After the Fall

surprised.

Rebecca’s face turned pink. “I may have cheated a little. Do you blame me? It smells delicious.”

There was another knock at the door, and Lash turned to Naomi. “You invited someone else?”

“Gabrielle. I hope you don’t mind.”

He leaned over and pecked her on the cheek. “Of course not.”

She went to the door while Lash entertained their guests. As soon as Gabrielle stepped in, there was a loud yapping from the back of the house that headed in their direction.

“Bear, knock it off,” Naomi said as Bear circled Gabrielle, barking.

Bear crouched in front of Gabrielle and growled.

Gabrielle threw her a glare, and Bear scuttled out of the room.

“Sorry about that,” Naomi said.

What in the world has gotten into that crazy dog? Naomi shook her head.

When she heard Lash in the background saying “good dog,” she rolled her eyes. Some things just never changed.

When Bear died, Naomi was distraught that she’d never see her again. Even though she was Welita’s dog, Naomi and Lash had grown to love the little mutt. Then one day when she was standing on the bridge checking in on Welita, Jeremy came with Bear in his arms. He had asked special permission to bring her as a belated gift for them.

After dinner, everyone sat around listening to Uri telling stories about his human life in Chernobyl. Lash was unusually quiet as the animated Uri talked about his obsession with the new wave band, A Flock of Seagulls. He didn’t even a say a word when Uri and Jeremy got into an argument about I, Ran being the best song of the decade.

She could feel that something was up when all Lash did was look over at Rebecca and Raphael. She wondered if he was thinking what she was.

After the binding ceremony, most of their time was spent lying in each other’s arms, taking strolls in the gardens, and playing with Bear. They rarely talked about their experience in the Lake of Fire. Although, she was curious about whether or not Lucifer would ever return. She figured if Jeremy was able to, then why not Lucifer.

“Um, Raphael. I was wondering something.”

“Oh, wait, Naomi,” Uri said. “I haven’t gotten to the good part yet, about Rachel getting a tattoo in 1986.”

Rachel spit out the coffee she was sipping. “They don’t want to hear about that.”

“I do!” Jeremy leaned forward. “Where is it?”

Gabrielle rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath. “Jeremy.”

“Not there!” Rachel slapped his hands away when he tried to lift her shirt. “Uri, we’ve monopolized the conversation enough already. Go ahead, Naomi.”

“I was just wondering. Is it possible for Lucifer to return? Not that I want him to or anything. It’s just that if Jeremy and Uri were able to return, then what about Lucifer?”

The room grew still as all eyes turned to Raphael.

“It is not up to us to decide if Lucifer does or does not return. Do not forget, the fallen still walk the Earth, and so does Saleos.”

Uri snorted. “That coward? He flew like a bat out of Hell as soon as Jeremy took Lucifer out. See what I did there?” He directed to Rachel. “Bat out of Hell? I did a funny, no?”

“Yes, yes. Very funny.” Rachel patted his knee.

“What if he does come back? You’re short by one archangel.” Naomi started to feel a little guilty about turning down the job.

Raphael smiled. “It’s true you were the seventh archangel. But there are others who can fill the role.” He threw a glance at Rebecca. “Just as Jeremiel started as a seraph and moved up in rank, so can others, if they wish.”

He looked at Naomi again. “Lucifer was after you not only because of your potential as an archangel but because of Lash’s love for you.”

Naomi nodded. She shuddered as she remembered Sal’s words. Lucifer basically used her as bait to get Lash to join him.

“I have a question about Lucifer,” Lash said in a soft voice. “And about...Mom.”

“Uh, Uri, Gabrielle, I think it’s time for us to leave now. Don’t you?” Rachel stood. “Thank you for having us, Naomi. Lash. Come on, Uri.” She tugged his arm.

“But I want to hear the question,” Uri whined.

“No, don’t leave. Please stay,” Rebecca said.

“Are you sure, Rebecca?”

Naomi looked at Gabrielle, shocked. This was the first time she’d heard Gabrielle address Rebecca. She knew Gabrielle was uncomfortable around her and that it was a small miracle she agreed to come to the dinner knowing Rebecca was going to be there. Naomi knew part of it was because Gabrielle had feelings for Raphael. Lash had told her he thought Gabrielle was in love with Raphael.

She looked around the room, and except for Jeremy, Lash, and herself, it seemed like everyone knew where the conversation was going.

“Yes, I’m sure.” Rebecca placed a hand in Raphael’s. “What is your question?”

Lash swallowed. “Is Lucifer my father?”

She closed her eyes and bit down on her lip as if wanting to keep in the answer. She took a breath and opened them, looking directly at Lash.

“Yes.”

Pain flashed across Lash’s face at the simple answer. “Raphael, you told me...you told me you were my father.”

“I told you that I was always a father to you. And I always will be, no matter what,” he said.

“Lucifer said he was my father. I didn’t want to believe him, but something inside of me knew it was true. It’s just...” he took a shaky breath and turned to Rebecca. “I don’t understand. How could you...and Lucifer...you were married to Raphael! You already had Jeremy!”

Rebecca winced at his accusations.

“I’m sorry,” he said, trying to calm himself. “Raphael’s right. He is my father. That’s all I need to know.”

Rebecca got up from her seat and sat next to him, placing an arm around him. “Lahash, Jeremiel, you both have a right to know. This family’s secrets have been going on for too long, and they have done great harm to all of us. Now is the time for healing. It’s time you know the true story about a family of broken angels.”

Naomi looked around the room. All eyes were set on Rebecca. She was finally going to hear it all. Even though she had memories of her past life back, there were still some things that didn’t make sense.

She took hold of Lash’s hand. With the expression on Rebecca’s face, she could tell it wasn’t going to be easy to hear. He looked at her, leaned in, and kissed her cheek. “Together?”

“Together,” she said.

Rebecca took a deep breath and then started her story. “It all began in 1400 BC when I met and fell in love with an archangel named Raphael.”

Thank You

Thanks for reading After the Fall, Book 2 of the Broken Angel Trilogy.

I anticipate the final book, Before the Fall, will be released in Spring 2014. Before the Fall is a prequel and will explain how your favorite family of angels: Lash, Naomi, Raphael, and Jeremy became broken.