Chapter Five
Connor shut the back door so he could talk on his cell phone without Marielle overhearing. She didnt seem to have any memory of the disaster at Romatech, and he was in no hurry to remind her. She was suffering enough already.
He scowled at the night sky, bright with stars and the three-quarter-full moon. It was chilly here in the Adirondacks, but much calmer than it had been in South Dakota. Even so, an angry storm was brewing inside him.
He wanted to curse the heavens and one angel in particularZackriel. The bastard had cruelly abused Marielle, and for the life of him, Connor couldnt imagine what she could have done to warrant the torture she was enduring. She had questioned Zacks orders in order to protest the killing of children. What was wrong with that?
She was gentle and kindhearted, everything he would expect an angel to be. Shed been more concerned about causing him harm than easing her own suffering. Shed even wished she could heal him instead of herself.
In spite of her good intentions, that moment had scared the hell out of him. Had she managed somehow to see into the black pit of his soul? It had to be some sort of angelic talent, but it made her dangerous. It made him want to flee. Even so, he knew he had to stay. The lass needed protection. She was so damned innocent, she didnt even know it was wrong to expose her breasts.
And what breasts. Full and soft. The luminous white skin made a startling contrast to the rich red color of her nipples. Nipples that had been pressed into the palms of his hands. Even now, his hands itched to touch her again. That soft, sweet skin.
Bugger. He slapped himself mentally. She was an angel, an innocent, sweet angel, and he was lusting after her. Again. Even for a sorry bastard, he was stooping to a new low.
She was just so damned beautiful. Any man would be reduced to a blithering idiot in her presence. And it wasnt just her beautiful body. Or face. Or voice. There was something about her eyes. Hed gazed into them and a strange sense of peace had enveloped him . . . until he realized he was groping her lovely breasts.
Connor? Anguss voice sounded impatient. Are ye still there?
Aye. He rested an elbow on the wooden railing that surrounded the back porch.
Ye dinna answer my question, Angus growled.
What question? Connor winced. His mind had wandered again to Marielles breasts. Could ye repeat it?
Angus grunted with frustration. I asked about the woman ye found. Is she really an angel?
Aye, she is. Admitting it out loud seemed bizarre, so he changed the subject. Did ye investigate the caves at the campground?
Aye, but they were empty. Casimir and his minions must have moved on after killing those puir families.
Connor groaned inwardly. It always seemed to go that way. They could track Casimir by the dead bodies he left behind, but that left him always one step ahead. And it left them unable to protect his next group of victims. Was there any sign of him at the other places?
Nay. We have no idea where he is.
Connor took a deep breath. How is Roman?
Hes pissed. What do ye expect?
I thought ye said Shanna was going to be all right.
We think she will be. She did finally accept some of Romans blood. But it took about fifteen minutes, and in that time, Roman was going out of his mind. He thought hed lost her. Angus sighed. Laszlo thinks it took a long time because Shannas subconscious dinna realize what was happening.
Aye, Connor agreed. It all happened verra suddenly.
She drank a small amount of Romans blood, then fell back into the vampire coma, Angus continued. We willna know for sure if shes transformed until tomorrow night.
Connor swallowed hard. Like all Vamps, Roman would wake just after sunset, and hopefully, his wife would wake with him. How are the children?
Their aunt, Caitlyn, has taken them home. She and Carlos will stay with them. They . . . doona know what has happened.
A surge of guilt swept over Connor. If Shanna died, it would be his fault. The bairns would be motherless. The family he had sworn to protect would be destroyed.
Ive asked Robby and Olivia to act as bodyguards for Roman and his family, Angus said quietly.
Connor stiffened as if hed been struck in the chest. He was being replaced.
This is for the best, Angus continued with a rush. Olivia is a psychologist, so shell be able to help the children adjust.
Connor gritted his teeth. Ive kept Roman safe for over sixty years.
There was a pause before Angus responded. Roman requested someone new.
Connor flinched. Nay.
Ye doona ken how upset Roman is. He was ripping the clinic apart with his bare hands. Ive never seen him like this before. Emma had to teleport Father Andrew here to calm him down.
With a sigh, Connor leaned forward on the railing. He knew the danger of uncontrolled rage. I never meant to harm his wife.
I understand, but if I canna trust ye to follow orders . . . Anguss voice trailed off.
Connor had a sinking feeling he was about to be fired. It was unthinkable. Not that he needed the money. Hed stashed away plenty over the centuries. It was the fact that he was being seen as a failure, a traitor. Angus, there was no way I could have predicted what happened to Shanna. Who the hell would have believed that Id find an actual angel
I know. That was explained to me in great length. I was verra close to firing you, but ye have a strong advocate here who convinced me ye were no to blame. Father Andrew thinks verra highly of you.
Connor jerked upright with surprise. The priest had saved his job?
In fact, Father Andrew believes this has all happened for some sort of divine purpose. Angus snorted. He hasna convinced Roman of that yet. Nor me. Im still pissed that ye canna follow simple orders. If ye had, Shanna might still be alive.
Connor didnt think so. Even if hed gone back to the campground to meet Angus, he would have still seen the fireballs in the distance and gone to investigate. Could Father Andrew be right? Was he supposed to find Marielle tonight? Only a Vamp could have picked her up and helped her. Any mortal would have collapsed after touching her, just like Shanna had.
He sighed. Father Andrew had to be wrong. God would never cast his barbaric, undead hide in a noble role. The priest was trying to interpret signs that didnt exist. Or trying to see goodness in a Vamp where it had long withered away.
A breeze rustled the trees in the distance, then swept toward Connor. The minute the air hit his face, he felt more awake, more alert. His senses sharpened, anticipating . . . something. He scanned his surroundings and listened carefully. Nothing.
Father Andrew is eager to meet the angel, Angus said. Roman doesnt want her here at Romatech, so I thought Id have someone teleport the Father to the cabin.
No now. Shes wounded and bleeding. I need to take her to Dr. Lee in Houston. Connor referred to the Vamp doctor who had delivered both of Shannas children and regularly patched up Vamps and shifters. And I need some clothes for her.
Ill ask Emma to take care of that. Let me know when yere back.
A stronger breeze whipped Connors hair across his face, and he pushed the strands back. An awareness sizzled through him that something was off. His senses strained, expecting something. Soon.
And then he heard it. Marielles voice. Clear and beautiful. Singing a melody so sweet it made his heart ache.
Christ, he whispered.
What? Angus demanded. Are ye all right?
Ill call you back. He disconnected and dropped the phone into his sporran.
Her voice continued, ringing clear in the night air. She must be outside. So much for following his orders.
He descended the porch steps, and a strong wind shoved him toward the side of the cabin. Now he realized what was off. The wind should be chilly, but it wasnt. He rounded the cabin, and the wind still blew at him. Strange. It seemed to be circling the cabin. Another warm gust pushed him toward the clearing in the front.
He halted with a jerk when she came into view. She was naked, standing with her back to him. Her skin glowed in the moonlight, and her curly blond hair tumbled to the small of her back. Her hips flared into an arse that could inspire poetry. Unfortunately, hed never been a poet, so it simply inspired another round of lust.
Snap out of it, he mentally snarled at himself. She was an angel. And she was up to something strange. Her arms were extended overhead, reaching for the stars. She tilted her head back as she sang to the heavens, and her hands moved gracefully with the music, the lovely expressive hands of a dancer.
Hed heard once that the body was a temple, but hed never believed it till now. She was so beautiful. And her voiceonly an angel could sound so good and pure.
The wind picked up, whirling around the cabin and playing havoc with his kilt. As he watched the trees sway and bow, he realized Marielle was in the center of the circle.
A breeze lifted her golden hair, and the long tresses seemed to float about her shoulders. Some of the locks were dark and matted at the ends with her blood. He winced at the sight of her wounded back. Dark trickles of blood meandered down the white glowing skin.
She had to be in pain, and yet her song sounded so joyful. It made him ashamed for all the years hed spent grumbling and rueful. But how was he to feel when hed lost the only woman he ever loved, and that love had driven him to destroy his own soul?
He jerked when something warm touched his cheek, something feather soft. He looked about, but saw nothing. Wait, over there, a glimpse of movement, something sheer and white in the wind. It rushed past him, then faded to nothing.
A tinkling sound like wind chimes floated through the air, in and out of his hearing, and he strained to listen. Yes, there it was. He couldnt tell if it was bells or harps or perhaps both, but hed never heard anything so enchanting. So peaceful, as if his wandering soul had finally returned home.
Then the voices began. Male and female. Perfect in pitch and harmony, singing the same melody as Marielle. And beneath it all, he could hear and sense a low, steady vibration that stirred the air. Constant like a heartbeat. The beating of angel wings.
He closed his eyes, feeling like a lowly sinner who had accidentally stumbled upon something sacred, something no human was ever meant to see. But he couldnt close his ears. The voices continued, so achingly sweet, he never wanted it to end.
More wisps of movement brushed across his face, and each time it happened, a small burst of joy would warm his heart. He opened his eyes and stepped toward Marielle. His body tingled as the warm wind enveloped him. His heart matched the rhythm of the wings beating the air. Such joy and peaceit was addictive. Bright green grass sprouted in the circle of wind, and he felt an overwhelming urge to lift his arms to the heavens like Marielle.
Before he could move, a flare of light stunned him. He blinked, trying to stay focused on her. Shed stopped singing and stood frozen, surrounded by a bright light. It flashed with an intensity that forced him to shut his eyes.
Thank you, Marielle whispered. The Lord is good.
He opened his eyes as the light dissipated. Her back was completely healed. No marks or bloodstains, just her white glowing skin. Even her hair was clean and shiny gold.
The wind grew stronger again, and he could feel the whirling cyclone moving upward. The voices faded away.
No! Marielle cried. Dont leave me!
Her hands appeared to grasp something that Connor couldnt see, then to his amazement, her body rose off the ground. She wasnt levitating, he realized. Rather, she was being lifted by whatever she was holding.
Please. Her voice trembled with emotion. Take me with you.
Was she returning to heaven? Was she forgiven? Connors heart raced as he watched her body rise higher and higher. Four feet off the ground. Six feet. Was there hope for those who had fallen short?
Was there hope for him?
No! Marielle screamed as her hold was broken. She fell to the ground, and with a final whoosh, the wind was gone.
All was quiet except for the sound of her weeping. The air grew chilly again.
Connor felt his whole body sag. He should have known there was no hope. No forgiveness for the likes of him.
But Marielledammit, she was different. Her heart was pure. She still believed God was good. It made his heart ache to listen to her tears.
He walked to where she was huddled on the ground, leaning forward on her elbows, her shoulders shaking. Are ye all right? He winced at the stupid question.
They left me behind, she cried. Im all alone.
Nay, lass. He fell to his knees, then picked the sheet off the grass and draped it over her back. Yere no alone.
She turned her head to peek at him. Her cheek glistened with tears. Did you hear them? Did you hear the music?
Aye.
She sat up, and the sheet slipped off her back. Then you know how beautiful it is.
Aye. He hastily wrapped the sheet around her.
She continued, oblivious to his roving eyes. And now you understand why I need to go back. Its where I belong.
He tied the ends of the sheet over her right shoulder. I couldna really see them, but I heard them. And felt them in the wind.
She nodded. The Heavenly Host. Ive always been with them, since the moment of my creation. Their music is always in my head. Were all connected, always sharing our thoughts and praise.
Always? He grimaced. Ye doona tire of the con-stant noise?
Noise? She gave him an indignant look. Youre calling our music noise?
It was beautiful, he conceded, then drew a deep breath. Twas the loveliest sound Ive ever heard. Ive never felt so full of joy and peace.
She smiled. Then you do understand.
He shook his head. Twas no real.
Of course it was real. You felt it.
It was . . . alluring, but it canna be. I live in this world where we canna escape death and suffering. Besides, I wouldna want the constant voices in my mind. Nor would I want anyone else to hear my thoughts. I need my privacy.
She looked at him, stunned. You prefer to be all alone? Youd rather suffer than be at peace?
I prefer to be myself.
She touched his chest. Even with the pain you carry?
He scooted back, out of her reach. At least it is my own.
Frowning, she rose to her feet. I never realized before how frightening and lonely it is to be human. How do you bear it?
He shrugged and stood. Some rely on faith.
What do you rely on, Connor Buchanan?
He winced. Im no a good person to ask. I just keep going . . . out of stubbornness.
Her mouth tilted with a smile. Then I shall be stubborn, too. She shivered, then shifted her gaze to the stars. I will find my way back. And I will count my blessings, for the Lord is good.
Connor stifled his snort, but she still glanced at him as if she could sense his doubt.
The Lord is good, she insisted, for I have been sent a fierce protector.
He almost looked over his shoulder to see who she was referring to. It was laughable to consider him a fierce protector. Hed failed his wife and bairn. Hed failed Shanna.
And the Lord let Bunny heal me, she continued with a smile.
He blinked. Ye were healed by a rabbit?
She laughed, the sound like the tinkling of wind chimes. Bunny is a nickname for Buniel. Weve been best friends for ages. Hes an excellent healer.
He? Her best friend was male? And a perfect angel, too. Bugger.
Her smile faded. Bunny wanted to take me with him, but . . .
he couldnt.
Connors jaw shifted. I wouldna have let you go.
Her eyes widened with surprise. She stared at him, speechless, while he fought to keep his desire from showing. Time stretched out, and the air felt thick between them. He balled his fists to keep from touching her, from drawing her into his arms.
Her gaze drifted down his body, then back up. His heartbeat quickened. He looked at her mouth, wondering if she could possibly react like a real woman. Could she be aware he was studying the pink plumpness of her mouth?
She licked her lips.
Yes. He smiled slowly.
Her cheeks blushed a pretty pink, and she turned away. A mouse just died, she said in a breathless voice.
Excuse me?
A mouse has died. Carried off by an owl.
He strained his eyes, but couldnt see an owl in the night sky. Where?
About thirty miles away. She gazed at the forest with a pensive look. Not all my powers are gone. I can still sense death.
Ye know when somethings dying? How far can ye sense it?
She shrugged. Anywhere in the world. Its how the Deliverers know where to go when people are dying.
She can sense death. Connor paced toward the cabin, then back. This was a valuable skill. If she could sense people dying while Casimir and his minions were attacking them, then she might be able to help the Vamps find him.
He glanced up at the stars. Had God sent him a secret weapon that would help them defeat Casimir once and for all? Then Father Andrew might be right. He was meant to find Marielle.
He looked at her.
She was gazing at the distant mountains. I have always thought the Earth was full of beautiful places. Now I can experience them as a human. It should be very interesting, dont you think? She turned to him with a hopeful expression. Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.
He winced. Morning always brought him death. He was going to have to explain what he was. He could only hope she wouldnt be disappointed. Or disgusted.
She shivered and hugged herself. I never realized how much humans feel the cold.
Ye should come inside. He motioned toward the cabin, then froze when he heard a noise in the forest.
She heard it, too, whirling around to face the line of trees. Leaves shuddered as something pushed through the bushes.
Connor whisked the dagger from the sheath beneath his knee sock. A black snout poked out from the bushes. A wolf? No, it was wolflike, but bigger. The black, furry beast emerged from the forest.
Marielle stiffened with a gasp.
Connor widened his stance, his dagger ready.
She touched his arm. You cannot fight it. Its here for me.
The beast moved to the side, keeping its dark eyes focused on her. Then the eyes turned red and began to glow.
Connor inhaled sharply. What is it?
Her voice was whisper soft. A demon.