Midnight Fire - Rise of the Dark Angel - Book One (31 page)

             
He’d allowed her several days to pull herself together, but he was going to speak to her that day. He couldn’t let her dwell on what had happened for too long or it may be the end of their relationship. He couldn’t allow that to happen. She was too much a part of him and he couldn’t picture his existence without her. He didn’t know what he was going to do about her mortality,
but that was something he’d worry about at a later time. He couldn’t think that far in the future without it causing him great pain. He shook off the thoughts, trying to gain control over himself.

             
Their eyes connected in what seemed like an endless moment as she stood frozen in the doorway. She, like no other, had the ability to bring him to his knees. She had no clue of the impressive power she wielded over him. He had to earn her forgiveness, there was no other option. She slowly made her way to the table. He sighed when she ignored the place he’d kept open for her and scooted people over so she could sit next to Sadie, instead. He should’ve known she wouldn’t sit by him, even with it being the only available seat. He felt his temper rising slightly - not with Phoenix, but at the situation. It was time they got their talk over with; he wasn’t going to stand for the silent treatment any longer.

             
“You’re later than normal,” John mumbled between bites of food, not too concerned, as Phoenix was notoriously late to breakfast. Jayden knew John would be furious if he found out Phoenix had been wandering outside for the last couple of hours.

             
“Yeah, sorry,” Phoenix said, not making eye-contact. She wouldn’t openly lie, so she didn’t want him to question her any further.

             
“You know Phoenix isn’t going to speak to us for at least another thirty minutes,” Sadie said with a huge grin. Phoenix gratefully nudged Sadie’s knee with her own, thankful Sadie had taken the pressure off her to participate in the conversation.

             
“Yeah, we all know how pleasant Phoenix is,” Jessica grumbled. Jessica was in her usual bitter mood. She’d been unhappy since Jayden had shown up and ignored her, and then to top it off, Brian hooked up with Sadie. The guys were all getting into serious relationships and she was alone, and it wasn’t by choice. Phoenix almost felt bad for the girl. She would have if Jessica
wasn’t so spiteful and rude all the time. She mostly wandered the caves, pouting or complaining
,
it was no wonder she was still single. Phoenix wouldn’t want to date her, either.

             
Phoenix looked up, her eyes connecting with Jayden’s again. He obviously wasn’t happy with her at the moment. She knew she was going to have to break down and talk to him. She really didn’t want to give him up, she was just afraid she wouldn’t be able to accept who, or what he was.

             
Phoenix felt her cheeks grow warm as her blushing skin gave away her nervousness. With Jayden watching her every move, she worried he may even be able to read her thoughts. She didn’t think that was one of his powers, but she just didn’t know. She would have bet her life he would never grow wings, but that had happened.

             
The reality was that she couldn’t imagine herself with anyone other than him, though, and she loved how she felt in Jayden’s presence. Maybe, she could just forget about seeing him transform into some otherworldly being and they could go back to being two normal teenagers – who were simply young and falling in love.

             
Phoenix lost her appetite as stress consumed her all over again. She drank her tea, grateful for the warmth of the soothing liquid traveling down her throat. It took the edge off the ever present cold of the enclosed cave, plus eased the nausea she was feeling. She took her time finishing her drink, because she knew the minute she got up Jayden was going to drag her away. She was trying to think of an excuse to put off their conversation for one more day, even though she didn’t hold much hope of avoiding him – not with his relentless eyes following her every move.

             
“I guess I should find my dad and see if he needs me for anything,” Phoenix said.

             
“I’ll walk you,” Jayden told her, quickly rising from his seat. Her shoulders tensed but she didn’t attempt to stop him. She tried to catch Sadie’s eyes, hoping her friend would come with
them. Sadie avoided looking at her, taking a huge interest in her cooling breakfast.
So much for friendship,
Phoenix thought cattily, but immediately felt bad. Sadie never let her down - she just didn’t want to get in the middle of the situation between her and Jayden. Phoenix understood and wouldn’t want to be in the middle if Brian and Sadie needed to deal with a problem.

             
They quietly walked from the dining hall. Usually, there were several people traipsing up and down the halls, but Jayden lucked out and no one was about. He steered Phoenix toward the car park. She willingly went with him. Hopefully her stomach would quit hurting after they spoke. Her parents had always told her to confront all problems head on and not run from them.

             
They stepped into the huge, car filled cavern and kept moving to what Phoenix considered
their
truck. They’d shared many kisses while sitting on the bed of the rusted Ford. Her stomach tightened, just thinking about his lips on hers. He’d brought feelings to her body unlike anything she’d ever experienced before.

             
Jayden lifted her onto the tailgate of the truck, causing a shiver to run down her spine. He hadn’t touched her in days and she realized she missed his gentle caress. She knew she’d been the one avoiding him but the simple touch on her hips made her wonder why. It didn’t take long for reality to come crashing back to the forefront of her mind, though. She would never forget that night and how creepy he appeared in his Dark Angel glory.

             
He quickly climbed up next to her and they sat silently for a few moments in the dimly lit cave. They were both unsure where to begin the conversation. She knew they needed to talk, but she wasn’t sure what exactly to say.
Hey, what’s up with those huge wings of yours, and are you planning on killing me now that I
know what you are
.
It just didn’t seem like a great conversation starter.

             
“You can say anything to me,” Jayden finally spoke – his voice so low, she almost couldn’t hear him.

             
“I don’t know what to say or how to start,” Phoenix answered after a short pause.

             
“I know this has been upsetting for you. I’ve been trying to figure out where to start, what exactly to tell you, anything to reassure you,” he said with a weary sigh. Phoenix glanced at him. He was looking at his hands, his hair falling forward, covering his face. He was so stunningly attractive, but that didn’t mean he was a great guy. She shook her head at the thought. He’d never shown her anything but the greatest kindness, loyalty, and even love. He deserved the chance to explain what happened.

             
“I’ve never been so scared in my life, and that’s saying a lot, considering what we’ve been through over the last few years,” she finally said. He looked up and their eyes connected.

             
“I’ll start from the beginning. Please allow me to finish my story and then you can ask me all the questions you like,” he said, keeping his eyes locked on hers.

             
“Okay,” Phoenix whispered, barely able to get sound past her throat. She was terrified, yet unable to turn away. She needed to know.

             
“I’m not human. It’s hard to explain, but I was created from a star, not born like you were. I have flesh and blood, and I can die, but not easily, and not from a human’s hand. I have emotions, desires, and needs, everything you feel, but magnified by one-hundred. It’s both a curse and a blessing,” he started. Each word he spoke made her eyes widen a bit more. She wanted to interrupt, but held to her promise. She kept her mouth closed and nodded her head for him to go on.

             
“I’m actually a Dark A
ngel. I was cast from the heave
ns when I sided with Vyco, the d
emon you saw the other night. There was a battle in the heavens and I thought Vyco was in the right.
I
knew I made the wrong decision
,
almost from the start,
but
it’s too late - it’s been too late for a very long time
. I can’t change what’s been done. There’s so much
in your world – your universe that
you believe
is right that isn’t. All those monsters lurking in the dark your parents warned you about are real, but they’re on a tight leash. They do what they want at times, but for the most part, darkness stays in the shadows and doesn’t mess with humans,” he said.

             
Phoenix looked at him in confusion. What he said made no sense. He was only confusing her more, not clearing anything up for her. Darkness wasn’t a living, breathing entity – it was just darkness. It was certainly scary to be in the dark, especially alone, but not dangerous.

             
“I’m making a huge mess of this explanation.” Jayden blew out his breath in frustration and ran his hands through his messed up hair. Phoenix waited quietly and let him gather his thoughts.

             
“I fell from the light, the heavens, and chose to follow Vyco. We came to earth because we felt humans needed more guidance, or that’s what I thought we were doing. When we got here, it wasn’t what I expected. It was dark and grim
, and Vyco instantly changed, showing his true intentions, not what he’d portrayed in the heavens
.
I got lost when I came to earth. Each new day that passed caused the eternal light inside of me to dim a little more
. I started to no long
er care about humans
or their fragile lives. I
simply
followed Vyco, doing his
bidding. I never killed a human
but I didn’t stop the others from doing it. I’m just as guilty as they are. I
was sent to your camp to lead you to your deaths
. Because of an agreement between Vyco and Josiah, he couldn’t outright kill
your people,
but
he wanted you dead
,” he said.

             
Phoenix tried to absorb what he was saying. He’d wanted her to die. She didn’t understand how the boy she loved could have such a dark side. Her body trembled with new fear and her face couldn’t hide the emotions from his probing eyes. She was filled with fear – of him – for the first time.

             
“I won’t hurt you, I can’t. I understand you’re scared but I felt something when I stumbled upon you - something unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. I could never do anything that would
cause
you harm. I can’t explain what’s happening to me because I don’t understand it, myself,” he said. He was silent for a few moments so Phoenix felt safe in asking a question.

             
“What about Chastity? Is she really your sister?” she asked. Was everything he’d told her nothing but
lies.

             
“Yes, in so many more ways than what humans consider siblings. Josiah created both Chastity and I. Normally, when he creates an angel, they are unique. Never, before Chastity and I, were two angels created at once. Josiah told us he felt a powerful inspiration to create us from the same star. We were inseparable for thousands of years. Then, when I chose to leave with Vyco, it was as if part of my own soul was ripped from me. She tried to find me but I blocked her. I was ashamed, though I wouldn’t admit it. She stayed with Josiah, and I fell to earth. I’ve walked in the darkness since, until I came back into the light and found you. Even though it started out as something bad, you’ve saved me. I’ll never again live in the light of the heavens, never know the peace of it, but I can protect you - I will always love you,” he finished.

             
Phoenix looked at him, not knowing how she felt. She knew she should be nothing but terrified - that what he talked about was something she’d only imagined in nightmares. None of what he said could be real, it wasn’t possible. There was no such thing as angels and demons. What about all the monsters in the movies and books? We’re they all real? She didn’t really want to know the answer to that.

             
“I know this will take time to process. I don’t expect an answer from you right away, but if you can look past what you saw, in that brief moment in time, and focus on the great months we’ve spent together instead, then maybe you can forgive my lies. I wasn’t allowed to say
anything to you, and now that you know, you need to keep it to yourself. If everyone knew what was really out there, chaos would reign. I know that must seem like a joke since the world is in war right now, but good will win, it always does, and eventually your life will return to normal. I’ve watched this world try to wipe itself out countless times, it never succeeds.”

             
Not only was Phoenix expected to go on as if nothing had changed, he expected her to keep it all to herself. She didn’t know how she could possibly do that. She wanted to rush to Sadie immediately and tell her everything. There was no way she couldn’t tell her best friend.