He wakes clutching his chest trying not to scream in agony, as the pain explodes through his body. Ronnie turns to look out the window, he whispers, “Okay, I am listening now. You lead and I will follow. Protect my family, Lord, and guide my steps so I do not lead them astray.”
Elina returns to her room. It took a few days to gather all the required documentation to put her plan in order. Malach made sure years ago that she had the money she needed. She pulled enough cash for Hunter, Varena, Alex and the baby. It is the least she can do to protect her brother. Hunter insisted on taking care of the identification, documentation and destination. Elina did not want to know anything beyond that, in case they were able to trace them through her. Elina picked up some track phones, and a small lap top all paid for with cash.
She packs a duffel bag with the envelope of cash and gifts; and places the bag by the door. With a sigh, she sits on the edge of the bed, and rubs her neck. Her attention is drawn by a noise outside her window. She looks outside and sees to her astonishment, six angels standing in the back yard.
Inhaling quickly, she calls for Malach just as Nameed shifts to his archangel form to land in front of them. Holding his sword, he speaks to the angels. A sound above causes the group to look up and they drop to their knees in reverence as Malach and Simeon join their brother. Elina ports to the back deck, drawing her black sword. If they have fallen from grace, she will need it to battle them. Eyes on the ground, they tremble as they look at Malach.
“You are not welcome here. Why have you come?” Malach asks.
One of the smaller angels looks up and says, “We heard of the child!”
Malach looks at Simeon and they know they are out of time.
“What child do you speak of?” Simeon asks. The six smaller angels rise up and one steps forward boldly.
“All of Heaven knows what it is you protect brothers. The question is why? Why do you protect something that should never have been born?” he questions.
“Are we not protectors of the weak, defenders of the Children of the Light? When did we become baby killers?” Nameed asks angrily.
Malach holds his friend back “The child born here belongs to Hunter, the Gunskaliski and no other. The lies you have heard are just rumors and innuendos. Leave us, or does your allegiance belong to another?”
In accusation they look past the archangels and stare at Elina. A chill runs over her body as the leader of the angels with blonde hair and red and black wings winks at her. Malach pulls his sword and points at the leader.
“Are you Shadow or are you Light?” he asks glaring at the angel staring at Elina.
“Perhaps that is a question you should answer, Malach? You cannot hide them forever brother; soon the truth will set us free and you will pay for the lies you spread!” Turning as one they take flight to leave.
As they watch them fly away, the guardians turn and stare at Elina. Nameed shifts and flies back to his woods to patrol, as Simeon says, “I will follow them to make sure they do not come back today.”
Elina takes a deep breath and puts her sword away as she waits for him. He leaps into the air spreading his massive wings and flies to her, snapping his wings closed. Malach lands in front of her.
“Who was the blonde angel, the leader?” Elina asks.
He looks closely at her and responds, “He is called Kane, and he is a trouble maker.”
“No, he is fallen, Malach.” She steps close and asks, “How is it that you did not see that and why did Nameed not tell you? He is the leader of the angel’s who ambushed us, the one we fought before.”
In that moment he realizes Nameed did not tell him everything. “I will take care of it. He will not bother you again, Elina. Many are falling, more every second and it makes detection difficult now.”
Touching his arm, she looks at him and says, “Have faith, Malach. We know where the third part of the book is, I just have to get it from Raphaim. I am going to concentrate on finding the other two parts quickly. You stay safe, Malach.” Elina turns away from him feeling guilty that he does not know of her plans to move everyone, but things are shifting.
“Elina, do you not want your Christmas gift?” Malach asks softly. With a smile she starts to, “You didn’t have to…” only to find him standing right behind her. Spreading his wings, he wraps them completely around her creating a shield of protection making them no longer visible to angel or humans
“Malach what are you…” grabbing her upper arms he pulls her slowly to his chest.
“A Christmas kiss to carry me through the dark days to come, Elina, will you deny me that?” Tears fill her turquoise eyes as she looks at the pain in his.
With no hesitation she steps close and says, “I will never deny you, Malach.” He hears her heart pounding. Looking at her lush lips, he lowers his head softly and captures her sigh with his mouth. All thoughts of heaven and hell disappear in an instant. Only the dance of spirits embracing and lovers uniting fill the moment.
Just a kiss, she thinks, as she buries her hands in his long black hair pulling his hot mouth closer. Just a kiss, he thinks as he savors the feel of her body pressed
