“Why shouldn’t I be? You showed up the first day after I saw one of those horrid creatures, and seem to be everywhere I am. What the hell is going on?” Her breath had become heavy, and her body shaking uncontrollably. Seeing her like this made my chest ache.
“Hey, Alex,” a familiar voice called from outside the stairwell.
I felt a pang of relief in my chest. “Thomas.”
Thomas walked into the stairwell, making Eden scream and shuffle away from him. She tripped on the top stair, and I grabbed her arms, stopping her from falling backward. When she was steady, I let her go.
“Who is he? How did he get up here?”
“This is my best friend, Thomas. The one I told you about.”
“You must be Eden,” Thomas said, extending his hand out to her.
She didn’t take it, nor had I expected her too.
Her eyes found mine, searching for an explanation. “How?”
Thomas glanced at me, clearing his throat. “I’m not alone.”
Another voice echoed down the stairwell. “Holy crap. This freaking rain sucks. It’s dampening my wings,” Dom grumbled, stepping into the stairwell behind Thomas.
“Dom?” I was shocked Ephraim had let him out on this assignment.
A broad smile raised his lips, his arms extending out to his sides. “The one and only.”
His eyes flitted to Eden, then back to me.
Eden turned her body to face me. “What’s going on?” she leveled.
Light glinted in Dom’s eyes. “She doesn’t know? What have you been doing, Alexander? Sitting around with your thumb up your rear?”
Narrowing my eyes, I glared at him, shaking my head.
“Oh, damn!” Dom chuckled, nudging Thomas. “Where’s the popcorn when we need it?”
“Shut your trap,” Thomas scolded in a whisper. “This is serious.”
Dom held his arms out to his sides. “All I’m saying is, this better be good because I was called away from an assignment in Alaska. In fact, I was just about to meet with Alaine, Samuel, Kade, and Emma, and eat some of Miss Lily’s excellent home-cooked food. Instead, I’m here. Man, that Ephraim knows how to push my buttons.”
“What’s happening in Alaska?” Thomas asked.
“A few minor concerns. Nothing to be alarmed about yet.”
“Will someone please tell me what the hell is going on?” Eden hollered, her eyes wild and perturbed.
“Dude, put her to freaking sleep,” Dom blurted, his finger aimed at her, eyes on me. “You’ll be doing all of us a favor.”
I could feel Eden’s eyes on me. “What?”
“I can’t,” I replied, continuing to glare at him.
She’d never forgive me.
“Man, her lips are turning purple, her eyes are glassy, and she’s scared. Put her out of her misery.”
“No. Please!” Eden begged, pushing away from me. “I don’t want to die!”
I held her tight, steadying her until she looked at me. “You’re not going to die. I promise you. That’s why I’m here.”
“I don’t understand,” she sobbed.
“I’m here to protect you.”
Her eyes widened, pooling with tears. She turned to look at Thomas and Dom, then back at me.
“Who are you?”
I hoped with all my being that after I told her the truth, she’d accept me.
Taking her hands in mine, I whispered, “I’m your Guardian angel.”
“What?” She gasped looking at me. Her body was shaking, and the look in her eyes was unreadable as tears continued to spill down her already tear-stained cheeks.
“He’s telling the truth,” Thomas added, his voice calm.
“He’s obviously not the best Guardian,” Dom interjected with a sly grin. “Or we wouldn’t be here.”
Thomas growled, elbowing him in the ribs. “Dom, you’re such an ass.” He never took anything seriously.
“Hey, I was sent here to kill some stinkers. Let’s say we get this show on the road.” Dom unsheathed his sword, and Thomas followed suit. “I have places to go, people to see, and food to eat.”
“You can’t be seen by mortals. Class finishes in less than a half hour,” I explained.
Dom snickered. “Dude, please. My middle name is stealth.”
“Ha!” Thomas puffed. “The file on Ephraim’s desk said it was exhibitionist.”
Dom shrugged. “I’ll take that name, and slay it just the same.”
I pulled Eden’s attention back to me. “Stay here. I’ll be right back. You’ll be safe.”
“Don’t leave me. What happens if they come?”
“They won’t,” Dom said. “Because those smelly bastards don’t have these.” He unfolded his white wings, extending them to his sides.
If possible, Eden’s eyes widened even further, and her cheeks blushed with pink.
“Showoff,” Thomas huffed.
Dom grinned. “Look at her. Chicks love the wings.”
“Asshole,” I breathed, while Eden turned away.
“I’m out. You ladies can wait here if you like.” Dom turned and ran up the stairs to the tower. Thomas turned to me, gave a single nod, then followed after him.
“Please don’t go,” Eden begged me.
“I’ll be right back, I promise. They can’t get in here, and I have to go help them.” I let go of her and headed up the stairs, pulling my sword.
“Alex, wait!” she cried.
I turned to her and spoke in a calming, but authoritative voice. “I promise, after this is done, we’ll have a chance to talk. I’ll explain everything tonight. But right now, I have to take care of the threat.”
She nodded, tears streaming down her face.
I was surprised at how strong she was, even after I’d told her the truth.
Standing on the edge of the window ledge, I was ready to jump when Eden screamed. Terror filled her eyes.
“It’s okay,” I said, unfolding my white wings. “I can fly.”
Her mouth fell open as I offered her a nod and a grin before jumping off.
Dom and Thomas were already in full battle when I arrived. There were at least a dozen headless corpses. Growls and screams echoed in the forest, and I glimpsed a few cowardly Darkling fleeing the scene. Bastards. Every one of them was going to die just for coming here. I’d make sure of it.
I sprinted toward three who were heading deeper into the woods. Using my wings to thrust forward, I swung my sword as I reached the first one. The sounds of metal, slicing through its flesh and bone brought me deep joy. Its scream made the others stop in their tracks.
Turning to face me, they squared off. Growls reverberated from their chests, and a loud snapping of teeth told me they were pissed.
More deep rumbles sounded from behind me, alerting me there were more. They were trying to surround me.
I let them come forward, five Darkling, with hatred burning in their eyes.
The first one charged, then they all came at once.
Jumping up, I unfolded my wings. With a few deliberate flaps, I spun, holding my sword out in front of me. My wings were strong, causing me to spin like a tornado. My sword, sharp as hell, imparted death and devastation to all the Darkling around me.
When I stopped, the woods were quiet. I looked around and saw Dom and Thomas making their way toward me, swords covered with Darkling blood.
“That was eventful,” Thomas said, attempting to rub the tar-like blood off his sword on the bark of a nearby tree.
“I was just getting warmed up,” Dom added. “I almost forgot how fun it is to kill those stinkers.”
“You know there will be more.” Thomas came and laid a hand on my shoulder. “They’re testing how well th
e girl is guarded.”
“I know,” I exhaled.
“She’s cute,” Dom said. “Reminds me of Emma.”
“They have their similarities.”
“Too bad she’s not your match,” Thomas added.
“Yeah, she’s just another assignment.”
“Bull crap,” Dom laughed. “I saw the way you looked at her. And dude, you didn’t put the sleeper on her. That’s saying something.”
“She was scared.” I tried to justify myself.
“She was, and the sleeper helps them avoid all the scary crap. They sleep peacefully, while we kill the big, bad things. It’s standard protocol…Guardian 101. Now, she’ll have nightmares of the things you kept her awake for.”
He was right. Why had I chosen to keep her awake?
I could only guess it was because I didn’t want her mad at me. I wouldn’t even begin to try and understand why the thought of her being angry had impaired my duty. I was supposed to protect her. Keep her safe. Make her feel safe. Yet, it was getting harder to think clearly each time I was around her.
“Looks like our work here is done,” Dom said. “I’m off to Alaska.” He gave me his fist, and I slammed it.
“Give Kade and Emma my best,” I said.
“Will do.” With that, Dom left.
“I’ll catch you later, bro,” Thomas said, hugging me. I gave him a quick nod and watched him leave.
“Alex!” Eden’s scream sent a chill through my bones.
I called my wings, zooming toward the tower. As I neared her, I noticed something soaring above.
Between the clouds, and illuminated by lightning, were wings black as night.
Dammit.
The Fallen had been notified, making this assignment critical. Thankfully, we’d been proactive and had the barrier set up by Midway. At least, for now, it would keep them out.
I landed next to her, pulling her into the tower and away from their sight, quickly scanning her body. “Are you injured?”
“No.” Gasping, she stepped back after looking into my eyes. I knew they’d gone completely black—a change that happened whenever we entered battle.
“Don’t be afraid.” I breathed. “It happens when we fight.”
She nodded, then looked past me. I followed her eyes looking toward the gray sky.
“What is that?” Her finger shook as she pointed.
I was in no position to lie to her. Not now. She’d seen too much.
“A Fallen angel.”
She stood frozen like a statue, then turned to me desperate for answers.
“This is real. Why me? Why now?”
In my mind, I wrestled with the easiest way to tell her. To explain the severity of the situation without scaring the hell out of her even more. But there was no easy way to tell someone they were being hunted.
All she wanted was the truth, and I could at least give her that much. She deserved to know.
Reaching out to her, I rested my hand on the side of her face, gently lifting, so her eyes would meet mine. In the dimming light, she appeared so fragile, so delicate.
“I told you before…I’ve been sent to protect you. To guard over you. But what I haven’t explained is why. And I’m sorry to be the one to say these words, but those evil beings out there were sent to kill you.”
“Why?” As the word exited from her trembling lips, her chest heaved with deep sobs that filled me with sadness.
I felt pity for her. Felt the desperation, confusion, and turmoil all bundled together, ready to explode. But after a few moments, she gathered herself and wiped her eyes, then stood, staring at me with a strength I would never have thought existed in her.
“Because you’re Nephilim.”
I took hold of her hands, expecting her to pull away. But she didn’t.
Instead, she stepped closer; so close, in fact, I could feel the warmth radiating off of her. My wet shirt held no barrier against the heat of her cheek as she rested it against my chest.
At that moment, it was as if I could feel her emotions pulsing through me—like we were somehow connected. And all I could offer was comfort and my protection.
I wrapped my arms around her and held her tight, praying this would all pass soon.
Chapter 16
Eden
From the moment I’d laid eyes on the Darkling, my entire world had started on a downward spiral, steadily heading toward a vast darkness ready to swallow me whole.
I felt the delicate threads, which had held my life together until now, start to slacken, loosened to the point of making me unstable. I wasn’t sure of anything anymore. Wasn’t sure of who I was, or why this was all happening. One second, I was preparing to graduate high school, and the next, I was tossed into some dark, twisted world with horrifying creatures that wanted nothing more than to kill me. Not to mention, the angels who were trying to save me.
My mind was desperate, trying to grasp onto any reasonable answer. But there was no good answer. Alex was an angel. An angel! His two friends were also angels, sent here to save me, and to kill the monsters in the woods.
Holy freaking crap!
Hyperventilating, my body uncontrollably shook, as I tried to hold onto whatever sanity was left inside of me. My life was madness.
Breathe, Eden. Just breathe. You’ll get through this.
I examined my options. I could call my mom and leave Brindle Hall. But would that change things? If those creatures were after me, moving back home would only put her in danger.
And what about my friends if I stayed here?
I had to slow my breathing, or I’d pass out.
Fallen.
Darkling.
Beings from hell sent to kill me.
And Alex was my Guardian angel.
How was I supposed to deal with all of that?
I just hoped that at the end of this, I wouldn’t be locked away in some institution, swearing to everyone, trying to make them believe that everything I’d seen and experienced was true.
For the first time in my life, I felt utterly lost.
“The Fallen can’t harm you here,” Alex whispered soothingly into my ear. “A protective barrier has been placed around the school and the backfield. They can’t pass.”
“What about the Darkling?”
“The Darkling can enter the barrier, but we killed all the ones that were out in the woods. It will be some time before they gather again and come back. And when they do, I’ll be ready.”
“Where are your friends?”
“Gone. Back to Midway.”
“Midway?”
“It’s where I came from, before this. Midway is the place where Guardians wait for their assignments.”
“You were assigned to me?”
He nodded, then stepped back, releasing his arm from around me, letting the cold seep between us. “We should leave. I need to get you inside. We’ll talk more tonight.”
I didn’t argue.
His firm hand clasped around mine as he led me back down the stairs.
Upon exiting the tower, I thought I saw shadowy figures moving in the dark woods, but Alex assured me they had been cleared and were no longer there. For now.
This place would never feel the same again; it was almost as if I’d been transported to some alternate world. I felt unsettled, the rain and dark clouds overhead made it worse.
I couldn’t stop trembling and needed to get back to my room, where I could try and ground myself again. Trissa, Kimi, and Sebastian would be there soon, waiting on me. If anyone could help me recover from today, it was them.
The hallway was clear, but as we stepped inside, the bell rang. Alex swept me up into his arms and ran up the stairs before anyone saw us. In seconds, I w
as at the girls’ door.
“You’re safe now.” He attempted to reassure me, but I didn’t know if I’d ever feel safe again. “I’m going to my room. If you need anything, text me.”
I nodded, still overwhelmed, my body still shaking.
“Thank you.”
Students headed up the stairs, so I took my key and opened the door to my floor, while Alex jogged down the flight of stairs to his floor.
I ran down the hall to my room and quickly slipped inside. Pressing my back against the door, I slid to the ground. Tears came uncontrollably, and I tried to hide the deep sobs, but failed.
I was frozen to the core, but couldn’t seem to pick myself off the floor. How could I escape this nightmare? The answer was obvious. I couldn’t. This was my life, and I had to deal with it. I couldn’t run to my mom. She wouldn’t understand and would probably have me committed somewhere.
And there was no way in hell I’d involve my friends. Kimi was afraid of the dark, and Sebastian and Trissa would say I was mad. The fact was, I was a danger to them. If those Darkling harmed any one of them, I’d never forgive myself.
Right now, I had one option.
Alex. I would have to depend on him for the time being.
After warming up in a hot shower, I changed into some comfortable clothes. Checking my phone, there were five missed texts.
Three from Trissa, one from Sebastian, and one from Kimi.
Trissa: Do u need anything b4 I head up?
Trissa: Hello?
Trissa: Are you sleeping?
I texted her back.
Me: Sorry, I took a shower. I’m good. Thx.
Trissa: KK. See u.
Next was Kimi.
Kimi: I’m picking up your homework from the office. Want anything else?
Me: Alex said he would pick it up.
Kimi: I just saw him. He’s letting me get it.