The Angel's Covenant (The Covenant series) (13 page)

"He stayed as long as he could. In all your time away, he always came back, you will see him again" Elsbeth tells her once more. Exhausted she nods her head a
nd falls asleep clutching Jake.

"Thank you Elina! You brought her back to me. How will I ever thank you?"
He asks her through his tears.

"No Jake there is much more here than me and you. She was chosen by our maker for protection, you should thank him first." She says softly helping
him place Elsbeth back in bed.

Ronnie walks back in
carrying a cot, "You need sleep" he says setting it up quickly at the side of the bed. "You will both sleep better if you are together."

Ruby brings blankets and pillows. Walking over to the side of the bed she touches Elsbeth's brow. Turning to
him with fresh tears she says "she endured because of you Jake. Simeon, the Angel told her you were coming and it’s what kept her sane. He shielded her for some of it, but he could not protect her from everything. Be patient with her." She turns quickly and leaves the room.

Three more times during the night, Jake was awakened by Elsbeth's screams. Each time it was the reassurance that she would see Simeon again that calmed her. The final time, she looked at Jake with empty eyes and says "I begged him to let me die. W
hy didn't he let me die Jake?" she whispers in the dark.
"Awww Bethie, he knew I needed you. How would I survive without you?" Jake whispers back. "Elsbeth when I thought you were dead, darkness began to fill my soul. I wanted to kill, it’s all I thought about, how many I would kill and all the different ways I would do it."
"Jake I knew you were looking for me, it’s the only reason...I didn't break. He sang to me and told me stories and when the pain became too much he wrapped me in his golden wings and took my pain on himself." Elsbeth says weeping, reaching for his hand she continues "Thank you Jake for not giving up on me."
"Never, you can always count on me Elsbeth" Jake whispers.

Fifteen

"Time is precious and it grows short," Elina says looking at her family the next morning. "They know how to find the watchers. There was another demon, stronger than all the others and they were afraid of him. I believe he is the original Fallen, Father of the demon who killed my family."

"How can that be?” Ruby asks. 
"I don't know all the answers." Frustrated Elina twists her black hair up and clips it, "only what I was shown but I do know none of us are safe. We need to move and find the others."

"I don't like the idea of running normally, but
this is not a normal situation" Ronnie states, "we are stronger together; our strength will increase as our numbers do. We should go to Polly and tell her what's going on. She may have some answers."
Ruby smiles at him “I was thinking the same thing."
Elina looks at them with a sinking heart and knows they have to separate. "I have to find more watchers, but I don't know where to start."

"Maybe I can help with that," Jake says from the doorway. "Things happened so quickly, that I didn't get to tell you my story." Sitting he tells them of his childhood, and smiles at Elina as they laugh remembering the time they met as children. Then he tells them of Afghanistan, and his experience in the cave and how he met Heather; a watcher. He also told them of Seth, and the strange things that happened to him after the mission. Next h
e tells them about the stones.

"Aunt Ruby, can you show me the stones?" Elina asks excitedl
y looking at Jake, "Is it okay?

"Of course" Jake responds. Reaching across the table Ruby takes his hands as Jake closes his eyes. When he opens them again the q
uestions start all at once.

"That settles it
," Elina states, "I have to go to California. I need to see the stones and talk to this family of watchers."  Jake responds, "I want to go with you. Seth is like my brother, he should hear this from me. I have to talk to Elsbeth."  Ruby says, "I would feel better if Elsbeth stays with us. We can take her with us to Polly's, where she can heal while she trains."

Nodding his head, Ronnie agrees with his wife. "Polly is a trained medicine woman.
She can help her heal quickly." Humbled Jake replies, "I would feel better knowing she is with you, but she has to agree to it. I will talk to her."

Elina watches Jake leave and quietly walks to her Uncle Ronnie handing him the scroll from Malach. Unsure what she is walking into she says "I need you
to keep this safe for me." Looking at her, he accepts the scroll knowing the future is not set. "I will protect it, but I expect you to come back for it. No excuses!" he says firmly. Hugging him she wipes at tears and says "I will come back, I promise."

Sitting up in bed, later that evening Elsbeth is sipping a cup of chicken broth and talking to Ruby when Jake walks in. Watching a smile light her beautiful face Jake can't help but respond. Smiling at his sister he sits on the foot of the bed and says "You look amazing!"
"I had a shower, and Nurse Ruby says if I drink my broth, I get some fruit later. I feel a million times better." Yawning, she looks closely at her brother and says "okay spill it brother, what's going on?"

His smiles fades as he looks at Elsbeth and replies "Elsbeth I have so much to tell you, about Afghanistan and what's been going on here because it’s all connected." Jake begins his story as she listens quietly.
Looking away from him she stares out the window watching the sun set, and speaks softly saying "Jake we have been dealing with this all our lives. I don't want to be afraid anymore, he almost broke me." Looking back into eyes that mirror her own she says, "He tried, he showed me your death in every gruesome way possible" taking a deep breath she continues, "he showed me Mom and Dad being ripped apart by a hoard of demons, wiping their blood on me like oil .....Much more, much worse.”

"Beth you don't have to... he starts to say but she cuts him off
, "I have experienced what will happen to humanity if they win! Jake I would rather die fighting them then let them do to others what they did to me. They thrive off the fear and torture." Starting to shake again "if it weren't for Simeon..."

Holding her hand, Jake says "Beth if you go with Ruby and Ronnie, you will be trained. They can teach you how to protect yourself and others, but the choice is yo
urs."

"What choice do I have Jake, they know how to find me I will never be safe unless I do this. Will you be safe Jake? What about Mom and Dad?”
she asks him.
"Mom and Dad are not watchers. They are searching for the golden threads; maybe we can find a way to use that to our advantage. I will be training and finding others to help us fight. We won't be alone in this anymore and that gives me hope," he says. 

So much death and so much life and she can have neither. Elina sighs slipping away in the middle of the night for a break, she lets her tears flow. If she spoke her thoughts out loud would they all run screaming from her? How it possible to be so alone when surrounded by people? These traitorous thoughts haunt her, when she is supposed to be sleeping. Elina teleports to the top of a mountain hoping for a reprieve. Her soul is heavy with the cross it bears and some days, she feels weary. So much has changed, so quickly.

“How are you? They ask. “What would they think if they knew she was bone tired, weary, and exhausted. “I’m sorry,” she whispers to her maker. “Strengthen me so that I can do what you ask.” Enough with the pity party Elina, she tells herself.

Standing on the top of the mountain, listening to the wave’s crash against the rocks below she wishes once again that she could fly, just pause time and take a moment to be free.

“I told you
once, all you had to do was ask Elina. Whatever you need will be provided,” A deep voice says behind her.

Turning slowly, she looks at him with her tears drying. “Malach, how did you find me?” She asks not bothering to wipe her tears.

Stepping close he whispers “Ask me Elina.”

Taking a step back from him, close to the edge of the cliff, she looks up at
him with hope and says “Really?

“Ask Me.” He replies stretching his beautiful blue wings out. Reaching for her his hands rest on her waist and he waits.
Chills erupt over her entire body at his touch. Her smile could light the night sky, why didn’t I do this sooner he wonders. Stepping into the warmth of his body she asks boldly “Malach will you fly with me?”

His hands tightening on her waist is her only warning. Snapping his wings down he shoots into the night sky. Swallowing her scream she scrambles up his body, wrapping her arms and legs around him. Clinging to him with her face buried in his neck she feels his laughter and thinks; you could have warned me.

Reaching altitude Malach slows and soars slowly across the night sky. “Where’s the fun in that Elina?” he whispers in her ear. “Not funny Malach,” daring to lift her head; it is not the beauty of the night sky that takes her breath, but the feel of his body pressed to hers. His long black hair brushes against her face and she finds her hand sliding up the back of his neck and letting his silky black hair run through her fingers.

His green eyes lock onto hers and she leans in close to his neck inhaling.
“Why do you have to smell so good?” she wonders. Slowly she unlocks her legs from his waist and allows her body to slide down his.

The feel of her breasts on his chest dragging down his body causes every muscle in Malach’s body to jump and his grip on her waist tightens. Fascinated by the beauty of his chest and the runic cross tattoo
covering his heart; she traces its lines. Beautiful she sighs in her mind, distracted by the smell and feel of him, she thinks; will you taste as good as you feel?

“Elina” h
e growls at her. The smile on her face tells him that she knows exactly what she is doing. “What? You deserve it, scaring me like that.”

Twisting her body around in his arms he thinks, two can play at that game and he jerks her back hard against his body. “
Careful what you wish for Elina” he whispers picking up speed and she finally sees as he does. He feels her excitement and it joins his own as they dip down and soar just above the ocean. Turning slightly he drags the tip of his wing causing a wet spray to shower her in a mist of cold salty water. “Hey!” she squeals delighted by his playful side.

Reading her mind he slows his speed and drops low enough for her to see her reflection in the water below. She traces her fingers on the surface of the sea and laughs. Adjusting his wings he catches and updraft and rises up high enough to see the moon reflected on the sea. Sighing deep she whispers “Thank you, Malach.”

Chilled from the sea breeze and wind she snuggles back into his chest seeking his warmth, wiggling as she tries to get closer. He leans down close to her ear and says “Enough, Elina.’ Nipping at her ear she jumps at the feel of his hot breath and teeth. Her nipples harden and she feels her body heat in response. “Higher” she urges him no longer caring about anything but the feel of flying in his arms. Spreading her arms wide she leans out and enjoys the cold air as he pushes them higher with his massive wings.

Cresting, not daring to go any higher; he stops in mid air spinning her body around, he is dazzled by the bliss on her face. With her head thrown back, her hair streaming down around her he laughs at the joy he feels in her soul. Her wet clothes are plastered to her skin outlining the beauty of her body. Realizing they are no longer moving her eyes look down, then up meeting his eyes and her heart stops. “Malach?” she whispers scared by the intensity she reads in them.

Pulling her close he wraps his large blue wings around them cocooning them in his heat. Savoring the feel of her, he leans his head close to her neck and he breathes her in, deep into his soul and he knows he will never be the same again. Turning up the heat, he runs his hands up and down her arms warming her body and he begins a slow spin.

Reaching up she cups his face in her hands and sees the longing in her heart mirrored in his eyes. Malach rests his forehead against her and slows his spin as his feet touch the earth. Unfurling his wings he sets her on her feet, back on the mountain top once more. Turning without a word he flies away. The frigid air
returns and her heartbeat slowing she hears him say “That is why angels do not fly with humans.”

Sixteen

Goodbyes are never easy, but always inevitable. Sometimes to find our destiny we must walk alone, and sometimes it is in the company of others that we find our strength. Jake contacts Seth telling him of Elina. Heather invites them to her family ranch in Northern California. Not sure if the demons could track them through her powers, they decide to fly. Teleporting more than one person requires a lot of energy, and she is still replenishing after the last few days. After a two hour flight, they rented a jeep at the airport and loaded their suitcases. "Seth said it’s just over an hour from the airport." Jake tells Elina as he opens the door to the jeep for her.

Elina looks at Jake and smiles at him, "Good, that will give us time to talk." Climbing into the jeep she remains quiet until he finds the interstate. "Do you trust this f
riend of yours Jake?" she asks. "With my life," he answers with no hesitation. "I did every day we worked together." 

"What about the girl, Heather? What
do you know about her?" she continues.
"I know that she is a watcher that her Grandfather knows their family history and she was in a hurry to get the stones back to him. She is impulsive, stubborn and crazy," he replies. "You like her," Elina states smiling.
"Yes, I think she's great for Seth. You know I only have eyes for you, beautiful," he says reaching for her hand and pressing a kiss to the knuckles.

Watching his lips touch her hand she pulls gently away thinking of Malach. "That's not what I meant, Jake, I only meant that you
… Well I just thought that..."

"Easy Elina, I was just teasing. They are crazy about each other, and I admire her spun
k. That's all," he says firmly.

Deciding to change the subject he asks "Tell me about your Aunt Polly? Will she be able to help
Elsbeth?"  Relieved, Elina replies "She will help her heal, and train her. Aunt Polly was never one to do what she was told; she likes to push the boundaries. She has had an amazing life, and her and Uncle Ronnie pick but they adore each other. Aunt Ruby just sits back and lets them go at each other because she knows her sister loves him too."

Turning to look at the scenery passing by, she says "I know Elsbeth will be safe and I feel better knowing they are together. There is strength in numbers. Do you know how many
people live on the ranch?"

"It is a working guest ranch; they are closed for the holid
ays because of the cold weather," Jake replies. “I believe it’s just Heathers family and the few hands that stay on the property to handle the animals. The employees live on the property in their own homes."

"That is a relief. What we need to discuss is best done in private. Jake we are on borrowed time, I feel like every second passed is another second wasted," frustrated she looks out the window obliviou
s to the beautiful sunset.

"Our turn is just ahead," Jake says driving he turns down a paved road that is lined by large snow covered trees. A large wooden signs reads Crystal Creek Ranch. Driving down a winding road
 toward the main house Jake says "Elina, just remember that you are not alone in this. I will help you in any way I can."
"Thank you Jake,” she replies.

Jake parks in front of an enormous log cabin, with triple balconies. Two enormous beams flank the front entrance and a wraparound porch is decorated with eucalyptus leaves, and holly berries. A large Christmas wreath is hanging on a stunning craftsman style door. The light glowing from the windows seems to say welcome. Stepping from the jeep, Elina watches as a young woman comes outside with
a man following behind her.

Seth smiles as he watches Jake hug Heather, careful of her cast on her arm. "You’
re looking better." Jake says. "He has been taking good care of me." She replies stepping back so Jake can greet Seth. Elina watches as the three greet each other like old friends. Smiling she walks forward and greets Heather.
"We have dinner ready, and my grandfather is desperate to meet you" Heather tells Elina.

"It's nice of your family to welcome us."
Elina says as they walk inside. Heather smiles responding, "It's what we do."

Jake and Elina step into a grand entrance and stop. They find themselves standing inside a great room with twenty foot ceilings. A large seating area with leather couches faces an enormous grey stone fireplace. The warmth emanating from roaring fire draws them in, and they are welcomed by Heat
hers parents, Scott and Sophia.

Heathers Father shakes Jakes hand saying "Our daughter tells us you are the reason she is alive."
Jake shakes his head and says "No sir, it was the team that saved her life."
"Seth tells it differently," Heathers mother responds stepping up and hugging him tight. "Regardless we thank you for bringing our daughter back to us."
Jake looks over at Seth knowing he is enjoying this. "It's okay Cap, you will get used to being called a hero" Seth tells his friend.

Heather laughs and grabs Seth's hand. "Like you did? You run every time you have to meet someone new." Seth kisses her hard on the mouth, knowing it’
s the only way to silence her. Elina smiles as she watches the interaction between the friends.

"You have a lovely home. Thank you for lettin
g us visit on such short notice" Elina says talking to Sophia.
Scott walks up behind his wife and places his hands on her shoulders saying "You are welcome."

"Why don't we go eat, and you all can catch up." Sophia suggests moving away. "My father is resting he will
join us in the library later."Jake watches as Heather moves to Seth and he wraps his arms around her from behind. It is clear they are happy together.

After dinner they are invited to the library to meet Heather's Grandfather. He is waiting with Heather's parents. They walk into an exquisite two story library filled with rich mahogany shelving and leather sofas.
  A large stone fireplace is flanked by more shelves, with a beautiful stained glass picture hanging over top. A separate seating area with two wing back leather chairs and a coffee table is off to one side. Sitting near the fireplace in a wheelchair is Heather's grandfather.
He looks up when they walk in and smiles.

"Hi Grampy
" Heather says walking to his side, taking his hand.  “This is Jake and Elina."
Removing his glasses, he shakes Jakes hand saying "I've heard all about you, son. Thank you for saving my girl."
"You’re welcome," Jake says stepping back so Elina can move forward.

"I've have been waiting a long time to meet you. You may call me Daniel. It is an honor to meet you Elina. We have heard stories of keepers but
our family has only watchers."

"The honor is mine Daniel." Elina says taking his hand in hers. Elina looks into the faded green eyes of the old man and smiles. He is tall and lean, with a full head of white hair.

"Thank you. Let’s all go over to the sofa’s and get comfortable so we can talk about why your here. You didn't come all this way to meet an old man."

"Jake told me about Heather and the stones, and of Seth. I was curious, and hoping to find some answers,” Elina replies.
 

Glancing away for a moment, Elina's eyes are drawn to the fireplace once more. Above it hangs a beautiful stained glass tree with branches reaching up to the sky. The branches have new growth and beautiful jewel colored leaves. The trunk is thick brown and the roots leading down are strong and healthy. The vision comes fast; the leaves move and tremble from an unseen wind and begin to shrivel up and fall off. The roots of the tree start to wither and curl up, and the trunk splits in two! Elina is used to the visions and takes it as a warning s
ending a prayer of thanks.

"My family is also watchers, I am the first keeper. We did not mix with other watchers because
my gifts were volatile at first," Elina tells them with a small laugh. Looking at Seth and Heather with curiosity Elina asks, “I have never heard of a keeper being created, can you tell me about that?"

Heather sits on the
arm of the chair where Seth is seated. "I did not know at first that anything had happened to him. During the rescue Seth was holding me in his arms, carrying me out when they attacked. He could not see what Jake and I could see, I only prayed for help."

Seth r
eaches up and takes her hand "When she held my face in her hands and whispered the prayer, almost immediately I could see them crawling along the ceiling." Jake leans in to Seth saying "Welcome to the club cowboy! I've been seeing things my whole life."

Elina smiles at the obvious friendship and asks Seth "Why does he call you cowboy?"
"We'll now Darlin' maybe when I have known you longer I'll tell you about it," Seth replies with a smile and a country drawl. Heather laughs and shoves at him saying "don't fall for the accent Elina, it’s all an illusion."

"Never heard you complain, an
gel," he responds with a laugh. "Alright you two let her ask her questions" Daniel says smiling.

"Seth, what were you gifted with?" Elina asks him.
His smile fades as he leans forward and says "I see demons, shadows or shapes. I have the ability to manipulate elements, but not for very long."

"Jake has similar gifts" Elina tells him. "You will gain more control, with training and time. This is amazing," she says excitedly.
Everyone is settled around the fireplace as Sophia brings in coffee. "If you have never had a keeper in your family how do you protect yourselves while you are watching?" Elina asks Daniel.
Scott walks over to the bookcase and grabs a large leather bound book off the shelf. Inside is a map of the property. He hands Elina the map telling her, “This property is littered with caves. One in particular is sacred,” Scott looks at Daniel and waits unsure how much to say.  ‘We found that the crystal lining caves provide protection.”

"The caves were used for our watching; it was a safe place away from family and visitors to
practice,” Daniel interjects. “We are a working ranch; we have hundreds of visitors every year. I thought it best not to watch where we work." He pauses for a moment looking at his daughter. "It's okay Dad," Sophia assures him. "Tell them the rest."

"As a boy I used to play in the crystal caves that circle this property. It was there, I found it Elina, the paintings that told of the war to come; the final war to end all wars. These paintings were prophetic paintings along the walls of one crystal cave. My father and grandfather studied them a
nd wrote them down in this book," resting his withered hand on the aged book Scott placed in his lap.

"On Sophia's eighth birthday, I planned to take her with me to
the caves, but we were delayed," he says. Anna the nurse comes in and gives Daniel some medicine, and a glass of water, returning to the kitchen.

"What stopped you?" Ja
ke asks after the nurse leaves. "A man lost on our property. We were riding our horses when we heard his calls for help. It looked like his leg was broken, so I jumped from my horse to help him but just before I touched him, he changed."

"Changed how?" Seth responds.
"He shifted, his skin rippled and he became....Me."
Elina leans in to listen as he continues. "He grabbed me, and we struggled. Sophia began screaming and the noise spooked her horse throwing her to the ground, knocking the wind from her. I tried to run towards her but he still held me." His milky eyes are filled with anxiety as he looks at his daughter.

"I tried to get to you Angel
." He whispers looking at her. Rushing to her father’s side Sophia grabs his hand, kneeling down “its okay Dad, you don't have to...."

Yes I do
" he says firmly. "It is important." Patting her hand he continues speaking.

"He picked me up and threw me into a group of large trees. The force of the impact broke my back and I found I could not move my legs. I watched my Sophia run towards me crying and,” pausing for a moment he takes a deep breath before continuing “then I watched her begin to scream and fight when he picked her up. She fought like a tiger, kicking and scratching, biting, so enraged he had to drop her. He told her to do what he said or he would make her watch as he killed me,
" voice trembling he stops.

Sophia continues for him saying "He told me
if I fought him he would kill my Father and then we would go back to the ranch. He didn’t have to say anymore, his eyes said it all. He would kill everyone I loved and make me watch." Sophia says quietly, "I wiped my eyes and stopped crying. This time when he reached for my hand I took it."

"What did he want from you? Elina asks.
"He wanted me to take him to the crystal caves to see the paintings. I knew it was my fault he found us, and I had to try to make it right. I had been secretly practicing my watching in my room. I led them to us."

"How is that possible?" Jake asks.
"They followed my thread," Sophia replies looking at her daughter. "You mean they can follow us by our thread?!" Heather asks shocked.
"Yes," her grandfather replies. "That is why we only practiced in the caves. They shield us."