The Council: Earth Angel, #18

By B.C. Burgess

In a fiery tale filled with villains and heroes, this installment of the Earth Angel series takes readers on a magical journey rich with emotion, intrigue, and danger. Fans of Twilight, The Red Queen, The Selection, and Harry Potter will devour this breathless fantasy set in a modern mystical world.

The Crusaders suspect the world's largest magical city is crawling with Dark Guild members, and they want Layla to help them fight the corruption. But leaving home and crossing the globe is just the beginning of the daunting task, and the city's governing council may stop her in her tracks.

Can Layla face the Maganthian council and make them her allies? Or are the city's top officials determined to become the angel's deadliest enemies?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bandit Publishing
• Release date: Aug 24, 2018
• ISBN: 9781946793485

Book preview

Chapter One

The community was far from sleepy when Quin and Layla descended onto the lawn. In mere hours, several coven members would leave home, so most of them sat around a bonfire, desperate to enjoy every last second of one another’s company. Only the kids were asleep, and they were cuddled on a mattress outside, piled with blankets and surrounded by spells.

A few Crusaders landed with Timber, urging the coven to rise. Then they rushed forward as questions flew. Quin ignored them while checking on Layla, but she’d already sucked up her grief and guilt and cleaned her face.

Pushing her shoulders back, she headed for the triplets while motioning toward Timber. Make him as comfortable as possible. We’ll deal with it later.

The coven exchanged befuddled glances, but Quin dismissed the Crusaders while taking Timber’s arms. Then he spoke to his parents as he released the captive’s wrists and ankles. He can stay in my old room.

Despite their confusion, Kemble and Cordelia led the way toward their home, and Quin followed, forcing Timber to shuffle ahead of him.

As they passed Banning, Quin slapped his shoulder and urged him to fall into step beside him. You’re diving into the conflict tomorrow. It’s time you see some of the ugliness involved.

Banning’s cheeks paled, but he maintained Quin’s pace while watching Timber’s back. What did he do to you guys?

Quin shook his head while taming the fire in his chest. Not a damn thing. That’s why it’s ugly.

Once upstairs, Kemble ushered them into Quin’s old room, and Timber found the will to admire his surroundings. Nice place.

This is the only night you’ll be here, Quin revealed, lighting a fire in the hearth. Then he summoned a bowl of fruit, a pitcher of water, and a bottle of Scotch. You’ll have access to the attached bathroom, but we’re shielding the walls, so you’ll be stuck in here until we come get you. After placing the refreshments on the desk, Quin looked at Banning while pointing at Timber. Watch him while we lock the place down.

Banning positioned himself between Timber and the door, so Quin and his parents spread out to coat the room in barriers.

With a heavy sigh, Timber helped himself to a drink and stretched out on the bed. Quin lied to you. I burnt his arm and knocked him off his feet.

Everyone glanced at Quin, but he pretended not to notice and stayed focused on his spells.

I didn’t mean to hurt him, Timber added. But what’s done is done.

Banning crossed his arms and lifted his chin. Quin didn’t do this because of an accident.

You’re right. He’s worried I’m a threat.

Then you gave him a reason to worry.

I suppose I did, Timber admitted, tugging open the bedside drawer. Got anything to read in here?

Quin pointed at the mattress, and a stack of books appeared, lighting up Timber’s eyes and aura. That’s what I’m talking about. Losing my books was the worst part of losing my home.

What happened to your home? Cordelia asked.

He pulled a book from the pile and leaned against the headboard. It burned down.

He burned it down, Quin corrected. He’s hiding something, and I can’t let him go until I know his secrets have nothing to do with Layla.

Have her read his mind, Banning suggested.

She tried. Quin stared at Timber while recalling the blank spaces in his mind. She found nothing. Neither of us can see his thoughts. Unless he starts talking, we have no way to determine his innocence or guilt.

Timber had delved into his book, seemingly unconcerned about the people debating his fate, but as he turned the page, he let a bitter smirk slip. All this because I hesitated to shake his woman’s hand.

Cordelia scowled and straightened. You’re simplifying what’s obviously a complex problem. Quinlan doesn’t make rash or selfish decisions, and he wouldn’t bring you into his mother’s home if he had a better alternative. He’s provided warmth, refreshments, books and a comfortable bed, all the things you chose to destroy, so I suggest you stop antagonizing him and start cooperating.

Timber accepted the lecture in solemn silence. Then he looked at Quin, who was double-checking his parents’ spellwork. That’s the second time tonight I’ve seen a witch jump to your defense. Doesn’t that sting the ego?

Cordelia hissed as her aura swelled, but before she could rip into the prisoner, Kemble took her shoulders and steered her toward the hall. Go update Layla on our progress. We’ll be down shortly.

She sniffed while smoothing back her hair, and following one more deadly glance at Timber, she gracefully strolled away.

Once she was out of sight, Kemble moved to the fireplace and shielded the flames, ensuring they couldn’t be used to burn down the house. You’re a special kind of stupid, pissing off a witch like that. Maybe that’s why Layla didn’t find anything in your head. Approaching the bed, Kemble stared down at Timber until he was uneasy enough to look up. Then he passed over a lit joint. But you must have noticed your attempt to shame my son missed its mark. Do you know why?

Timber took a hit and shook his head no.

Because, Kemble explained, Quinlan’s too good to get riled up by asshole remarks. He knows the women in his life jump to his defense not because he’s too weak to defend himself, but because he’s strong enough to earn their love and devotion. You don’t have a coven, so I won’t fault you for not understanding how it works, but in this family, we stand up for each other – women, men and children. That’s not an attack on our egos. That’s love. It’s a shame you don’t know the difference.

The dark and depressing colors in Timber’s aura seemed to agree, but his gaze remained cold as he spoke through a tight jaw. Indeed. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to be left alone.

Kemble and Banning looked to Quin, who approved with a nod. Then the three of them filed out of the room.

Before pulling the door shut, Quin forced down a lump and made himself face the man he was locking up. I’m sorry about this, Timber. If it turns out you’re innocent, we’ll make it up to you by helping you rebuild your home.

No need, Timber insisted, and he didn’t seem the least bit angry about it. I was about done with it anyway.

Quin had no idea what that meant, and he knew he wouldn’t get an explanation, so he sighed and closed the door, his heavy heart aching for his sad angel and their sweet kids.

He left his parents’ house to find his bed on the lawn, and Layla sat topless upon it, nursing her boys while cradling Lilyana on her thighs. Benzio lay asleep at her feet, along with Arabella, and her grandparents lined the edge of the mattress, but everyone else was in chairs.

Considering the crowd, the atmosphere was dreadfully quiet, so Quin kept his mouth shut as he stripped off his shirt and climbed into bed. Scooting back against the headboard, he parted his legs around Layla. Then he urged her to lean into his chest. Silent tears slipped over her lashes as her shoulder blades found his pecs, so he dried her cheeks before helping her hold Kaedan and Farrow against her breasts.

Four a.m. had come and gone, but no one wanted to close their eyes. Sleep was the last thing on their minds and would merely speed up time. By sunrise, most of them had lost the battle and fallen asleep in their chairs, either holding hands or tucked under each other’s arms, but Layla remained awake, shifting between bouts of suffocating tears and stretches of somber silence. Her grandparents stayed awake with her, and Quin was as desperate for these final moments as she was, so he and his parents greeted the day with sleepless eyes.

When the triplets demanded breakfast, Morrigan and Daleen began making plans, but they waited until Layla was done nursing to reveal them.

Carefully gathering Benzio’s sleeping body from the bed, Morrigan smiled at Layla and whispered. Come on. Let’s go for a walk.

Layla and Quin traded confused glances, but they didn’t argue. Securing their babies, they climbed out of bed. Then the golden family quietly left the lawn. They used spells to protect themselves from the bitter cold as they traversed the freezing forest, but the temperature abruptly spiked when they approached the family memorial.

Someone had surrounded the clearing with a weather shield, and Layla stepped from the timber to find a picnic spread out beside her parents’ boulder. It’s perfect. She vanished tears. Then she settled on the blanket and did her best to eat a final meal with her family.

Before leaving the glade, Layla helped Benzio decorate the various memorials with roses, saving Aedan and Rhosewen’s for last, and as she stared at their epitaph, vividly recalling the first time she saw it, her tears flowed like rivers into Lilyana’s curls. Discovering her parents’ resting place had helped mend Layla’s shattered heart. Now it was breaking again, and she was leaving a piece of it with them. For if she failed to return, either in life or in death, at least a piece of her would forever rest with the ones she loved.

When Layla and Quin emerged from the forest, everyone had awoken, and the lawn bustled with activity as people ate and tended to last minute preparations. Weylin had arrived, packed and ready to go, and members of his coven were streaming in to see him off.

Layla halted at the tree line, her lungs useless as her chest and sinuses burned. This was it. They’d reached the countdown to their departure, and suddenly the world was flying by.

Quin’s muffled voice echoed in her ears as he pulled Benzio from her arm. Then he passed him to Cordelia and took Layla’s shoulders, blocking her view of the lawn. Look at me, love.

She focused on his eyes, finding a terrified witch in their shiny depths. Then she realized it was her reflection.

Deep breath, he encouraged.

Only then did she notice the spots peppering her vision, so she gulped down a lump and forced her lungs to open, making way for a rush of cold air.

Quin moved his hands from her shoulders to her hair. Then he softly stroked while taking measured breaths, reminding her to do the same. Once he was certain she’d avoided a panic attack, he touched his forehead to hers. Remember, we’re doing this for our kids. Every step is for them, including this one. That’s how we get through it.

She frantically searched his unwavering gaze, drawing strength and confidence from his endless supply. Then she took one more cleansing breath while giving a determined nod. For them.

Following a kiss to her head, he returned Benzio to her arm. Go love on them while I get Timber and gather our bags. Then we can sit for a while. Bri and Keg won’t be here until after noon.

Pulling Benzio and Lilyana close, Layla headed across the lawn, and Quin insisted her grandparents follow with their infant boys. Once they’d all found a place on the outdoor bed, doing their best to ignore the ticking clock, Quin instructed his parents to follow him to his old room.

Dispelling the shield on the door, he entered to find Timber right where he’d left him, but the blankets were tousled, and the refreshments had dwindled.

Quin vanished the dishes while motioning for Timber to stand. Do you need to use the bathroom?

Just did, Timber answered, tossing aside his book. What did you decide to do with me?

We haven’t even discussed you. Let’s go. You can eat breakfast on the lawn.

Timber paused at a mirror, taking the time to fix his hair and smooth his beard. Then he sauntered from the room and followed Kemble downstairs.

Glancing over his shoulder, he raised an eyebrow at Quin. So, your woman’s something special, huh?

That’s one way to put it.

But what’s up with those other guys? Is she intimate with all her guardians?

No.

Hmm… Sounds like they’re getting a raw deal.

Yep.

So what is she?

An angel.

As in, sent from the gods and goddesses?

Yes.

Why?

To save our asses.

From what?

They’d reached the porch, so Quin took Timber’s arm and pulled him to a halt. How about you answer a few of my questions? Why are your thoughts and memories unattainable?

Timber shrugged. I didn’t know they were.

Why did you torch your house?

I didn’t want strangers searching it.

Why?

Do you like strangers pawing your belongings?

Better that than to have them reduced to ash. You’re hiding something, Timber. Don’t pretend otherwise. It insults my intelligence.

What if I am hiding something? It has nothing to do with you. Or her for that matter.

Then why wouldn’t you talk to us at the wedding?

I was ready to get out of there. I’d had enough chitchat to last me a year.

Quin narrowed his eyes, seeing right through the lies. No one passed up a chance to visit with an angel unless they felt threatened by her.

Shoving Timber toward the stairs, Quin shook his head then soared from the porch. We’ll talk again when you’re ready to tell the truth. Go eat.

Quin didn’t rejoin Layla until he was completely packed, had everything organized in his magical bag, and was all but ready to fly away from the only home he’d ever known. The triplets were napping, and Benzio was armed with his favorite book, patiently waiting for his dad to read one last chapter, so Quin settled on the bed with the toddler on his lap.

Before diving in, Quin scanned Layla, who sat next to him, disheveled and exhausted as her fingers struggled through tangled curls. I left an outfit on the sofa, Quin noted, if you feel like getting cleaned up when you use the bathroom.

She rubbed her face and nodded. Then she squinted at the overhead sun. I’ll be back.

Her grandmas jumped to their feet and twisted their empty hands. Would you like company? Morrigan asked.

Layla covered her eyes, hiding tears as she shook her head no. It’ll be easier if I go alone.

Layla didn’t know if that was true, but she didn’t have time to sob on her grandmas’ shoulders. She needed to clean up, get dressed, say goodbye to her beautiful home then hurry back to her precious children.

She felt numb and cold as she gathered the gown Quin left in the living room, her steps echoing in the heavy silence, memories playing in her head like reels of a movie. Every framed photo drew a tear. They watched her shuffle down the hallway, calling her name and soaking her cheeks.

The master bathroom, though free of photos, was a glaring reminder of the transformations she’d undergone and the changes she’d made, all of them leading up to this moment. Turning on the sink, she transferred her dirty clothes to a pile in the corner. Then she washed the salty grief from her face and brushed her teeth. Quin had packed new toothbrushes, so she tossed the old one in the trash when she was done, and after detangling her hair with magic, she donned the clean gown and left the bathroom.

She forced herself to acknowledge her surroundings, taking one last look at the master bedroom’s custom furniture and artwork, but she didn’t stop to mourn them. Nor could she bring herself to visit the cheery turret room, magnificent library or magical solarium, and a trip to the nursery would probably leave her in a shattered heap on the floor, so she resisted the temptation and retraced her steps to the foyer, her gaze straight ahead, her mind on her kids.

The