The rest of the week Elizabeth was nervous and constantly looking over her shoulder. Every noise would make her jump, and she found it hard to complete her work as normal. Luckily it rained Saturday so she could stay home and relax a little. She even woke up early to finish putting the drywall up downstairs and was almost done when the crunching of gravel caught her attention.
Ben was already on the front porch talking to another man by the time she got there. There was a large van parked in the driveway and several more men were unloading buckets and various tools. “Ben, what’s going on?”
The man he was talking to had already headed back towards the van and was telling his workers something. The rain was coming down in sheets and they moved quickly to get their tools inside. “I hired some men to finish the walls for you.”
“What? Why?”
“I’m tired to eating out of that small kitchen upstairs,” Ben said. “Don’t worry--it’s paid for, and they’ll be done by the beginning of the week.”
Elizabeth’s blood boiled. Who the hell did he think he was, hiring people to work on her house because he didn’t like arrangements? “Well, if you’re so miserable, then you can just leave!”
She stormed back into the house and up the stairs to her room. Maybe it wasn’t the best response but he stepped over the line. No one was forcing him to stay and now that she knew what she was looking for, she was pretty sure she could take care of herself. She immediately went to her closet and rummaged around in the back corners. The bedroom door opened behind her but she didn’t stop her search.
After a minute she found what she was looking for. Two shotguns: a twelve-gauge double barrel and a twenty-gauge single shot. They were older shotguns, especially the twenty-gauge, but they still worked and she had ammo for both.
“Look, I know you’re upset,” Ben said, “but isn’t that going a little overboard?”
“I’m not going to shoot you,” she said, rolling her eyes. “I’m just getting ready. Since you’re so miserable, I figured you can move out and I’ll protect myself.”
Cocking his head, his arms crossed over his chest. He wasn’t impressed. “Do you even know how to use those things?”
“Yes! I’m not half-bad either.”
Shrugging his shoulders, he walked out of her room without another word. He had no plans on leaving, though. Elizabeth found him watching TV in the small sitting room. He was sprawled across the couch like he owned it and looked a little too comfortable.
“You don’t have to stay here,” Elizabeth said.
He didn’t move or even look away from the TV. He didn’t even answer her. The silent treatment isn’t exactly what she was expecting and, letting out a grunt, she turned to leave.
“If I leave, Crocell will come here.” Belial was looking over the couch at her now, his blue eyes cold as steel. She didn’t really know Crocell, but from what she had seen of him, that wouldn’t be an ideal situation. Belial’s eyes remained locked on her and, looking down, she felt extremely uncomfortable. Fidgeting, she scuffled over to the couch and took a seat next to him. His eyes never left her and when her butt hit the cushions he continued, “It wasn’t my idea to hire the men. It was Lucifer’s.”
That bit of information didn’t help her mood. It made her feel worse. “He’s taken a liking to you,” Belial said. “Since you’re his kin and all, albeit distantly.” A brilliant smile pieced his lips when his eyes looked towards the ceiling. He looked eerily human and she could feel the lust building within her. Gazing out the window, she closed her eyes and listened to the rain pounding on the roof. It was still coming down in sheets.
An arm fell around her shoulder. He pulled her backwards slowly until she was resting on his chest. He was still smiling, but smaller now, and his eyes were closed. He looked serene and a warm sensation flowed over her. “Hey,” he said, “you want to skip church this weekend?”
“What? No. You don’t have to come but I’m going. Just because you didn’t want to be in Heaven doesn’t mean I don’t want to end up there.” Belial jerked from behind her. Instantly she regretted what she said. His arm left her shoulder and, jumping up, she turned to face him. His head was down, his hair covering his eyes, and his hands were folded neatly in his lap. Elizabeth had a sick feeling in her stomach and wished she could take it back. When he finally looked up, his eyes were steely and cold and appeared to be looking straight through her.
“I did choose to leave.” His voice was equally cold and Elizabeth’s stomach rose into her throat. Finally his eyes locked onto hers, making her flinch. Unfazed he continued, “And if given the chance, I’d do it again.”
He no longer looked human. His skin glowed and there was an absence in his eyes. A shiver ran down her spine. Walking past him, she tried to leave but he grabbed her arm. She was suddenly pressed against him again. He gripped her so tightly she could hear his heart beating within his chest. His whole body vibrated when he said, “He won’t have you.”
“What?”
Pushing away from him, a voice came from downstairs. The workers were breaking for lunch and wouldn’t be back for an hour or so. Ben stayed downstairs and talked to them for a minute then they piled into the white van. The rain was easing up and was only a lazy drizzle now. There were large puddles all over the yard and the air was thick and humid. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he turned towards Elizabeth. She was chuckling softly and, smiling, he said, “Let’s get some lunch.”
Elizabeth agreed. Unlocking the back door, they left it open in case the workers returned before them. They ended up at a small sandwich shop located in the middle of town close to the church. It was a small wooden building that had previously been a movie rental store and a small doctor’s office before that. Although the doctor’s office was before her time, Elizabeth’s father had told her about it before he passed.
This was one of those family run restaurants that still served soft drinks in glass bottles and knew their patron’s orders when they walked through the door. It was always pretty crowded because it was one of only three restaurants in the town. Consequently, lunch took longer than they expected and Elizabeth was glad Ben had convinced her to leave the back door open.
By the time they were finished eating, the crew was most likely already back at the house. But instead of heading home, Belial drove them into the city to one of the local home improvement stores. He immediately dragged her over to the kitchen section and within an hour she had the cabinets picked out and on order. They then picked up a few cans of primer and headed back to the house.
The workers were still there but she didn’t have time to check on their progress. Instead she raced upstairs to get ready for mass. Belial must have unloaded the paint while she was getting dressed because when she came back downstairs they were stacked neatly by the stairs and somehow he was waiting next to them already dressed for church. A smile parted her lips. She really hadn’t thought that he’d be joining her, so this was a pleasant surprise.
They sat in the same pew, surrounded by the same people. It wasn’t as though there were assigned seats, but people in the town seemed to find a place they liked and then stuck with it.
Church was about to start. It looked like it was going to be a normal mass until he sat down in the pew directly in front of them. It took her a second, but she was sure this was the same man who had talked to her in the stables, looking for directions. His brown hair was dark and slightly wavy. It was cut halfway down his neck and sideburns framed his ears. His brown eyes seemed a little lighter than she remembered and he was more attractive than she recalled as well.
Glancing at Ben, his eyes remained locked on the back of the man’s head. He was glaring so intently that it looked like he was trying to burn a hole into the man’s head. Elizabeth nudged him with an elbow but he didn’t move and his gazed remained locked. The entire mass Belial looked extremely disgruntled and when it wa
s time to shake hands and offer peace, he refused to shake the man’s hand. The stranger wasn’t put off, however, and instead grinned at her rude companion.
The rest of mass Belial looked even more disgruntled than before, if that was even possible. The second the ceremony ended, he quickly dragged her to the car before anyone could stop them to talk. He was acting childish and was really beginning to work Elizabeth’s last nerve.
Yanking her arm away from him, she said, “What’s your problem?!”
“Get in.”
“I will not until you tell me what’s going on.”
Looking around suspiciously, Belial circled the car to where she was standing. Leaning in he whispered into her ear, “He’s an angel, remember?”
She remembered, but he seemed harmless enough to her. He had multiple chances to attack her and never did. Maybe she was just being naïve, but if he were really there to kill her, wouldn’t he have done it already?
Belial was leaning so close to her that he was only inches away from her face. It was suffocating. Throwing her arms into the air, she let out a grunt and violently opened the car door. He was confused but, circling back around the car, climbed into the driver’s seat and they quickly left the parking lot.
Dinner was tense and devoid of conversation. They ate in complete silence. Elizabeth felt bad for their waiter who obviously felt the tension. When the bill came Belial didn’t reach for it and allowed Elizabeth to pay without a fight. He normally would insist on paying but he was still really angry and didn’t want to have a heated argument with her in public. The drive home was equally tense. He had a lot on his mind and several times he thought about saying something but each time thought better of it. Elizabeth was a stubborn woman, almost as stubborn as Lucifer. It definitely ran in the family and she wouldn’t be reasoned with so easily.
There was a surprise waiting for them at the house. The workers were gone and there were no other cars in the driveway, but sitting on the front porch was the angel. He was still in his church attire, khaki pants and a pressed white shirt. He looked human but Belial parked the car halfway down the driveway instead of pulling all the way up to the house like normal. The demon sat motionless for a second and, without looking at Elizabeth, said, “Stay in the car.”
His voice was cold, and fear gripped her the instant he opened the door. The man stood when Belial exited the car, and raised his hands as if to say, “I surrender.” He didn’t appear to be armed but Belial made a conscious effort to remain between the angel and the car. Shifting in her seat Elizabeth tried to see what was happening but couldn’t get a good view. Gripping the door handle, she only cracked it open and Belial yelled, “I said stay in the car!”
Before she could answer, the other man said, “I’m here to speak with Elizabeth, and have no quarrel with you, demon. Step aside.”
Belial growled and his body grew rigid. Approaching slowly, Elizabeth took a firm hold of his arm. Peeking around him, she wanted to get a better look at the other man. He had only moved a few feet away from the porch and still had his hands in the air. Elizabeth was determined to take control of the situation. The last thing she wanted was another dead angel in her house.
Releasing Ben’s arm, she took a few steps towards the house. He instantly took hold of her and with a gruff voice stopped her. “Don’t be foolish.”
Yanking her arm away, Elizabeth scowled at him. Without hesitation she marched to the house, passing the man without a second glance. Stomping up the porch steps she unlocked the door and yelled over her shoulder, “Well, are y’all coming in, or are you going to stay on the lawn and stare at each other all night?”
She left the door open and immediately headed upstairs. Marching straight for the sitting room, she fell onto the couch. It felt like a load had been suddenly lifted from her and she reveled in the silence, if only for a moment. It wasn’t long when she heard the front door close and the sounds of footsteps heading up the stairs. Both men entered the room cautiously. They each chose an armchair to sit in. Their faces were as rigid as stone and their eyes remained locked on each other.
Sighing, Elizabeth wiggled farther into the cushions. “You said you needed to talk to me about something?”
His eyes never left Belial when he replied, “Yes. I want to know why there are angels after you.”
Growling, Belial glared at the stranger. “Why don’t you tell us, since you’re one of them?”
He shook his head and finally disengaged the demon’s stare. “You’re wrong. I was sent here by the archangels Michael and Gabriel. They’ve heard some disconcerting things from the seraphim and cherubim. I was asked to look into the matter.”
All of this talk was giving Elizabeth a headache. She had a feeling that she had no idea what she was getting dragged into. Despite her headache, she needed more information. “So who are these seraphim and cherubim that are having concerns? I thought Michael and Gabriel were some of the highest ranking angels there were.”
Both Belial and the man shook their heads. A sick feeling filled her stomach. She was about to get a long explanation and wasn’t sure if she was really up for it.
“Michael and Gabriel are archangels,” the man said, “Essentially they are advisors and counselors to those angels who are closest to God. No one knows their names—well, except for their personal archangels and God, that is.”
Belial continued where the man left off, “You already know one of the seraphim.”
Elizabeth thought about all of the previous conversations she’d had with Ben and Lucifer. “So Lucifer was a seraphim and you used to be a Virtue right?”
Belial nodded his head and smiled. He was pleased with her memory. Taking it all in, Elizabeth asked, “Okay, so you’re telling me you don’t know why the angels are after me and that their orders aren’t coming from the higher ranks… but then who does that leave?”
Both men had grim looks on their faces. She couldn’t be sure but it felt like they were hiding something from her. Suddenly a knock sounded at the front door and before she could excuse herself, Belial was on his feet and heading downstairs. He was back only moments later, followed by two familiar faces: Lucifer and Crocell. This was the last thing she needed.
Crocell ignored her presence, which didn’t surprise her, but Lucifer took a seat next to her on the couch. Leaning over he gave her a kiss on the cheek. Her cheeks flushed and her eyes grew wide in amazement. While Elizabeth dealt with her confusion, the conversation started without her.
Lucifer took in the room quickly and didn’t hesitate questioning the angel. “Well, this is quite a surprise, Raguel. I honestly never thought I’d see you again. I hope you have come to tell us that you’ve punished the culprits who were after my kin.”
The man’s face looked grim. Shaking his head, his eyes darted around the room from demon to demon. Gulping, he said, “I’m sorry to say it, but no, I haven’t.”
Lucifer’s eyes narrowed into thin slits. Without warning he turned towards Elizabeth and with an eerie smile said, “Would you go to the kitchen and get me something to drink?”
She scanned the room quickly and knew he wasn’t thirsty. He just wanted her out of the room. He didn’t want her to hear what was about to be discussed. Her leg twitched. She wanted to leave but at the same time felt that her presence was the only thing keeping the angel alive. All eyes were locked on her, waiting for her to move. Staring at the floor, she barely nodded and stood from her seat.
The door closed behind her. She was an outcast in her own home. It was an unsettling feeling. Sulking to the kitchen, she realized that Lucifer never mentioned what he wanted. She’d only seen him drink something twice and one of those times she’d prefer not to remember. There was no wine in the house, though, so she settled on water.
When she got back to the sitting room the door was still closed. She thought about knocking, but this was her home; they co
uldn’t tell her where she could and couldn’t go. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed the door knob and swung the door open. They were all in the same seats and the conversation stopped the instant the door opened. Everyone was still alive, to her relief, but she had come back sooner than anticipated.
Retaking her seat next to Lucifer, he let out a heavy sigh. Holding out the glass of water, he looked at the clear cup like she was trying to hand him poison. Taking the glass with a weak smile, he placed it on the coffee table without a second thought.
The air was thick and uncomfortable. It was obvious everyone wanted her to leave but she was resolved to stay put. It was her house, after all. To her dismay, however, the phone rang only seconds later. Once again she was forced to leave. Head down, she trudged out of the room. The door promptly closed behind her for a second time and with great remorse she answered the phone.
“Hello?”
“Hey Liz, you still wanna hang out tonight?”
“Tonight?” She had forgotten about Claire wanting to go out. “Um, well, I don’t know.” Elizabeth said, “I’m kind of tired and was thinking about just staying in, actually.”
“Oh, come on,” Claire said. “Rachel is bringing that boyfriend I told you about so I thought you could bring Ben. Then he won’t have to stalk you.”
Rolling her eyes, Elizabeth didn’t say anything. Claire laughed at her own joke for a minute, but Elizabeth wasn’t in the laughing mood.
“Look,” Elizabeth said, “it’s really just not a good night, okay?”
The tension in the other room hit a climax. Voices were being raised and the argument was spilling through the closed door and to where Elizabeth was standing.
“What’s going on over there?” Claire said. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just the TV. I’m watching a… uh, a gangster movie.” The shouting in the other room grew louder. With every shout Elizabeth flinched. Keeping her hand over the receiver, she tried to muffle the noise so Claire couldn’t hear.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Claire said. “That doesn’t sound like a movie.”
Elizabeth’s leg was twitching again and, biting her bottom lip, she said, “Yeah, I’m fine, but I need to go, so have fun with Rachel and tell her maybe next time for me, okay? Bye.” She didn’t wait for a response and hung up the phone quickly. Running back to the room, she reached for the door when it suddenly flew open. All four men were on their feet and the anger in the room flooded out the door and hit her like a brick wall.
Frowning, Lucifer made his way out of the room. Backing up, Elizabeth made room for him to pass. Pausing near her, Lucifer handed her a small white card. It was the size of a business card but there was only a hand written phone number on it. Glancing up at Lucifer he quickly explained, “If something happens where you get into trouble or you’re in danger and Belial isn’t around, call that number and someone will come to you immediately. Do you understand?”
Elizabeth nodded her head. She wasn’t sure what danger or situation he was thinking about but she was sure that she really didn’t want to know. Besides, Ben was always with her, so she didn’t feel the card was necessary. Smiling weakly, Lucifer bent and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Heading down the stairs, Crocell was close on his heels. Pausing in front of her, he gave her a curt nod then he too strode down the stairs.
Belial and the angel were still in the room and they both reclaimed their seats. Both had sour faces and neither acknowledged her presence. Elizabeth sat back down on the couch, tucking her feet under her. Waiting patiently, she thought one of them would fill her in on what took place but neither said a word. They both appeared to be in a trance and the silence soon grew to an uncomfortable level.
“So,” Elizabeth said, “who wants to tell me what happened in here?”
Her voice jerked them back into the here and now, but neither wanted to answer her question. “Ben,” she said. “Talk to me.”
He didn’t look at her and instead turned away completely. Seeing that she wasn’t going to get any answers out of him, Elizabeth turned to the angel. “Lucifer said your name is Raguel, right? Will you at least tell me what’s going on?”
Belial snapped back to life and, glaring over his shoulder, growled, “Keep your mouth shut.”
Elizabeth couldn’t believe it. She was being shut out again. Her blood boiled and snapping back at the demon said, “Look, I have every right to know what was said in here! It’s my life, after all, and I need to know what I’m dealing with! Someone is going to talk! I don’t care who it is but one of you will tell me what was said!”
Belial flinched and looking down, he crossed his arms over his chest. Lucifer had ordered him to keep silent. He didn’t feel Elizabeth was ready yet and Belial had to follow his orders. Turning towards Raguel, Elizabeth tapped her foot impatiently. Taking a deep breath he glanced out the window and nodded. “We’re not really sure who’s behind the attacks. All we were able to determine is it’s not the fallen or the demons and it’s not anyone in the angel hierarchy.”
“But that doesn’t make sense. It was angels who attacked me earlier.”
Raguel nodded again and said, “Yes, I’m aware of that, but their orders didn’t come from the normal chain of command. So someone on the outside is convincing them to act.”
She thought about his explanation for a moment. It made sense but at the same time it left her with even more questions unanswered. Ben still looked sullen so she knew Raguel would still be her best bet on getting answers. “Why were you sent here Raguel?”
Cocking his head, the angel looked at her curiously. “I would have thought the demons would have filled you in on everything by now.” He glanced at Belial, who was still facing the opposite direction. Frowning, he looked back at Elizabeth and said, “I’m one of the seven archangels. My job is unlike the other archangels however in the sense that I don’t council anyone. Instead I am more of an overseer, and I make sure the other angels are doing their jobs properly.” Pausing, he scratched the side of his nose. “I suppose in human terms you could think of me as a manager mixed with the police. If I find an angel is not working peacefully or doing their job, I have the authority to pass judgment and punish whomever I see fit.”
“All-powerful” came to mind. Swallowing, Elizabeth bit her bottom lip. It was making more sense why he was there but she wanted to keep the conversation going and get as much information out of him as possible. He would have a different perspective than the demons. She trusted Ben for the most part, but Lucifer was still one giant question mark for her. “So,” she said, “do you only govern the angels, or do you deal with the demons too?”
“No,” Raguel said. “The demons have their own systems and we tend to stay out of each other’s business.”
Belial perked up with the mention of the demon world. Glancing over his shoulder, he glared at Raguel but remained silent. Elizabeth watched him closely. He didn’t seem like himself. Almost like something was weighing heavily on his mind. Turning back towards Raguel, she asked, “So what was all the yelling about in here?”
Belial’s eyes slowly met hers. They were growing brighter with every passing second. A thin smile crossed Raguel’s face and his brown eyes sparkled. He didn’t hesitate to answer her question and was more than pleased to tell what Belial could not. “Even though you’re not a full demon you are Lucifer’s kin.”
A deep, rumbling growl rolled out of Belial’s throat. His eyes turned into narrow slits and they looked red and fiery. Raguel was not put off however and with a grin he continued, “Female angels and demons, for that matter, are rare. So anyone who can be linked as kin of a powerful leader can be a great asset to any particular being looking to raise their position, if you follow me.”
Belial shot out of his seat. He looked deadly but Raguel was ready for him. Jumping, the angel met the demon in the center of the room. Gleaming whi
te feathers filled the small space. Three wings protruded out of Belial’s back while Raguel only donned two. They both spread their wings as far as possible making the small room feel claustrophobic.
They were like animals ready to pounce, and without thinking Elizabeth jumped between them. The instant she separated the two, she realized the stupidity of her decision. Both beings had wild eyes and she wasn’t sure if they registered her presence anymore.
The crashing and breaking of glass dispersed the tension. Elizabeth’s nervousness melted into fear. Instinctively her arms flew over her head and a heavy weight pushed her to the floor. She was surrounded by a carpet of feathers and a wall of white shielded her view. Horrible noises from another room sent chills up and down her spine.
She flinched when a pair of hands grabbed her waist, lifting her effortlessly to her feet. Glancing up, she saw Ben’s face. His eyes were serious and he was staring past her at the door. She really didn’t want to see what he was looking at in instead buried her head in his chest.
The steady rhythm of his heart was comforting and his chest rumbled when he spoke. “You took care of it?”
“Yeah.” Raguel said. “He was drugged just like the last one. He can’t remember who gave the order. I’ll deal with him back in Heaven and see if I can get any more information out of him.”
Rubbing her head farther into Ben’s chest, Elizabeth closed her eyes. “Clean up the mess.” Belial said. “I’ll take her to bed.”
Bending, he lifted Elizabeth into his arms. She kept her head against his chest and held onto his shirt tightly. Wrapping his wings around her loosely, he was sure to block out the light and the view. Moving swiftly, he carried her to her room, closing the door behind them. He didn’t want her to see what was in the other room. She’d been through so much already so at least that was one thing he was able to spare her from.
Elizabeth’s room was dark and quiet but her nerves wouldn’t calm down. It felt like she was being watched and it was unsettling. Belial stayed close to the door. Resting his head against it, he listened to what was happening on the other side. Walking to the window, Elizabeth gazed out into the darkness. The trees were dark shafts protruding from the ground and the road resembled a black river in the distance. That was when she saw him. Letting out a gasp, Belial was at her side in an instant. It was the man she had seen at the club. He was still robed in a trench coat and a hat adorned his head. His eyes glowed and were the only beacons of light in the blackness.
Without hesitation, Belial threw the window open and yelled, “Watch over Elizabeth!”
Jumping out the window, he flew into the dark abyss. Raguel was at her side in a flash. He had the window closed and locked before she could blink. She was scared--not only for herself, but for Ben as well. Her hands trembled and her breath grew still. Raguel wrapped his arms around her tightly and her legs went limp. Holding her, the angel quickly placed her on the bed and laid down next to her on top of the covers.
His eyes were peaceful and not at all like Ben’s or Lucifer’s. There was fluidity about them and Elizabeth could feel a calming sensation rush over her. Staring at her, he never blinked or said a word. Eventually her eyes grew heavy and she drifted into a deep sleep.
Chapter 17