Christmas Eve, Hunter thinks, sitting on his deck watching the sun welcome the day. He sits in prayer asking for guidance on the journey he is about to take and pleads for the correct words to convince Alex that this is what must happen. He looks up as he hears Alex move beside him, he watches as his son sits beside him, bows his head, and prays.
“Father, today we thank you for the gift of your son so long ago. We ask that you enlighten our path, so we may do your bidding.”
Hunter says “Amen.”
“We need to talk,” Hunter, says standing up and stretching.
Alex stands and looks at his Father. “You can’t keep me hidden forever.
Surprise rushes through Hunters body. “I know that Alex, I only want to do what I feel is right for you. Yesterday Elina came to me and asked me to take Varena and the baby to safety. She feels that the Angel’s Covenant is broken and she no longer trusts them. In the mind of the Fallen, the birth of this baby proves that they were lied to. Many more will fall now. Some will want revenge.”
Pacing he continues saying, “Raphaim is unstable. He does not want Varena and the baby now, but what happens when he changes his mind? I can’t protect them without your help, son.”
Alex listens without arguing. “Elina will need my help soon, Dad. I think she is correct in moving them and you are the perfect person to protect them.”
With a serious look, he tells Hunter. “Understand, I am the ace, Dad,” he says determined to make him understand. “The Fallen now know about the book. Raphaim will free them all. In doing so he will build an army that will be faithful to him. They will go after Elina with everything they have and she is not strong enough to defend against that.”
“I understand that you think that Alex, but she is the Keeper. No one can know about this. We will tell no one where we are going; Elina has said she will provide everything we need. A few days more and we must go. Your time is not yet upon us. In order to be the ‘Ace’ you must remain safe and hidden.” Alex starts to argue, but stops when Hunter holds up his hand.
“I promise when our Father calls you to fight, I will not hold you back. I will do everything I can to help you meet your destiny. Right now, we have two people who will need all our skills to protect them. The question is will you trust my judgment until then?”
Frustration boils in Alex’s soul but he knows his father is right. “I will do as you ask until I feel it is time to act. I guess we should pack.”
Heading inside, they both are quiet as they begin to gather important documents and clothes. Hunter walks into his bedroom and looks around. Picking up the picture of his wife, he traces her face with his finger. “I wish you were here to see him. You would be so proud, angel. Watch over him, when I can’t” he whispers and places her photo back on the dresser.
Elsbeth wakes alone once more. Grabbing the pillow she pulls it to her body and wraps her arms around it. Inhaling his fragrance, she smiles. As she looks around the room, she sees a small white box with a note. Tossing the pillow aside she jumps up and runs to the box. Carefully she opens the note and reads:
Since I have stolen your heart, I thought it only fair to give you mine in return. Merry Christmas Elsbeth
Carefully opening the small white box she finds a tiny crystal heart necklace resting on a pillow of black velvet. It is filled with gold angel dust. With tear filled eyes she puts her necklace on and it rests perfectly over her heart. “Merry Christmas, Simeon.”
She hurries through her shower, dresses in jeans and a sweater, and gathers her gifts for everyone. Excitement hums through her and she prays that they provide the safety required for the watchers. Quickly she goes to her work station set up near the window and decides that she has two more gifts to make, one for Varena and one for the baby. Getting to work, she skips breakfast and finishes about two hours later. Smiling at the perfect creations, she wraps them carefully and decides to join her family.
Jake smiles when Elsbeth steps into the living room. “Beth, how are you feeling? All healed?”
With a quick nod she tells him “I am fine, just sore.” Looking at Ruby holding the baby, she walks over and coos over her. “Ohhh, you are so beautiful. May I hold her?” Simeon had filled her in on all they had missed.
Ruby laughs “Of course. I will get us some coffee.” Handing the baby over, Ruby moves off to the kitchen. Elsbeth holds the tiny perfection and sighs. There is no use wishing for what she will never have. Jake sits beside her and touches her tiny fist.
“What is next for us, Jake? We can’t stay here forever, and I think I am a hindrance to you.” Elsbeth asks looking at Jake.
His eyes meet hers and he runs a hand through his blond hair. “Don’t say that, Beth. I agree I am feeling the urge to move on. I want to go to Seth and Heather. They are gathering more Watchers together. I think we could be of use. Sitting here waiting on the next attack is driving me crazy. Lucas did not deserve to die like that. I feel responsible and I want to feel in control again.”
“Beth, we will be safer in large numbers. Your skill can help buy us time until we can figure out how to train
