by Robin M Helm
The demon in the front seat of the car with the driver who had run into Xander grinned and smirked wickedly at Xander and Gabriel. The dark one continued to whisper into the mind of the human, filling him with anger and hatred.
Michael is there with Elizabeth. Nothing will happen to her. I have already telepathed him, and he is fully aware of the situation. He will summon the entire Host if it is necessary. Gabriel’s voice was steady and reasonable, and it irritated Xander to no end.
I am neither a child nor an idiot. I know that Michael will protect her; however, I want to be there to frustrate whatever it is that Gregory has plotted in his evil brain. Can you not understand that?
Silence.
Gabriel?
Yes, Xander?
Silence.
I am being a child as well as an idiot. I am sorry. Xander ran his hand through his hair for the tenth time.
You are human. It is understandable.
Xander gritted his teeth. Gabriel, sometimes your patience gets on my nerves.
I know. Should I be impatient?
Xander grinned wryly. Then you would not be Gabriel.
Gabriel nodded sagely. I would be Xander, I suppose.
I deserved that. Xander saw a flashing blue light as a police car pulled up behind the two cars. At last!
I must go. You will not require my help for any of this. Gabriel spread his wings to fly.
Where are you going? asked Xander.
To Converse. There are complications, Gabriel thought as he took quickly to the air. Xander had read Gabriel’s mind before he left, and he was anxious to be on his way as he dealt with the policeman filing the accident report.
~~oo~~
Elizabeth, reading while waiting in her mother’s car in the parking lot for Xander, was surprised to look out her window and see Gregory and Cassandra instead. Charlotte had already gone to class, and Lynne had hurried to the tutoring lab. Elizabeth grabbed her back pack, got out of the car, and walked to meet them. Michael stayed close beside her, scowling at the demons and their guards.
“Hello, gorgeous. Short one sidekick?” asked Gregory.
“Hi, guys. I can’t imagine what could be keeping Xander. He is never late,” Elizabeth replied, looking worried.
“I’m sure he’s just caught in traffic or something. Xander can take care of himself. He’s a big boy,” said Cassandra, smiling.
They seem to be just a little too happy about this, thought Elizabeth.
Very perceptive. Michael was uneasy. The odds were four to one. He considered calling for reinforcements.
“What brings you guys out to the faculty parking lot this morning?” asked Elizabeth. Surely they couldn’t have known Xander wouldn’t be here. How could they?
“I was just hoping to catch you alone so that we could set up a lunch date,” answered Gregory, flashing a boyish grin. “Finding you here without Xander was just a stroke of luck, and I have to grab my opportunities when I can. Like you said, he’s never late. He’s always early, in fact. When I saw that his car wasn’t in his usual parking spot yet, Cassandra and I walked over on the chance that he wasn’t here today.”
“All you have to do is send me a text, Gregory, if you want to have lunch here. Remember I told you I wouldn’t go anywhere with you if you were driving, and I still mean that.” Elizabeth said, a little curtly.
A shadow of irritation flitted over Gregory’s handsome face, but he recovered his smile quickly. “You know I don’t like arranging dates of any sort by texting. As far as my driving goes, that, my beautiful friend, is why Cassandra is here. She can drive, or you can drive my car. We have a willing chaperone in our mutual friend.”
“Please, El. We almost never have any time together,” Cassandra pouted prettily. She had been calling Elizabeth at least twice a week to chat and build a relationship with her, and their friendship had progressed to the point that Elizabeth was comfortable with her.
Elizabeth’s cell phone vibrated, and she fished it out of her jacket pocket. “It’s a message from Xander. He’s been in a fender-bender, and he’s waiting for the police. I guess I’ll go on to class.” She sounded disappointed.
Michael had heard Gabriel’s thoughts concerning the accident at the same time Elizabeth was reading her message from Xander. I do not like this. Gregory and Cassandra are here with two guards, Michael telepathed back to Gabriel.
“That’s too bad about Xander.” Gregory managed to look sympathetic. “So are we on for lunch?”
“Your concern is underwhelming.” Elizabeth’s tone was flat.
“We feel bad for the guy, but he isn’t injured, is he?” asked Cassandra.
No thanks to you, said Gabriel, coming to rest on the other side of Elizabeth.
“Well, no, I guess not,” answered Elizabeth, uncertainly.
“Then he’ll be here in an hour or so, I imagine. We all have to get to class. Are you in for lunch?” Gregory was persuasive and persistent.
They all started walking toward the classrooms together. The two archangels touched Elizabeth at all times. Michael fixed the hellish guards with a burning stare. Two to four now. I like these odds much better, he said. They gave him a wide berth.
“I guess so.” Elizabeth bit her lip.
“Your enthusiasm is underwhelming,” Gregory said, mimicking her earlier statement.
“I’m just worried about Xander. He will expect me to eat with him. He’s already had a bad morning.”
“I would suggest that you invite him to go with us, but you know how that would go over,” he said, chuckling.
“You have a point. I guess he’ll understand.” Elizabeth looked unhappy.
“I didn’t know you two were in a serious relationship,” said Cassandra, arching one eyebrow.
“We aren’t. We just usually eat lunch together.”
“You used to eat with me fairly often,” Gregory said in a hurt voice.
“All right. Point taken. I guess we’ll see you then, Cassandra. Gregory and I have class together before lunch.”
“I know, El. I’ll meet you two when your class gets out. ‘Bye!” Cassandra hurried off in the opposite direction as Gregory and Elizabeth continued to their first class.
~~oo~~
Xander saw Gregory leaning across the aisle whispering something to Elizabeth as soon as he reached the door of their classroom for the second class of the day. Michael and Gabriel stood at her shoulders, their faces set in stony masks. Knowing that Gregory was responsible for his accident that morning made Xander more suspicious of him than usual, but he was determined not to fall into whatever trap the whelp of the wicked one had set.
Xander took his usual seat on the other side of Elizabeth.
“Good morning, Elizabeth, Gregory,” he said, looking at each of them in turn and forcing himself to be pleasant.
He has asked Elizabeth to join him and Cassandra for lunch. She has accepted, though she was not happy about it, thought Michael.
Xander fought to keep the smile on his face, but it did not reach his eyes. Does he honestly think I will allow him to be alone with her? He is delusional.
What will you do? asked Gabriel. You cannot stop her.
I do not intend to stop her. Trust me. She will like my plan better than his. Xander’s entire demeanor changed, and his smile was genuine.
Gregory noticed the difference immediately. “Good morning, Xander. I heard about your little accident. I’m so sorry. How’s the Beamer? In the shop?” His words dripped with sarcasm.
Elizabeth looked at him sharply, and then turned to Xander. “I’m really glad that you’re okay. I missed you this morning. You can copy my notes from class. I told Dr. Phillips why you were absent.”
“Thank you, Elizabeth. I can always trust you to look out for my best interests, just as you can depend on me. Gregory, my car is still drivable, so I will arrange for repairs after school. It is kind of you to take an interest in my affairs.”
Conversation ceased as the profes
sor came into the room and closed the door behind him.
~~oo~~
As soon as the class before lunch ended, Xander rose from his seat and slung his book bag over his back.
“Coming, Elizabeth?” he asked, as if he did not know that she had plans.
“She’s going to lunch with Cassandra and me,” answered Gregory smugly. “I would have invited you, but I was sure that you wouldn’t want to come. I thought it would be a good chance to show El my house. I’m having lunch for three delivered there.”
Elizabeth turned quickly toward him, eyes narrowed. I never agreed to go to your house.
Xander looked surprised. “Really, Gregory? Whatever gave you the impression that I would not enjoy lunch with an old friend such as you? I would love to see your home. Lead the way.” He smiled easily at Elizabeth. “Do you want to ride with me? We can follow Gregory and Cassandra. His Lamborghini is not big enough for all of us.” It actually is not big enough for three people either. Were you going to leave Cassandra behind at the last minute?
Seriously? We are going to the Little Prince’s house? asked Michael with incredulity.
That is what the man said, replied Gabriel glumly.
Can you do that? Michael was disbelieving.
The two fiends with Gregory looked as shocked as Michael did.
Watch me, answered Xander firmly. You would be going by yourself, Michael, if Gabriel and I did not accompany you. I could go in angelic form and wait outside with Gabriel in case you need us, but I want Elizabeth to see me there so that she will not be afraid. Furthermore, because I am fully human, I can go anywhere a human can go. After all, Gregory himself invited me. Guardians, like you and Gabriel, must go with their charges. Under these circumstances, he cannot refuse us entrance to his house on spiritual grounds.
Before Gregory could respond with a different plan, Elizabeth spoke quickly, smiling with relief. “That’s a wonderful idea, Xander. We’ll be right behind you, Gregory.” She stood and gave her book bag to Xander as he reached for it.
“I suppose I should call and have that changed to lunch for four,” Gregory said smoothly.
“If it is not too much trouble,” replied Xander with a broad smile.
“No problem at all. Don’t give it a second thought,” said Gregory, standing to his feet, his hard eyes belying his words. “Try to keep up. We wouldn’t want to lose you.”
“Yes, that would be a shame. But have no worries; I will be right on your bumper.” Just like your little friend was on mine this morning. Xander’s clear blue eyes returned Gregory’s stare.
~~oo~~
Xander followed Gregory to the outskirts of Spartanburg into a quiet, upscale neighborhood. His home was isolated on a private, tranquil cul-de-sac bordering a lake. They drove up a circular driveway lined with Bradford pear trees to the grand entrance and parked in front of the house. Gregory did not bother with opening the oversized garage. He and Cassandra got out of his car and walked to the front door of the two-story, mottled brick mansion, followed by his ever-present guards, and he paused, turning to smile and motion to Elizabeth and Xander to join them. As Xander got out of the car and went around to open Elizabeth’s door, Gabriel and Michael drifted to the ground beside their charges.
“Wow!” exclaimed Elizabeth. “This is an expensive area. Houses in this gated community cost more than three-quarters of a million. I knew he had money, but this is ridiculous.” She scanned the landscaping and beautiful view.
“Yes, he is extremely wealthy. Are you impressed?” asked Xander, amused at her expression. Money meant nothing to him because he had never wanted for anything.
She laughed lightly, her brown eyes sparkling. “You know me better than that, I hope.” She reached for his hand. “I do feel a little under-dressed for the neighborhood. However, you fit right in.” Elizabeth paused to appreciate him fully. His light gray, V necked sweater molded to his sculpted chest, and it was obvious by the perfect fit of his designer jeans that he did not approve of “sagging.” Casual chic looks wonderful on him. What am I thinking? Everything looks wonderful on him.
He waited for her to complete her appraisal, not the least bit self-conscious about her inspection.
What are you doing? queried Michael.
Giving her time to finish, Xander answered.
You do not feel awkward? Gabriel asked.
Why would I? She likes what she sees. Hearing her thoughts does give me an unfair advantage over most men.
Gregory cleared his throat to no avail. He turned and stalked into the house, leaving Cassandra and the guards to follow him.
“Well?” Xander asked, trying not to smile.
“Well what?” She grinned mischievously.
“Are you quite through? Do you approve?” He lifted one eyebrow and looked at her quizzically.
“Yes. And very much. I think there are very few women who would not approve.” Elizabeth’s smile faded, replaced by a serious expression. Suddenly, she reached for his hand and tugged him down the sidewalk to the open door.
He becomes stranger every day, commented Gabriel, walking behind the couple.
Definitely. Michael nodded and glanced at Gabriel. And she is quicksilver, changeable as the wind.
Elizabeth stopped, her mouth forming an “O” as they entered the two-story foyer which led into the great room with an unobstructed view, through a tall palladium window, of a flagstone patio bordering the lake. She saw a graceful staircase to her right, and to the left was a gourmet kitchen and breakfast area, all bathed in natural light.
Gregory was standing at the table, and he smiled when he saw her reaction.
Elizabeth quickly closed her mouth. “I love your house, Gregory. It’s beautiful.”
“Thank you. I thought we would eat in here since there are only four of us. The formal dining room seems so large when there are fewer than ten in the party. Come and sit down. The table is already set and everything is ready. I don’t want to distress you, Elizabeth, by making you late for your afternoon class.” He was every inch the gracious host, stepping aside to hold Elizabeth’s chair before Xander could get to it.
Cassandra sat across from Elizabeth, and the two men faced each other at the small table. Their drinks were already in place, and Gregory’s housekeeper brought out their plates with quiet efficiency.
Gregory’s guards stood behind him, and more demons began to drift slowly into the room, lining the walls. Xander willed himself to be calm as Gregory made polite conversation, enjoying his discomfort.
Michael and Gabriel stood erect, their hands on the shoulders of their charges, their faces showing no signs of unease.
As the room filled with the denizens of hell, Michael looked upward and issued a silent summons which reverberated throughout the heavenly realm and echoed through time and space. Within seconds, the entire lawn and the airspace above the house were crowded with orderly rows of hundreds of holy angels – a Host of warriors, armor gleaming in the sunlight. Their shields and swords were at the ready, waiting for the command from their captain.
Elizabeth noticed a difference in the atmosphere immediately. Xander was tense; I could feel it even though he didn’t show it. Now he is peaceful and calm. Something has changed. The air in the room was oppressive, but it seems fine now.
Michael looked at Gregory, the Seed of Sedition, with a level stare. Just give me an excuse. If any one of your malignant servants so much as blinks, the Host will have reason to enter this house and clean the filth that surrounds Xander and Elizabeth. Michael spoke aloud so that the devilish assembly, as well as Gregory, could hear him.
Gregory did not acknowledge Michael by even the twitch of an eyebrow. He continued to eat and converse with Elizabeth and Cassandra as if nothing were amiss. The four at the table were the only ones in the vicinity that moved a muscle. Evil and good faced each other, motionless, waiting.
Finally, the interminable meal was finished, and the group rose to go back to school.
&n
bsp; As they walked to the door, the demons stepped aside to make a clear path before them like the Red Sea had parted for the Israelites. Xander had never been so happy to leave a place before in his short, human life.
The group stopped at the front door, and Elizabeth smiled up at Gregory. “Thanks for lunch, Gregory. The meal was wonderful, but it’s too far to drive out here for lunch again. We’ll have to stick closer to Converse from now on. You know how I hate to miss classes.”
Cassandra laughed teasingly. “You really should lighten up just a little, El.”
“Yes, everyone knows that you are the prototype for perfect girls everywhere. Surely, missing your one class this afternoon won’t completely spoil your record. Nobody should be totally good, you know. It’s boring.” Gregory reached for her hand and held it as he bent to kiss her cheek softly.
Michael stiffened, but Gabriel reminded him, She is allowing it willingly.
Just as Gregory’s lips brushed her face, Xander cupped her elbow with his hand. “Thank you, Gregory, but we really do have to leave now.” Relax, everyone. I have this under control.
Elizabeth looked up at him and smiled. Thank you for not overreacting – for knowing that his little kiss on my cheek means nothing to me.
Gregory straightened to his full height. “We’ll catch up with you back at school, then.” He opened the door for them.
“Goodbye, Cassandra. See you later.” Elizabeth turned her head toward the girl as Xander led her through the door.
“I’ll call you,” Cassandra responded.
Elizabeth looked back over her shoulder and nodded.
She tilted her head up to Xander. “You seem to be in a hurry to leave,” she said.
“Do I?”
I am certainly ready to go. Michael’s face was stern. His warriors remained in place awaiting his orders.
I am as well, but it could have been much worse, added Gabriel.
Yes. Nobody died, thought Xander grimly as he led Elizabeth through the rows of angelic warriors.
He opened the car door for Elizabeth and held it while she slid into the seat. Then he walked around and got into the driver’s side, resting his hands on his thighs and releasing a breath that he felt he had been holding for the past half hour.