin stretched across his face, “I’d say you’re jealous.”

  “Is that what you think?”

  “Yes, I do.” Val’s eyes glistened.

  “You’re wrong!” I denied vehemently. “What I have a problem with is that Helen is Aidan’s sister! That bitch is part of that disgusting family, the Order of the Quest, and most likely she knows where my da—” Then it hit me. Damn, how stupid could I be? I picked my hat off the ground and shook the dirt off. “I blew it!” Acidity hit me.

  Val scratched his day-old stubble. “Maybe not. With her, it’s hard to say.” His eyes turned gentle.

  “What happened to the first plan, mimicking a staff member from the hospital?” My brows knitted in confusion.

  Val blew out a long sigh. “A couple of my Zops and I went to Haven. We found their files, but no sight of yours. The Order is not stupid. Do you honestly think they’d leave such salient information lying around?”

  “No, of course not. I had no other recourse.” I felt overwhelmed with disappointment. “I guess we’re on plan B?” I attempted a forced smile.

  “Yeah, it looks that way.” There seemed to be something else lingering behind Val’s voice that I couldn’t put my finger on. Although my finding out what would have to wait. We had to go into plan B before a certain person became suspicious.

  “Okay, let’s make this look good.” I acted before I’d given him time for-my-meaning to sink in as I hauled off and sucker-punched him in the square jaw. His face flew to the side, blood splattered from his busted lip. Then I launched curse words at him. “You dirty bastard! Don’t ever call me again!” I shouted, making this feigned squabble look real.

  Without hesitance, I lunged into the backseat of the cab parked by the curb. Apparently it had been waiting for me, the same driver as always, though, not surprising. This time, I paid. I watched from the rearview window as Val rubbed his jaw with stun written over his face. A tight smile lit my face. There was a part of me that took some pleasure in socking him. I guess this was becoming a bad habit, clocking men in my life. I shrugged. It could be worse. I could have to cook.

  ***

  That night a storm blew in with sheets of steel, it seemed. From the rain pounding the rooftop, and the screeching limbs of the oak tree grinding against my window, my nerves refused to settle nor would my eyes close.

  Giving up on the fantasy of sleep, I high-tailed it downstairs to put on a kettle of water to heat. I figured a cup of Dom’s chamomile tea might soothe my restlessness. I’d just settled down at the table, looking over one of Dom’s gardening magazines on tips, when I heard light footsteps. I peeked over the rim of the mag, and in walked Dom, dressed in his night robe.

  “Hey, Dom!” I smiled warmly. “You couldn’t sleep either?”

  “Oui.” He answered in short. “Jeffery will be joining us momentarily. We want to show you something.” Dom’s face seemed strained.

  “Okay.” The magazine no longer held my interest as I tossed it aside and folded my hands. Dread had a bad habit of knocking at my door too frequent these days. I took a sip of my hot tea, trying to hold my panic in check. My fingers started strumming the table to keep myself from a full-blown breakdown.

  The clock’s ticking echoed through the house relentlessly. Tick-tock-tick-tock. Time seemed to stand still as I kept checking the grandfather clock. Unable to stand the wait any longer, I caterwauled, “Oh, for heaven’s sake! What the hell is it?” I exhaled an irritated breath.

  I’d no longer evinced my impatience when I’d heard Jeffery’s bare feet padding down the stairs. My breath stopped in my throat. I wasn’t sure if I felt relieved to have the suspense ending any more than hearing the disquieting news. The minute Jeffery shuffled in the kitchen, my worries ballooned. My eyes honed in on a white envelope, grasped in his hand.

  “Don’t get your panties in a wad!” Jeffery snipped. “I ain’t break-n my damn neck!”

  “What is so important that it can’t wait till morning?” at that moment, I wished I was anybody but me. My stomach clenched.

  “You’ll see...” Jeffery buzzed. “but you need to chill! We wants to see too!” Jeffery huffed, handing the plain envelope to me. It was nothing out of the ordinary—merely a plain white envelope addressed to me. “It was left on our porch step today.” Jeffery urged me to open it by swishing his hand at me. “Open it!”

  “Okay!” I glared at him. I tore open the envelope and pulled out a letter. I unfolded it and began reading it silently:

  Dear Stevie,

  I have our daughter. I finally managed to escape the clenches of my family, but Dawn and I are still in hiding and must remain for an undisclosed time until it’s safe. But we both want you with us. We are family, and she misses her mother. Go to St. Louis Cemetery tomorrow at midnight. Meet me at Marie Laveau’s tomb. Wait there, darling. Don’t tell anyone of our plans, and especially the Zophasemin you’ve been keeping company with. Trust no one. I love you, and I can’t wait for you to be in my arms and meet our child for the first time.

  Forever yours,

  Aidan

  Wide-eyed, I looked up at Jeffery and Dom. Their faces were etched in curiosity as they sat in dead quiet, staring at me. Jeffery broke the stupor between us, first. “What does the letter read?” His voice rose an octave.

  I sat there for a minute, trying to decide what I should say. If I revealed the details, I might put them in danger and risk losing my daughter forever. That wasn’t an option. So I squirmed for a believable lie while I feigned a smile. “Oh, this is a reminder from Val. That’s all.” I shrugged, nonchalantly. I wadded the letter up and stuffed it in my pocket.

  I sensed that Dom and Jeffery didn’t believe me by the glance they shared. Then Dom cleared his throat and added, “as I always say, ‘Chacun a son gout’” (Each to his own). However, if there is something risqué you are embarking on, you should inform us.” Dom’s gentle eyes glistened with concern.

  “Guys,” I sighed sharply, “sometimes it’s best to leave well enough alone.” I pulled from the table.

  “Wait!” Jeffery called out. “At least leave a note for us to find. If you encounter any trouble, we need to know your whereabouts.”

  “That’s a good idea! I’ll make sure to do that.” I made my way to the stairs.

  “Excuse me, missy!” Jeffery’s chagrin pierced the atmosphere.

  I stopped in my tracts. I knew that tone all too well. “Yes.” I tilted a sideways glance, not fully facing Jeffery.

  “Where shall we look for this note?” he asked very innocently.

  “Oh no, you don’t!” I pivoted on my heels, staring at my friend. “If I tell you where the letter is, you won’t wait. You’ll snatch it up as quickly as my back’s turned. I’ll have it in a place you’ll least expect, and when it’s time to read the note, there will be a sign. You’ll know when it happens.” I grinned.

  Jeffery threw his hands up in disgusted resignation. “You is too sneaky for your own damn good! Don’t go off gettin’ yourself skinned alive, Chile! There is tacky people out there who will cut you as to look at you.” Jeffery let the anger pour.”

  I took a deep breath and said, “C’est la vie, Jeff!” (That’s life) I shot back.

  “You, my friend, are becoming more of a diva than even me.” With that said, Jeffery pursed his lips and left the kitchen, stomping up the stairs like a jilted lover, leaving a trail of curse words in his wake.

  Shortly after Jeffery’s departure, Dom pulled from his chair and began with a gloomy sigh, “We knew what we were getting ourselves into when we opened our lives to you. We are well aware of how the Family operates. They are a bete noire.” (a black beast) Dom gave pause. “Jeffery and I have avoir le coup de foudre (fallen in love with you). We only want what’s best for you, my dear.” Dom came
around the table and squeezed my shoulder and made sure I looked into his warm eyes. “Don’t shut us out completely.” He smiled, and without another word, he went to seek his disgruntled partner.

  I swallowed the knot that lodged in my throat as I listened to Dom’s footfalls fade. I never doubted Dom’s and Jeffery’s devotion. Still, it was nice hearing it.

  Though my decision might’ve been right, it wasn’t an easy one. Despite my better judgment, I felt guilty. They both have stuck their necks out for me. That was all the more reason why I had to protect them at all cost.

  The Tomb

  Once the relentless rain had past, a brisk chill followed. I couldn’t stop shivering. I stood in the center of St. Louis Cemetery in front of Marie Laveau’s tomb. I was early, only a few minutes before midnight.

  Strangely, the night appeared dead not a stir nor a soul in sight, or a black cat prowling. Flowers, beads, and Jesus candles marked the legendary Marie’s grave. One candle was still burning low. The soft light gave off shadows, bouncing off the tomb. The boneyard didn’t need any help with eerie, hairs pricked the back of my neck. As my eyes washed over the grave yard, I took note of row after row of weathered tombstones. The old yard had an unquiet beauty, yet, it didn’t ease my tension any.

  A bad feeling washed over me. I worried I might be walking into a trap. Ambush or not, I still would’ve come. Nothing was going to stop me from finding my child.

  Apprehension rode heavily on my shoulders, if this wasn’t a ruse, and I was truly meeting Aidan for the first time since that morning at the cabin, then this would change everything. Could I accept Aidan back into my life? The last time I’d seen Aidan seemed so long ago, yet the pain still stung like it was yesterday. Memories rushed through my mind. And just for a minute, I doubted my gut’s warning. Despite his involvement with Sally, I couldn’t erase his imprint his passionate kisses, the warmth of his embrace. Did I still love him as Val believed? I wished I had an answer.