Judgment: Lars: part 2 of The Judgment Duet, #2

By Lora Ann

The action-packed conclusion of The Judgment Duet.

Neither fallen nor pure … he lies in between.

Redemption is unheard of for a fallen angel, but Lars is unlike any other. His heart is overwhelmed with grief as the child with extraordinary gifts still needs protection. And a certain Dark One prowls in search of all who stand in the way.

The gatekeeper who holds Lars' heart becomes prey, and he finds himself going straight to Hell. The lesson that all things come at a cost also brings him face-to-face with another life-altering choice. No one is more shocked than Lars when he is called to lead a new army of those like him—in between. But evil has plans of its own.

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Greatest of These, LLC
• Release date: Aug 28, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386781387

Book preview

Chapter One

(Mitch)

MITCH COULDN’T MAKE heads or tails of the situation in front of him. He took a deep, steadying breath and studied each scene, one at a time. Chase McNeil was being handcuffed on the blood smeared industrial tile. He couldn’t quite ascertain if it came from any wounds on the former assemblyman.

Next, he zeroed in to where part of his line of sight was obscured. Odd, that. The illusion of something blocked him. But what? A distraught yet beautiful woman hunched in on herself, speaking through gasping sobs. Something was familiar about her. Fix him! she demanded. Shock prevalent in the lines that creased her forehead. But something more was there, too. He studied her closer and when her gaze met his, he gulped.

Shelby latched onto his arm. Talk to me, Captain. What are you seeing?

He was too stunned to put it into words. A brilliant light came from her eyes, as if something in them had been lit up, casting a light grey beam laced with a brilliant blue. Not her natural color, a blending of some sort took place, weaving and binding into something unique—something holy. The closest explanation he could make—Fireworks.

Mitch, you’re not making any sense, she mumbled and shook his shoulder.

He grabbed her with not a little force and spun her around, until she faced the other woman directly. Look. At. Her, he demanded.

My God! She fell to her knees, holding her stomach tight and wailing.

He was torn between duty, awe, and comforting the woman he loved. Tar’s resonating voice broke the spell he fell under. Captain. Eyes on me, came the direct order.

Do you see it? he whispered.

I see my brother being treated like a common criminal, Tar growled.

And the woman not far from him? His finger lifted, directing Tar’s gaze.

I see a blood bath. Doctors, nurses, fuckin’ A... He leapt the distance with a holler. Cooooole!

Mitch went into warrior mode, assisting his best friend before he got himself shot. Stand down, he ordered with an authority that brought all weapons to a standstill.

His hawk like vision narrowed as he confirmed no one got trigger happy on the scene. Once confirmed, he yanked out the fake identification and handed it to the police officer with the stripes of a sergeant on his arm. We have the area secured, he affirmed.

Sir. We have yet to secure the entire building.

Copy that. His eyes trained on Tar, ensuring he and his nephew were out of harm’s way. Leith drew his attention. Captain.

Perimeter, he commanded.

Yes, Sir.

Mitch found himself alone, once more, with the boys in blue and his precious Shelby, still weeping. He held firm, though everything in him wanted to go to her. But she was safe. And at any moment this situation could flip back to code-fucking-red. Not on his watch! He took a much-needed breath as service pistols were holstered. Thank fuck! He addressed the sergeant. Where are you taking Chase McNeil?

Sir, did you just say that’s California Assemblyman Chase McNeil? The officer’s head inclined to where Tar knelt with his nephew in his big arms. And that must be his son, Cole. Son of a bitch! We’ve been looking for them.

Well, that was news. What the hell for? May I ask why?

The sergeant’s voice dropped, and he turned his head to the side. Lisa McNeil died this morning.

Shut the fuck up! He composed himself. Of what?

Still an open investigation. But rumor has it she was brutally murdered.

God! Cole did not need to hear that about his mother. Mitch glanced over to ensure young ears were not paying attention, but something raised the hairs on the back of his neck. What the fuck now?

(Lars)

LARS WAS STRUCK STUPID for an instant. How was it possible? Not his brother. Dear God, not Kian. A strong squeeze to his shoulder confirmed his greatest fear. Please, he gasped the whisper. Take me instead.

You know that’s not how it works, Laish murmured.

He jerked his head up. Make an exception! His voice was a mere growl.

It is not in my hands, Angel, the prince gently affirmed.

Take. Me. Now! I need to see the King, Lars demanded as he stood.

Are you to leave her when she needs you most? Laish’s chin inclined toward a sobbing Afton.

How could He do this to her? He fought his urge to bolt out of that hospital and go toe-to-toe with the Creator himself. His nature was rather severe and how he ended up as one of the Fallen in the past. A second chance didn’t change the very makeup of Lars, but he was wise enough to table it. For now. He closed the distance between them and pulled the weeping Afton, the woman his twin loved so very much, into his arms and consoled. Easy there. I’ve got you.

Beyond speech, she latched onto him as he became her anchor. Tears streaked down his face, falling into her hair as he, too, wept for the injustice before them. Someone as pure as Kian did not deserve to die. It was as simple and yet as complicated as that.

(Afton)

HE CHOSE WRONG, a mantra inside her head. Why would he leave her now? How cruel to find hope again, to truly love, for it to be ripped away! Why? she gasped out. Why did he do this?

Lars tenderly placed his hands on either side of her face, lifting to where their gazes met. Who?

Kian, she barely choked out.

You think he chose to leave you? His head tilted to one side. Angels don’t get to make that call anymore so than humans do, he reassured.

But he was caught in between. You saw that, right? I didn’t imagine it, she declared.

Aye. And the reason behind it, I do not know. His expression solemn with perplexity etched along his forehead.

Wait! How could... Why do I see you? Is it different when you’re Fallen?

Stupid girl, Lisa hissed.

Shut up, he growled.

What the hell? she groaned and pulled out of his grasp. How dare you tell me to shut up. The slap stung her palm, but she raised it again.

Lars grasped her wrist. First off, there is no need for that. Trust me when I say, if I deserved it, you would get in more than one. Second, his voice dropped, leaning into her ear, we have a ghost eavesdropping.

Air left her lungs in a big whoosh. Her gaze faded in and out. She looked down at herself as Lars gently laid her body on a nearby gurney. A spirit taunted him, and she put the pieces together. That was the ghost who had just frightened the living daylights out of her. What’s in it for you? she huffed.

Lisa grinned. Because I can.

You are behind all of this, she declared, moving toward her target.

Oh, now, you give me too much credit. I only want my son. How can you fault a mother for that? Lisa mocked.

What kind of mom wants to kill her child? she spat out, grabbing her hair and yanking her to the ground.

Ladies, came a voice she didn’t expect. She froze, giving Lisa the upper hand.

I’ve got her, Lars assured, but she couldn’t bring herself to turn around and answer him.

Her gaze firmly locked on the man she loved. Kian, she breathed as tears fell.

He winced before closing the gap between them. I couldn’t just leave you. The declaration made as he held her close.

You’re hurt, she sighed, attempting to inspect his wounds, but he wouldn’t let her.

I don’t have much time, he whispered, gurgles warping his words.

No! she cried, Don’t leave me—ever!

He locked his mouth to hers.

Brother, Lars interrupted, you’re...

His mouth against the corner of hers. Yes, I’m dying. As if that was all it took, him admitting the obvious, to seal the deal.

Afton found herself adrift as a darker shadow gently placed his hand on Kian’s shoulder. But there was another just off to the side. She didn’t dare take her eyes off him, utilizing the little window of opportunity. I love you.

His smile was full of pain. Love never dies, he murmured as the two angels flanked him.

Lars stepped forward. Tell me this isn’t how it ends, he pleaded with them.

The moment filled with density as she held her breath.

You already know the answer, Lars.

She lunged for Kian and screamed, Noooooooo! as they took him away from her.

Desperation shifted her trajectory and she rammed into Lars, bringing him to the ground with her. She beat him with her fists until she had no more strength left.

He gently held her. I don’t understand this either if that helps any.

Her breaths were labored. "Why does he have to die, and you get to live?" she spat out, pushing away from him.

You really are stupid, Lisa mocked. Can’t you see he’s no longer a Fallen One?

Afton spun around full of rage for this ghost woman who was responsible for taking away the man she loved. Doesn’t matter. But you... she stalked forward, gasping for air. You will...p-p-pay.

Lars stared into her eyes, but she couldn’t focus. Hold on, Afton. You’re going into shock. His voice warbled and became distant as a dark fog closed in. She welcomed its cold embrace.

(Lars)

LARS BACKED OUT OF the way to let staff take care of Afton. He had to grin at her. She was a feisty one. Ironic that his brother, the good twin, chose a woman like her. His twin brother—Lord, why Kian?

HE FOUND HIMSELF AT the gate of the Forest no longer able to stand. His knees collided with the cold hard ground as he howled with all the pain inside his breaking heart. Rabid thoughts fought to the death. How unjust to take Kian. Why give him, a Fallen One, a second chance, and then turn around and take the good one? Would it be possible that there was an even exchange that had to happen? He couldn’t recall another fallen angel being given the opportunity, the grace he received. Nor had he ever heard of an angel sentenced to a lifetime as a human with the same mission he’d held as a heavenly host. What could the Creator be doing with this epic mess? No end met another. Nothing made a lick of sense. The mass confusion set his teeth on edge. Perhaps this was his punishment, to never get a chance to make things right with his brother. Well, nothing beyond a heartfelt apology.

Bile forced its way up and out. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, rearing back, and cried out from the depths of his soul. Why have you done this? Tell me what I must do to change your mind. Please, his voice caught, show me what I need to do. Give me another chance. Dear God, I need you, he gasped as sob after sob wracked his body.

A warmth pressed in while peace flooded. Lars, you must trust me, the calming voice whispered so softly.

He strained to hear over his own gut-wrenching cries. Take me, his wails made speaking difficult. But he silently screamed it over and over until it was an echo. Take me. Take me. Take me instead.

My mighty warrior, you must understand I have a purpose. One you cannot see right now. I need your fealty. No demand. No threats. No bargaining of any kind. The gentle yet firm request was just that, a request.

Lars had a choice to make. There was always a choice even if one didn’t like them. He sat there in his own vomit as tears continued to rain down his cheeks. You have asked too much of me. I am not strong like Kian. I never was.

Why don’t you let me decide what you can and cannot handle.

Because, he bellowed, "I will fail you!"

I think you have found the exact place you were meant to find yourself. Stay alert. Use what you have learned. Then and only then give me your answer.

He felt the absence to the core of his being as he continued to pound the ground beneath him and howl.

Chapter Two

(Sharadian)

SHARADIAN WAITED UNTIL he was alone before carefully inching toward him. She studied the angel who still had her heart. Her eyes widened as she gasped. You’re no longer Fallen.

Lars spun, covered in his own mess, and leveled his gaze on hers. I’m not either of the Dark or the Light. Didn’t you overhear that? he gritted out.

Why are you angry with me? She stood out of reach.

Really? he scoffed, As if I don’t know what you’ve done.

Well, shit! How could she smooth over her crime? No worse than what you have, she calculated.

His motions so fast she barely caught them, until he grasped her shoulders and growled. Do not list all of my sins.

Oh, but you can list mine, she responded in a haughty tone.

"Listen here, Imp. I won’t tolerate your little games."

Ouch! Yes, she was half-imp, still, his refusal to say half-angel stung. My games, she sneered. That’s rich coming from the likes of you.

Stop stalling, Shar. Where have you hidden the human filth? Disgust lurked behind the question.

He was not her lover any longer, nor her friend. And she was a damn fool for ever thinking he would be her ally. No, she’d done this. All her. Resting safely.

Tell me why?

I owe you nothing. Her eyes downcast, for she didn’t want him to see just how much his anger panged her. How much she still loved him.

He shook her enough to make her glance up, then held her captive. You owe yourself some respect.

Not what she counted on him saying. You’re angry with me, yet still, you think I should respect myself?

"I’m furious with you," he rumbled against her ear.

Then, why are you standing so close to a woman you obviously loathe?

Because despite my best efforts and my better judgment, I still love you. There was pain behind his confession. An agony she more than understood, it went soul deep. Their connection was unlike any other. Neither could deny it no matter how angry, hurt, or disgusted one was with the other.

We need to learn how to cut the cord, Lars. This thing, tapping his sculpted chest, can’t go on.

It could if we’d quit fucking it up, he groaned.

That’s just it, she whispered against his cheek. This is us you’re talking about. We don’t seem to know any other way. Tears trickled at the confession, laying the truth bare between them.

I don’t have the answers, Shar. But the choice you’ve made has doom written all over it, he rasped in desperation.

Ask me, Warrior, she implored along his neck.

You must choose, he barked and forced himself away from her.

God, nothing hurt more than to see him despise her. I already have, she gasped as his knees buckled. I know you won’t believe me, but know I did this for you.

For me, he coughed on a humorless, dark laugh. "No, my precious, you did this for you."

I di— He vanished. Where the hell did he go? She searched in vain, finally giving up. She murmured into the forest, I love you, Lars, more than my own life. Even if you hate me, I will always love you. Only you, she vowed on a sob.

Wow. Did you want a standing ovation for that one, Gatekeeper?

Altros, she swallowed back the venom, not tipping her hat.

Miss me? The two words like a snake slithering along her skin.

Now, why would I miss you when you’ve so willingly given me your play thing, she grinned coyly.

Ah, my sweet protégé lives. Good girl, he praised, patting the top of her head as he disappeared into her cottage nestled at the base of the old tree.

Dear, God, what have I done? she cried before glancing back one last time with the hope she would catch a glimpse of Lars. But he would deny her once more. Was for the best. The two of them fated to never be from the first moment they fell in love. Tragic but true.

(Afton)

LOST AT SEA IN A THICK fog. Numb. Her heart refused to believe he was gone. He couldn’t be dead. Someone as beautiful as Kian could not be taken away. The world needed people like him. She needed him. He had taught her to love, to believe, to have hope. Didn’t that count for something? You gave a second chance to a Fallen Angel, she raged, "but not to a man whose heart and soul was focused solely on the mission You gave him!"

A person in scrubs stepped out of the morgue. Ma’am, once more, I ask you to please not do this on your own.

Afton stepped inside the cold clinical room with a nod of her head. I’m fine, she replied, no emotion behind her words. Yes, it was a lie, and luckily, she wasn’t called on it as the young pathologist closed the door behind her. This went against protocol, but for whatever reason, pity was taken on her. She edged closer. His black hair a stark contrast to the white all around them. Her fingers trembled as she stroked his jaw, traced his lips. Tears fell across his cheeks as she lowered her face to his. Breathe for me, she whispered, Show me this was all some kind of staged act.

Nothing. He was really gone. She collapsed on his chest, crying for what would never be. Apology thick for not marrying him instantly. Shame for blaming herself instead of living in the moment. Guilt