Falling for an Angel

By Laura Prior

When a mysterious stranger enters Jasmine's life with tales of Angels and Demons she refuses to listen to his warnings. Having been raised with dishonesty and treachery, she is under no illusion of the realities of human existence. Abandoned by her family and betrayed by her friends, she find this recent twist in her life too much to handle and spirals out of control.

Zach is ancient warrior Angel. To his disgust he has been sent to guard Jasmine from the beasts that hunt her. Perplexed by her volatile human nature he struggles to control her and make her recognize the signs of the mythical world around her.

Is it possible for two such dissimilar individuals to unite against the evil stalking them? Or will the tension between them explode - leaving catastrophic repercussions?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laura Prior
• Release date: Oct 3, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301912896

Laura Prior

Laura Prior lives in Melbourne Australia with her fiancé, two daughters and two dogs.

Book preview

Dedication

Dedicated to my dad, for all the hard work you have put in

to make this a success.

1

‘Believers, look up - take courage. The angels are nearer than you think.’

Billy Graham

My knee length grey swede boots clicked as I pranced down the corridor excitedly, towards my friends waiting by the school cafeteria entrance.

Guess what! I announced as I reached them. I passed the biology makeup test! I am officially no longer a delinquent! I grinned as my friends exclaimed and congratulated me. I had been doing make up sessions and tests for weeks.

Does that mean you’ll be free to come out to play tonight? winked Pete.

Well, that’s kind of depending on if this news cheers up Miss Elda! She’s really been on my case lately. About six months ago I had snuck out of the house to go to a party, which I had been doing for years, but this time the party had been raided by the police. And I had been caught with a supply of weed. My step-father had flipped his lid; ergo, major trouble for me. Although, he was less bothered about me smoking, and more about the fact that the police or ‘the Piggs’ as he called them, had dared to infiltrate his house. My step-father had already decided at the beginning of the year that the moment I graduated from school I was going to be kicked out and my mother had agreed with him, so this news didn’t affect my dealings with them a great deal.

However, the police had also informed my school. School, was another matter entirely. They knew from my reports that I barely scraped through my subjects, but as long as I wasn’t failing they didn’t take too much interest in me. Which was how I liked it.

Due to my attitude, low grades and the new discovery of my smoking habit, my teachers thought that I needed to talk to someone. My Form Tutor had taken it upon himself to refer me to the school Guidance Counselor, and now I had mandatory forty-five minute sessions with Miss Elda twice a week. It grated on me that people who knew nothing about me thought they had a right to interfere in my life. Like I wanted advice from a fifty year old single woman who had probably had everything handed to her on a plate. She didn’t have a clue about what I’d dealt with in my life, and I didn’t have any intention of telling her.

What would she say if one day I had said: Well Miss, if you really want me to tell you what my problems are, here goes. My father abandoned me before I was born, my mother has a drug problem and can barely remember my name most days and my step-father is a disgusting rapist.

I imagine I’d be shipped off to a juvenile delinquency center quicker than I could roll a spliff. My plan was to hold my shit together for just these last couple of months of school, then I would never have to see my mother or step father again.

My step father – Colin, and I had a turbulent association. My real dad skipped out on us when my mother was pregnant so I never knew him. The only father figure I’d had was Colin, who was a complete tosser and had sponged off my mum for years. He was technically looking for work, meaning he headed to the job center once a week, but turned down anything they suggested as he had a dodgy back. Not that that stopped him from playing football with his mates down at the park on a weekend, or from playing darts at the pub…or from raping women.

He had met my mother when I was six, and had moved in immediately. He never touched me, but he would leer at me, and try to catch me in the bathroom when showering or changing. He’d touch himself while watching me. Once, when I was about ten years old, he’d come in dunk and he’d cornered me in the kitchen. He told me how he loved to make women scream in pain. He’d tie them up and whip them, take advantage of them in every way. He loved to make them beg. I had been so frightened I had told my mother, who had adamantly refused to believe me. She had told Colin who had threatened me with his own particular brand of violence. I never mentioned it to anyone again.

From that moment on I kept to myself, I avoided both Colin and my mother as much as possible. I bottled my emotions up and instead let loose with alcohol and drugs. I soon met and made friends with others who enjoyed the same outlet, and I spiraled out of control, barely keeping a grip on reality. My mother worked nights in a casino as a waitress and smoked drugs during the day so even when I came home at 6am after an all-night binge she didn’t know. Lord knows how she kept her job when she was generally stoned 24 hours a day, or coming off a bender. Colin had warned me as soon as I finished school he was kicking me out which fitted in with my plans perfectly. I’d be happy never to see that tosser again.

I had learned early to keep out the way and under the radar, scraping by at school until the police raid. I’ll admit that this had turned me into an angry, pessimistic and volatile person, but I was what I was, and I didn’t think that would ever change.

My teachers, however, thought that with a few counseling sessions I’d be as right as rain. I’d had the whole lecture of what a disappointment I was, yadda yadda, and how all they wanted was for me to finish school and be able to support myself, make a career for myself. My deputy principle simply wanted my ‘delinquent ass’ out of his school as soon as possible. Between the Guidance Counselor and my teachers, I was scheduled almost 24/7 for homework and make up tests. Thankfully my grades had picked up since; I had completed all make up tests and the assignments for extra credit, and my teachers were regularly telling me that I had ‘really turned things around’. They didn’t know that I was hanging on by my finger-tips.

I shook myself back to reality focusing on Abbey squealing at me. Come on, it’s my birthday! You’ve got to come, like, the whole school’s coming! Abbey grabbed my arms and shook me playfully. Abbey’s parties were legendary. Her parents were super rich and always out of town. She pretty much had the run of her very large house, and regularly had parties. We’d learned to keep the noise down after the first few police attendances. Her parents couldn’t care less that Abbey and her older brother filled the house with cheap booze and drugs and invited everyone they knew at least once a month for a drinking session as long as the house was spotless by the time they returned which was barely once a month.

Nate – Abbey’s boyfriend, rolled his eyes. You know she’s going to be unbearable for the rest of the day until you say you’re coming, and you know you are coming, so just say it and we can go get lunch already. Nate, the typical tall, dark and handsome football player fitted Abbey perfectly. Abbey was his complete opposite in looks; petite, blonde, blue eyes, and gorgeous, whereas he was built like a wrestler, shaved dark hair, and constantly had a sneer on his face, but they were made for each other. They both grew up with absent parents, were a little on the wild side, regularly took drugs and smoked weed, got drunk at least a couple of times a week, and adored each other. Both popular and attractive, they had the package deal.

Pete was also on the football team, and of course fitted in with our crowd well with his stint in a youth detention center, and Pricilla made up the remainder of our group. Somehow despite the fact that she partied as much as the rest of us she managed to maintain her grade A’s throughout our final school year while the rest of us regularly got detention. I suspected cheating of some kind, but fair play to her I thought. At least she’d escaped the notice of the deputy principle and hadn’t been called into his office to discuss her ‘delinquencies’, as he’d put it to me.

I had 3 months left in my last year of senior schooling then I was out of this town. I had hoped that one of my friends would come with me, but they all had plans for University and couldn’t be talked out of it. I had planned to pick up waitressing or bar work, live in a different city, maybe even in a different country. I had bragged to my friends about finally being free and independent and being adventurous, but I secretly hoped that I would find a trail that would lead me to eventually finding my real father. It was a distant hope, and one that I rarely even admitted to myself.

I’d been trying to convince Abbey to come back-packing with me, but that was fighting a losing battle. There was no way she would leave Nate and as he had a scholarship for University to do P.E. and would play on their team I’d given up pestering. Pricilla had decided she was either going to be a Vet or a Rock Goddess, and had also accepted a University place, which left Pete. Adorable Pete had the full approval of his father for his drinking and wild partying ways and had been working for his family’s gardening and tree cutting business since he was a kid. He would be – shock horror - staying to work for his father and continuing to play in the county football team.

There wasn’t anyone else I would want to invite. Being known as the school delinquents generally ensured that the other kids avoided our group. Besides, I couldn’t imagine ever actually wanting to be around someone 24/7 for the foreseeable future. At least if I met people on my travels I could ditch them easily.

Pulling myself back to focus on the conversation, I raised my eyebrows at Abbey, I’ll see what I can do. But, don’t get your hopes up because I have a session after school. I’ll text you and let you know.

We walked through the already ajar doors into the café and grabbed our usual spot near the windows. I pulled a bottle of diet coke out of my bag and stuck my feet up on the chair opposite me. Pete lifted my feet and sat down, replacing my legs over his knees. For the rest of lunch break Abbey chatted about the party she and her brother were throwing. It did seem a big deal. One of her brother’s friends was DJ’ing, and there was going to be a good supply of booze and drugs. Abbey had even booked a caterer who would be delivering the food just before the party started.

After the bell rang to signal the end of lunch, we separated, each going to our classes, and I promised again to text Abbey later to let her know if I could get out.

The rest of the day went by in a blur of boredom and day dreaming, until the final bell went and everyone except me scrambled down the corridor and out the main entrance to their freedom. I trailed up towards the administration offices. There was a small unmanned reception, and a row of seats opposite. Doors lead to the Principle and Deputy Principle’s and Guidance Counselor’s offices, plus separate admin rooms.

I’d barely sat for a minute before Miss Elda leaned out of her office and beckoned me in. She looked in her fifties, she was prim and proper, and maintained her coiffed hair up on top of her head, fixed with pins and a head band. She always wore a trouser suit, and blouse. Today it was a salmon pink colour. I took a seat in her office and she sat behind the desk and leaned forward on her elbows towards me. I slouched back in the chair uncomfortably.

She waited an uncomfortable length of time, staring at me all the while, before speaking. Well Jasmine. How has your week been so far?

Fine. Nothing new to report. I replied.

She nodded slowly. And you passed the biology make up test with Mr Erwing I see. Congratulations. You must be thrilled. She tilted her head and smiled at me expectantly.

I shifted in my seat. Yeah I was pleased.

Umm hmm. And how are things at home?

Fine. I gave the same answer I’d given every time she asked me. The real answer to that question flashing across my mind. She asked me the same questions every session, as if one day I would suddenly change my mind and give her my entire life history. My answers never varied between ‘fine’, and ‘okay’. She chatted to me about my future for a while, as I nodded and umm’d appropriately all the while thinking of absolutely nothing. In her office it was as if time slowed down, I felt that my mind wandered and I spaced. I was actually quite peaceful.

I blinked back to reality when she stood up and moved around the desk perching on the edge in front of me. Remember Jasmine, you make your own destiny. You can do anything you want. Find anyone you want. She paused as if for effect, as her words sunk in. She was talking about my father.

I quickly blinked back the tears, masking my reaction by standing up and swinging my bag over my shoulder. Are we done now Miss Elda?

She sighed, and twitched her nose. Yes Jasmine, you can go. I have no extra work for you for tonight, but I’ll see you on Monday after school.

I quickly left the school building, and walked the few blocks to my house. My house was on an old block of units all owned by the same landlord. The units were all joined together, but had separate front doors. They were all run down; the driveway paving was chipped and missing bricks. Leaves and rubbish had been swept by the wind into the corners and all along the front wall of the units. My house in particular needed repainting. The light green paint was flaking off in large sections.

I walked through the front door, leading into the kitchen. My mother was eating cereal in front of the oven. She turned to look at me as I barged in letting the door bang close behind me. She sported a deep purple bruise all round her left eye, and a little cut higher up on her forehead. I could smell the spliff that was lit and leaning in the ash tray next to her on the counter top. Her skin was saggy, and she had covered last night’s make up with more foundation, causing her skin to look a dirty brown colour with a lumpy texture. Her dark scraggy hair was streaked with grey and hung down in lank clumps. Who knew when that had last been washed.

I hadn’t seen her for over a week, as she worked night shifts, and I considered not saying anything and just heading up to my room but changed my mind. I stood, hovering for a few seconds unsure what to say. Eventually I came out with; Why are you up so early?

I’ve got an extra shift at work tonight. Colin wants to go away on holiday. She said around a mouthful of cereal, milk dribbling down her chin.

My temper flared. I sneered, Oh Colin wants to go on holiday! And how is he going to pay for his half? Oh, that’s right he won’t, he’ll just beat you up and then you’ll just agree to whatever he wants and pay for it all. You just let him walk all over you like always. You know I just can’t wait to get myself into a relationship where I’m knocked around like a useless piece of trash!

Shut your fucking mouth, you stupid bitch. You’d be lucky to ever get a man between your legs. Get out of my sight. I’m not in the mood for your shit. Go on, go! Mum growled out at me, her stained, sharp teeth spitting cereal out at me.

I spun on my heel and marched off. I stomped up the stairs and slammed my door. I couldn’t wait to be out of here. Just a couple of months to go then I was done. I took a few deep calming breaths.

I’m coming 2night. C U at 9. I texted Abbey, then chucked my phone on my desk and flung myself on the bed. Best get some sleep before heading over there as we’d be up until the early hours of the morning.

2

‘Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.’

Alexander Pope

At 7pm I showered and started to put on my make-up. I chose a bronze eye shadow that made my green-grey eyes stand out, and a ton of winged eyeliner and mascara. I flicked through my dresses. I didn’t have many, and usually wore one of Abbey’s dresses, but I didn’t have time to get ready at her place. I decided on a short red baby doll dress with little transparent puff sleeves. I curled my hair with tongs so that my long blonde hair hung down my back in ringlets. Jewellery and a spray of perfume and I was done. I put on matching red heels and grabbed a silver glittery clutch bag throwing in my purse, phone and pieces of make-up. I had a final glance in the mirror. I looked hot! I smiled coyly at myself turning round to look at myself from the back in the mirror.

Pleased with the result, I locked the bedroom door incase Colin decided to come in, took my shoes off and slipped my arm through the straps. I scrambled over the window ledge into the bushes and ran across the lawn. I ran a couple of blocks in my bare feet then stopped and put on my heels. I continued clicking down the path until I reached the main high street where I stuck my hand out for a taxi. One stopped immediately and off I sped to Abbey’s party.

When I got to the house, about a 15minute drive later, I could tell it was already in full swing. I could hear the base thumping out the house, and I could hear cheers from drinking games going on inside. She lived in a nice neighborhood, and had a large area of land around her house. Tall bushes surrounded the entire house and garden so the neighbors couldn’t look in. The front of the house was white and had five to six steps leading up to the porch which wrapped around the house.

I slipped in through the unlocked front door and pushed my way through the crowd. At an estimate, I’d say there were at least one hundred people here already. I made my way down the hall way into the kitchen where two guys were egging on a short skinny guy chugging a jug of lager. Most of it tipped down his front and pooled on the floor around his feet but the guys just kept cheering him on. I grinned and shouted, chug chug chug chug with the others. When he’d finished he raised his jug in a salute, then covered his mouth while burping. He froze for a second, staring at us panicked, then flew out the kitchen door into the garden.

I smirked and walked to the counter, pouring myself a vodka and coke. I sauntered through the rest of the house until I found Abbey in the living room. She was sitting on the floor playing spin the bottle with a group of girls and guys, and smoking a joint. I folded onto the floor next to her sticking my face next to hers. She put the joint to my mouth and I inhaled deeply. The cloudy fog was sucked into me and I pushed it back out. I joined in the game, until I started laughing so hard I spurted vodka out of my nose. That of course, made us all laugh even harder.

After a while I excused myself and left to find a bathroom. I went to Abbey’s ensuite as there was a queue for the main family bathroom. As I reapplied my powder and lip gloss, a shadow that seemed to glitter, appeared at the back of the room near the door. I stared in the mirror for a second then turned around. There was nothing there of course; it was the effects of the drink and the drugs. I chuckled at myself for a minute then picked up my bag and left the bathroom to find Abbey again.

I went outside to the back garden to smoke and found the verandah empty. I sat on the low wall that surrounded the porch and lit my cigarette. I breathed in the cigarette aroma and stared out towards the back of the garden where it was so black I could barely make out the shapes of the trees and bushes.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw a man step up towards me. The first thing that caught my attention were his eyes. The Iris’ were so dark they were almost black, blending into the pupil. The whites of his eyes were so pale they almost sparkled in the light from the porch lamps. He had thick, defined eye lashes which framed them perfectly, and dark hair shaved close to the skull. Through his eyebrow was a silver bolt. He had high cheek bones, which emphasized his attractiveness. Full lips were the final touch, making him look sulky.

He was tall, he must have been at least 6 foot 2, and he was built like a boxer. He was wearing a fitted white t-shirt with a black design, and his biceps were clearly defined and bulging beneath the short sleeves. He was wearing black trousers and a black belt with a silver buckle. He wore a silver chain with some sort of pendant. Tattoos ran up his neck and I could see them wrapping around his arms.

Just looking at him took my breath away. He looked dangerous and deadly, and full of sin. He looked like the epitome of criminal. And if he wasn’t a criminal, he could certainly make it as a model.

He was staring right at me, which made my heart murmur. Staring into my eyes, he walked straight up to me. He stopped around two feet away, and looked down at me. The blank expression on his face faded