Dark Angel (An Angel Novel Book 2)

by Jane West

  I gasped. “You’re lying.”

  “I wouldn’t dare attempt that now, not with a knife pointing at my throat.”

  “Your father’s still alive?”

  “I don’t know. My parents severed their ties with me. Unlike your father, mine felt the Family’s beliefs were unconquerable as a god. As it seems, I’m not the only family member execrated. My father, Thaddeus, had a falling out with your dad, his brother Jon, over his marriage to Sara, an outsider. Consequently, Jon was cast out, never to return. Because of your father’s status, the Family hid Lilith’s pregnancy from him.” Sally gave pause. I sensed her struggle, “as for Sara, she knew about Lilith’s condition.”

  “How did my mother know?” I couldn’t wrap my head around this tall tale.

  “Aidan’s uncle had the pleasure of confiding in Sara.” Sally confessed. “Van had taken an interest to her. To encourage Sara’s assistance, he offered her a generous incentive to keep the pregnancy out of earshot from Jon. Van, of course, didn’t reveal the real truth of his endeavor. He had other plans for Jon and Sara.

  “Let me guess me!”

  “Yes. Van is quite diabolical.”

  “What happened to Helen’s mom?”

  “As the story unfolds, Lilith had no idea of Van’s involvement. She had her own selfish agenda. Lilith chose not to reveal her pregnancy to Jon. Rather, she hastily sought out a back alley abortion clinic, but the Family stepped in before she had the procedure done.”

  “What insidious scheme did the Family have in store for Lilith?”

  “For the remaining term of her pregnancy, the Family held her as a prisoner in a small room, keeping her under lock and key. They were on a suicide watch.”

  All I could say was, “Wow!”

  “The Family has its issues.” Sally relented with a wicked grin.

  I snorted, though, I didn’t commit.

  Sally went on with more of the story. “When she gave birth, the Family took the infant away from Lilith and gave the baby to Aidan’s parents to raise. In the end, Lilith ran away with some man she’d met at a bar.

  Now I understood Helen’s contempt toward my parents and me. The pain of guilt really began to hit me hard. I wished I’d known. I continued to listen.

  “Later Lilith was found face down, drifting in the bayou, dead. I don’t know if it was by the hands of the Family or the stranger she ran away with. No one is sharing that information with me. Anyhow, Helen blamed your mom for the death of her mother, and she despised you because your dad loved you.”

  “Your story certainly puts a new light on things. I had no idea.”

  “I think things could’ve been different between the two of you if she had known the full story.”

  “Why didn’t you tell her the truth? She might’ve been able to move past her pain. Maybe she would’ve had a better life.” Dense much?

  “The Family had forbidden anyone to tell Helen. They are masters of holding truths. Secrets amidst secrets.”

  “You call them family, I call them the devil. Helen may have been just as depraved, but she deserved the truth.”

  “I guess like all families, we have our issues too. Take me I’m an embarrassment to the Family, a disgrace.”

  A part of me felt sorry for Sally and Helen. Yet I couldn’t help either one. Helen was dead, and Sally needed professional help. Right now, I had my own crisis—getting Aidan and my child free from this hellhole. “Enough!” I ordered crossly. “Who has my child?”

  “Dr. Van had taken her to a foster family up North.” Sally rambled. “He didn’t give any names ”

  “Stop!” I tightened the knife. “I mean now?”

  “Ouch!” Sally sputtered. “The… the child’s in the… the sacred chamber. The members are having a ceremony tonight—something… something about midnight and the full moon.”

  “Oh mother of god!” My panic soared. Dawn in the sacred chamber meant one thing. Those monsters planned to extract her Essence. Helen wasn’t lying after all. With no time to lose, I had to find Aidan. I shoved Sally forward to hurry her fat legs. “We have to find Aidan!” I thrust her forward once more. “Let’s go, let’s go!” I rushed, hell bent on time. My daughter’s life depended on me, and anyone else could meet their maker if they got in my way.

  Darkness had fallen on the walls of the castle, it was a wonder we were able to find our way through the corridors. I prayed Sally didn’t have guards waiting to attack. In my condition, I doubted I could fight off anyone, even a grandmother for that matter. I needed to reach Aidan fast. With any luck, he might be in better shape than me. It would take the two of us to free Dawn. His healing touch certainly would be helpful.

  Around a corner and down another flight of stairs, we finally reached his cell. I noticed a torch as I snatched it off the wall. I turned to Sally. “Hand me your lighter,” I pressed.

  Her brows wrinkled. “What?”

  “Are you that stupid? The smell of cigarettes reeks from you! Smokers have lighters. Hand the freaking thing to me!” I held out my hand, losing patience.

  Sally regretfully sighed, slapping the red lighter into my palm. I flicked the lighter and a small flame popped up. I smiled into her face as if it was Christmas. Hurriedly, I lit the torch. Seconds later, a blaze ignited, shedding a generous light down the corridor.

  “Take this torch,” I instructed Sally, “and hold it up high where the light will shine.” I paused. “If you even look like you’re going to do something foolish, I will end your life. Do I make myself clear?” the promise of murder spewed from my voice.

  She nodded, “I won’t run.” Sally’s voice reminded me of a child’s, small and timid. Without another word, I handed the torch to her. The flame spread its glorious light into the cell. I could see well enough now. I yanked the key out of my pocket and unlocked the iron door. The door squeaked loudly as I tugged. When my eyes landed on Aidan, my heart sank. He lay limp on the floor, unconscious. I ran to him, lifting his head into my lap, his eyes slowly opened as though he was drugged or by the looks of him, beaten silly. “Stevie?” he muttered hoarsely.

  “It’s me.” I whispered, holding back tears. “I’m going to get you out of here.” A faint smile toyed with the corners of his mouth. I smiled back, but nothing inside me felt the glee of a smile. I scanned over Aidan’s pummeled body and staggered from shock. No argument, Van was a heartless bastard. He’d left his nephew rotting in this dungeon. When I thought my hatred for the Family couldn’t get worse, I realized I was utterly wrong.

  “How did you fine me?” Aidan struggle to speak, throat parched.

  “I’ll explain later.” I replied, curt, fumbling with the key as my hands trembled. “Hold your breath that this key works.” I forced a smile at Aidan as I slipped the key into the padlock of the left cuff. I held my breath. If the key didn’t match, we were as good as dead, including my child. I held my breath. The key had to work! The thin metal key slid down into the slot, fitting like a glove. “So far, so good.” I breathed to Aidan. Then carefully, I turned the key. The lock clicked and the cuff opened, falling to the dirty floor with a loud clang. I glimpsed up at Aidan, he’d gave way to a sigh of relief. I joined him with a smile.

  With no more time to waste, I hurried along, unlocking the other restrains. Clanging of iron echoed off the walls. The sound made me happy. It was music to my ears.

  “Here! Let me help you.” I slid my arm under Aidan’s arm and hoisted him to his feet. This Aidan wasn’t the man I remembered, strong and unstoppable. This person was weak and unsteady, his drawn face needled with pain.

  When we tried to take a step, Aidan stumbled, falling back into my arms, and before I knew what had happened, he’d gathered me into his embrace, squeezing me tight. Taken off guard, I hesitated unsure of my feelings for Aidan or if I could trust him? Then again, he was wasting away in this dank cell, embarking upon death I relented and returned the embrace. We stood in silence locked in each other’s arms. Aidan still had that woodsy sc
ent, and the embrace of his arms swooned my senses. Just like old times, he whispered in my ear, “I’ve missed you.” A prick of memory lane tugged heavily at my heart. At this point, I didn’t want to visit my archive of emotions. I pulled away, but lingered when I gazed into his deep blues. I lent him a tight smile, though urging him. “We have to go now. They have Dawn in that goddamn chamber. Can you walk?”

  “I think so.” Aidan nodded.

  “Good! We have to hurry.” He looked over at Sally and flashed a scornful look. “What’s she doing here?”

  “Sally’s my prisoner. She’s going to help us escape, otherwise I’m gonna slit her throat myself.” I smiled up at him as if I was talking about having brunch.

  Aidan half-laughed, teasing, “you’re the girl of my dreams. You do me proud, babe.” His eyes twinkled, reminding me of the past, and my heart skipped a beat. He still had that effect on me. I’d figure that one out later when I could think more clearly.

  On the edge of spitefulness, my attention sidled to Sally. “Here, help your husband. I’ll take the lead,” I thought I’d let Sally sweat a bit more under Aidan’s careful eye.

  Aidan’s brows furrowed. “Husband?”

  “I’ll explain later.”

  “Yeah! I know, later.” Suspicion hid behind his glint as he glared at Sally.

  “Let’s go! Sally, which way is the chamber?”

  Her eyes grew wide. She began fidgeting, acting strange, even for her.

  “What? Spit it out!” I demanded, not hiding the asinine in my voice.

  Her shoulders slumped, voice quavering. “The location of the hallowed sanctum is unknown to me! Women aren’t permitted.”

  I dropped my arm from Aidan and stomped forward, leaning into Sally’s face, sparks of fire ignited from my eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me this earlier?”

  “I was afraid you’d kill me.” She cried.

  “What the hell, Sally!” I berated her. “We could’ve been looking for that devil’s den all this time.” My voice ascended to a murderous falsetto.

  “You’re crazy!” Sally yammered. “I never know what’s going to set you off!”

  “My child is on the brink of being murdered!” I shook my white knuckled fist in her pale face. “How else do you expect me to act?” Sally had struck my last nerve, I was getting rid of a weight that was holding me down. I raised my dagger to her throat, and just when I was about to do the deed, Aidan’s hand stopped me.

  “Wait! I know the way.” Our eyes locked, his hand remained on mine until I stepped back, dropping the dagger to my side, though, still huffed with anger. “Let’s get going!” I turned a cold eye to Sally. I’d deal with her later.

  ***

  Quickly we moved through the shadowy corridors, corner after corner, following Aidan to the chamber that he’d sworn on his life was the shortcut.

  I felt grateful for small favors. The torch had been a beacon, spreading its generous light down the narrow passage. Down the slippery slope and one slip, we could’ve fallen to our death. Once we reached ground level, my lungs expanded, opening air back through the windpipe. We were far from being out of the woods of danger; hence, our journey had just begun.

  After what seemed an eternity, we came to an abrupt halt at the end of our path. Alarmed, I snatched the torch from Sally’s grasp, holding it up next to the barrier. I ran my fingers across the dust and cobwebs that clung to the stone. Ready to spit nails, I spun on my heels, teeth gritting at Aidan. “I thought you said this was a short cut? Where’s the freaking entrance?” I thundered.

  “Wait a minute.” He stepped up under the light next to me. He squatted down and brushed his hands over the wall. I watched in silence as his finger trailed up the wall. He stopped, surging to his feet, facing me, “this is a door! The chamber’s just on the other side of this stone.” One corner of his lip suggested a smile.

  I on the other hand failed to see this as a triumph moment. “You got any brainstorm ideas how we’re supposed to get past that freaking rock?” I rested my hands on my hips, ready to fire bullets.

  “Hmm, dynamite?” He rubbed his stubble, seeming too calm. “Unless it’s protected by a Fort Knox spell then there’s no breaking it.”

  I lit into him as if he was my last supper. “You mean to tell me that you didn’t give that little tidbit any consideration?” WTF! I fumed. “What’s wrong with you?” I wanted to shove him off his feet, instead, I did what any insane gal would do, I started pacing in a small circle, rambling like a person off Prozac. “I should’ve left both of you in that damn cell and did this myself!”

  “No need for your cavalier babble.” Acid formed off Aidan’s tongue.

  I stopped in my tracts, face strained. “Screw you! Move out of my way.” I pushed him back. I needed space. “Since neither one of you can help, I guess it’s all left up to me. Stay out of my way!” My nostrils flaring.

  Aidan threw his hands up in disgusted resignation, “get over yourself.” He huffed, joining Sally’s side. I didn’t understand. What was wrong with him? His child was in danger. He should be over here helping me, instead, he stood to the side a bystander at best. I shot him an acid glare.

  I couldn’t deal with him right now. I had to set aside my irritation and focus solely on that damn door. My powers worked once before, they’d work again I hoped.

  I made my way up to the barrier. By the looks of it, it had to be more than a foot thick. I released a sharp breath and placed my hands flat against the massive rock. The stone thrummed as though it was melding to me. I instantly gasped, jerking my hands to my chest. My heart rate was soaring.

  Once more, I steady my feet, drawing in a deep breath and placed my hands back on the stone. This time the vibration didn’t startle me. I embraced it as I closed my eyes, reaching deep to the core where my essence rested. I heaved the inner strength like a water bucket, drawing from the well. I thirst for my Essence.

  Without warning, my Essence surged to the surface, and fire shot forward, spewing everywhere.

  When the explosion quiet, my eyes slid to Aidan and Sally. As far as I could see they were unscathed, crouched behind a boulder. As for the door it was still intact. Pissed much? I gawked at the immovable door.

  For a moment, I eyeballed the two huddled together in each other’s arms. If they were an item, it meant shit to me. What got under my skin was that he wasn’t offering his skills to help bust this door down. He had more Druid magick in his pinky than I had in my whole body. What was his problem?

  I called to him, my eyes fixed with a level stare. “Where are your Druid abilities? I need your help here.” I arched a brow.

  Aidan charged to his feet, his face harsh. “I might be a Druid, but I’m not superman. My forte is of another. Not explosives.” His chiseled chin tilted in defiance.

  My lips pressed with suppressed fury. What crawled up his butt? “Fine! I’ll move this damn rock myself.” I turned my back to him, facing the door.

  I took in a deep breath and exhaled, interweaving all my energy to the center of my core. I placed my hands upon the door once more and closed my eyes. Visions flashed through my mind, visions of all my pain from the past—the loss of my father, the death of my mother and her involvement in my father’s death. The men in black, Helen, Sally, Van, and even Aidan, who played a large part in destroying my life. But it was not until I honed in on my child and her imminent danger that the Fifth Essence inside me began to rise. My heart started racing like a locomotive train. I sensed the fire that consumed me might erupt to the heavens. I didn’t care as long as that damn door blew off its hinges.

  With no warning, the ground started to rumbled. In the next breath, things got hairy; the ground beneath us commenced shaking as though we were in an earthquake. Havoc surrounded us as huge boulders collided to the ground. Determination set as I strained, keeping my hands flat on the door. I was not letting go, even if a slab of stone toppled me.

  Aidan and Sally had scurried under a small gap carved out
of the wall. They hunkered down, safe from the sailing boulders.

  Once the ground settled, my eyes raked over the dust-filled dungeon, and a smile traced the line of my lips, victory, a delighted taste, I thought. The gap was only a small space, but it was wide enough for us to squeeze through.

  Depleted of energy, I crumpled to the ground. On my fours, I raked in the fetid air. Aidan limped to my side, gathering his arm around my waist to assist me. Instantly I felt repulsed. I jerked free of his hand. I hissed through gritted teeth, “Don’t touch me!” I couldn’t even look him in the eyes.

  “I see some things never change.” The sardonic tone in his voice felt different to me. I couldn’t put my finger on it and frankly, I didn’t care. I had other problems that were much more pressing.

  Not without effort, I tugged on my wobbly legs and I stood erect. Still weak, I leaned against the wall for support. “That’s where you’re wrong, De Pont.” I panted. “Everything has changed, especially me.”

  He glared at me as if he wanted to strangle me.

  Time was running out. We had to get out of here. An argument would only delay finding Dawn. I believed in picking your battles wisely. This battle was one I’d past.

  Without another word, I side stepped Aidan and made my way to the small space in the stone until I’d caught a glimpse of Sally. She’d remained frozen, wide eyed and shivering with fear. I gawked at her. “Let’s go!” I urged. I suppose it wasn’t enough that I had to deal with Aidan’s ill manners, now Sally had gone zombie on me. WTF? My eyes narrowed. “What’s wrong now?” I huffed, heatedly.

  “I can’t!” Her eyes welled up.

  “What do you mean you can’t?”

  “There’s no way I can fit through that tiny crack.” She pointed to it. “I can stay here and stall anyone who comes my way. I won’t betray you. I promise! I’ve done enough harm for this Family to last a lifetime.”

  It would be easy to think that Sally had been more of a victim than a participant. After all, the Family had a way of bringing out the worst in folks. Perhaps Sally deserved a second chance—a chance that Helen didn’t have the luxury of getting because of my deadly hand. I knew my guilt would be riding on my shoulder for the rest of my life. And I guess I’d accepted my fate the moment my dagger left my hand.