Fall from Grace (Book 2: An Angelblood Novel)
Page 11
Aura knew Rita was right. She couldn’t bear to see Alannah upset. She would have a long talk with Aidan when he returned, a very long talk. Aura wondered if Jeziel was with Natalie. Considering no one knew their whereabouts, it was possible.
Aura got strange looks from the other family members throughout breakfast, but no one dared broach the subject of Aidan. Rita already beat that horse to death.
Willow was surprised when Matthew showed up with Joshua and Will instead of his grandfather. Jessica immediately ran to give Joshua a hug, but Rita remained in her seat and barely acknowledged Will.
Jayden took a seat next to Acadia and afterwards made plans to show her around.
“You might want to wait,” Paul said. “We have to move you and your mother into one of the houses here in the valley.”
“I’ll help,” Acadia smiled. “If I’m going to be staying here,I can at least do my share. I’m used to working anyway. It’s not like Meredith gave us a lot of time off.”
Jane looked sadly at her new young friend. “I’m sure Meredith was anything but kind to you. But I promise you will be treated with love and respecthere.”
“It means a lot to be part of a family again, but I still want to help,” Acadia grinned.
Jayden returned her smile.“It won’t take long to get settled and then I’ll show you around.”
“I’m not planning on leaving any time soon,” she assured him.
Jane felt better having Acadia around and so did Jayden. He wondered what she thought about his short marriage to Natalie. He hoped she wouldn’t have a lesser opinion of him, since his marriage was annulled.
Aura saw the two of them growing closer. No one considered his marriage to Natalie anyway; it only lasted a week. When asked about it, he said he was temporarily disoriented.
“He means he had a brain fart,” Bren said. The entire room laughed, including Jayden.
When breakfast was over and the dishes were done, Aidan finally returned home. Aura could sense Rita wanted to jump on him, but she warned her not to. She would talk to Aidan first.
He didn’t give Aura a hug, but he went to the three little ones and apologized for not returning the night before.
“Do you want some breakfast?” Aura asked. “Actually breakfast would be great. I’m starving.”
Aidan was in a good mood. Aura wondered if he had news to tell them. Shedidn’t return his smile. She went into the kitchen and started to warm up some of the leftovers. Normally she would have made something fresh, but she was still angry that he had been so inconsiderate.
Sensing Aidan and Aura needed time to talk, Rita and Jessica volunteered to take the girls shopping. “If you run into any trouble, come home immediately,” her father warned.
“We’ll be fine dad,” Rita assured him. “I doubt he would be foolish enough to appear again today. Besides its Aura he’s interested in, not us.”
“Will and Joshua should go with you just the same .” Paulknew his daughter’s had power, but so did Mortriel. It was useless to argue the point. He wasn’t about to change his mind.
Rita looked at Will. He was the last person she wanted to go shopping with. But she knew she couldn’t refuse her father’s suggestion. The way he said it, was more like a command.
“We don’t want to detain them,” Rita said sarcastically.
“Actually, we thought we would stay for a couple more days.We weren’t supposed to be at the Academy until after the New Year anyway. We promised Andromeda we would watch out for Matthew,” Will said.
“Matthew is perfectly safe. He’s been here countless times and nothing’s happened to him.”
“We promised his mother we would stay close to him; especially after what happened yesterday.”
Aidan looked around.“Am I missing something? Was there an incident yesterday thatI’m not aware of?”
Everyone in the room looked at Aura. “It’s nothing.” She wasn’t about to bring up the subject of Mortriel. If the truth be told, she didn’t care whether Aidan knew about her confrontation or not. She was perfectly capable of protecting herself and the little ones.
Aidan continued to look at the others, before returning his attention to Aura. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“It’s nothing. Why don’t you finish your breakfast?”
Aidan knew something must have happened while he was gone. Aura was visibly upset with him, probably because he didn’t come home all night again. He had news for them and he was sure it would lighten the mood. “I found Jeziel last night.”
“Where was she?” Paul asked.
“She ran away after she saw the fire because she was frightened. She knew it was too late to save Elijah and his sister.” Aidan was convinced that Jeziel was telling him the truth, though the others doubted it.
“Why didn’t you bring her to us?” Adam asked.
“She doesn’t know how the Guild will react to leaving Elijah unprotected, so she wants to stay away until things settle down.”
“Where is she?” Paul asked.
“She didn’t tell me where she’s staying. We met somewhere she used to frequent with Natalie. Jayden knows the place. It’s in the mountains near Deep Creek Lake.”
“Yeah I remember. It was one of Jasper and Ella’s favorite places.”
“You should have brought her back,” Adam said. “She didn’t kill Elijah and she didn’t start the fire.” “How can you be sure?” Paul asked.
“I could tell if she was lying. I have no reason to doubt her.”
“Did she say anything about her conversation with Samhael? If she was telling the truth; she would have nothing to hide. Why not return and clear her name?” Jack asked.
“No she didn’t mention him and neither did I. She thinks she’s in trouble. She’s upset about what happened. She promised she’ll come before the Council soon.”
“What color were her eyes?” Aura asked. “What does her eye color have to do with anything?” Aidan answered defensively.
“It could have a great deal to do with many things.” “Aura I know you’re upset with me, but you don’t have to take it out on Jeziel. I’m telling you she’s innocent.” “Perhaps you didn’t ask her the right questions. Your friendship with her may be clouding your judgment.”
“Don’t you trust me?”
“I have learned to trust facts.”
Aidan decided it was better not to say anything else. He would speak privately with Aura, after breakfast. “The High Council agrees we should remain close to home, until we determine why Mortriel was here,” Paul said. Aidan almost choked on his tea. “Mortriel was here? When?”
“He showed up at the shopping mall yesterday when we were leaving,” Alannah said.
“Why didn’t you tell me Aura?”
“It was nothing. We’re all fine. Perhaps you should focus on your friend. I’m sure she needs you more than I do.”
“That’s not fair. Are you telling me you wouldn’t go after one of your friends?”
“I would go after any one of my friends. The difference is someone would know how to contact me. Apparently we don’t see things the same way. I don’t need a guardian. I’m more than capable of taking care of myself and my daughter. If you want to stay out all night with your friend,that’s your business, not mine. Are you finished with your breakfast?”
Aidan stared at his plate and then at Aura. “How could you say such things? I meant only to bring Jeziel back so she could be questioned by the Guild.”
“Then where is she? I don’t see Jeziel. Does anyone else see Jeziel?” She looked around the room. “I’m afraid no one else sees her either.” The sarcasm was as thick as molasses in Aura’s tone.
Everyone could sense a fight was brewing; one they didn’t want to see. This was a new side of Aura; one that they weren’t used to.
“Get your coats girls . We’re leaving.” Rita jumped from the table. She hurried the little ones out the door, with Jessica, Will and Joshua steady on her heels.<
br />
Everyone else made excuses to leave too, and Aura found herself alone with Aidan.
Chapter 16
Mahlyssa had time to think after Richard left. “If he thinks I’m a fool; he will soon realize I’m not.” If Richard was capable of casting the cursed spell like her father, he wouldn’t have hesitated to turn one of her servants into a monstrous being, to show her he had the upper hand.
She was sure Richard could not cast the spell; which meant he would not be able to change her back. In order to guarantee the safety of herself and her family, she placed a trace on his daughter.
Mahlyssa would know where Natasha was at all times and if Richard wanted to play hardball, she would be more than up to the challenge. She no longer had to hide in the confines of her home. Now, she was free to search for her daughter Myra.
Natalie followed the directions her father gave her. The cottage was small, but it served her needs. He wanted to keep her hidden. The home was located a short distance from where she used to live with Jeziel and Jayden. After Natalie finished unpacking the few things she brought with her, she decided to take a walk to Jeziels house. She was surprised to find her home.
“Can I help you?” Jeziel asked , as she opened the door. Natalie knew she could trust Jeziel completely; they were family and Richard didn’t forbid her from contacting her cousin.
Natalie started laughing.“It’s me Jeziel. Don’t you recognize me?”
Jeziel took a closer look.“Natalie is it you?” “It is,” Natalie smiled. “My name is Natasha now. What do you think of my transformation?”
“If it hadn’t been for your ring, I never would have recognized you.”
“I’m not supposed to be wearing it, but since we’re alone I don’t see the harm. Who was that man you left with? Is he one of your father’s friends?”
“His name is Samhael and my father regards him as a son.”
“Where did you go?” “He took me to see my father. I couldn’t stay here after what happened.”
“Why did you come back? You have to know they’re looking for you?”
“I met with Aidan last night,” Jeziel smiled. “I told him I left because I was afraid the Guild would punish me for not protecting Elijah.”
“And he believed you?”
“Of course, I told him I didn’t kill Elijah or Ericah and I didn’t start the fire. I thought they were dead until I heard them screaming. By then it was too late to do anything. So I asked Samhael to burn them. Technically I was telling the truth.”
“Why didn’t he take you to the Council?”
“I told him I needed more time. I’ll postpone meeting them as long as I can. Samhael tells me he’s working with your father.”
“My father knows Samhael? He never mentioned that.”
“Perhaps he was fo rbidden from talking about it. Something big is going to go down, soon. What happened after I left?”
Natalie told her the whole story, including Jasper’s death and how Jayden had their marriage annulled. “My grandfather had his marriage annulled too.”
“I thought you were close to your grandfather?” “Apparently he’s closer to the Guild than he is to me. They’re planning to convict me for Jasper’s death.” “Do they know about Ella?” “No. I didn’t even tell Jayden about her. The only people who know are my father, my grandmother and you.” “Well I certainly won’t say anything.”
“Yes and I won’t say anything about the fire and Elijah’s death. My father is concerned Rita’s sister Aura may find out eventually through one of her visions. She’s supposed to beas powerful as Esra.”
“Aura,” Jeziel hissed. “She’s trying to come between me and Aidan. As if his father would allow him to marry that half breed. I mean no offense to you.”
“None taken I have Lucifer’s blood. I’m sure my heritage counts for something,” she laughed. “Where are you staying?”
“Not far from here. Samhael found me a nice cottage. You’re welcome to stay with me if you want.” “I’d better run that by my father first. He’s still blaming me for delaying his plans.”
“I’m sure it won’t be any trouble. I can have Samhael speak to him on your behalf. I need to go. I’ll walk you to the cottage and we can plan to meet there again later,” Jeziel said.
Natalie smiled. It was good to have her friend back and she was looking forward to meeting Samhael. The girls walked to the cottage which was surprisingly close to Jeziels home. They were both careful not to go near Elijah’s property. It was hallowed. “Pity all this land has to be wasted,” Natalie said.
“Better for the land to be wasted than us,” Jeziel insisted. The girls both laughed.
Aura debated about staying in the dining room to finish her conversation with Aidan, but then thought better of it. She was so angry she was afraid she might say something she would later regret. Instead she decided to go for a walk.
As she was getting her hat and coat Aidan stopped her. “Where are you going?”
“I’m taking a walk.”
“You shouldn’t be alone. It’s too dangerous.”
Aura looked at Aidan and laughed. “What makes today any more dangerous thanyesterday?”
Aidan was not amused by her attitude. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here Aura. If I had known Mortriel was coming, I wouldn’t have left you alone.” He was trying to apologize, but failing miserably.“Is that why you’re so angry?”
“I’m angry because you left Alannah. Perhaps you care more about Jeziel than you do her?”
“How could you say that? I love Alannah.”
“This is the second night you didn’t come home. I don’t care about your relationship with Jeziel, but I’m not going to allow you to hurt Alannah.”
“Can’t we talk about this before you leave?” Aura put her coat on her lap and sat on the sofa. “I’m listening.”
“I went to see Jeziel after Rusty’s wedding. She was changing. We could all see it. I thought she would listen to me because we’ve been friends for so long. My visit only made her angrier. I tried to reason with her, but when I realized she wasn’t going to listen; I left.”
“After she disappeared I felt responsible. If I hadn’t talked to her then, she wouldn’t have run away. I was afraid Rita was right and I thought if there was a chance she could be saved, I had to try. She’s scared and I’m the only friend she has.”
“You never answered me Aidan. So I’ll ask you again. What color are her eyes?”
Aidan looked down at the floor. “Her eyes are black.”
Aura stared at him. “What did you say to make her so angry?”
“I told her I loved you. I realized afterwards it was a mistake, but I couldn’t take it back.”
“Did you tell her that last night when you met her?” “Yes. I apologized for telling her I loved you.”
Aura got up, put on her coat and raced to the front door. “You’re wrong Aidan. You can always take it back.” She ran out the door towards the park, never looking back.
Aidan ran after her screaming “Aura wait. You misunderstand me, please wait.”
But Aura was nowhere to be found. She thought about taking his promise ring off and throwing it into the woods, but then changed her mind. “It’s a promise ring, nothing more, nothing less.” He’s free to make his own choices. Maybe she should be more like her sister Rita. It would be easier to keep a wall around your heart so it couldn’t break.
Aura continued to walk around the park, until she came to another group of trees. She looked down and saw a piece of wood with some strange markings on it. She tried to decipher the inscription on it. The wood was beautiful, but if the symbols were a language, it was unfamiliar to her.
She tucked it inside her jacket. She would take it home and later try to identify the symbols. She resigned herself that Aidan would never be anything more than her guardian. She would be cordial to him for Alannah’s sake, but nothing more. She walked back to the house, hoping her family had returned.
“Where did you go Mommy?” Alannah asked. “I went for a walk. What shall we do the rest of today?”
“We could finish our shopping,” Alannah suggested. “Aunt Rita and Jessica didn’t find anything they liked at the mall.”
Aura smiled at her. “Rita and Jessica were planning to shopin New York. Why don’t we go there?”
“That sounds good to me,” Rita said.
“We’ll go with you,” Joshua said. “We can stop by and see Andromeda. Some of the other residents might want to go with us too. I’m sure they know where the best shops are.”
“See I told you we were breaking him in right,” Bren said. Alannah and Tracy both laughed at her. “Can we go now Mommy?”
“I just need to go to my room for a minute.” Aura walked in her bedroom and opened the closet. She found an empty wooden box perfect in size for the stick. Until she deciphered the markings, she would keep her find to herself.
While she was there a new vision came to her, a sickening vision. She now knew why there was a fourth orb and the body hadn’t been found.
“Are you coming with us Daddy?” Alannah asked, as she was getting her coat.
“I’m sure Aidan is tired from being up all night. He’ll probably want to check on his friend again. Perhaps he can charm her into meeting with the Council.”
Aidan could hear the bite in her tone, but remained silent. It would do him little good to argue with her; even though he was concerned she might run into Mortriel again.
“Are you sure you shouldn’t bring your guardian with you?” Joshua asked.
“We’ll be fine. I’ve never n eeded a guardian and I’m sure Mortriel wouldn’t be foolish enough to make another appearance so soon,” Aura smiled. She wasn’t sure if she said it because she knew it was true, or if she wanted to send a message to Aidan that she didn’t need him. Either way he wouldn’t be going with them.