Fall from Grace (Book 2: An Angelblood Novel)

by Linda L. Creel

  “I have always been here for you.” “Except on the one day Mortriel made an appearance,” Aura laughed.

  “I had no way of knowing he was going to meet you.”

  “It doesn’t matter Aidan. I have other things on my mind and I can promise you Jeziel isn’t one of them. I mean her no harm, but perhaps you should be talking to her instead of me.”

  “I don’t know where she is?”

  “Well that’s a real pity. Maybe we can find Natalie and Jeziel will be with her. If I have another vision I’ll be sure to wake you up; if you’re here.”

  “Aura I’m trying to reason with you. Why won’t you listen to me?”

  “I was ready to listen to you three days ago, but you didn’t have anything to say then. This is the first time Alannah didn’t want to stay here. Bren and Tracy haven’t been home since before Thanksgiving and now they don’t want to be here either. Am I supposed to be happy about that? My great grandfather, my daughter and Alexis are locked up in Hell’s prison, while I sit here doing nothing. And you don’t know where your girlfriend is. Why don’t you reason with that guardian?”

  For the first time in her life Aura wanted to cry. But she turned away and took her tea cup to the sink. She never remembered being this angry before. She hated it.

  As she was washing her tea cup she stopped suddenly. A black wing was coming. The smell was unmistakable. As she happened to look out the back window she saw Jeziel walking towards her yard. She slammed the tea cup down, shattering it into a hundred pieces.

  She turned to Aidan. “I have good news for you. Your girlfriend’s here. I won’t say anything to the Guild that’s your business. I don’t want her in my house, so you can go wherever you need to with her, butshe’s not coming here!”

  She turned to see if Jeziel was alone before running up the stairs. There was no one else. The smell was definitely coming from Jeziel. Aura kept this to herself. There was no benefit in telling Aidan about her suspicions. She doubted he would believe her without absolute proof, despite knowing she was with Lucifer just days ago.

  Aidan had no choice but to meet Jeziel in the back yard. “What are you doing here?” he asked.

  “I was walking when I saw the lights on. I decided to stop and see you. Aren’t you happy to see me?” she ran up to him and gave him a hug.

  Aidan backed away; to Jeziels displeasure. “I wasn’t expecting to see you so soon. Have you decided to meet with the Council?”

  “I told you I’m scared. I want to wait a little longer because I know they’ll punish me,” Jeziel moaned.

  “You can’t just showup in Aura’s back yard and think the Guild won’t want to talk to you? Wait here and I’ll get Paul.”

  “No Aidan please. If you get Paul he’ll take me to the Council tonight. I’m begging you please wait.” “If you’re innocent you have nothing to worry about. They aren’t as bad as you think.”

  “It’s been hard for me lately. I’m all alone now. Elijah’s gone. Natalie’s gone and you don’t even want to talk to me,” Jeziel cried.

  “I doubt that you’re alone. When were you going to mention Samhael? I’m trying to help you Jeziel. The Guild wasn’t happy about our meeting last night. You’re putting me in an uncomfortable position.”

  “Samhael just showed up. I didn’t call for him. I told him that I didn’t want him to come back again. You know I would neverdo anything to hurt you Aidan. Can’t you at least give me a week?”

  “What am I supposed to tell the Guild? I can’t lie. You know I will never lie.”

  “I’m not asking you to lie. I don’t care if you tell them I stopped by. You can say you tried to convince me to meet with them, but I was still afraid. It’s the truth Aidan; you know it is. Please just a little longer,” she moved closer to him.

  “I won’t say anything this time, but I don’t want you to come back here again. You can meet me somewhere else but not here; not at Aura’s house.”

  “Is your little girlfriend jealous?”

  “Aura has no reason to be jealous, but it seems disrespectful. I think you need to leave now.”

  “Alright Aidan, I’ll go, but you’ll be hearing from me again soon.” She reached over and kissed him goodbye. “Until we meet again, I hope you have sweet dreams,” she laughed as she ran through the yard until he could no longer see her.

  As Aidan walked towards the house, he noticed the light from Aura’s bedroom was on. He looked to her window and when he did, the light quickly went out. Aidan wondered if Aura saw Jeziel kiss him. If she did, it would push her further away from him.

  Aura didn’t acknowledge the knock on her bedroom door a few minutes later. She wasn’t in the mood to hear anything Aidan had to say. She saw him kissing Jeziel. She didn’t know what they were saying, but she certainly saw her kiss him goodbye.

  Aidan didn’t pull away as Aura expected him to; instead he stood there. When he looked up at her window, she turned off her light and went to bed. She had no desire to speak to him tonight. She was contemplating if she ever wanted to speak to him again.

  Natalie woke up early the next morning. She was meeting the Guild and their families at church. Richard insisted she attend because he wanted to make sure her identity was fool proof. She picked out something conservative; a white blouse and navy skirt. Richard called to make sure she was awake.

  “Remember what I told you. You are to avoid Jayden without appearing to be suspicious. Call me as soon as you return home.’

  “What if they invite me to breakfast?” “You’ll have to graciously decline. Tell them you have to finish unpacking or something.”

  “I saw Jeziel last night. She told me you knew Samhael.”

  “I have had some dealings with him.” “I thought since she’s alone and so am I would it be OK for us to hang out together?”

  “I don’t see a problem provided you’re discreet. I don’t have to remind you how careful you need to be. I won’t be there to protect you if something goes amiss.”

  “I promise I’ll be careful Father. Her house is within walking distance from the cottage. We can hang out and share information. She is still close to Aidan.”

  “That might be useful. Be sure to keep me in the loop if anything goeswrong.”

  “How will I contact you?”

  “You can call Desiree or Phillipe. They’ll know how to get in touch with me. Phillipe is back from his vacation, but his wife and daughters are still away. If anything happens you go to him immediately. Do you understand?”

  “I know father. You’ve only told me a hundred times already.”

  “I’ll talk to you soon,” and Richard hung up the phone.

  Natalie looked at her ring. She purchased a gold chain two days before. She took the ring and put it on the chain then tucked it under her blouse. Natalie looked herself over one last time before walking out the door. Today she was going to have some fun. Fooling the Guild would give her great satisfaction.

  Chapter 20

  Aura was awakened throughout the night with some disturbing visions. She needed to speak to her father the next morning before they went to church. She sent her mother a message asking him to meet her at the house. Aura could tell from the conversation, Eve hadn’t seen the same vision. She decided to keep her news to herself for now; not knowing how the others would react.

  Aidan was waiting in the kitchen when she went downstairs. The house was too quiet for Aura’s liking. The girls were only gone for a few hours, but it was the first time she didn’t wake up with Alannah next to her. Of course it was better they didn’t stay with her last night. She doubted she could have explained why she had to suddenly leave in the middle of the night.

  She didn’t say anything to her family about her visit to Utopia; it wasn’t necessary. She was there and back before anyone noticed she was gone. She smiled when she thought how easy it was to find what she was looking for. It was left in plain sight. “He will not take this,” she thought.

  She start
ed fixing breakfast and was grateful when her father arrived. “Your mother told me you needed to speak with me this morning.”

  Aura smiled at her father.“It can wait until after breakfast. Are you hungry?”

  “Aren’t you joining us at the diner after service?” “I didn’t have to get the girls ready this morning, so I thought I would cook. While the rest of you are having breakfast,it will give me time to set up for the party.”

  She poured each of them a cup of tea and started to set the table. As she placed the food out, her father made small talk with Aidan; who seemed to be in a good mood. Aura was surprised when Aidan brought up the subject of Jeziels visit.

  “Jeziel was here last night.”

  Paul looked at Aidan and then to Aura. “Did she agree to meet with the Council?”

  “No - she said she was still too afraid she would be punished for abandoning him. She still insists he was alive when she left him.”

  “And she didn’t see who started the fire? What about Samhael’s appearance?”

  “She said she told him to leave her alone. I have no reason to doubt her. I’m sure she was being truthful or I would have known.”

  “Did she say why she didn’t notify us Elijah was in trouble?”

  “She didn’t say anything except she was afraid. I tried to convince her to go to the Guild, but she refused. I know you’re disappointed.I’m sorry.”

  “It’s not your job to police other angels. That’s better left to the experience of the Guild. I intend to question her, but I won’t have you do our job for us.”

  “I’m sure she’ll be back. Hopefully she’ll change her mind and you’ll learn what happened.”

  “I’m sure we’ll all know what happenedvery soon,” Aura said.

  “Have you had another vision?” Her father asked.

  “Nothing I want to discuss now, but I would like to talk privately with you this morning before you leave.” Aidan looked pitifully at Aura. He was certain he would not be included in the conversation. She was still angry with him and there was that kiss. It didn’t mean anything to him, but he doubted he could convince her of that.

  He tried to speak with her last night after it happened, but she didn’t acknowledge his knock on her bedroom door. He wanted desperately to talk to her, but he would have to wait until she was less annoyed. Aidan wasn’t used to Aura being angry; unless the little ones were threatened. Surely she didn’t view Jeziel as a threat?

  “I need to talk to my father alone. You can go check on the girls if you’d like. We shouldn’t be too long.” Paul looked at her.“Shouldn’t Aidan be included in our discussion?”

  “I’m sure he’ll find out in due time.”

  Aidan excused himself and walked to the living room to grab his coat. He hadn’t spent any time with the little ones yesterday and he missed them terribly.

  When Aura was sure she was alone with her father she said, “I need you to build a house on Hespa’s property as soon as possible.”

  “Why is it necessary for me to build another house?” “I can’t explain, but I need a sanctuary for some guests. The ground is hallowed and they will be safe there.” “I’m not sure Hespa would approve.”

  “Hespa will understand completely when she realizes the truth. If she doesn’t like the house, we’ll take it down later. She isn’t planning to return anytime soon. My visions have confirmed she will be remaining in Heaven a while longer.”

  “What aren’t you telling me Aura?”

  “I can’t tell you right now Dad. You are going to have to trust me about this, but I need the house built before we go to church this morning. We’re planning an engagement party this afternoon. I’ll be providing the entertainment,” she smiled.

  “I’ll ask Adam to help me. Are you sure there isn’t anything else you want to tell me first?”

  “Nothing yet, please trust me about this. I’ll answer a great many questions today and we may finally be able to bring Richard to justice.”

  Paul raised his brow and looked curiously at his daughter.“What does Richard have to do with this?” “You’ll find out after church. Now can you please do what I ask?”

  “Very well, Adam and I will meet you at church. How many bedrooms will you need?”

  “Eight will probably be enough. She looked at her father and smiled.“Thank you for not pressuring me to give you any more information. It means a lot having your trust.”

  “I have always trusted you; it’s some of the others I am concerned about.” He walked to the door and Aura kissed him goodbye going back to the kitchen to clean the dishes.

  “They will know a great deal more today,” she said to herself.

  Richardcalled Mahlyssa, to make sure she hadn’t disappeared. “I’m so glad you’re still at home,” he said. “Are you planning to visit me again Richard?” “Unfortunately I have other business to attend to. I trust you are enjoying your new freedom?”

  “Immensely , as I’m sure your daughter is.” “Yes,I’m sure she is. Well I will be in touch.” “I look forward to it,” Mahlyssa whispered silently.

  Aura arrived at the church moments before her father and Adam. “Is it finished?” she asked.

  Paul nodded.“I’m sure you’ll be pleased with the results.”

  “I should have told you one of the guests is a five year old.”

  “The house will accommodate several small children. I think you’ll be pleased with the results.”

  Aura hugged her father and thanked him “Thi s means a lot. You’ll understand why I couldn’t be more forthcoming with the information later today.”

  Aura walked into the church and took her seat next to the little ones. There were two other male strangers in the room who Aura didn’t recognize. Their chestnut brown hair hung in a single braid down their back. It was the length that drew her attention because it was almost as long as hers. Aura thought it odd that it was so long. Even the Guild kept their hair shoulder length.

  The men were sitting with Iris and it was obvious that they knew each other. Aura looked around for the young girl who she found sitting by herself.

  After the service, the young girl approached them and Father Patrick introduced her as Natasha Justice. She moved to the area recently from London. Her parents died a few months ago and she was staying with friends there. She became restless and decided she needed a change of scenery.

  After the introduction, Jayden arrived late with Acadia. Aura watched closely as Natasha stared at the two of them. Aura could have sworn she saw the girls eyes turn black; just for a second. While Aura acted cordial towards her, she was more interested in the identity of the two young men who were speaking to Iris.

  Rita asked, “Why don’t you come to my sister’s house this afternoon, we’re having a party to celebrate my engagement.”

  Natalie remembered what her father said, but decided to ignore him this once. She didn’t like the way Jayden was looking at the servant girl Acadia. He certainly wasn’t acting like someone who was married until a couple of days ago.

  “You have to control yourself,” she thought silently.“You can’t let them discover your true identity.” “I don’t know my way around, perhaps one of you could show me the way?” she said in her best British accent.

  “We’re easy to find,” Aura spoke up. She took a pen and notebook from her purse and wrote down the directions. Aura would remind her mother to keep her shield down for the party.

  “What time should I arrive?” Natasha asked.

  “Noon will be fine. I should have everything ready by then,” Aura smiled. “Of course you’ll bring your friends too,” she said to Iris.

  Aidan didn’t like the way Aura was smi ling at the two young men, but he was reluctant to say anything; especially in church.

  “Why don’t you join us for breakfast?” Jessica asked. Natalie thought about it for a minute. She knew Jayden would be joining them there as well, so she agreed.

  Aura asked her mother to keep an eye
on the girls until they returned home. Eve thought it was an unusual request, considering Aidan was there, but she agreed.

  Frank and Aida Malloy attended church with their daughter Alice. Bren saw it as a perfect opportunity to talk with them about accepting the angel’s blood. “I know you have refused it in the past,” her little sister said. “But things have changed a lot since then.”

  “We’ve had enough death in the valley already, and we don’t want to add your names to the list,” Tracy said sincerely.

  “Won’t you please change your mind?” Alice begged her parents. “I don’t want to grow up without you.”

  She must have been convincing because Frank and Aida agreed to the exchange. Bren immediately went to tell her father and the others. It was decided Logan and John Kelly would use their blood, since their mother Myra already gave hers to Alice.

  “Now you’ll be like me,” Alice said smiling. The Malloy’s joined the rest of the family for breakfast. They would have plenty to talk about.

  Aidan followed Aura out of the church. “Would you like me to come home with you now?”

  “No thank you. I have some things to take care of.”

  “Aura, I know you’re angry with me, but that’s no reason to be foolish. Mortriel could return at any time. It would be safer if I stayed with you.”

  “Why don’t you stay with Alannah and the girls?” She hurried to her car without waiting for a response. “Why does your sister have to be so stubborn?” Aidan mumbled unhappily to Bren.

  Since the restaurant wasn’t far from church, Natasha made the excuse she wanted to walk and would meet them there. No one tried to persuade her to go with them. It would be wise to allow her some space until they knew her better.

  Natalie had to get used to being called Natasha. She decided Jeziel could still call her by her real name, as long as they were alone. Judging from Aura’s behavior that morning, she had to assume she and Aidan had a falling out of some kind. She couldn’t wait to tell Jeziel how miserable Aidan looked. She suspected the news would please her friend.

  As she watched Jayden he looked anything but unhappy. Natalie couldn’t help noticing how much he enjoyed Acadia’s company. “I will pay him back; the same way I did his brother,” she thought. “Soon he will be begging for my forgiveness.”