Trivium: The Trinity of Souls Series, #3

By Georgeann Swiger

Cast out of Heaven and stripped of their angelic light, Anya and Micah are sent to Earth where they’re free to live as a human couple. Considering themselves lucky, they embrace the sentence as a blessing rather than a burden.

With little money and no one to turn to, they move in with an elderly woman, becoming her caregiver, and soon learn being human comes at a high price. Stuck in a world where lies, illness and dark forces surround them, their dream of finding Heaven on Earth is short lived.

With the trials and tribulations of Heaven, Hell and Earth bearing down, they must draw on their angelic origins to fight for the love they were never supposed to have.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Georgeann Swiger
• Release date: Oct 12, 2015
• ISBN: 9781519931269

Book preview

Chapter One

The mildew odor in the basement apartment turns my stomach. I don’t say anything because I don’t want Micah knowing the smell gives me headaches. I drop my work ID into my purse and collapse onto the worn, green tweed couch in the living room. I won’t complain about the musty smell or the dirty carpet or the grimy walls. A couple of days living in a park and then a two-week stint at a homeless shelter cured me of taking for granted how lucky we are to have a place to live.

How naïve I was to believe the Dominions would let me and Micah have a happy, carefree life as a couple. They meant for our time on Earth to be a punishment, and they’re making sure our basic survival is our top priority.

Micah sits next to me and buries his nose in my hair, kissing my temple. What’s the matter? he asks. Did you have another bad day at work? You know you don’t have to work there. You can find something else.

Moving away from him, I close my eyes and rub my forehead. It’s not that. It’s just a little headache. Fortunately, this headache has nothing to do with my job or the way my boss, Ms. Henderson, constantly berates me for giving into the whims of the people who live at the nursing home where I work as the Activities Director. No matter how badly the elderly residents want to have fun, I’m just supposed to keep them quiet and do sedentary activities, no singing or dancing or anything else that would create noise or lead to someone breaking a hip, as Ms. Henderson says.

Micah sweeps his finger along the side of my face and then stand. I have something to show you.

The look of pride on his face causes me to perk up. We’ve struggled on Earth for three months, and the best thing to happen to us has been the toxic-mold apartment and the fact I managed to get a job the same day Micah was hired as a custodian at an outlet mall.

When he goes into the bedroom, I sink into the lumpy couch, feeling my body collapse with exhaustion. A ray of sunlight filters through the dust-caked leaves of the overgrown rubber tree plant next to the only window in the place. Staring into the beam of afternoon light, I squint and make out a figure forming in the dust particles. I wonder if I’m really seeing the fuzzy shape of a man. When my nose tingles, I sneeze only to open my eyes and find the figure is gone.

Micah’s soft footsteps leave the linoleum of the bedroom and become muffled by the matted, shag carpet in the living room. He holds a gray uniform shirt and flashes a badge. Beginning tomorrow, I’m the new night shift guard at the Asheville Towne Centre.

My eyes zero in on the dull silver badge.

He sits next to me, handing me the shield. It pays more. Now, you can quit and find another job.

I rub my finger over the letters that spell security guard. Tiny nicks scar the edge of the metal.

What’s the matter? he asks.

This is really great. I shift to get away from the spring in the couch that pokes my back. I’m really proud of you, but I’m not quitting my job. I like working at Home Away From Home. I like those people. And I’m not afraid of Ms. Henderson. I squeeze his hand to drive home my point. If I can stand up to Lucifer, I can handle her.

He moves away from me, his knee bumping the coffee table, knocking it off the book that levels it. He grabs the table and sets it firmly in place.

Micah, please don’t be mad.

I don’t like how that woman treats you.

I can handle her.

Gritting his teeth, he looks away from me. You’re not feeling well. I don’t want to argue. I’ll fix you some soup. I didn’t eat what you gave me for lunch last night.

As he makes his way to the kitchen, I know there’s not much food left in the apartment. With two days left until payday, we’ll have to get by on peanut butter and four slices of stale bread. The can of soup I insisted he eat for lunch is the best thing we have. I’m not about to take it from him. I had a sandwich for lunch, and Micah most likely ate nothing all day.

I stand and walk to the bedroom, unbuttoning my blouse. I’m not hungry. You eat the soup. I just want to get out of my work clothes and put on something more comfortable. Dropping my blouse and pants to the floor, I grab one of Micah’s T-shirts from the dresser and pull it over my head to catch him watching me.

What? I ask, staring at his silhouette in the doorway.

He glides toward me, towering over me with his chin up and shoulders back. I know he’s about to insist once more that I quit working at the nursing home. I don’t want to argue with him, but I will. Before I can say anything, Micah reaches out, splaying his fingers through my hair. I don’t like seeing you in pain. He pulls me next to his chest. I want you to stop having these headaches.

I bury my face into his chest, enjoying the circular motion of his hands kneading away the tightness in my shoulders. The sharp pain in my head turns to a dull thump as the tension is replaced with a need to be closer to him.

That feels good, I mumble.

His thumb glides along the side of my neck, sending a ripple effect through my body. I wish he would give into his feelings and take me to bed. But I know he won’t. He always stops, never allowing anything more than a kiss between us. I realize it’s hard for him to throw away all the rules he lived by as an angel, but I don’t understand how he can manage so much self-control.

I want more. I’m ready for the human relationship we were promised when we left Heaven.

It’s not forbidden, I whisper.

He stops the massage and takes a step away from me. Your soup should be ready.

My hopes of intimacy are once again crushed. When we were sent to Earth, we were told we had a lifetime to be human and to experience all that humanity had to offer. Yet Micah can’t seem to move to the next step of our relationship.

I grab for his hand, pulling him toward the bed. You don’t have to stop.

Lowering his gaze, he clears his throat. You need to eat.

When his hand slips from mine, my insides wither. I don’t know how much more of this I can stand. He needs to let go of all the expectations of Heaven and enjoy the chance we’ve been given on Earth. He knows now that we’re human, the laws of Heaven no longer apply to us, but I can’t help wondering if Micah will ever be able to let go of those rules.

Chapter Two

At work the next day, I make my way to the activities room to find Garnet, one of my favorite residents, staring out the window. Her wrinkled hands squeeze and then stroke the arms of the wheelchair in a rhythmic motion.

Is something wrong? I ask.

Her small shoulders lift and drop. Just another day in paradise. She shakes her head. Berta wet herself in the hallway before breakfast and slipped in her own piss.

Her statement stuns me. Is she all right? I ask.

She’s in bed. I guess, they don’t think she broke anything. Or maybe they don’t care.

I’ll check on her in a little while. I can’t help notice Garnet isn’t her usual feisty self. Is something else wrong?

She drags a finger under her thin lashes, tugging the loose skin under her eye. I was just thinking it’s a beautiful day for a ride.

I toss my purse on the table and walk to her wheelchair. Grabbing the back handles, I lean over her shoulder and smile. I don’t have a car, but we can go outside and sit in the sun.

I’m not talking about riding in a car. The reflection of her slender face in the window lifts with a smile. I’m talking about riding one of my horses.

Imagining Garnet riding a horse catches me off guard. Her thin legs and tiny frame seem too frail to take the beating of a horse ride. You ride?

I did, until these damn legs of mine decided to quit working. A soft groan escapes her throat. I just hope my babies are all right. My nephew’s supposed to be taking care of them, but I can’t count on him.

I step next to the window and offer her an encouraging smile. I’m sure he’s taking good care of them.

A glimmer of feistiness returns to Garnet’s face. You don’t know that simpleton, Eugene. He’s a selfish little bastard. He’d sooner watch them starve to death than get off his lazy ass and turn them loose to graze in the field. She rubs her wrinkled hands. I just wish I could see them with my own eyes.

We can call him and check on them.

No. She stares out the window where red and yellow tulips bloom. I already talked to him this morning. He sounded like he was on something. A cold, hard glare covers her face. If I find out that little bastard’s growing pot again, I swear to God I’ll call the cops on him. She slumps in her wheelchair, losing her gumption. Who am I kidding? I have to put up with him. Remorse settles on her face. You think you could count on family. The wheelchair creaks as she sits up straighter. He’s only been here one time to check on me. Human decency would make you think he’d at least pretend to be concerned about the source of his carefree lifestyle.

I don’t know what to say. Unfortunately, she isn’t the only person in the home who never gets any visitors. Is there anything I can do?

I shouldn’t trouble you with my problems. She gives me a grandmotherly grin. Did I hear right that that Henderson woman told your boyfriend to stand outside and wait for you to get off work?

I shrug, playing down the embarrassing scene when she yelled at Micah for coming into the activities room without signing in. I guess she just wants to make sure everyone here’s safe.

Garnet rolls her eyes. Oh, please. That young man of yours wouldn’t hurt anyone. She’s just looking for an excuse to fire you because the owner of this rat hole gave you the job over her fat ass niece. She looks me straight in the eye. If I were you, I’d tell her to fuck off.

I don’t know what to say. I’ve never told anyone to fuck off. That sounds like something Sam would say. I’m sure he would tell Ms. Henderson that and more if he were here.

Biting my lip, I change the subject. Micah used to have a horse.

My words pique her interest. She sits a little taller. What kind of horse did he have?

I don’t know. Images of the horses the angels rode while patrolling the border of Heaven and Hell flash through my mind. They’re all lean and graceful and have speed and stamina that keep the angels safe in the foggy mist of Tartaris.

A proud smile crosses Garnet’s face. I had a horse run in the Kentucky Derby. He should have won, but you know how those things go.

I’d love to see him. Do you have any pictures?

No. She purses her lips. Eugene had me sent here straight from the hospital. He told me it was just until I learned to get around on my own. All he brought me was some clothes, and I haven’t seen him since.

But you’re getting along fine with your wheelchair. I don’t see why you can’t go home.

The lines deepen on her face. It’s my own damn fault. I signed over my power of attorney to that little bastard when I was in the hospital. I think it was all those damn painkillers messing with my mind. She smirks angrily. "As long as he’s able to keep writing checks from my account, I’m stuck here. That son of a bitch is living high on the hog since Aunt Garnet’s stuck in the old folk’s home."

But he can’t keep you here if you want to leave.

She sinks back in her wheelchair. I’ve been stuck in this place for eight months. I‘ve got calls into a couple of attorneys. But that damn nephew of mine keeps making it out like I’m off my rocker. He found a doctor to say I exhibit the early signs of dementia. She chuckles. I can remember everything I had for breakfast, lunch and dinner since I came to this place. I think the owners of this damned nursing home are in on it.

She sighs and looks outside. Morning light streams through the window. Garnet closes her eyes, allowing the sun to soak her face. When her eyes open, a tiny smile lifts her cheeks. I think I would like to go outside and get some fresh air. She pushes her wheelchair toward the doorway.

When I glance out the window, two robins swoop onto the cement patio in the garden. Their breasts are fat and red, plump with the look of spring. A bright reflection gleams in the glass of the window, and a figure slowly forms. As I stare at it, my eyes burn and water from the bright sunlight.

Are you coming? Garnet’s voice pulls my gaze to the door.

I’ll be right there.

When I look back at the window, the figure’s gone. I rub my eyes and shake off the hot, electrical buzz that leaves the hairs on my arms raised. Angels are watching. I’m sure of it. I’ve felt their presence ever since Micah and I came to Earth. And now I’m catching glimpses of them.

Chapter Three

Rain patters against the activities room window. Before leaving for the day, I tidy up the craft cabinet. While I make sure everything’s in order, Ms. Henderson stops in front of the door and takes a long look at me. It’s the third time she’s come into the room. I begin to think she is hoping to catch me doing something wrong so she can fire me and justify giving her niece the job.

I force myself to smile at her. After she closes the door, I get my purse from the drawer and put on my jacket only to be startled by Garnet’s angry voice coming from outside the room. When I open the door, she’s sitting straight and tall in her wheelchair, positioned so Ms. Henderson is backed into the corner.

I said I want that young man to come inside. Garnet’s spiteful voice carries through the entryway.

Ms. Henderson bends down and grabs the arms of Garnet’s wheelchair. Now, now, Miss Burr, that’s enough.

When the wheelchair begins to glide backward, Garnet clutches the wheels and rams the chair into Ms. Henderson’s shins. Listen here, Henderson. That young man you’re making stand in the rain is my guest. You allow him to come in here, or I swear to God I’ll take my business elsewhere. I don’t think the owners of this place will be happy if you’re the reason they can’t gouge my savings account every month.

Ms. Henderson grits her teeth and shoves the wheelchair backward. Miss Burr, let’s get you to your room. I think you could use a nap.

I don’t need a damn nap. Now, open the door and tell Micah to come inside. I have something I need to discuss with him.

I’m not about to be caught up in their argument. I hurry to the door and smile. I’m leaving. Have a goodnight.

You tell that fellow of yours to come in here and wait for the rain to stop. It’s coming down like cats and dogs out there. Garnet pitches her chin up and takes a good look at Ms. Henderson. Get away from me. She rolls the wheelchair to the door and grabs the knob. When she opens the door, Micah is standing in the beating rain, staring at us. Get your ass in here, she yells. I want to hear about your horse.

Micah cocks his head to the side and rubs rainwater from his mouth. My horse?

Anya said you had a horse.

Micah’s gaze shifts to me. The look in his eyes shrinks me to nothing.

I swallow hard. I told her you used to ride.

A light rumble of thunder rolls in the distance. Micah walks to the door, water dripping down his face. He licks the beads of rain from his lips.

Why don’t you go torture someone else with your presence? Garnet snaps at Ms. Henderson.

Ms. Henderson walks off, tensing when Micah closes the door.

Garnet points her finger at him. From now on, you just tell that woman you’re coming inside to say hello to me.

Her cocky tone is enough to make Micah grin.

She smiles at him and glides her wheelchair toward the activities room. Well, aren’t you going to give your sweetheart a little kiss hello? The humorous undercurrent in her voice pokes fun at us.

I bite my lip, knowing kissing is out of the question. Public displays of affection and Micah don’t mix. Instead, I swept my fingers along the side of his face, rubbing away some of the rain.

He leans in close to my ear. Why did you tell her I had a horse?

Because you do...or did, and she likes to ride, I whisper. Come on. You can talk to her about riding while we wait for the rain to stop.

The rain’s not going to stop any time soon, he grumbles.

I tug on his arm, directing him to follow Garnet. She wheels her chair into the activities room and parks it by the window.

Shut the door. I don’t want to look at the damn woman’s face.

Micah eases the door shut. I put a chair by the window for him so he can sit next to Garnet. He reluctantly settles into the seat and rubs his hands over the wet denim covering his thighs. What is it you’d like to know? he asks.

I’m interested in the breed of horse you had.

Micah pushes wet strings of hair out of his face. I had a Nisean.

Garnet arches a brow and studies him. Really?

Micah nods and wipes water from the side of his face.

Garnet’s wheelchair squeaks as she wiggles around. I find it odd you had a Nisean since they’ve been extinct for thousands of years.

Micah shoots me a look that stops me from breathing. When his gaze returns to Garnet, he studies her and then smiles. "Certainly, you can understand why I would dream of having that breed of horse. He looks her in the eye. Their strength, speed and stamina. I doubt there’s ever been a better warhorse."

A grin crumples Garnet’s face. Even if you are a damn liar, you’ve impressed me with what you know about Niseans. I would love to have one of those horses. She turns toward the window. Well, look at that, she says. The sun’s out, and it’s still raining. It’s pretty damn ironic that a rainbow’s likely shining over this old rest home. Her voice loses its energy as she slumps in her chair.

Micah stands. We should be going.

Garnet rests her elbow on the arm of the wheelchair and cradles her chin in her hand. Her eyes trail off into the back garden where the last raindrops fall from the brightening sky. After the good, the bad and the ugly, are waiting on all of us, she says solemnly. Enjoy the good while you can because when the bad comes around, the memories of the good times will be all you have left.

Micah nods and turns to the door.

I make my way to Garnet’s side and bend down to look up at her. You’re not alone, Garnet. I hope you know Micah and I are here for you.

I can feel Micah’s gaze on me. I slowly look up at him. Isn’t that right? I say.

When Garnet looks at him, he forces a smile.

Garnet smiles back. Edge of Night’s no Nisean, but he’s one hell of a horse. Maybe you’d like to ride him. Or one of my other horses.

Micah shakes his head. "I really...couldn’t."

Well, sure you can. You can take Anya to my farm and ride any of the horses on the property as long as you promise to tell me how my horses are. And maybe bring me back some pictures of them.

Micah stares at Garnet like she’s crazy. I step between them. I think that would be fun. I look at Micah from the corner of my eye. I’d like to learn to ride. Maybe I can ride Edge of Night?

Garnet grins. You better begin with Gemma. She’s not much to look at these days, but she’s the one you’ll want to learn on.

Even though I’m sure Micah doesn’t want to get involved with Garnet and her problems, I wish he would take her up on her offer. This is the most exciting thing that’s happened to us since we got to Earth. I don’t want to miss this chance to do something fun. When I smile at him, the dark look in his eyes passes. If you really want to, he says. I can teach you.

My heart beats like a thousand hooves