Between (21 page)

“
Who’s we?” Michael asked.

“
Us for sure and then I don’t know about the others.”

“
Don’t go looking for trouble. Let trouble come to us.”

“
We’ll never find Aliah. We’ll end up just killing demon spirits for who knows how long as they keep looking for Claudia. She’ll never be safe.”

“
Okay, but I don’t like the idea of using Claudia as bait.”

“
We won’t.”

“
I’ll take Claudia back home and meet you at the Crossroads. Who’s on watch?”

“
Your best friend,” Davin said in monotone. Then I knew it was Austin.

“
Then we can take our time,” Michael said. “I’ll see you in a bit.”

“
Okay, but don’t take too long. Remember what happened the last time we were here. And plus, Alexa Rose is waiting for you.”

“
Yes, Mother,” Michael jeered. “I’ve been searching for demons in the Betweens and as long as I was there, oddly, I was rejuvenated. It’s kind of like being at the Crossroads. That’s the reason why I was able to stay away for longer period of time.”

“
The Betweens are a spiritual place. You would know better since you’ve been there.” Davin placed his hand under his chin, looking away in deep thoughts. “Your call. I’d rather be in top shape when I encounter those monsters. So, I’ll see you soon?”

“
I’m right behind you,” Michael said.

“
Claudia,” Davin called.

“
Yes, Davin?”

“
Peace out!” He looked at me for approval.

“
Peace out to you too,” I said, giving him a heartfelt warm smile, then couldn’t help myself as I burst out laughing. He was adorable, making me smile and laugh as usual.

With a blink of an eye, he was gone. Michael and I continued to swim. After we’d had enough, we came out. Michael had a towel, a pair of jeans, and a sweater that were mine, in my tote bag ready for me. I dried off and put my clothes back on. Michael magically was back to wearing his jeans and this time, wore a nice blue polo shirt. “I had it prepared. I was planning on bringing you back here.”

“
And getting me undressed…I like that part,” I teased.

“
That part was not planned.”

“
I didn’t mind,” I said.

“
I didn’t mind looking.” Then he held my hand and took me higher up, where there was grass under a tree, a perfect place to have a picnic. Underneath the tree was the blue picnic blanket with the same wicker brown basket on top. “It’s getting late and you haven’t eaten. I thought you would be hungry, especially after the swim.”

“
Thanks,” I said, thinking he was always so thoughtful and concerned about my needs.

Sure enough, he was right. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I took the first bite. I devoured my dinner, salad and spaghetti with meatballs. Afterwards, we enjoyed chocolate covered strawberries and sat there talking and marveling at each other until it was time to leave.

Chapter Eighteen

Katherine sat on her luxurious, black leather chair behind her desk and gazed out the window at an endless blue sky. She was daydreaming about the day when she promised Lucy she would assign a guardian to watch over Claudia. Her thoughts were interrupted when there was a soft knock on the door.

“
Come in,” she said, knowing who was on the other side.

Austin, Holly, and Patrick walked in.

“
You’re late,” Katherine said in monotone, resting her arms on the table. “I expect my son to be here on time.” Her lips twisted with discontent.

“
My apologies. We were tracking a demon, who was trying to capture a girl name Claudia, but it got away,” Austin said.

“
That’s not good news.”

“
We do have a lead. We will arrange this with the alkins and follow up on it,” Austin continued.

“
Where is this lead taking you?”

“
A night club,” he muttered under his breath.

“
A night club? Are you sure?”

“
Absolutely.”

“
Try not to get too distracted.” Katherine’s eye brows furrowed.

“
Yes. Of course.” Austin winked at Patrick.

“
Have you sent the watchers to guard all the Claudias?”

“
Yes, all over the world. But I’ve left some to watch here, Nubilus City, Grand View Hotel and Island of Eden,” Austin replied.

“
Good. I don’t want to hear about any more deaths. These poor girls,” Katherine stated. She stood up and walked toward the front of her desk. “Margaret from Crossroads will be gracing us with her presence. Patrick, could you get the door?”

Patrick nodded. On cue, Margaret appeared. “Welcome, my lady Margaret,” he greeted, admiring her grand magnificent wings, and bowed.

Margaret folded her wings, revealing a turquoise dress that she wore underneath her white cape. The hood of her cape loosely hung over her head. When she glided forward toward them, her cape swept the floor and everyone acknowledged her with a bow, except for Katherine. Katherine walked toward her, gave her a warm hug and a kiss on each cheek.

“
It’s good to see you, Margaret,” Katherine said, leading her to the leather sofa.

Margaret pulled the hood of her cape down, revealing her long silky, lustrous cascade of brown hair. “It’s good to see you too Katherine. Phillip and Agnes send their regards. They would be here as well, but they are keeping an eye on Caleb.”

“
Yes, I heard what happened. I hope he will recover quickly.”

“
It’s a good thing it was only a puncture wound,” Margaret commented.

“
You remember Austin, Holly, and Patrick.”

“
Yes,” Margaret said smiling. “It’s nice to see you again. It’s been a long time.”

“
Margaret, you asked for this meeting. Is there something I can help you with?”

“
Yes, we have a few questions and concerns that cannot wait.” Margaret looked at the venators.

“
I completely trust them. It’s okay.” Katherine smiled, reassuring her.

“
I’d rather we spoke in private,” Margaret requested.

“
Fair enough.” Katherine turned to the venators, but they already knew what to do as they headed out, closing the door behind them.

Margaret continued. “Since the Royal Council has retired, the Divine Elders make decisions regarding matters on Earth. What are your plans concerning Claudia Emerson?

“
Yes, sorry you were the last to find out; however, you already know where I stand with this issue. What I believed a life time ago and what I believe now is the same. I still believe angels and humans can co-exist. There was no need to flood the land, poor Noah. And what has that proven? Even after the flood, the nephilim still exist today. I did not believe it was right to take the alkins away from their parents. They are the first generation and the only generation up on Crossroads. It would have worked out, but we will never know.”

“
We don’t know what is right from wrong anymore regarding this matter; therefore, we at Crossroads agreed not to intervene with the decision of the Divine Elders. We really have no choice since the decision has already been made. Claudia stays here, under your protection. Please know that if you need our help, do not hesitate to ask.”

“
Thank you. The alkins have been very helpful, and we appreciate their help. Regardless of our decision, Claudia is the only person that can defeat Aliah, so we really don’t have any choice. Lucy did the right thing by keeping her a secret. The Royal Council would have taken her and that would have left us no assurance of defeat.”

“
How is it that she can defeat Aliah? What is it that she must do?” Margaret inquired.

“
I don’t know. Only she will know when the time presents the opportunity. All I know is that her soul will guide her. She has no training, whatsoever. We are going to have to guide and teach her self defense at least. I will arrange this with Austin. Unlike us and the other nephilim, her powers do not work the way ours do. Lucy has sealed her powers for too long. She thinks she is fully human.”

“
Then how will she know what to do?”

“
I do not know the answer.” Katherine’s heart felt heavy. She desperately wanted to help and guide Claudia, but didn’t know how.

“
Does the Royal Council know of Claudia’s existence?”

“
Odd as this may sound, yes. They left the decision in our hands. They won’t intervene with humans anymore. Since the Divine Elders are in position to make such decisions, we have agreed that she stays. Everything has a purpose. We’ll just have to let it unfold the way it was meant to.”

“
Hmmm…perhaps you’re right. But we are putting our faith in this one child who has no idea what she is doing. Before I forget, I brought you something from Halo City.”

“
A gift is not necessary, but I thank you.”

“
It belonged to Aden. He never used it and we took it away when he was against us. We are currently using this on Caleb.” Margaret pulled out a small golden box that was safely tucked inside the pockets of her cape. She opened it and pulled out a ring, the color of turquoise, 14 carat crystal, rectangular shape, and facet on white gold band.

“
The healing crystal,” Katherine said with exhilaration. “It’s absolutely stunning when it’s on a ring compared to the rock we received!” She laughed out loud. “I don’t know what to say!” Katherine placed it on her middle finger and admired the beauty as it sparkled brilliantly.

“
As you already know this crystal is an antidote. We thought to bring this to you when Caleb was injured. I gave Caleb mine so we have one less. Since the alkins are down here often, I wanted to make sure you would have an extra one just in case. I hope you’ll never have to use it.”

“
Me too,” Katherine agreed. “What about Zachariah’s healing crystal?”

“
I’m keeping it for Michael. I believe it is his to keep. When the time is right I will give it to him.”

“
Does Michael know about his past?”

“
No. We have held that information from him. We thought it was for the best. It would be too painful to inform him, that while he was fighting alongside Aden, Aden killed his father. How do you think this poor child would feel?”

“
I just hope that he never finds out.”

“
We are trying our best to keep loose ends closed.” Margaret heaved a heavy sigh. “It’s too bad Michael was not born of this century. He would have made a fine addition to the venator team you have created.”

“
True, but I can still use his help. I’m just grateful the Royal Council agreed to allow my son to be here with me on Earth along with the rest of the nephilim I found. Holly and Patrick are great examples.”

“
Yes,” Margaret nodded in agreement. “Times have changed, and I’m glad the Royal Council realized we need to make changes that are necessary.”

“
I’m glad you understand,” Katherine said and changed the subject as she gazed at the ring.”Please do tell me how the crystal works. Since I’ve never had to use mine, I’m curious.”

“
It’s simple. You don’t need divine words. Take the crystal out, place it on the wound and let it perform the miracle it is meant to do.”

“
So, it really works,” Katherine said with relief.

“
Do you doubt the gift from the Royal Council?”

“
No, of course not, but we were all given only one; one to use for our entire life.”

“
At least it’s better than none. We have a chance to save any one of us. You can actually think of it as having twelve…I mean eleven now, instead of one, since the twelve of us each received one as a gift.”

“
How did you know to use it on Caleb?”

“
When we saw the small puncture wound on Caleb that should’ve healed quickly and did not, we concluded that Aliah must have taken the crystal with him.”

Katherine admired the ring once more. “It shall stay with me at all times. I hope there will be no need to use this. I don’t like to imagine one of our own injured or worse, dead.”

“
Yes, I agree. It must be difficult for you, living among humans and trying to overcome human needs and temptations.” Margaret said sympathetically.

“
Yes, how I do enjoy the material things.” Katherine gazed at her bracelet that was made of pearls and crystals. Then she lets out a guilty sigh. “As you already know, I fell in love with a human once.” Katherine said shamefully, and paused.