Her Guardians Lost (Her Guardians Trilogy #2) (10 page)

BOOK: Her Guardians Lost (Her Guardians Trilogy #2)
3.5Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
ads

“Me, too,” I admitted. If it wasn’t for Michael doing his guardian duties, I wouldn’t be here today. If it wasn’t for Stephen, I wouldn’t be here today, either.

“So, are you comfortable talking about it now? Do you want to tell me what it was you wanted to discuss?”

Sighing, I thought it was now or never. I kind of got the feeling he already knew what I was going to say. He just needed me to confirm it. But why did I feel like such a shit? Maybe it was because he poured his heart out to me and loved me unconditionally and now… Now I was about to slap him right in the face. Take all that time, love, and care he had shown me and throw it back at him. In the short time I had known what it was to love, I was stuck between two men I loved unreservedly, but in two completely different ways.

“I wanted to talk to you about us—well, about you, me, and Stephen.”

“Okay. I kind of gathered that. You found where your heart lies, I take it.”

I had to smile at that. He didn’t say “You made your choice”, or “You’ve finally decided to pick one”. What he said was gentle, making it much more bearable for me.

“You could say that.”

Michael took another sip of his drink, placed it back on the table, and sighed. “You chose Stephen, didn’t you?”

I couldn’t say anything. I couldn’t even move. I was in shock. Why did the fact he knew surprise me?

Meeting his eyes, I could see his expectations. From the way he stared, I could tell he wanted closure. Who was I to prolong his agony any further?

I took a deep breath and was about to answer when his phone rang. Looking at it, he said, “Excuse me a minute. This is work, so I have to take it.”

I nodded, watching as his face turned into a frown. “Where is this?… “Okay. I’m on my way.”

With a click of a button, he hung up, rose out of his chair, threw a note on the table, and looked at me apologetically. “I’m sorry. I’ve got to go in. There are riots in Central London and they’re requesting full back-up.”

Without hesitation, I rose out of my seat and followed Michael to his bike. I guess the conversation had to wait again. It also made me wonder whether this would affect Simeon coming later.

 

Chapter 9

 

Stephen

 

Damn, I was pissed! I had just gotten out of the Archangels Council after my request to return to earth. Of course Gabriel was there, it
did
involve his daughter, and you could tell he was just itching to throw anything at me. Everyone knew about Cassie’s choice now. It wasn’t hard for them to figure out after I begged them to let me go. Archangel Gabriel just shrugged and told me that, in time, he was sure she could learn to love Michael.

Fuck, if that didn’t crush me! Knowing she chose me, that thought made me physically sick. And the fact I know he’s right didn’t help. I might have been an angel, but I was a fowl-mouthed, independent tear-away who never stuck to the rules. If I went by the film she made me watch, Cassie was right when she said I was more like the Michael in the movie.

Fuck, I missed her. I know I’d get into trouble for cursing, but I didn’t care. I needed her as much as earth needed a sun. I was nothing without her. She was suffering. I could feel it. I felt her pain coursing through me like a fucking hurricane. I know she was physically hurting because of her injury, but nothing compared to what I could feel happening on the inside. Didn’t it worry her father that she was in so much pain? Didn’t he realise just how much I could give his daughter that no one, not even Michael, could give her?

However, Archangel Charisma was a different story. I could tell she wanted what was best for her daughter. I could tell she was suffering in that meeting just as much as I was. She loved Archangel Gabriel, but even she could see his dominance was taking away Cassie’s one chance of being truly happy. She wanted me, she needed to be with me—plain and fucking simple.

“I can see it in your head, Stephen. No amount of cursing is going to solve anything.”

Looking up through my clouded thoughts, I saw Archangel Charisma smiling softly at me. Cassie definitely had her gentleness. She made you feel special, and seemed to have this knack of keeping you calm.

“I’m sorry, Archangel Charisma. I just can’t understand what happened in there. You and I both know she’ll never remember.”

Placing her hand on my shoulder, she tugged at me to look at her. “Oh, ye of little faith. Cassie is strong—stronger then she even knows she is. I think even her father has misjudged her a little.”

She could see the shock in my eyes. How could it possibly be true? Once our souls reach earth and find a body, we are born renewed. We have no memory of our previous life.

I could hear her father’s words:
“You can go back to earth on one condition. That Cassie remembers who she is.”
He knew it would be physically impossible.

“I wish there was some way I could help her.”

“Stephen, you know that’s against the rules. It could end up getting you caught and sent to Limbo. Then your chances of being together again are slim and you know it. I want my daughter to be happy. I can see that’s with you. I also know why she has chosen you.”

My eyes met hers, shock still coursing through me. How much did she really know?

“I know what you did.”

And there was my answer.
Shit, what do I say now
?

“There is no need to curse, Stephen. As I said before, it won’t get you anywhere.”

She actually smiled at me. How could she smile when she knew what happened?

“What you did was reckless and stupid. At the same time, I understand
why
you did it. You’re an honourable man, Stephen, who didn’t deserve what happened.”

I shook my head. “I don’t know how you can say that.”

Charisma sighed. “Look, I know you have been patient. I know you’ve been waiting for what seems like an eternity. All I ask is that you have faith. Faith in my daughter. Faith in your soulmate.”

Seeing the sincerity in her eyes, I couldn’t help the tears threatening to run. I wasn’t an emotional person. I didn’t do sitting around in a group, spilling my feelings and showing how a man can cry. I take my feelings and my pain, and keep it hidden deep within. For some reason, Charisma saw the good in me. She saw how much I could be for Cassie. And, for some reason, she knew. She’s the only one who seemed to know.

“I don’t know what to say.” I was truly speechless. I had kept this secret for so long, it almost didn’t feel like one. I could almost believe what everyone else believed happened. I was a good actor, but now that I knew Charisma knew, it filled me with a new sense of hope.

“Keep an eye on her, Stephen. Be with her when she needs you. You can’t help her remember, but you can help her heal after the suffering she’s gone through.”

And there it was—the sucker punch to my gut. “I can feel it, Archangel Charisma. I can feel her pain. It tears me apart.”

“I know,” she said, resting a soothing hand on my shoulder. “Give Cassie time. It won’t be easy for her, Stephen. I know miracles can happen, but it’s not going to suddenly appear out of nowhere. It will frustrate and anger her at times. I’m afraid all you can do is sit and watch as you hold her hand.”

“It will crush me,” I whispered.

“I know it will, but wouldn’t it be worth it in the end? Don’t you think
Cassie
will think it all worth it in the end?”

Smiling up at her, I knew she was right. I would go to hell and back if it meant being with Cassie.

“You know, she makes the best goddamned hot chocolate in the universe.”

“Stephen,” she scolded, “don’t blaspheme.” Although she was trying to be stern, you could see the hint of humour in her eyes.

“I’m sorry,” I laughed. “I just don’t know how she makes it.”

Grabbing my hand, Charisma squeezed it tight. “She makes it with love, Stephen. Only love.”

 

Chapter 10

 

No such luck on Simeon having to work the riot tonight. He managed to get out of it somehow. Either Simon got him out of it, or Simeon managed to wangle his way out of it himself.

So I was sitting, waiting for Simeon to pick me up. He was supposed to show up two minutes ago, but there’s been no sign so far. I opted to wear a comfortable lilac dress which rested just above the knees. My hair, which was getting longer, was a mass of wavy curls resting gently on my back. I must admit, I was exhausted more than normal lately. Getting shot probably did it, but I found I had to put a lot more effort into getting ready than I normally would have. It was a pain. My shoulder was a pain, not working was a pain, being without Stephen was a pain!

I still yearned for him—still called out for him whenever I was alone. I just wished there was something I could do.

Remember,
whispered a voice.

“Remember what? What do I need to remember? Who I am? I don’t understand. I wish someone would just
tell
me.”

A knock on the door made me jump. Running to the window, I saw Simeon standing there, doing up his tie and straightening his shirt.

As I answered, I spotted a bottle of wine in his hand. “Sorry I’m late. I thought I’d bring a bottle.”

In my haste, I didn’t think to bring anything. “Seeing as you did bring something, I think I can let you off…this time.”

Simeon smiled and bowed. “Are you ready, my lady?” He glanced over my body, which made the fires start.

He’s not Stephen.

Kicking myself into gear, I shut the door behind me. “Yes, I am.”

Simeon held his arm out. “Then let me escort you to your chariot.”

Giggling, I took his arm as he led me to his car parked around the corner. He made sure I was comfortable inside before he marched over to the driver’s side.

“You look as beautiful as ever,” he said as he started the engine.

“And you’re still as subtle as a brick.”

Simeon looked over at me before pulling out of the parking space. “And you’re still as cheeky as ever by the looks of things.”

I shook my head, smiling. “I have no clue what that’s supposed to mean.”

Simeon smiled back and looked like he was about to say something, but stopped himself. “Are you okay?” he asked instead.

“I’m fine, thank you. A little sore, but fine.”

Simeon frowned and quickly glanced over at me. “I wasn’t talking about your shoulder.” He paused a moment. “I know you feel somewhat wary of me, Cassie, and that’s perfectly fine. I completely understand why you would. I know I’m not Stephen and I would never expect you to think otherwise. In fact, although we
are
twins, I am my own person with thoughts and feelings of my own.”

Rubbing my hands on my knees, I glanced over at Simeon. I felt guilty that I was, in fact, comparing him to Stephen. I knew it was silly to be wary of him because of that fact. It wasn’t Simeon’s fault he looked exactly like him.

“I know you do, Simeon. I’m sorry if I gave the impression I was comparing the two of you.”

Simeon breathed out with a smile. “That’s okay, Cassie. I guess what I’m trying to say is I’m here for you. As an angel, a friend, and a confidant. I will be here if you ever need to talk.”

Deciding I had to let go of my hang-ups, I reached out and took Simeon’s hand. He jumped at my touch, but smiled. “Thank you, Simeon. It is appreciated.”

As I was about to take my hand away, he surprised me by grabbing it and giving it a squeeze. “I do mean it, Cassie. You never have to be alone when you have us.”

I gave Simeon a reassuring smile, but I was dying inside. Pretty soon, I won’t have them. They will leave and I will be left with no one.

I was so wrapped up in my thoughts, I didn’t even realize we were pulling up outside Simon’s house until Simeon stopped the car.

“I believe this is it.” He pulled the key out of the ignition and looked over at me. “Are you ready?” I nodded. “Sit tight. I’ll come over and help you out.” As I started to protest, he put his hand up. “I insist.”

“How did you know what I was going to say?”

Simeon raised his eyebrow and gave me a cheeky grin. “Because I already know how stubborn you are, Cassie. It doesn’t take a genius to work that one out. Just let me be a gentleman and open the door for you.”

Giggling, I pulled my hand away from the door handle. “Okay. Thank you, Simeon. And people say chivalry is dead.”

Simeon shook his head. “I don’t know who he is, so I really cannot say either way.”

Laughing harder now, I watched as he got out of the car and walked over to my side. With a gesture of his hand, he bowed. “We are here, my lady.”

I grabbed his hand as he pulled me out. “Why, thank you, kind sir.” As Simeon shut the door behind me, he was so close that our lips were almost touching.

My breath caught as I gazed into his bright blue eyes. I was lost in the moment. A tender, peaceful moment where we both couldn’t keep our eyes off each other. Simeon stared longingly at my mouth, making me gulp.
He’s not going to kiss me, is he?

He’s not Stephen!

The angry voice in my head made me jump so violently, it caused Simeon to take a step back.

“Are you okay?”

Catching my breath, I nodded. “Yes, I’m fine. I thought I heard a noise and it spooked me a little.”

Simeon chuckled. “More like spooked the
hell
out of you. Come on. Let’s go. They’ll be expecting us.”

Taking a deep breath, I took Simeon’s arm. We walked to the house and noticed how big it really was. It was an end of terrace house, but looked like it had three floors.

Knocking on the door, I cleared my throat as we waited. I expected it to be Simon, but I was met with Sharice instead. I shouldn’t have known who she was, but I had seen her in Simon’s head. I already knew what she looked like, but seeing her in the flesh was even better. She was very petite with black, bobbed hair and soft, brown eyes.

“You must be Cassie. It’s so nice to finally meet you.” Sharice held out her hand, but Simon was quick to interrupt.

“Cassie, Stephen. You found us okay then?”

“Yes, sir,” Simeon answered, shaking his hand.

Not wanting to look rude, I did the only thing I could. Stepping over the threshold, I gathered Sharice in my arms. “Thank you for inviting me to your lovely home.”

She gracefully accepted my hug. “It was my pleasure. It was the least we could do for everything you’ve done for this family. Everyone’s just dying to meet you and find out how you did it. I asked Simon if you were a psychic or something. He’s been very cagey with the details.”

Laughing, I pulled away from Sharice and looked into her eyes. “You don’t know the half of it,” I playfully answered.

Sharice’s eyes widened with excitement. “You’ll have to tell me more.”

“Sharice, quit hogging the poor girl and let them come inside.”

Everyone giggled as Sharice ushered us all inside. We were soon met by a group of people in Simon and Sharice’s cosy living area.

“Everyone, this is Cassie and Stephen.” Simon looked over at us and motioned to the five people sitting on the sofas. “This is Sharice’s parents, Mark and Trinity.”

I nodded. “Nice to meet you.”

“These are my cousins, Blake and Rachael, and this is my good friend, Graham.” I nodded at everybody.

“You mentioned this lovely lady, but you never said how damn
fine
she is, Simon.”

Rachael slapped him around the arm, as I chuckled nervously. “Blake, cut it out, you pervert.”

“Yes, Blake. Leave the young lady alone. Can’t have you taking advantage of the poor girl.” Simon glared at Blake, but that did nothing to stop him. He just licked his lips and was about to retort when Simon put his hand up. “Don’t say something you’ll regret.”

Startling me, Simeon grabbed my hand and held on tight, which wasn’t lost on everyone else in the room. I think Blake got the message loud and clear.

“I’m sorry, Cassie. You’ve only been here a couple of minutes and the wolves are already descending.”

I was about to tell him it was fine, but then a shrill scream could be heard from the adjacent room. “Oh, my god. This must be Cassie. Baby girl, you come here and give Caroline some sugar.” The small, rotund lady came bounding over, gathering me in her arms.

Once she pulled away, she gathered my face in her hands and just stood looking at me, tears in her eyes. “I can’t thank you enough for everything.”

“As you can tell, this is my mother.” Simon rolled his eyes and I just smiled.

“It was my pleasure, Mrs. Bradley. I’m just so glad Molly is okay.”

Putting her arms on my shoulders, she held my gaze. “You’re like a beacon of light, dear child. Almost as though you’re our guardian angel.”

My eyes widened as I contemplated how close to the truth she was. I
was
an angel in my previous life, even though I couldn’t remember it.

“Desmond, come over here and meet the girl who found our baby girl.” I was ushered towards a very tall, skinny man who was the spitting image of Simon, but older.

“Cassie, so lovely to finally meet you.” Mr. Bradley smiled and offered me a hug. It seemed like the whole family was rather tactile. It was good for me as it meant, so far, I didn’t have to take their hands.

“And you, too, Mr. Bradley. I can’t wait to try this jerked chicken Simon was raving about.”

Everyone laughed and Sharice grabbed my arm. “Yes but, the thing is,
I’m
making it, so it might not turn out so well.”

“I’m sure it will be wonderful,” I smiled.

Putting a hand on Sharice’s shoulder, Simon leaned over and kissed her on the head. “I’m sure it will, too,” he beamed. “Listen, would you mind if I steal Cassie and Stephen away for a couple of minutes? I need to speak to them about something.”

Sharice smiled and kissed Simon. “Of course, darling. Don’t be too long as dinner will be ready in about a half-hour.”

“Don’t worry. It’ll just take a few minutes,” he winked.

Curiosity peaked, Simeon and I followed Simon into what looked like his study. He sat down in the chair behind his desk and motioned for us to take a seat.

“Would you like a drink?”

We both shook our heads. “Not right now, thanks. What is it you want to discuss?” I knew Simon was too eager to share what he had to worry about drinks.

“I got a call about twenty minutes ago from DCI Tremble in North Devon. The site Justin Merryfield led them to…” I nodded. “So far, they’ve uncovered twelve bodies of young girls.”

I winced as my heart shot into my throat. I was ready for this, but it still didn’t help the level of shock that ran through me.

“I know. I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but you knew it was coming.”

I nodded again as Simeon offered me his hand in support.

“They haven’t stopped digging. They believe there’s going to be more. Justin Merryfield is fully cooperating with the police and they have arrested his father. I know it doesn’t make a difference to you, Cassie, but you’ve just helped solve a decades-old mystery that’s been stumping the police for years. More young girls are safe now that you solved this. You should be proud.”

Shaking my head, I couldn’t help thinking just how sick I felt. “This doesn’t make me proud, Simon. It just makes me disillusioned.” I felt Simeon squeeze my hand, as Simon frowned in confusion. “What kind of world are we living in, Simon? What kind of world takes young girls and rips them apart from not only their family’s lives, but from their own? What kind of world allows that to happen?”

Simon sighed. “It’s not the world that does this, Cassie. It’s the sick person living in it that does. People like Tom Merryfield are a drop in the ocean. They’re few and far between.”

“I understand what you’re saying, Simon. I suppose it just feels that way to me as I’m surrounded by it.” I thought about what I said and bit my tongue. “I’m sorry, Simon. That sounded selfish. It’s not about me. It’s about those poor girls. At least something good will come out of this. The parents will be able to have closure, finally burying their daughters.”

Simon sighed and looked out the window. “Unfortunately, one of the girls suspected of being buried there has no living relatives. She was raised by her mother after her father died when she was two. They were both on their own. No grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins—nothing. They only had each other. Her mother died six months after she went missing. They suspected it was of a broken heart.”

Feeling the tears sting my eyes, I looked over at Simeon, who smiled reassuringly. “What’s going to happen to her?”

Simon cleared his throat and propped himself up in his chair. “I suspect that if it is her, a government contractor will take care of the funeral.”

I shook my head and sat up. “No, Simon. Please. If it’s her, please let me take care of her funeral.”

Simon looked shocked. “Cassie, you don’t have to do that.”

BOOK: Her Guardians Lost (Her Guardians Trilogy #2)
3.5Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
ads

Other books

Un gran chico by Nick Hornby
Trusting Fate by H. M. Waitrovich
One You Never Leave by Lexy Timms
How to Date a Millionaire by Allison Rushby
Fallen Angels by Connie Dial
Rose Eagle by Joseph Bruchac
Alphas on the Prowl by Catherine Vale, Lashell Collins, Gina Kincade, Bethany Shaw, Phoenix Johnson, Annie Nicholas, Jami Brumfield, Sarah Makela, Amy Lee Burgess, Anna Lowe, Tasha Black