Fall from Grace (Book 2: An Angelblood Novel)

by Linda L. Creel

  “We certainly do, “Aura responded. “Our family is growing.”

  Tiffany looked at Logan. “Should we tell them now?”

  Logan was grinning from ear to ear.“I think it’s the perfect time.”

  “Perfect time for what,” Bren asked , looking at Tracy and Alannah for information. They both shrugged their shoulders. They had no idea what she was going to tell them.

  Tiffany walked over and held Logan’s hand .“We were trying to find the right time to tell you, but I guess now is as good a time as ever. We’re having a baby,” she gushed.

  “What?” Bren and the other girls looked at each other and then started jumping up and down. “We’re moving up in the food chain,” Bren giggled.

  They stood to congratulate the young couple. Myra hugged them both and then looked at Mahlyssa. “Well Grammy, looks like you’re going to be a grandmother again.”

  Logan was her third son. He and Tiffany had been married for just a few months now. Tiffany was Jack Donnelly’s daughter. It was not uncommon for the descendants of the Archangels to marry each other; thereby mixing the blood and giving extraordinary powers to their children. Tiffany was the granddaughter of Raphael and Logan was the grandson of Metatron. Their children would probably be guardians or healers.

  Mahlyssa wasn’t expecting such a warm reception. She was home now. She was almost as excited as Tiffany and Logan were about the baby. Mahlyssa loved babies. She regretted not having more with Virgil when she had the chance. Perhaps one day she would meet someone else and she could give Shannon and Myra a brother. One could only dream.

  Chapter 27

  “I need to talk to all of you about Arian,” Aura said. Will took a defensive stance.“What about him?”

  “I know you want to find Richard and bring him to trial not only for Virgil’s death, but for the other deaths as well. We need to wait a little longer, before we reveal everything we’ve learned here today.”

  “Look, I agreed we had to wait before we went after Natalie. But Richard is clearly guilty of all those other murders and we have enough evidence to bring him to justice now,” Jayden said.

  “That’s true, but I need you to listen to me,” Aura insisted.

  “What difference does it make if we wait?” Will asked.

  “It will make a considerable difference. As I’ve told you repeatedly, we still don’t know who all his accomplices are. Richard has aligned himself with Samhael. I know that with certainty. I don’t want to give Richard the upper hand. We want Will and Joshua to return to New York for the next few days. You’ll all be back for Jasmine and Tristan’s wedding. Rita and Jessica can go with them. I think you should go too Arian. If Richard discovers Arian is here with us, he will be in more danger than youcan imagine. Rita’s shield will protect him at the Academy.”

  “You want us to return there?” Joshua asked. “Yvonne and Yvette Devereaux are there. We believe their father Phillipe has been in contact with Richard. I’m sure he has some knowledge of his plan to overthrow the government in Utopia,” Aura said.

  “Why would it benefit us to wait?” Arian asked.

  “There are others who might be in danger and we are obligated to protect them. The less information Richard thinks we know, the more likely he is to make a mistake. I can’t tell you everything right now. After we start the trial, Richard will have little chance of getting away.”

  “Natalie certainly didn’t have any trouble leaving,” Will scoffed.

  “Natalie left because I allowed her to leave. She is more valuable alive, than she is dead. War is coming and it will show us no mercy. I’m not trying to frighten anyone, but I want us to be prepared. If we wait a little while longer, I promise we’ll have the upper hand. None of us knows why Richard spared Arian’s life. He must believe he had some value or he would have let those creatures kill him, like his parents.”

  “Do you know something else you’re not telling us Aura?” Rita asked.

  “I know a great deal I’m not divulging for your own safety. You can’t fathom some of the visions I’ve had, disturbing as they were. Everything happens for a reason. We have a lot to do to prepare for the weddings and I don’t want any more distractions.”

  “What am I supposed to tell the children of Utopia?” Henry asked.

  “Tell th em to be patient. Tell them we are trying to ensure their safety. Richard won’t be able to use Mahlyssa to hide Natalie now. Their friends are limited. I expect we will soon be meeting the Cavanaugh’s. Richard will be obsessed with revenge. If we wait, the only revenge he’ll know will come from the justice of Heaven. This is the way it needs to happen. There is more at stake than any of you realize. We should be vigilant, but patient.” Aura repeated the same words Michael spoke to her.

  “I don’t have a problem waiting; provided the outcome will be the same,” Arian said.

  “I agree, let’s move forward with the plans for the wedding and let the Guild deal with this,” Will concurred. “Then we’re agreed. We will keep Arian’s return a secret for now?” Aura asked.

  Each of the guests in the room nodded in agreement. “We have a plan in place that will allow us to capture Richard and Natalie. And anyone else who defies the laws of Heaven,” Adam added.

  “I suggest we make plans to go shopping tomorrow in New York like we discussed before. I know Mahlyssa and the others will want new clothes to wear to the wedding. One of us will be with them at all times, so the shield will be ready in the event we need it.”

  Aura could see the fear in Mahlyssa’s face. “I promise you’ll be safe. There’s no reason to be frightened. No one will touch any of the little ones. We will protect them with our life,” Aura assured her.

  “I’ll go with you,” Myra said. “We can choose a dress together.”

  Mahlyssa returned her daughter’s smile. “If you’re sure the children will be protected, then I see no reason to stay hidden.”

  “Good, now is it me or is anyone else hungry?”Aura asked.

  “I could eat again,” P .J. replied. “There’s a surprise,” Aidan mumbled to himself.

  They all laughed. Alannah said, “Daddy made a joke.” She ran to give Aidan a hug. Soon the entire room was more relaxed. They stopped talking about Richard and Natalie and started to make plans for the upcoming weddings.

  Myra insisted Mahlyssa stay at her house, until Richard’s trial was concluded. “We have more than enough room for all of you. Shannon can stay with us and the others are welcome to stay as well.”

  “Why they not stay our house daddy?” Mia asked. “They are certainly welcome to stay with us, but why don’t we let them decide,” Logan said.

  “I thought you said the ground was hallowed?” Mahlyssa asked.

  “It is, but I think Myra wants to keep you here,” Aura said. “You’ll soon realize this is a close knit family. My grandfather Gideon’s shield protects all of us.”

  “I believe Aura’s shield is more powerful than Gideon’s,” Joseph insisted.

  “Why don’t you let the others stay with Aura, she has the most room and can offer the most protection,” Adam said. “Please don’t misunderstand me. You’re all welcome to stay wherever you choose, but we want you to feel safe and Aura has a way of making everybody feel at home.”

  The other couples decided to stay with Aura. “If you need anything we can send a silent message to each other,” Aura insisted. “The only reason we let Natalie escape today, was because I insisted the wards be down. I won’t make that mistake at night, I promise. You’ll be completely safe here.”

  Mia decided that she would stay at Myra’s house too, provided that she had enough chocolate syrup and milk for all of them. As usual Joey would be with her. The two were rarely separated.

  Aura pulled her father aside and whispered something in his ear. “Please dad, we can wait until after dark, but I want to do this,” she pleaded.

  Paul looked at his daughter for a moment and then a huge smile crossed his face. “All rig
ht, but only for a little while. We’ll have to stay close to them as it’s their first time.”

  Aura hugged her father and kissed him on his forehead.“Thanks, you won’t regret it.” Aura called for everyone’s attention. “We need to get our baths early tonight. We have a special surprise for the new angelbloods.”

  Alice was hoping she knew what the surprise was. She thought her parents would love it once they got the hang of it.

  It was nearly four o’clock. Aura told them they had to be bathed and ready to go by six; no later. That would give them a chance to eat once more, before she started to clean the kitchen.

  The caterers left hours before, so they weren’t included in any of the family discussions. Mahlyssa helped bring the plates into the kitchen when they were finished. She couldn’t get over how comfortable she felt around all of them. She would make sure her daughter Shannon would never suffer the same regrets she did.

  Chapter 28

  Natalie and Jeziel arrived outside the Devereaux estate before three o’clock. Fortunately for Natalie, Richard wasn’t there yet. She quickly introduced Jeziel to Phillipe as her cousin.

  “If I didn’t know better I would have mistaken her for you,” he said.

  “We do share the same blood,” Jeziel smiled. “I’m told we look like my mother Laelah. My father has silvery blonde hair. They may have banned him from Heaven, but he is still the most beautiful angel to ever live. No one will ever take that from him,” she said proudly.

  Phillipe stopped dead in his tracks.“Lucifer is your father?”

  “Yes is that a problem?” “I just wasn’t aware Lucifer had any children.”

  Jeziel’s tone was indifferent. Phillipe could almost sense a bit of bitterness in her voice.“My father has two children; me and my brother Mortriel. My brother followed him after the insurrection in Heaven; leaving me behind.”

  “I’m sure he had his reasons for not taking you with him.”

  “Oh, I’m sure of that. I wasonly a child. But I’m all grown up now.”

  Natalie whispered.“Are you still alone?” She had no desire to explain the scar to Phillipe’s daughters or his wife.

  “Yes. The girls are at the Godwin Academy and Marie is still at the beach.” As they were about to enter the house, Richard showed up.

  “Why did you summon me here? Has someone discovered your identity?” he asked. He didn’t have to wait for a response. He could see that Natalie was herself again. Gone were the blonde curls and the blue eyes.

  “Why don’t we go inside?” Phillipe suggested. “I’m afraid the servants are not here, otherwise I would offer you some refreshments.”

  “That won’t be necessary, but thank you for your kind offer,” Jeziel smiled.

  Seeingthe scar on Natalie’s face enraged Richard. “How did this happen?”

  Natalie started at the beginning, telling her father the whole story.

  “Joshua is engaged?” Richard laughed. “Mother will love that. And who pray tell is the lucky girl?” “Jessica. Joshua is marrying the girl who gave me this scar,” Natalie whined.

  “Are you sure there is no mistake?”

  “I’m sure and Henry also knows.”

  “How did your appearance change back? Did the spell wear off?”

  “No, Aura saw threw my disguise.”

  Richard became even angrier. “Where is your wedding ring?”

  “It’s gone,” Natalie hung her head in shame.

  Richard walked over to her and placed his hand on her chin, lifting her head and staring into her eyes. “Were you wearing the ring when you were exposed today?”

  Natalie took a step backwards; fearing that her father would slap her. “I had it hidden beneath my blouse where no one could see it,” she explained.

  “Well obviously someone saw it. Where is it now?” “Aura ripped it off my neck.”

  “I told you not to wear that ring. I should have insisted you give it to me. I trusted you and once again you have disappointed me.”

  Jeziel stepped in to defend her cousin. “It wasn’t her fault.This is Aura’s doing. I think you should accept some responsibility for what happened.”

  “I have always accepted responsibility for my daughter’s poor judgment,” Richard replied. “Every day I have to deal with another crisis because my daughter fails to listen to me. I doubt your father would be so patient.”

  “ My father waited thousands of years for me to return. I can assure you he is more than patient,” Jeziel hissed.

  Not wanting to upset Jeziel for fear of retribution from Lucifer, Richard decided it would be in his best interest to calm down. “Well now we have a dilemma. Do either of you have any suggestions as to how we correct it this problem?”

  “Natalie should stay with me. Perhaps you can seek the Enchantor’s help again,” Jeziel said.

  “That might be worth considering. Mahlyssa removed the scar the first time, I have confidence she can do it again.”

  “What can you offer her this time father? Before, you removed her father’s curse. I doubt you have anything else of value to bargain with,” Natalie said.

  “Do I look like a fool? Everyone has a weakness. Mahlyssa’s weakness is her daughter and the other children who reside with her. I’m certain the threat to harm them will provide me the advantage I need in order to gain her help.”

  “Why don’t you reverse the spell and curse her a second time?” Natalie asked.

  “If I could do that we wouldn’t be having this discussion. Unfortunately,that’s not a possible option.” “What if she refuses to help you?”

  “Then I will make an example of one of the children. She will agree or their blood will be on her hands.” ‘What should I do in the meantime?” Natalie asked.

  “You’ll stay here until I have met with the Enchantor. When I return,we’ll give you another identity. Jeziel is welcome to stay with you until I return, but you are not to leave this house. Are we clear about this?”

  “Yes father. I won’t disobey you.”

  “I’ve heard that before,” Richard laughed. “I’m running out of resources Natalie. If you insist on disobeying me, I may not be able to keep you alive. Do you understand?”

  “I understand,” Natalie replied quietly. “Will you stay with me until my father returns?” She asked Jeziel. “Of course, but I want to be back before midnight. I told you I’m planning to meet Aidan again.”

  “I doubt it will take more than a few hours,” Richard said. “Remember to stay inside until I return.” He then turned and walked out the front door.

  “I think that went well considering; don’t you?” Jeziel asked Natalie.

  “It could have been a lot worse. Thanks for staying with me. You’re a good friend.”

  “Blood calls to blood,” and they both laughed.

  Richard immediately went to see Mahlyssa. He knocked on the door several times before trying to enter the residence; only to find the front door locked. “What game are you playing with me?” he seethed.

  After waiting for a response, he decided to open the door himself; not caring if it would close again. He looked around instinctively to make sure he was not being watched and then he pulled the door off its hinges.

  The house was abandoned. He became more enraged with each step, until he realized Mahlyssa had played him for a fool. “How dare you betray me!” he screamed.

  He had a feeling Mahlyssa went to Aeden to search for her daughter. “You can’t stay hidden forever,” he thought.

  Then he remembered his friends in London. Why didn’t he think about them before? They would not betray him; there was too much at stake.

  He smiled to himself. This was the advantage he was hoping for. He would take Natalie to Paris until he had things sorted out. Perhaps Jeziel would accompany them. Meredith would be ecstatic to finally meet Lucifer’s daughter.

  Chapter 29

  When the baths were finished, Aura brought everyone into the family room. “I have something
to tell you. We thought it would be a perfect night to go flying.”

  The little ones all started to jump and clapped their hands. They loved flying, though they didn’t have many opportunities to spread their wings. “Am I going too?” Shannon asked hopefully.

  “We’re all going,” Bren said. “Even your Mum will be able to test her wings.”

  “I don’t know about that. I doubt I could manage such a thing,” Mahlyssa laughed.

  “It’s easy,” Bren said. “We’ll teach you.” Alannah and Tracy nodded in agreement.

  “Are you sure? Shouldn’t we have some practice first?” Arian asked.

  “This is practice,” Bren said. “Stay close to us and we’ll show you what to do.”

  Shannon could barely contain her excitement. “I can’t wait. What time are we going?”

  “We’ll wait until it’s completely dark. Then Dad will take us to a remote location, and we can practice there,” Aura said.

  “You’re gonna love it,” Bren said.

  Aura was shocked to learn that the other angelbloods never took the opportunity to spread their wings. That was another difference between them. Her father took them flying whenever he could. They were after all part angel.

  The little ones took turns climbing on the sofa to look out the window. When they were sure it was dark enough, they ran to tell Aura it was time.

  Aura had them follow her outside, and directed them to stand in a circle. “All you have to do is whisper, “wings” and they will appear. When you want them to retract, you only have to say “hide.”

  They all hesitated for a minute, but then nodded that they understood. Aura didn’t have to speak the words. Like most of the angels, she only had to think about her wings and they appeared. As soon as she spread her wings, the family stared at her.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked.

  Bren looked at her big sister. “Your wings are different.”

  “What do you mean? They’re the same as they’ve always been,” Aura laughed.

  “No they aren’t,” Aidan concurred. “They are brighter and each feather has a small golden eye. I don’t recall seeing them the last time we went flying.”