“I believe Rita will be an exceptional mother. She will certainly be protective.”
“You may be right,” she laughed.
Aidan felt like Aura was letting go of some of her anger. Later he would talk with her again. For now he would enjoy the fact she was speaking to him. He was sure she witnessed Jeziel kissing him.
Aura needed to understand it meant nothing to him and he didn’t plan for it. He was shocked momentarily by her display of affection towards him and he didn’t react fast enough. Before he thought of something to say, Jeziel was gone.
He loved Aura. He knew that she was his wife Avriel incarnate. Jeziel was nothing more than a friend. He would remind her the next time they met. First, he needed to convince Aura he would never betray her trust.
Even though he believed Jeziel was innocent in the deaths; part of him felt the kiss was intended to be seen by Aura. He remembered vividly how jealous Jeziel was when he had the conversation before the fire. He thought about her eyes. They were as black as ever. He was conflicted about that. He held out hope she hadn’t fallen, but only time would tell.
Aura looked at him and asked, “Why don’t you take these mushrooms and put them on the dining room table. I promised Rita I would make them and I’m sure she thinks I forgot.”
As he headed to the table, Aidan couldn’t help noticing the little ones were engaged in a conversation with Aureus and his twin brother Dareus. Though he spent most of his life in Heaven, Aidan had never met either of the brothers.
Of course it wasn’t unusual for some of the angels to go unnoticed. Heaven was a vast area with many levels or tiers, he was unfamiliar with. Unlike most of the Archangels who traveled freely among the tiers, Aidan stayed closer to the lower levels, near the earth. It was where most of the guardians stayed. He wasn’t forbidden from going to the other levels. His mother was one of the Angels of the Tiers. But he preferred to stay where he was most comfortable.
He would speak to Iris later. She seemed friendly with the two young angels. Even though Iris was not an Archangel she was one of Heavens most beloved. It was common knowledge she was often in the company of the Lord Father himself. That was one of the reasons Aidan trusted her so completely.
After he placed the tray on the table he walked over to join the conversation with Alannah and her friends. Aidan smiled when he thought about his daughter. She was so sad for such a long time. He was ecstatic when he was told Alannah could come with him. Alannah loved being here with her mother and her best friends Bren and Tracy. Aidan loved them as well. He remembered them as Bree and Tercia, but he was convinced they were reborn as Bren and Tracy. He knew having them here meant a great deal to Alannah.
“What are you talking about?” he smiled, as he picked her up.
“Aureus and Dareus are going to teach us how to ride a horse Daddy,” Alannah said.
Aidan laughed as he remembered the spurs Bren had given to Meaghan. “What’s so funny?” Bren asked. “I was hoping those poor horses won’t be introduced to Meaghan’s spurs.”
“Are your horses fast?” Bren asked Aureus.
He smiled at the girls. “They can go fast if we let them. But maybe we should wait until you have a little more experience before welet them run wild.”
“We’re quick studies,” Bren assured them. “It doesn’t take us long to learn anything. It will be like flying and we’re really good at that.”
“Maybe we can go flying later tonight!” Tracy said. “Yeah we haven’t been flying since Christmas Eve,” Bren said.
“We saw Santa Clause and his reindeer,” Alannah said with enthusiasm. “He wished Bren a Merry Christmas and everything. We had to leave him though, so we could go home and go to bed. Santa Clause doesn’t come when you’re awake.”
Alannah stared at the Christmas tree. “When your sister comes home, we’ll put up the biggest and best tree ever,” Aura promised.
“She’s coming home Mommy. I know she’s coming home. She told me,” Alannah insisted.
Bren and the girls continued to tell Aureus and Dareus all about Santa Clause. They hadn’t heard the story before. Aidan excused himself laughing.“They’ll keep you occupied for hours talking about this. I’m going to see if Aura needs any help in the kitchen.”
Aidan was surprised at how comfortable he felt talking to the twins. They had a way of making him feel at ease. He still didn’t know why they were here, but if Iris trusted them; he saw no reason to doubt her judgment. “Do you need any more help?” Aidan asked Aura.
“No, I think the cater ers have taken care of everything. Why don’t you tell them to start fixing their plates? It looks like they have all the food set out now.”
Aidan couldn’t resist leaning over and kissing Aura lightly on the cheek. He was grateful she didn’t pull away. Maybe she would talk to him later. At least now he was somewhat optimistic.
He left her standing there with Iris as he went to tell the others lunch was ready. The little ones each took the brothers by the hand. It was obvious to them they needed guidance in the art of eating. Aidan remembered his first meal with them.
“So how do you know them?” Aura asked Iris.
“I’m sure you may have some knowledge about me, but I doubt we’ve ever talked about my life before.” Iris looked at Howard and assured him she would join him shortly. He nodded.He wouldn’t interrupt her if she was talking to Aura.
“I’m sure you know we all suffered terrible loss es during the Great War, but some of us lost loved ones before that. Did you know I have a twin sister?”
“No, I’ve never heard you speak about her.”
“Your fathers all knew her. There was a time when we were very close, but that changed when she was captivated by Lucifer. Her name is Isla. We are identical twins.”
“So she decided to follow him like many of the others?”
“Yes. We lost a great many angels to Lucifer and then to the war. I often wonder if they have regrets for their actions. Killing a brother or sister is a horrid crime; so many of the children were lost.”
“Did you have children Iris?”
“I had twin sons, beautiful boys. Of course their father didn’t think so.”
“What happened to them? Did they die in when Lucifer attacked Heaven?”
“No, the Lord Father saved them both. I think it’s important for me to start at the beginning. It will help you understand.”
“Let’s take a walk in the park. It’s a beautiful day and I’m sure no one will miss us,” Aura said. Iris nodded in agreement. It was like a spring day outside. She would enjoy the walk.
“We’ll be back. We’re going for a walk down to the park,” Aura told the girls.
“Do you want me to join you?” Aidan asked. “No, Iris and I are going to talk. We won’t be long. Don’t let the girls bore everyone with their stories.”
“I promise I’ll rescue them if I need to.” Aura smiled as she walked out the door. Perhaps she should forgive Aidan, he was trying so hard. He looked for the good in everyone. She thought he was even more naive then she was. She was sure Jeziel kissed him deliberately to make her jealous. She wasn’t going to play her game, not today, not ever.
As they arrived at the park Iris and Aura took a seat on the bench in front of the Tree of Life.
“I was married to an ange l named Bael. He was Bodhi’s twin brother. Shortly after we were married I gave birth to twin sons. They were the most beautiful, perfect children any mother could hope for, but they were different. They were born without the anatomy to allow them to reproduce. My husband was furious when he saw them. According to him they were defective and would never have any value.”
“Bael made it known they should never have been born and I truly believed their lives were in danger. Shortly before their first birthday they were taken from me. I thought Bael had finally succeeded in causing their deaths. I was overwrought with sadness, but I had no time to grieve because the war had started.”
“Bael was
always jealous of the attention Bodhi received. When he was given the sacred bow, Bael thought it should have been given to him instead; the other angels disagreed. Even then he was untrustworthy. Perhaps that was one of the reasons he decided to follow Lucifer. My sister Isla chose the path to darkness as well.”
“I always suspected Isla was in love with Bael. You have to understand even though he followed Lucifer to Hell, we were still married according to the laws of Heaven. Bael knew I would never break my vows to him; regardless of the circumstances. I expected Isla would have killed me if the chance presented itself, but Bael forbid her from causing me harm. It wasn’t because he loved me; it was his way of making me suffer. He refused to disavow the marriage and all these years I have been alone.”
“But surely the High Council could grant you an annulment under the circumstances?”
“I’m afraid it is beyond even their capabilities. The only way I can be free is if Bael dies. I have no doubt he no longer follows the laws of Heaven, but he knows I would never violate them. I have never married and I have never had any more children.”
“Many years after the war was over we were informed our Father created two Angel Priests. No one knew their identity, but it was foretold if they were ever harmed by the hand of darkness; darkness would never again give birth to another child. A line was drawn that Lucifer himself wouldn’t dare cross.”
Aura looked sadly at Iris, “Dareus and Aureus; they are the Angel priests you speak of; they are your sons.”
“Yes. I have no t seen them in many years. I presumed they were dead by their father’s hands, but I was mistaken. A few years ago Esra told me our Father concealed them to keep them safe. Bael must never know he is their father.”
“I will keep your secret Iris; I promise.”
“I know I can trust you child. I would never have told you if I doubted your loyalty.”
“I don’t see any family resemblance to you. That should help protect them.”
“I’m afraid they look like their father, but they do have my green eyes.”
“I kno w you must be elated to have them here. But why did they come now? Why would he send them with everything else that’s happening?”
“I wish I could answer that. Perhaps in time your visions will provide us with the truth. The little ones seem to be comfortable around them.”
“They are aren’t they? I’m sure they will be excited to go horseback riding with them for the first time. It’s sad when you think about it.”
“What do you mean?”
“We have access to all these wonderful gifts, and yet we barely take advantage of the simplest things in life.”
“Perhaps that’s because we’re always pre -occupied with something else. One day we may be able to let our defenses down, but I fear that day is in the distant future.”
“Are you worried Iris?”
“I am never worried, b ut I have seen too many deaths and far too much destruction in my life to relax my defenses.”
“Perhaps one day we will finally put an end to it all.”
“There is always hope,” Iris squeezed her hand. “You are so much like Avriel sometimes I have to remind myself who you are.”
“Are we not one in the same?” “You have many of her qualities; no one can ever doubt that, but there is more to you; perhaps because you share the most powerful blood of Heaven. Never forget you were born under my Father’s veil. You have many gifts yet undiscovered. I have no doubt they will appear to you when the time is right.”
“Let’s hope I won’t have to use them too often.” Aura hesitated for a moment and then said, “There is something I need to do today. I wish I could tell you, but it might change the outcome. If all goes well we will answer a great many questions. I’m not sure how my family is going to respond to what I’m about to do.”
“Your family trusts you completely and so does Heaven; never doubt that for a second. Your heart will always guide you Aura. I’m sure of that.”
“Thank you Iris. Perhaps one day your heart will guide you too.” Aura smiled as she thought about her godfather. “He loves you; you know. Don’t ever doubt that for a second,” Aura hugged Iris and the two of them started back to the house.
When they arrived, Iris walked over to Howard, who was having a conversation with Rusty. Soon she was laughing with them. Aura hoped one day Iris would be free to marry her godfather. Heaven would certainly approve of their union.
Natasha arrived around one o’clock. Aura thought she would be the last of her guests; but she was mistaken. There was no need to take her coat; the weather remained warm and sunny.
Aura couldn’t believe it was nearly seventy deg rees at the end of December, but she wasn’t about to complain. She knew the mortals would be enjoying the warmth as much as they did. She never minded the winter; it provided the little ones an opportunity to play in the snow. However, a warm sunny day was always appreciated.
Natalie (Natasha) saw Father Patrick and decided to join him. He introduced her to the family who weren’t in church earlier. Natasha was surprised to learn the Allgoods were still in Aeden, as were Renatta and Acadia.
The other servants ventured to the Australian colony after they left her grandmothers employ. She wished Acadia had joined them. It was obvious she was enjoying her time with her husband. Jane and Jayden both seemed comfortable with her.
Natasha was almost shocked to see her grandfather there with Ambrosia and Jade. She wondered where Analie was. Henry seemed to be perfectly relaxed with his new freedom and was engaged in a friendly conversation with Jane.
“Can you please direct me to the bathroom?” Natasha asked.
“It’s right down the hall, first door on the right,” Aura said. “Please let me know if you need anything else. We’re pretty low-key around here.”
“Thank you. I’m sure it won’t take long before I get to be friends with everyone. You have a lovely home by the way.”
“Thank you. I have most of the parties here because I have the biggest kitchen. You know how the boys like to eat,” Aura replied.
As soon as Natasha got in the bathroom she wanted to scream. How long was she expected to keep up this little charade? Jayden making all over that girl, as if they were never married; it was disgusting to watch. I would love to teach them both a lesson. She knew she couldn’t let any of them see how upset she was. She had to preserve her new identity. If shedidn’t, her father would be unforgiving. She stayed there until she was able to control her emotions, then she returned to the party.
Rita and Jessica avoided the new girl deliberately, without trying to be rude. Talk of the wedding provided them with an excuse.
Father Patrick stayed closed to Natasha; considering she didn’t know anyone else. Aura was sure he felt obligated to her.
She encouraged Aidan to talk to Natasha.“Why don’t you get to know her? I’m sure she feels out of place.”
Aidan looked at the new girl. “She looks perfectly fine with Father Patrick. He’s including her in most of the conversations. Your mother is also spending time with her.”
“It would be good for you to make another friend.” ‘I have more than enough friends already.”
Aura looked at him and laughed. “You can never have enough friends. I guess that’s one of the differences between us. It’s a good thing you don’t plan any of our parties; we would be stuck with leftovers for a week.”
“I hardly think that’s possible. I h ave every confidence that your brother and his friend would take care of any leftover food.”
Aura started laughing at Aidan’s attempt to make a joke. Soon he was laughing too. The girls were so excited that Aura and Aidan were getting along, they high-fived each other.
Aura’s brother P .J. had returned home with his best friend A.J. Both sported shorter blonde hair, but their soft blue eyes were unchanged. Since they were finished with most of their training, they were given some time off to spend with their family.
&nb
sp; Eve and Angie were both glowing. They had no idea the boys were coming home, until they arrived that morning. The boys had a special bond with the little ones too. Bren and Tracy were almost as excited as their mother’s when the boys arrived unexpectedly.
Aura couldn’t help noticing the curious look on Natasha’s face. When she heard her laughing with Aidan, her eyes turned black for a split second. Rita and Jessica must have noticed too, because they hurried over to Aura and told her they needed to speak with her privately. “Girl talk again?” Aidan asked.
“Something like that,” Rita said, trying not to be rude.
“Then I’ll leave the three of you alone. I think I’ll try to rescue some of those mushrooms from your brother’s plate.”
Aura was still laughing when Rita and Jessica pulled her into the kitchen.
“Did you see the new girl?” Rita asked. “If you’re asking me if I saw Natasha’s eyes; the answer is yes.”
‘What do you think it means?” Jessica asked. “You’ll both find out soon enough,” Aura said. “What aren’t you telling us Aura?”
“Nothing you need to know yet. Trust me; you’ll have your answers before you know it. Don’t say anything else to anybody. I don’t want to ruin the surprise.”
Jessica and Rita both looked curiously at each other. Aura started laughing.“I promise it will be worth the wait.” When they returned to the other room, there was a knock on the front door.
“I got it!” Mia yelled. “I hope it not Becca Cohen again,” she mumbled under her breath.
The entire room started laughing. Of course Jasmine wasn’t laughing. She wasn’t thrilled with the prospect of Becca making moves on Tristan again.
Jack Donnelly took care of all the legal paperwork for the Guild. He had a very good business relationship with Ira Cohen, a mortal who was always available. Becca was his only daughter and not one of Mia’s favorite people. She saw Becca as arrogant and snobbish, but it was her constant flirting with Tristan that upset her Mia the most. Despite being engaged to Jasmine, Becca still thought she had a chance with him.
Fall from Grace (Book 2: An Angelblood Novel) Page 17