Flying with Angels

By Joy S. Luther

A young woman meets her celestial guide in a dream, leading her on an incredible journey of self-discovery. Navigating life’s journey in this world and beyond, she encounters danger, romance and adventures beyond anything she could have imagined.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Sep 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9781619275799

Book preview

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PROLOGUE

The full moon shines down upon an encampment with sentries strategically posted along the perimeter. The medieval knights are on high alert, expecting some sort of retaliation. Inside one of the interior tents where armored guards stand watch at the entrance, a young woman is held prisoner, her hands and feet bound with heavy rope.

Far off in the distance, out of sight from the troops, a hooded figure approaches on horseback accompanied by other riders. Two gallop ahead of the group, a legendary warrior and his comrade who grips a flag emblazoned with a fire-breathing dragon. They move quickly toward their objective.

Surly mercenaries greet them when they reach the camp. Who goes there? shouts the stocky guard with an eye patch.

The flag-bearer moves his horse forward and replies, We come with a gift from your master, entertainment for the troops.

A soldier in finery appears from the shadows. How do we know this is not a trick?

The flag-bearer hands him a parchment sealed with the dragon's crest. The commander studies it before breaking the seal to read its contents. Satisfied, he says, Bring the others. Dismount your horses and my men will show you to your quarters.

As the hooded figure walks by the commander, he grabs her wrist and draws back the hood to expose her flowing mane of golden hair. Hmm, what have we here?

Swallowing her fear, she curtsies, avoiding his wandering eyes. He orders one of the guards, Show this one to my tent.

The conspirators knew that the commander would pick her. She must keep him occupied at all costs.

Now inside the enemy camp, there's no turning back. They will risk everything to free the prisoner.

The commander immediately recognizes the war hero. The angled scar dividing his copper beard stretches from the middle of his left cheek to the top of his collarbone. The men converse at length about their feats in battle before the commander relinquishes his duty as host to his lieutenant. The commander is anxious to retrieve the gift awaiting him in his tent.

A tour of the grounds led by the lieutenant brings the war hero to the tent under heavy guard, where he strikes up a conversation with the men keeping them engaged with his adventurous tales of combat.

The other male conspirator remains inconspicuous in the crowd ogling the women singing and dancing at the center of the camp. The audience bursts into laughter as a bawdy beauty cajoles a reluctant young soldier into dancing with her. With the soldiers’ attention focused on the women, the conspirator takes leave of the troops under the guise of relieving himself, but he is followed. He leads the guard as far away from the camp as possible without stirring suspicion. He snaps the guard’s neck easily and drags his lifeless body into the brush.

He proceeds toward the captive’s tent, and spots a sentry blocking the pathway to his destination. Approaching from behind the sentry, he attacks with quiet speed as he brings his dagger across the man's throat in one smooth motion. Carrying the dead weight with him, he narrowly avoids being spotted by another sentry making the rounds. He darts out of sight leaving the body behind a woodpile.

At last, he arrives at the prisoner’s location and slices an opening into the canvas at the back side of the tent. The startled prisoner lets out a muffled scream through the cloth stuffed in her mouth before she recognizes her rescuer. Bringing his forefinger to his lips, he signals for her to remain quiet as he steps closer. He uses his dagger, still wet with blood, to cut her restraints. Bile rises in his throat at the sight of her bruised and swollen face. Her tattered clothes are filthy and spotted with dried blood. It takes longer than expected to free her, and he worries that someone will soon discover his treachery.

Boisterous laughter erupts at the tent's entrance, as if timed perfectly. The two flee the tent at once, not giving in to their passion until outside earshot of the guards. He sweeps her up in his arms, planting an urgent kiss upon her mouth that is returned wholeheartedly.

She reluctantly pulls away and whispers, We don’t have much time. I know where they’re keeping him. I will meet up with you when it’s done. Promise me you'll keep yourself and the others safe.

He kisses her one last time not wanting to let go. I will. Godspeed, my love.

Chapter 1

MY BIRTHDAY

My birthday plans unfold nicely after work, beginning with a quick dinner at Mom and Dad’s where I indulge in my favorite dessert, devil’s food cupcakes topped with double fudge frosting.

Next stop is Club Fatima, where I have every intention of dancing off those cupcakes. As I drive through the parking lot and past the crowd lined up at the entrance, my phone dings with an incoming text.

My roommate, Melissa, confirms that she's scored a table inside. Lucky for me, she's also put my name on the list. I quickly make my way past the crowd to the bouncer at the door, while avoiding any eye contact with the disgruntled clubgoers waiting in line. Once inside, Melissa spots me immediately and ushers me over to where she and some other friends are sitting.

Thank God, you got a table. It's packed in here tonight, I yell over the booming music.

I know, right? I guess this is the place to be. She points to a bright pink cocktail on the table. This one's for you, girl friend.

Uh oh, it’s going to be one of those nights, isn't it?

Her grin says it all. She is an instigator and a troublemaker. That is why she is so much fun to be around and why we’ve been best friends since the fifth grade.

As soon as our favorite song blasts through the speakers, Melissa grabs my arm and drags me over to the dance floor. Without missing a beat, she takes command of the dance floor. Her confidence is contagious and I’m right by her side, moving to the beat while belting out the lyrics.

A while later we drag our sweaty selves back to the table for refreshments. Most of our friends have dispersed, except for the Thompson sisters who are peoplewatching from our table. As I take a gulp of ice water, someone bumps into me and I spill it down the front of me.

Hey, watch it!

I see who the culprit is. He greets me with a warm hug. Happy birthday, Sis!

Thanks a lot! I blot the water from my top with a cocktail napkin.

In true Gavin form, he begins charming the ladies at the table. Eventually he and Melissa saunter off to dance and my other two friends take off toward the bar. I’m left standing next to Gavin’s friends who tagged along for the evening. Gavin’s best friend, Wayne, and his girlfriend slide into the chairs left vacant by my friends while the other two guys, I've never met before, remain standing facing the dance floor. The dorky-looking blonde turns and asks me to dance.

We wedge ourselves in between several couples who reluctantly give up some of their real estate on the dance floor. A song with a catchy loop infuses me with energy. I create more space for myself by exaggerating the sway of my hips to the rhythm. The two of us get absolutely lost in the sea of gyrating people. During the third song I almost twist my ankle as I slide sideways in my towering heels trying to avoid stepping on a broken beer bottle. My dance partner grabs my arm and saves me from an embarrassing fall. Disaster averted, we cruise back over to the table to get some water where Melissa is flirting with Gavin.

I excuse myself and make my way to the restroom, when I see him standing by the bar with three of his associates. Bradley doesn’t normally go to nightclubs, so what is he doing here? I take a deep breath, puff myself up with confidence and strut his way like a model on the catwalk.

Cool as a cucumber, he is. He looks up and smiles. Well, if it isn’t the birthday girl, herself. He gives me an affectionate hug. The scent of his aftershave floods me with memories. Happy birthday, Ashlyn.

Thanks. Why does he have to look so damn good? "I never would have expected to see you here. Slumming it, tonight, are we?"

I had a dinner meeting down the street and these lunatics persuaded me to join them afterward. They brought the Silver Fox along to reel in the ladies, he says, giving me a wink.

He introduces me to the three slick attorneys standing next to him as they survey a group of girls nearby. I can't shake the image of great white sharks circling a colony of seals.

Bradley gently leads me away from his colleagues toward a less crowded section of the club. You look especially gorgeous tonight, my darling, he says as he brings the top of my hand to his lips.

Before I know what’s hit me, we leave the club hand-in-hand and walk toward my car. We linger by the passenger side as he gently pushes me up against the window with his body. He slowly brings his lips to mine brushing them across my mouth before I am immersed in a kiss that levels me completely.

Chapter 2

DOG BEACH

Where did you disappear to last night? Gavin asks as we paddle back out to the break.

A small cresting wave washes over my board before I can answer. I ran into Bradley. Need I say more?

Gavin flashes me a knowing smile.

I am still reeling from last night's tryst. I broke up with him eight months ago, but it just about shattered my heart when I did. He’s fourteen years my senior, but that isn’t the issue. He has a grown son from a relationship in high school, but he is adamant about not having any more children. Nor is he interested in marriage. Being a high-powered divorce attorney has soured him on marriage and kids for a lifetime. This is a deal-breaker for me.

I’m lost in thought and miss a perfect wave, but Gavin shreds it. Damn! I miss the next two decent ones, but catch one in the following set that takes me all the way in to the shore. A friendly golden retriever greets me as I exit the water. I peel my wetsuit down to my waist and sit on the sand to watch Gavin carve perfect turns into the waves. He’s doing his thing.

Eventually, Gavin plops down next to me and pets a pug that has waddled over for some attention. Gavin strikes up a conversation with the owner, who happens to be a petite, exotic beauty. He ends up with her number.

You are such a pig. You have a girlfriend.

Oh, relax. No harm done. Anyway, it’s not for me. It's for Jack. He loves Asian women.

I hope he’s telling the truth. I really like Sarah. Even after a year with him, she is still a bit insecure – who can blame her – but she challenges him like no one else.

We meet up with Sarah at Chronic Tacos for lunch after surfing at Dog Beach. Sorry I couldn’t join you last night for the birthday festivities, Sarah says. I had to babysit for my sister.

No worries. Gavin told me.

I hope you kept an eye on your brother for me, she says while playfully glaring at Gavin.

Of course, I say, feeling a bit guilty. I don’t mention his flirting with Melissa or the girl on the beach.

By the time I make it home, get cleaned up and give my cats some much needed attention, I’m exhausted. Melissa is staying in L.A. tonight with her model friends, so I have the apartment to myself.

I still haven’t returned Bradley’s call from earlier. I think about typing his number into my phone, but instead fall asleep on top of the covers with my cats, Sidney and Nadia, curled up against my legs.

I drift back to the shore of Dog Beach, but there are no dogs, just seashells. I’m desperately trying to find an unbroken sand dollar. I’m not sure why. Each time I pick one up, it crumbles between my fingers. A squadron of pelicans passes overhead. I can’t pull my gaze away from their graceful flight. As they circle back toward me, I realize they are no longer birds. They are winged creatures of another kind. The lead one sets his sights on me. Friend or foe, I’m not sure. I can fly in my dreams, but taking to the skies doesn’t seem like a good idea, so I run toward the water.

I stumble into the waves just as the creature grabs and lifts me into the air. The group collectively whispers my name as I soar. The forceful wind stings my eyes, causing tears to stream across my cheeks. My captor’s wings barely make a sound as they cut through the air with ease.

Another flock of winged creatures, dark and ominous, appears in front of us and they close in quickly. My captor lets go. I plummet down toward the sea. My limbs jerk violently as I hit the water, and I wake up with a start.

Chapter 3

BRADLEY

After my morning cup of coffee, I get the courage up to call Bradley and he talks me into meeting him for brunch in Newport. I know I shouldn’t, but I do it anyway. He looks amazing, as always, even if he’s a bit overdressed. His navy blazer complements his piercing violet eyes and dark brown hair sprinkled with salt. He’s bronzed to perfection. To someone who didn’t know him, they'd think he spent all his days worshipping the sun. But I know differently. He’s a workaholic like no other. There’s no time for maintaining that gorgeous tan other than by artificial means.

I remember it well, the first time we met. I was still in college, waitressing at a high-end restaurant in Corona del Mar. As soon as I saw him, dressed impeccably in a charcoal Hugo Boss suit, I stumbled over my words, trying to present the lunch specials to his table of business associates.

He frequented the restaurant from that day forward and pursued me with a vengeance. Our chemistry was undeniable. I admired his drive, and he liked my spunk. I’d be naive to think