An Angel for Avery

by Ciara Lake

  “I’ll be on my way. I can tell you two are busy.” Grace winked as she headed to the door. “I’ll see you at eight-thirty. Be sure to get enough candy for the tons of children who will come to your door tonight.”

  “We’re going to have lit up pumpkins outside too. Aiden bought them yesterday. We’re waiting for them to be delivered with some other things he purchased.”

  “Great, they’ll look cute on the porch.” She waved to Aiden. “Have a good morning. I can’t wait to see your costumes. Ta-ta for now.” She walked out the door.

  * * * *

  “I had a wonderful time. You’re so much fun.” Avery grinned. “I liked the diner too. The breakfast was great.” Avery turned off the car radio as Aiden pulled into the parking lot at the inn.

  “I had a wonderful time too.” Aiden smiled. “I enjoy every moment with you.”

  Avery grew hot from his compliment. He touched her hand, affectionately stroking her. His touch made her giddy. The look he gave her caused butterflies in her stomach.

  “I really love my costume.” Avery quickly changed the subject. “I have to stop letting you buy me things.”

  “Why?” Aiden parked the car. “I like to buy you things.”

  “It’s not appropriate.”

  “I see.” Aiden shook his head as he turned off the car. “I think you will look marvelous in your princess outfit. I think it is very appropriate for me to buy you things.”

  “Why would it be very appropriate?”

  “Because I like you very much, and you freed me, gave me what I had desired for so long. Now I want to give you things.”

  “I like you too. And I love your fake halo and wings.” Avery giggled. “They’re perfect.”

  “They are phony. I look silly.” He chuckled. “I only agreed to buy them because you are so beautiful when you smile. You asked me nicely to dress up as an angel. Your angel. And I do not mind being your angel.” He got out of the car and went around to the passenger side to help her out. When she gave him her hand, he kissed it. Then he walked her to the front door of their cabin with his hand on her lower back. His touch was becoming more possessive.

  “Look, here’s a note.” Avery took the yellow piece of paper off the door and read it silently. “Our packages are at the front desk. I need to give them a call.”

  “Okay.” He opened the door.

  “Do you ever use a key?”

  “Sometimes, for appearances.” He held the door for her.

  “I’ll call them to bring the packages.” Avery walked over to the cabin’s phone. After speaking to someone, she hung up. “They’ll be bringing them over. I want to see what you purchased. Maybe you can model for me.”

  “We will see. Perhaps we can negotiate something. I will model for you, if you model for me.” He winked, then turned on the TV.

  Avery walked into the kitchen giggling. Her stomach clenched, ready to lose its contents, when she saw blood smeared into what looked like words all over the countertops. Even the refrigerator had odd looking letters scribbled on its front. Blood dripped to the floor, pooling under the freezer section, and she nearly stepped into it. Avery jumped back, avoiding the puddle. She slammed into the kitchen counter behind her.

  “Aiden!”

  He was by her side instantly.

  “What is that?” She pointed at a gory looking clump on the main countertop. “It looks like...”

  “It is a pig’s heart and blood.” Aiden examined the carnage on the countertop.

  “A pig’s heart! It stinks.” Avery coughed, nearly gagging. “Can you read these words? What does it say?” Avery stood close to him. She trembled.

  “Yes, it says ‘Beware, I am coming for you.’” Aiden briefly closed his eyes.

  “What language is it?”

  “Sanskrit.”

  “Does it say anything else?”

  “Not really.” Aiden shook his head.

  “Not really?”

  “No, not really.”

  “Who would do this?” Avery looked around. “Do you think they’re still here?”

  “No. There is no one here. The house is empty.” Aiden rubbed her back.

  Avery’s heart pounded fast and hard in her chest.

  “Evil ones have their ways to do these things.”

  “Why would someone do this?” She continued to shake.

  “It is not just someone.” Aiden ran his hand through his hair. “Come.” He took her hand and led her to the living room. “I will clean it up.” He ushered her to the sofa. “Sit here. I will take care of it.” In a few minutes, he was back beside her. “It is gone now.”

  “So quickly?”

  “Yes.” He frowned.

  “Oh Aiden, this is awful. Who would have done this?”

  “It is a message from Osage.” Aiden sat down next to her. “I worried about this.”

  “Osage?”

  “Yes, the wicked one. He knows I am free. It seems he has found me.”

  “He’s coming after you?” Avery squeaked. For a second, Aiden’s features shifted, marring his handsome façade.

  “He wants me to think so.” Aiden covered his face with his hands and leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees. “But he is afraid to directly confront me. Evil ones like to announce themselves to elicit panic. So we will not panic.”

  “Why?”

  “Why, what?”

  “Why does he want you?

  “Because we are enemies. And I am dangerous to him.” Aiden raised his hand, his fingernails turned into claws. Avery inched back from him. “Do not fear me. I will never harm you. I wanted to show you I am more than I appear, much more. I have many powerful weapons at my disposal.” He reached for her hand. “I am an angel with supernatural abilities which can incite fear in mere mortals as well as wizards such as Osage. Last time Osage defeated me, it was with the use of a human’s deceit. I will not be deceived again.” Aiden looked past her out the window. “Nevertheless, we must be careful. I am going to have to destroy him for good. I am not going to let you out of my sight. I must protect you.”

  “Angels are dangerous? I mean, I know you carry a sword and you are a guardian angel, but…”

  “Yes, of course we can be dangerous. Angels are not all sweet as your decorations and your fairy tales depict us.” Aiden raised his left eyebrow. “Demons are our brothers. Once we were comrades. They have used their powers in evil ways to harm others who are innocent. They find pleasure in their dominance over the weaker. Nevertheless, all angels are basically the same. I, as well as my comrades, am extremely powerful. We could be evil if we choose to be. We have taken the other route. We guard this world from evil.”

  “You know, I have to go to work sometimes.” Avery jumped up off the sofa. “You can’t watch me all the time. I have to live.”

  “I will go with you.” Aiden stood too. She moved away from him. “Please, Avery, do not fear me. I am not evil, nor do I wish to become evil. I will protect you without fail.”

  “It’ll seem odd for you to be going to work with me, especially at two in the morning.”

  “No one will see me. I can be invisible. Besides, why would it be odd?”

  “Of course you can be invisible. Why didn’t I know that?” Avery giggled as she twisted her hands together. “You know the nightmare I had?” She flopped on the sofa.

  “Yes.”

  “An ugly man—no, a hideous man was in my dream. He spoke to me. He said something about me being the angel’s toy. Do you think it had anything to do with this? Was he talking about you and me? Am I your toy? Was my dream more than a dream?”

  “Damn. Yes, it was more than a dream. Osage has been able to reach you directly through your dreams. And, no, you are not my toy.” He stood and began to pace the floor. “I am very sorry, Avery.” He clenched his fists. “I had hoped Osage would not look for me or even feel that I was freed. I used very little angel power to stay undetectable as much as possible.” He walked over to the window and
stared out.

  “I’m scared.” Avery walked over to him. She touched his back, and he turned toward her.

  “We do need to be careful. Osage is out for revenge. He cannot kill me, but he can make me suffer. Hurting you would make me experience great pain.” Aiden started to pace the floor again.

  Tears formed in Avery’s eyes. “I worry you may be leaving, and I’m growing attached to you. I like your company.” He stopped to look down at her. “If you leave me, he may still come after me.”

  “What makes you think I am going to leave you? I have not said anything like that.” His voice rose and the window vibrated. “I will not leave you. I am going to protect you.” His eyes glowed bright. “Even if I left, he would still come for you. I will not allow that to happen.” He turned around, running his hands through his hair. Agitation was evident in his every movement. “Because he knows I care—”

  The doorbell rang. Avery jumped.

  “It is okay, they have brought our deliveries from the stores.” Aiden walked over to open the door. Four bellhops rolled in four large carts.

  “There are two more cart loads at the mansion,” Rod said. “We’ll be back.”

  They unloaded the packages and then pushed the empty carts back out the door.

  “Thank you.” Aiden closed the door behind them.

  “You bought a lot of stuff to wear. This isn’t all decorations.” She touched a few sacks and a garment bag.

  “Only part of it is mine. The rest is yours. I purchased you everything you tried on as well as whatever the salesladies thought you should have.” He smiled.

  “Are you serious? Aiden, this is too much. I can’t accept this.”

  “You told me you needed everything.” He put his arms around her. “I do not want you to need anything. You are taking nothing from me. I am giving it to you of my own free will.”

  “Yes, but...” She turned in his arms, looking up at him. “It’s not right for me to accept such extravagant gifts from you.”

  “Avery, please accept what I offer.” He gently rubbed her cheek with the back of his hand. A zing of energy passed through her. “I care for you. I want to see you happy. It is not only because you released me, but because you are a beautiful woman with a sweet soul. You make me feel things I have never felt. I expect no payment from you, if you are concerned.” He pulled her to him and kissed her.

  Avery melted against him.

  He released her, resting his forehead against hers. “I am sorry I have brought the wicked one’s attention to you. I feel bad for doing so. But I shall defeat him. He will not hurt you. I swear I will not let anything or anyone hurt you.” Aiden’s voice changed again. It became louder, almost thunderous, and again the windows vibrated. “Come try these clothes on for me. I want you to model for me. I want to see how beautiful you look.”

  The doorbell rang again. Aiden let Rod and another bellhop in with the last two carts. The carts were loaded down with bags of decorations.

  “Thanks, Rod.” Avery nodded to the man.

  “Not a problem. Have a good time with all of your purchases.” Rod winked.

  “Here is a tip for you as well as the men who helped.” Aiden handed Rod a number of bills.

  “Thanks.” Rod’s face glowed with happiness. “See you both at the party tonight. It’ll be a blast,” he said as he walked out the door.

  “Yes, we will be there.” Aiden closed the door, then turned to look at Avery. “Now show me what you have here. I want to see the nightgowns on you. I picked those out. I knew you would look lovely.” He grinned and winked.

  “You did?”

  “Yes. While you were in the dressing room, I asked them to show you the nightgowns.” He picked up a package. “This is the pink one. I particularly like the color.” He put his hand on her lower back as they walked toward the bedroom door. His touch made her feel weak in the knees.

  “How did you know exactly where the pink one was?” She looked around at all the packages. “And how did you clean up the horrid mess in the kitchen so fast?”

  “I told you, I have special abilities.”

  “Yes, I guess so.”

  “We have several hours before we have to get ready for trick-or-treating. Give me a fashion show. I want to see how beautiful you look in everything. I will wait here for you to change.” He handed her the gown. “Unless I can assist you?”

  “You’re being a devil today.” Avery smiled.

  “Not yet.” He winked.

  “I don’t know if I should try this on for you.” She threw her arms around his neck and gave him a peck on his cheek. “It’s very provocative. I don’t want to be a tease.”

  “I will be good. Let me see how lovely you make the gown look.”

  “Hmm.” She stared at him for a moment, cocking her head to the side. “Okay.” She took the gown from him, then walked into the bedroom, closing the door behind her. “Hey, can I have the robe too?” She opened the door again, reaching her hand out for it.

  “Sure.” Aiden handed it to her. “Here are your slippers too. I want to see the full look. But I will want you to take the robe off so I can see the lovely gown.”

  * * * *

  Aiden looked over the room. There was no more need to hide his magic anymore since Osage already knew he was free and had located him. He snapped his fingers, rejoicing in the use of his powers. All their clothing, as well as the decorations, were instantly unwrapped, arranged, and sorted. Then he used his powers to move his purchases to one of the empty bedrooms. Aiden walked around the room looking at their purchases. Picking up the pumpkins, he examined them closely. Without plugging in the pumpkin, he gave it power to light up. “Nice.” Aiden grinned as he thought of the beautiful woman in the other room.

  “Aiden, go sit on the sofa.” Avery cracked open the door to peek out.

  “Wear your hair down for me.” He sat on the sofa.

  “You’re bossy.” Avery giggled, closing the door again. “I have my hair down.”

  “I am sitting.” He turned off the TV with the remote.

  Slowly, the door opened. A sensual woman in a hot pink silky gown with high heels strolled out to the middle of the living room. Avery pulled her robe closed. Nevertheless, he could see she was alluring from head to feet. Her beautiful hair flowed free down her back, softly curling around her face. Aiden pushed himself back into the sofa in an attempt to keep seated. His jaw tightened. Excitement raced through him. He itched to touch her, hold her in his arms, and cover her with his body.

  “You are so lovely.” Reaching for her arm as she walked too close, he caught her. “Got you.” He growled as he pulled her into his lap.

  Avery giggled, wiggling to get away from him.

  “Come here, beautiful woman. Do not struggle. You waste your energy.” He held her in his lap. Her soft bottom bounced, cushioning his rigid cock.

  “Stop, Aiden.” She slapped his hands. “Stop, I can’t model in your lap.” She gave him a crooked smile.

  “Stop what?” He nuzzled her neck. “Are you sure you want me to stop? I do not feel like stopping.” He kissed her shoulder. “Modeling in my lap is fine.” Greediness to possess her encompassed him. “I know you like my attentions.”

  “How do you know?”

  “I know things.” He winked at her. “There are some things a man does not need to be an angel to know.”

  “Hmm, really? Hey, everything’s unwrapped.” She straightened her back, pulling away from him to look around. Aiden continued to focus fully on her. Her inviting scent overwhelmed him.

  “Yes.” He nodded, then playfully nipped her shoulder. “You should have taken off your bra. It shows under the tiny straps of this gown.” He touched her bra strap, then teasingly snapped it. “Take the robe off too, so I can see the gown better.” He tenderly pushed her hair behind her back. “You smell nice.” With his nose in her hair, he inhaled deeply.

  Avery shivered under his ministration. “Aiden, you aren’t acting like a
n angel.” She made a tsk-tsk sound. “What’s gotten into you?”

  “What does an angel act like? We can be bad too. Sometimes we can be very bad.”

  “Yes, you told me.” Avery grinned.

  He pulled her further into his lap. “You make me feel like being bad.” He nuzzled her neck as he ran his hands through her hair. “So soft. Everything about you is so soft.” Gently, he kissed her temple. “I want to touch you all over.” Avery’s robe vanished along with her bra. “Have you ever known an angel? You would have to in order to know how we are supposed to act.”

  Avery squirmed on his lap. “No, I’ve never known an angel.”

  “I am your first angel?”

  “Yes.” She giggled.

  He kissed her mouth, stopping her laughter. Avery kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck. Aiden’s hands moved over her body, until he clasped her buttocks. Gently, he squeezed her fleshy behind.

  “Hmm,” Avery moaned. The gown’s spaghetti strap fell off her shoulder, and her breast threatened to fall out of the gown.

  “So pretty.” He trailed kisses along her shoulder blade. Her gown dropped, fully revealing her breast. Before she could protest, his mouth was on her nipple. “You taste good.”

  Avery’s head fell back as he suckled her. “Aiden.”

  “Yes.” He continued to kiss her breast. He pushed the other strap off her shoulder. The other breast bounced free of the gown. “I knew this gown would be beautiful on you.” He grasped both of her breasts, pushing them together as he licked her nipples.

  Avery did not resist. Her eyes closed, she surrendered to him. Wet from desire, she dampened his leg through her gown and his Levis. Her unique feminine scent encouraged him. Her gown fell to her waist.

  “You are so beautiful,” he said between kisses. His shirt vanished.

  Avery ran her fingers across his chest. “You’re beautiful too.” She kissed his chin. He took her mouth again, and his tongue pushed inside, dueling with hers.

  Moaning, she pressed her bottom more deliberately into his erect cock and rocked against him. He pushed his hips up against hers.