Jeremy (Broken Angel #4) (10 page)

“
L
ife as an archangel
isn’t easy,” Gabrielle’s voice echoed in the chamber.

Jeremy lifted his head. Shadows from the flickering candlelight danced on her lovely face. She and Uri were the only two people who knew what had happened to him while he’d been away on his so-called extended assignment on Kauai. Since his return, he’d tucked away his memories of Leilani and Sammy into the deepest recesses of his mind. It hurt too much to think of them . . . of what could have been if he had stayed. His memories were fresh, and the hurt was still raw. For him, it’d only been a few months since he’d last seen them. For them, it had been years. They’d probably forgotten all about him by now.

“No, it isn’t,” he said, pushing away his memories of Kauai.

“We all see how faithful you are. You never question your duty. That’s why we all cherish you. You’re the one we can all rely on.”

Yep, that’s me. Mr. Reliable.
And for his loyalty, he was blessed.

“And maybe someday you’ll move even higher,” she added.

Once upon a time, those were words he’d longed to hear, to be equals with Gabrielle and Michael and to lead not only the seraphs but other archangels as well. But now, he didn’t care. All he could think about was how messed up his life had become since he’d fallen in love with Naomi.

“Yeah, maybe,” he said.

He glanced at the assignment hidden in her closed hand. Maybe that was the secret. Gabrielle was all business. He could be the same. Just throw himself back into his work. As long as he kept his distance from humans, he’d be fine. If Gabrielle could do it, so could he.

“So you have an assignment for me?”

Gabrielle bit down on her lip for a moment, hesitating. “Yes, but maybe Uri should take this one. Though Michael was adamant that you take it, I think I might be able to persuade him otherwise.”

Jeremy looked at her, shocked. In all the time he’d known Gabrielle, she’d never switched an assignment. She’d always done her duty. There were times that she spoke on another’s behalf, like when she’d requested that she take over Naomi’s training instead of him. But never when it came to an assignment.

“I’m fine, Gabrielle. Really. I’m over the pity party and ready to get back to work.”

She looked down at his open hand. “Are you sure? Once I hand this over to you, I won’t be able to do anything to change it.”

“You bet. I’m ready. Give it to me.”

Letting out a slow breath, she slowly placed the paper in his hand.

Why did she look like she’d just given him a death sentence for someone he cared about?

Leilani. Sammy.

He stared at the folded paper, his stomach cold, afraid to look at the name.

Please don’t let it be them.

Bracing himself, he unfolded the paper as he read the name. Mixed feelings swarmed within him, relief it wasn’t Leilani or Sammy and torment that he recognized the name.

“Are you sure . . . this . . . this is the assignment?” He could barely ask the question.

“We’re always sure. Once we’ve determined it’s a person’s time to go to the other side, there is no going back.”

“Why not?”

Green eyes flicked to his with surprise. He’d never questioned Heavenly policy. He maybe bended the rules a bit, to her annoyance, but he never broke them. Lash was the rule breaker in the family. As he gazed down at the name, he wished he could be like his brother.

“Well, because . . . because . . . it just isn’t done.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“What other answer do you want?”

“I want to know why. Why does this person have to die now?”

“All humans die. No one lives forever.”

“We do.”

“We’re angels.”

He let out a frustrated breath. “What if I didn’t do this?”

“Then Uri will take over, and if not him, someone else, but it will get done,” she said.

“And I would be punished.”

“Yes . . .
and
demoted.” She gazed at him, puzzled by his arguments. “Jeremiel, I understand your anguish, but this is the way it must be . . . to go against it would be wrong.”

For some reason, at that moment, he thought about Saleos. It was possible for humans to live forever, but it was done at a high price.

His finger lined the name on the paper. It was not a price he’d wish on anyone.

“Fine. I’ll do it.”

“
S
top right there
, Jeremy.”

Lash’s furious voice rang out through the courtyard. The handful of angels milling around the courtyard stopped and stared at Jeremy.

Jeremy stiffened at the chorus of whispers. Angel gossip was at an all-time high at his family’s expense. He’d even heard of under-the-table bets as to whether or not he and Lash would have another brawl.

Glaring, Jeremy flicked his wings. The sound cracked through the air, silencing them. Quickly, they bowed their heads and rushed out of the courtyard, leaving him alone with Lash.

Slowly, Jeremy turned to face him. He could feel the anger coming off of Lash in waves as his brother marched toward him.

Naomi told him.
Why wouldn’t she? He was her husband.

Lash stopped inches from his face and folded his arms across his chest. Blazing hazel eyes locked with his.

“Explain yourself,” he growled.

“It was my fault. I take all the blame. Go ahead. Let me have it.” He was ready for his brother’s blows. He could take it. He deserved it.

“What did you say to Naomi?”

He blinked, confused. “She didn’t tell you?”

“She was crying so hard, I could barely understand what she was saying. She said something about stopping you and some nonsense about you leaving.”

Jeremy let out a breath of relief. He didn’t know whether or not it was a good thing that she hadn’t said anything about the pillow or about him almost kissing her. It was bound to come out one way or another.

“I was thinking about it,” he said.

“Well, stop thinking about it,” Lash snapped. “I just got you back. Our family is finally together. How could you even think about leaving after all we’ve been through with Lucifer, and you dying, and the . . . ?”

Lash paused, his eyes widening as realization flashed over his face.

“It’s Naomi.”

Jeremy couldn’t hide it anymore. He had to tell him the truth.

“Yes. I—” He took a bracing breath. “I lied to you. I’m still in love with her.”

The air around them stilled. It was so quiet he could hear Lash’s steady breathing. He was ready for a fist to come flying through the air. What was taking so long?

“Hmm. That’s . . . strange,” Lash finally said after a long silence.

“Uh, bro, I’m confused.” He’d expected Lash to deck him, tackle him to the ground, and beat him to a pulp.

“I think I knew you were lying.”

“You did?”

“Yeah. You can’t just turn off loving someone like that.” Lash snapped his fingers. “And now that you’ve actually admitted it, you’d think I’d be pissed.”

“You should be.”

“I’m not.” Lash looked at him with surprise. “I know Naomi loves me. I know you love me. I trust you . . . both of you.”

“I would never do anything to hurt either of you. That’s why I thought it best that I leave.”

“You can’t solve your problems by running—whoa! I sound like Naomi.”

“Yeah, you do.” He grinned.

They looked at each other for moment and then laughed. He didn’t deserve Lash’s understanding, but he was grateful for it.

Lash slapped Jeremy on the back as they walked to a nearby bench. “So what are we going to do about this?”

“I don’t know. I don’t really want to leave, either. I had a moment of weakness. I’m not used to feeling helpless like this.”

“Welcome to my world.”

Jeremy chuckled. “It kinda sucks.”

“Tell me about it.” Lash elbowed him playfully.

“How did you do it all those years?”

“You mean all those years when I was basically like gum on the bottom of someone’s shoe?”

Jeremy jerked back in his seat. He’d only been feeling like a helpless jerk for a short period of time. It was nothing compared to what Lash had been through.

“Is that how you felt all those years?”

“Sometimes,” Lash sighed. “Well . . . most of the time. I was never like you, you know, the most admired angel in Heaven. This being loved and belonging to a family is new for me.”

Jeremy threw himself back against the backrest and groaned. “This is so stupid. I should be able to handle this.”

“Hey, don’t be so hard on yourself. I don’t blame you for being in love with Naomi. You can’t help who you love. Damn, there I go again—”

“Sounding like Naomi.” Jeremy smiled.

“Yeah, don’t tell her. She’ll be wearing that smug smile of hers for weeks. I’ll never hear the end of it.”

They laughed. It felt good to see a smile on his brother’s face. Maybe they could make this work out after all.

“So you got an assignment?” Lash pointed to the paper in his hand.

His smile faded. This was going to be a tough one. He hoped Lash could help ease the blow. He was the only one who could.

“I’m leaving on an assignment. I need to ask a favor,” he said.

“Sure. Anything.”

“Don’t let Naomi out of your sight today. And don’t let her go to the bridge.”

“Why? What’s going on?”

He fingered the paper in his hand. “Please, just do it, okay?”

Lash turned to him. Dark lashes lowered as they studied the paper and then back up to Jeremy. His face paled.

“Tell me.” His voice was hoarse.

Jeremy shook his head. Why did this assignment have to happen today? Even if Lash managed to keep Naomi from the bridge, eventually he’d have to face her. He dreaded what would happen after he returned.

“Tell me, Jeremy.” Lash raised his voice, pressing him.

Jeremy swallowed thickly and handed him the paper. He watched Lash’s pale face grow impossibly whiter, hands shaking, as he read its contents.

“It’s a mistake.” Lash’s wide eyes gazed at him.

“That’s what I told Gabrielle. She said it wasn’t.”

“We can’t. I can’t . . .” His voice shook as he tossed the paper back at Jeremy.

“Come on, bro. You have to keep it together for Naomi. She can’t know about this.”

“Buy us some time, Jeremy. I’ll go to Michael. Maybe we can get a couple of years . . . months. I’ll take anything.”

“He won’t do it. You know that.”

Lash leapt to his feet. “We can at least try!”

“Be strong,” he said. Standing, he placed an arm around his shaking brother. “You know as well as I do this is the normal process of human life. Death comes to them all.”

Cold washed over his body, making him shiver. He almost hated himself for saying those words. How could those words be of any comfort to anyone, and who were they meant to comfort? It sounded so fake.

“This. Will. Kill her. You know it will. She’ll find out eventually. We can’t hide this for long.”

“I know.” His voice was soft. “But you’ll be there to help her through it. You’re her strength.”

“She’ll need all of her family with her. You’ll be there too. Right, brother?”

Jeremy looked into Lash’s mournful eyes. They would both need him. But as he looked down at the name on the paper, he wondered if Naomi would even be able to look at him once his assignment was complete.

He fingered the name on the paper, wishing he could make the name “Anita Duran” disappear.

T
he sunrise’s
orange blaze was just as glorious on the Texas horizon as it was in Kauai. There was the same hushed peace lingering in the air the moment before the land slowly woke from slumber. Warm air rustled through an oak tree, gently pushing the worn tree swing hanging from a branch. The swing gently glided back and forth, waiting for someone to ride it. Lining the porch railing of the two-story house, birds chirped their morning salutations. It was a typical Texas country home with the requisite barbecue grill and gray-and-blue mailbox, proudly displaying the colors of the residents’ favorite football team.

Jeremy touched his hand to the mailbox, gazing at the words that made this home special.

The Durans.

He waited outside the home where Naomi’s grandmother lived, the woman everyone around her affectionately called Welita. He’d never had the chance to formally meet her. He’d only seen her from afar. He couldn’t help but hold great respect for her. Despite the years of heartache, first losing her son, and then Naomi, her faith had never wavered. Naomi got her strength from Welita. He fervently prayed Naomi could hold on to that strength when Welita was gone.

The screen door opened, and Welita hobbled outside. Glasses hanging from a chain swayed as she maneuvered her way onto the porch.

He chuckled when he spotted her pimped-out walker. It was racecar red with a leopard print basket hanging from the front bar. Bright yellow lightning streaks were painted along the side metal bars.

Welita settled into the padded porch swing with a huff. She then reached into the basket and pulled out a travel mug and a touchscreen tablet.

“Buenos dias, mi hijo y mijita. And you too, Lash. I didn’t forget you.”

His throat grew thick as she waved at the sky, bidding good morning to her son, Naomi, and Lash. It was as if she did this everyday as part of her normal routine.

Taking a sip of her coffee, she placed her glasses on the tip of her nose.

“Let’s see what’s happening in the world today.” She swiped the screen with her finger. “Ay, Dios mío! Another shooting.”

Jeremy smiled as she crossed herself and muttered a prayer, not only for the victims, but for everyone involved, even the shooter. This was a woman who believed in the good in everyone. His chest tensed as he gazed at her, wondering what she’d think about him when he had to take her away from her family.

Licking her finger, as if she were turning a page in a newspaper, she swiped the screen again.

Then out of nowhere, the warm breeze suddenly turned eerily cold.

Her hand froze in midair, hovering over the tablet.

Jeremy took a step forward. Something was wrong.

Slowly she lifted her head and peered in his direction. Fear was in her eyes.

Fear? Of him?

His chest ached at the thought. Of course she’d be afraid of him. All humans dreaded death. She was no exception.

She reached into the pocket of her housedress and pulled out a necklace. Wrinkled brown fingers clung to a crucifix necklace. Tiny diamonds sparkled blue and white.

He’d seen the necklace before. It had been Naomi’s. Bear had taken it to Welita after Rachel had helped the crazy little fur ball escape from Lucifer’s army. It was all Welita had left of Naomi.

His heart broke even more as she held on to it, praying for strength as she stared right at him. He knew she believed in angels. His mother had watched over her for years. But she couldn’t see them, and it was too soon for her to see him. Only people who were close to death saw him.

“Can you see me, Mrs. Duran?” he whispered.

“No, but we can.”

He jolted back at the sound of the familiar voice—a voice he thought he’d never hear again. Pulling himself together, he turned to meet the dark angel.

“Saleos. So you’ve crawled out of the hole you were hiding in . . . and you’ve brought your brothers, too. Jether. Joab.”

He gazed at the trio dressed in suits. It was the type of clothing he used to wear. The dark suits were finely tailored to mold over their bodies. Saleos had on his signature crocodile boots, shined to a gleam.

The demon twins grunted in greeting. He’d seen them a few times over the years and never thought anything of them other than they were with Lucifer and therefore the enemy. They looked exactly the same as they did in his memories of them. Same dark eyes. Same tanned skin. Hard muscle over every inch of their bodies.

He eyed them closer. Was he imagining things, or were they even bigger than the last time he’d seen them? Too bad they’d both shaved their heads. You’d think one would keep the hair, give people a break so they could know who was who.

“I guess you two got tired of all that hair. I get it. Ancient Ai hairstyles were so last year . . . or last century. Less time to—”

He peered at Joab’s head. A redback spider was tattooed on the side.

“Dude. You’ve got a spider on your head. I’ll go get a can of Raid for you.”

Saleos snapped his fingers and the twins immediately went to Jeremy’s side, blocking his escape.

“I see the archangels have given you your memory back. And yet they still sent you here.”

Jeremy tensed. His hand itched to wipe the smirk of Saleos’s face.

“Pay up.” Saleos held his hand out to Joab. “Was I right or was I right? Didn’t I tell you Michael would resurrect his most prized archangel?”

“Yes, you were.” Joab slapped a hundred-dollar bill into his brother’s hand.

“So how long after you were brought back did they wait before sending you to retrieve the old woman? No need to answer. I know the archangels are cruel despite their claims of being caring and good. And yet,
we
are the ones who are considered immoral.”

Saleos leaned in closer, holding Jeremy’s gaze.

“And I knew you’d come to do your
duty,
despite your affection for the lovely Naomi. Some things never change. Duty first, right Jeremiel, my old friend?”

Jeremy’s jaw locked tight as his fingers curled into fists. He wanted to beat the dark angel senseless, drag his and his brothers’ sorry asses to the Lake of Fire, and be done with them. The cool voice of reason whispered in the back of his mind that Saleos was anticipating he’d strike out first.

He thought about Welita. He didn’t dare turn around to check on her. Saleos wanted something, and he’d do anything to get it. Whatever Saleos had up his sleeve, he had to make sure Welita and her family were kept safe and away from them.

“You bet.” He plastered a smile on his face. He was strong, maybe even stronger than Saleos. But not even he could beat all three of them if it came to battle.

“Of course, some things never change, like the time I whipped your ass in the race,” he continued. “I’m sure by now you realize I was holding back all those years.”

Saleos scowled. “That changed as soon as Lucifer turned me. I pity the one who dares to test me. It’s a shame Uriel didn’t follow through on his word, or you and your so-called brother would be like us.”

Jeremy thought of the sacrifice Uri had made so that he and Lash were spared. He’d returned to warn Michael about what Lucifer was doing—creating an army of demons. But most of all, Lucifer had wanted his son, Lash, by his side. By betraying Lucifer, he’d been held captive in the Lake of Fire, the lava slowly eating away his life force until he was dead. Uri’s death had been their salvation.

The porch swing creaked, and Saleos’s eyes flicked up. He gazed over Jeremy’s shoulder, looking thoughtful.

Shit!

Saleos was here for her . . . and probably the entire family. Anything to bring Naomi and Lash down to Earth and directly to him. It was the perfect trap.

Saleos laughed at the horrified expression on his face. “I’m not here to do your job, either. You’ll bring anguish to the Duran family soon enough. I don’t have to do that for you. I’m much too busy for that. Though it would be entertaining to watch you work your destruction. Bringing an entire family and their friends to their knees in one night is impressive.”

Pain stabbed Jeremy’s chest. There was no denying the truth of his words.

“I’m here to make you an offer. Wait.” Saleos lifted his hand when he opened his mouth to say no. “Have I ever lied to you?”

Jeremy was about to answer yes when he paused. His mind whirled, searching for a time, past and present. He couldn’t. His nostrils flared as he gritted his teeth.

“See there? I’ve always been truthful with you, even when you didn’t want to hear it. I showed you the truth when I gave you a glimpse of your ancient past, but you didn’t want to believe, remember?”

Jeremy thought about New Mexico. He’d stopped Saleos in the middle of the highway to give Lash and Naomi time to escape. In one simple word—Hizaher, the Hebrew command to remember—Saleos had opened a window he didn’t know had been closed to him.

“My answer is still the same as it was back then. There’s nothing you can say that would ever convince me to join you. Lash and Naomi are safe and far from here.”

Saleos waved his hand. “They are of no interest to me, you fool. That was Lucifer’s wish, not mine. And he is all but ash. I have bigger plans. But in order to reach them, I need to rebuild. I don’t have the political connections Mr. Luke Prescott, had so I have to build from scratch. Most of the fallen went off on their own after the little stunt you pulled at the Lake of Fire. You may even be impressed if you’ve seen what I’ve built in Vegas. All I’m asking is for you to come for a visit.”

Jeremy let out a breath of relief. Was that it? He didn’t want Lash or Naomi, only him? He could handle that.

“Ooh, Vegas, why didn’t you—No!” After decades of asking, you’d think Saleos would take a hint and stop bothering him about joining forces. Saleos was as arrogant now as he had been as a human in Ai. “The answer is and will always be no.”

“Don’t be so quick to turn down my invitation, Jeremiel. Joab, give our old friend a taste of what we’ve discovered. And I”—he whipped out a smartphone from his pocket—“will make sure to have a video recording of the occasion. Who knows, it may just go viral. It’ll make a great recruitment tool.”

“Don’t bother. I’m—”

Jether’s arm flew around him. Jeremy gasped as Jether crushed down on his chest, holding him still. He felt every inch of Jether’s rock-hard body on his back. His heart raced. He couldn’t even move. He could barely breathe.

“Don’t you think . . . you should . . . take me out to dinner first?” he gasped.

Joab placed himself in front of him. “Oh, we will. Relax. You’re going to enjoy this. Neshamah!”

Jeremy looked at him, confused when Joab said the Hebrew would for soul. Was something supposed to happen?

Joab growled with frustration. He cupped Jeremy’s head between his thick hands.

“Neshamah!” Joab repeated, demanding Jeremy’s soul to appear.

This is nonsense.
Whatever they were trying was obviously not working. If he flicked his wings quickly, he could get Jether off him, then—

A jolt of electricity smashed into the center of his being. His body jolted as he’d been struck by lightning. A strange warming sensation crawled up his legs and up his torso.

Jether let go, freeing his arms. Jeremy made a motion to rip Joab’s hands off his face. He thought he did, but nothing was moving. It was as if his body wasn’t there. He couldn’t feel it.

Stunned, he looked up at Joab’s smug smile. Slowly, Joab leaned in as if he was about to kiss him and whispered, “Shayna.”

Sapphire eyes widened as darkness fell over his eyes like a curtain, shutting him away from the world.

What did he do? What did he—?