Refracted (The Celadon Circle Book 2) (23 page)

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Lucas herded his sons up the stairs and made a bee-line for the front door. Casen followed, with Nathan and Gabriel bringing up the rear.

“If I ever see the likes of you again I’ll chain you to a stake and feed your sorry ass to the wolves!”

The sound of tires spinning on gravel as the wheezing Suburban lurched down the drive was the only reply. Gabriel listened as it faded into the distance. Shortly after, Casen came back inside, shamefaced and shuffling his feet.

“Guess I need to apologize to Quinn. Looks like he was right all along.” He propped the gun up in the corner and took off his hat. “I sure wished I’d listened. Damn, I was way too hard on the kid.”

“We both were.” Nathan looked around the room. “Where
is
Quinn?”

“I sent him away with
The Oraculum
,” Gabriel said.  

Casen lowered himself into a recliner with a groan. “How’d you even know what was going on?”

Gabriel relayed what happened after the grocery store pit-stop. “Now that Illyria is…no longer a threat, we can call Quinn and let him know it’s safe to come back.”

For now
, he thought. He had to find a way to talk to Yasen before Michael made an appearance.

Nathan walked to the storm door and peered out. Gabriel was ashamed for him to see the mess he’d left Illyria in, the damage he’d caused…the life he’d taken. He had every right to defend himself and his wards but the death of a sister – even one as demented as Illyria – left him feeling empty, unworthy of his wings.

“Look, Gabe…” Casen began. He paused and let his eyes wander around the room.

Gabriel wondered if he was remembering what it looked like when his entire family occupied it and how empty it was now.

Casen sighed. “Nathan told me what happened between you and Michael – why you left in Tennessee. There’s no hard feelings here. I appreciate you coming back and trying to help. Can’t imagine that was easy for you.”

With Casen’s forgiveness, another link in the chain that bound him to Michael – to all the mistakes he’d made – broke. He felt lighter, more at peace, but knew he would never be completely free until he earned Jordan’s mercy, as well.

“Thank you, Casen, for giving me another chance. I won’t let you down.”

Casen nodded. “I believe you.”

To Nathan, Gabriel said, “If you’ll call Quinn, I’ll dispose of Illyria’s remains.”

His plan was to fly her to a remote place, say a prayer, and burn the body. Her soul would have departed seconds before she passed. He hoped, for her sake (and his conscience), that it was sent to Heaven. Maybe Illyria could be a better angel if she wasn’t under Michael’s influence.

“What remains?” Nathan asked.

Panic, like a shard of ice, pierced Gabriel’s gut and spread through his vessel like winter. It couldn’t be. There was no way Illyria could have healed herself. Her wounds were too extensive.

He rushed to the door, almost tearing it off the hinges when it stuck, and ran to where she’d fallen behind Casen’s car. The Aeon was gone. In her place, a large, scarlet-red feather rocked to and fro in the nighttime breeze.

Michael
.

She’d called him and he’d healed her. Only one thing would have kept her from entering the farmhouse for revenge –
The Oraculum
.

Like a good little soldier, Illyria always followed orders. She’d gone after the book.

And the book was with Quinn.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Jordan

Angels
.

Not just any angels but soldiers from Michael’s army. Jordan didn’t know much about the Aeons, just bits and pieces she’d gleaned from Gabe through the years. Still, his information had been detailed enough to show her these dogs ran – hard. And now, they were here for her.

Mazie’s face was the only thing that kept her grounded. She had to keep calm for her sake.

“What do you want to do?” Ivy whispered.

Without hesitation, Jordan replied softly, “Whatever it takes to keep Mazie safe.”

Ivy and Xander frowned at the implication of giving herself up, but neither had a chance to object. One of the Aeons jerked Mazie’s arm, making her whimper. The sound reverberated in Jordan’s head and whipped her power into a frenzy. 

Angels could kill demons with ease, regardless of rank or ability. Mazie was one level above a basic. The Aeons would crush her in seconds if Jordan let her anger run free. She had to play this smart.

“You will come with us now.”

The angel who held Mazie in his grasp showed no passion, no concern. That was the most unsettling trait of Michael’s soldiers. If they were truly devoid of human emotions as Gabe had once told her, how could Jordan ever convince them to spare her sister?

Ivy tried a different tactic – stalling. She turned to Gina, spearing her with sharp, dangerous eyes. “How the hell did you get mixed up with the Winged Wonders here? Their yawn-inducing personalities must make it hard to find dates but surely they’re not desperate enough to settle for gutter-whores just yet?”

Gina beamed. Her eyes sparkled with delight…or madness. It was always hard to tell.  She circled the angels, crushing any roaches that scuttled in her way with the toes of her boots. Stopping beside Mazie, she said, “It’s funny you mentioned desperation. It
does
make people do the strangest things. It can even bring mortal enemies together if there’s something to be gained.

“After our dear sister left me powerless, I got to thinking about my future. Cambion souls aren’t allowed in Heaven. With no way to protect myself, the only prospect I had to look forward to was an eternity in Hell as some demon’s bitch.”

Ivy snorted. “I have a hunch that would’ve happened regardless.”

Gina continued in her happy sing-song voice, riding the high of the moment, Jordan guessed.

“After I left the cabin–”

“–after you were sent packing, you mean,” Ivy interrupted.

“I contacted a friend of a friend–”

“You have friends?”

“–who helped me get in touch with Michael. I agreed to help locate Jordan for something in return.”

“What? Laser hair removal? That’ll be a huge blow to all the lonely sasquatches. Where will they find a new pin-up girl?”

Jordan had to hand it to Ivy; she never gave up.

“No, my soul in Heaven. Michael promised me a one-way ticket upstairs when I die. All I had to do in return was help his soldiers with their task. Lucky for me, I stopped by the cabin today to pick up my things and happened to be right outside Aamon’s door when Mazie told him your plans.” Gina looked pointedly at Jordan as she preened, crowing in triumph. “The rest was quite easy.”

Mazie began to cry. Unknowingly, she’d led the angels right to them.

Jordan wracked her brain for an out – a solution. She could only think of one.

“If you’ll let my sister go and swear no harm will come to my family – Cambion or human – I’ll go with you.”

“No!” Ivy and Mazie screamed in unison.

Xander grabbed Jordan around the waist and pulled her close to him. “You don’t have to do this,” he pleaded.

The anguish in his voice touched her and, for a moment, Jordan wondered if his feelings for her were more than platonic. It didn’t matter. She’d never get the chance to find out, never understand the connection between them.

She kept her eyes trained on the Aeon and waited for his answer.

“We accept your offer and your terms. No harm will come to your families.”

Swallowing hard, Jordan nodded. “May I say goodbye?” She gestured to Ivy and Xander. When the angel frowned, she added, “No tricks. I won’t do anything to jeopardize their safety.”

“Very well, but we will keep this one to make sure you keep your word. Once you are in our custody, we will let her go.”

Jordan didn’t like that arrangement but Mazie was their trump card – the only advantage they had.

“Watch them,” she told Xander.

He nodded, and she turned to Ivy. Her brazen, bold sister was dry-eyed but Jordan knew they were skimming the same bitter, churning waters.

She led Ivy to a far corner of the filthy room, kicking trash and bugs out of her way. Once out of earshot, she whispered, “I’m gonna ask the angels for one more favor. After I’m gone, you’ll have to finish what I can’t, and promise you’ll watch over Mazie. She’s gonna need you.”

Ivy had no trouble deciphering the cryptic message. “Don’t worry; I’ll be happy to finish it for you, and I’ll protect Mazie – you know I will.” She glanced around and hissed, “Why are you doing this? Just reduce those fairies to smut stains and let’s bolt. I…I don’t want to lose you. What if you get upstairs and can’t break free? What the hell will I do then?”

Jordan shushed her. The angels were getting antsy and she had to hurry. She gave Ivy her phone. “After we’re gone and you take care of business, call Uncle Case or my brothers. They can get word to Gabe. Hopefully, he’ll know where Michael’s holding me. If not, just tell them I said to look for fireworks and blazing robes.”

Ivy laughed bitterly and pulled her close. “Please come back to me, Sis. I know you plan to go home when all this is over, but don’t forget you have another family who loves you, too.”

“Never,” Jordan said. She held on, trying to express just how much she cared in that one simple act. It would never be enough. “I love you. See you soon.”

Before Ivy could say more, Jordan turned away. Now wasn’t the time to fall apart. She had to stay strong to face Michael.

When Ivy took Xander’s place as guard, he wrapped Jordan in his arms. If she could bottle the feelings he stirred within her and bring them along, she might make it through this unscathed. She wanted to drink them in, to immerse herself so deep the thought of facing her future alone would not be so frightening.

“I can’t let you do this,” he mumbled into her hair. His breath, warm against her neck, caused Jordan to shiver. He held her closer.

“I have to. They have Mazie, and I swore to protect her. I can’t let anything happen to her – to any of you.”

She felt him nod. Xander didn’t question her motives or decision – as if he had no doubt she knew what was best. Jordan looked into his eyes. “Do you think I’ll ever make it back?”

He wouldn’t lie to her. He knew the answer was important – could
feel
it through the special bond they had.

With no hesitation, he said, “Yes, and I’ll be here waiting for you.”

“Why?” she had to ask,
had to know
. “Why would you wait for me? You barely know me.”

The angel holding Mazie signaled that her time was up but she couldn’t leave without understanding what she was to Xander. “Hold your wings for a minute!”

“Tell me why,” she pleaded.

Xander touched her cheek. “For years, I sat in that house in Purgatory, wondering what my place was in all of this. I never felt like I belonged there – belonged
anywhere
. Most of my life has been spent in confusion with no direction, no answers.”

He wiped a tear from her cheek.

When did I start crying?

“I still don’t have the answers, Jordan. All I know is when I saw you, something inside – a voice – told me I’d found my path, and it was with you.”

She closed her eyes, not sure how to feel. She knew Xander was supposed to play a part in her life but she didn’t know which role. If he was right, then why were they being separated?

“What if the voice was wrong?”

“It wasn’t,” he replied, his voice strong and sure. Ever so softly, like the caress of butterfly wings, his lips pressed against hers. It happened so fast she barely had time to register how her heart went from a comfortable canter to a full-out sprint and the swooping feeling in the pit of her stomach. When she opened her eyes, he smiled. “You’re not the only one who has
dreams
. Now hurry and come back to us.”

“We’ve given you ample time for your goodbyes,” the Aeon said. “We must go.”

Jordan gave Xander a look that said he’d have some explaining to do when,
if
, she saw him again and then walked to where Mazie stood with the angel.

Beside him, Gina rolled her eyes. “As if any of us wanted to watch your pitiful attempt at making out.”

Ignoring her, Jordan faced her little sister. Tears still fell, but not as many as before. Mazie, it seemed, had come to terms with the way things had to be for now.

Embracing her, Jordan said, “Mind Ivy and Xander, okay? They’ve promised to take good care of you while I’m gone.”

Mazie trembled in her arms. Jordan took the girl by the shoulders and gave them a squeeze. “Listen to me. We all have jobs to do right now. Yours is to help Ivy and Xander. If we’re gonna get through this, we have to work together – be strong for one another. I need you to be strong for
me
now. Can you do that?”

Rubbing away the last of her tears, Mazie stood taller and nodded. “I’ll do my best. Come back for me as soon as you can. I love you, Jordan.”

When she threw her thin arms around her and held on so tight, it took everything Jordan had not to fall apart. Choking back tears, she hugged her little sister one last time and said, “I love you, too, sweet Mazie.”

Ivy took charge of their sister and Jordan faced the Aeons. “I have one more request, if it isn’t too much trouble.”

“What is it?”

Smiling, she pointed at Gina, who suddenly looked concerned. “She stays here and pays the price for betraying her own kind, her own blood.”

“What?!”

Gina approached the angel. “You can’t do that. It wasn’t part of the deal I made with Michael – with your
boss
!”

“And what was the deal exactly?” Jordan asked. “He only promised to save your soul, not protect you for the rest of your miserable life.”

She looked to the second Aeon, the one who’d been unusually quiet the entire time they’d been in the house. Jordan suspected he hadn’t conversed with them because he didn’t care. He was all soldier, less human than his partner. At least, that’s what she hoped.

“Did Michael give orders for Gina’s protection?” she asked him.

When the angel didn’t answer, Jordan got in his face, giving him no choice but to look at her. “You got what you came for. You followed orders and Michael won. What can you possibly lose by granting me this one last request?” She glanced at Mazie. “Gina has threatened that little girl’s life time and time again. I’m scared for her, and now that I have to leave with you, I can’t be here to watch over her! Please…”

The angel’s eyes flashed blue. He looked annoyed by Jordan’s proximity to him but she didn’t care. Her fear of him was far less significant than the thought of what Gina might do once she was gone. Mazie would never be safe if that psychotic hag was left to her own devices under Michael’s protection.  Gina was vindictive, holding onto hate because she had nothing else.

“We are wasting time,” the Aeon said. “Leave the Cambion; she is nothing to Michael, just a means to an end.”

“No!”

Gina grabbed the other angel’s arm. Fear rolled off of her in humid, noxious waves. Sweat beaded above her upper lip and forehead as her eyes darted wildly to and fro. “You can’t leave me here! Take me…take me anywhere and drop me off. I swear I’ll never ask for another thing. You’ll never hear from me again!”

A few feet away, Ivy popped her knuckles, a grin spreading across her face like sweet molasses. Gina made a sound like an injured cat and tugged harder on the angel’s arm.

“Get your filthy hands off me, demon scum!” The Aeon pushed her away.

Both angels then stood on either side of Jordan and reached for her, preparing to teleport.  

“Goodbye, Gina,” she said, giving a little wave. “I hope it hurts.”

It all happened so quickly and yet, to Jordan, the act was painfully drawn out in slow motion. Ivy lunged for Gina and she spun away, knocking Jordan into one of her captors. While they struggled to recover their balance, Gina pulled a sword from the scabbard strapped to the Aeon’s back. With a battle cry born of the monster she was, she ran straight for Ivy and Mazie.

Jordan screamed. Xander moved to intercept but wasn’t close enough. She watched as terror like she’d never known crept into her muscles, paralyzing her from the neck down.

Ivy moved, and tried to drag Mazie with her. The girl was in shock. Brown eyes wide, she took in the gleaming blade, the sight of it freezing her where she stood.