Gods and Mortals: Fourteen Free Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Novels Featuring Thor, Loki, Greek Gods, Native American Spirits, Vampires, Werewolves, & More (175 page)

“Wow! This view is magnificent,” I said softy. But it was nothing compared to what I witnessed with Michael.

“I’m loving my view too,” he whispered into my ear, as his eyes never left my face.

I turned to stare into his eyes, and I could see how much he cared for me.

“Well, we better get going,” Caleb broke the silence.

Davin spoke with sadness, “The longer I stay here, the harder it is to go back. I just need one more puff.” He looked at me to see how I would react. I gave him a disapproving look.

“Well, it doesn’t hurt to ask. Come on, Claudia, I’m half dead anyways.”

I didn’t realize until he said those words that he was right. They were half humans and half angels. What did that mean? I felt for them. I could only imagine what they were feeling and wanted to reach out and comfort them—but how?

Caleb got up from the rock he was sitting on. “Well, I’m glad we’re all safe, but he’ll be back. We’re going to have to discuss this with Phillip.”

Michael didn’t say anything. He didn’t even look at him.

“Michael, Caleb is right. We’re here to help, but the next time Aden comes back, he’ll be back with more fallen. We’re going to need more help. We’re talking about Aden!” Davin said.

“No! Not yet! I need more time to figure this out!”

“How long? And what is it that you need to figure out?” Caleb fired back. “You’re not thinking straight! Your human emotions are slowly taking you over! You need to follow the Divine Commandments!”

Michael didn’t like his response. I could feel the tension, and everyone was silent. He found his calm voice again, “Please, just do as I ask. Phillip doesn’t need to know about this, and I won’t ask any of you to come with me next time.” He looked at Caleb and then at everyone else.

“Michael, I didn’t mean it that way,” Caleb said. “I’m just worried for your safety, and Aden…”

He never got to finish his words. Michael looked at him coldly as soon as he heard Aden’s name. “Don’t worry. He has no effect on me. I’m not going down that route again.” Michael reassured him.

I wanted to hear more. I was curious to know how Michael and Aden were connected.

“Like I said, we better get going,” Davin interrupted.

Vivian spoke next, “I agree. We don’t even know how long we could survive here, so let’s get going.”

They all stood up and got ready to be transported, their faces expressing mixed emotions.

Vivian waved, “See you later, Claudia. Hopefully under better circumstances next time.”

Davin looked at Michael. “Coming?”

“You all go first. I need more time.”

“Michael,” Caleb said. “Don’t forget, thou shall not…”

Michael put his hand out to stop Caleb from finishing. “Whether I do or not is none of your concern,” he said calmly.

“You want to be kicked out of Halo City because of her?” Caleb raised his voice; his eyes flickered at me for a second, before refocusing on Michael. “You need to release yourself from her.”

“It’s too late. Don’t worry about it. They won’t know unless you tell, now will they?” Michael said calmly.

There was dead silence. Caleb didn’t say a word, but he was right. Michael wasn’t supposed to kiss me the way he did. I’d caused him to stray. What was I thinking? But I couldn’t control myself, nor did I want to.

Davin spoke with a concerned voice. “Don’t worry, we won’t tell Phillip about any of this, but Alexa Rose will be waiting for you. She worries for your safety.”

“I know. Tell her I’ll be there soon.”

They all stood close to Davin. I never had the chance to witness his magic until now. With his eyes closed, he mumbled a few words in Latin, turned to me with a wink and said, “See you when I see you.” Before I could say a word, puff! They were gone, leaving a trail of rainbow rays that lingered for a split second before disappearing at the speed of light towards the direction they were headed.

I stood there feeling dumbfounded, looking into the empty space where they had stood. They had vanished right before my eyes. A part of me felt empty. I hadn’t realized I had grown attached to them, even though I had only seen them a couple of times. It was quiet and still for a few seconds, until Michael broke the silence. “Hello.”

I looked at him. “Hello there.” I knew the inevitable would happen, and I had to prepare myself for the emptiness I would feel when he left me again.

He cupped both of his hands around my face. “I’m sorry. Are you all right?”

“When you leave, I won’t be.” I didn’t want to make him feel guilty, but I wanted to tell him the truth.

“I’m sorry for all this. Sorry for doing things that make it harder for both of us.”

“It’s not your fault,” I said.

“If it would be easier for you, I could talk to Phillip and appoint you another guardian angel.”

“No,” I pleaded. I couldn’t bear the thought of never seeing him again. Then I crossed my arms, looking quite upset. “You expect me to go on living as if I’ve never met you?” I spoke angrily.

“Well, perhaps time will set you free. It looks like I have done too much damage already for you and me.”

“You could forget about me that easily?” I was hurt by his words.

“Of course not, but my pain doesn’t matter. Yours does. I don’t want to see you waste your life wanting something that cannot be.”

“There must be a way, Michael.”

“Impossible. You are a human, and you belong here. I am an alkin, forced to live elsewhere.”

I could feel his pain and I didn’t want him to think that this was his fault. “I’ll be fine. I’m not as fragile as I look, and I promise I’ll be fine when you leave, so don’t send anyone else, please!” I demanded.

He gave me a huge smile. “Then let us not waste a minute. What would you like to do?” he asked.

“I think I should go back and explain my absence first,” I said as I realized I had left my cell phone inside the tent.

“Don’t worry, already taken care of.”

“How and when?”

“Before you awakened.”

“What did you tell them?”

“I spoke with Andrew. I basically told him that I was in charge of the campgrounds, you had a slight accident, and you were to stay with me for medical observation.

“And he believed you?” I asked, surprised. “He didn’t ask any questions?”

“They actually had no choice. I used my angel power on them. They were instructed not to come and not to ask any questions. Something like “Just do as I say.”

“How do you do that?” I asked, astonished by his power.

“The best way to explain it is that it’s like being in a trance-like state, the way Aden lured you to this place. We are not allowed to use this power unless it is absolutely necessary, and I thought it was.”

“Wow,” I said softly. Then I realized that I didn’t have to go hiking and felt delighted. Without a word, he grabbed my hand and led the way.

“Where are we going?” I asked.

“Hiking. That was on your agenda today, but we are going on a different trail.”

“What?” I couldn’t believe what he had just said. I gave him a big frown. “I hate hiking.”

“How do you know? Have you been hiking before?

“No.”

“You’ll love the places I’m going to take you,” he said, grinning.

He knew I didn’t like hiking, but he was taking me anyway. As I slapped his arm lightly to let him know I wasn’t happy, he immediately fell to the ground. Surprised by his action, I reached for him. “Michael!” I shouted.

Then next thing I knew, I was lying wrapped inside his wings as he floated slightly above me. We had locked eyes, and everything else ceased to exist. All my senses had shut down, and I couldn’t control the emotion that had taken me over. I was utterly and completely head over heels in love with him. He was right. It would cause me too much pain if I could never see him again. The damage was already done.

“Hey, you tricked me,” I said, smiling, not minding at all what he had just done.

“There, much better. You shouldn’t frown, even when you are upset, because you never know who is falling in love with your smile. And you…have a beautiful smile. It’s brighter and warmer than the sun. It lights up the sky. And your smile warms me up in many different ways,” he said, lifting his brows wickedly. “Let me show you one way,” he said, and lightly caressed his lips to mine.

That sent shivers up my spine, and I melted deep into the Earth. He can show me more, I thought. Next thing I knew, I was standing upright still dazed by his tender kiss. It was one simple kiss, but that was all it took to make me feel as light as a feather.

He started walking without me. “Don’t worry. Like I said before, you will love the places I’m going to take you. Trust me!” he shouted with excitement from afar.

I ran to catch up to him. “Great,” I mumbled, not feeling pleased at all, but at the same time, it didn’t matter what we did, as long as we were together.

W
alking
along the edge of the cliff turned my stomach inside out. Why is it that some of us are afraid of heights and others not? I couldn’t recall any terrible incident; I only knew I was one of many who was terrified of heights. Every nerve in my body was telling me to back away to a place more in my comfort zone, but I had to do this for Michael. He wanted to take me somewhere that was special to him. Aside from my fear, I couldn’t wait to get there. I kept telling myself not to look down, so I tried to think of other things. The best distraction was the view.

“Hurry up, slowpoke,” he said jokingly, walking right behind me.

“Hey…just because you’re not afraid of heights. I could just pee in my pants right now.”

“What are you afraid of? Falling? You know I’ll catch you if you fall.”

“Don’t tempt me. I might purposely fall just so I don’t have to endure this,” I replied, feeling slightly queasy.

“Hold my hand, I’ll help you up.”

“No, thanks, I can do this,” I replied with a little attitude, wondering if I would regret the response I had given just to sound tougher. “Are we almost there yet?” I asked, feeling hopeful and out of breath.

He laughed hard. “Almost. That’s like the tenth time you asked me.”

“Maybe it’s because you keep saying…almost.”

He laughed again, “I promise this time, we’re almost there.”

“Okay, we better be, or else you’ll be in big trouble.”

“Oh really? What will you do?”

“I’ll…I’ll…” Then I realized that I didn’t know much about him, his likes or dislikes. “Well, it’s a surprise,” I said, like it was something big.

“I don’t know if I like surprises. Make sure it’s a good one.”

The view was magnificent, but the heat was starting to make its way up. Sweat was already dampening my skin. Michael must have noticed because he gently wiped several drops that were trickling down my forehead. I brushed my bangs back with my hands to allow the heat to escape. How was it possible that he didn’t even break a sweat? I knew the answer, but I couldn’t stop marveling at his capabilities.

We walked while holding hands and enjoying each other’s company. Then, it suddenly dawned on me that I wasn’t wearing any makeup and that I was wearing the sweats I had worn to sleep. I quickly sniffed my sweatshirt to make sure I didn’t smell bad.

He gave a crooked smile as he eyed my actions. “Don’t worry. You smell nice, even when you are sweating.”

I blushed from embarrassment. He noticed everything, even when I tried to go unnoticed.

Timidly I asked, “Can I ask you a question?”

“Of course. What’s on your mind?” he asked, giving me his full attention.

I wasn’t sure if this was the right time or place to ask personal questions, maybe it was because I was afraid of what his answer could be.

Hesitantly I asked, “How did you know Aden?”

He looked straight ahead. I thought he was trying to find a way to avoid my question.

“To make a long story short, Aden strongly believed that we should live freely among humans. Shortly after we were taken to the Crossroads, Aden convinced many alkins, including me, to follow him. This is what I meant when I said he brainwashed us. I thought the world of him. He was like a father to me.”

He paused, looking heartbroken. I wanted to reach out and console him. I didn’t want to see him like this.

He continued, “I didn’t like the things Aden did. He killed alkins who wouldn’t follow him, and many of them were my friends. I tried to stop him when I realized what we were doing was wrong. There are two separate worlds for two kinds, angels and humans. Alkins weren’t supposed to be born. We were created in sin.”

I placed my hand on his arm and said compassionately, “No, Michael. You were created by love. How could you say that?”

“I shouldn’t exist. We’re nothing. I’m not a human, and I am definitely not an angel.”

“You were created by two people who loved each other.”

He interrupted. “Or maybe lust or temptation.”

“Regardless of the reason, it’s not your fault. You didn’t create yourself. And it’s not like the Earth angels or any of the Twelve Angels who were on Earth were emotionally detached. They were able to feel as humans, correct?”

“I suppose,” he said nonchalantly.

“Then in order to understand us, they needed to feel what we feel–anger, hatred, lust, greed, sadness, and even love. And it’s not like they had an emotional button they could just turn on or off.”

“You need not make excuses for them.” His voice was low.

“I’m trying to understand them, and so should you. You need to forgive them so you can be at peace with all of this.”

“I did many bad things for Aden.” His eyes were filled with anger and regret. “I don’t know if I’ll ever find peace in what I did for him,” he said sorrowfully.

“But you are not that same person.” I cringed for saying the wrong word. “I mean, alkin. So what happened after that?”

“It becomes hazy after that. Aden knew I was turning against him, and I was attacked by numerous fallen. I know for sure that Aden pierced me with his sword, and I was badly wounded, but then I woke up in Halo City. I don’t know how.”

“So Phillip, Margaret, and Agnes took you in?”

“Yes. They gave me a second chance, and I’m very grateful.”

“They saved you because you are worth saving. They saw good in you as I do,” I said, gazing deeply into his eyes, trying to read his thoughts. Pain and anger were in his eyes. Could he ever forgive them? Could he ever forgive himself? “What happened to Aden?” I asked, changing the subject.

“Aden was banned from the Crossroads, and his soul was stripped.”

“What does it mean to have your soul stripped?”

“Having a soul grants you permission to have life after death. If you have no soul, you simply vanish. Some believe soulless beings are banished to a lifetime of punishment. Humans call this place “hell.” When an angel’s soul is taken, their powers are weakened. That is why Aden needs the fallen to do his dirty work.”

“Do you have your—?”

He didn’t let me finish. He knew what I was going to ask him. “Yes,” he said looking down, but his tone revealed he didn’t think he deserved to have one.

I tried to make him feel better. “See, those evil beings don’t have souls. You’re not like them.”

He gave a half smile and said, “I see your point.”

I didn’t believe him; his eyes said otherwise. I could imagine his guilt for killing who knows how many alkins. I could also imagine the pain of trusting someone like Aden, only to discover that he was brainwashing you to do his dirty work.

“So Aden can’t just appear at the Crossroads like I did,” I confirmed.

“No, but now he is out for revenge and it doesn’t matter who gets in his way.”

“Is that why you have that glowing ring around Halo City?”

“Yes. That glowing ring around Halo City is what keeps soulless beings out. You’re very observant.”

“It’s not like it’s not obvious or anything. It just sticks out like a sore thumb. How can anyone miss it? It glows brighter than the sun.”

Michael laughed. “Yes, it is, but it’s not as bright as your smile.”

I smiled, flattered by his words, and looked away shyly.

“What pleases your eyes?” he asked.

“You,” I said without hesitation.

He smiled. “Besides me, what pleases your eyes?”

My hands immediately touched the crystal necklace he gave me. “Butterflies,” I said quickly. I didn’t know why he was asking me that question.

“Butterflies it is, then.”

I gave him a look that questioned his reply, but he didn’t answer, so I didn’t pursue it. As we continued to walk, I guessed it was probably almost noon. That would explain the rumbling sound coming from my stomach. Suddenly he covered my eyes with his hands. “We’re almost there, and I want to surprise you, so don’t peek.”

I nodded as he slowly guided me, directing me with his hands. Although I totally trusted him, something about walking blindly made me hesitant.

“Where are you taking me?” I asked curiously.

“Shhh…,” he whispered in my ear. “We’re almost there.”

“Why are you whispering?” I asked, whispering back.

“We don’t want to disturb them.”

My mind ran rampant trying to figure out what he wanted to show me.

“Close your eyes, and keep them closed,” he demanded as he scooped me off my feet.

I guess I should be used to having him carry me that way, but it amazed me how effortlessly he did it. I wasn’t sure, and my mind could have deceived me, but I felt like I was floating. My sense of smell was out of control. A rich, pleasant scent was filling the air around me. “Open your eyes, Claudia.”

It took me a few seconds to readjust my sight, but it was worth the journey to be here. I was surrounded by a variety of flowers. The beauty of their colors and the variations were indescribable. I was amazed by the splendor. I stared at Michael smiling, and I was speechless.

“How?”

“Shhh…”

Now I knew why he was whispering and hushing me. Gradually he walked away from me, tiptoeing. He started to brush the tops of the flowers with his hands, and hundreds and thousands of butterflies fluttered off the ground right in front of my eyes.

“Wow!” My whole body exploded with joy and excitement to see this magnificent sight. Overwhelmed by their presence, my stomach fluttered right along with them.

Butterflies of every color, looking as if they were painted with patches of bold bright reds, oranges, blues, purples, and yellows, all intertwined, overlapping each other. As I continued to follow their path, I squinted at the brilliant sun in the cloudless sky. It blinded me for a split second, and then I saw that the butterflies were returning, circling around Michael and me—all of them dancing in the sky. Each knew its location and position with such precision, never colliding while reaching higher and higher to form a tunnel.

Countless butterflies, circling around us, gave me chills as I could feel the air gently flowing from their wings. It was incredible to experience such beauty of color and grace so close within reach. Gently Michael embraced me from behind and extended our arms, which allowed them to brush against our skin. I giggled as the soft wings tickled us through and through. Shortly after, they disappeared, moving upward until I could no longer see them. I turned to face him and looked at him inquisitively.

He immediately responded as if he could hear my thoughts, “No, they do not belong in your world.”

I didn’t ask any more questions about them because I knew it was his way of showing me how much he cared. It was a gift, and I wasn’t about to spoil it. He grabbed my hand and led the way again. “Let’s go. You must be starving.”

“Not really,” I lied.

How could I think of food when I was at a place full of magnificence? Even though I had lied to Michael and to myself about not being hungry, loud rumbling sounds gave away the fact that I was starving. He frowned and glared at me for not telling the truth.

“Okay…I’m starving,” I said while rubbing my stomach as it continued to rumble. We couldn’t help but laugh. As we continued to walk, I had a thought. “So if I told you that frogs pleased my eyes, I would have had countless frogs in front of me?”

He chuckled, “You don’t look like the type of girl who would actually like frogs.”

“Well, only if one could turn into a prince,” I said with a smirk.

“Too bad, princess, because the only frog you’ll ever see is this one,” he said, planting a kiss on my forehead.

He led me toward some trees, and I was happy that I didn’t have to step on the flowers. Instead, there was a path, one so small that you couldn’t see it from a distance. He led me under a tree and it was impossible not to appreciate its beauty. The grandness of the tree and its leaves provided us shade from the sweltering sun. I was startled by the unusual size of the leaves. They were quite large, like nothing I had ever seen before. Michael was watching me, seemingly amused by my delighted reaction. He pointed to the ground. “Let’s eat.”

In front of me was a blue blanket with a brown wicker picnic basket on it.

“How? When?” I asked.

“I knew you would be hungry, so I asked Davin to whip up something to eat. Are you okay with this?” he asked.

“Okay with this? This is perfect,” I said, tugging at him to sit next to me.

The picnic blanket was so soft, and the aroma bursting around me made me spin out of control with hunger. I didn’t want to be rude, so I waited patiently for him to move first. I watched him take a few items from the basket, placing the containers in front of me.

Wanting to help, I carefully opened the lids so I wouldn’t look clumsy. Inside the containers were various dishes: fried rice, Kung Pao chicken, and vegetables.

“I can’t believe he cooked all this, but where?” I asked curiously. I made a mental note to myself that I should thank him the next time I saw him.

Michael looked amused, trying to hold back his laughter. I began to wonder what was so funny.

“It’s called Chinese takeout,” he finally said, smiling.

I sat frozen, feeling like a huge dork. I had to redeem myself, but I didn’t know what to say. After I cleared my throat, I said, “Good choice.” Then it dawned on me that I didn’t know if he actually ate. “Are you going to eat with me?” I asked indirectly, hoping he would understand what I was trying to ask him.

“I’m not hungry,” he said, taking a fork and a napkin out of the basket, placing it next to my plate.

His answer did not satisfy my curiosity. While I glanced at my plate, I was dying to ask him the question. I wasn’t sure if he would feel comfortable answering, but curiosity overwhelmed me; I had to know. I asked hesitantly, “Can you eat?”

He gave a big grin. “Took you long enough to ask me.”

“I…what? I…” I fumbled my words from his unexpected comment. He knew what I was trying to ask him, but he was playing games with me. He didn’t let me finish.

“Yes, if I wish. But I wouldn’t starve to death like you if I didn’t.” He winked. “One of the perks of being who I am.”

I grabbed the fork as gracefully as I could, and positioned myself to eat like a lady. I didn’t want to embarrass myself again. He lay on his back, arms behind his neck and legs crossed. He looked relaxed as he watched me eat.