Beautiful Beings

Prologue

A wave of warmth, scented with cinnamon, entered the still darkness of my room. As I sat up in bed, it tickled my nostrils and brought me to a state of semi-consciousness; aware I was in my room, but with the distant knowledge that I wasn’t fully awake.

In the corner, between my clutter-filled dresser and my half-opened window, I saw his shadow. He’d come again, dark, silent and mysterious as he stood waiting for me to acknowledge him. I should have been filled with fear and the desire to scream out for help. My body should have reacted swiftly to the intrusion, shooting out of bed and clambering to find the comfort of my parents’ room. But I felt safe and longed for him to stay.

He stepped forward, shadows forever keeping him obscured and allowing me to take in only the breadth of his shoulders, his strong and powerful height and just a hint of glimmer in his eyes. I detected a flash of joy and love in that glimmer.

When he sat on the edge of my bed and reached out to caress my face, I didn’t flinch or back away. It was as it should be, as it always should have been. His touch belonged to me; his hands, his fingers, all so warm, caring, loving. My head suddenly heavy, I leaned my cheek into his palm, wanting more than just a gentle caress.

His fingers were strong, yet soft and heated with emotions as he pushed them into my hair, pushing back the mess of long dark tangles that resulted from my disturbed sleep. I knew I looked dreadful, my eyes puffy from sleep, my face gaunt and pale in the moon glow, my hair frazzled and sticking out in all directions.

“How beautiful you are, Lux.” Lost in a fog of distance, his voice barely made it to my ears, but his fingers…

I closed my eyes and lost myself in his touch, wanting to remain there forever, wanting his touch to delve deeper, become a part of me. Both of his hands grasped me, his fingers plying the skin at the base of my neck for a thrilling moment before slowly traveling over my shoulders and down my arms where he weaved his fingers through mine.

“My love,” I murmured gently as I leaned into his chest, sighing from the sheer pleasure of being with him.

The stillness filled me, bringing a sense of peace and serenity that surpassed any and every waking moment. He was the anchor I needed, the love I longed for.

The distant echo of scratching and clawing broke the silence, our moment of loving stillness cut short. A hiss, vile and decrepit, filled the room, shaking the walls and changing the course of the wind. The scent of cinnamon dissipated, taken over by the malodorous scent of death and decay.

“No,” I cried as my fingers instantly tightened around his. Fear pounded at my heart and tears blurred my vision. “No!”

“Help me, Lux.” Though calm reigned, his voice carried the urgent message with a tinge of fear.

“What can I do?”

“Help me.”

Tightening my grip with every ounce of strength I had, I held onto him, but with immense difficulty. A powerful force, stronger than I could ever have imagined, pulled at him, tearing him from me.

His eyes, the only feature visible on his shadowed face, widened with fear. “Don’t let go.”

“I won’t. I’m holding on. I won’t let them take you. I won’t let them win.” My throat constricted with pain and fear while my heart was gripped in a vice of aching so strong I could feel my life ebbing away. If I lost him, my life had little meaning.

I couldn’t hold on much longer. His fingers slipped through mine, the warmth of his touch giving way to cold emptiness. I was losing him.

“They’re here,” he said.

I could hear the struggle in his voice and knew we lacked the ability to battle them.

“They have me, Lux and they’re too many and too powerful to overcome.”

“No,” I cried. “I won’t let them take you. Hold on.”

The final touch of his fingers ebbed away, and my room was suddenly icy as a cool wind howled its way through my window, bringing with it the dust and ashes of the dead.

Only a vague shadow of him remained, withering away as they took possession of him.

I wanted to scream, to cry out at the unfairness of finding such immense love only to have it torn from my clutches. Racked with dry sobs, my chest rose and fell, my cries silent as they remained choked in my throat.

“Be careful, Lux,” he warned, his voice now distant and ethereal.

His struggle, heartbreaking to hear through the mist of dark chants and deadly murmurings, brought a wave of panic that pressed me to rise from my bed. I had to save him, keep him from disappearing, but my body was leaden and uncooperative, unwilling to perform the tasks I asked of it.

Feeble and useless, I remained in my bed, watching the only love I’d ever known fade away.

“I love you, Lux.” His faint cry broke through the cold and dark wind. “I will always love you.” Then he screamed, “beware the beautiful beings.”

A vacuum; my room was suddenly void of air, neither cold nor warm, not a sound from within or without, not a trace of his love or even his existence.

He was gone.

Chapter 1

Living in San Francisco would be vastly different from our time spent living in Seattle, my father had assured me. Whether the change was to be positive or negative, he did not say.

Sitting in the back of the baby blue Lincoln Continental my father was so proud of, I watched the city sights pass by, passive and unimpressed. Mom had barely said a word and I wondered if she was as disenchanted with this move as I was. It was the third in two years, each move allowing us just enough time to get cozy and familiar, but not enough to ever build any concrete bonds and friendships.

Friends are overrated, my dad often said.

That was fine for him, he was a loner; an archaeologist who preferred to spend his days with the dead rather than with the living. Although Mom shared his profession, she didn’t exactly share his opinion of people. She’d promised more dinner parties, more gatherings and more fun in this new city.

“Did you see the Golden Gate Bridge, Lux,” Dad called over his shoulder.

“Sure, Dad,” I droned. I’d seen so many bridges in our years of cross country treks that few impressed me anymore.

He turned onto the city streets, climbing the impossibly steep hill that seemed to go on forever.

“Those cable cars sure are a throwback to the good old days, aren’t they, Laurie?” Impressed by the pretty red trams, Dad kept toe to toe with one of them as we headed towards Chinatown.

Mom offered him a tired smile as she nodded.

“I’m told there are great markets here. You can literally find anything,” he said.

“I’m sure we can,” Mom said softly, her tone reflecting just how tired she was. “Do you think you could put off the grand tour until we’ve settled in, Bill? We’re all exhausted and simply want to explore our own new home.”

Dad reached for Mom’s hand. “Sure, honey. Forgive my exaggerated enthusiasm. I just wanted to show you guys just how great it’s going to be living here.”

He turned the car and headed for Nob Hill. “Getting to work will be a snap,” he said. “The university is literally a five minute drive.”

“Unfortunately I can’t say the same,” Mom said. Though her tone was pleasant enough, I could tell this didn’t please her. “The museum is clear across town.”

The narrow, winding streets of the city, crowded with shops, homes and offices, gave way to broader roads dotted with huge estates, gated in and unimaginably expansive, each mansion was grander than the last. Clinging to my state of unhappiness at our latest move, I swallowed a gasp of awe, but couldn’t keep my eyes from opening wide as I tried to take in each lavish home.

“This is home to Richard Kingsley,” Dad stated proudly as he slowed the car to an embarrassing crawl. When no response came, he continued. “He’s my new boss, the dean of the university.”

Mom’s lips pressed into a tight grin as she gazed at the impressive home. “That’s nice, dear. Perhaps you TWO can ride together.”

Detecting the note of sarcasm in her voice, I suppressed a smile and kept my eyes on the huge wrought iron gate. “I love the bird they have on their gate. It’s cool, like kind of gothic, you know,” I said.

“That’s a raven, dear, and yes, you're right, it does have elements of the gothic style, though clearly Victorian in every other aspect.”

Beyond the gate, the home was far from what I’d imagined a dean could afford. Immense and undeniably beautiful, something about the estate caused an uncomfortable chill to crawl up my spine.

A movement caught my eye in the driveway and I focused in to find a handsome young man preparing to board a dark SUV. He stopped; his hand perched on the open door of the large vehicle, his gaze haunting as it found me through the distance and held me with an unknown purpose.

His sun-bleached hair was swept back, his chin high, his shoulders straight, giving him an air of refinement that contrasted with the lacrosse outfit he wore. However, beneath his aristocratic air, something feral lived in his gaze.

I turned away, disturbed by the intensity and familiarity of his hazel stare. My mind quickly flipped through the number of young men I’d met in my life; the school I’d just left behind, the few young men I’d met when Mom had brought me for a brief visit to my new school last spring. I even thought of the celebrities I’d seen in the movies.

No one resembled the tall young man with the strong chin and determined gaze.

When I turned back to him, his eyes were on me, having never left. A knowing smile touched his lips then disappeared as he boarded the SUV.

“Isn’t it lovely?” Dad chimed.

“It certainly is impressive,” Mom said. “I hadn’t imagined we’d be living so close to such extravagance.”

Neither of them commented on the handsome young man with the golden hair and brazen stare.

“I’m afraid our new home is going to be considerably more modest,” Dad said as he finally pressed on the accelerator.

Indeed, the huge mansions gave way to stately homes which slowly diminished in size and splendor to resemble the neighborhoods I’d grown up in. Victorian homes, neatly lined up in rows, were painted in a pastel rainbow, each individual and unique.

“How absolutely charming,” Mom exclaimed, sincerity filling her words for the first time since leaving Seattle. “So rich in character and history.”

“Told you you’d love it.” Dad beamed with pride. He pulled up in front of the three story coral and sea foam Victorian house, cut the engine and turned to me. “How do you like it, Buttons?”

Knowing full well it didn’t hide my displeasure at this move, I forced a smile. I couldn’t deny the house was pretty, in a very doll house sort of way, but it didn’t make up for the fact that I’d once again have to start anew.

“Cheer up, Buttons. I know you’ll just love it here.” He opened the car door and stood to admire his latest acquisition. “This is a brand new start.”

“Sure, Dad.” I stepped out of the car. “But you’re not the one who has to deal with a new school, new students and new teachers. I have nothing familiar to lean on, no friends, only the vast unknown of this new land.”

He came around the car, ruffled his hand though my hair and chuckled. “Spare me the melodrama, Lux. In case you’ve forgotten, I’m going to be dealing with a new school, new students and new teachers as well. The new professor at a university is always subject to a degree of skepticism from the faculty, not to mention the student body. Can you imagine what my first few days will be like?” He took the walkway to the front door, made a grand gesture of pulling out the shiny new key and inserted it into the keyhole beneath the brass doorknob.

“Yeah, but you’re entering what you called the best archeological department on the west coast and you’ll have plenty of advantages. What advantage am I going to have? None, nada, nil. I just have to chuck aside everything and everyone I knew in Seattle in order to start all over again. And for how long? A semester? A term? A season?”

His unflappable sense of humor didn’t wane under the harsh truth of the situation. Dad’s grin as wide as could be, he pushed open the door, pinched my cheek and whispered, “Welcome to your new abode, Buttons.”

Mom stepped up behind me. “I wasn’t too pleased with moving again either, Lux, but I think we could truly be happy here. San Francisco has so much to offer, and Seattle isn’t that far away if you really want to go back and visit your friends from time to time.”

I nodded, knowing an argument was futile. When would I ever have the opportunity to go back simply to visit the few friends I’d just barely gotten to know?

We walked into a living room larger than the ones from our last previous three homes. “The movers should be just an hour behind us.” Dad’s cheery voice echoed against the walls of the vast and empty room.

“It’s so big,” Mom said. “The furniture we have will barely fill the rooms.

“This living room is almost twice as big as the one in Seattle,” he went on. “And wait until you see the kitchen.”

I left them alone in their discovery of their new home and took the stairs that led to the second story leading to the bedrooms. Mom would surely exclaim when she saw the huge bedroom that took up almost the entire floor.

Where did that leave me? I wondered.

Past the bathroom I found a narrow stairwell leading to the third floor. A tiny oval window offered the only source of light in the otherwise dark stairwell. No light switch, no overhead light bulb with a tiny linked chain, no wall sconces; nothing.

This is fine during the day, I thought as I made my way up, but how will I find my way at night? I put the question far behind me as I reached the upper level. Hardwood floors shined under the brilliance of the sun that showered the room through the large windows at the front and back of the room.

The steeple ceiling rose high above in the center, but dropped down considerably on either side.

The front corner of the large room opened into a smaller round room; the bathroom. How exquisite, I thought, my own bathroom, as peculiar as it was in its circular wall. Tall, thin windows lined the front half of the room. A red antique claw foot tub sat at the far back of the room, allowing a decent amount of privacy from the neighbors. The tiny sink would be more than adequate for my needs and the small linen closet was perfect.

It was hard to remain angry with my father for moving us here as I slowly fell in love with the room.

Two doors, narrower and shorter than standard, flanked the room. I turned the antique porcelain knob to the first one and found a small, low storage area. The other opened onto a surprisingly spacious closet.

“How do you like your new room, Buttons?”

“Really?” I turned in surprise. I hadn’t dared hope it could truly be all mine.

Mom and Dad came in and explored every corner.

“This use to be the attic,” Dad said as he traced his hand over the wood work of the back window.

“And did you see the view?” Mom added as she stepped in beside him. “Lux, you can see clear over the surrounding homes and glimpse at the bay.”

Dad came around and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. “Are you starting to like San Francisco a bit more now?”

I grinned. It was a pretty cool room.

“Now let’s go grab some dinner before the movers arrive,” Mom called out as she exited my new bathroom.

We only had time to take a few bites before the moving truck pulled up in front of the house. While Mom and Dad ran about directing the burly men to put the dresser here, set the table there and haul the boxes up there, I climbed my private stairwell and waited for my things to be brought up.

The first item to arrive was the burgundy velour armchair that had belonged to my grandmother not so long ago. I had the movers set it by the back window where I looked forward to reading a good book or flipping through a fashion magazine while enjoying the warm rays of the morning sun.

Soon after, the remainder of my furniture was brought up. Once the movers had placed my bed in the center of the room, set my antique desk beneath the front window and put my dresser beside the bathroom door, I sent them on their way and enjoyed rediscovering all the little knickknacks and treasures I’d packed into my grandmother’s old steam trunk over a month earlier.

“How’re you settling in, honey?”

Mom’s voice was gentle and caring as she padded silently into my room. I’d just pulled out the old china doll grandma had given me ten years earlier and I suddenly missed her terribly.

“Pretty good.”

“You missing anything?” She reached out to pat the hair of my doll, her eyes misting over.

“No, I think I’m good.” My voice was thick and hoarse.

“I miss her a lot too, honey.”

“I know you do, Mom.” I nodded, not wanting to talk about it more. The sudden move to San Francisco had come just weeks after my grandmother’s funeral. I knew Mom was frazzled by it, but I wasn’t in the mood to share my feelings. “I’m tired of all the constant changes.”

She nodded her understanding. “Are you ready for your first day at school tomorrow?”

“As ready as I can be. I don’t really know what to expect… what to wear, how to do my hair, how to act, who to befriend, who to trust, where to go, how to get there, what weather to…”

“I understand, Lux,” Mom cut in with an amused grin. “I’ll make it up to you. I may not be able to do much to ease your entry into yet again another new school, but I’ll do my all to make this home the best you’ve ever had.” She kissed my brow and rose to leave.

“Mom,” I called out.

“Yes, honey.”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too. Get a good night’s sleep.”

I knew my nerves wouldn’t really allow for that, but I nodded and smiled all the same. Once I’d heard her steps fade down the stairs, I put the rest of my things away and made my bed.

After trying out my new tub, I set out the clothes I would wear the next day; black leather pleated mini-skirt and a simple white shirt, open at the collar. Underneath was my lacy black bra, which was going to show through the white shirt. What I planned on wearing was simple, yet edgy, I thought. I could always spice it up by wearing a lacy red bra underneath, but I wanted my first day in school to be tame, even mundane. Doing anything that could leave me expelled once again was not an option, so I opted for the large jewel encrusted crucifix instead. It added just the right amount of color and flash to my otherwise simple attire.

After that, there was little more I could do to ensure the next day ran smooth except get into bed early. I pulled back the covers and lay back only to turn onto my stomach moments later. I breathed in the fresh scent of my freshly laundered sheets, wanting desperately to find comfort and solace. Ten minutes later I shifted over to my side and hugged my pillow for a few minutes before flipping onto my back to stare at the ceiling for a full half hour.

Sleep would not come.

The air was silent, the room darker than the one in Seattle had ever been. Only a scant amount of moonlight entered via the back window, setting a cool glow against the dark armchair. It flowed across the polished floor and up to the foot of my bed.

When shadows, dark and ominous, danced along the far wall, my breath caught in my throat. The trees outside, my brain quickly rationalized, but I knew it was more than that.

I sat up, my gaze immediately drawn to the armchair by the window. The silhouette of a man, poised, confident and strong, sat staring up at the moon. His hands were clasped tightly, his index fingers pressed together and pointing up under his chin in a pensive pose.

“Lothario?” I murmured.

“You remember.” He leaned forward, turned to me and smiled. “I’m flattered.”

The moonlight glowed golden on his skin and flickered in his eyes. He was magnificently beautiful.

“How long has it been, Lux?”

His smile was glorious, more so than I remembered; his appeal ageless, his wisdom ancient and his charm never ending.

“Five years,” I said. “You haven’t changed.”

A brief rumble of laughter echoed in the stillness of the night.

“I can’t say the same for you, lovely Lux.” He shifted over to face me, his legs propped up and dangling over the armrest. “You’ve grown into quite the exquisite young woman.”

“Thank you.” Twelve when I’d last seen him, I’d become a puddle of pre-pubescent mush before his grand charm and eloquent compliments. I now wanted to ensure I maintained full control of my emotions and attraction to him.

“I assume you're settling in nicely.”

Looking at the pleats and lace that edged my sheets, I shrugged and fiddled with the fabric. “As best as I can, I guess.”

“I hear San Francisco has excellent weather.”

I looked at him and smirked. Weather? After all I’d been through I should be ecstatic about the fair weather? “That may be true, but it still doesn’t guarantee we won’t have to move again, and all on my account.”

“I think you’d do well to truly settle into your new life here. You’ll be here for a lot longer than you’ve grown accustomed to. There’s so much work to be done.”

“Is that why we came here, to San Francisco?”

“Could there be any other reason?”

“Well, I thought my father really liked this new university he’ll be teaching at.”

“I am pleased to hear he’s happy with that, but no. The reason for the move is considerably more important than that. We’re not in the habit of doing anything in vain.”

I should have known. Somehow I’d assumed this move was to be a new start, a real new start. Then again this kind of thing had been going on since I’d turned two, though Lothario hadn’t been present in my life back then, but another.

“You’ve done well these past five years,” he went on. “You’re strong, calculating and wise. You get the job done in an efficient way.”

A slow smile made its way to my tired lips. I certainly tried to do the best I could.

“But this past year you’ve grown weary. I know the tasks set upon you can at times be overwhelming, but you’ve allowed yourself to become careless, getting caught in situations that should be easily averted.”

My shoulders fell in dismay. Was he berating me? “I’m sorry. I try to do the best I can.”

“Really?” He cocked a skeptical brow.

“Well.” I tried to keep the defensive edge out of my voice. “I have a lot going on in my life. I mean, everything was so much simpler when I was younger. There was no doubt I was completely devoted to this new aspect of my life, but…”

“I understand the pressures of being an adolescent.” He flashed me a knowing grin. “Gone are the days of being carefree. Gone is the ability to remain impervious to the questionable glares of others. You want to fit in, to be pretty, to be liked, to be loved. You’re more concerned with catching the eye of a young suitor than anything else.”

“I’m not as boy crazy as you're making me out to be. In case I need to remind you, I also have an education I have to get through. Homework is time consuming and being a teen is pretty stressful at times.”

He rubbed his fingers against his temple. “I’m too old for this,” he groaned. “Perhaps I’ve expected too much from you, put undue pressure on you. I’ve been told I can be rather demanding.”

“Good to hear.”

He fisted his hands together and his lips pursed into a pensive pucker. “Perhaps it’s time you had another guardian, someone younger and more in tuned to the needs of a teenager such as yourself.”

“Did I hear a note of condescension in there?”

“Of course not. I’m merely being pragmatic and shrewd. You're going to have a ton of work here and you need someone a little more… hands on. A guardian who is your age and better able to fit in to your daily routine at school. A guardian who’ll be a lot more help than I can be at this time. A guardian you can be friends with.”

“Friends?” Frowning with disbelief, I glanced at him. I’d managed a few acquaintances, a few kids I hung out with on a few rare occasions, but true friends? No, they always freaked out when they discovered I wasn’t exactly like them. I couldn’t really remember the last time I’d had a real friend, someone who knew and understood me, someone I could share secrets with.

Lothario rose, tall and imposing in the dark shadows, his shoulders almost touching the steeple ceiling. His inner glow radiated from him as he turned to me, warming me. A few long and elegant strides brought him to Grandma’s steam trunk. “Everything you need is under the bottom panel,” he said, patting the trunk. “I want you to know you can always rely on me for a helping hand. If ever you need me…”

“I know, Lothario, and thanks. I’ll let you know the minute I can’t handle it.”

“We wouldn’t entrust such an immense task on you if we weren’t completely confident of your abilities.” He straightened his shoulders and a light fluttering sound came from behind him. His inner glow intensified, lighting the room with such brilliance, I felt certain our new neighbors would be awakened by brightness.

The fluttering increased as wings, thick with ivory feathers, rose behind him. I’d seen him take flight on more than one occasion and it never failed to inspire me. Sitting in awe as his wings spread out touching the highest point of my vaulted ceiling, I smiled, optimistic for the first time since learning of this latest move.

“Until we meet again, faithful one.” He winked and disappeared.

Chapter 2

St. James Academy was imposing at first glance. Navy blue uniforms, crisp, clean and perfect. Boys with short cropped hair; their chins up, their shoulders back. Girls with not a hair out of place, their grins formal, their gazes scrutinizing.

I looked down at my edgy but simple outfit and knew I’d have to go and find out what had happened to the uniform I’d ordered. Though a part of me enjoyed being set apart from the clones who surrounded me, I knew I had to do everything I could to fit in. My father had done so much to get me into this very picky and particular private school, using his ties to the dean of Rothschild University, Mr. Kingsley, to get St. James to overlook the fact I’d been expelled from my old school. However, I knew he wouldn’t be able to keep me in if I didn’t fall in line.

Following the flow of students who passed through the doors of the academy, I entered my new school. Once a convent, the academy retained much of the look and feel of years gone by. The occasional crucifix was hung over doors, warding off evil. Highly polished planks of wood covered the floor of the narrow halls, adorned in the corners with white ash inlay. Chair rails ran the length of the hall leading to an old office converted into a locker alcove. At the end of the hall, a Prie-Dieu reminded everyone of the buildings prior vocation.

My first stop was the head mistress’s office to finish off the paperwork that followed me to this new school and get my new class schedule. Perhaps she would also have some news on my school uniforms, though I secretly wished they’d remain lost forever.

“Miss Bright,” I said as I entered the spacious office with a view on the zen study garden. “I’m…”

“Lux Collins,” she cut in as she stood and held her hand out. She was an imposing figure, standing close to six feet tall and leaving no doubt she was in charge. “I’ve been expecting you.”

She swept an inquisitive gaze up and down the length of me, her gaze harsh as she appraised my attire, but a note of interest sparked in her eyes. “I take it there’s a good reason you don’t have a uniform.”

“I haven’t received it yet.”

“I’ll make sure you get it by the end of the day.” She repressed an amused grin as she took her seat. “Please sit down.”

I handed her my rather thick school file and she flipped through the pages, her face alternating between displeasure and great interest. “You’ve had a tumultuous school year to say the least.”

“I guess I’m just the type kids don’t like. Trouble finds me in pretty short order.”

She smiled. “I’m sure a pretty girl like you attracts more than just trouble, but let me assure you that St. James Academy could be just the school to put a little space between Lux Collins and trouble. This is a wonderful school, and we’re proud of every single graduate. I’m sure you’ll love it.”

My smile felt pasted on as I listened to her rattle off the advantages of going to such a prestigious school. I nodded at the appropriate moments, said, “How wonderful,” when she mentioned how small the classes were and forced a laugh as she went on and on about the fun-filled pranks teachers were apt to pull in order to keep students in line.

The office door cracked open and I was relieved by the intrusion. Finally, someone to put an end to this endless meeting.

Miss Bright’s eyes lit up as she looked over my shoulder. Probably a teacher she had a crush on I thought absently. I chewed on a nail as I waited for her to finish with the intruder and get back to my class schedule.

“Braxton, you're just in time.”

“Happy to be of help, Miss Bright.”

The voice was surprisingly younger than I’d expected, obviously not that of a teacher, but my interest level didn’t go further than that.

When Miss Bright cleared her throat for the third time, I glanced at her. She cocked her brow towards the door with interest and seemed genuinely dismayed by my lack of curiosity.

A quick sidelong glance told me it was a young male student dressed in a navy blue uniform. His shoes shined, his pants fell into a neatly hemmed line over them and there was no sign of a knee deforming the perfect pleat. My disinterested gaze didn’t go further than that before turning to Miss Bright.

“I’ve arranged to have a student show you around. He’ll show you where your classes are, the cafeteria, study halls and anything else you might want to find.” Once again her eyes reflected dismay.

The young man stepped forward, forcing me to give him the attention Miss Bright seemed so eager for me to bestow on him.

My lazy, disinterested breath caught in my throat as I looked up at him and I had to fight to keep from gaping. Suddenly my heart raced and my mind tried to make sense of it all.

“Braxton Kingsley,” the young man said, his lips twitching into a cockeyed grin, his hazel eyes twinkling with the knowledge of the effect he had on women.

My voice was useless as it gurgled and croaked as I tried to think of something to say. He was the young man I’d seen through the raven adorned gate; the young man in the lacrosse outfit. I was certain of it. His blond hair, swept off his face, but falling in haphazard curls at his neck, gave him an allure that was irresistible.

The navy jacket was broad at the shoulders and exquisitely filled. Adding to his lurid appeal was one unclasped top button of his shirt teamed with his slackened navy tie. The uniform shouted refinement and conformity, but that slack knot whispered of the wild boy inside.

His eyes gave nothing away, making it impossible to know whether he recognized me or not. We’d had such a strong connection, how could he not remember me?

“Braxton knows everything there is to know about St. James and he’s a rather smart boy, too. You’ll do well to follow his lead. Sports, extracurricular activities, student blog, charity events, fund raisers… he touches it all and we all love him for it.”

“Kingsley,” I finally said in a surprisingly cool tone. “I’ve heard the name before. Are you related to…?”

“Richard Kingsley?” he finished. “Yeah, he’s my uncle. I’ve been staying with him for a while.”

“Well, I hope I’ll have the opportunity to meet him. He had a hand in getting me here and I owe him a big thank you.”

“Maybe you should wait and see if you like it here first.” Dark and ominous, his voice contradicted the light of playfulness in his eyes.

I cocked my head and prepared to protest. This was supposed to be the turning point in my life.

He gave a small smile. “Joking. There’s enough seriousness going on out in these dedicated halls of higher learning,” he said, waving the comment away. “Just my idea of humor. I’m sure you’ll love it here.”

Despite my best effort to remain aloof and unaffected, he warmed me. He was charming, funny and far better looking than a guy should be.

“You’ll be in good hands, Miss Collins,” Miss Bright said as I stood to follow Braxton.

“Thank you.”

Braxton pushed open the door and guided me down the hall.

“You know,” I said. “I really appreciate all this, Braxton, but…”

“You can call me Brax,” he injected with a comical smirk. “All my friends do.”

Friends? Aren’t we being a little premature?

“Sure,” I said with a tight, polite smile. “Brax… I think I can find my way well enough.”

His brow creased over his darkening eyes, revealing a hint of something dark hiding beneath the angelic curls. I’d always been a sucker for the dark, brooding type and this guy, silly sense of humor and all, was slowly working his way into that place I simply didn’t want him to go.

Don’t get all charming with me, I silently warned.

“Look.” He stopped and looked around as the last of the wandering students found the classes. “I arrived here just last year. I know what it’s like being the new kid in school, especially since you’re starting a month late. We’ve all had a chance to get acquainted and you're the perfect stranger thrown into the bunch… the outsider, the intruder, the girl the kids will turn their shoulder to. And these are privileged kids, we’re talking about. They already have their nose in the air and they love to flaunt it.”

“Gee, thanks for making it sound so appealing.”

“But if you stick with me…” He poked his elbow playfully into my ribs. “All the kids will love you. I made a smooth transition from the lowly Fulford High to the pomp and prestige of St. James and I can help you make it too.”

“Thanks, but I think I’m good.” The thought of relying on him was appealing, but I knew I worked best alone and on my own.

He grinned, trying to hide his disbelief. “You’re brushing me off? Fine.” He held his hands up and took a few steps away. “So you don’t want to hang with me. I’m cool with that. But Miss Bright, my uncle and your parents all expect me to ease you into the life of St. James. They’ll be all over me if I let you go off on your own.”

I inhaled my exasperation and pouted my petulant lips. “Seriously?” I groaned in dismay.

He flashed me his killer smile and a little part of me disintegrated inside.

I shook it off and shrugged at my fate. There was no way I was about to let him know the effect he was having on me. “Well, beggars can’t be choosers, or in this case, the new kid at school can’t be too picky about the company she keeps.” I shot him an analytical gaze. “I guess I could do worst. You could have been a puss infected ogre who has to be slain for impersonating an Adonis. But you really do appear to be what you are; a boy.”

He cocked his head to the side then rolled his eyes to the ceiling. “Whatever. Come on.”

The tour around the school was pleasant enough. Every floor shined, every wall immaculate and every window glistened. We poked our heads into a few of the classes, which were small, both in size and the number of students.

“They like to keep the ratio small. I think the biggest class we have is twenty-two students and that’s the drama class.”

“Cool,” I muttered, my attention less on class ratio and more on the peculiar-looking student roaming the halls.

“Teachers here are really hands on, taking the time to sit and talk things through with students on an individual basis.”

“Uh-huh.” My gaze followed the movements of the lost student, picking up on…

“What’s your average?”

“My what?” I said softly.

“Hey, are you even listening to…?”

I didn’t give him the chance to finish. The strange student turned the corner and I shot off after him the moment he was out of my sight. Darn it, I thought. This was my very first day. Couldn’t I at least get a break?

Rounding up the corner, I sprinted to him, grabbed him by the collar and shoved his face to the wall.

“What the…?” He muttered.

His hair, jet black and falling in thick sheets just above the collar of his jacket, smelled sweet, musky and masculine. No, I thought, this is not the average, run of the mill student. Taking a firm hold of his leather jacket, I spun him around.

Through his initial spark of annoyance he grinned, the most seductive, wicked grin I had ever seen. His jade green eyes, narrow and amused, looked down at me with curiosity.

“I take it you're new here,” he said, his sultry lips never losing their amused curve. “First days nerves… it can make you do nutty things sometimes.”

“I… I thought you were…” I backed away and released him, taken aback by my error.

“In this neck of the woods, we usually settle for a congenial handshake and a brief, but impressive introduction, the likes of, hello, my name is so-and-so and I’m from such and such institution.” He cradled his chin between his thumb and index finger. “Although, I have to admit, there’s something uniquely charming in your approach.”

“Sorry, I really thought you were something… um someone…”

“No apologies needed. In fact, I really wouldn’t mind starting again.”

I backed away. “You were so…” My gaze traveled over his strong shoulders before clearing the top of his head and looking for signs of something different.

Squishing his nose and tightening his gaze, he looked above him. “Do I have something gnarly in my hair or what?”

“You’re human,” I murmured to myself.

“Say what?” After a perplexed moment, he chuckled. “Oh you must be confused by my animal magnetism. But, yes, I assure you, I am human.”

“You don’t say,” I droned and walked away.

“Hey.” He was suddenly serious as he walked up and kept stride with me. “You weren’t kidding, huh?”

“About what?”

“Me being human.”

“Forget about it. Like you said, first day jitters.”

“No.” He grabbed my arm and pulled me to a stop. “You're Lux, aren’t you?”

Alarmed, it took me a moment to realized he’d read my name off my schedule. “Yeah. What of it?”

“It means light, right?” His chuckle was edged with nervous energy. His grip on my arm tightened as he pulled me closer. “Look, I had a weird dream last night. Aside from the strange sense of being elsewhere, I don’t really remember much, except the light, a startlingly bright light.”

“That’s nice, but I’m not a dream interpreter.” I turned to walk away, but he maintained his hold.

“Something strange has been happening to me lately. I’ve been strange lately. You saw it. Whatever it is that you saw, it wasn’t your imagination.”

My gaze met his, my dark eyes connecting with his eyes, strange eyes that were the deepest green surrounded by a ring of pure blue. He was looking at me earnestly, and I thought I saw vulnerability in those sure, cocky eyes for a moment.

“Beautiful,” he whispered as his eyes shifted away.

“What do you mean?” I asked, wanting more.

Behind me I heard Braxton’s footfall and instantly saw the protective veil that shadowed the green eyes before me. “Beautiful,” he whispered again before walking away.

“Okay, so I get it,” Braxton groaned, “You don’t want to tour the school with me.” Coming up beside me, he shot a look of disapproval at the green-eyed stranger.

“Who is he?” I asked, keeping a cap on the interest level I divulged.

“Just our school bum. You know, the bad boy, the trouble maker, maybe even a juvenile delinquent.

“Does bad boy have a name?”

“Asher, or, as some of the kids sometimes call him, Thrasher, Slasher or, the favorite among the girls, Dasher.”

“Cute.”

“I see you’ve already fallen under his spell.”

“Oh, please,” I said as I waved his silliness away and turned down the hall. “I don’t fall for the ridiculous spells you guys pull on girls.”

“You sure looked spell bound.” He kept up with me, his grin betraying a hint of jealousy.

Had I dented his ego?

“I don’t have time to be dazzled by some guy’s gorgeous green eyes.” I turned to look straight into Braxton’s eyes. “Or pretty hazel ones, for that matter.”

Pleased, he grinned like a little boy, proud of his first homerun.

“Well, you're the first. Every girl, and I mean, every single girl here, has fallen for that guy. You were kind of looking at him with intense interest.”

“Don’t get all ruffled, Brax. You're a pretty cute guy, yourself.”

“Gee,” he said with a note of sarcasm. “Thanks?”

I giggled, something I was not in the habit of doing. He really was cute, not only his eyes, his smile, his hair, but the charm he exuded. I wanted to know more about him, more about that strange connection we’d share as I’d passed by his home.

“You know.” He leaned in close over my shoulder. “Something about you seems familiar.”

About to respond, the flash of a dark shadow crossed the perpendicular corridor at the end of the hall. Without hesitation, I bolted, once again leaving Braxton behind. I wasn’t mistaken this time, the shadow was dark, treacherous and ugly.

Caught in the narrow stairwell, it turned to face me. “I’ll get you, Lux. Be filled with fear.”

“I won’t.” I bared my bejeweled crucifix and ran after the furtive figure. Before he could fight me, I sprang quickly sprang on him saying, “I cast you out, Demon!” I grunted as I shoved the cross to his forehead. “Leave now.”

He fought, twisted away from my hold and tried to grab my wrist. Though fast, as demons are apt to be, he wasn’t fast enough. I caught him and pressed the crucifix to this brow, maintaining a firm grip. “I bind your powers,” I shouted into the void. “Be gone!”

After an ugly gurgle, it vanished.

Chapter 3

The morning’s first class was about to let out and students would soon be rushing through the halls on their way from one class to another. I was flushed from the brief battle and wanted to collect my thoughts before making my way to my own first class of the day.

“You're making a nasty habit of running out on me,” Braxton said as he found me.

“Sorry.”

“What were you chasing?”

“Nothing.”

“You always just go off running for no reason?”

Shrugging, I glanced at my schedule to find my first class of the day, but it was impossible to concentrate. My energy had been zapped by the early morning battle. “Restless legs, I guess.”

“Come on, you can tell me.”

Telling him was exactly what I couldn’t do. My father had done so much to get me into St. James and I loathed the thought of moving again. No, I couldn’t get into trouble here.

He brushed his hand across my cheek. “You're red. You're hot,” he whispered. “Are you sure you're okay?”

The heat of exertion remained with me, leaving me weak. “Maybe I should make a stop at the ladies’ room before the first class lets out.”

“Sure thing,” Braxton said, his voice surprisingly filled with concern. “Here, I’ll show you the way.”

Showing himself to be a true gentleman, he led me to the restroom and nodded his promise to wait for me.

I hurried inside and made my way to the sink to get a good look at myself. A sudden chill enveloped me and, as my gaze met my eyes, I felt drained. It was more than just the tangle with the demon, I thought. Fighting always took its toll on me, but this was different. My gut tightened with discomfort, a sense of unease that refused to be shrugged off.

Asher, I thought. Beware of the beautiful beings, he’d said.

Beyond the demon, this was at the heart of what was troubling me. His statement had been made with such sincerity, even urgency, yet it was vague.

Beautiful beings; they were all around me. The students I’d passed in the hall, the few teachers I’d seen, even Miss Bright was attractive.

I looked at my reflection. Would people here think I was beautiful? My brown eyes could easily be considered plain, yet I’d often been complimented on the depth and soulfulness of my gaze. My dark brown hair lacked any kind of glamorous highlight or streak, yet guys had often told me how sexy it was. In every school I’d attended I’d been told how pretty I was, as peculiar and odd as my conduct might have been.

But here, the students were beyond beautiful. I thought of the tall blond I’d bumped shoulders with on entering the school. High cheekbones, captivating blue eyes and luscious blond hair that cascaded down her back.

As I’d prepared to enter Miss Bright’s office, a striking redhead with emerald eyes had strutted by, her gait magnificent, her body statuesque.

And Braxton, so unbelievably attractive and perfect in every way.

They could all easily be models, obtain million dollar contracts with the nation’s leading agencies. And the school was full of students just like them.

So what did Asher mean? They were all beautiful here. Was I to seriously take them all as a possible threat?

Closing my eyes on my reflection, I suddenly felt old and weary. Perhaps this time Lothario had expected too much of me. All these years of battling had drained me too much, aging me before my time.

How long had I been at this?

Sam had been the first angel to visit me. Though I was only two years old I’d understood his prophetic message; I was to be a warrior of God and my gift of sight would greatly help me. Only three years later, my eyes had been opened to the spiritual world. Thinking back to that time, I was awed by the calm and serenity of that five year old little girl who’d entered this new world with such a brave and hopeful heart; a world in which angels and demons walked among mortals.

I had been honored to perform an exorcism two years after that. Despite my diminutive size, the family of Hilda Wigglesworth had welcomed me with open arms, quickly rushing me off to the room of the possessed woman.

Working to rid the world of demons seemed to be an endless task, and while I’d always been proud, even eager to do my part, I couldn’t help but wonder if I would ever truly succeed in ridding the world of the evil that filled it.

Opening my eyes, I faced the young woman I’d become and thought of Lothario. His late night appearance led me to believe there was so much more work ahead of me. Five years earlier, he’d come to me. His message had been clear. The gates of hell were yielding under the pressure of so many demons. No one knew how much longer they could be held back, and, should they be unleashed, the world would suffer as it had never suffered before. I had to find others like me, he’d warned, to build an army of fighters. Together we would beat the demons.

Wishful thinking, I thought as I turned the faucet and splashed cold water into my face. Finding such fighters had turned out to be a little more difficult than expected. My army was little more than a pitiful gathering.

Shaking off my frustrations and fears, I straightened my shoulders and stood back. If only I could get through the next few months and graduate, then I could put all my time and energy into fending off the demons of the world without worrying about the effects on my education.

I walked out and slapped on the most convincing grin I could muster.

“Feeling better?” Braxton asked.

“Yeah,” I said. “Sorry about all that. I must be a lot more jittery about this first day than I’d expected.”

Chapter 4

“Cool,” Braxton said as he glanced over my shoulder to read my schedule. “We have three classes together - science, English and history… our next class.”

The rest of the morning sped by and soon Braxton was guiding me to one of the small and intimate dining rooms. Wooden tables, beat up with history, were surrounded by solid wood straight back chairs that surely came from the days of the convent.

Pale blue walls gave the small room a sense of relaxation, augmented by the beautiful view of the fountain in the courtyard outside the row of palladium windows.

“What a beautiful place to have lunch,” I said as I followed him to the last table at the far end of the room. Adding to the beauty of the room were the startling beautiful students seated at the table. Among them, a blonde boy and girl, both with riveting lime colored eyes.

Beyond anything I’d seen that morning, their beauty had an ethereal, unworldly quality. Their gazes, bordering on hypnotic, held mine.

“Who’s the new kid on the block?” The girl with long blond hair neatly styled and emerald green eyes offered me a reserved smile.

“Her name is Lux, Shayne, and stop giving her the evil eye.”

She returned her gaze to her soup. “I’m just taking a passing glance, Brax, hardly an evil eye.”

“I’ve been showing her around,” Braxton said as he reached for my hand and gave me a quick squeeze. “We even have three classes together.”

The young man seemed oblivious of Braxton and continued to hold my gaze with interest, a move that appeared to cause Braxton’s jaw to tighten. Could the green-eyed dream boy be a rival? Braxton made no move to introduce us, leaving me to the task.

“We just moved from Seattle.” I extended my hand which he greedily took in his.

“How lucky for us.”

His grin was intoxicating, taking my breath away and sending my blood rushing to parts of me I didn’t even know I had.

“I’m Moore, by the way… so much more.”

“We’ll have to see about that.” I dared a wink as I took my seat.

“Lux… that’s an absolutely beautiful name, a name that suits you to a tee.” He shoved his half eaten sandwich aside, leaned forward and intensified his gaze. “And what brings a Seattle girl to San Fran?”

“If you must know,” Braxton cut in as he squeezed in beside me. “Her father is the new chair at the antiquities department at the university.”

Moore smirked at Braxton. “How convenient. Guess that’s how you weaseled your way to such an exquisite creature so quickly.” He turned his eyes to me. “I can’t say I blame him. I would jump at the chance to spend my days escorting you from one class to another.”

He was unabashedly flirting with me, despite Braxton’s fierce and possessive glare. I felt the blush rush to my cheeks and cast my gaze to my salad.

When I chanced another glance at him, I melted under his unwavering gaze. Startled by my reaction to him, so violent, so deep, and so strong, I couldn’t help but wonder what spell he was weaving. A slow and heated tingle worked its way over my skin, luring me closer to him, and leaving me with the heartfelt desire to feel his touch.

He smiled, a smile meant only for me, and I was lost in the pools of green bliss. Though I sat across the table from him, I felt the warmth of his touch, his face close to mine as we danced together in a fragrant rose garden. His gaze pulled me into another world, a world of love, passion and desire so strong, I felt dizzy.

My eyes dipped down to his hands, powerful yet gentle hands capable of wicked and wild embraces. Every breath was shallow and difficult as his fingers traced a line between the nape of my neck and my spine. Keeping my eyes open became impossible.

“You gonna eat anything?” Braxton said as he tapped my elbow with his.

I shook the heated images from my head and noticed that Moore still stared at me, hungry and captivating, a knowing grin on his sensual lips.

“How cute,” Shayne groaned, her gaze cold and unwelcoming. “It certainly didn’t take you long to make an impression on my brother.”

I should have known. “You're siblings?”

“Twins, actually.” She pressed a sweet smile, but bitterness oozed through her lips. “Fraternal.”

“Oh.” For some reason, I felt relieved… for what? For not being a rival for Moore?

“Moore is a little older than me.” She rolled her eyes towards him. “Though you’d never know it by watching the way he acts sometimes.”

“Don’t mind them,” Braxton shot in, his hand once again coming to brush over mine. “They’re just a couple of millionaire brats who have little adult supervision. Their favorite pastime is playing with people’s head. Don’t get caught up in it.”

Shayne picked up a stick of celery and chomped loudly on it. “Considering what we’ve been through, I think we’re doing a pretty good job of raising ourselves, Brax. Our parents might have left us a huge mansion to roam around in, but we didn’t have the luxury of an extended family to help us.”

Her harsh emerald eyes softened slightly as she turned to me. “Our parents died a few years ago.”

“They didn’t die,” Moore interjected, his tone harsh and pained for the first time. “They were murdered.”

Shayne barely batted an eye. “We were left to fend for ourselves, which might seem like a big old luau to some…” She glanced furtively at Braxton. “But it’s been more difficult than anyone can imagine.”

I shook my head thoughtfully, my heart aching for both of them. The devastation of losing one’s parents; it was indeed unimaginable.

“Believe me,” Shayne went on, “I’d much rather live in a modest home with Mom and Dad there every night than walk into that mammoth chunk of cold bricks and mortar.”

I detected a shimmer in her eyes that hadn’t been there moments earlier. The subject obviously affected her greatly and I couldn’t resist the urge to reach across the table and take her hand. “I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s positively dreadful, and it’s sad to know people can be so insensitive as to believe you're living it up when you're both living with such pain and loss.”

She didn’t pull away, but actually brushed a finger along the side of my hand. Her eyes were once again on her lunch, the control of keeping the tears in check evident in the tightening of her jaw.

“You know, every once in a while I have a band of girlfriends come over… you know, for tea, manicures and late night movies. Maybe you could come over some time.”

“I’d love that,” I said, pleased by the turn of events. I released her hand and returned to my sandwich.

“Under any other circumstance, I’d be hollering about the injustice,” Moore said. ” MooI mean to be in that house with a dozen or so frantic, frenetic, shrill girls who make a big deal over the perfect pink nail polish or the slightest frizz in their hair is not really my idea of a good time.” His lips curled into that delicious smile. “But if you’re going to be there…” Bobbing his head slowly and deliberately, he winked. “Then, there’s nowhere else in the world I’d rather be.”

Shayne gave him a solid elbow in the ribs. “Oh, will you stop it.”

Despite the banter, it was obvious they loved each other.

“Don’t worry, if you come over I won’t let him bother you.”

My desire to befriend this beautiful girl butted heads with the novel notion of socializing with someone of her standing. I’d never been much of a girly girl, biting my nails instead of getting a manicure and pulling my hair back into a quick ponytail rather than spending hours putting it into perfect place.

“I think that would be awesome,” I heard myself say with a false note of formality. Why the sudden need to put on airs, I wondered. The answer was quick in coming… I’d never been invited to spend time with a girl like her and a part of me wanted to impress her… to be like her.

Chapter 5

The evening sun poured into the dining room, turning the wall of unpacked boxes into a veritable eyesore.

“It’s likely to take us weeks to get through all those boxes,” Mom lamented as she poked her plastic fork into her take-out salad.

“I’ll try to find the kitchen boxes tonight, hon.” Dad tried to cut into his chicken breast, but the thin plastic knife failed to succeed, leaving him to use his fingers.

A mix up in box labels had left us with an unusable kitchen; no utensils, no dishes, no pots and no pans.

“I’ll give you a hand, Mom. I didn’t get any homework, so I’m all yours.”

“How’d your first day go?” she asked.

“Not bad.” I munched happily on my cheeseburger, secretly thrilled with the notion of eating take out for a few nights. “I met Braxton.”

“Really,” Dad said, a mischievous twinkle burning in his eyes. “Is he as handsome as I’ve heard?”

“He is, but then again, the entire school body is drop dead gorgeous. I didn’t see a single student with a weight problem, with acne, with frizzy hair, with a big nose or with knobby knees. They were all annoyingly perfect.”

“Hmmm,” Mom sighed. “Sounds awfully nice to me. I thought you were coming here to deal with the ugliness of the world, not beauty.”

“Well.” I set down my burger and wiped my hands with my paper napkin. “The morning did start out kind of rough. I spotted a devilish shadow, but it turned out to be this amazingly, I mean unbelievably gorgeous guy, Asher.”

“Not such a bad start,” Mom said with a flirting grin.

“Yeah, if only all dark shadows could end up like that. Unfortunately, the next one I saw was indeed a demon of the ugly kind. He was surprisingly small and compact, but he could sure pack a punch. I think I might have initially underestimated him, thinking he’d be easy to overcome, but it turned out to be quite a battle.”

“Don’t get too cocky, Buttons,” Dad warned. “I don’t want to see you hurt in all this.”

“Don’t worry, Dad. I didn’t even break a nail.”

“I’d hoped you’d at least have one day to get accustomed to the new school before having to battle demons.”

“Me, too, but Lothario warned me; there’s a lot of work to do here and it can take quite a while. I hope you guys don’t mind.”

“Mind?” Mom said. “Of course not, honey. I have to admit I was a little reluctant to come to San Francisco, but I truly loved my first day at work. The staff is great, the museum is impeccable and the commute wasn’t as bad as I’d anticipated.”

“And I want you to let us know if there’s anything we can do to help, whether it’s the transition to this new school, your new friends or your teachers.” Dad grabbed my hand and held it, his eyes solemn and earnest. “We’re there for you.”

Smiling, I patted our clasped hands reassuringly. “I know, Dad, and I really appreciate it. It’s cool that you guys take this all so well. I doubt many parents could be as understanding and cooperative as you’ve been, what with the constant moving, new schools and all.”

“It’s a minor inconvenience compared to what you have to endure, dear,” Mom said, her eyes filled with tears of pride. “If there’s anything at all, let us know.”

Dad nodded his agreement as he returned to that task of tearing his dinner apart. “I’m also happy to hear you’ve hit it off with Kingsley’s nephew. It’s a bit of a relief to know you’ve befriended such an amazing young man.”

“He certainly was helpful in getting me around school.” Hopefully Braxton would remain the good friend he’d shown himself capable of. I needed a good friend.

Of course there was also Asher; the odd vision I’d had of him, the dream he’d had of me, and his mysterious warning.

Smiling as I picked up my burger, I stared out the back window and thought of Moore. The desire to kiss him, to touch him enveloped me, just as surely as if he’d stood there before me. The hold he had on me was strong, almost overpowering. I’d thought of little else the remainder of the day, his face coming to smirk at me as I fumbled through math, his flirting wink distracting me from my geography lesson.

“You okay, honey?” Mom asked as she reached out to put the back of her hand to my flushed cheek.

“Yeah,” I said as a wistful smile worked its way to my lips. “Yeah.”

Chapter 6

Only a week at school and we already had a day off. I was ecstatic. I wanted to explore San Francisco, visit the Golden Gate Park and take a trolley. It was a magnificently perfect day with a warm autumn sun, the occasional cotton ball cloud and just the slightest whisper of a breeze.

After a brisk walk along the bay, I headed to the museum where my mother worked. She’d raved so enthusiastically about the exhibit, I had to at least go take a peek.

“Lux,” she exclaimed as I entered her office. “Dear, your timing couldn’t be worst. I absolutely have to go meet with Josh Torn, my new assistant director. It shouldn’t take more than twenty minutes then I’ll give you a personal tour.”

“Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll stroll around and meet up with you later.”

While archaeology fascinated both my parents, I had to admit that interest had not been passed onto me. I viewed the exhibit with idle and minimal curiosity, but was far from enthused. After an hour of roaming the museum and still not a hint of my mother, I headed out to the garden.

By comparison, the garden was far more interesting. Fragrant flowers, a pleasantly meandering walkway and…

I froze, my step suddenly halted as I focused in. In the distance, sitting on a low retaining wall facing the enormous statue of an angel, was Asher.

His hand flew across the page of a sketch pad while his eyes repeatedly went from statue to paper. Lost in concentration, he remained unaware of me, even as I slowly and silently came up behind him.

“I didn’t know you were an artist,” I whispered.

Despite the gentle approach, he still jumped at the sound of my voice, his hands quick to flip the page of his sketch pad, hiding his drawing. “Hey, what are you doing here?” he said with a surprised smile.

“My mother works here. Thought I’d see what she’s up to.” I held back, reluctant to show him just how happy I was to see him. He intrigued me and I longed to talk to him again about his strange dream.

After a long and uncomfortable pause, I pointed to his sketch pad. “Can I see your drawing?”

“I’m really not that good.”

“I’m not a critic,” I teased.

“Give me a few more minutes to finish it.”

I sat nearby, watching him with awe and envy. How wonderful it must be to have such a peaceful pastime. “Are you taking any art classes?”

“Naw, my parents thought it was a waste of time. They’d rather see me devoted to physics and science.”

“Like them, I assume.”

“You assume correctly. My dad’s a physicist working on something or other in Germany and Mom’s right there with him, making sure his every move is jotted down for the great book that is supposed to come out of this.”

“If your parents are in Germany, why are you going to school here?”

He seemed annoyed with the question, his brow furrowing as his pencil took it out on the sheet of paper. “They’re in Germany for a month, then it’s on to Lisbon, then somewhere in Holland, or is it Finland? Anyway, they travel around a lot and I apparently need a stable home life.”

“I didn’t mean to touch on such a sensitive subject.”

Shaking his head, he glanced at me. “Yeah, sorry. I didn’t mean to bite you for it.”

Again, a long and uncomfortable silence settled in for a moment. Only when I saw his jaw relax did I venture again. “You like St. James?”

“It’s all right. I mean they’re a little rigid, what with their uniforms, uptight teachers and snooty kids, but I manage to hold my own.” He pulled up the collar of his leather jacket and sneered.

“A bit of a non-conformist, I see,” I said with an amused giggle.

Mischief glistened in his aquamarine eyes as he glanced at me. “I take it you understand where I’m coming from.”

“Pretty much. I never enjoyed following the parade. I’ve always been off on my own, doing my thing… my way.”

“My kind of girl.”

I smiled, wondering if it was an idle compliment or a true glimpse of what he thought of me. Before an embarrassing blush divulged my thoughts, I changed the subject. “I’ve been thinking a lot about what you told me last week.”

“The dream about you?”

“Yeah. Was it really me?”

Pressing his lips together, he shrugged. “Not really sure. It was a girl, that I know, and there was an incredible ray of light coming from her. There really isn’t more to tell.” He hesitated a moment and turned a pensive gaze to me. “Of the dream itself, I remember little, but the feeling I had when I awoke… an urgent need to find her, to find that light. It’s still with me and I can’t shake it. That’s why it was so weird when you came up to me.”

He set his pencil down and turned the pad to me.

“Oh,” I said with a loud guffaw.

“Is my drawing that bad?” he teased.

“Of course not.” I took the pad from him and examined the sketch. The angel was perfect, the flow of its heavenly gown, the arch of its extending wings. And the serenity of its expression, but that serene expression was transposed onto my face.

As so often portrayed, the angel was nimble, frail, and ethereal with a fragile, childlike beauty, far from any angel I’d ever encounter. Sam had been huge in stature, his facial expression never veering very far from the fierce warrior scowl he wore so well. He’d been anything but frail. And Lothario… he was the essence of masculine beauty, the epitome of strength, power and agility.

No doubt my new guardian would be just as impressive, perhaps even more so.

“Isn’t it funny the conception people have of angels? The little cherub face, the gossamer gowns, the dainty wings.” I eyed the naïve sketch with amusement.

“Don’t forget the halo.”

I chuckled. “Oh, yes, and the halo.”

“Such a contrast to the strength, power and agility required to be a true angel.”

I shot him a quick glance as he said aloud the very words that’d just crossed my mind.

“After all, their duty is to keep us mortals safe, right?” He grinned as he took his pad and shoved it and his pencil into a canvas backpack. He turned his glance to the statue he’d just sketched. “How is a dainty thing like that supposed to accomplish such a huge task?”

I tried to read him, tried to see what he knew. Did he see what I see? Had he had encounters with angels as I had?

He had dreamt of me, though he had never even met me before. Could his subconscious travel through time and space, and meet with mine?

A chill crawled up my back and spread across my shoulder blades as I thought of the numerous dreams I’d had of a young man, the man I loved beyond reason, the man who always aroused such pain and heartache as I awoke to find myself alone. Agitated and disturbed, I stood and paced a few steps.

Asher looked at me, his eyes softened with concern. When he reached out to take my hand, the chill at my back diminished, replaced by the warmth of his touch. “You know, since I’ve met you, that urgent need to find the light isn’t so urgent anymore.”

I swallowed the gasp that bolted up my throat.

He stood, rising to an impressive height, well over a head higher than my own tall frame. His smile spread slowly across his lips while his eyes held me with the promise of a true friendship I could rely on.

“I’m happy you're here,” he said softly. “Something’s changed since your arrival at St. James. I can’t identify what it is exactly, but something’s different… better.”

“A thousand apologies,” Mom said as she rounded the corner. “Let me take you out to lunch to…” She stopped when she saw Asher. “Oh…”

“Mom.” I turned to face her surprised expression. “This is Asher, a guy I met in school.”

“Nice to meet you, Asher. I was just about to invite my daughter to a fabulous lunch to make up for making her wait so long. Would you like to join us?”

He shot me a shy glance before turning back to my mother with a nod. “I’d love to.”

Lunch was indeed fabulous at the very posh and no doubt very expensive restaurant Mom chose nearby. Though the décor and atmosphere were divine, Mom’s limited free time had us opting for a stroll in the park rather than lingering over coffee. Well-nourished, we headed in the direction of the museum via Golden Gate Park.

“Few people know this, but this park is actually larger than Central Park in New York,” Asher said. “Golf courses, botanical gardens, lakes… it’s really a fabulous place. The conservatory of flowers is at the other end of the park, but well worth a visit.”

“You certainly know a lot about the city.” Mom was impressed.

“I’m curious and love digging up information revolving just about everything around me.”

After a quick run through of the history of the Japanese Tea Garden and the old windmill, Mom glanced at her watch. “Well, kids, it certainly has been a pleasure, but work beckons.” She extended her hand to Asher. “You're a delightful tour guide. I hope to see you again.”

“Have a nice afternoon, Mrs. Collins.”

“See you at dinner, dear.” She gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and was off.

Watching her walk away, a wistful smile came to Asher. “You have a great mother. Do you guys always get along so well?”

“Pretty much, yeah.” Taking up the footpath around Stow Lake, I felt a tinge of guilt for the great parents I had. “Thanks for being so great with her. It’s not every guy who’ll tolerate hanging out with a parent, much less talk so much with them.”

“It was really a pleasure. I have all this knowledge inside my head… might as well share it.”

“Funny,” I said as I glanced at him. “Brax said you were the school bad boy.”

“Did he now?” He straightened his shoulders and tilted his chin up with pride. “I guess I deserve that title in a way. I do enjoy pushing the teachers’ buttons, I’m relentless in a debate and I’ve been known to have rather loud discussions about the school system in general with the director.”

“You also have an aversion to blue uniforms,” I reminded him.

He harrumphed. “Might as well scratch out our names and simply call us by a number. They want us to be automatons, clones of one another. Conform, follow, listen… don’t dare have a thought of your own, or heaven forbid, an opinion.”

I playfully leaned into him, pushing his huge bulk off the graveled path. “Aren’t you exaggerating a bit? I mean, St. James isn’t that bad.”

“Guess not, but there certainly is room for improvement. Too bad Braxton doesn’t have any influence on his uncle. If anything, he has to adhere to the rules and regulation more than anyone… set an example, you know.”

“I did notice how Brax walks the line.”

Asher sniffed the fragrant autumn air, his eyes taking in our surroundings. “So it’s Brax, huh? That guy certainly doesn’t waste time.”

“He’s a good friend.”

“Yeah, he does have that great capacity to be friendly. I guess he’s just not the type of friend I’d hang out with.”

“Really? Why?”

“Actually, it’s the company he keeps, namely Shayne and Moore.”

“The twins?”

“Yeah, don’t you find something odd about them, I mean aside from the obvious.”

“Oh, that they’re both drop-dead gorgeous, with flawless skin, perfect teeth, unbelievably captivating eyes and hair that would be the envy of just about everyone?”

“Let’s not forget that they’re also disgustingly charming and ridiculously rich.”

I was reluctant to point out just how charmed I’d been by Moore, and my friendship with Shayne had already blossomed into something I’d never expected, something I had never experienced before.

“Tell you the truth, aside from their enviable perfection, I don’t really see what’s wrong with them. It’s not their fault they were born looking so great. Their parents must have done something right to have raised such charming children, and they probably worked hard to give their kids all the creature comforts.”

“If that’s what you want to call a twenty two million dollar bay side mansion in Belvedere.”

“Eeks, really?”

He nodded slowly and deliberately.

“Still, we shouldn’t judge them on that.”

“I’m not so much judging as sensing.”

He had to be hallucinating. I had sensed absolutely nothing but divine attraction and passionate desire for Moore. Neither he nor his sister exuded anything remotely demonic or evil.

As the path snaked its way around the pond, it forked and Asher took the path leading back to the nearby street.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you a little better.” He stopped to face me.

The gentle breeze that had caressed us all afternoon gusted, sending a few loose strands of my hair into my face.

“I’ve never seen you with your hair down,” Asher said as he tucked the strand behind my ear. His eyes, filled with questions, locked onto mine while his lips parted.

I was suddenly filled with the sense of love and desire I’d felt so many times during those dark, dream-filled nights. Could he be the one I’d cried for so many times? He came closer and my lips parted, anticipating his touch.

He reached out to brush his hand over mine. “See you Monday,” he whispered into my ear before backing away. A flash of pain and regret crossed his eyes before he turned to walk away.

Chapter 7

“Do I really have to go to this thing?” I whined as Mom pinned my hair up.

“This thing is Mr. Kingsley’s way of welcoming your father to the faculty and your father would be crushed if you didn’t attend.”

“You know how I am about these fancy parties filled with snooty people and the strange and paralyzing etiquette.”

“Learning a bit of etiquette never harmed anyone. Get in the game and play nice. It’s just for one night.iv h She patted the last strand into place. “There. Aren’t you gorgeous?”

I stood to take in the full effect. As requested, the updo wasn’t too severe or matronly. It was actually kind of funky. I twisted and turned in front of the mirror, admiring the way the little deep blue mini-dress hugged my curves just right. The off the shoulder sleeves were elegant while the black leather gladiator sandals added just enough edge to the look.

The bejeweled crucifix at my throat was the perfect accessory.

“You’ve got legs like I wish,” Mom griped as she playfully slapped my exposed thigh on her way out. “And you're always hiding them in those jeans you insist on wearing all the time.”

I grinned, grabbed the little clutch Mom had loaned me and followed her down to the living room where Dad patiently waited.

Twenty minutes later we pulled into the Kingsley drive and parked among the Mercedes, BMWs, Porsches and Hummers. Suddenly Dad’s prized sedan didn’t seem so impressive.

“I told you, Mom,” I whispered as we got out of the car and headed to the butler waiting at the door. “I hate all this snootiness.”

“You look stunning, honey. Make the best of it,” she whispered back as she slapped on the most elegant smile for the butler.

The two story mansion was more and more imposing as we approached. Small octagonal turrets and ornamental pinnacles gave the façade fierce character while oriel windows, lit dimly from within, invited us to discover more.

The main vestibule was immense, the arched ceiling rising to the full height of its two stories. People milled about, catching offered flutes of champagne as they headed towards the back. We followed along, doing our best to act like we belonged.

After passing a small and secretive looking alcove, we came upon a grand marble staircase that led down to the main ballroom.

I gasped at the sheer size of the space.

“It’s built on a slope,” Dad explained. “It may look like a modest two story mansion from the front, but in back, it’s a three level mammoth.”

Mom simply shook her head at the vulgarity of it all.

At the landing, the stairs forked and Dad veered towards Kingsley and his cronies while Mom abandoned me to go chat with a small grouping of blue-haired ladies.

“Geez,” I hissed as I stood alone on my perch.

Everywhere I looked there were silks, satins, sequins and chiffons which sparkled and flowed beneath chunks of diamonds, emeralds and rubies, all reeking of excess riches. Men in perfect tuxedos, clean shaven with every hair in place walked about, their shoulders back, the grins plastic and their boredom barely concealed.

Make the best of it, I repeated to myself.

I looked around, taking in the over the top décor and vulgar excess. Everything in the house reeked of money; crystal chandeliers, extravagant vases and pieces of art worth more than enough to feed us all for a year. Yet, despite the refinement, beauty and excess, the home reeked of something unpleasant.

Finally finding the courage to walk down those steps, I turned to find Braxton walking up. His face lit up the moment he saw me, his undisguised appreciation heating his gaze.

“Lux?” he said, tilting his head in disbelief. Taking the last step to meet me on the landing, he took in the length of me. “Is that really you all gussied up?”

“Stop rubbing it in,” I said. “I hate dressing up.”

“That may be so, but dressing up certainly doesn’t hate you. You are divine.”

“And look at you,” I retorted. “Monkey suit and all.” I reached up to finger the collar of his immaculately white shirt. “Is that silk?”

He grinned. “I have to admit I’m not very comfortable in a tux. Kind of suffocating, if you ask me.”

“Does your uncle throw one of these dull shindigs every time he hires someone new?”

“Not exactly. I guess your father really impressed him.”

I leaned back on the landing railing and shot a quick glance over my shoulder. “What is there to talk about with these cronies?”

“Nothing that would really interest you,” he said with a wink. He took my hand and led me down the steps. “Come on. I’ll show you around.”

A long passageway led to a small waiting room, followed by the steward’s room. We peeked into the scullery and larder, then poked our noses into the busy kitchen.

“My uncle has kept the house as authentic as when it was built in the 1840s.”

“Do you ever feel lost in such a big house?”

“Always.”

I was touched by the sadness in his eyes. Money certainly didn’t heal wounds; he was living proof of that.

“You must miss them.”

“The pain never seems to go away.” He stopped walking, took a deep breath and rubbed his index and thumb over his brow. “Rambling around in this cold and soulless mansion only reminds me how empty I feel.”

“How ‘bout we talk about something less painful, like that awful uniform we have to wear at school.”

He laughed and I was pleased to see humor return to his eyes as we continued down the hall.

“Despite everything, there are a few people I like hanging out with at St. James. Granted they're far from the fun bunch I knew at my old school. Kicking around on the football field or just hanging out at the park, throwing a Frisbee or pitching a ball… you won’t ever catch the elite of San Fran occupying their time with such common activities.”

As we roamed the halls, he told me more about his parents, the good, fun memories that made him smile. He described his old house, small, cramped and in need of several repairs, but filled with enough love to make all the inconveniences of the old house unnoticeable.

He gave off such an air of refinement and aristocracy; it was hard to believe he came from such humble roots.

“My uncle does the best he can to help me, but, truth is, I didn’t even know him before my parents died. Living with a total stranger isn’t exactly a walk in the park. He’s set in his ways, a little rigid and obsessed with the order of things. If you just put a plate back in the wrong place, he goes ballistic.”

Leading me down another flight of stairs at the other end of the house, he smiled. “And this,” he said as he led me to the doors that led to the patio, “is his greatest pride.”

My breath caught high in my lungs, elated, mesmerized and amazed before finally seeping out in a dreamy sigh. Remnants of the sun’s evening rays turned the horizon into a fiery plain as crimson, orange and plum battled for superiority. The bay seemed to go on forever while the lullaby of wavelets could be heard licking the shore below.

“This view is unreal,” I murmured.

We roamed about the grounds, the sound of my heels tapping lightly on the cement path that brought us to the very edge of the water.

“This is my meditation,” he said, his soulful voice reaching deep inside of me, touching on pain I’d never experienced. “It’s where I come to find myself, to connect with… I don’t know. It would sound weird to say I connect with my parents, right.”

“Not at all,” I said taking his hand as we stood side by side.

The moment lingered, filling me with emotions that were foreign and odd. A calm I’d never known, peace and tranquility.

“I’ve got a treat for you if you want to find a way to kill the next two hours,” he offered at length.

“Lead the way.”

I followed him to a back entrance that led into an old, majestic theater.

“Wow, this is really cool.”

“Apparently one of the owners was a woman who was an old Hollywood actress. She’d made a dozen or so films, but never hit it really big. When she had this built, somewhere in the 1940s, neighbors complained and tried to get it stopped, but she was adamant. She wanted a place to view, in true Hollywood style, the films she’d made.”

Red velvet curtains, gold braiding and cushy seats were a real throw back. Art deco lighting, an intricately carved ceiling medallion and plush carpeting brought a touch of cozy elegance, while the old popcorn cart brought whimsy and the irresistible scent of popcorn to the décor.

“Be back in a sec,” Braxton said as he popped into the projection room.

I took a seat and seconds later Brax sat beside me with a huge tub of popcorn.

The screen lit up with a scratchy black and white introduction.

“I hope you like the classics. This is It’s a Wonderful Life, my all time favorite.”

Munching on popcorn and feeling cozy with Brax at my side, I allowed myself to become completely absorbed with the troubles of Jimmy Stewart’s character, George Bailey, so absorbed I choked up when his life began to spiral out of control.

As George entered his neighborhood bar to drown his sorrows, a chill ran down my spine and I shivered involuntarily.

“You okay?” Brax asked.

“Yeah, it’s probably just the effect of watching him out in all that snow.”

Nonetheless, Brax quickly shrugged his jacket off and draped it across my shoulders.

Moments later, the shiver came again when George walked out of the bar and got into his car.

“Still the sight of snow?” Brax teased as he brought his arm around me. “I thought you Seattle transplants were used to the snow?”

“So did I.” I snuggled into the crook of his arm, eager to rid myself of the unpleasant chill.

“Better?”

“Much.”

George rode off, his driving erratic as he traveled over the snow covered streets. When he hit a tree and came out cursing his run of bad luck, Brax shivered and his arm tightened around me as he sought refuge from the sudden chill.

“Seems you don’t like the snow either.”

His chuckle was dry and his brow furrowed in annoyance. “Someone must have switched on the air conditioning. It’s starting to feel like a freezer in here.”

“I was beginning to think I was coming down with something, but it really is getting cold.”

“I’ll go check what’s going on. Be right back.”

He got up, leaving me all the more colder, the room suddenly feeling dark and dank. I tried to concentrate on the movie, my chill matching that of George as he walked through the snow, came to a bridge and watched the swirl of freezing water below. He seemed so distraught, so unhappy, would he really jump to end it all?

I let out a small gasp as the water below splashed, my body reacting violently to the frigid plunge, but it wasn’t George who’d jumped, but someone else. As cries for help reached George on the bridge, he climbed over the railing and dove, now with the intent to save a life, not take one.

Throughout it all, my body shook, as though I’d been thrown into that river with them. As George aids the man, bringing him to the bridge operator’s unit, the jumper identifies himself as Clarence, George’s guardian angel.

I smiled at the sight of the funny little man with the bulbous nose, his chemise giving him a childlike allure. It was a novel depiction of an angel. But my smile faded fast as a stream of cold air brushed along the nape of my neck.

“I hate silly movies with angels in them.”

The cool words, filled with venom and hatred, hissed in the air around me, distant yet directly in my ear; distorted, yet all too clear.

Reaching for the crucifix at my throat I bolted up, turning to find the source of the voice in the darkened room.

“Lux, the light of all heavenly angels who works for a disheartened god is quickly becoming a thorn in our side.”

“Why don’t you come right to my face to tell me?” I dared. “Or are you just a big coward?”

Hearing movement from the back of the theater, I turned, but the bright light of the projector blinded me.

“You’ve no need to see me.”

A heated breath brushed along my ear, light and feathery, yet filled with unknown omens. I spun around still unable to see anything. Before I could get my bearing, I was shoved to the floor, my head bumping against a theater seat. With my fist around my crucifix, I scrambled to sit up and finally caught sight of the shadow.

An ominous chuckle rumbled throughout the theater, making a mockery of the scenes playing on the screen.

I peered through the darkness, willing my eyes to recover from the blinding projector lights. When a loud stomping sound approached me from the left, I turned, now able to make out the silhouette of a figure, tall, his arms like bulldozers and his eyes glaring with black resentment.

Jumping to my feet, I ripped the crucifix off its chain and pressed it to the demon’s scarred and scab-mottled chest. “With the powers bestowed upon me, I bind your powers. Be gone, Demon.”

An acrid puff of smoke filled the air, choking me and sending me reeling back. I leaned against the wall, relieved the demon had vanished, but wary of any possible followers. The room remained silent and still, the puff of smoke now obscuring the screen. Satisfied the room was empty, I threw my crucifix in the little clutch purse and went in search of Brax.

Fumbling my way through the dark, I found the door to the projection room. Aside from the old projector turning the old black and white, and a stack of old film canisters, the room was empty. After a few tries, I found the door that led back into the house.

The hall was quiet except for the distant sounds of partiers chatting and gossiping. I treaded lightly, fearful of being caught in a portion of the house I had no business being in. However, when I heard Braxton’s voice, I hastened my steps to find him.

Pushing open the door left ajar, I found him in his uncle’s library flanked by the Hatchett twins.

Chapter 8

Shayne stood beside Brax in all her magnificence. Wearing an exquisite cream-colored dressed with draped pearl sleeves and pearls seductive draped at the neckline, she was a vision of pure beauty. The cutouts at her waist, also draped in pearls added sensuality to the designer dress. Her hair was pinned back, but tawdry tendrils swirled about her head giving her a prim yet slightly disheveled sexy look.

“There you are,” she said as she quickly approached me. “We’ve been here for almost an hour and we’ve looked everywhere for you.”

Stunned, no response came. I couldn’t fathom what they were doing at Kingsley’s and why they wanted to find me.

Moore stepped up to me and in an instant I found myself drowning in his gaze again. The effect was overpowering, bringing me to bear seductive thoughts I had never dared, to fantasize unspeakable fantasies and to long for his touch throughout my body.

“Wow.” He shook his head in disbelief as he inspected me, his eyes slowly drifting from one part of my body to another, heating me as I imagined his hands could. “You are positively stunning,” he whispered into my ears.

“Are you happy you came now?” Shayne shot at him.

He offered me a goofy grin. “I didn’t really want to come to this thing, you know, a bunch of grown-ups, university types, uptight and all that annoying etiquette.”

I smiled, relishing that Moore was more like me than I first thought.

“But when Shayne said you’d probably be here, on account of your father, I thought I’d pop in to take a peek.” He clasped my hands in his and spanned my arms out to get a better look at me, almost causing Braxton’s tuxedo jacket to slide off my shoulders. A quick flash in his eyes questioned his rival’s apparel on my body, but he made no mention. “Boy, am I ever glad I did.”

Only my concrete determination kept me from sighing aloud. I willed myself to keep the conversation on safe grounds. “How did you manage an invitation?”

Brax pushed through the twins and came to stand beside me, his protective arm coming to wrap around my shoulder and pulling me from Moore’s hold. “It’s a long and tedious story.”

“Our parents’ will stipulates we give the university a sizable sum every year.”

“They’re here as patrons of my uncle’s university, that’s all,” Braxton finished, his tone impatient.

Moore’s gaze shifted to Braxton’s arm and traveled down over the jacket. “Believe me,” he said, his eyes hardening for a moment as they met Braxton’s. “Had we had any choice in the matter, not a penny would have ever been contributed to Dean Kingsley’s university.”

The animosity grew thick in the room. I quickly glanced at Brax, the almost imperceptible pursing of his lips divulging the anger he felt.

Shayne shifted to Braxton’s side, her long elegant arm pried him away from me. “You know, Brax, I’ve always admired your home from afar, but would absolutely love to have a grand tour. Gothic Victorian, is it not?”

She already had Brax at the door, her eyes deceptively hungry, while Braxton’s gaze had become more woeful with every step.

“How about a rerun of the tour, Lux.”

I shook my head. “As beautiful as it all is, once was enough.”

“Moore?” Brax offered.

Moore didn’t even dignify Braxton’s offer with a glance. His eyes were glued to mine, his tongue passing over his lips with pent up desire. “I’ve far better ways of spending my time than to visit a mansion.” His smile held a world of promise and passion.

He’d worn a tux, but had neglected to knot his bowtie. It hung around his neck, his white shirt slightly open at the collar, giving him the appearance of a distinguished and debonair man who was secretly a spy chasing the criminals of the world.

I knew Braxton’s eyes were still on us and I felt his chagrin, but I was unable to tear my eyes off Moore.

“Let’s go, Brax,” Shayne said. “I’ve been dying to see this theater you’ve talked about.”

The moment they were gone, Moore grasped my hand. “Brax seems to fear leaving you alone with me. What about you?”

“Not at all,” I said. The room was suddenly hot.

“I take it you won’t be needing this anymore.” He pinched Braxton’s jacket with disdain, pulled it off my shoulders and tossed it to a nearby armchair. “Not to mention the sin of hiding such a fabulous dress.” Once again his gaze swept over me, lingering on my collar bone, kissing up my neck and coming to stop at my lips.

My hunger for him was palpable, almost embarrassing. I’d never been one to fawn over guys, had never been given to moments of hysteria over a teen idol. I was strong, independent, held my own and was more apt to turn a cold shoulder than give any indication at all that a guy even existed.

But now… nothing else in the world existed except him.

He led me to an open secretary and picked up a decanter filled with an amber liquid. “How ‘bout a quick drink to get this party started?” He poured a finger into a tumbler and held it out to me.

The strong scent of alcohol wafted up to my nostrils and I turned away. “No, thanks.”

Bringing the glass under his nose, he inhaled the fumes that had so repulsed me. “Not a scotch drinker, I see.” He downed the contents of the glass and poured himself another.

“Not really.” Alcohol and demon fighting didn’t necessarily go hand in hand. I needed all my faculties at all times, not to mention how nauseating the mere scent of the drink was.

“Suit yourself, my dear.” He took another sip, let out a satisfied sigh and set his glass down. “Kingsley sure knows his stuff.”

Despite the alcohol, Moore sobered and looked intently at me. The playful twinkle that had been in his eyes moments earlier was now heavy with desire. “Did anyone ever tell you just how unbelievably beautiful you are? Your eyes are mesmerizing, shimmering like a multicolored opal. From the first moment I saw you, I wanted to lose myself into those captivating spheres.”

When he brought his hand to my shoulder, a shot of tingling cold and passionate heat ran through me, sending my body into full alert, though, for the first time, not with the intent to do battle. My body was in tune to his every touch as his fingers brushed over my skin.

“Truly exquisite,” he whispered as he came closer.

His lips parted and I was acutely aware of my own mouth, my tongue, and my lips, how they all hungered for the sensation to come, the taste of his mouth, and the play of his tongue.

In the distance a cough broke the weighted silence, but my focus remained on Moore’s approach.

“We’re back,” Shayne chanted.

Still flushed with anticipation, I turned to see Shayne and Brax at the door.

“How delightful,” Moore groaned with sarcasm.

“Brax wanted to get his jacket back. It’s a freezer in there.”

Braxton looked at his discarded jacket. “I take it you don’t need it anymore.”

“There are other ways of warming a woman.” Moore winked at me.

Even at a distance and with only a quick sidelong glance, I saw the tightening of Braxton’s jaw and the glare he shot at Moore.

Moore backed away from me, his eyes shifting between me and Braxton.

“You know what?” Shayne said. “It’s getting late and we’ve yet to speak with Kingsley. I wouldn’t want him to think us rude or anything.”

“Now?” Moore asked, his fingers discreetly reaching to grasp mine.

“Come on,” she said as she stomped into the library and grabbed her brother’s arm. “The life of wealthy socialites isn’t all fun and games. There are wealthy cohorts who need some butt kissing.”

“Geeze, what a way to make it more appealing.” Moore grimaced then brought his lips to my ear and whispered, “Let’s get together soon.”

As Shayne pulled him away, he held his hand out, touching mine until the last moment, his lips pursed in an airy kiss, while Shayne caressed Braxton’s cheek on her way out.

“Hey,” Braxton said as he sheepishly glanced at the jacket. “I didn’t really need the jacket.”

“I didn’t think so.”

“I’m sorry for leaving you stranded in the theater. You must think I’m an awful host.”

“Those things happen sometimes.”

His distraction couldn’t have come at a better time, however. I wanted to delay knowledge of my demon fighting as long as I could. Had he returned to the theater too quickly, my game would have been up.

“I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”

“You’d better,” I teased.

His shy smile was slow in coming, but when it finally reached his eyes I could see the uncertainty of this young and handsome man. He probably had hundreds of girls vying for his attention at school, Shayne being the most prominent among them, yet here he was unsure and nervous in front of me.

I held his gaze, silently questioning the connection that was growing between us. He had shown himself to be a friend, a good friend, yet…

Stepping into the library, he closed the space between us, his gaze repeatedly playing over my body, my face and back over my body. “It’s insane what you do to me,” he whispered, his voice hoarse, his eyes dark with arousal.

I wanted him to kiss me then, especially since it felt like a date when we were watching It’s A Wonderful Life. Tonight, despite the demon attack and the Hatchett twins interruption, I felt closer to Brax, and from the looks of his eyes on mine, I was sure he felt the same. He was bending down towards me, but approaching voices carried through the halls, slicing through the confusion of emotions that filled the room. I pulled away.

“I should probably go back and find my parents. They must be wondering where I went off to for so long.”

“Of course,” Brax said with a concurring nod and disappointment clearly on his face. “I’ll escort you back to the main foyer.”

The home was imposing, almost stifling despite the high arched ceilings and vast open spaces. There was something cold about it, something that brought an uncomfortable chill to my skin.

In the distance I spotted Mr. Kingsley with my parents, Shayne and Moore approaching them and making polite conversation. But while Shayne seemed animated and interested, Moore stared off into the distance, his eyes filled with boredom until he saw me.

The devilish twinkle returned to his gaze in an instant and a furtive smile curved his lips.

Braxton slowed his pace, his reluctance to join the group obvious in the way he gently pulled back on my arm. “How about a last glimpse of the terrace? The moon should be out and it’s glorious over the bay.”

I turned to look quizzically at him. “What’s up?”

His eyes wide with surprise, he played innocent.

“Why do I get the feeling you're holding out on me? There’s something you're not telling me. What’s really going on between Moore and you?”

He maintained his innocent gaze, but a thread of guilt played on his pressed lips. “We’re friends. We’re both relatively new to St. James and we sometimes hang out.”

“Seriously, Brax? I want to know.”

He sighed his resignation and clucked his tongue. “Fine. Shayne has been on my back for months now, trying to weasel her way closer to me. Lord knows she’s beautiful and any guy would be crazy to have her, but she’s just not my type.”

“Oh,” I let out. Though nothing romantic had ever happened between me and Braxton, I felt a twinge of unexpected jealousy spike at my heart.

“I think she sees you as a rival and she’s using her brother to get you out of the way.”

Ouch. The jealous spike at my heart was now a full on devastating dagger. Swallowing that bite of painful truth, I turned to Braxton. “But what would ever give Shayne the idea that you and I are a couple?”

No words were necessary as Braxton’s eyes filled with the obvious emotions he felt for me. He quickly turned away, but not before I caught the pain-filled twitch of his lips.

I felt like a heartless idiot for not realizing how he truly felt about me.

“It looks like the party is revving down,” he said, his attempt to sound natural failing as his voice faltered. He cleared his throat and tried again. “Your parents are looking for you.”

As we joined the group, Mom and Dad smiled at Braxton, obviously impressed with him.

“Well, it certainly was a pleasure meeting you Mrs. Collins,” Mr. Kingsley said to my mother before turning to bid me goodbye. “I certainly hope we’ll see you again, Miss Lux. I take it Braxton appreciates your company.”

I caught a glimpse of Braxton as he mouthed goodbye, his eyes speaking of his longing to be with me. To his right, Moore held an arrogant grin, while Shayne commanded his left, clinging to him for fear he’d run after me. Her desire for him glowed in her eyes and in the purring pout of her lips.

Walking out with my parents, I felt like a pawn in a game I knew little about. Unaccustomed to so much male attention, I didn’t know what to believe or who to trust. Moore seemed so sincere in his desire to be with me and had such a divine way of awakening the woman in me, while Braxton tickled my funny bone, made me feel at ease and looked at me with more than mere hunger.

Knowing little about love and lust, I felt disadvantaged. My body shouted out one command, wanting the heat of Moore’s touch, while my head tried to understand all emotions both guys evoked

As we drove home, we passed the park Asher had sketched his angel in. Great, I thought with a tired sigh. Another guy to add to the confusion.

Lothario had warned me of the increased number of demons, the breaking down of the gates of hell, but he’d never mentioned the problems I could have dealing with mortal men, men who wanted me, who desired me and who could possibly love me.

Men who potentially held the capacity to hurt me, break my heart and leave me bitter about love.

Never before had I received so many compliments, never had I felt as beautiful as in these past days, yet I felt lost in the flattery. I was the strong, reliable girl who was more apt to bust a guy’s chops, not pucker up to kiss him; the tomboy who like to play rough, often to the point of intimidating guys.

But these three seemed far from intimidated.

Chapter 9

Monday morning I arrived at school determined to do well. My studies had suffered greatly due to the sudden move and catching up proved more difficult than I had expected.

At my locker, I shoved my backpack in then pulled the chemistry book out from the top shelf. Along with the book came a small sheet of blue paper.

It was great seeing you this weekend. I hope we can get together again soon.

I flipped the paper over looking for more, but that was it; no signature, no name, not even an initial.

Great, what are the chances? I ran into Asher, Moore and Braxton over the weekend, so who was the guy so eager to see me again?

I couldn’t waste too much time on it, so I shoved it into my pocket and slammed my locker shut. My first class of the morning was clear on the other side of the school and I could make it in time if I hurried.

But as I turned I hit something hard. For a second, my defenses went up and I was prepared to battle.

“Watch out,” a familiar voice shouted.

I looked up, my brow already furrowed in frustration, my lips pressed tightly together, and my fist clenched.

“Cool it, Lux,” Asher said. “Just kidding.”

“Oh,” I said with a dreadful imitation of a laugh. “Yeah, I know… I mean, I knew it was you. I was just kidding, too.”

“You were flying out of here like a bat out of hell. What’s the rush?”

“The rush is chemistry… clear across the school chemistry.”

“I could sure teach you something about chemistry,” he muttered beneath his breath.

“What’s that?” I wasn’t sure I’d understood him correctly and wanted him to repeat it.

“I said, I can show you a shortcut to getting to chemistry.” He grinned and led me to the stairwell.

“I feel like I’m being buried in tons of homework. No matter how much time I spend trying to catch up, I still end up being behind.”

“I know what you mean,” Asher said, descending into a narrow utility corridor. “It took quite a bit of adjustment when I came here. I was two months behind, fell further behind as I got situated in this town and then figured out that one missed day of school could spell further setbacks.”

I hurried behind him as he ascended another flight of stairs at the other end of the hall. “I’m already having such a hard time with chemistry. Too bad you're not in my class. I could have used a hand. Come to think of it, I don’t have a single class with you.”

“Yeah, well can you blame the forces that be for keeping us apart. Two rebels in the same class. I think someone somewhere foresaw a bit of trouble if that were to happen.”

“I guess, but it sure would have been nice to study and catch up with you.”

On the landing he stopped and turned to me. “That would’ve been really cool. You and me together… I like the sound of that.” He cocked his head to one side, his examining gaze drifting from my eyes to my lips and back again. “You know, no one here has interested me enough to even think of a together, but you…”

I giggled as he bit his lower lip and repeatedly arched his brows in mock hunger.

“Stop being so silly.” I slapped his arm playfully and continued up the steps.

“Hey,” he said, coming up after me. “You are, after all, literally the girl of my dreams.” He grabbed my elbow and guided me to the right as I veered off to the left. “This way.”

“Have you had anymore of those dreams?” I asked. “Sometimes the enigma of one dream is answered in another.”

“How convenient, but no. I’ve had more of the same dream; same enigma; same lack of answers. I was kind of hoping you’d solve the puzzle. Just getting to know you might shed some light on it.”

“Oh,” I said, with feigned chagrin. “That’s why you're interested in getting to know me.”

“No, seriously? You're hot and I don’t need to go looking for excuses for wanting to be with you, but…”

“But?”

“These dreams are driving me nuts. They don’t make sense, being about you doesn’t make sense. And now, here you are, like by some cosmic kizbit, design. The real you, with a voice, a funky attitude and a hot bod.”

I pushed him playfully, and he grinned wider.

Arriving at my class with minutes to spare, I hugged my book to my chest and leaned my shoulder against the doorjamb. “Look at us, a couple of rebels, huh. You're the bad boy everyone’s afraid of and I’m the rough girl with an attitude few dare get close to, but what are we really? Just a couple of lost kids trying to understand their role in life. Just trying to get by without getting too hurt. I bet there are a lot of times we’re a lot more scared than every other kid here.”

He gazed at the floor a long moment before meeting my gaze. “I guess we’re even more alike than I thought.” With the gentle brush of his finger along my arm, he turned and walked away.

Staring at his back as he walked away, I inhaled deeply, sensing something so important…a connection of understanding between us. We were very much alike.

“Are you coming in or are you going to block the room for the length of the class?” Mr. Monaghan bellowed from behind his desk.

Everyone snickered and stared as I walked in, the girls with daggers in their eyes, the guys with curiosity and lust. The only friendly face in the room was Braxton, the seat in front of him empty and waiting for me.

His gaze swept over me, taking in every detail. “You know, you sure looked hot when you first arrived here with that leather miniskirt and white shirt, but, dang, you know how to rock a school uniform.”

“Thanks, I think I need a pick me up.”

“St. James too rough for you?”

“The homework certainly is. I don’t think I’ll ever get out from under the mountain of homework I have.”

“I’m sure it’s not that bad. Why don’t you let me have a look at where you stand in your classes and I’ll see where I can lend a hand. I share most of your classes anyway, so I know where you should be.”

I leaned in to take a good whiff at him.

“What are you doing?” he asked with an unsure chuckle.

“I smell an ulterior motive.”

“If your parents are anything like mine were, they sent you here so you’d get the best education you could get. And remember, my uncle has a vested interest in keeping your father happy. So if I help you, you get better grades, your parents are pleased and my uncle is happy. Everyone wins.”

Surprised by the sense of disappointment that suddenly crowded out all other emotions, I managed to hide my feelings. We were friends, after all. There was really no reason for him to have ulterior motives, nor any reason for me to be disappointed.

“I win too, of course.”

I could feel the bright and silly grin on my face before I could keep it from getting there.

“Let’s start tonight,” he whispered as Mr. Monaghan cleared his throat to begin the class.

By the end of the afternoon I was mentally drained and wondered how much studying I would actually get done.

“Need a hand hauling the library you call your locker,” Brax said as he came up behind me.

My locker was a little over-stuffed. “You’d think every teacher thought they were the only one. I got this ten pounder for math and look at this book,” I said as I pulled it out. “It’s a veritable cinder block. No wonder why kids our age are having back problems.”

I shoved the cinder block into my back pack and carefully zipped it up, all the while praying the seams didn’t bust. Despite the leather school bag already slung over one shoulder, Braxton quickly reached down to pick it up.

“You okay with all that?” I asked

He cocked a brow of indignation and reached into my locker to take the small canvas bag that housed my science and history books. “Eyaw,” he whinnied as he walked off.

Laughing behind my hand, I closed my locker and hurried after him. “I should probably tell my parents I won’t be home for dinner.”

Shifting the weight of his load, he pulled his phone out of his pocket and handed it over.

Oblivious to how the instrument worked, I stared at the screen a moment.

Braxton smiled, a warm smile that lacked all mockery or condescension. “Here, what’s your number?”

There was something paternal in his manner, in the way he took care of me. He punched in the number I gave him and handed me the phone again.

After leaving a brief message to my parents, I returned the phone to him, our fingers brushing together ever so slightly. We’d reached his car, a beautiful black Escalade.

“Quite a chariot for a mule,” I teased.

He opened my door, waited until I was comfortably seated in the cushy leather seat before going to the back to dump his weighty load.

“Are you always such a gentleman?” I asked when he got in.

“My father believed very much in treating women right, while my mother balanced that by reminding me that women were strong and capable of much more than men wanted to believe. Between them, I hope I have a healthy view of man/woman relations. There’s nothing wrong with being a gentleman, especially if it gets you a chance to be with a girl like you.”

He drove off, his driving fluid and soothing. No quick passing, bumper hugging or tire screeching around curves as so many young men were apt to enjoy. He patiently waited at a corner as a young mother crossed the street pushing a baby carriage and holding the hand of a young child, and when another young man in a red Honda Civic rudely cut him off, he didn’t even furrow his brow, but simply relaxed the accelerator, letting the hot head go his merry way.

The maturity with which he carried himself impressed me, perhaps even surpassing the great maturity I prided myself with. No doubt I would have honked my fury at the Civic.

Once inside the raven gate, he pulled up in front of the imposing home and lugged out our many bags, then guided me through the mansion, straight to the back terrace. The house, now silent and bereft of any life, left me chilled and uncomfortable, and all the more eager to reach the sunny view with the eye-pleasing view.

“Not quite the same atmosphere as last night,” Brax commented quietly.

“Is it always like this?” I whispered with the fear of disturbing some unseen entity.

“Pretty much.” He set the books down on the teak table.

“I thought you had a lot of friends at St. James.” I settled into the chair that offered a glimpse of the Golden Gate.

“Not so much friends as acquaintances. Like so many at the school, I got trapped into a clique, the obscenely rich clique. I tried hanging out with kids who… well, who weren’t as rich, but they didn’t want anything to do with me, as though I had the plague or something. I get along with everyone but I’m not really that close to anyone in particular. I think being the kid whose parents disappeared so mysteriously kinda makes other kids wary of me. The Hatchett twins are the only ones who’ve had that kind of stigma, too, despite being so obscenely rich.”

“The plague,” I repeated with a sarcastic arch of my brow. “Who knew being rich could prove so problematic.” I’d watched my parents struggle to make house payments, juggle grocery bills with electric bills, even buy me second hand clothes when Mom was between jobs. I couldn’t muster up much empathy for the boy who had it so easy.

Braxton’s glare told me he didn’t see it that way. He threw himself into the chair beside me and clasped his hands together over his belly.

“Sorry, Brax, but both my parents work their butts off in order to be able to pay for a modest house that could comfortably sit in your living room. They can only afford payments on one car. My Mom doesn’t go to work in an Escalade, she takes public transit. I don’t come home to an impossible view of the bay, I’m lucky if I can glimpse it over the neighboring rooftops.”

“At least you have both your parents to come home to.” Solemn and pain ridden, his statement hung in the air, silencing me.

I reached out to thread my fingers between his, silently apologizing for being so insensitive. “I’m sorry, Brax, I didn’t mean to be so insensitive. I guess from the outside you look like you have the perfect life…”

“Nobody seems to believe it when they hear that money doesn’t buy happiness. They all think that if you throw enough money into a problem, everything will be all right. Well, it’s not all right.”

I wanted to reach out to him, to caress the sad line of his lips away, but I simply squeezed his hand then sat back.

“Being the new girl at school I thought you’d understand; understand what it’s like to have people make unjust judgments about you. How do you feel knowing people think you're something you're not?”

“Like…?” I had a vague idea what people might think, but wanted to hear it from him.

A slow and reluctant grin softened his face. “Like your mysterious past, where you come from, why you were transferred here, and how, on your parents’ admittedly small income manage to get into a school like St. James. Like the bad girl attitude you give off, like the hot and sexy way you have in making that dreary school uniform look like high fashion.” He pulled me closer. “Like the beautiful face that is so captivating, yet so withdrawn and inaccessible.”

“Well, maybe that is who I am.” I flashed him a cocky smirk.

“Seriously?” He sat up and propped an elbow on the table as he turned to look intently at me. “I mean, I know you're beautiful, anybody can see that, but… mysterious, bad girl, the attitude?”

“Well, I do like to keep my private life private. If some people want to call that mysterious, that’s fine with me. As for the bad girl, I don’t know. I don’t really like to take crap from anyone. Don’t push me and I won’t push you back. Could also be that I’ve never been the girly girl type. I hate doing my nails, I can’t stand wasting time on my hair and getting into a dress…” I flared out the skirt of my uniform. “You have no idea how uncomfortable this is to me. I guess some people see something wrong with all that.”

“And the attitude?”

I shrugged. “Maybe it’s just a defense mechanism… you know, shun them before they shun you.”

“You’re amazing, you know that?” He reached out, as though to caress my face, but he stopped, bit the corner of his lower lip and withdrew his hand. “I’ve never met anyone like you; not at St. James, or anywhere for that matter.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” I pulled my science book out of my bag and opened it. “Now, are you going to help me understand all this, or what?”

He laughed and we got down to some serious studying. It was two hours and dinner time when we took a break.

“I feel like my brain has spent a week in a beaker flaming over a Bunsen and is now ready for the Petri dish.”

“How about a bite to eat?” Brax offered.

“Hmmm, maybe coffee would be good.”

He rose. “Coffee it is.”

I followed him inside to the large gourmet kitchen. The cool chill immediately settled on my shoulders again, despite the warm rays of sunshine beaming through the arched windows.

As I leaned back against the dark granite counter, my hands playing over the cool, smooth surface, Braxton prepared a blend of coffee I’d never even heard of before, filled the machine with pricy bottled water and clicked the on button. “You’ll have the perfect cup of world class java in a minute,” he said.

“I have to admit, I didn’t think you’d be so handy in the kitchen.”

“Anyone can make coffee.” He came to stand directly in front of me, his beautiful hazel eyes filled with hunger and tenderness.

“Hmm, tell that to my dad. He’s still trying to get my mom to understand the coffee water ratio.”

I could feel the heat coming from his body, crushing the perpetual cold the house seemed to embody. His breath came to my nostrils, lightly scented with cinnamon, sweet and too appealing. He was a good guy, the kind of guy any girl would love to marry. Attentive, generous and sensitive, all the things I’d thought men were incapable of.

Don’t forget delectably adorable, a little voice whispered from deep within my body. Yes, definitely adorable, I thought. He often kept his blond tresses in order, sleeking them back in a way that gave him a haughtier look than he should, but now… now his hair framed his face, giving him an angelic appeal.

Contradicting that angelic appeal were his lips, sultry and full, just waiting to be kissed. When he parted them, I knew I wanted to feel the press of his mouth against mine. I wanted to lose myself in his embrace.

I closed my eyes, willing him to come closer. When he didn’t, I reluctantly opened my eyes to find him staring at me in wonder, his hand, cupped and reaching for my chin, frozen in midair.

“I don’t want to scare you off. I don’t want to go too fast and have you think I’m just playing games, but…” He tongue came to play along the edge of his teeth as he paused and nodded thoughtfully. With great hesitation, he went on. “I’d like you to come to the St. James formal with me.”

A spontaneous harrumph escaped me, but I quickly recovered. “I’d love to go with you, Brax, but you know how I hate that sort of thing. It was all I could do to drag my butt over here last night. I truly had no intention of going.”

Reaching back to take my hands, he brought them together and kissed my fingers. “Look, think about it. I have to go on account of my uncle, and I’d really like it if you could be there with me. It’ll sure be a lot more fun if you’re there, and I promise I’ll do all I can to make sure you have a good time, too.”

His lips continued to play over my fingers, making me dizzy with the desire to please him. How could I say no? I said “yes,” and his lips left my fingers, and found their way to my lips. The kiss was sweet and soft, and when I pressed closer to him, his arms came around me, pulling me closer. “Lux,” he said breathlessly. “I’m so glad you found me.”

He kissed me again, and all I knew was that his kiss made me feel so warm and wonderful, I said, “Me, too, Brax. Me, too.”

Chapter 10

Braxton dropped me off at home and I was relieved to find I’d arrived before my parents. Though they were cool about what I did with my free time, I simply didn’t want to get into it.

Once inside I went to the phone to erase the message I’d left, but found there was another message beside my own.

“Hi Lux, Shayne here. Didn’t see you all day, so I was wondering if you’d found the note I left in your locker. I really did have a good time and hope we can get together, a girly get together. You know the formal is coming up soon and I thought maybe we could check out some possible fashion choices. Anyway, I’m free all week, so just let me know and you can come over… you’re welcome to go through my closet if you don’t have anything suitable.”

I clicked the erase button.

If I don’t have anything suitable… what kind of a stuck up, ballsy, snooty-nosed comment was that. I’d already decided to wear the dress I’d worn at Kingsley’s. Then again, the sexy little vixen inside me whispered, something new and really hot would be nice.

Forgetting to fix something for dinner, I headed upstairs to change out of my uniform. Standing in my black undies and lacy bra, I examined myself in the full length mirror. I was toned without being overly muscular, fit without being boxy or boyish. Turning around I looked at my booty and wondered what kind of dress would best put all this to the best advantage.

Cut down low to show off my cleavage? Tight and clingy to emphasize my derriere? Slip up to there for a little vavavoom. Now that Brax had kissed me, and we were going to the formal together, I wanted to dress up to see his beautiful hazel eyes light up when he sees me.

Either way, I wasn’t quite ready to give Shayne a call just yet, no matter how popular she was. I doubted she’d be so generous with her extravagant and elegant wardrobe if she knew I’d accepted Braxton’s invitation to the formal. In fact, she’d probably tear whatever I did end up wearing to shreds.

The next day, however, I had to deal with her face to face. The moment she saw me she made a beeline for me with the question I knew was coming.

“Hey, why didn’t you call? Wasn’t my offer enticing enough?”

“Sorry, I got home a little later than usual.” Not a total lie. “Besides, I’m not really sure it’s such a great idea to borrow your clothes. I was thinking of wearing what I had at the Kingsley.”

“Honey,” she said, a cautionary hand coming out to pat my arm. “This is a formal. Minis are frowned upon, and even a cocktail dress won’t do. You have to pull out all the stops. Full-length gown, jewels, updo, the whole thing.

Full-length gown. Mom had already invested more than she should in the mini I’d worn. I couldn’t possibly ask her to splurge for a gown. Perhaps it was an omen. I didn’t belong at that kind of function. “I really appreciate the offer, Shayne, but, I don’t know.”

“Because of Brax?”

I almost dropped my cinder block novel. How had she found out so quickly?

“I don’t really care that he asked you to go with him instead of me. I mean, he’s cute and all, but, hell, there are plenty of other great guys here. I think I can handle just being good friends with him. Besides you two make such a cute couple.”

A brief moment of relief allowed me to accept her invitation, but it was followed by a longer moment of suspicion. Somehow I found it difficult to believe she could be so ardent one day and so passive the next.

“I have the perfect Randi Rahm gown that would be ideal with your color and build. You’ll be the belle of the ball.”

I had no doubt she would reserve the opportunity to wear that honor for herself.

“How about tonight?”

“No, not for a week or two. I’m absolutely drowning in catch up work.”

She pulled out her phone to check her calendar. “Okay, I scratch you in for November 13, two weeks from now.”

She flashed me a dazzling smile as she spun around, her hair flouncing about her, and sauntered off.

*****

The next two weeks were a flurry of science, math, English and chemistry, and while Brax was a patient and diligent tutor, he could also prove to be quite a distraction. Ever since the first kiss, Brax was unabashed about finding moments when he would kiss me again. They were always sweet and soft, as though he was holding back…

However, every afternoon brought us closer and closer as we studied, exchanged ideas, spoke of our hopes and dreams for a future and chatted over the little nothings in life. The waterfront terrace was the perfect venue for opening up, exploring one another and getting some true studying done. We would talk about everything and anything. All except my closely-guarded secret…that I was a demon slayer.

As we sat on the bench facing the water, one breezy, cool afternoon, the length of our thighs pressed together, he turned to me, his fingers instantly coming to calm the wayward tresses that played on the wind. His eyes smoldered and my intense desire to get closer to him became excruciating.

“The formal is coming up soon,” he said. “Are you ready yet?”

I shook my head. “Not yet. I’m supposed to go to Shayne’s tomorrow to see what she has.”

He leaned in, his lips brushing along my ear. “Whatever you wear, I’m sure you’ll be the hottest girl there.” He kissed my temple and sat back.

I would have to content myself with that for the moment.

*******

The next day I hid my intimidation as I got out of Shayne’s chauffeured Rolls Royce Phantom and followed her inside the majestic mansion in Belvedere. While she appeared completely unaffected by the splendor of her surroundings, I couldn’t keep from gawking.

“How ‘bout a snack before we start?”

“I’m good, thanks.”

She nodded and led me up the stairs. Tastefully decorated, the home was remarkably cozy and welcoming. Cream-colored walls offered the perfect backdrop to rich wood furniture, while clean lines kept the home from looking cluttered.

Shayne’s room carried the same simple sophistication, the only spot of color being the blue roman drapes that mirrored the perfect blue of the bay visible from all windows. The effect was magical and soothing.

“So, where should we start?” Shayne said and she pulled apart two paneled sliding doors.

The girly girl in me exploded into a childish giggle as I took in the expansive closet. Dresses, all grouped by color, lined one side of the closet while gowns of all colors and fabrics lined the other. At the far end, there was a wall of shoes.

“The Vionnet halter dress would be great on your figure.”

The pleated beige dress was indeed pretty, but lacked the sex appeal I was hoping for. I shook my head.

“I have this Michael Kors cutout dress. It’s elegant, classy with just enough sensuality, and if you top them off with these Nicholas Kirkwood heels.”

I didn’t want just enough sensuality, I wanted more. Flicking through the hangars, I came upon a shimmering blue corseted gown.

“Anna Lin, one of my favorites. That is perfect, and I have the perfect shoes to go with it,” Shayne said. “I wore that to a fundraiser not too long ago and got rave reviews. I’ll leave you a moment to try it on.”

I disrobed and pulled on the dress. Holding the corset to my chest, I struggled to pull up the zipper at the back and finally called Shayne in for a hand.

“Wow,” she said as she came in. “That shade of blue is just divine on you, and you certainly have the shoulders and arms to pull off a sleeveless dress.

As I stared at my reflection in the mirror, she came up behind me and tugged on the zipper, but when she reached my bust line, the dress proved inadequate. She tugged harder, finally forcing the gown closed, but my breasts were ready to pop out. After a brief flash of envy in her eyes, Shayne pulled the zipper down. “Well, I guess this one is too small.”

“Okay, then.” She pulled out another hanger. “This David Meister is pure liquid silver.” She fluttered her hand in the bust of the draped halter front, displaying the ample space it had for my breasts. “It may not look like much on the hanger, but it clings like you wouldn’t believe. These jeweled high-heel sandals will work well with it.”

Once again, she left me alone and I pulled on the unimpressive gown. But as promised, the gown came alive once it molded to my body. The plunge of the neckline was daring, the slit up the thigh teasing and the low cut of the back downright irresistible. A short train flowed behind me. This was it.

The large crucifix at my neck seemed suddenly chunky and out of place. I fingered it a moment before hiding it back under my hair. I would have to find a smaller, more delicate and elegant cross for the formal, although, I suddenly realized, I had not had a need for a crucifix in a while. After the brief and effortless battle at Braxton’s theater, I’d only had one other encounter with a demon.

With a sense of optimism, I dared hope Lothario had been wrong about the enormity of work to be done at St. James.

Smiling at the thought, I slipped into the sandals Shayne had suggested and admired the full effect. I barely recognized the elegant woman staring back at me. I turned my back to the reflection, gazing over my shoulder and questioning the wisdom of wearing something so revealing to a formal.

But my question was drowned out by a great sense of femininity and sensuality. The dress felt right, from the clasp at my neck to the fluttering of the hem at my toes. I winked at my reflection, gave myself an over the shoulder wave and blew a kiss to my invisible admirers.

The door creaked open and I turned to tell Shayne just how much I loved the dress, but standing there was Moore, his eyes riveted to my cleavage.

He swallowed loudly as a wicked grin made its way across his lips.

I watched him approach me, my body tingling with heated anticipation. He made no attempt to rein in the passion in his gaze as he reached out to take me into his arms, his hand burning down my bare back.

“Just another reason to regret not being quick enough to invite you to the formal. As much as I like and respect Brax, it’s in my arms you belong, Lux.” He pulled me to his chest, his fingers playing exciting games along my spine, while his lips parted.

It was so easy to lose myself in his gaze, to envision his lips over mine. I could almost taste him, he was so close.

“Do you always barge into Shayne’s closet?” I asked, trying to make light of the moment that had grown too hot too fast. I pulled away from his hold and tried to regain control of the situation.

He chuckled, deep and raspy, and filled with the desire to continue his pursuit. I backed up to the wall of shoes and in an instant he loomed over me.

“Moore,” I whispered, shaking my head in a feeble attempt to deny the inevitable.

Leaning into me, he brushed his cheek along my temple, his lips murmuring tender encouragement. His hands once again found their way along my back, wrapping completely around me and easily sneaking into the halter top of the dress. I gasped, in shock and excitement as his fingers brushed too close to my breasts.

“No doubt the designer had you in mind when he drew this gown; pleasing to the eye, but also incredibly titillating to the hand.” His lips brushed along my cheek as he spoke, his tone mesmerizing, his touch sublime. “Forget Brax…forget all the other guys, Lux. Think only of me.”

It was as if my entire body was on fire, and all I wanted was for Moore to kiss me, and quench the incredible desire I felt for him. My lips moved with their own unintelligible murmurings, murmurings of forbidden desire.

When his mouth met mine, my mind begged me to turn away, to refuse him access, but his lips, luscious and soft, brought about sensations impossible to refute. He pressed further, his breath loud and ragged as he covered my mouth with his, delved in with his tongue in a way that left my head spinning, and brought my tongue into a game I’d never imagined could be so pleasurable.

“You're even more delicious than I’d expected,” he whispered between kisses that left me wanting more. “Softer and more passionate than you let on.”

Unwilling to lose contact with his lips, I leaned into him, initiating the next kiss, plunging my tongue in to taste more of him, my hands suddenly insatiable. I pushed him to the mirrored wall, the glow of lust leaving my skin glistening.

Moore pulled away, a victorious grin harmonizing with the lusty desire still in his eyes.

I sought the same sense of victory, even a hint of satisfaction, but our passionate interlude left me drained.

He looked back at me and cocked his brow as he walked out of the closet. “We’ll leave some for later.”

Confused by his ability to bring me to such passionate highs only to drop me into a cold abyss, I stared at him, my feet cemented to the floor.

I wanted to weep for the intensity of desire I felt for him and I wanted to recline to regain the energy he’d zapped from me. With difficulty, I finally left the closet, my hand fluttering over Shayne’s inviting bed.

“I wanted to show you what you’ll be missing, show you what it’ll cost you to go to the formal with Brax instead of me.” Moore stood at the window, his back turned to me.

My head spun as I struggled to stay standing and understand Moore’s actions. Was he that angry? That jealous? Was he toying with me? Playing with my naïve emotions and taking advantage of my lack of experience.

When he turned to face me, his jaw was clenched and his eyes flared with a momentary light of something akin to rage. He quickly softened his eyes with a soft smile and came to me, pressing his body against me until I was left with no other choice than to sit on Shayne’s bed. He pressed further, leaning down, his hands set on either side of me and I lay back, my heart racing for his proximity, but alarmed for the increased sense of waning strength.

“When you dance with Brax at the formal,” he whispered into my ear, his fingers playing along the deep neckline of the dress. “I want you to remember this, remember our kiss, remember the passion we shared. When he holds you in his arms, it’ll be my arms you’ll long for, my lips you’ll want to kiss.”

My eyelids became incredibly weighted, and the bliss of darkness was suddenly more desirable than remaining with Moore. Vaguely aware of Moore, his lips close to mine, his breath heated against my skin, I drifted away, pulled into a deep slumber.

Chapter 11

The night of the formal was finally here, and my quick progress in virtually every class left me feeling free to truly enjoy the evening without the weight of more work to be done. Added to that sense of freedom was the lack of demons, therefore lack of disturbances these past weeks. For the first time since I could remember I was simply leading the normal, ordinary, yet sometimes complex life of a teenager.

“Honey,” Mom called from downstairs. “You’ve received a package.”

And not a moment too soon, I thought as I raced down the steps. Shayne had promised to have the dress and shoes delivered two days ago and a slight panic had begun to gnaw at me.

“Great,” I said as I took the large white box. “I was beginning to think she had forgotten me.”

I ran back up stairs and tore the lid off. My face turned to dismay. Instead of the liquid silver halter dress, a purple mass of chiffon swelled out of the box. Finding the thin straps, I pulled it out of the box, the endless flow of ruffles as light and ethereal as the air itself.

Beggars can’t be choosers, I reminded myself, though I couldn’t imagine why Shayne had switched dresses on me. The silver halter dress had been perfect, perhaps too perfect for Shayne’s liking. Then again, I remembered my heated encounter with Moore, the embrace that had bordered on erotic, the kisses that left me light- headed and the subsequent ride home that remained vague and distant.

Had she ruined the dress in any way? If she had, Shayne had made no mention of it.

Pulling on the dress, it was quickly evident the dress would not have the same effect. It was pretty and fit perfectly, but was considerably more docile. Given the change in style, I opted to let my hair flow freely. Brax would no doubt be pleased to see me leave my hair down.

The final touch was a small silver cross, stylized and elegant. Fixing my eyes on my reflection, I smiled. My gown may have lost a bit of sex appeal, but the wanton flow of my hair, the smoky effect of make up about my eyes and the sultry gloss of my lips more than made up for the loss.

Ten minutes later, the doorbell rang and I knew Braxton had arrived. I could hear my mother greeting him, bright and welcoming. Father brought his stern paternal instincts to the mix, drilling Braxton with questions that had me laughing.

Grabbing the same little clutch I’d had at Kingsley’s, I made my way down to greet Brax.

“Wow. What a vision you are,” he said. “I must be the luckiest guy in the world.”

Mom and Dad were speechless, simply staring at their little tomboy gone girly.

“And look at you,” I said as I ran my hand over the breast pocket of his tuxedo. “All dapper.”

“You certainly make a handsome couple,” Mom gushed as she grabbed her little camera and gestured for us to cozy up.

After a series of photos, repeated goodbyes and wishes for a fun night, Brax and I drove off, arriving at the formal ten minutes later than anticipated.

Lively music wafted out to greet us and the excitement of the night took over me. I wanted to let go, to have fun, to be wild and carefree. The small reservations I’d had regarding my new gown quickly evaporated as one pair of admiring eyes after another held my gaze.

Proud and possessive, Brax grinned and clutched my hand in the crook of his arm.

In the distance, Shayne stood, watching our entry, her plastic smile unconvincing. Her gaze dipped over the length of ruffled chiffon and a quick flash of disapproval blazed in her eyes.

I refused to allow her displeasure to affect my night. I was with Brax, I looked and felt great, and I intended to make the night memorable.

“Care to dance,” Braxton asked with the gallantry of the highest knight.

“It would be my pleasure.”

Infused with the rhythm of the music and carried away on the melody, I took to the dance floor with abandon. I ignored my lack of experience, erased the gaze of onlookers from my consciousness and enjoyed the moment.

“I love the way you move,” Braxton hushed into my ear, his hands shadowing my moves. “And you pretend to be a social outcast…”

When the hyper beat gave way to a melodic ballad, he scooped me into his arms, pressed me tightly against his chest and brushed his smooth cheek along mine. Our bodies melded into one. In unison, we swayed to the music, disobeying the proper and predictable circular motion every other couple adhered to.

“This was meant to be,” Braxton whispered. His hands gently caressed my skin, slow, patient, almost reverent. His every move lacked the impulsive and heated nature of guys his age.

I leaned into him, the sense of security and belonging complete.

When the song ended, we remained still, both reluctant to break our embrace.

“How ‘bout a drink and a stroll outside?” Brax offered.

“Lemonade would be nice.”

After a quick run to the bar, we headed out with our drinks. “You know, just about everyone here spikes their drink.”

I smiled as my teeth gripped the straw.

“I’ve never really understood the desperate need for a buzz.”

We sat on a low retaining wall overlooking the soccer field.

After a long and satisfying sip, I said, “Neither have I. I kind of like having fun all while truly realizing that I’m having fun.”

He chuckled. “Interesting way of putting it.”

I shrugged matter of factly. “Besides, just being with you is buzz enough.”

“Really?” He seemed genuinely surprised. Setting his glass down, he took my hand in his and gently played with my fingers. “I’ve wondered how you’ve felt these past weeks, with the tutoring and all. I have a good time with you, and I enjoy every minute, but I wondered if you simply liked being with me because of the help I give you, or if it’s me you enjoy being with.”

I turned to face him, my free hand drawn to the strong line of his jaw. “I like being with you, very much.”

He leaned in to kiss me, a sweet and delicate kiss that held so many questions. The questions mirrored in his eyes as he withdrew and I responded with a kiss of my own. His lips parted, received my kiss with reluctance.

“For weeks I’ve thought of this moment,” he said before pressing his lips to mine with conviction.

The sweetness of his initial kiss was drowned in a swell of sensuality and passion as he pressed his tongue hungrily in to meet mine. My body molded to his, wanting to feel the entirety of the connection we shared.

“I’ve know from the very start I wanted you,” he murmured, his lips following the line of my jaw and brushing along my ear. “I saw you, that day as you drove by.”

My eyes popped open and pulled away just enough to look at him.

“Yes,” he said with a smile. “I saw you. I saw you and I knew in that instant you were meant to be mine.”

“But, you’ve never said…”

“It’s a pretty freaky thing to have happen; see a girl once, and fleeting at that, and feel such a strong, undeniable attraction, to know that she’s the girl I’ve longed for all my life… But I didn’t want to freak you out. I didn’t want to scare you away. I don’t believe in love at first sight, but then I can’t explain why I feel this way about you.”

His gaze dipped to our joined hands, our fingers continually playing with the hand of the other. “When I saw you in Mrs. Bright’s office… I would have done anything to make sure I get to spend plenty of time with you, and had every opportunity to get to know you.”

I smiled, but looked him directly in his eyes. “You're probably right. I might have freaked out a bit if you’d told me.” Even as he told me, despite the weeks that had passed, I should have thought it odd, should have questioned the strength of the vision he had. Instead it just felt so immensely right and the connection that had already grown strong and secure now felt more solid than ever. I’ve been around too many unexplainable things to hold a skeptic mind. To me, fighting demons, seeing angels, and being in the spiritual realm was normal…but love, especially the love so strong and passionate as the one I’ve been feeling was still new to me.

“And now?”

“I’ve spent so much time with you these last few weeks, learning about who you are, and getting close to you, Brax, of course I feel something for you. I wouldn’t be with you at this dance if I didn’t.”

His grin was broad and sweet. “I was beginning to think I was going nuts.”

I leaned into him, feeling secure against his tall muscular body, my heart heavy with longing and my hands eager to roam beneath the confines of his jacket. “If you are, then I’m going nuts right along with you.”

With a chuckle, he wrapped his arms around me and held me tight, his lips just inches from mine. “Then we’ll make the best damn-looking couple in the insane asylum.” He kissed me then, his embrace strong and confident encouraged by the affection I had for him.

But as delicious as the kiss was, as abandoned as I was to his touch, the sudden image of Moore flashed before my eyes sending a myriad of confusing messages across my mind. I could feel the soft kiss Braxton laid on my lips, but my mind reverted to the heat and passion of Moore’s heavy kiss.

Panicked, I kissed Braxton more ardently, willing the image of Moore to disappear, but it intensified, crushing Braxton’s sweet kiss into oblivion.

“What’s the matter?” Braxton said. His eyes filled with concern, he put his palm to my forehead. “You're burning up all of a sudden.”

“Am I?” With the sudden wave of intense heat came inexplicable fatigue.

He grinned. “I’d like to think I’d had that effect on you, but I really think something could be wrong. You're red and flushed.”

My lids were suddenly impossible to hold up.

“Lux.” Alarm filled his voice. “Lux, stay with me.”

“Braxton,” I murmured, grasping at the thin line of consciousness.

“What’s going on?”

“I don’t know. I wanted to kiss you, but Moore was suddenly there, his kiss…”

“Moore?”

Despite my closed eyes, I could detect his grimace.

“Is something going on between you and Moore? Did you kiss him?”

“No,” I said, my lips blubbering my feeble defense. “He kissed me. I didn’t start anything.”

“Lux.”

“He’s the one who kissed me,” I repeated as the world faded away. “I don’t feel good.”

And then I felt nothing.

Chapter 12

I slowly came to, the pounding in my head matching the sound of the song we’d danced to. The sound of the music, the voices of everyone around me, the clatter of glasses, the buzz of chuckles and laughter… the party I was missing. Brax was there waiting for me and I was ruining his night, his big formal night. He had dressed so dapper, looked so handsome and had been the perfect gentleman and I was letting him down.

I tried to peel my eyes open, forcing them to bring me back to the light of consciousness. Dry, just like my tongue that clung painfully to the roof of my mouth, my eyes refused to cooperate and the lure of sleep battled with my desire to get back to the party.

When my lids finally parted, it wasn’t the darkness of the night that met me, nor Braxton’s concerned smile.

Sitting up, I found myself in my bed, in my room. The drapes were pulled tightly shut, almost succeeding in blocking out the intense sunshine of the brilliant day outside.

“Mom?” My voice, weak and dry, barely made it off the bed. “Mom.” Hardly better, I looked around and saw the tall glass of water on my bedside table, but before I could reach for it, Mom was at the door.

“You called, sweetie?”

Through my grogginess, I smiled, amazed at my mother’s innate ability to always hear me when I truly needed her. “I feel awful, Mom.”

She sat beside me, her hand instantly coming to test my forehead. “You’ve certainly had us worried these past days.”

“Days?”

“When Braxton brought you home Thursday night, he thought perhaps you’d been slipped some spiked punch. We wanted to just let you sleep it off, but when you didn’t wake up the next day, we called the doctor.” She reached for my hand and held it gently in hers.

“How many days, Mom? What day are we?”

“It’s Sunday, honey.”

“Sunday. I’ve missed two whole days.”

“Lux, the doctor couldn’t find anything wrong with you. He thought you might simply be exhausted.”

I shook my head in disbelief. How could I have slept through two whole days? “I’m not exhausted, Mom.”

“You said you’d have a lot of work here. Maybe this is all proving to be too much for you.”

“No.” Again I shook my head. “Things have been relatively quiet lately. Everything is going smoothly at school. And Brax…”

“Oh, honey, before I forget, he’s been calling every other hour asking about you. He feels awful about what happened and is anxious to hear you’re doing well.”

“Really?” I was pleased to hear of his concern for me. “I’ll call him. Maybe he can tell me more about what happened Thursday night.”

Mom patted my knee and rose as I reached for my phone. “Let me know if you need anything. Lunch, breakfast, juice?”

“A bowl of soup would be nice.”

She smiled. “Coming right up.”

I leaned back and slowly punched Braxton’s number in. My lethargy refused to leave me making each movement difficult.

“Braxton?” I said on hearing his soothing voice.

“Lux?”

I could hear the excitement and relief in his voice.

“Lux, I just have a little thing to take care of and I’ll be right over to see you. I’ve been going crazy with worry.”

“I’m fine, Brax.”

“I’ll be right over.” He hesitated a moment. “Hmm, that is, if it’s okay with you.”

I chuckled softly, loving his concern and his unending caring. “As it so happens, that’s exactly why I was calling you, Brax. I’d like to see you, too.”

When Mom brought up my soup I settled at my desk by the front window. At first I opened the drapes just a slip, letting my eyes and my head adjust to the brightness. By the time I’d finished my soup, I’d pulled the drapes completely open, reveling in the warmth of the sun and eager to see Brax drive up to the house.

Then I realized I was barely dressed, wearing only the boxer shorts and tank top I’d slept in for the past two days. I rushed, if one could call my struggled shuffle rushing, to my closet and reached for something more suitable – a comfy pair of jeans and a warm sweater.

“Hey.”

Clasping my bundle of jeans and sweater to my chest, I turned to face Braxton.

“Braxton, I thought you said you had…”

“Never mind that. I had to rush over here as quickly as I could.”

In seconds I found myself in his arms, my bundled clothes forgotten and left to pile on the floor. He hugged me tight, his tender kisses sweeping across my temple and coming to hush in my ear as he whispered his happiness at seeing me again.

“I’m really sorry about ruining your night,” I said as I gently pulled away. Suddenly dizzy I felt the need to sit down. “How awful it must have been for you.”

He led me to the armchair by the window and knelt before me.

“You’d been waiting for that evening for so long… only to have to cut it short because of me.”

“You’re overestimating the importance of the formal. The only thing important about that evening was being with you… and whether that was holding you in my arms as we danced or escorting you home when you didn’t feel well, that’s where I wanted to be.”

He held my hand in his and brought each fingertip to his lips. “What happened that night? One minute you were kissing me like you never wanted to stop, and the next you were completely out.”

“That’s what I was going to ask you. What happened?”

He paused a long moment, a wave of pain sweeping across his eyes for a second before he brought a concerned smile to wipe it away. “You went limp… all of a sudden… for no apparent reason. I thought you would come to after a moment or two, but when you didn’t I knew I had to bring you home. I thought maybe you’d been slipped something… a drug, or something in your drink.”

“I’ve never had anything like that happen to me before; to be so totally knocked out. I think it was something bigger than just a drug.”

“What do you think could have caused you to go out so quickly? You must have some idea.”

I turned to look out the window and watched the birds fluttering around, skittering from one tree branch to another. Suddenly envious, I wanted a moment of knowing what it could be to have a life so easy and carefree; to not have to worry what people might think… to wonder what a boy would say if he learned I was a demon fighter.

Braxton’s squeeze of my hand brought my gaze back to him. I looked him straight in the eye, gauging his ability to understand what was truly going on in my life.

“Even if I told you, you’d never believe me,” I finally said.

“I’m a lot more open-minded then I might let on.” He smiled that gentle and understanding smile that I’ve gotten to love. “I’ve seen a lot more in my life than you might imagine. I lost my parents not so long ago, and for what reason, but a freak accident, and I’ve seen quite a bit of strange things before then. It takes quite a bit to leave me shocked or in disbelief.”

“I’m sorry Brax, you never told me about your parents. What happened?” I reached out my hand to touch his shoulder.

Brax cleared his throat. “They disappeared, just vanished. Couldn’t even find a trace of them, after months of searching…”

I lifted my eyebrow and squeezed his hand.

“Finally they gave up, and I was told to move on. That’s when my uncle appeared and moved me here.”

“That’s very harsh. I’m sorry. I’ve always had my parents with me, and I can’t imagine losing any of them.” I leaned in to kiss his cheek.

Brax went on. “You know the most bizarre thing is…it didn’t surprise me as much as it should.”

My eyes widened, as I asked, “Why?”

“Because Lux, my parents had always been involved in similar incidents like theirs – they were investigators, paranormal ones.”

“Oh,” I said.

“Trust me, Lux. Just give it a try and trust me. Growing up with parents like mine could make anyone believe there was something beyond what everyone sees every day.” He rose to his knees and pulled me closer. His fingers raked through my sleep-tousled hair and he pulled me closer still, bringing our lips just a whisper away. “I’m here for you.”

His lips covered mine, bringing with them sensuality wrapped up in such love and security. In my heart I knew I could trust him, knew he’d always be strong for me. I wanted to open up to him, to let him in on my secret. I was so tired of keeping it to myself.

My lips parted, welcoming him, hungering for more of his touch. He kissed me more passionately and my head reeled, at first from the monumental sense of pleasure he brought me, but it was quickly dashed by a vision of Moore.

I concentrated and pushed the vision from my mind, but it was persistent, insistent in its quest to ruin this precious moment with Brax.

“No,” I finally said, panting from the disturbance. “I can’t.”

His eyes wide with surprise and dismay, Brax sat back on his heels. “What’s going on?”

I struggled to my feet and walked away from his questioning gaze.

“Lux,” he called after me, his voice soft and confused. He got to his feet.

Though I stared out the window, I could see him, standing there in the pain of my rejection.

“I don’t want to push myself on you, Lux. I thought you felt something for me, but every time I get close to you, you back away.”

“It’s not you, Brax. I like you, really I do.”

“Then, what?”

“It’s Moore.”

“Again? Damn it, Lux. What’s really going on between you two?”

“Nothing.”

“You obviously have feelings for him if you push me away every time I kiss you because he’s the one you’re thinking of.”

“It’s not that simple.”

“Do you like him?”

I leaned into the window, letting the cool glass soothe my heated brow. “I don’t know,” I whispered. “I don’t know what I feel.”

The sound of his breath, labored and pained, reached my ears and broke my heart.

“You’re attracted to him.”

“He has an unearthly beauty, just like Shayne.”

“And that’s what you're drawn to?

I glimpsed his reflection in the window, the tensing of his jaw, the quick lick of his lips and the unmistakable anger that reached his fingertips as he pulled them fiercely through his hair.

Just when I thought he would walk up to me, shake Moore out of my head, he turned and stepped away. Feeling the floor drop out from under me, I turned to him.

As he reached the door, he glanced at me. “You know, I really do like you, Lux. I even think I may feel a lot more for you than that…I’m not even sure I know what it is about you, but from the first moment I saw you…” He stopped, and looked away, swallowed then continued. “If your heart is with someone else, I’m not going to press you to feel something for me. I won’t put you through that.”

“Braxton, don’t go.”

His hand on the doorknob, he stared at the floor.

“I don’t know what I feel for Moore. He has a hold on me, drawing me in and pulling me into our own exclusive and private universe. But nothing has really happened between us, so I don’t understand this pull he has on me. Give me a chance to get this all cleared in my head.”

Turning away in exasperation, I called out. “Where is Lothario when I need him?”

“Lothario? Who is that?”

“My guardian.” The moment I’d spoken, I closed my eyes and tilted my head back as I realized I’d actually said it aloud.

“What do you mean? Like your parents? Like my uncle?”

“Oh, you know. Everyone has a guardian angel.” I turned to him and smiled playfully. “I call mine Lothario.”

“This isn’t something to joke about, Lux.” Suddenly serious, he left the door and came to me. “Angels aren’t a laughing matter. An angel named Lothario… magnificent with wings that reach from his shoulders to his toes.”

Frowning with uncertainty, I stared at him. “What... What are you saying?”

He walked around me and stood before Grandmother’s steamer trunk. “I saw one once.”

“Saw what?” I dared asked.

“I was little, maybe three or four. I didn’t really understand what I was seeing; I just remember being mesmerized by it. Then I didn’t see anything for years. Actually I didn’t see anything like that until I saw you. Right away, I saw the glow that emanated from you. And it really has nothing to do with how I feel about you. I mean, I sensed it before I even spoke to you.”

He turned away and pressed his fingers to his brow before turning to me again. “When I went inside the house, that first day after I saw you pass by, he was there.”

My heart pounded in my ears as I waited for him to go on.

“An angel, not the delicate little flying things so many people imagine, but this huge, gladiator-like warrior, easily reaching two feet above me… and his wings… I was completely awestruck.”

“What did he say?” I sat on the edge of my bed, reached for my comforter and fingered the edge as I listened to him, riveted to his every word.

“That I was to meet a girl, a girl who’d change my life.” He came and sat beside me, his strong shoulder leaning into mine as he looked sheepishly at me. “I think that girl might be you, or at least, I want it to be you.” He reached over to hold my hands in his. “I act like I have everything under control at school, and everyone thinks I’m this perfect guy, but inside, I’m going through a lot. All that changed when I saw you, met you. You don’t know how much you being here in my life means to me, Lux.”

The desire to kiss him filled me. It felt so good being with him, so natural, yet the fear of the hold Moore had on me kept me from getting closer to Brax. Until I knew more about Moore, I couldn’t allow myself to become more involved with Brax. I had to find out who Moore was. What he was.

Averting Braxton’s gaze, I leaned into him and prepared to beg him to be patient with me, but a loud crash from downstairs made us both start.

Suddenly infused with adrenaline, I rushed to the door and hurried down the tight staircase, Braxton close at my heels. “Mom,” I called from the second floor. “Mom, are you okay?”

My heart was about to pound its way up my throat as I raced down the steps to reach the living room.

“Don’t get all panicked, honey,” Mom said, her voice in a controlled calm. She knelt before the television picking up the pieces of the teapot that had shattered on the hardwood floor. “I just stumbled over that new area rug you father insisted on laying here and dropped my tray.”

While her explanation made sense, it was the familiar figure stooped beside her that didn’t.

“Asher?” I said. “What are you doing here?”

Holding a few shards of ceramic, he seemed just as surprised to see me as I was to see him.

“I, um…” He set the shattered pieces on the coffee table and came to me. “I thought you needed help… needed me.”

“What would make you think that?”

He shoved his hands into his pockets and looked around with uncertainty before meeting my gaze again. “You disappeared so suddenly from the formal and a few rumors were out that you were carried out.” His gaze shifted uncomfortably to Brax. “But I see that Braxton is here with you, so I guess…”

“You really have nothing to be worried about. I’m fine.”

Mom finished with her clean up. Her hands filled with the remnants of her favorite teapot, she turned to us. “Would you kids like a soda or something.”

We all muttered our no thanks and she headed to the kitchen.

Asher stepped closer. “Can I talk to you for a second… outside?”

I looked at the remaining mess on the floor and back to Brax. “Do you mind helping my mom with the rest of this? I’ll be right back.”

“Sure.” Brax didn’t look too please at seeing Asher, but he walked over and starting picking up the pieces from the floor.

I led Asher out the front door, but the front porch didn’t satisfy him. He took my hand and guided me down to the sidewalk.

“This isn’t just about me leaving the formal early, is it?”

“No,” Asher said, his eyes wide with alarm. “It’s those dreams again. I saw a girl with a glowing light around her, the girl I believe to be you. She was calling me for help. A mist of dark clouds surrounded her, blocking out the light. I just had to come and see if you were all right.” He gripped my shoulders. “What happened to make you leave the formal?”

I didn’t know how much I should tell him, about Moore and the kiss, about the way I’ve been feeling since. “I’ve been feeling faint lately… weak. It’s unlike me. I’m usually so strong. I never get sick and I’ve never had fainting spells before.”

“When did it start?”

I hesitated a moment before divulging the entire story. “Since I went to Shayne’s to try on dresses.”

He frowned. “That’s interesting. I’ve always had strange sensations when I’m around Shayne. She’s tried to get close to me in the past, hinted at a possible relationship, but something always held me back.”

“I’m guessing that something isn’t her unbelievable beauty.”

His lopsided grin told me just how attractive he found her. “Naw, it was more this sense of being preyed upon. I always feel as though she’d devour me if she got her hands on me.”

Reaching out, he traced his finger along my jaw. “Besides, her beauty never captivated me the way yours did. There’s something cold and planned in her beauty, something that just doesn’t sit right. While you, you are the epitome of warmth, love and caring.”

“Asher…”

“Lux,” he whispered as he stepped closer. “I keep dreaming about you. It’s like my life is intertwined with yours. Each dream leaves me feeling closer to you. I know it’s crazy, I know it’s just dreams, but… If only you knew just how selfish I’ve always been. I’ve never cared for anyone other than myself. Then you showed up, in my dreams and in my life. I swear I’ve never cared for another living soul the way I care about you. I’ve tried to deny it and tried to shake it off, but I think of you all the time, worry about you and wonder what you’re up to, if you're all right. I feel the need to protect you, to guard you from what harm, I don’t even know...”

I jerked my head up to look at him, for the first time seeing him as he truly was. Tall, strong and with a soul that radiated something his gruff demeanor and leather duds couldn’t hide… he was my guardian, the very guardian Lothario had mentioned.

“You’re…” I started to say, but caught my breath. If I was wrong he’d think I was a lunatic. Yet he matched perfectly with what Lothario had said; my age, someone I could befriend, grow up with. “You were drawing the statue of the angel the other day.”

“Yeah,” he said, trying to follow my angle.

“Why? What drew you to draw that statue in particular?”

His eyes bore through mine, his guard slightly up. “I don’t know really. There’s something strong about them, even if mortals do depict them rather cartoonish at times. They care about mortals and they do what they can to guard them from evil. But a few of them are fallen angels, angels who are no longer loyal to the Creator. For some reason I’ve become fascinated with them lately.”

“What brought the fascination on?”

“I told you… strange things have been happening lately… things I can’t explain… things that would make me seem crazy to anyone if I dared tell them.”

“Things like what, Asher?” I whispered gently, hoping to coax him out of his secret.

He looked away, gazed down the street then up to the sky. I understood his reluctance. Mortals, for all their talk of God, heaven, angels and demons, seemed forever reluctant to believe when faced with a true angel. I’d had my share of taunts and teasing the few times I’d let slip my encounter with Lothario when younger and too naïve to know better.

I reached out to cover his hands with mine. “Someone has visited you, haven’t they?”

A heavy sigh, almost a sob, escaped him. He nodded, his gaze still held to the sky above.

“A man? Tall? Bright? So large…”

Bringing his gaze to me, I saw that he was finally ready to open up. “So large he barely fit in my bedroom. I’ve tried to tell myself it was a dream, but it was so real, so clear. He said my destiny was entwined with a girl I would soon meet… you.”

“He didn’t happen to mention his name, did he?”

“Yeah.” He bit his lip in concentration. “It was a weird name, Lot something.”

I closed my eyes, smiled and squeezed his hands. “Lothario.”

“Yeah, that’s it. How did you know?”

“You’re the one Lothario sent to me.”

He chuckled softly, the sound full of skepticism and doubt. “I don’t get it. Sent me for what?”

“To be my guardian angel, to protect me.” I cocked my head, looking at the undeniable mortal before me. “But you're not an angel. You're a mortal just like me. How are you going to be my guardian angel when you're not even an angel?”

At this he gave an indignant huff. “What, you think I can’t protect you if I’m not an angel?”

“Well, it does put you at a disadvantage. I mean the spiritual forces of evil aren’t all that easy to deal with.” I stopped for a moment, trying to gauge just how much I could trust him with. “Look, I think it’s great that Lothario appointed you to be my guardian, but the truth is that I’m not some damsel in distress, not some Bella Swan who is constantly crying out for help. We’re not just talking about minor little demons here.”

“Okay,” he prompted.

“Asher, I’m a demon hunter. I go after the big game, the demons who attempt to invade this world, and they’re not too delicate about it. These demons are serious about stealing souls. I’ve the senses to pick them out, to spot them from yards away, and once I do I’m all over them. I’m quick, with reflexes that have never failed me and I can…”

He pulled me into his arms, a loving little laugh burrowing to my ear as he nuzzled his nose into the crook of my neck. “And you’ve a soul of pure fire, of sheer delight, with lips so full and luscious, no man can resist the temptation, a fact I’m painfully aware of every time I get close to you.”

His lips pressed against mine, tenderly stoking the flame of tender teenage love to a roaring blaze of passion and longing. I felt his desire, the same intense and unbearable love that riddled my dreams so many times. Could he be the one? The dark shadow that came to me so often only to leave me drained and heartbroken?

Cupping my cheeks, he leaned his forehead to mine, his eyes reaching deep inside me. “I’ve waited far too long to do that.”

Until that very moment, I’d not known just how much I’d wanted him to kiss me. My emotions had been so tangled with Moore and Brax, the thought of Asher had remained purely platonic. But now…

Now I was more confused than ever.

Chapter 13

By the time I got to school the following morning, I was back to my usual self. No more dizzy spells or weaknesses. I also could feel an optimistic spring in my step as I headed to my first class.

Finding out Asher could be my new guardian had been a great revelation. Though he wasn’t an angel, I knew in my heart he was the perfect guy to protect me. And just having someone to share everything I was going through was a great relief.

The morning snailed its way to the lunch hour, filled with tense classes with Brax and a few fleeting glimpses of Asher in the halls. As I set foot inside the intimate dining room, I noticed Braxton’s expectant gaze. Seated with Shayne and Moore, he waited for me, his eyes questioning why I had so deftly avoided him all morning.

I pressed a tight smile, ignored how gleeful Moore was in light of Braxton’s obvious dismay and looked away from Shayne’s scrutinizing glare, and turned to find Asher at a corner table at the other end.

“I see I’ve broken up quite a tradition you had going there,” Asher said, his eyes on the table I usually lunched at.

“My life isn’t always easy,” I complained as I set my lunch on the table and sat facing my new guardian. “There’s no way I can explain any of this to any of them.”

“You mean your ability to see demons among us.”

“Are you laughing at me?” I said with a teasing smile.

“Never would I dare.” He took a bite of his sandwich, his eyes smiling, his lips deliciously pouty. “Seen any this morning.”

“No, it’s been rather quiet lately… too quiet.”

“Do you go after them the same way you went after me that first morning?”

I laughed, remembering our first encounter. “You could say that.”

“Lucky little devils… that was hot.”

“And you're impossible.” I pulled out my chicken sandwich and hid my smile behind a huge bite.

“Maybe we could do a little training session… you know, you chase me, catch me, throw me to the wall. Do what you will with me.”

“Are you always this bad? If you knew what I did with demons you wouldn’t say that.”

“Maybe I should switch sides.”

“Trust me, you don’t want to go there.”

He leaned over the table and came closer. “I know. The only place I want to be is wherever you are.”

“Asher…”

“Are you denying the chemistry that is positively sizzling between us? It’s been simmering since the day I first saw you...”

“You're cute, and you're a great boost to my ego, but don’t let this chemistry thing get to your head. If you're to be my guardian, you can’t let your attraction become a distraction.”

“As far as the guardian thing is concerned, nothing’s been confirmed yet. All I know is that I’m a guy who is excruciatingly attracted to a girl, a girl whose hand I want to hold, whose body I want to press to mine and whose lips I want to kiss.”

I leaned in until our noses were just inches apart. He certainly did make his every touch sound very appealing. He looked good, smelled even better and I wanted to kiss him again since our first kiss yesterday.

But the moment was broken by the slender yet sensual shadow of Shayne as she came to interrupt the private interlude.

“Lux, how wonderful to see you standing on your own two feet. You really had us going there. How are you feeling?”

“Much better, thanks.” I put on my most congenial smile, but knew it probably didn’t hide the fact that her presence wasn’t exactly welcome. Tension rose through my back and pinched at my shoulders.

“Well, I’m certainly happy to hear that,” Shayne said as she lay her hand on my shoulder.

Her touch instantly soothed me, relaxing the tension that’d so quickly made its way through my body. She held my gaze with a radiant smile.

“I’ve missed our little chats these past days, all the gossip about the formal and all. It just wasn’t the same without you. I do hope you’ll stop by to see me at my house again soon. You know, I’m helping out with the St. James Charity Ball. We want to raise funds for a new basketball court. I could sure use a hand.”

“I don’t know. I still have a lot of homework to catch up on. I didn’t get any work done over the long weekend and I’m swamped.”

“I’m sure Braxton would be happy to help you again.” She winked and glanced back at the table she’d shared with Moore and Braxton. “He got you out of trouble once. I’m sure he can do it again. Besides, he’s so handsome, studying with him is like no work at all. Better get him while he’s still available.”

My gaze trailed to Brax, his eyes still questioning, his lips pressed in discomfort. By sharp contrast, Moore’s gaze was steady and filled with confidence, the confidence of the strongest conqueror.

“Don’t sweat it, Lux,” Asher said, his hand coming to cover mine. “You said no and it should stand. You have work to do.” He glared up at Shayne. “Life’s not always a ball.”

“This is a charity ball,” Shayne said with a glimmer of venom in her eye. Her charitable grin returned quickly, too practiced and too quickly.

“Oh, please,” he went on. “You guys could simply write a small check and the deed would be done. Why harass everyone with another one of your dull fundraisers?”

“Well, maybe you could chip in and help make my dull ball a smash.” Her megawatt smile was priceless as she eyed Asher. Adoration and admiration filled her eyes… she was good. She reached out and took his hand off mine and clasped his between both her hands. “I really would love to have your hand in this. I know you're creative and you have a great imagination. The ball is to be at my house and I could sure use someone insightful like you to help with an inspiring décor.”

“I don’t think so.”

“Come on. You’ve never been to my place. I could give you a grand tour.” She winked provocatively at him. “A private tour.”

Pulling his hand away, he controlled the grimace that played on his lips. “I’m not really into social events, and decorating isn’t really my thing.”

She shrugged. “Suit yourself.” Her gaze met mine. “Some of the most important and influential people will be there, even Braxton’s uncle and Miss Bright. As you can imagine, they’ll expect to see the daughter of the new Dean of Antiquities there as well.”

“I really don’t see why.”

“Well, we’re planning a prestigious auction… rare pieces, many from Kingsley’s private collection; art, rare books. Your father will authenticate various items.”

I wanted to protest and argue. My parents had mentioned nothing about this ball, but before I could say anything Moore came up behind me and slid into the chair beside mine. His hand was quick to find my knee and my whole body was quick to respond to his touch.

“I’ve miss you, Lux,” he whispered directly into my ear.

Asher instantly stiffened. I could almost see the hairs at the back of his neck rise in alarm.

“It’s bad enough I had to suffer the evening of the formal without your presence, you can’t leave me to suffer through this evening alone as well. Those stiff antiques can be such a bore. Say you’ll be there, if only for an hour or two.”

His fingers brushed up my thigh and played under the hem of my skirt.

Yes was on my lips as I prepared to do anything to keep him close to me, to keep him happy, but a swift motion behind me turned into a loud commotion that pulled Moore’s touch away. I turned to see Braxton holding Moore by the collar.

“Is this clown bothering you?” Brax said. His eyes, hard with anger and frustration, shifted to Shayne.

“Relax, Kingsley,” Shayne droned. “Our only purpose here is to invite Lux and Asher to the Charity Ball that we’re holding at our house.”

“From clear across the cafeteria I heard her say ‘no’. What is it about that answer that you didn’t understand?”

“What are you griping about anyway? You have to go because of your uncle. You know you’d love to see Lux there just as much as I would. You should be here helping me to convince her, not reprimanding me.”

“If she comes it should be of her own will, not your insistence.” He turned to look at me, a myriad of emotions playing on his face. His desire to have me there was confronted by his anger towards Moore’s forwardness. “You know I’d love to see you there, but don’t feel you have to just on my account.”

“I had no idea you’d have to go. Of course I want to be there.”

“Lux, you don’t have to,” Asher argued.

“No, I was just smarting a bit because of the formal, but another attempt at a grand night out could be fun.”

Asher bit on a defeated grimace. “Then I’ll go as well.”

I looked up to catch Braxton frown, then glimpsed how Shayne and Moore glowed triumphantly.

“Well, then,” Shayne said. “We’ll leave you two to finish your delectable looking meal.

The disturbingly beautiful siblings left Asher, Braxton and me in an uncomfortable and tense silence. After a long moment, Braxton cleared his throat and set his hand on my shoulder.

“Could I talk to you a second, Lux?”

A quick glance at Asher and I knew how badly he disapproved. Nonetheless, I said, “I’ll catch you after the next class. We can meet at my locker.”

“Yeah, right, you have your next class with, Braxton, no doubt.”

“As a matter of fact, yes,” Braxton said.

“That’s quite a feat, getting so many of your classes with the new girl in town. I wonder how you managed that.” He shoved the rest of his lunch back into his backpack and stood. “Oh, yeah. That’s right, your uncle knows a few important people here.” He winked ironically and left.

“Come on,” Braxton said, not wasting a moment. He took a gentle hold of my elbow and urged me up.

Leaving my lunch behind, I followed him out the French doors into the quiet and sunny courtyard.

Chapter 14

“I don’t want to sound possessive, or jealous. I don’t want you to think I’m nuts or anything, but…” He licked his lips nervously and glanced around before bringing his intense gaze back to me. “What are you doing? What’s with Asher?”

Gripping my shoulders, he pulled me closer, his forehead coming to butt up to mine. His breathing was suddenly heavy and raspy, his eyes narrowed in emotion. “I thought we had something, Lux. I don’t want to push you, but at least be upfront with me. You just walked by as if we’d never met.”

“I’m sorry, Braxton. I guess I should have said something, but I just can’t sit with Shayne and Moore. Something makes me uncomfortable about them. And as for Asher, he’s a friend… a good friend, and I can sit with him if I want.”

I can understand your aversion to Moore, but Shayne? She’s been so great to you. Why do you want to avoid her?”

“Don’t you feel something strange when you're around them? Haven’t you noticed…? I don’t know, something odd, something that doesn’t fit? I’ll admit there’s something completely intoxicating about Moore, and maybe it’s just his good looks, unearthly charm or strong and sexy…”

Braxton backed away, his gaze hard and displeased. “I get it, Lux, I get it. Moore’s hot. That doesn’t explain your aversion to us.”

“Actually it’s the way he has of drawing me in that I’ve an aversion to. Whenever I’m around him, I feel as though I have no control over myself. And looked at what happened whenever you kiss me. Moore invades the moment, takes over, and leaves me completely absorbed by his face, his shoulders and…”

Brax rolled his eyes while his lips pulled up into a grimace.

“All he did was kiss me,” I went on, eager to make him realize the unnatural state of attraction. “Nothing happened between us, and aside from the physical attraction, I really know little about Moore, too little to really feel anything serious, making this seeming obsession with him all the more confusing.”

I reached out to take his hand and he eagerly gripped it. “I’m happy to see it’s not something I did. I thought you were angry with me, but Moore… that is strange the effect he has on you. I don’t really know what to tell you.”

“Has Shayne ever kissed you?”

A blush instantly colored his cheeks. “Once, but it wasn’t even on the lips. She came in close, and I turned my cheek to her.”

“How did you feel after?”

He pressed his lips into a disenchanted pout. “Nothing different. I guess for all her beauty she just doesn’t do it for me… not like you. When I first kissed you, you can’t even begin to imagine how I felt. I mean, wow. That was a kiss. A kiss from the girl I belonged with, as though our souls were linked together.” He shook his head. “Lux, I don’t know how to explain it, and I’ve kissed enough girls in my past to know when something is casual and when something is meant to be…like us.”

I smiled, charmed by his adorable ways.

His fingers tightened on my arms and he pulled me to him. “I don’t want to lose you, Lux, not to Asher and, even worse, Moore. I feel like I’ve been looking for you all my life, and now that I’ve found you…” He shook his head, his eyes filled with the pain of possibly losing me. “How can I have searched for you for so long only to lose you shortly after finding you?”

“And Shayne’s kiss had no effect on you whatsoever?” I said softly.

“None whatsoever. Being kissed by her was like being kissed by an icy stone.” He pushed his fingers through my hair. A chuckle rumbled through him, amused and slightly mocking. “She’s tried to hit on me so many times since I’ve been here, always coming on like some sexual goddess. She thought she’d be able to entice me with her sexual prowess, offering me sensual pleasures and tantalizing moments with her, but it never worked. The whole of who she is never appealed to me. Something about her just doesn’t attract me at all, something she didn’t really take very well. As you can imagine, a beauty like her isn’t used to rejection.”

“I imagine you’re probably the first to ever turn her down. You and Asher…”

“I guess I’m the first to really have a good reason to do so… I had someone else in my destiny, someone else to fulfill me.” He pressed a sweet kiss to my lips. “It’s you I want, Lux. It’s always been you. My future is so clear when I see you beside me. I want the real deal, and I know the affection I have for you runs far deeper than just a sexual attraction.”

His fingers dug into my scalp as he pulled me closer, enveloping me in a kiss that quickly consumed my thoughts. The warmth of his mouth pressed me to respond, and my body instantly wanted more of him. He was right. I was his destiny, and he was mine, from the very first moment we happened to glimpse one another.

My head filled with the hopes of a life with him, of my growing love for him, but just as quickly, Moore’s face, his malignant eyes intently boring through me, his lips curled in a seductive grin that bordered on sadistic.

The seductive grin was heated with urgent passion as he pressed them over mine, shoving away the sweet adoration of the boy who loved me and replacing it with an almost oppressive degree of desire. My heart pounded, my hands were soon damp with sweat and my body arched in for more of his blistering kiss, until I realized what was truly happening.

I pulled away and faced the confusion and turmoil that was in Braxton’s eyes.

“Moore?” he said through the aroused groan that’d claimed his voice.

Stunned by my reaction to Moore’s transcendent kiss, I stared at Braxton, barely able to nod.

“I don’t get it. I don’t know what he did to you, but, damn it, I’m going to do all I can to find out.” He fingered my cheek, his eyes softened with concern. “You’re already pale, and just from a brief kiss. Something’s going on. I’m not going to let you slip into another three day coma just because of some…” He shook his head and I could see his reluctance to spit the words out. “Some curse, or spell or whatever he did.”

“I need you, Braxton,” I whispered, my voice a meek shadow of who I was.

“I won’t let anything happen to you, Lux.” He held me tightly, his fingers digging into the flesh of my shoulders. “I won’t let Moore hurt you.”

“Brax, I have to tell you something, something that…” The air around us was suddenly dry and my voice cracked and croaked in my throat.

“What?”

“I’m not who you think I am. I’m…”

The heated dry air suddenly darkened as a shadow rushed toward me, pushing me out of Braxton’s grip and shoving me up to the wall.

Bewildered, Braxton stared at his empty fingers a moment before looking to me, his lips parted yet unable to speak. He shook the disbelief out of his gaze and finally found his voice. “What’s going on?” he asked cautiously. “Why are you up against the wall?”

I struggled against the black demon that pinned me to the wall. His attack had been swift and unexpected. For the first time in my life I’d completely let my guard down and had left myself open for a lost battle.

“I’ve got you now, Light Girl,” the shadow gurgled. “Who’s going to help you now?”

“Lux,” Braxton called. His fist clenched in frustration, but he remained immobile.

Struggling to breathe, to remain upright, and to remain conscious, I ran my fingers along my neck looking for the chain that held my crucifix. “I don’t need anyone’s help. I’ll ensure you let me go.”

“Lux, who are you talking to?”

“Really? Pinned to the wall the way you are, you hardly seem in a position to be so confident. Can it be that the demon fighter has finally stumbled, fumbled and is facing her demise?”

His fingers tightened around my throat, rendering the bright afternoon sun a dark spot in the ever blackening sky. My vision tunneled, and a spell of dizziness was taking over. I had to overcome him and fast.

“By the powers that…”

My voice was stifled by the grimy cold hand that pressed my lips heavily against my teeth. The fingers at my throat closed, cutting off the scant amount of air that had helped keep me from fainting. The words I so needed to vocalize remained crippled while my fingers fought to find my crucifix beneath the unyielding fingers choking the life out of me.

The world faded away and my legs lost the ability to keep me standing. I was losing, and there was nothing I could do. With my fingers lax around on the demon’s hand, I felt the last ounce of my consciousness ebb away.

As I began to slip to the ground, the demon released me. Gasping for breath, my fingers soothing the tender skin of my neck, I watched with astonishment as the demon was tackled to the wall.

The brawl was loud, violent as the demon was thrown around like a rag, barely able to fight back from the force that had suddenly attacked it.

Braxton.

I could hardly believe what I was seeing. Braxton shouldn’t be able to see the demon, much less fight him. Yet there he was, fighting like a seasoned warrior, a human warrior. Each blow sent the demon falling back, but, as demon’s were apt to do, it constantly came back for more.

“How do I destroy it?” Brax called out. “How do I end this?”

My strength, though greatly diminished, had returned enough to allow me to grab my crucifix and get to my shaky legs. I rushed to Braxton, pressed the cross to the demon’s brow and called, “By the powers of God, I cast you away, Demon!”

As we both panted, our breathing difficult from battle and the acrid air that had suddenly invaded us, we watched the demon crumble to ashes and smoke.

“What was that?” I said softly, still unable to believe what I’d just witnessed.

He stood quietly, staring at the spot the demon had last occupied.

“You saw it, right? Since when can you see them?”

“Right after you arrived here. First I saw angels, then…” He nodded at the pile of dust on the ground. “What about you?”

“Funny,” I said with an amused grin. “This is exactly what I was going to tell you before we were so rudely interrupted. I’m a demon hunter and have been since I was twelve.

His eyes widened and he smirked. “That certainly explains a lot of things.”

“Really? Like what?”

“Your lousy school record. I mean, I’ve never met anyone who’s been expelled so often.” He laughed and reached out to take my hand, his fingers lovingly playing around my wrist. “Your reluctance to make any kind of bond with anyone, to make friends, and the tough façade you’ve created.”

“Yeah, and that I’m a freak.”

A light chuckle escaped him. “You're the furthest thing from a freak. I mean, I admit I thought I was going a little nuts for a while, seeing the weird things I was seeing, feeling a bunch of things that didn’t make sense, but now, now everything that had been upside down is right side up again. It all makes perfect sense. That quick glimpse of you that first day as you drove by, the strong feelings I had for you even though I barely knew you… this was all meant to be.”

“But you didn’t get a guardian angel to help you along?” I asked. “Don’t get me wrong, you fought valiantly, admirably, but you obviously lack a few basic skills in order to win against these demons.”

“I didn’t know I was supposed to have a guardian angel. I don’t really know what I’m supposed to do.”

I pulled away from him and paced before the empty fountain in the center of the courtyard. “I don’t get it. You should’ve had some kind of guidance.” I turned back to him. “The only other person I know here who is like you is me. I’ve had more than one guardian over the years, each with messages about the gifts I had.”

Returning to the comfort of pacing, I turned away only to have his hand warm my shoulder bringing me back to him. “Maybe you're my guardian angel, Lux. Maybe you're the one who’s meant to show me what I should be doing with these demons.”

I smiled as Lothario’s words came back to me. I was to find others like myself. The task hadn’t been as easy as he’d let on, but perhaps now I would truly find people like me, people who could help me.

“I think you might be right,” I said. And I will teach you, I thought.

Chapter 15

Virtually every free hour of every day was spent with Braxton. With the exception of having Asher show up at my house a few times for dinner and to hang out with my parents and me, I tried spending whatever time I had, training Brax on how to exorcise and slay demons. Our mutual vision of demons and angels, the fight he helped me with, and discovering, more than ever before, just how completely we were meant to be together, brought us closer and closer. Whenever I was with Brax, I felt as though he was my love, yet whenever I was with Asher, I felt as though he could possibly the boy in my dream, too. Never having even one boyfriend in my life before because I didn’t stay anywhere long enough, now I was facing the intense feelings of two gorgeous guys of which fate has brought us together.

As I got out of Braxton’s Escalade, I hardly took notice of his imposing home. It had become second nature; getting into his car the moment school let out, enjoying the peaceful and lovely drive to his front gate, entering the grand manor and feeling as cozy and at home as if I’d lived there all my life.

“Did I tell you the results of that flash quiz we had in math yesterday?” I asked him as we passed through the breakfast nook, each grabbing an apple from the tempting fruit basket and heading outside. I was so proud of the great work we’d been doing these past weeks. “I only made two mistakes… and they were silly mistakes. I knew better, but allowed myself a moment of distraction.”

He set his books down on the coffee table of the outdoor living space at the back of the manor. “I’m not at all surprised. Every time I sit to study with you, you understand and pick up everything the very first time.” He pulled me into his arms and stared into my eyes.

The pride, joy and love I saw shining in his eyes made me want to melt into him, cling to him. “I’d be a mess if it weren’t for you,” I whispered.

“Yes,” he conceded. “And what a lovely mess you’d make.” He chuckled softly, letting the depth of his passion travel from deep within and ride on the throaty sound of his laughter.

I wanted to kiss him, as I so often found myself longing to do, but we’d carefully avoided any prolonged or overly passionate embraces in the hopes of curbing Moore’s control over my emotions.

Sensing my desires, Braxton came in close and laid a chaste kiss on my lips. Far from extinguishing my desire for him, his quick kiss heightened my longing to touch him and get closer still.

“What do we have on our agenda tonight?” he asked, the gruff passion still clinging to his voice.

“The joys of English.” I pulled out the novel I’d been assigned to read weeks earlier, but had yet to crack open. “You know, it’s not so much that I hate to read, but why do they have to make us read such dull, metaphor filled novels.”

“I take it all that fighting demons over the years hasn’t left you with much time to appreciate the classics.”

“No offense to Dickens, Hemingway or Steinbeck, but I’ll take the opportunity to kick some demon butt over reading any time.”

He cocked a brow. “Hmmm, I’m impressed. I didn’t think you’d be able to name one author, never mind three.”

“Funny.” I gave his knee a playful, but resounding slap. “Now show me just how smart you are by helping me through this.”

Having already gone through several chapters, Braxton poured us some iced-tea, settled on the outdoor couch and proceeded to give me a play by play of the book so far.

“You’re really a great raconteur,” I said. “Your voice lends itself well to such storytelling.”

“I think you might be a bit bias.”

A silly grin crept to my lips. Of course I was bias. I could easily confess to loving everything about him and thinking him utterly infallible. Feeling the love I had for him swell inside me, I reached for his hand and gently ran my fingers up his strong arm.

“I have to admit, learning of your capacity to see…” I paused, not yet willing to say the vile words that best described what we both saw. “… beings, let’s say, has brought me all that much closer to you. There’s something liberating in knowing you know what I’m going through.”

“Have you ever tried sharing your experience with others?”

“The few times I did it was a disaster. School mates thought I was nuts, teachers just looked at me funny and the principal thought I had a drug problem. The only place I could truly open up and speak out about all I was going through was at home.”

“Your parents are remarkable.”

“Tell me about it. I think I truly would have gone nuts had they not been so understanding. They’ve literally bent over backwards in order to make my life as normal as it could be under the circumstances… and that’s no easy feat.”

“How long did it take for you to stop being spooked by the whole thing?”

“The first angels I saw didn’t really spook me at all. I mean, even if I was young, I knew I was facing something good and I didn’t really allow their intimidating size to… well, to intimidate me. But the first demons I saw… that was a whole other story. You know, you grow up fearful of monsters, of unimaginably ugly creatures, but nothing on this earth can prepare you for that first encounter with a demon. Beyond the visual ugliness of these beings, it’s their vile nature, the depth of evilness that is what they innately are that is so repulsive and so frightening.”

“I can’t imagine being a little kid and having to face one. I mean, I hate to admit it, but I wasn’t feeling too brave when I finally came to see that demon who attacked you the other day. Not only did I have to deal with the disbelief, but then the thought of approaching that thing… Man, had it not been you in its clutches, I don’t think I would have done anything but run in the opposite direction.”

“Don’t underestimate yourself. When faced with such evil, it’s surprising what we can do. I remember the first time I saw one. Before I even saw it, I could sense it. The air chilled and a putrid scent wafted around me, something indescribable; something I’d never smelled before. My skin still crawls when I think of it, but when I have to face such demons now, I’m filled with a degree of rage that leaves little room for fear of any kind.”

I caught the flash of surprise in his eyes.

“Their only purpose on this earth is to destroy all that is good and cultivate all that is evil. That’s all I have to keep in mind when I face them.”

“It’s amazing you’ve not become more jaded with all these encounters with demons. I admire you; your guts and courage.”

“Thanks. I actually surprise myself sometimes. Just when I think I’ve seen enough, fought enough, I find a whole new wealth of strength and bravery.”

Brax pulled me to him and wrapped his arms around my waist, kissing me on the top of my head. “Knowing that you’re a demon hunter makes me love you even more, Lux. It’s so dangerous, yet you put yourself in the middle of danger to protect everyone else. I’m so proud of you. You know that, right?”

I nodded. I wouldn’t think anything less than acceptance from Brax. He was that good of a person that it was not surprising to hear he cared more for me for being me, freak and all. “Brax, I’m not the only one, though, who fights demons.”

“What?” Brax asked suddenly surprised. “There are more of us?”

“Yes…I’m not so sure he’s like us, though, because I think he’s supposed to be more like Lothario.”

“Who?” Brax asked. “Does he go to St. James? Is he someone I know?”

I swallowed. “Asher.”

Brax’s eyes widened. “Asher, Thrasher, Dasher…the bad boy on the bike. Him?”

“Yes, he sees them, too, and I think it’s one step further. He’s supposed to protect me…like Lothario.”

Brax’s mouth opened to say, “Ah ha… so that’s why you’ve been, I mean Asher’s been…hanging out with you so much.” His eyes clouded over with jealousy. “He’s supposed to be your guardian, that’s all?”

“He also sketches angels and suddenly knows a lot about them,” I said. “He’s a good friend, Brax, and my mom loves having him come by for dinner.”

Brax’s jaw tensed, and he couldn’t help the jealousy that crept through his speech. “So he’s now part of the family…I see.”

“Brax…I’m not ready to be serious with anyone, and besides… Asher is just a good friend.”

“A friend who wants a lot more from you, Lux. I can see that as clear as day. And now he has the perfect excuse to hang out with you…your guardian!”

“He is, believe it or not,” I said. It can’t be helped that despite him being my guardian, we also shared an undeniable chemistry. I guess I must in order to be so intimately and intensely connected to anyone remotely like me. “Hey Brax, don’t worry. You know I cared a lot for you, too, right? Or I wouldn’t be spending all this time with you, and…” I kissed him long and slowly. “Showing you how much I cared, right?”

He kissed me back, but still looked worried. Suddenly remembering the surprise I had for Braxton, I jumped up, grabbed my purse from the table and came back to sit at his side. “I almost forgot. I brought something for you, something to give you a winning chance with your next encounter.”

He gave a light, chauvinistic huff and chuckled. “I appreciate your confidence.”

“This isn’t a male female thing, Braxton. Fighting demons doesn’t rely on brute strength alone. It’s something that comes from within. Your faith, your belief, your knowledge of who you are. But…” I pulled out a thick platinum cross. It was far too bulky for me to wear, but I’d always loved its strong gothic lines. “This weapon is crucial.”

He sat up to look more closely at the crucifix. “Yeah, I saw what you did with a cross the other day. You know, for a few days after that, I still tried to rationalize it all; you fighting, demons appearing then crumbling to dust. I wanted to make sense of it, even tried to convince myself it was some type of dream.”

“I understand how you feel. It’s not easy accepting this.”

“But it was that smell… the awful smell that filled my nostrils. I could even taste it at the back of my throat.”

“Fighting demons isn’t pretty, and I have to warn you, you never get used to that awful smell. If anything the death of that demon the other day didn’t leave behind the more pungent of odors. I’ve smelled worse… much worse.”

“Thanks for the warning.” He reached out to finger the crucifix and I saw his eyes light up the moment his fingers made contact.

Smiling, I set my free hand over his. “You felt it, didn’t you?”

Surprised, yet clearly understanding what I meant, Brax gazed at me and nodded.

“That’s the faith I was telling you about. It’s always been in you, Braxton.” I released the chain, relinquishing the power of that crucifix.

Hearing footsteps from inside, we both stiffened and I noticed how his fingers instinctively wrapped around his new weapon. He would make a fine warrior.

“I’m not ready to fight just yet,” he whispered as we stood.

“Stay close to me, Brax.” I led the way inside, more nervous about this fight than ever before. Following the sounds of movement from the study, I inched my way closer, every step making me more and more apprehensive. It was Brax, I suddenly realized. My concern for his safety was hindering my capacity to think straight.

“Hold on, Lux,” Braxton said as he walked into the hall and stepped in front of me. “I know you have more experience, but I can’t let you go in there before me.”

He entered the room and exclaimed, “Uncle?”

“Braxton!”

I could hear the nervous surprise in Dr. Kingsley’s voice as I wedged my way into the doorway and peered over Braxton’s shoulder in time to see Kingsley shelve an old tattered book. I resisted the urge to stare blatantly at the book, to try to read the title from across the room, but took a mental note of its placement to get a better look later.

“I had no idea you guys were here,” Dr. Kingsley went on, his eyes shifting between Brax and me. “I thought you had lacrosse practice or something.” He gazed more pointedly at me. “Hello, Lux.”

“Lux came over to study. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Of course not. In fact I’m happy to see you're spending so much time together. St. James isn’t an easy school to acclimate to and I’m sure Lux, as well as her parents, appreciate all you’ve done for her.”

I smiled, pleased to see my presence wasn’t an intrusion.

“How do you like St. James, Lux?”

“I like it more and more, thanks to Braxton. I’d be drowning in work if it weren’t for him.”

Dr. Kingsley offered Braxton an approving nod. “That’s good to know. Braxton has always been a responsible and reliable young man. I knew he’d do a good job.”

“Thanks, Uncle, but it’s not really a job. I love being with Lux.” The back of his hand brushed against mine and he shot me a look that anyone could see was a young man in love. “Truth be told, studying is just an excuse to spend more time with her. I love just hanging out with her.”

Our discreet touch went unnoticed while Dr. Kingsley turned his interest to another book on his desk. He picked it up, tapped it affectionately, then walked around his desk. Well, I’ll get out of your way and allow you guys to… hang out. I have a few things to attend to, like final preparations for the auction tomorrow night. I need to peruse the finalized list of antiques that will be up for bidding.”

His gaze met mine as he came to the door. “I trust I’ll see you tomorrow night, Lux. This is to be a big night for your father, and I look forward to seeing you again.”

“That’s right,” Braxton said, barely containing the whine in his voice. “We have a charity ball at the Hatchett’s. I’d almost forgotten.”

“It’ll be the biggest night of the year, Braxton.” He patted his nephew on the shoulder as he walked on. “Many influential people will be there…”

Braxton and I remained silent as we listened to his uncle’s footsteps fade away. The silence became heated, weighted with the desire I felt for Brax, the need to get closer.

“So you like hanging out with me?” I finally said. I bit back on a smile, hoping to bring out a profuse blush in his cheeks.

It worked. His cheeks turned crimson, making me smile all the more.

“I’m sure you're not surprised to learn this. I’ve been crazy about you from the very beginning.” He walked to his uncle’s desk, leaned back against it and held his hands out for me to come to him. My hands in his, he pulled me into his arms and let his fingers trace a path from my fingertips up to my shoulders. “I’m crazy about you, Lux. More than you know,” He whispered.

His lips pressed into the tender skin beneath my ear and I couldn’t resist turning to find his lips with my own. I wanted his kiss, the warmth of his breath and the tickle of his tongue, and he willingly gave me it all. My head spun, but, for the first time in a long while, there were no images of Moore. The kiss belonged entirely to Braxton, and I wanted to revel in it.

Still clinging to him, my kisses trailed over to his cheeks as my gaze sought the book his uncle had so secretively set back on the shelf. Most of the books were new, or at least clean and dust free, but this book had been old, faded and almost shabby in appearance.

And there it was, sitting between Jules Verne and Mark Twain; The Book of Angels. I wanted to reach out for it, to try to find the page Dr. Kingsley had been reading, and to discover the contents of such a book, but Braxton had other ideas.

“Come on,” he said, guiding me out of the study. “I don’t want to risk my uncle hearing what I have to say.”

I set my curiosity aside and followed Brax outside where I quickly turned to him. “What is it?”

“He doesn’t know.”

“About your visions?”

“Yeah. He has no idea.”

“How can that be?” My parents knew without my even telling them; then again, I’d been so young. Perhaps I’d said something without even realizing it. “Don’t you want him to know?”

He shook his head.

“Braxton, he’s your family. You know I’ll always be there for you and you can talk to me about anything, but you need to have support from your family as well. You need to have someone who’ll back you up.”

“I can’t, Lux.” He gazed around, concern creasing his brow. When he finally brought his gaze back to me, it was filled with suspicion and doubt. “I don’t trust him.”

“Braxton.” I pulled back, surprised by his declaration.

He pulled me further out into the yard, held me close and spoke quietly. “I think he had something to do with my parents’ disappearance.”

I gasped, but said nothing as we continued to distance ourselves from the house. Only when Braxton stopped did I say, “How can you say that, Braxton? He’s your uncle.”

“That’s just it. Remember when I told you I’d never known him before?”

I nodded.

“I didn’t just mean he was some long lost uncle I’d never met, I mean, I’ve never even heard of him before. He claims to be my father’s brother, but all my life, I’ve only heard my father speak of his sister.”

“Maybe they’d had a falling out and no longer spoke. They wouldn’t be the first brothers to do so.”

Biting his lip, he shook his head and stared into the distance. “I did a bit of research,” he said softly. “I couldn’t find anything tying him to my family at all. Nothing.”

“Braxton, if the authorities allowed him to become your legal guardian, they must have found some connection between the two of you. Maybe you're mistaken and he’s not your father’s brother, but your father’s cousin. Did you look that far?”

He nodded and I could see how concerned he was by the whole affair. “He’s a very powerful man. No doubt getting the authorities to believe whatever he wanted them to believe was a breeze. Throw enough money at any problem and you quickly find a solution.”

I tried to squelch the sense of alarm that was slowly working its way up to my neck. I thought of my father. What kind of man was he really working for? Kingsley had deliberately sought my father. Why?

My father was knowledgeable, conscientious, responsible and he had a passion for his work like few people I’d ever met. No doubt any employer would be proud to have him, but…. Dad had been appointed Dean of Antiquities just days after I’d been expelled.

At the time we’d all applauded the perfect timing. Now I couldn’t help but wonder if that perfect timing was more calculated than any of us had assumed. Dad got a new job, I had a new school… a new school with another potential demon hunter… and he just happened to be the supposed nephew of the man who’d set it all in motion.

I tried to shake the notions from my head, but the more I thought about it, the more clearly defined the whole plot became.

Kingsley was playing us all like puppets, and we were all gleefully going along.

Gazing up at Braxton, I considered mentioning the book his uncle had been reading when we were unexpectedly interrupted. Certainly, Mr. Kingsley’s choice in reading material was no coincidence. He brought Braxton and me together for a reason.

But what?

“There you kids are.”

Startled, we turned to see Dr. Kingsley on the back patio.

As we approached him, I knew the blush on my cheeks would divulge my adolescent embarrassment at being caught red handed with my teenage love… not my suspicions of his actions.

Kingsley’s gaze, indulgent and amused, skimmed over my face. “Ah,” he sighed. “Young love. What a delightful pair you make.”

The blush on my cheeks intensified. “Thank you.”

“I’ve a meeting in town,” Dr. Kingsley went on. “I trust you’ll continue to be a gentleman in the presence of such a lovely young woman.”

“As always, Uncle.”

“The cook can prepare a small feast for you if you kids get hungry.”

“Thanks, but we were planning on eating out.”

Dr. Kingsley nodded. “I bid you both good night, then.”

The moment he disappeared I tugged on Braxton’s arm. “Come on,” I ordered. “I want to show you something.”

He reluctantly followed, each step hesitant and heavy. When we came to the study door, he stopped. “Lux, what are you doing? This is his private study. You shouldn’t…”

I yanked on his arm and pulled him in. “Just get in here.”

He snickered. “Man, I love a woman who knows what she wants.”

I threw him an amused grin and turned my attention to the shelves. “Your uncle was quick to shove a book back on the shelf.” I passed my fingers over the volumes, a sense of defeat quickly working its way through my consciousness. Twain was there. Verne was there. But the book of angels was nowhere to be seen. “Damn it,” I muttered.

“Lux,” Brax said. “What are you looking for?”

“Your uncle owns a book he has no reason to own,” I blurted out as I turned to him. “Why would he be interested in angels?”

Brax shrugged. “I have no idea.” His gaze scanned the shelves. “Lux, there are hundreds of book in here and just as many subjects. He’s obviously a man of many interests.” He came to finger Verne. “I wouldn’t have thought he’d be the kind of guy to read Around the World in Eighty Days either, but there it is.”

“Brax, had we been planning to run away and travel the world, I would have been suspicious of that as well. As it so happens, we’ve been brought together, not as coincidentally as I would have believed, to fight demons. We’ve been brought together by…” I stared wide-eyed at him. “… Angels, Brax. We were brought together by angels. Coincidence that your uncle not only owns an old and rather important looking book on angels, but he just so happened to be going through it when we surprised him and…” I turned to point to the space between Twain and Verne. “… now that very book is gone.”

Brax seemed reluctant to believe what I was trying to tell him.

“You said yourself you don’t even know how he’s related to you. For all you know he’s a pure stranger who perhaps knew the powers you’d one day come to have.”

I glanced around the shelves, hoping to find further evidence of Dr. Kingsley’s penchant for the supernatural. Several bibles lined one shelf while many books regarding the apocalypse lined another. The top shelf held a few books on myths and folklore, even one or two about demons.

Then my eye caught on a shiny new black binder. It didn’t fit in with the rest of these important looking books. I reached up to pull it out from under the few books that lay atop it. My hand almost shook with excitement as I brought the binder to the desk.

Taking a deep breath and swallowing the growing lump in my throat, I opened the binder.

“Newspaper clippings,” Brax muttered.

My heart thundered painfully in my chest. “All about bodies that have been drained.” I flipped through the pages, all neatly placed in plastic page protectors. “These go back as far as the 60s. My God, what is he doing with this?”

Brax pushed my hand away and looked more closely at the most recent entry in the binder. “This one is from just two years ago. Did you notice where they found the body?” He pointed to the article.

“St. James Academy,” I muttered.

“The young female body was found at the far end of the field behind St. James, her body drained and dried up like a mummy,” he read.

A chill traveled down my spine and the sting of tears burned my eyes.

“What does my uncle have to do with all this?”

Chapter 16

The moment Brax saw me he let out a long and slow whistle. “You never cease to amaze me, Lux.”

I indulged him and spun around, showing him every angle of the beautiful black velvet sleeveless dress my mother had loaned me. The floor length dress was elegant and exactly the touch of class I’d hoped for while best showing off my curves where I had them.

“You like?” I asked.

He cocked his head to the side. “A little too much,” he said. “I’m likely to skip this charity ball altogether and find a nice quiet place to ravish you.”

“Mind your manners,” I chastised as I grabbed Mom’s little clutch and joined Brax at the door. “This dress is all class, not crass. My mom even wore this to the opera when we were in Seattle.”

He pulled me into his arms and gazed lovingly down at me. “Lux, I have nothing but respect for you…and this burning desire to ravish you. I never tire of looking at you.” His fingers lightly touched my arms, sending thrills up my spine. “I will never tire touching you, too. Your skin is so touchably soft.” He bent down to place his warm lips on arms, kissing his way up to my cheeks, eyes, and then lips. I was kissing him back when he pull away. His eyes swept up the staircase and I knew he was looking for my parents.

“Yes, they’ve already made their way to the ball, but don’t get any more funny ideas, Mister. We have to be there too, remember?”

Pouting like a child, he grabbed my hand and led me out to his car where he opened the door for me.

“You're the most darling petulant little boy I’ve ever seen,” I said as I got in. “That pout and that tuxedo make for a rather oddly attractive combination.”

He nodded before solemnly closing the door and walking around to get in the driver’s seat.

“Are you going to pout throughout the entire ball?” I asked with a teasing grin.

“Seeing how attractive you find my pout, how can I resist?” Biting down on an irrepressible smile, he started the car and headed to the Hatchett mansion.

We entered the ball and quickly became the focal point of everyone in attendance. Eyes, envious, jealous, proud and enchanted, followed our every step.

“Feeling like a caged canary yet?” Brax whispered. His hand lay possessively on my hip as he guided me in.

“Darlings,” Shayne sung out as she approached us, her brother not far behind. “What a cute pair you guys make.”

A vision in exquisite white silk, she shimmered with every step. She’d let her long hair fall about her face, giving her a wild appeal only slightly reined in by the classic lines of her gown.

“Braxton,” she rasped. “Before the auction begins, I thought you might like to see a particularly interesting piece. I thought of you the moment I saw it.”

He was torn from my side by her well-manicured fingers and after a quick glimpse back at me, he disappeared into the crowd.

“I guess that leaves me to tend to you.” Moore took my hand and hooked it onto his forearm. With slow and elegant strides, he led me to the patio.

I didn’t resist. If there was one thing I wanted to get out of him, it was how he’d managed to get such a spellbound hold on me.

“These grounds are among my favorite places in the world. Did you have a chance to visit the gardens when you last came?”

“Not really. It looks lovely.”

Beautiful statues, elegant fountains and Greek columns gave the soft and flowery garden structure and definition. The balance was perfect, bringing harmony and peace to any soul who had the privilege to stroll amidst such beauty.

I glanced up at Moore, wondering how his soul responded to it all.

He reached out to pluck the perfect blossom and twirled it between his fingers a moment before holding it out to me. ing it eAny bloom pales in comparison to your beauty.”

“How poetic,” I said with a charmed smile.

“Not at all. It’s exactly how I feel about you.” He reached for my hand. “I want you, Lux. I want to possess you, your body, your heart, your soul.”

A part of me wanted to back away. I knew how dangerous it was being so close to him. But the part of me that wanted to be close, get closer, won out.

“Brax is a nice guy, maybe even too nice. He’s far too tame for a woman like you, Lux. You have to know that.”

“And you're more man?”

He chuckled, a sound that was amused yet filled with such passion, a ripple of pure pleasure coursed through my body. Moore oozed sexuality. Passion dripped from his fingertips. Wicked fantasies played on his lips. And his eyes… endless desire filled his gaze.

“I can challenge you like no other man would even dare. I can make your blood boil, shake you up, rile you up. I can play you gently, but I can also delight you with savage abandon.”

He cupped my chin, but I knew I had to resist him. “You have an effect on me,” I said defiantly.

“I know,” he said with a sly grin. He came in close, his nose brushing mine.

“I mean in an unnatural way. Every time Brax gets close to me, kisses me, your face is all I see and you're all I think about.”

His laughter sang out into the cool night air. “Don’t you see, my dear Lux? Despite your apparent attraction to the nice, clean guy Braxton Kingsley is, it’s me your heart truly desires.” He ran his fingers up and down my arm. “Your head may be telling you that Braxton would make a more… appropriate mate for you, but in your heart, in your soul, you know I’m the only one who can truly satisfy you… all of you.”

The play of his fingers had an incredible effect on me and I could feel my body relax and give in to him.

“Why do you insist on fighting it, Lux? This is meant to be. Just let go and let the emotions you really have for me take over. Together we’d make an invincible pair. Just let go and let us do what our hearts truly desire…” he whispered into my ear, “all night.”

My reaction to him was strong and violent. I wanted him. His skin was heated against mine, and his lips, so close, so luscious and so tempting, had me seeking for one exquisite kiss from him.

Moore picked up on my weakness for him and took full advantage of it. His finger s worked their way up to my shoulders and to the tender spot at the base of my neck. An audible sigh escaped me and through the haze of lust that suddenly enveloped me, I heard Moore’s pleased snicker.

His mouth closed in and my lips parted in anticipation of tasting him, sucking on his tongue and driving him to heights of desire that outshined any other woman he’d ever known. I wanted to belong to him, to succumb, but I also wanted him to fall to his knees for me.

“Get away from him, Lux.”

The command beat through the thick fog of desire, but with little effect.

“Lux,” the strong male voice said with forceful authority.

I pulled away from Moore, though not yet certain why. My desire to be with him was so strong, but the pull of that familiar voice was stronger.

“Asher?” I said as I turned to the friend who was meant to protect me.

“Great,” Moore groaned. “Biker boy rides in to save the day. Who the hell invited you to this event anyway?”

“Your lovely sister, remember?”

Moore shoved his hand back through his hair with a grunt of annoyance. “Yeah, she was just being polite. No one really thought you’d have the balls to actually show up. I mean, you might be able to throw on a tux like the best of them, but this isn’t exactly your scene, dude.”

“My scene is wherever Lux happens to be.”

His brow creased with anger and for a moment I feared he might strike Moore.

“I guess I should have kissed you away from this biker dude.” He winked at me and pulled me closer.

“What?” I said. “Is that how you’ve come to be in my thoughts? Is that how you spun your spell?”

Asher reached out to take my hand. “Come, Lux. You need to get away from him.”

His grip on my hand was so urgent and his command so solemn, I wondered if something more than Moore’s erotic allure was disturbing him. I shoved all my feelings for Moore aside and tuned into my senses, seeking out any possible demon, but there was no sign of any. “Why?” I finally asked. I still wanted to question Moore about this spell he’d put me under.

“Because, my dear Lux…”

I turned to the sound of Shayne’s voice.

“It appears that Asher knows.”

She was a glorious vision, glowing white in her silk gown in the dark night. Any mortal could have easily imagined her to be the sweetest angel as she glided closer.

“Where’s Brax?” I looked around her, hoping to see a sign of him.

“He’s inside. I’ve made sure he’s comfortably settled in one of the rooms. Don’t worry. I didn’t hurt him…” She grinned with vile intent. “… much.”

My hands fisted and I felt the need to lunge at her. “Where is he?” I shouted, no longer wanting to play the nice houseguest. “I swear, Shayne, if you…”

“Anger doesn’t suit you, darling,” she said as she took calm steps towards me. “I have no reason to hurt Braxton. In fact, all I did was what I’ve been longing to do for the longest time – kiss him.”

“Damn you,” I hissed as I stomped closer to her.

Asher pulled me back. “Not now,” he whispered. “But keep your crucifix close at hand.”

Shocked by his warning, I turned to him. “Why?”

My answer came by way of Shayne’s devilish snicker. “How lovely it is to see you shaken up, my dear friend.” She set her elegant, slender hands on her hips and leaned in closer as she whispered. “Asher here wants you to be prepared for the battle to come. You see, the house is entirely filled with demons.”

“No, that can’t be.” I had not sensed any. Not one.

“Oh, but it is, dear. I made sure of it.” She laughed, the evil sound stinging my ears. “I invited them.”

I tore free of Asher’s grip and ran to her, pushing her back into one of the elegant columns. “Do you know what you’ve done? Do you know how dangerous they are?”

Shayne pushed me back and set her body in a strong fighting stance. “I know exactly what I’ve done. I invited them because I know how strong and dangerous they can be, and knowing we’d have a demon slayer, angel and sightseer in our midst, I thought it essential these demons are here.”

I turned to Asher. “What is she talking about?”

Moore shook his head. “I’ve come to genuinely like you, Lux. It’s unfortunate you turned out to be a demon slayer.”

“But you're human. You have no reason to be afraid or threatened by me,” I argued.

Asher straightened up and pulled back his shoulders. He seemed suddenly taller, broader, stronger. He shrugged off his jacket and let it fall to the ground, but he didn’t have time to remove his shirt. As his chest increased in breadth, the shirt tore at the seams.

His torso, magnificent in its muscular structure, was bared. I gaped, surprised by the image of him.

“All this time, I’ve searched for the answers. The answer to who I was… what I was… why I constantly had those dreams of you. Now I know.”

“But, what are you exactly?” I asked.

Shayne beamed. “Thanks to you, Lux, or to your sudden appearance at St. James, Moore and I have found our little angel, albeit not a pure one. You triggered him, Lux.”

“Asher?” I asked him.

Asher looked over at me, love shining in his eyes. “Lux…you figured it out that day I came over to your house, but I didn’t know until now that I have angel blood in me.”

“Oh, Asher,” I cried, realizing why we had such an intense connection. Everything was making more sense, except the Hatchetts. “Why would you want an angel?” I asked Shayne.

Shayne turned to her brother who offered her a brilliant smile.

“He’s vital to our survival,” she said. “He’s one of us.”

Us? What were the Hatchett twins? Angels? Then why would they need Asher? Why did they invited demons to their home? My confusion was growing with every declaration. I’d trusted my senses for so long and couldn’t understand how all these angels and demons could roam about me completely undetected.

I turned to Asher and inched my way closer. Feeling more secure in his proximity, I turned to Shayne. “And what are you?” I asked. “Are you angels as well?”

“There’s no reason for you to know who we are,” she said.

“I’d also prefer you not know, Lux,” Moore added. “It may change the way you feel about me.”

I gripped my head in disbelief. “If you're not angels, then…”

“Our angel is not your kind, Lux,” Shayne explained. “We’ve found our kind, a fallen one, or rather, his father was one, and his mother was human. He’s a nephilim, a half angel.”

“So you're nephilims?”

Moore approached me, his gaze tender as he held his hand out to me. “Lux, enough questions,” he said, a hint of desperation in his voice. “Come with me and let’s get out of here. Please before everything happens…” I reached out to him and he pulled me into his arms. “Let’s get out of here, and you can be spared all this. I don’t want anything to happen to you, not you, Lux.” He touched my face, and gazed into my eyes. “You may not know it, but you mean so much to me.”

His gaze pulled me in and soon he was all that mattered. His touch was like a flame that warmed my skin and I wanted was to feel his heat all the more. He brushed his lips across mine and I let out a satisfied sigh. Shayne and Asher no longer existed. My world was limited to the lips that covered mine, the tongue that tasted mine and the body, hard, powerful and strong, that held me tight.

A twinkling of consciousness pressed me to question my lack of shame, my complete abandon as I melted into Moore.

But our interlude was cut short as a vice grip took my wrist and pulled me from Moore’s touch. Bleary-eyed and annoyed by yet again an interruption, I turned to look up at Asher.

“We have to leave... now.”

I glanced at Moore, eager to regain his heated touch. His eyes had lost their depth of lust, replaced by anger. His fists were tense balls of rage, ready to pommel Asher.

“That’s fine,” Shayne said. Her tone reverted to that of the elegant socialite hostess, while her fingers dug into her brother’s arm, effectively pulling him away. “I believe the auction is about to begin and we should be there before any bidding begins.” She led him inside, her head held high and her grin haughty.

The haze of lust Moore had enveloped me in slowly dissipated, allowing me to see more clearly the goings on around me. Asher, I thought as I glanced up at him. He’d pulled me away. Had stopped me from going to places with Moore I would no doubt have regretted.

Loud voices from inside announced the start of the auction. “I have to go in there and fight,” I said, shaking the remaining desire for Moore out of my head.

“You okay?”

I took a deep breath. I was okay, but just barely. “Thanks for snatching me away from Moore,” I said. “A few minutes more in his hold and I don’t know what would have become of me. He has a hold of me that is impossible to resist.”

“Yeah,” Asher said. “I kind of noticed.” He glanced toward the house and quickly back at me. “I’ve been going over everything that’s been happening since your arrival here. I think the Hatchetts may be children of an incubus and a human, and even a nephilim. Their lineage has been around for a long time…”

“You think that’s what renders Moore so irresistible? That’s why I’m so physically drawn to him?”

Asher shifted nervously from one leg to the other. “I think if you allow yourself to succumb completely to his charms, you’ll pay for it with your soul.”

The newspaper clippings I’d seen in Kingsley’s binder suddenly flashed before my eyes. Drained and dried up, the articles had said. Like mummies. Could it all have been the work of a succubus or incubus?

Asher, magnificent in his breadth and strength, leaned down to kiss me. I needed to rely on his strength. I dreaded the enormity of the fight that was to come and wondered if I could make it through.

“I won’t let you out of my sight.” Asher kissed me again. “I won’t allow Moore to have a second alone with you.”

“With all the demons in there, keeping an eye on me could become difficult.”

He pulled me into his arms and I felt the wealth of love and concern he had for me. “Stay close to me, regardless of what happens in there, stay close.” His gaze intensified, holding mine for a moment that was filled with mutual affection and admiration. “I’ll have to find a way to make you forget what Moore’s done to you.” A heated grin warmed his lips. “Even if I have to seduce you myself.”

Ignoring the heat that rushed to my cheeks, I reached for my crucifix and prepared to enter the demon infested mansion. “I can’t say I would be disappointed if you did, but for now...”

“We have some serious demons to tend to.”

I nodded. “Right down to the Hatchett siblings. We have to stop them before they drain another soul.”

Chapter 17

Determined to win, I led Asher into the Hatchett household, into battle, but trepidation weighed heavily on me as doubts suddenly surfaced. I’d been a warrior all my life, a demon hunter, in tuned and highly sensitive to my surroundings, yet I was now entering a den of demons who’d gone completely undetected and it left me questioning my abilities.

With Asher, my guardian, at my back I should have felt invincible, but conviction of my actions eluded me.

The lights were bright, too bright after the darkness of the patio. Filled with eager bidders, the room was alive with chatter, excitement and the thrill of hunting down a prized antique.

My instincts kicked in. I knew what I had to do.

“Come on,” I ordered Asher.

With only one step toward the crowd of demons, a hand gripped my shoulder and stopped me. Questioning Asher’s sudden hesitation, I turned to him, but found Shayne at my side instead.

“Demon hunter,” she hissed. “I see your killer instincts didn’t quite anticipate my surprise attack on you.” Her lips curled into a murderous sneer as she shoved me up against the wall with surprising force. “Thought you were so clever, hiding your demon hunter capabilities behind our little school uniform. Truth is, dear Lux, Moore and I knew the deal with you right from the beginning. You had to be an angel or a demon hunter, but there was no way you were simply the troubled girl expelled from her last school. That’s right, from that very first encounter, when you sat with us for lunch, so cool, so all knowing, so sure of yourself… What a joke. Here you are a demon hunter and you don’t even see what’s sitting right under your nose.”

When I tried to push her away, she shoved her knee into my thigh and brought a cold hand to my throat.

“You really think you’re going to get out of this, Lux? I’ll play nice and offer you a word of caution, dear friend. Your parents are in the next room, socializing with some of my… let’s say, more diabolic friends. Just one little holler from me and dear mom and dad will bite the dust.”

“Ease up, Shayne,” Moore said. He’d taken a hold of Asher, his strength overpowering him, just as Shayne’s overpowered mine.

“Stop playing the wimp, little brother.” Her grip at my throat tightened a moment. “She’s the worse enemy we could possibly have on this earth. You really want to let your lust for her be your demise?” Her laughing eyes locked onto mine. “The only reason we’ve not taken care of you earlier is Moore’s adolescent crush on you. I guess teen hormones affect nephilims just as much as they do the next guy.”

Her throaty chuckle filled the air as she leaned closer. Her sweet breath, incongruous with her hate filled glare, captivated me and filled with me a strange sense of longing. She had the same spellbinding allure as Moore.

“Moore liked you right from the beginning, then again, an ample chest has always been an important factor for him.” Licking her lips, she dipped her gaze to my breasts, her eyes narrowing. “I liked you too, Lux.”

My jaw tensed as she passed her fingers through my hair.

“Yes, I liked you very much, but I tend to be a little more pragmatic than hormonal rage over there. I can’t very well sit back and allow you to destroy us now, can I?”

“I never wanted it to come to this, Lux,” Moore said. “I’d give anything to turn back time, to go back and have my grandparents born to human parents. I hate that we’re the descendants of a human/nephilim and succubus. I want more than anything to become as human as possible.”

“And that’s precisely what I intend to take care of,” Shayne whispered into my face. She clawed her fingers into my hair and began pulling me down the hall.

“Hold on,” Asher shouted, pushing Moore off him and coming to us. Grabbing Shayne’s wrist he stopped our procession.

“Stop right there, Asher. You might be the tough kid in town when we’re in school, but this is my turf. You want to manhandle me? Your little demon hunter here has a mom and dad in there who would just love to see what a nephilim can do? You really want to push me, Asher?”

“You can’t get away with this, Shayne,” he said, his voice calm and in control. “Besides Lux’s parents there’s Dr. Kingsley, Mrs. Bright, a bunch of students. Someone’s going to realized what’s going on.”

“Exactly,” she said with a nod. “Moore, will you stop gawking at Lux like a lovesick puppy and get Asher into the blue parlor? We don’t have all night to take care of this.”

He hesitated just a moment before doing as his sister had asked.

Asher’s eyes remained on me as we were pushed and shoved to the end of the hall. With his increased bulk and height, I knew he could easily take care of Moore, but Shayne’s threat had hit right where she’d planned it to hit. I was helpless to do anything until I could be certain my parents were out of harm’s way.

The blue parlor, aptly named for the blue upholstery on all the furniture and the heavy velour drapes that covered the windows, was a small dusty room left to abandon. The only source of light came from the small wall sconces, each harboring a feeble bulb.

After throwing me into a stiff Louix VX chair, Shayne turned to Moore. “I’ll take care of these two. I want you to take part in the auction, ensure that everything runs smoothly and that our charity auction is a great success, as always.”

“Anything to keep up appearances, huh sis?” Moore spat.

Shayne’s head whipped towards him so fast, I felt certain she’d snapped her neck.

“Yes, Moore, I will do everything it takes to keep proper appearances. If it were left up to you we’d be no better than all the dark demons Lux fights. Excuse me if I think we both deserve better than that. Excuse me if I want to show the world we are refined, elegant and, yes, beautiful. Our beauty is meant to lure our prey, build on their desire and lust until they want nothing other than to possess us. But if you’d prefer to have your skin turn to dry black leather, to have horns pierce through your scalp, and to be tracked down by the likes of her…” She pointed an accusing finger my way. “Then, by all means, ignore the social standing I’ve worked so hard to uphold and go out there and feast on a demon; become one of them for all I care.”

His eyes narrow, Moore bit down on the argument he’d been prepared to spew. Instead, he turned his gaze, filled with remorse and regret, to me. “I’m sorry I got you into this, Lux. Sorry I toyed with you. You were simply irresistible, and…” He looked down.

“It’s in our nature,” Shayne finished for him. “We’re beautiful, I won’t show any false modesty by denying that fact; and our beauty attracts a lot of admirers, some less welcomed than others, but you, Lux… you caught my brother’s attention in the very same way Brax caught mine.” She licked her lips hungrily. “How delectable that boy is.”

“Then you are demons,” I whispered in disbelief. How had I spent the last months in their presence and not sense their demonic side. “I knew there was something odd about you guys, your unearthly beauty, your spellbinding charm, but… demons? That can’t be.”

“Well,” Shayne chanted with a proud tilt of her chin, “we’re not exactly demons. We’re beautiful beings; the results of a beautiful union between Nephilims and Succubus. We’re angels, humans and deceptively beautiful demons, all wrapped up in one.”

Confused and looking for answers, I turned to Asher, but he simply offered me a reflection of the blank and stunned face I no doubt wore.

“What does all this have to do with us?” Asher asked.

Her hips swayed with sensual motions as she slowly sashayed to him and laid her hand to his bared chest. She smiled, cunning and sly; leaning in close to him until I was sure she’d kiss him.

Cold and unmoved, Asher stared her down, his jaw tight.

Shayne’s self-assured smile faltered while her fingers traveled over his skin. “I want you, Asher. I need you; you and Brax. I’ll admit we weren’t sure which of the two was the Seer and which was the angel… that is until demon slayer, Lux, showed up.”

“The sexy and enticing demon slayer,” Moore added as his eyes devoured me.

“Moore,” Shayne shouted, turning away from Asher and directing her wrath at her brother. “Can you keep your brains out of your pants for just one second? Can you stop ogling her and trying to seduce her? Your game is over. You weren’t even supposed to have such feelings for her, to fall for her. All I asked you to do was to keep her away from Brax.”

“Yeah, easy to say, huh Shayne?” Confronting his sister, Moore’s eyes narrowed in anger. “And how’s your love affair with Brax going? I mean you didn’t pursue him because you suspected he was a Seer. You wanted him, you fell for him, just like I did Lux. I guess we’re both fallible when it comes to keeping our heart reined in.”

“Brax was just a game, silly boy,” Shayne countered. “Yes, he’s attractive, and, yes, he’s sexy, but I know how to keep my eyes on the ball, Moore. The only reason I pursued him so aggressively was because he so readily turned me down.” She let out an amused chuckle. “His immunity to my charm made him all the more irresistible. His charm, on the other hand, completely reeled me in.”

Moore closed in on his sister. “Then why not scrap our original plan and make ourselves happy. Go off with Brax and let me have Lux.” He grasped her shoulders, his eyes begging her reconsideration. “We can’t keep living like this, Shayne. Look at what happened to our parents. Look at how they…”

“That is exactly why we have to go through with this, Moore.” Shayne’s resolve hardened as she pulled away. “If we don’t do something soon, we will end up just like Mom and Dad.”

“It’s too late to change our past, to change what we are. Mom and Dad made their choices, and they died with those choices. I don’t want to follow…”

Shayne’s entire body tensed as she whirled around, her face a mask of rage. Her slender and elegant hand, bejeweled and masterfully manicured, whipped through the air and caught Moore square on the cheek. “How dare you question Mom and Dad’s choices.”

“What are you guys talking about?” I interjected, confused by their antics and story. One moment they were sweet and remorseful, the next they were sly and sexually driven.

But my question only served to heighten Shayne’s wrath. Her eyes ablaze with fury, she turned and pounced on me, her movements so fast and agile, I didn’t have a chance to take on a fighting stance. She knocked me back and knelt over me, pinning me to the floor with one knee. The elegant hand that had just slapped Moore was now an ugly and deadly claw that gripped my throat.

Her lovely face, angelic, ethereal and unimaginably beautiful became distorted as her rage took over. “We’re talking about this curse Moore and I share. We are abominations.” She held her clawed hand up and stared at the ugly digits. “Circumstance has left us with no true identity, no true sense of self. Your life is so clearly defined, Lux. You're a demon slayer, and that’s that. But we’re…”

She stood, her gaze still transfixed on her demonic appendage. “Look at me. I’m as beautiful as an angel can be. As a baby, perfect strangers would stop my mother and stare at me in awe. As a little girl, I was cherished and pampered, always the favorite by all I encountered. And now…” She turned to me with a dismal gaze. “The older I get the more the demonic side emerges. Do you have any idea of the internal conflicts we struggle with – every day. Every day, Lux.”

The room went silent until a crazed little chuckle spilled out from her.

“You know how you hear people claiming to hear voices, claiming the devil made them do it, claiming they have a dark little demon sitting on one shoulder and a darling little angel on the other?” She shook her head, dismissing the silly tales. “It doesn’t even begin to compare with what we go through. Good and evil constantly war within us, draining us. And while angelic battles demonic, there is the human in us, and all that human being wants is to be…” Laying her clawed hand over her heart, she took in a heavy breath and quickly let out one dry sob before regaining control.

“Unless we drain the soul of an angel,” she went on with solemn conviction, “we will become more and more demonic over time. The soul of an angel would help bring us both to the lighter side. However, left to hunger, left desperate enough to ever drain the soul of a demon, we would immediate acquire more demonic attributes.”

“Our parents struggled with this.” Moore looked defeated as he elaborated. “By the time we were born their demonic side had become more and more visible. We grew up watching them go from the most angelic beings to pure demons on a daily basis. They tried to find an angel, tried to save their own souls.” He gazed at Asher. “Angels aren’t easy to come by, not easy to catch and not easy to drain.”

While I felt Moore’s pain, I couldn’t imagine sacrificing Asher in order to save him or his sister.

“Hungry and weak,” Moore went on, “worn down by the constant battles of their warring halves, our parents succumbed to the temptation of draining a demon, sealing their fate. The remaining portion of human in them was killed, and they, as demons-” He turned to me with a hesitant accusation in his eyes. “-were killed.”

“And I’m not going to let that happen to us,” Shayne said. She pulled back her shoulders and resumed the self-assured stance she always carried herself with. She gestured her hand, its elegance and beauty restored, to Asher. “We have our angel, our savior, and we have our Seer, Brax, who’ll protect the human part of us throughout the transformation.”

“If you're so intent on going to the lighter side, on destroying the demon in you, why invite so many demons to your home?” I asked.

She snickered knowingly. “It’s the little devil in me that scrawled out those particular invitations, but, as it so happens, the reliable human in me also found a purpose for them. They’re here for you, dear Lux. You need to be kept busy while all this is going on.”

“Busy? Why?”

“Lux,” Moore said. “We can’t wait much longer. We need Asher’s angelic soul… tonight.”

“No,” I said. “I won’t let you destroy him just to save your pathetic souls.”

“And that is precisely why you’ll be out there taking care of all those demons who threaten to devour the souls of so many students, faculty and, oh yes, your parents.”

“You're crazy if you think this is going to work.” I took a forceful step towards her, my fists tight with anger, and fear for my parents’ safety. “I don’t care what it takes, Shayne, but you will not take Asher.”

He came to stand at my side, his presence undeniably strong.

I gazed up at him. The bad boy at school, the tough kid who didn’t flinch in the face of a fight, now showed the same resolve as I did in the face of the evil siblings.

“So, you really are my angel,” I said reverently.

“Yeah,” Shayne said. “But not for long.”

Her words were accompanied by a storm of dark smoky forms that blew open the door.

My heart sank as I took in the sheer numbers. “They’re here,” I whispered to Asher. “Heaven help us, I’ve never seen so many. I’ve never been confronted by so many demons at one time.”

Shayne smiled victoriously at me. “Moore, now that reinforcements have arrived, you can go out there and entertain our guests – make sure the charity auctions gets started properly.” She turned to glare at him. “And remember the book. We need to get that book from Kingsley.”

“The Book of Angels?” I muttered softly.

“How astute, my friend,” Shayne said as she turned to me. “Yes, the Book of Angels; the book we need. The whole raison d’etre of this auction. Dr. Kingsley is looking to fetch a handsome bid for that ancient tome.” Without even glancing back to him, she ordered Moore, “Now go, or I’ll leave you to handle all this and I’ll go out and get that book.”

Moore’s gaze swept over me, filled with regret and… could it be? Love? No. My heart swelled for a moment as his gaze intensified. Lacking any hint of playfulness or lust, his eyes held mine with emotions that transcended sexual play. My breathing became shallow and labored, but not with the spellbound lust of encounters past. The emotions were now raw and deep.

“I’m sorry, Lux. I wish things could have been different,” he said softly. “So different.”

My heart sank to my feet as I watched him walk out. I couldn’t make sense of my conflicting emotions. He was the enemy. Even if a part of him was human, the demon in him had to be destroyed. Yet… the thought of killing him hurt more than it should have.

Chapter 18

The moment the door closed behind Moore, the demons closed in. I shot a quick glance at Asher and mouthed, “Ready?”

He nodded just as a demon rushed him. An explosive fighter, he destroyed the demon in seconds and quickly turned to take on another.

Awed by his innate ability, I had to tear by eyes away from him as a demon came to me. He was meek and mild and easily subdued, but the demon that attacked me after him wouldn’t go down so easily. With a cold hand, he shoved me to the wall and shot dark acrid smoke into my face as he grinned.

Undeterred, I shoved him back and pressed my crucifix to his rough dark skin.

Not a second passed before another raged forth. Within minutes I’d lost count of the number I’d killed, but my strength was waning. Breathless and sweaty, I turned to Asher’s cry for help.

Pinned to the wall by two mammoth demons, he struggled to escape as Shayne slowly made her way to him. Her lips pulled back, baring her teeth, baring her hunger for his soul.

I rushed to him, but was immediately halted by a demon. I kicked him in the belly then pushed my crucifix into his forehead as he doubled over. Again I tried to get to Asher, but another demon hindered my progress.

Shayne’s lips hovered over Asher’s. He thrashed about, giving all he had to release the demons’ hold on him, and when he turned his face away from the she-demon who craved his soul, her claws came out to re-align his lips to hers.

“Angels are supposed to be giving creatures,” she murmured. “You're supposed to save souls from the bowels of hell. Your denial goes against the very purpose of your existence.”

He clenched his jaw and shot me a questioning glance.

“Don’t listen to her, Asher,” I called out as I pressed my crucifix to yet another demon. “You have to fight her.”

Pressing his lips tightly together, he barred her access, but her claws fought his resistance. Digging into his cheeks, she forced his jaw open.

His eyes widened in terror.

“No!” I let out the bone chilling scream and was quickly compensated as Brax broke down the door.

Without hesitation, he pulled the heavy crucifix I’d gifted him and shoved it into one of the demons restraining Asher.

Shayne let out a feral growl and tried to keep a hold of Asher, but with only one demon holding him back, he easily fought him off and shoved Shayne clear across the room. Growling her frustration, she hopped back to her feet and charged him, forcing him to, once again, shove her out of his way.

“Get him,” she ordered the dark demons. “For crying out loud, just get him.”

As a pack of demons descended upon Asher, Brax jumped in, fighting them off like a pro, everything Lux had taught him coming into play.

“Why are you doing this? Why are you helping me?” Asher asked him when they were fighting demons side-by-side. “Why not just save yourself?”

Braxton shot me a glowing glance before turning back to Asher. “I’m not helping you. I’m helping Lux.”

Side by side, they fought, each taking over where the other left off. In tandem, they reduced the monstrous number of demons down to a dirty dozen, and that dozen was honed in on me.

They closed in, burning off the very air around me. Gripping my crucifix, I knew I couldn’t get them all at the same time.

“You're toast now, demon slayer,” Shayne said.

In unison, Asher and Brax charged the angry mob, reducing the threat to a smoking pile of ashes. Unbeknownst to them, they complimented each other, completed each other perfectly. As much as I thought Asher and Brax needed me, it turned out all three of us needed each other.

Chapter 19

“You guys make a great team,” I said.

Asher seemed uncomfortable in light of the compliment, while Brax beamed with pride.

“I’ve been fighting off jerks all my life,” Asher said. “Getting rid of these guys isn’t all that much different.”

“Except for that smell.” Brax waved his hand about, trying to clear the air.

Asher shot a funny look at Brax. “That wasn’t you? I thought you were over exerting yourself and that foul odor was the result.”

“Cute.”

“Brax,” Shayne said, coming to him, disheveled and meek. “You weren’t supposed to be here. You weren’t supposed to be a part of this, not yet. Asher is of no use to you, and my intentions towards him have nothing to do with Lux. She’ll be okay. She’ll be just fine… please. Stay out of this.”

“You put her in danger.” A light glaze veiled Braxton’s eyes as he looked at me. How much of a spell had she woven around him?

“Then take her, bring her back to the room where it’s safe and protect her while I take care of things down here.” Her voice was gentle and patient, as though speaking to a child. “I should be up with you in fifteen minutes.”

Confusion filled his eyes. I shook my head discreetly, hoping not to capture Shayne’s attention.

Quietly, so quietly they initially went by unnoticed, small, sly and deadly demons entered the room.

“Go, Brax,” Shayne said softly but with conviction. “Go take care of your lovely Lux.”

He took a step towards me as the quiet demons surrounded Asher.

“You have to stay and help Asher, Brax.”

“I have to protect you.” He took another step closer.

“I can take care of myself.”

He held his hand out to me.

“Please, Brax,” I said softly. “Shake it off. Whatever she’s done to you, shake it off. I need you now, all of you.”

A warm glow began to fill the room. I gazed at Braxton, searching for the source of the light.

“Brax, are you glowing?”

He looked down at himself, his arms rising on either side of him as he inspected his body. “It’s not me.” He moved to the side, exposing the full force of light coming from Asher.

“Asher,” I said in amazement. “You're glowing. You're glowing just like Lothario, even brighter than him.

In addition to the bright light surrounding him, he’d grown taller, forcing him to hold his head down to avoid hitting the ceiling. Demons in the room, large and small, held back, momentarily intimidated by Asher’s growing force.

“I know,” he said with a proud jut of his chin. He passed a hand over his muscular chest, surprised by his own girth. “Your famed angel, Lothario, made a surprise appearance at my place last night. I must say he made quite an impression. Until just now, I don’t think I really believed all he’d said I’d become. Look at me.”

“Okay,” Shayne shouted to the demons. “Glow worm here needs to be subdued, so will you guys get on with it already?” Turning to her disobedient subject, she pointed to Brax and ordered, “And take care of him. He’s quickly becoming a liability.”

A large demon rushed Braxton, but an intense ray of light beamed from Asher and seared clear through the demon, bringing him to an agonizing end. “Be gone, demon,” Asher said with a satisfied grin.

Suddenly charged by a new band of demons, Asher sent beams of deadly light in all directions, but one demon snuck through and attacked Brax, throwing him to the floor and sinking his teeth into his forearm.

I threw off the demon who had tackled me and hurried to rid Brax of his attacker. Brax reached up to press his crucifix into the demon just as I did the same, causing the beast to spark, burst into flame and evaporate, but the damage to Braxton’s arm was done.

“The bugger bit down to the bone.” His teeth gritted in pain, Braxton gripped his forearm, holding the wound up to me.

“Don’t move, Braxton,” I said as I grabbed the neatly pressed kerchief in his jacket pocket and wrapped it around the ugly wound.

Behind me, I heard Shayne bark orders while Asher continued to sear through a host of demons. Eager to keep Brax safe, I dragged him to the corner and propped him up against the wall, then turned to help Asher.

Chaos ruled the small room as demon after demon entered and took up battle with Asher. Though swift and powerful, the sheer number of demons failed to diminish and I could see the wearing effect it had on him.

“Will this ever end?” he muttered as I approached and prepared to battle again.

After fighting off another dozen demons, the flow momentarily halted and we all turned to find the reason. Dr. Kingsley, the ancient Book of Angels gripped securely under his arm, entered the melee.

Before uttering a word, he stared at Asher in amazement. “You? You're the angel?”

“It appears that I am.” Breathless, Asher grinned.

“All this time… I thought my nephew Braxton was destined to be an angel.”

“Me?” Braxton called up.

Dr. Kingsley turned to him. My wife, Denise, God rest her soul, spoke often of the possibility.”

“Aunt Denise,” Braxton said. “She was Dad’s favorite sister.”

“Yes,” Dr. Kingsley said. “That’s why he confided his beliefs to her, told her of the dreams and visions he had of you. Of course, I realize now he was mistaken, but not by much.”

“This little family reunion is really quaint,” Shayne said, pushing aside a chair and heading to Dr. Kingsley. “But, quite frankly, I have a soul or two to save.”

She reached out to grab the book, but Dr. Kingsley held a firm grasp on it.

“This is a valuable book, ancient and filled with wisdom,” he said, both hands tugging the book away from her.

“I don’t care,” she hissed. “All I want is to find how to garner Asher’s soul.”

“I can’t let you have this.”

With one hand on the book and the other pressed to his shoulder, Shayne pulled on the coveted tome and pushed heavily on its owner. “Give it up, old man.”

Using more force than necessary, she pushed Dr. Kingsley and sent him flying back into the desk at the other end of the room. His head landed on the edge of the desk with a sickening thud before he fell to the floor in an unconscious heap.

She turned a triumphant grin to everyone in the room, congratulating herself with shallows bows.

“You witch,” I screeched. “What have you done?”

Moore rushed in, his gaze instantly taking in my state of anger, then turning to see the results of his sister’s actions. “What are you doing, Shayne? You're roughing up Dr. Kingsley now?”

“I’ll do whatever it takes, Moore. Don’t you get that? Don’t you understand what’s at stake here?” She poked her index into his chest. “I’m trying to save your sorry soul.”

His hands fisted and his eyes hardened. “There’s no reason to push Dr. Kingsley around for that. For crying out loud, Shayne, he was one of the few people at school who genuinely liked us. He was there for us when we lost our parents. How many nights did you cry on his shoulder?”

With a flash of anger, she turned to her sibling. “Get a grip, Moore. I succeeded where you failed. All I asked you to do tonight was get this book. Instead he’s the one who arrived with it and I did what I had to do to get it.”

“Sometimes I think you’ve simply gone mad, Shayne.”

“Well, you won’t think I’m so crazy when I save your soul.” Hugging the book to her chest she pointed to Asher. “Now get our angel and let’s get this thing started.”

Moore turned to Asher, gaping as he caught the gentle glow that emanated all around him. “Man, you're glowing.”

“You have an eye for the obvious, Einstein,” Asher quickly quipped. “What you might not be aware of is the damage I can cause with this illuminating glow.” He cast his eyes to the piles of ashes scattered about the room. “You and luscious over there are about to meet the same fate.”

“I’m not like them.” Moore pointed to the floor. “Yes, a portion of my blood is demonic, but I’m an angel too, just like you are.” He turned to me. “And I’m human, too, just like you are, Lux. Are you going to condemn me for something I have no control over?”

“Don’t play so innocent, Moore,” Brax spat. He got to his feet, his hand still clenching the blood stained kerchief at his wound. “You deliberately wove a spell around Lux, luring her in and playing with her heart. For crying out loud, she was in a coma for three days because of you.”

Moore shook his head, his jaw clenched tight as he cast his eyes down. “I underestimated the effect it would have on her.” He reluctantly brought his gaze to me and mouthed, “I’m sorry. I was angry, jealous, so jealous of your feelings for Brax.” Moore looked at Asher and Brax. “You guys all know what it is like to fall in love with Lux…”

Brax’s eyes were on Lux, and it was clear he felt the same way, while Asher’s eyes were fiercely determined. He shot Lux a look, and for a brief moment, his face filled with longing, of a love that couldn’t be. Then like a spring rain, it shifted back into the look of determination.

Shayne shot Moore an exasperated glare then turned to the demon at her side. “Get Asher and hold him still.” Flipping through the pages of the book, she muttered her annoyance.

The demons rushed Asher, pinning him to the wall and mobilizing him, but their victory was short-lived. Asher concentrated the golden glow into one intense beam and evaporated the demons.

Shayne hurried to Moore and whispered in his ear. Both gazed at Asher and Moore reluctantly nodded.

“You two.” Shayne pointed to two other demons and flicked her wrist toward Asher. “Charge him.”

They glanced at each other and took a step back.

“I said charge him!” Shayne shouted.

Having barely taken a step in Asher’s direction the two demons were quickly vaporized, but I quickly realized Shayne had deliberately sacrificed them in order to distract Asher. With surprising speed, Moore tore off his tuxedo jacket and rushed to pull it over Asher’s head. Blinded, Asher reached out to grab his aggressor, but Moore easily sidestepped his attempts and pulled up behind him, effectively choking Asher as he jerked his jacket back tight.

“Don’t kill him,” Shayne warned. She let out an amused snicker as she approached her subdued angel, patting his chest with a patronizing hand. “We need him alive to do this.”

“I don’t like this,” Moore muttered.

Even from across the room I could see his muscles flex under his pristine white shirt as he kept a firm choke hold of Asher.

“But you hate being a succubi descendant as well. Trust me, Moore, I understand how you feel.” She ran her hand across Asher’s chest and down to his navel, her tongue playing wicked games on her lips as she sneered. “After this is all over, you’ll be all human and free to go out with Lux as much as you like, just like I’ll have Brax.”

“You're getting ahead of yourself a bit, aren’t you?” Brax shot out. “Whatever the hell you end up being after this whole fiasco, I want nothing to do with you.”

Moore glanced at me, his expectant gaze awaiting my declaration of our fate.

“Don’t hate me,” he said. “I have to do this, Lux. I can’t go on living like this.”

“I don’t hate you,” I said.

My words had the desired effect. He relaxed, turned his attention to his sister who had finally found her spell in the Book of Angels. Slipping the jacket up just enough to allow her access to Asher’s lips, Moore awaited the start of their transformation.

Ignoring the strange ache in my heart, I ran to Moore, crucifix in hand, and knocked him to the ground. The sound of his head hitting the floor brought a flash wave of nausea to my belly, but I couldn’t afford to relent. I took full advantage of his brief moment of disorientation and pinned him down, straddling him.

My highly-tuned instincts, my years of hunting, killing and destroying demons, couldn’t prepare me for the sensations that coursed through me. My crucifix should have already been pressed to his skin, the words of damnation spoken, yet I hesitated just long enough to allow him to fight back.

He grabbed my wrist, rendering my crucifix useless. Our eyes locked onto one another as a new wave of strong sensations took over my body.

“You feel it, don’t you?” he said, his voice husky and deep.

“You're a demon,” I countered. “All I feel is the deepest loathing for you.”

“The shock of electricity that sparked between us. Don’t deny it, Lux. I know you felt it.”

“No, what you just felt is the fear of death, your eminent death.” I struggled against his hold, trying to bring my crucifix to his skin.

“Damn it, Lux. Even as you try to slay me you're irresistible and tantalizing. And I know that even as you try to destroy me, you want me.”

I glared at him, searching for the arrogance of his words, but there was none, just his frank and raw emotions.

“You're a succubus, or whatever you want to call yourself,” I argued. “This is what you do best, Moore, play with my emotions, get my body to feel things it shouldn’t. I know your game now, and I’m not going to let you play anymore.”

“Are you going to finish him off, or what?” Asher called out, annoyance and frustration filling his voice. He took a forceful step towards us. “I’ll take care of him if you're too…”

“I’ll take care of him,” I cut in, annoyed with my own reluctance, my own confusion.

Asher’s moment of distraction was the break Shayne needed. She rushed to him, pinned him to the wall with the help of two demons and pressed her chest to his.

“We’ve wasted enough time.”

Before Asher could concentrate his golden light, a demon bound his eyes, leaving his lips vulnerable to Shayne’s approach.

“Nasciturus pro iam nato habitur, quotiens de commodes eius agitui,” The unborn is deemed to have been born to the extent that his own inheritance is concerned. Shayne chanted as she brought her lips up to his. “Natura nihil frustra facit. Nature does nothing in vain. Natura non sunt turpici.” What is natural is not dirty.

Her words, eerie yet beautiful in the soft chant, filled the air just as they filled Asher’s parted lips.

“Actus me invito factus non est meus actus. The act done by me against my will is not my act Homo sum humani a me nihil alienum puto.” I am a human being, nothing human is strange to me. Her words grew louder, stronger and for a moment, the room was silent, entranced. “Orta recens quam pura nites. Libera me tutemet ex inferis Free yourself from hell.

Asher struggled against the claws that bound him, his glorious light fading.

“Non facias malum ut inde fiat bonum,” You should not make evil in order that good may be made from it. Dr. Kingsley said as he rose.

Fire burned in Shayne’s eyes as she turned to him. “Veritas diaboli manet in aeternum.” Devil’s truth remain eternally. The sweet voice that had so eloquently chanted the spell now took on a nefarious tone.

“Acta deos numquam mortalia fallunt,” Dr. Kingsley countered. Mortal actions never deceive the gods. He rubbed the back of his head and reached for the desk to keep himself steady. “Someone has to stop her. She’s going to kill him.”

Her eyes reddened and narrowed before turning to Asher to finish the spell. “Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.” We gladly feast on those who would subdue us.

“Alendra lux nihil tenebris.” I shouted. With my crucifix still in my hand, I lifted my weight from Moore and tried to get to my feet. Nourished light not darkness.

“Don’t,” Moore said, his voice solemn. His eyes beseeched me. “She’ll kill you if you interfere.”

When no one moved to help Asher, Dr. Kingsley stumbled as best he could to Shayne. “Ad maiorem Dei gloriam.” To the greater glory of God. His booming voice echoed in the room. He gripped her arm and tugged her away. “Let him go.”

Stunned by the force of Dr. Kingley’s grasp, Shayne lost her balance and stumbled back from Asher. “How dare you,” she shouted. “Do you not realize our souls are at stake? He is just one angel among many. Will the heavens truly miss this one angel?”

With fury that shocked everyone in the room, Shayne shoved Dr. Kingsley to the wall, grabbed his neck with her scaled claws and brought her deceptively beautiful face to his. “Ad tenebris,” she hissed. “Ad inferis. Ad diaboli.” TO DARKNESS, TO HELL, TO DEVIL. She flicked her wrist in one swift motion and snapped Dr. Kingsley’s neck.

“Ah,” she screamed as she let the doctor crumple to the floor. Satisfied, her eyes daring and defiant, she turned to the shocked room. “Does anybody else want to stop me?”

Rushing to the doctor’s side, I tried to read a pulse.

“I’ll stop you.” Asher stood, larger than ever, his gaze intent on the murderous beauty.

With a growl and a whimper, she ran from the room.

Chapter 20

“Uncle,” Brax cried as he reached the fallen doctor.

His eyes filled with anguish and panic as he took his uncle’s wrist to confirm what I had already known. Dr. Kingsley was dead.

“It can’t be,” Brax said. “Not now. Not like this.”

“I’m so sorry, Braxton,” I said softly.

Asher came up behind us. “That witch. I can’t believe she could do something like this. Are you sure there’s nothing we can do? Resuscitate him?”

“He’s gone,” Braxton mumbled with a shake of his head. “I’ll kill Shayne for this.”

“She’s already high-tailed it out of here.”

“I’ll find her,” Braxton said. “I’ll find her and make sure she pays.”

I gripped his hand tightly, my gaze connecting with his. “And I’m right there with you, Braxton. I won’t let her get away with this.”

“There he is,” Shayne shouted as she re-entered the parlor with two burly men at her side. “That bum crashed this party, tore this room apart and killed our beloved Dr. Kingsley.”

Braxton stood to confront her, but he was efficiently shoved aside by Shayne’s guards as they headed for Asher. They each grabbed an arm and pulled it behind Asher’s back. The larger of the two fisted his hand through Asher’s hair, jerking his head back until he was left wincing in pain.

“What the hell do you guys think you're doing?” Asher struggled against their hold. “I’m the victim here. Your criminal is right there,” he said with a tilt of his chin to Shayne.

“I want you guys to get that murderer out of here.” Shayne’s lovely hands rested on her hips, the pose perfect and elegant.

A small crowd had gathered around her, whispering and murmuring their speculations.

I rushed to the guards, my hand gentle on the smaller one as I tried to reason with him. “This is all wrong,” I said with all the calm diplomacy I could muster. My gut instinct had me longing to throttle the two guards, but the eyeing crowd demanded I maintain control. “He didn’t do anything. Shayne’s the one who killed Dr. Kingsley. We all saw it. We’ve been here watching her wreak the havoc she’s accused Asher of.”

“Dr. Kingsley has been a friend of the family for ages,” Shayne countered, her voice sweet, her eyes as innocent as her stance Why would I invite him here just to kill him right in front of my friends? You’re all trying to protect Asher when the whole school knows he’s always been a good for nothing bum. Moore, tell them just how close we’ve always been to Dr. Kingsley.”

He turned his gaze to me, silently pleading my understanding before turning back to the guards. “My sister and I have always cherished Dr. Kingsley’s help and friendship. I’m heartbroken by the events of this night.”

Having missed the slight croak of Moore’s voice as he’d uttered his last words, the guards nodded and escorted Asher out of the room, while two other guards entered and covered Dr. Kingsley’s face.

“Lux, dear, are you all right?” my mother asked as she squeezed through the crowd and came to me.

“This whole night has become a horror, Mom.” I clenched my fists in frustration. “And there’s nothing I can do.”

My father came up and wrapped his arm around my shoulder, his face ashen as he avoided looking towards his friend’s body. “Let’s get you out of here,” he said. He looked at Braxton who still stared at Shayne with fury. “Braxton, I can’t imagine the pain you're going through. If you need a place to stay, you're more than welcome to come home with us.”

His jaw tightened and his fists clenched and unclenched. Shaking his head, Brax said, “Thanks, but I think I need to be alone for a while.”

With that he gave Shayne a firm shove then plowed through the crowd at the door, much to everyone’s annoyance.

“I’ll go get him,” I told my parents as I rushed out after him, but the moment I cleared the crowd I realized he was gone.

Epilogue

Walking out of English class, I hugged my book to my chest and headed to my locker. School had become a dull haze of books, lessons and more books since Dr. Kingsley’s death and getting from one class to another was like going through a maze blindfolded. I took the stairs, knowing I was heading in the wrong direction, but unable to correct myself.

“Lux.”

I felt the soft fingertips touch my shoulder just as the familiar voice hushed into my ear.

“How dare you even approach me,” I spat as I turned to face Moore.

“Lux, please. I need to talk to you just a moment, just a minute.”

“Because of you and your sick sister I’ve lost the two best friends, the only two friends I’ve ever had. Because of your inability to rightly accuse your sister of murdering Dr. Kingsley, Asher is sitting in some jail cell somewhere and for God knows how long. Because of your inability to contradict your sister, Braxton has been sent to a boarding school in England. He’s all the way out in England. Do you realize what you’ve done? Do you realize just how much I hate you? I hate you!”

“Lux,” Moore said, his breathing shallow and ragged as he gripped my hand. “I had to. I had to let Asher take the fall. Shayne would have accused you. She had already prepared a whole story to accuse you of Asher’s death and she would have used that same story for Kingsley. You came to school with the bad reputation, the bad girl image. All she had to do was remind everyone of that.”

“Look, I don’t care.” I ripped my hand from his hold and held it up to keep him at bay. “I don’t care about your reasons. I don’t care about your excuses. All this time, Moore, you’ve been playing with my emotions, playing with my attraction for you when all you’ve really wanted was to feed off my soul. Well you and your beautiful sister can go to hell.”

“You’ve got it all wrong, Lux,” he whispered. “My attraction to you was playful, I admit that, and, damn it, I know the little demon in me may have been cruel at times, but beneath all that playing I knew I had growing feelings for you, strong feelings. I wanted you from the very first moment I saw you, and as the months passed, I’ve grown more fond of you than I’d ever thought possible. And now…”

“And now, it’s over.”

“No.” The softness of his voice gave way to heated passion as he shoved my restraining hand aside, pushed me back to the wall and pressed up against me. “This is not over,” he rasped into my face.

Burning with anger and fearful his passionate spell would take over once again, I ripped my crucifix from around my neck and reached up, holding it just inches from his brow.

He stared at me. “I’m not the demon you think I am,” he whispered.

“You're not human either.” My lips pressed together in determination. I had to slay him, but my fingers refused to approach him.

“You're condemning me for something I have no control over.”

“That doesn’t excuse what you are, Moore.”

“Then slay me.” He leaned in close, pressing his brow to mine. “Slay me as you have so many demons before me.”

That spellbound sensation I’d always felt around him began to resurface, slowly pushing aside all logical thought and leaving only raw emotions and the purest sense of love.

He wove his fingers through mine, leaving my crucifix to dangle on its chain. Tenderly, but with enough force, he pushed my hand against the wall.

“I’m a product of my parents’ inability to control themselves, to avoid contact with demons. I’ve lived my life doing everything within my power to turn my back on the dark side and follow the light.” He cocked his head lightly to the side, a shy smile curving his lips. “Maybe that’s why I was so instantly drawn to you… Lux… the light…”

“All my life,” I said. “I’ve been trained to destroy demons. I was brought here, to St. James, to rid it of the demons that roam the halls. You and Shayne are two of those. I can’t close my eyes to what you are and simply allow you to continue to exist.”

“And what of the human in me? What of the angel? Don’t they matter?” He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply while his fingers tightened around mine. “I need your help, Lux,” he said.

When he opened his eyes, I saw his soul for the first time; the soul of the beautiful being he was.

“The dark side tugs at me… every day. Every day is a battle as I seek out the light, but darkness is everywhere, and fighting it has become increasingly difficult. I need you. I need your light, your strength. The spell I spun wasn’t as powerful as you’ve always thought. That passion, that desire to be with me… it came from you, Lux. You really felt all those feelings for me. Whenever your blood burned for me, whenever you want to run your fingers through my hair, to kiss me, it’s all coming from within you. From deep within your soul, Lux. Don’t turn the other way now, not when I need you the most.”

Remnants of a dream. The sensations that had filled me, haunted my dreams so many times. The pull of darkness. The unfathomable desire to keep him in the light. The slip of his fingers through mine. Losing him; time and again, losing him to the abyss of darkness. “You,” I whispered. “All along, it was you.” The greatest love I will come to know…the boy in my dreams…

“Help me, Lux,” he said simply.

I knew then, there wasn’t anything I wouldn’t do to help him, to keep him from the clutches of the dark side. If I lost him, I would lose my soul.

*******

Orta recens quam pura nites Newly risen, how brightly you shine

Lux, Brax, Moore, Asher, and Shayne’s story continues in

Book 2 of Beautiful Beings Series

Heaven and Hell

Fall 2011

Visit kailingow.wordpress.com for exact release date.

Sneak Preview of the

New Series

************

FADE

Book 1 of the FADE Series™

Kailin Gow

ONE

My name is Celestra Caine. I am seventeen years old, which makes me a senior at Richmond High. I never thought this would happen to me, but it has… I’m one of those people you see every day, go to school with, remember seeing at the supermarket or the mall, and then one day you don’t hear about them any longer. They’re gone, and eventually, you forget them.

Not that I’m easy to forget, as much as I might occasionally wish that I were. I’m tall, about five-seven, and I’m willowy. Built for running, my mom always says. Then there’s my hair. It’s a bright blonde that always attracts attention, from men and women. The women always want to know what I’ve done with it, and some of them won’t believe that it’s simply my natural hair color. The men… like I said, sometimes I wish I didn’t attract quite so much attention. Sometimes I think it might be better if I blended in a little more.

It’s not all bad, though. My boyfriend, Grayson, loves my hair. He loves touching it, and I love it when he’s that close to me. I love it when he gives me that look he has that says, not just that he loves me, but that he always will. That I’m the only girl for him. It’s worth standing out a little for a look like that from a guy like Grayson.

I first met him running track- he’s the captain of the school team, so it’s probably appropriate that I’m at practice with him on the day it starts. Then again, I’m at practice with him most days, so maybe it was always going to work out like that. We finish up, and Grayson invites me back to his place for dinner, but I can’t. I have to be home, so I tell him that I’ll see him tomorrow and get going.

It doesn’t take me long to make my way home, since it’s not that far from the school. The house is nice enough, in a neighborhood where there’s no trouble, and there are plenty of families around. Dad’s car is in the drive, so I guess he must have gotten back early from his work as a biochemical engineer. Mom will be there too by now. She teaches kindergarten, and she’s always home before me. Even as I walk through the front door, I can picture her in the kitchen, working away at dinner, maybe yelling at my brother, Bailey, not to spend too much time online before he’s done his homework. It’s just how things are in our house.

Except today, something is different. I know that from the moment I set foot through the door. I can’t put my finger on it for a second or two, but then I realize what it is. The house is quiet.

“Mom? Dad? Hello?” I call it out, moving through into the living room, then the kitchen. There’s no sign of either of them. They aren’t there when I check the rest of the rooms on the ground floor, either, which is weird. By 6 pm, at least one of them is always there.

Still, maybe it’s nothing. Maybe the sinking feeling I have in the pit of my stomach is just an overactive imagination playing tricks on me. For all that I still can’t help feeling that there’s something wrong, it’s not like the place has been trashed, or anything. It’s not like anything has obviously been stolen, or is out of place. The opposite, if anything. The whole ground floor is neat, tidy.

Maybe Mom and Dad have just gone next door for a moment. I latch onto that thought, heading upstairs. Bailey will know. He might not pay much attention to things that don’t involve computers, but Mom and Dad will at least have told him where they were going.

“Bailey?” I knock on the door to his room, but there’s no answer. Telling myself that he probably has headphones on while he’s playing one of those online games of his, I invoke big sister’s prerogative and open the door anyway.

Bailey isn’t there either. And his room’s neat. Too neat. Bailey is, like little brothers everywhere, I guess, a one boy disaster zone. This looks like one of those occasions when Mom has finally gotten tired of telling him to clean his room and done it for him, which means that Bailey can’t have been back since.

In fact, the whole house has that feel. Like someone has scrubbed it from top to bottom, and no one has been in it to mess it up yet. That probably doesn’t sound like a big deal, but for me, it’s enough. Enough to send me hurrying around the house, looking for clues as to what might be happening. Because there’s something happening. I’m certain of it.

I go to search every room again, even though it doesn’t make sense. After all, Mom and Dad and Bailey aren’t about to leap out from behind the sofa, are they? There’s still no sign of them. More than that, beyond the car in the drive, there’s still no sign that any of them has even been home.

I check my messages. Maybe there’s an explanation there. There’s nothing. There’s nothing when I check my emails, either. Not even the usual stuff I’d get most days, which only makes me bite my lip harder with the worry of it. I don’t like this. I really don’t like this.

Should I call the cops? That thought springs into my head from nowhere. What would I tell them, though? That something doesn’t feel right in my house, and that it looks like a team of cleaners has been through the place? They’d laugh at me, or worse, accuse me of wasting their time.

I haven’t called my parents yet, so I try that next. I get out my cellphone and call the number for my father. It doesn’t even ring. Instead, I just get this message, saying “Error, number not recognized.”

The same thing happens when I call my mother, and when I try to connect to the number for the cellphone Bailey has ‘for emergencies’. I’ve sometimes wondered what kind of emergencies a ten year old can have. I guess now I know. I’m breathing faster now, and I know I’m starting to panic. This kind of thing just doesn’t happen in D.C. Not that I know what “This kind of thing” is yet.

I ring another obvious number. That of my Aunt Chrissie. She’s my mother’s sister, and my parents always say that if anything serious happens, and they aren’t around, I should ring her. I’m not sure what good it’s meant to do, ringing a woman we hardly ever see to come and ride in to save the day, but right now, I’m willing to try anything.

“Error. Number not-”

“Stupid thing!” I throw my phone and it bounces off the sofa, coming to rest on the carpet. I stand there seething with anger at it for a minute, my head spinning as I try to make some sense of all this. There has to be a logical explanation for all of it, right? People don’t just… disappear.

Only, I can’t think of an explanation that works. Unless I’m willing to believe that my parents and brother have all chosen to call in on one of the neighbors together right at the moment when a freak fault has developed in my phone, and what are the chances of that?

This is really starting to weird me out. So much so that I can barely breathe with it, while my stomach is tight with the apprehension running through it. Nothing good is happening. I’m certain of that now. I just wish I were as certain about what to do next. I need to calm down. To think.

Grayson. I latch onto thoughts of him like a life preserver. He’s always been my rock; always been there for me. Whenever I panic about not getting good enough grades to make the track scholarship to Georgetown, he’s the one who talks me through it and helps me study. When I’m down about my track times or just annoyed with my little brother, he’s the one who picks me up.

Even though this feels so much more serious than that, I snatch up my phone and speed dial his number. For once, I don’t get that stupid message, either. Now all I need is for Grayson to pick up.

Come on, Grayson, pick up.

He answers on the fifth ring, though given how fast my pulse is currently racing, it feels far longer.

“Hello?” he asks. “Celestra?”

I’m so happy to hear his voice in that moment that I can’t think of anything to say. There’s too much of it, and it all sounds so mad. There’s the house, and the emptiness, and the stuff with my phone. For a couple of seconds, all I can do is stand there, listening to him on the other end of the phone like some kind of weird stalker.

“Celes, is that you? Are you all right?”

His use of that pet version of my name snaps me out of it. This is Grayson. I can tell him anything, even the strange stuff. He’ll find a way to make all this make sense, or at least a way to make me feel better about it. I open my mouth to explain. To simply say his name.

Before I can get the words out, my cellphone dies. Just dies, without an explanation. There’s no power, even though I’m sure I charged it up this morning. It won’t turn on, it won’t light up, and it certainly won’t let me say anything to the one person who might be able to help me. I stand there, just staring at it dumbly, for second after second.

The main house phone starts to ring in the kitchen. It’s an old thing my dad liked the look of and had rewired, even though we all have individual cellphones. The ring is harsh, cutting through the silence of the house in a way that only emphasizes it.

Has Grayson called me back on the house number, guessing what has happened to my phone? That must be it. I rush through to the kitchen, knowing that I have to talk to someone about this, or I’m going to burst. I snatch up the handset, cutting off that sharp ringing.

“Hello?”

“Celestra Caine?”

A man’s voice. It’s not Grayson. It’s not anyone I know. And yet, whoever he is, he obviously knows me. Coming here and now, I know the call has to have something to do with whatever is going on.

“Who is this?” I ask.

“Celestra Caine, you are about to fade.”