Angel’s Fury

by Tamara Whitlow

  “That was so close! God was with us.”

  Denise smiled and nodded. The lady quickly made her way across the street and the people on the other side started asking her if she was okay. Denise kept walking and she heard the woman talking.

  “It had to be my guardian angel. How else could you explain that?”

  Denise just shook her head and walked to the building.

  36

  Grandmother opened her eyes after meditation and looked at her daughter with a smile.

  “Anything?” Rebecca asked eagerly.

  “Yes. She came to the box. She is scared but okay. She’s agreed to come back with Mary and Logan after she visits her mother. They cannot disturb her.”

  Rebecca sighed in relief and ran to get her phone. She hurriedly called her daughter.

  “Mom? Are you okay?”

  “Yes, we all are. Listen, Mom got ahold of Denise…”

  “What? How?”

  “Just listen.”

  “Okay. I’m sorry.”

  “She is going to see her mom and she promises to get in the car with you when she is finished. You cannot go in there with her, she has to do this alone.”

  “Oh Mom… I’m just glad that she’s okay. I’ll tell Logan and we will wait for her.”

  Jeriah smiled as he listened to the conversation. He was only moments away from his bride. He would wait alongside of them. He followed closely behind and changed back into his human form as soon as they stopped in front of the building. He motioned to his partners and they disappeared to keep watch.

  Denise waited in the lobby for someone to take her to the back. They apologized profusely, and she could only nod. A short brunette with a cute pixie cut came through a set of double doors and called her name. She slowly stood up and followed her back. The hallways seemed to go on forever and their footsteps were loud as they walked. They paused at a door, and the woman smiled sadly as she opened it. There was only one gurney in the room with a body covered by a sheet. Denise almost lost her footing and the woman put her hand out, but Denise shook her head.

  “I’m okay.”

  The woman nodded. “Take your time.”

  Denise looked at the woman, and the woman smiled a supportive smile back. With that, Denise slowly proceeded forward and paused at the foot of the gurney. She closed her eyes and a tear fell. She took a deep breath and walked forward. When she reached the top of the gurney, she reached out and gripped the edge of the sheet. Her hands shook as she pulled it back and uncovered her mom’s beautiful face. She hiccupped and her tears started to flow. It looked as if her mom was just sleeping peacefully. She bent down and kissed her forehead.

  “I’m so sorry, Mommy,” she whispered.

  The room lit up and a translucent Assan shown in the corner. Denise was angry.

  “You did this! If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be born, and she would be okay!”

  Assan smiled sadly and looked to his left. There, beside him was Lenora.

  “Mommy?” Denise walked over briskly, and by the time that she got there, they were gone. “NO! Come back… Please?”

  The door opened and the woman who escorted her came in quickly. She looked quizzically at Denise who was standing in the corner.

  “Are you okay? Do you need me to call someone?”

  Denise shook her head and walked back to the table.

  “I love you Mom, and I promise that I will find out who did this.” Denise looked at the woman. “I’m ready to go.”

  The woman nodded and let Denise go out first. She looked to the corner that Denise was standing in and shook her head. There was no way that she could have seen what she thought that she’d seen on the camera. She quickly caught up with Denise.

  “The police are going to release her in two days. It’s standard time for an investigation.”

  “Thank you.”

  When she walked out, she saw Mary and Logan standing beside a truck. She ran down the steps and into Logan’s arms. He held her as she cried while Mary rubbed her back.

  “She’s really gone.”

  “Shh. I’ve got you,” Logan whispered. “Come on, let’s get you out of here.”

  Denise nodded and got into the backseat. Mary got in after her, and Denise lay her head on her lap as Logan drove them home.

  37

  Jeriah saw her coming out of the door and down the stairs. He made his way over to her to tell her why he was there, and she breezed by him into the arms of the warlock. What in the fuck? He stopped on the stair and watched in amazement as this man comforted his bride. She is supposed to love me! He marched forward and felt the magic surrounding the vehicle. Magic couldn’t keep him out, but it would give him away. He’d just have to find another way to get to her. Jeriah had no clue how these emotions worked with humans. I guess my time on earth will be longer than I thought.

  38

  Denise was contacted by a lawyer who told her about her Mom’s insurance policy. She had already taken care of funeral costs and a burial plot in her insurance package. Denise couldn’t believe that her mom had never told her about any of this. The policy also left Denise with over one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Her mouth dropped as he told her that he only needed her signature to release the money. She was still in shock as the man handed her a check and told her that he was sorry for her loss. She could only nod as he got up and left the house. She sat the check on the table and looked at Rebecca and Mary at the door.

  “When did she have time to do all of this?”

  “Mother’s do what is necessary for their children.” Rebecca answered. She walked over and sat on the armrest of the chair that Denise was sitting in and placed a hand on her back. “I hope that you don’t mind, but I spoke to the coroner who is going to release your mom to our family’s funeral home.”

  “No. I’m glad that you did. I wouldn’t even know where to start.”

  “I’ve emailed her job also and gave them the address to send flowers. Is there anyone else that we should call?”

  “My grandparents basically hung her out to dry, so no.”

  “Okay, honey. If there is anything that you can think of, let me know.”

  Rebecca got up and started walking out.

  “Becca?” She paused at the door and turned around. “Can you find her a pretty dress? I can’t go over to the house just yet.”

  Rebecca blew her a kiss and nodded. Mary came into the room and sat down on the floor.

  “I wish I knew what to say.”

  Denise smiled sadly. “There is nothing to say. I just hope that we find out who did this.”

  “Me too.”

  39

  Jeffrey came bursting into the house breathing really hard.

  “What the fuck? What is wrong with you?” Analise jumped up from the couch.

  “She’s powerful. Oh my god, she’s so powerful.” Jeffrey fell to the floor on his knees.

  “What are you rambling about?” She asked as she made her way over to him.

  “I saw her… the angel.”

  Analise paused. “What? Where?”

  “She was downtown.”

  “Alone?” He nodded. “And you didn’t grab her?”

  He shook his head, “I couldn’t. She was crossing the street and I almost hit her, and she stopped my car! Like, literally stopped it! My car bounced right off of her. She locked eyes with me, and the vengeance coming off of her was scary. I pulled off as fast as I could.”

  “Dammit. She is going to be the death of all of us. I can feel something bad coming.”

  Jeffrey was still trying to catch his breath. “She is dangerous.”

  “Just lay low for a while. I’ve got to figure out another plan. I need her.”

  40

  The day of the funeral was here, and there were only about ten people there. Some people Denise knew and the rest she did not. She sat and listened as people told stories about how Lenora impacted their lives. She started to cry as Rebecca started to spe
ak.

  “Lenora was my best friend. We have maybe gone two days without speaking to one another. She was the kindest, most emotionally available person that I know. She always had a joke and made sure that we were okay before she went to sleep. Her daughter was her world, and I was blessed to have my daughter grow up with her. I just want you to know, Denise that I am and will always be here for you.”

  Denise smiled through her tears and looked to the side as Logan, his brother, and his Dad came in. She smiled at him and he tipped his head in acknowledgment. They sat in the back and kept glancing at the four men that were seated by the door. When the service was over, she told everyone that she would like go alone with her mother to the gravesite. They didn’t like it, but they agreed. Each person at the funeral came and shook her hand or gave her a hug. As the four men stepped forward, Denise felt something buzzing inside of her. She had never felt this feeling before, and she looked at them cautiously.

  “They look familiar,” Mary whispered.

  “I’ve never seen them before,” Denise whispered back.

  “I just can’t place where I’ve seen them.”

  Before Denise could answer, they were in front of her. As the first one took her hand, her eyes closed and she saw herself in a bed. Her body was sweating, and her head was thrown back in pleasure. The man beneath her lifted and kissed her neck and whispered, “You are mine.” She snatched her hand away really quickly and looked at the man. His eyes changed to a golden color and then back to a brown. She gasped and ran from the room. Seeing her run out, Logan took off after her. When the men went to follow, Marcus stood in front of them, and they smirked until they looked up and saw something behind them.

  “Yes. Go and warn your friends. She will be my bride and I will take over heaven.”

  Marcus and Sabastian’s eyes grew wide as they listened to the exchange. They still could not see the Guardian angel behind them, but Mary could and she was on alert. Mary stood in front of Marcus and a glow began to come from her.

  “That’s not possible. You’re human.” The man sneered.

  “Well, try me.”

  The man curled his lip and stormed out with the others. Marcus looked at Mary with wonder.

  “What in the hell?” Sabastian muttered. Marcus hit him in the arm.

  “Watch your mouth. This is a funeral.” He turned to Mary. “What is happening?”

  “I’m not sure, but it sounds like he is trying to marry Denise.”

  “But why?”

  “He said something about taking over heaven.”

  Marcus brushed the hair out of his face and blew out a breath.

  “First angry witches, and now fallen angels? Oh goodness.”

  Mary could only shake her head. “Yep.”

  Logan caught up to Denise and grabbed her wrist.

  “Denise, wait.”

  “No… I can’t. This is my mother’s funeral!”

  “What just happened?”

  She stopped and stared at the floor.

  “I don’t know. I just… I touched his hand and was…”

  “Was what?”

  “In the bed? Making love? I have no idea! It was so weird.”

  Logan’s face turned serious. “Do you know him?”

  It must have been the tone of his voice that made her look up. She took a step back.

  “No… I don’t.”

  He tried to hide his expression, but it was too late. She shook her head and ran into the bathroom. He groaned and went in search of his father.

  41

  The angels left fairly quickly after Mary stood her ground. Logan came back out to the main area and looked at the tense faces of his father and Mary.

  “What happened?”

  Marcus blew a breath out and shook his head at Logan.

  “We’ve got a major problem.”

  “Like what? Who were those men?”

  “Angels” Sabastian said.

  Logan’s eyebrows rose. “What? How? Are they here to help?”

  Marcus shook his head. “I don’t think so, son. They are after Denise.”

  “What for? Doesn’t she have enough to deal with?”

  Mary looked at him sadly. “You’d think so. They said something about taking over heaven.”

  “What? What does that mean?”

  Mary looked around and she gasped. They all looked at where she was looking and was confused.

  “Your Guardians… They’re gone. This must be serious. They would never just leave.”

  “We need to get Denise out of here. Where is she?” Marcus asked.

  Logan lifted his chin toward the hallway. “In the restroom.”

  “Mary, can you go with her? We need to get everyone out of here.” Mary nodded and started walking away. “And Mary? Try not to tell her about what happened. She doesn’t need this right now.” Mary smiled and nodded softly.

  Marcus went to find Rebecca to fill her in on what just happened while Logan and Sabastian helped to escort people out of the funeral home.

  Mary peeked her head in the bathroom and saw Denise sitting on a small bench in front of a mirror.

  “Hey.”

  Denise looked up with tears. “Hey.”

  “Can I come in?” Denise nodded, and Mary walked over and sat next to her. “We are getting ready to go, you want to come?”

  “What about the grave?”

  “The service was beautiful, and I’m pretty sure Lenora wouldn’t want you all alone.”

  “Will you come with me?”

  “Of course, I will.”

  Denise smiled a small smile. “Thanks. This day has been…”

  “I know. You want to talk about what happened with that man?”

  “No. There’s nothing to talk about.”

  “Okay. Well, come and get me when you’re ready. Mom is making sure that everyone is leaving okay.”

  “Thank you, Mary. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

  “You’re my sister and I love you.”

  “I love you too.

  42

  Mary kept her guard up as they went to lay Lenora to rest. She and Denise stayed at the graveyard for almost an hour. When thunder sounded, Denise looked up at the sky.

  “I guess that’s our cue to leave.”

  “Whenever you’re ready.”

  “I’m ready.”

  Mary put her arm around Denise’s waist and guided her to the car. She quickly made her way home hoping that they found out some information about these new angels.

  When they pulled up, Denise hurried from the car trying to escape the rain that had just began to fall. Mary locked her car and ran in behind her. She activated the wards once again after they passed through the doors and followed the sounds of voices. She and Denise walked into the great room and the conversation stopped.

  “What’s going on?” Denise asked.

  Rebecca walked forward and pulled her into a hug.

  “Nothing honey. Just waiting for you guys.” She let her go and looked into her eyes. “It was a beautiful service. Are you okay?”

  Denise could only nod. “I think that I need to lay down for a while.”

  “Absolutely. I’ll come and get you for dinner.”

  Denise smiled shakily. “Thank you.”

  They waited for her to leave before they started to speak again.

  “How can we protect ourselves from angels?” Marcus asked.

  “I will look in the Great Book and see if there is anything written about it,” Sabastian offered.

  “Yes. Make sure that you lock it back away after you use it.”

  “Of course, Father.”

  He walked out of the house and Mary stepped forward.

  “Have you found anything out?”

  Marcus gave her an irritated look. “That’s what we were just talking about.”

  “Not you. Them.” She pointed behind Marcus.

  He realized that she must be talking to the Guardians who have returned.r />
  The Angel Jeriah has planned a coup. He plans to try to marry Denise to rise in station.

  “Can Assan come and help?”

  He cannot. God has forbidden him leave. We shall protect you as much as possible. Only and angel can defeat an angel. Your powers are worthless against us. You have been chosen as her soul to protect her. You must stay with her. She is still part human.

  “I can tell you right now, she will not like being told that she has to have a chaperone twenty-four-seven.”

  You must do what you must to keep her safe and we shall do the same for your humans.

  Marcus stepped forward and looked at Mary.

  “What are they saying?”

  “Basically, we are screwed. Magic cannot help, and only an angel can kill an angel. I have to stay with her, and you know that she isn’t going to like that.”

  “What about her Father?”

  “He can’t help.”

  Marcus started to pace. “There has to be something that we can do.”

  “Pray,” Mary whispered.

  43

  It’s been three weeks since the funeral, and Denise was going crazy. She has been followed around and asked constantly if she was okay. She was just tired. She found a way to lock herself inside her steel box and block anyone from coming in. She heard them banging, but this was the only solace that she had. No one would tell her what was happening, and everyone kept looking at her as if she was going to crack. She couldn’t take it anymore. As if this wasn’t enough, she had been having lucid dreams about the man at the funeral home. They were so vivid that she would wake up in a weird position or covered in sweat. She found herself losing the battle to push those dreams away. The more the dreams happened, the more she was daydreaming of ripping Logan’s clothes off. Today when she woke up, she padded downstairs, and Logan was in the great room with Marcus. They were standing by the door and Denise paused as she took in his body. He had on black slacks and a light purple shirt. His white hair stood out down his back and his tight button-down shirt fit him so snug that she could see his muscles bulge. He put his hands into his pockets and the shirt got even tighter. She bit her lip, and she must’ve made a sound because he turned to look at her. His eyes darkened as he took in her look, and he removed his hands from his pockets. Her eyes widened and she hurried to the kitchen. She ran to the counter and placed both hands flat and took a couple of deep breaths. She had to get this under control. Her mind was going crazy. On one hand, she was still sad about her mom and the other, she was horny. Those two should not go together. She looked up when she saw a shadow on the floor. It was Logan. She took a step back and looked into his eyes.