Morning Sun

By Vicki Lats

GABBY HOLLINGSWORTH discovers that she is half-human, half-angel and is the key to humanitys survival. As the new world unveils itself, so does the danger she never knew existed. Trained to defend and to use her powers to protect, she faces her enemy with a vengeance.

Darien, Gabbys watcher, a commander of legions, must intervene in order to save the girl he loves and train her for whats to come. Crossing forbidden boundaries, torn between two worlds, will he risk everything for love?

Together, they fight many battles, facing one downfall after another. Will Gabby be able to defeat the forces and stop the worlds destruction? Or will the dark side win and reign forever? And is their love strong enough to keep them together?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9781456735968

Vicki Lats

Vicki Lats, born on August 11, 1978, is a young adult fiction writer, who lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma with her family. She has also written short stories, songs, and poems as a hobby. A nurse by day and a writer by night, she loves to touch people with her creativity.

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© 2016 Vicki Lats. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 02/08/2017

ISBN: 978-1-4567-3595-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4567-3597-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4567-3596-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011902397

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 -Awakening-

Chapter 2 -Haunted-

Chapter 3 -Fatal Attraction-

Chapter 4 -Secrets Unfolded-

Chapter 5 -The Beginning-

Chapter 6 -Driven-

Chapter 7 -Captured-

Chapter 8 -Higher Places-

Chapter 9 -Fair Trade-

Chapter 10 -The Statues-

Chapter 11 -Blown Away-

Chapter 12 -Easy Escape-

Chapter 13 -Forgotten-

Chapter 14 -A Dangerous Game-

Chapter 15 -Training-

Chapter 16 -Not Meant To Be-

Chapter 17 -The Bride-

chapter 18 -The Ceremony-

Chapter 19 -Precious Angel-

Chapter 20 -Slashed-

Chapter 21 -Confrontation-

Chapter 22 -Sorrow-

Chapter 23 -Will You Stay-

CHAPTER ONE

-Awakening-

The day was over, finally. Gabby worked on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. This happened to be a Friday, busy to say the least. She enjoyed the independence of having the extra money and her own car. It paid the bills. Some days dragged on and on when it was slow, so it made her bored out of her mind. But busy days such as today, even though they flew by fast, wore her out terribly. Tired is an understatement. So, yes, she was glad that it was over.

She shuffled through her keys, located the one for the restaurant with her fingers and shoved it into the lock impatiently. Climbing into her car, she started the engine and turned the volume up to erase the day away. Her uniform smelled like food, not her favorite smell in the world. She couldn’t wait to get out of it and take a nice, long shower. Oh no! She slapped her mouth as she remembered that she had forgotten to turn the security alarm on. Oh, great! And I was almost home.

She made a U-turn and headed back. A slow song played on the radio, reminding her of the break up again. She hated to think of Grayson and his cheating. I can’t believe I’m still pouting over it. He’s a loser, now that she thought about it. She cringed as she remembered how she smashed her purse into his head, when she caught him with another girl. At least I showed him. Maybe he won’t do THAT again! She smirked, thinking that next time she would know better.

Frustrated with her thoughts, she pushed the radio button to switch to something more her style, a loud-fast-beat, to forget it all and just enjoy the music. Instead, a happy love song seared through her brain, which she started to hate. The lyrics brought up all the happy memories they have shared together. Irritated, she quickly pushed the button again.

The road turned up ahead and as she turned with it, she noticed that the upcoming car was flashing its headlights. As a warning. She didn’t know what to make of it, nor what to do. She couldn’t swerve, that would throw her car out of control and slam her into a tree. Now, it appeared as a flying object, heading towards her as if she was the target.

Her hands glued to the steering wheel, turning it sharply to the right. No use, the object aimed at her. In slow motion, she could see the semi truck driving straight at her, now only a few feet away. She had no time to react, to save herself, or do anything, but scream and covered her face in hopes that it will all end fast.

Earsplitting screeching followed by the deafening crash of metal against metal and the asphalt resonated, as the semi hit her car and flipped over to its side, sliding to the ditch as it scratched the pavement. Her car flipped over two or three times, then landed somewhere in the distance with a forceful thump.

Somehow, she couldn’t feel anything, only hear the collision from a distance. She thought that maybe she flew out of the car before it flipped. It didn’t make any sense to her. Maybe she escaped her body and experienced the collision from afar. That must’ve been it! Yes, she was out of her injured body, that’s why she couldn’t feel anything, she tried to rationalize. She felt her heart jerk out of her chest with rapid quavering. She shivered from the aftermath of the distress as adrenaline pumped through her veins. Opening her eyes to see what’s left of her, she gasped, then swallowed a lump that was building up in her throat.

It was dark. Really, really dark. No moon light, no streetlights, nothing, but pitch darkness all around her. Where’s the tunnel I’m supposed to see? Gabby panicked. If she did die, that is. Did the semi avoid hitting her car after all? She wondered. No, that couldn’t be it. She heard the collision, felt the jolt. She tried to collect herself, fighting for air she so desperately needed.

Suddenly, a blinding, white light appeared, which made her think that she really did die, and that this was the tunnel. No, no, no. Wait, I was just kidding about the tunnel. I don’t want to see it. I can’t die, not yet. Please, I don’t want to die. Not now. I really want to live. Please, let me live. Please! She begged something, someone, anyone.

Touching her face with her cold, trembling fingers, she had to make sure she was still in one piece. Inspecting the back of her hands, then her palms as she swung them in front of her, she exhaled with relief. All clear! Realizing that someone was holding her, she looked up at the source of the light now and held her breath.

Please, don’t let this be true. A young man of twenty-two or so, looked down at her with a concerned frown. The light radiated from him, inviting her into it with its splendor. Strange things started to happen to her, as if his presence reached down into her soul and awakened it, sending tingly sensations through her entire being, penetrating it with an electrical current.

She wanted to shake it off, it made her feel uncomfortable. Her heart skipped a beat or two, then accelerated as she tried to catch her breath. Breath, just breath, damn it! This was starting to freak her out a little, okay, a lot. She cleared her throat, but her whole body shut down, just by looking at this incredibly handsome man. It wasn’t because he was so good-looking. No, it was the way he looked at her with his kind, gentle eyes, touching her heart and soul with such tenderness.

She needed to get away, make some space between them, so she could regain her senses. She felt exposed suddenly. Pushing away with her hands on his chest, she paused. He had a pull on her. Her fingers felt the hard muscles underneath his shirt. She stared at them for longer than she should have, she realized.

This strange feeling nudged at her that she knew him, maybe from another life. He held her with such care and familiarity, as if it was natural for him to do so. Her soul reacted to him as if it knew his and waited lifetimes to be united. Without her consent, it became alive by his presence, wanting more than anything to be near him.

She managed to pull her gaze away from his chest and traveled up to his eyes lazily. His green eyes sparkled with golden specks back at her with genuine admiration, drawing her in even more. Unintentionally, she glanced at his lips as he parted them to say something and then changed his mind, instead, exhaling slowly. She could tell he was nervous, by the way his jugular vein was pulsating so fast. As she glanced at his neck, she noticed how olive his complexion was. His hair fell to his shoulders with light curls, shining with violet highlights from the light that radiated from him. How does he do that? I bet he doesn’t even know he glows, she grinned.

Suddenly, it occurred to her, he was there to help her cross over. She pushed away and started to run. Her legs felt heavy, she commended them to run, but it was no use, they just slowed her down from her desperate attempt to escape. Terrified of what’s ahead, she stopped, backing away slowly to where she came from. The ground she stood on wasn’t exactly hard, more like a plush cloud beneath her feet. Losing her balance, she waved her arms at her sides.

He caught her, holding her by her shoulders gently. Of course, she was thankful, glad not be alone in this place. Whatever it was. She steadied herself and regained her posture. The nervous feeling she felt earlier, came back with an amplifying shock. She craved his nearness, needed it more than anything she had ever needed before. If she would be dying in the desert from dehydration, and had a choice between taking a cold glass of water and being near him, she would probably choose him, for some unknown reason. This captivating sense of addiction she never felt before, lured her in.

She should get a grip and pull away, she told herself. It was silly of her to need this stranger with such hunger. She could feel her lungs constrict, squeezing the air out of them. Breath, just breath! She closed her eyes and hoped that it was just the crash that made her feel so jittery.

His long fingers dug into her flesh, as his hot breath caressed the skin behind her ear, sending goose bumps all over her every time he exhaled. She dragged herself away and faced him.

What happened?

He looked away and glided his hand through his thick, black hair thoughtfully. Gabby waited, scanning his face. His jaw twitched as his eyes found hers again.

You were going to crash, so I pulled you out, he said with a masculine voice.

Why? she asked impatiently, biting her lip.

I can’t tell you that right now, he paused, tormenting her with the time he took to reply. I’m really glad you’re okay. Clearing his throat, he wrapped his right hand around the handle of his sword that hung from his belt.

A sword? Wait, what? Why would he need that? She wondered, having a feeling he wouldn’t tell her if she asked.

So, I’m not dead? She watched him cautiously.

No… you’re not dead, he replied softly.

She exhaled forcefully, laid a hand on her chest, and turned to look around. So, what is this place?

The West Relicta Terra, the abandoned ground…you don’t belong here…it’s time to go back.

Wait, no. I guess that’s a good thing, right? But I don’t want to go back, not yet! Tell me about this abandoned ground, West Relicta whatever. She circled him and scanned the area. Where is this place? She watched the darkness as if something was going to appear any second now.

It’s complicated, he began to explain with a frown.

She faced him with boldness. They stood inches away from each other once again. He burned her flesh with his proximity, raising tiny hairs on her skin from the heat she sensed. Slowly, he raised his hands and placed them on her shoulders, gliding them down her arms.

An electrical sensation spread through her, merging with the heat that overwhelmed her earlier. This was such an unknown feeling for her, that it startled her. Somehow, he overtook her common sense with his magical powers. She couldn’t fight it. His hold was so strong, yet inviting and so pleasant that it was irresistible. She was…bewitched!

It doesn’t have to be. Just tell me what’s going on, she whispered, struggling for air. Need more air, oxygen, H2O, come on, help me out here, universe!

Okay, this is the resting ground for the souls who are questionable, he said with a soft, trembling voice. Of course, you’re not one of them, that’s why we have to go now. You don’t belong here. He looked into her eyes, sending a warning message, pleading for her to understand.

She could tell he was struggling to breathe, his chest moved rapidly up and down. Did she have some power over him as well perhaps? She wondered. Couldn’t be. She looked down at her feet nervously. Her legs refused to move. She needed to catch her balance, so she reached out for his broad chest to hold on to.

You weren’t supposed to see me. I was just trying to avoid a disaster…not this, he managed a whisper. Gazing at her lips, he moved closer to her face only to linger with his, caressing her skin with his warm breath.

She closed her eyes and felt like she was going to explode. Her body ignited with excitement and the rush from the butterflies in the pit of her stomach. She bit her lip, trying to calm herself. She felt his touch again as he cupped her face with his hands and ran his fingers through her thick, black hair, leaving feathery strokes on her cheeks with his thumbs. His lips brushed hers gently. The consequence of it jolted every fiber of her being to awakening, never to be satisfied again.

When Gabby opened her eyes, they burned with razor-sharp pain. She closed them to ease the discomfort. As she lay on the hard stretcher, she could hear sirens in the distance. The lights and the noise gave her an excruciating headache. She opened them again slowly to look around and figure out what it was all about.

One of the paramedics who sat next to her, injected a small needle into her arm, then some liquid from a syringe. She winced from the pain. She hated needles, despised them with a passion, but was thankful now, because the medication started to work after a few minutes, making her very sleepy. She closed her heavy eyelids, hoping that when she wakes up, this would all go away.

Darien watched the perimeter, waiting for the enemy to appear. He moved his stiff muscles and relaxed a little, thinking about what just happened. What was he thinking? He asked himself. In the flesh, she is so much more fragile and elegant than from afar. For almost two years now, he kept his distance, mesmerized by her elegance and grace. She grew more beautiful day by day as he watched her, protecting her.

He knew that someday she would transform into a beautiful, young woman that she was today, not realizing that the fibers of attraction had been settling deep into his heart, slowly kneading their web around it. Until today. Today, he put himself on the line and revealed himself. Even though he knew that it would linger in her mind as a vague memory, or she might not even remember any of it, he would. Somehow, he felt a special connection with her, not anything ordinary or occasional. No, there was something else. Why did he show himself? He asked himself over and over. For now, the mystery would remain.

On the lines of the horizon, dark clouds formed into one, black monstrosity, which enwrapped all the obstacles in its way. Darien knew what it meant. Pushing the thought aside, he adjusted his sword.

He’s not coming, you’ve interrupted his plan, a deep voice echoed from behind. Michael, Darien’s partner and a longtime friend, came to stand beside him. Darien’s muscles twitched from the apprehension.

I know, but it was a close one. He came out of nowhere. That sneaky bastard. We have to gather forces, next time he will use other tactics to harm her and we might not be ready. He glanced Michael’s way and placed his hand on his shoulder.

Darien…you have to be careful. Michael shot a warning to his friend and returned the gesture. They both turned and scanned the area.

They were as different as night and day. Darien, with raven, straight hair and emerald-green eyes, and Michael, with ash blond, wavy locks and light-gray, kind eyes. They were the same height, same built, as well as position. Both led legions. Their friendship grew way before they stepped into the leadership positions and before the war broke out. Together, they witnessed many hardships, fought many battles, and saved many humans.

It’s nothing, don’t worry about it, Darien replied. I did what I had to do.

Michael wasn’t ignorant, he saw from afar that Darien was about to do something he would later regret. Intervening was the only way to stop his friend from making the biggest mistake of his career. He had to do something, so clearly, sending Gabby back was his only option.

He understood what Darien was going through. He had the responsibility of watching over Gabby’s mother, Melissa. As beautiful as she is inside and out, he couldn’t help but feel admiration for her, but he set his feelings aside instead, being the next up for promotion to work directly with the boss. It was extremely hard watching the woman he loved go through life’s ups and downs, without being able to be there as a strong shoulder for her to lean on. The respect he had for his Lord was beyond anything he felt, but maybe Darien was onto something none of them understood or experienced before. Michael turned to Darien and added, Just be careful, alright?

Laughing hoarsely, Darien shifted his weight. Come on friend, you’re making too much out of nothing, he replied dryly, trying to avoid the subject.

He didn’t know what possessed him. He was infected with her chemistry the minute he touched her. As if it was a deadly virus, spreading through him, rapidly growing, infecting any rational thought. There was no antidote, or cure for him now. It was something he couldn’t resist or understand. It was too late, he knew.

He always thought of humans as weak fools, who knew nothing about controlling their emotions. He didn’t understand why they would gave up their freedom to follow their feelings, but now he had a glimpse of how strong those feelings were. He was the fool. Laughing at himself, he made a mental note to evaluate the past event closer.

Maybe he would figure out how to put this crazy idea out of his head. Somehow, he knew that this was just the beginning of something he wouldn’t be able to avoid. It nagged at him with uneasiness. He had to stay away, save himself now, before it was too late. Darien was about to return to Gabby’s side, when a bone-chilling feeling came over him. He knew that feeling too well. Swiftly, he turned and disappeared

CHAPTER TWO

-Haunted-

Gabby stood on her bedroom balcony, watching the city of Tulsa sleep under the full moon. She grew up here, had admired the city many times before. But tonight, it seemed foreign, as though it was under a spell. A thick, dense fog floated in the air, drifting slowly above the buildings and houses, touching the rooftops slightly with its violet residue. The moon-kissed particles slithered towards her slowly, coming closer and closer.

She clenched onto the rail with her frozen fingers. Her long, black hair swung freely around her face as the see-through gown she wore danced around her body with the rhythm of the wind. She hated the cold, and right now, she was cold. The chilly breeze had no mercy on her skin, assaulting it with its crisp bite.

A dreadful feeling filled her heart, as if something was missing or something was about to go very wrong. She panicked as she watched the mass densify and slide up the balcony to touch her fingers. Fear penetrated her being more than the cold ever could, cutting into her with its paralyzing clench. She tried to convince herself that there was nothing to be afraid of. After all, it was only fog. But something told her it was deadly.

She panicked. Run. But she was stuck. Run, now. Chills and fear invaded her. Oh, my gosh, are you kidding me? She gasped. Her heart went out of control. Please, just run. Her mind raced. She didn’t know what to do, nor how to escape the paralysis. Run, run, run.

When she found her strength again and broke through the grip it had on her, she turned and ran into the house. The hallway seemed to extend into a mile-long corridor of naked walls. She ran. Sweat, cold sweat covered her. She could feel the fog following her, almost taste it in her mouth. She tried to run faster, but her legs turned into putty. Gasping and breathless, she tripped over her nightgown and landed on her hands. Her heart was beating too fast. Need some air. Need to think.

She slowly turned and faced the fog, expecting to see a black hand of death reaching out to grab her. Her eyes flew wide open as the walls and the ceiling shifted at her, caving in with the intent to compress her alive between the sheets of drywall and the floor. No! Do something! Backing away from the massive walls in front of her, she felt nauseous. It felt real. Too real. From a distance, she could see the monstrous cloud creeping on the floor towards her with a vicious plan to destroy her. Run, just run!

She sprang up with surprising speed, relieved that she got her body back in her own control, and ran towards what looked like an exit. At least she hoped it was. It seemed that the faster she ran, the farther the exit became, drifting away from her. She wanted to wake up from this nightmare, tried to make herself wake up and disappear from this horrible thing that was closing in on her. She kept running instead, not knowing what’s ahead. She didn’t really care either, as long as it got her away from the growing pressure of that dreadful fog that had a mission to consume her alive. Wake up! Wake up!

Suddenly, the floor dissolved from under her. She only had time to let out a scream as she fell into this trap, waving her arms helplessly.

Heeeeelp, she screamed, hoping someone out there would hear her and catch her. Throw her a rope. Anything.

She fell further into the deep, dark hole that seemed endless, yelling at herself to wake up before it kills her. She didn’t want to die in a dream, it was a taboo, bad luck, so she had to wake up. Plus, it was scaring the wits out of her. Wake up already, please, you got to wake up.

Gabriela, she heard a whisper from above. A hand caught her arm and withdrew her effortlessly. Grabbing onto his shirt to steady herself, Gabby tried to catch her breath with effort. She was relieved that the nightmare was over and she was back on firm ground again.

She sighed with relief and gazed up. Oh, thank you. She took a deep breath. You keep rescuing me stranger, she said and smiled at the man who still held her. His strong arms wrapped around her waist tightly. She shifted and wrapped her arms around his neck. So, who are you? I don’t even know your name, she added, scanning his face with admiration.

His full mouth curved into a smile that touched his eyes and made them sparkle. He reached his hand to fix a strand of hair that fell across her face. With a feathery touch, he tucked it behind her ear and paused.

I’m your watcher, Darien replied, admiring her dreamily.

In the background, a thunderous laughter roared. It was a wicked, sadistic sound, that sent chills down her spine. She could feel Darien’s chest muscles tense up. He grabbed her by her shoulders and turned her away from where the sound was coming from.

It’s going to be okay, I promise. Don’t be afraid. It’s alright, he calmed her softly.

She stared at him with disbelief, shaking her head disapprovingly. Oh, my gosh, this can’t be happening. Why can’t you just wake up? Please!

Before she could object, Darien turned and aimed, ejecting a fireball from his hand. Okay, seriously, I watch way too much TV. I must be going crazy. She stiffened when she saw a tall man dressed in black step out of the darkness. He caught the fireball and threw it away from him effortlessly. It hit the ground and formed a fire wall behind him.

So, I see you’ve met your protector, darling. Now it’s time to meet your enemy…I’m Morphysis, he said and bowed with a wicked smile.

He swung his arm and extracted a thick chain of current, which slashed the air with brilliant, blue sparks and twisted towards her. Darien quickly grabbed the chain with his hand, that instantly covered itself with an icy glove, and swung Morphysis’ body into the air. Captivated, she watched this event unfold, unable to move, with her eyes wide open. It happened so fast that she didn’t know what to do, but watch, petrified out of her wits.

Darien’s back grew large, white wings. They were translucent, covered with glass like shields with sharp edges. He effortlessly swung them to slash Morphysis, then pinned his body to the ground and landed on top to deliver his final blow. Morphysis struggled to escape the deadly trap, letting out a treacherous roar. He slashed Darien’s thigh with the sword he had in his right hand and made his escape flying up as his black wings, same as his opponents, released themselves. Darien soared up to follow him and twisted. His large wings spread as two propellers, sending tiny balls of ice out of them.

The ice orbited with the speed of light around Morphysis, forming an inescapable cage, while Darien flung his sword into the middle with a powerful stroke. Gabby covered her mouth and watched the heavy, ancient object fly through the air in slow motion, it seemed. It shattered the thick ice wall, crushing it into millions of tiny fragments that flew into different directions, sparkling in the air before dissolving. Morphysis’ eyes turned into red flame-like color as he watched his final hour approach. Before the blade could penetrated his heart, he dispersed himself into thin air, laughing hoarsely, leaving eeriness behind.

Her mind raced as she asked herself one question after another. Darien landed feet away and looked at her with regret, reaching for her to calm her. She jerked away and stepped back. This was all too much. Too much hatred, violence, fear. She gulped as another man-like creature submerged from the ground. He wore the same black outfit as Morphysis, with a heavy sword at his black belt.

This is getting too boring, he stated mockingly. Next time give me something worth my time, something that would end with you dying, he added with a snarl, like a monster in rage. You won’t save her. He chuckled as he made his way towards them. Your pathetic attempts are fruitless, it’s almost funny, he continued, toying with a ball of fire that he had in his hand, throwing it from one hand into another, shuffling his feet as he circled them.

Well, well, well … Julius, so you showed yourself, finally. After the last battle, I thought you’d hide from me for decades. I’m glad you decided to finish what you’ve started, Darien replied with a cold voice and charged to attack him.

She rooted for her friend, hoping he would get rid of Julius as he did Morphysis. She felt the need for protection. If he failed, she would be stuck here to fend for herself and she definitely didn’t like that idea. She knew martial arts, but her skills started to look useless compared to the magical powers they had.

She didn’t know how to do those amazing flips that they did so easily, nor did she have fire or ice coming out of her hands. They can easily fry me with whatever that blue looking wire is, or just look my way. Yup, I’m pretty sure that’s all it will take. Definitely need to wake up soon, like right now would be good. Yup, now is a good time. This isn’t looking good. Wake up! Her mind raced with panic. She felt so small compared to them. She was tall, six feet to be exact, but looking at their strength and supernatural abilities, she wasn’t sure her height would do her much good at the moment. So, yes, she needed him to win. Plus, she didn’t want him to get hurt. She was beginning to be very fond of him.

In midair, the two angels collided with the same strength, going for each other. Darien removed a large hand off his injured neck and threw Julius to the ground. Julius struggled out of the way and wrapped his legs around Darien’s neck, squeezing with all his might. They fought for what seemed to be an eternity, using all they’ve got. Finally, Darien collected his strength and crushed Julius’ head with the fire that submerged from his hands. Julius’ body collapsed with dead weight as Darien took out a thick, gold chain from his belt and wrapped it around his neck. He raised his hand and forcefully hit the ground, sending earthquake vibrations throughout.

Stumbling, Gabby caught herself, waiting to see what this could mean. Julius’ body transformed into a collection of tiny, black particles that went up into the air in a helix. As the sky opened to reveal bright light, it blew out the fire and sucked up every bit of him into its opening like a vacuum. When it was finished,