The Wanderer's Children

by L. G. O'Connor

  Michael watched Jonas tenderly separate Roxy’s soul from her bloody body inside the light and tuck her glowing form under his wing. Instead of taking her up and away, he flew over to where Michael stood.

  “Will you take Miss Collins a message for me?” Jonas asked telepathically and glanced at the plane.

  “Yes,” he whispered, enthralled by Jonas’s purple gaze. His breath hitched as his brain failed to fully process what his eyes had seen. Michael tipped his chin toward where Jonas had stood with Escher. “Why did you change forms a minute ago?”

  Jonas tilted his head. “Not every soul is taken to Heaven, Messenger Swift. Some are dragged to Hell. My attire varies accordingly.”

  Michael chewed his lip and nodded. “What’s your message?”

  “Tell Miss Collins that she must return to the meadow to find the answers she seeks.”

  “I’ll tell her,” Michael responded. Unsure of what the message meant, he committed it to memory.

  Then Roxy whispered in Jonas’s ear and he nodded. She smiled peacefully at Michael. “Tell King I’m okay, and that I love him. Don’t let him feel guilty, promise?”

  “Promise,” he whispered as a single tear trailed down his cheek.

  “Have faith, Messenger Swift,” Jonas said. “That message is for you.”

  And they were gone.

  A strong gale filled the air in their wake, and the sky filled with white wings as the reinforcements arrived and uncloaked.

  If only they’d come a few minutes earlier…

  Chapter 61

  BRETT

  BRETT LOOKED ON IN HORROR as Roxy’s body crumpled to the ground, covered in blood. He struggled with every ounce of strength he had against Paco and Angel who had him locked in an iron embrace under a veil of invisibility.

  “No! Oh no,” he cried. His legs buckled and he dragged the Guardians to the ground with him. “He killed her!” His eyes blurred and hot tears flooded his cheeks.

  “I’m so sorry, m’ijo,” Angel said, his voice thick with emotion.

  “Why didn’t you save her?”

  “Not everyone is meant to be saved,” he said gently, his eyes as wet his Brett’s. “She was a good girl, that Roxy.”

  “He dies. He needs to die,” Brett gritted out, hate burning a hole in his chest. “I’m going to destroy him, whatever it takes.”

  Angel and Paco lifted him to his feet. “Don’t talk foolish. If anyone deserves that honor, it’s me,” Angel said, pain blazing in his eyes. He wrapped his arm around Brett’s shoulder, squeezing him hard to his side. “I’ve been after this bastard for the better part of one hundred and fifty years. He’s not easy to catch.”

  “Why are you after him?” Brett roughly brushed away the wetness on his cheeks with the back of his arm, caught off guard by Angel’s admission. It was deeply personal, whatever it was.

  Angel pressed his lips together and looked away. For a second Brett thought he wasn’t going to answer. Instead, he turned back and shook his head, not able to meet Brett’s eyes. “He stole someone from me, too,” Angel whispered. “And he’ll pay if it’s with my last dying breath.”

  “Tell me what to do. I want in,” Brett said vehemently.

  “You start by getting on that damn plane,” Angel said and pointed to the private jet.

  “Done. What else?” Brett said and ground his teeth.

  “You accept your Calling as a Messenger when it’s offered. Then you discover your gifts and focus on your mission. When the big party is over, we’ll save Escher for ourselves. We’ll send him to Hell together,” Angel said.

  “It’s a deal,” Brett shook Angel’s hand, but the bargain didn’t lighten the weight of Roxy’s death.

  A moment later, white wings dive-bombed the demons from the sky. The team left on the ground joined the fray with weapons blazing.

  Angel’s brown eyes warmed as he clasped Brett’s shoulder. “I’ll take care of Roxy, m’ijo. You go to the Sanctuary.” Then he traded a look with Paco. “Take him to the plane, and I’ll have Isaac get the others.”

  Brett’s shoulders slumped. “I’ll pay for the funeral,” he said over the lump in his throat.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything. Now go,” Angel said, letting go of them and heading off into the melee.

  “Brett,” Cara said as Paco escorted him into the plane. The pilot secured the door behind them, and then retreated to the cockpit.

  Cara’s green eyes were filled with tears. She threw her arms around him. “I’m so sorry about Roxy,” she whispered.

  “I couldn’t save her,” he choked out, pressing her close. He’d watched Roxy die, unable to do anything to prevent it. Nothing. Nada.

  “I know,” Cara whispered and kissed his hair. “It happened so fast… even I couldn’t save her.”

  Brett buried his face deep next to Cara’s neck and tightened his grip around her, wanting to find relief. The sweet smell of her skin and hint of her shampoo provided comfort as he let his grief overtake him. He wept on her shoulder, clutching her as if his life depended on it, trying to purge the pain gutting his insides—afraid that if he let go, he would shatter at her feet.

  Her arms wrapped around him like iron bands, followed by a wave of loving energy that washed over him gently, caressing him down to his soul.

  “She was my best friend,” he managed to say, only able to breathe through his mouth with his overstuffed sinuses. His head ached and all he wanted to do was curl up on the leather bench seating behind them in a fetal position and disappear.

  He squeezed his eyes shut. What would Angel tell her family? What would he tell her family?

  The Rexton clan had practically adopted him when he met Roxy in college. She was the youngest child, the only girl, and the apple of her four bruiser brothers’ eyes. It was because of the Rexton brothers that Brett took up mixed martial arts. Her brother, Skylar, had been Brett’s trainer and close friend since he turned twenty. It wasn’t unusual for Brett to fly him in to join legs of King Metaljam tours. The thought of telling Sky about Roxy turned his stomach.

  Outside of Roxy, her brother, and the AABC guys, he couldn’t claim a long list of real friends. Business associates and acquaintances, yes. Friends, no. Losing Roxy cut him deep. He couldn’t imagine life without her there to keep him in line and to manage his professional life. Hell, to manage his whole life.

  “Let’s sit down,” Cara whispered and dropped her arms. Taking his hand she led him to a nearby seat. “I’ll be right back.”

  She returned with a wad of tissues which he gladly accepted, and then sat down beside him.

  “Sorry. I didn’t mean to unload like that,” he said as he wiped his eyes and blew his nose, his head still feeling like it might explode from the pressure behind his eyes. “Thanks…”

  “She was your best friend. Enough said.” Leaning over, she kissed the side of his head.

  Brett flipped back to the anger stage of his grief and frowned. “Escher Grant will pay, if it’s the last thing I do, Cara,” he said, gritting his teeth.

  Cara’s eyes bore into him and she squeezed his hand. “They all will, Brett. And we’ll do it together. I promise.”

  He nodded and decided to keep his and Angel’s plan to himself.

  “They’re here,” Paco said quietly from behind them, and dropped the stairs for the others to board.

  He and Cara popped up out of their seats to greet them. Chloe trotted in first looking like she was ready for the Westminster dog show in her pink coat. Kai and Michael spilled into the plane next, followed by Luke with his bloody wing askew.

  Simon and Isaac boarded after Luke, struggling with Noah’s dead weight between them. “Paco, get the pilot. We need to make tracks,” Isaac barked as he and Simon laid Noah down in a large carpeted opening between two one-seat rows. Lucky for them, the custom interior had plenty of space to maneuver.

  Zeke popped in last as Cara ran over to Noah. Simon and Isaac backed away to give her room.
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  “Luke, I’ll get you next. Stand over by Simon and Isaac while I work on Noah.” Cara swept her gaze over the rest of them. “I’ll look at everyone one by one after I get these two fixed up.”

  Other than some cuts and scrapes, everyone else looked fine.

  Brett glanced out the nearest window. The tarmac was empty with the exception of mounds of black sand lying in random patterns and covering a wide swathe around the plane. By his estimation, the remains of more than one hundred demon Nephilim littered the asphalt.

  “Where’s Angel?” Brett asked, expecting to see his friend before they left.

  “Taking care of Roxy,” Zeke said with a sympathetic look.

  Isaac spoke up. “Change in plans. I’ll be staying behind in place of Noah. We’ll handle everything on this side with Angel, including a cover story for Roxy’s death that doesn’t include Brett.”

  “But—”

  Isaac met his eyes with an ice-blue stare. “I’m sorry, brother, it’s the only way. Trust us. We’ll do right by her.”

  A lump rose up in the back of Brett’s throat. All he could do was nod.

  The pilot parted the curtain, looking shaken, and emerged with Paco. “Are you ready for takeoff?”

  “Yes, Captain,” Isaac said. “Si, you got this from here?”

  Simon clenched his jaw and nodded. “Yeah.”

  “Zeke, let’s go,” Isaac said and disappeared through the cabin door. Zeke followed, and glanced back at Cara. “Take care of my boy, doll.”

  “I have it,” she said with a tight smile.

  The door slammed shut with a thunk. Simon secured it from the inside and took a seat near Paco and Kai as Cara’s light show descended in full force. The light expanded, pushing out a forceful breeze that flew over Brett’s skin. He stumbled back and caught the edge of one of the seats next to Michael who’d had the foresight to get the farthest away before Cara did her thing.

  Unable to look away, Brett prayed his gifts would be as cool and as useful. Something that could bring down Escher, but good.

  Michael grasped his forearm. “Hey, let’s go back there a second.” He tilted his chin toward the back of the cabin. With Cara’s breeze at their backs, they left the others and made their way to the farthest row, slipping into two of the four seats flanking a sleek wood table.

  “You were great out there,” Brett said. “I saw you from where Paco had us cloaked.”

  “Thanks.” Michael smiled sadly and took a deep breath. “I have a message for you… from Roxy.”

  Brett’s shoulders tensed. “What do you mean?”

  “I see dead people sometimes.” He shrugged. “I guess it’s one of my gifts.”

  Goosebumps rose on Brett’s arms. “Did you see her after she died?”

  Michael nodded. “She wanted you to know she was okay, and not to feel guilty over what happened. And that she loves you.”

  Brett swallowed and his vision blurred again. “She said that?”

  “Yeah. The guilt part? She made me promise not to let you feel guilty.” Michael rested his hand on Brett’s shoulder. “Can you help me keep that promise?”

  At least he didn’t have to promise not to avenge her death. That would’ve been a promise he couldn’t have kept. “Yeah,” he choked out, trying to get his shit back together. Cara was one thing, but he couldn’t handle more waterworks in front of anyone else.

  Kai approached them a few minutes later. “Hey. Cara wants to check Michael over.”

  “I’ll head up with you,” Brett said, the lump in his throat finally back under control.

  “Brett, I’m so sorry about Roxy,” Kai said clapping him on the back and pulling him into a brief man-hug before they joined the others.

  He had to admit, the outpouring of support from the group warmed him. He felt better. Not so alone. Maybe this whole cluster fuck would lead to something good. New friendships even.

  By the time they reached the front, Luke was seated and looked good as new, his wings no longer visible outside his black uniform. Noah had been moved to one of the seats that flattened into a bed. He still looked the same… unconscious.

  “He all right?” Brett pointed to Noah.

  Cara wore a worried look, her hands planted on her hips. “His energy’s good. His breathing and heart rate are fine. But he’s unresponsive. I don’t get it.”

  “Demon magic,” Paco chimed in, arms crossed over his broad chest. “Good that we’re taking him to the Sanctuary. They’ll be able to pull him out of it. It’s not the first time Escher has woven a spell.” Then he added under his breath, “Pendejo.”

  “Asshole” wasn’t nearly a strong enough insult, Brett thought.

  The engines rumbled to life. Except for Chloe who was curled up in a pink ball asleep on one of the leather seats, they all looked a little rough and in need of a stiff drink.

  “Buckle up,” Simon said and took his seat.

  Brett sat next to Michael while Kai took the seat across the aisle.

  Kneeling down next Noah, Cara touched his wrist, and then placed her hand on his heart one more time. Rising, Cara swayed on her feet.

  “Come sit down, love,” Simon said, patting the seat next to him.

  She spun a slow circle suddenly looking disoriented and stumbled. “I forgot to tell you…”

  A look of worry etched across Simon’s forehead. “Are you all right?”

  “Lucifer was here,” she said, ignoring his question.

  Lucifer? That Lucifer? Brett thought.

  Cara held her cheeks and giggled like she was high. “His friends call him Luc Morningstar.”

  Simon, Michael, and Kai all unbuckled and jack-in-the-boxed out of their seats, looks of worry turning to panic.

  Simon bolted over to her, and gently captured her arm. “When? When was Lucifer here?”

  No response.

  “Cara?” Simon asked as she stared into space.

  No longer hearing him, she pulled out of his grasp and spun in a slow circle. “He’d said I’d help him. But I won’t. I just wish I knew what he injected into my neck,” she mused.

  Then her head fell back and she collapsed onto the carpet.

  The plane took off and all hell broke loose.

  Chapter 62

  KAI

  “LUKE, GET MY MEDICAL BAG!” Kai barked as he dropped to his knees next to Cara and fought the strong sense of déjà vu. This would be the second time in as many months he’d been charged with saving Cara at the hand of a demon.

  Simon was poised on the floor next to him with a look of controlled panic behind his eyes, ready to assist. This, too, was becoming a habit.

  Kai touched his shoulder. “Hang tight with me?”

  Simon nodded, his jaw twitching.

  Luke handed him the metal case from where he’d left it next to Noah. Kai removed the stethoscope and took her vitals.

  “Her heart rate is slightly elevated and her skin seems hotter to the touch than normal,” Kai said, his eyes fixing on Simon’s. “She’s running a fever. I’ll draw some blood and use the mini-lab. Noah should’ve left it near the cockpit for me when he loaded the bags earlier. Roll up her sleeve for me.”

  Simon blew out a breath and did as he was told, easing the black garment up her arm and removing her wrist sheath.

  Damn it, Cara. Why didn’t you say something sooner? The fucking King of Darkness injects you with something and you don’t think to bring that up? And you think I keep shit from you?

  Kai fished a syringe from his kit, maintaining his calm exterior while blood pulsed through his ears in an out-of-control conga beat. The plane’s climate control blew cool air over him, drying the moisture beading over his lip.

  Don’t do this to us again, Cara. Hear me?

  Michael and Brett hovered nearby looking equally as distraught.

  Kai sank the syringe into her vein and drew a vial of blood. Enough to keep him busy for the six-and-a-half-hour plane ride to the Sanctuary.

  He looked
up into Simon’s expectant eyes. “Make her comfortable in one of the reclining chairs. I’m going to be at this for a while.” He handed Simon the ear thermometer, stethoscope, and blood pressure cuff. “Check her every thirty minutes, write down the results, and bring them to me. I’ll be working in the galley.” Kai gave himself a mental pat on the back for teaching Simon some basics, even if only to boost his confidence. Given Cara’s evolving condition, Kai was thankful for the extra help.

  “Got it,” Simon said, wearing a brave face. But he couldn’t hide the haunted stare that Kai knew so well.

  “The prophecy? Could this… ?” Michael’s voice hitched, echoing in Kai’s head.

  Simon’s shaky reply followed. “Too soon. I’m almost sure of it.”

  Kai’s pulse quickened as he eavesdropped on their private conversation.

  “What are you talking about?” Kai asked. He’d never had the heart to tell them that he could tune into any conversation on any frequency if he tried. Though he seemed to default to the one used by Simon, Michael, and Cara. Even as the Center Stone of their original Trinity, he shouldn’t be able share that link. His private channel with Cara was even more unusual.

  Simon’s eyes flashed up and filled with surprise. “You can hear us?”

  “Yeah, and then some.”

  Simon swept a hand over his face and traded a glance with Michael. “Let me move Cara, and then Michael and I will follow you to the galley.”

  At Michael’s request, Brett stationed himself at Cara’s side, and then Simon and Michael followed him back to the kitchen area.

  Simon closed the curtain behind them, while Kai hauled the minilab up onto the galley table and cracked it open. He removed the laptop first, and then powered up all the equipment.

  “I’m listening,” said Kai as he worked while Michael and Simon shifted uncomfortably on their feet. “And start at the beginning.” He glanced at Simon. “We have plenty of time until your next check on Cara.”