Falling (The Soul Collectors Series Book 1) (5 page)

She smiled and nodded sweetly.

"Gray and I have been together since we were fourteen. I flirt with customers for tips. Besides, have you looked at the two men at your table? I'm pretty sure a nun would flirt with them." She giggled.

I couldn't help but grin. She seemed very nice and innocent. She had lovely soft blond curls and light brown eyes that were full of mischief.

"I suppose they're nice to look at, I hadn't really noticed." That lie came easy. Declan was anything but unnoticeable. Even now as he just stood by chatting with Hadraniel and watching the band, he looked like he belonged on one of the magazine covers humans obsessed over. He was breathtaking.

"What do you think about the band? Gray's been thinking about skipping college and taking them out on tour at small venues." Hannah seemed unsure about this decision.

"I'm not too up-to-date on music having lived in a third world country mostly, but I am loving it so far."

"Do you all live here alone?" There was concern riddled in her voice. Humans at nineteen tend to still live at home and rely on their parents so Had and I being on our own seemed a little bit of a foreign concept to her.

"They are renting us a cottage out in the woods and have plans to visit a few times a year to check up on us. Since their missions keep them fairly busy, we are used to being alone." I smiled hoping that she bought my story.

"Too cool. Is it safe to assume you all haven't really explored or met anyone yet?"

"Yes. Today's actually the first day we've had a chance to get out of the house and explore." I didn't feel the need to explain that we just arrived yesterday.

"Well there's a bunch of us going to the local quarry to swim tomorrow if you three want to join." She eyed the guys too, who by this time were listening to our conversation.

"Cool. Count me in."

I literally had to control the visceral reaction to roll my eyes at Declan's readiness at the chance to join. This was going to be a challenge, working with him. He shouldn't be affecting me at all.

"Us too, for sure." Hadraniel looked at me as he answered, and I just nodded.

I couldn't really refuse any opportunity to get to know Gray. I hadn't failed at any of my missions before, and I didn't plan on failing this time either.

"Unfortunately, I must return to work." Hannah grinned. "Make sure you get with me before you leave so you can get all the details."

"We will. Thank you." I must admit this was not the worst mission I've been on, but then I heard Declan speaking and almost had to retract that statement. Working with him might make this the worst after all.

"What are your plans to save dear, sweet Gray?" Declan had mischievous eyes but there didn’t seem to be much evil to him, which took me aback. Mephistopheles oozed evil from every inch of him while Declan just reminded me of a bored little boy.

"Oh no, mister. I may have to play nice with you, but I don't have to share my game plan."

"Mister?" There was amusement in his eyes when he responded. "That's a first."

"It didn't seem appropriate to call you devil or demon. I don't like working with you, but I don't have to be rude about it."  My matter of fact statement made Had cough into his coffee.

"Feisty. I like it." Declan's grey eyes danced with enjoyment as he sipped his macchiato.

Gray's band finished their set and were greeted by a hearty round of applause from the audience. Looking around, I noticed most of the patrons seemed to be a younger crowd and possibly regulars to the coffee shop.  So far this town seemed to be very laid back and accepting, which would certainly help this mission. Hopefully we would have very little questioning of our actions and sudden appearance.

"What'd ya think?" Gray came up to the table with an expectant look.

"It was great. You all are awesome. I really loved the first song." He had a goofy lopsided grin. I still wasn't sure what was so special about him that he needed saving, but it wasn't my place to judge.

"Thanks. Hannah told me that she asked you to join us tomorrow. It's gonna be epic for sure! If you'll excuse me, I need to get ready for the next set."

“Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment. Full effort is full victory.” ~Gandhi

"Hadraniel! Hurry up. We need to be meeting the group at the coffee shop in thirty minutes." I hollered up as I was making breakfast.

"I found swimming trunks, but do I need anything else?"

"A towel for sure, a shirt is up to you. I have a dress that goes over my swimsuit." I loved the clothes of this era. However the swimsuits are a lot more revealing than I'm used to. I had a two piece packed too but wasn't brave enough to wear it. I went with a deep purple suit that had a silver buckle on the neck and the sides cut out. I hadn't been swimming in a quarry before but I was guessing it would be similar to that of a lake or pond. Hadraniel came down carrying towels for both of us.

"I'm ready if you are, I'll just grab some toast to eat on the way."

"Sounds good to me." I replied. Having someone constantly around wasn't as annoying as I had expected. He proved to be good with following the timeline that I wanted, as opposed to pushing one of his own.

The walk into town was quiet. It was still rather early in the day. Last night, I’d spent time studying the map provided for us that showed where the damage would occur. I was saddened to know this beautiful area would be gone in no time.  The area was lush and green. The smell of earth was clean and refreshing. Soon it would be destroyed and replaced with water. These parts of my jobs left me feeling blessed but sad at the same time. I would be the last to really appreciate the beauty of nature in this place, knowing no one would see it again.

Each of my missions have been special for different reasons but I did have my favorites. This mission currently was creeping into my top five. My number one to date was Pompeii. Although it was one of the most destructive missions it was still special because it was my first.

"You're very quiet this morning."

Hadraniel's statement brought me back to the reality that I was not going to be the only one to enjoy the last of this beautiful location this time around.

"Sorry. I was just thinking how sad it will be that in a few weeks this place will not be here."

"That is sad. I figured you were used to that though. You've always seemed so level about your job." It wasn't a false statement but it stung a little.

"My job does require some distancing. That does not mean that I don't feel
something.
I appreciate the feelings that others have about these missions as well. To survive though and be able to keep myself sane, I have to remain detached. This mission is completely different than my others. I normally don't interact with my target until almost the very end and never with help or mandatory involvement of a demon."

Had seemed pensive as he listened to me talk. He was very attentive to whomever he was conversing with, even when home. Aniston had good taste when it came to crushes. He was kind and sweet. I hoped he reciprocated her feelings. They would make a good couple when the time came.

"Has working with me been so awful for you?"

"Nah, you're not so bad." I smirked at his scowl. "For real Had, it's been different, but not bad. I enjoy your company and you have had some wonderful ideas. Plus your good looks may have helped us with the in-crowd." Pink shot across his face with my compliment.  

"Well, Bay I hate to tell ya, but you're not that hard to look at either." My first reaction was to stick my tongue out at him, only increasing his smug grin.

I suppose for human standards I was pretty. I had long wavy brown hair, ice blue eyes and was short. When most humans are asked to explain the image of an angel they say things like "blonde", "beautiful" and "tall". I didn't fit that description as much as Aniston did. Aniston was beautiful and tall and funny. Even if I found her annoying because she’s so chipper, she wasn’t as bad as I made her to be. I figured this might be a good time as any to mention her to Hadraniel.

“So, Haddy. Do you have a crush on anyone?”  Crimson flooded his face, and he squinted his eyes pretending to be blinded by the sun, that was barely squeaking through the leaves in the forest. He pursed his lips, and cleared his throat.

“You’re really nice Bayla, but…”

At first I was shocked, but when I realized he thought I meant me, I burst out laughing.

“Well, I’m not that funny of a person to like am I?” He seemed almost indignant.

“No, Haddy, not at all. It’s just I didn’t realize how that would sound. You are a great catch, I just don’t see you, or anyone for that matter, in that way. I was speaking about Aniston.” The flush appeared in his cheeks again.

“Oh. Yes. Aniston.” He cleared his throat. “She is pretty. Why? Did she say something about me?”

“Maybe.” Oh I haven’t had this much fun in forever. I could be a matchmaker. Well, here on Earth. At home we actually had matchmakers to ensure that those who chose to date would have their matches approved.

“Good. Tell her I asked about her too then.” The red was fading from his cheeks, but there seemed to be a little more pep to his step.

We went back to our comfortable, companionable silence as we finished our trek out of the woods and into town. It was quiet this time of morning, especially since it was the weekend. Even on missions, Angels tend to go to church, so I was glad they invited us today instead of tomorrow. As we neared the coffee shop, we could hear the chattering of a group of people. We rounded the corner and there had to be about fifteen people hanging outside the shop. I had never had to talk to that many people at once. My steps faltered slightly. Hadraniel, acting very brotherly, wrapped his arms around my shoulder, gave a quick supportive squeeze and then pulled me towards the group.

“Had! Bayla!” Gray hollered at us in greeting. I was thinking maybe we would get a chance to hang out with Gray and Hannah without Declan, until we got closer and noticed he was in the middle of a group of girls. He smirked when he noticed me watching. “Guys, this is Had and Bayla. They’re new here. Their parents are missionaries, so they’ll be going to college here while their parents travel. Guys, this is the group.”

We gave a quick wave, before being escorted to vehicles we’d be riding in, to take us to the quarry. I was placed in a car with Hannah, Declan, Gray and a girl whose name I didn’t catch, but she didn’t seem to mind. She was more concerned with Declan than with me. Hannah and I chatted about the quarry, my parents, her parents, and what classes we planned on taking. I really liked Hannah, and had started formulating a plan that would probably require that she was with us when we saved Gray. I wasn’t technically prohibited from her saving her, like in some situations, but I knew it would be frowned upon.

“Did you know Declan before last night? He keeps watching you.”  Hannah whispered.

“What?” I went to turn in order to see what she was talking about but she grabbed me to keep from turning.

She giggled at my response. “He’s so handsome. It almost hurts to look at him.” I only nodded in response. Why would he be staring at me? Miss Big Boobs, Blonde Hair was completely enthralled and using her best tricks to keep his attention. I didn’t need to look at them to know this. I could hear them.

“He’s okay, I suppose.” I could feel heat spreading across my face, causing her to laugh again. “We haven’t ever met face to face before, but we knew of each other before last night.” That wasn’t a complete lie. I knew there was a demon coming, and most demons knew me because of my job and status. I was expecting Meph, so getting Declan was a definite plus.

“Well, you’re a lucky girl either way.”

“Tell me about the quarry. I’ve never been to one before, especially to swim.” Changing the subject seemed to be the best way to avoid furthering the conversation about me and Declan.

“We should be there soon. It used to be a limestone mine, but after they stripped it, it filled with water and it’s been the local swimming hole ever since. It’s a beautiful area.  Most of the local teenagers and college student hang out here during the warmer months. When it gets colder, we have bon fires. I can’t wait for you all to get to join us then. It is one of my favorite times of year.”

Her enthusiasm was contagious, but unfortunately for her, the quarry would not be there come this fall. I’m not sure what has gotten into me this mission, but all of these new feelings and emotions were present. I didn’t like this change. I could not get attached to these humans, or this place. I blame Hadraniel and all of his wonder of this place. I smirked at the thought of his being at fault.

“What’s on your mind over there Bay?” Declan asked

Smirk gone. Frown now present.

“Bayla, please.” My voice was a sugary sweet tone. “I was simply thinking about the quarry in the fall.”

I had decided that the best way to deal with him was not to feed into his goading. He was so different, but he was still a demon. The less I revealed to him the better. I shot a blinding smile at him, and with much amusement received a pouty glare from Blondie beside him.