The Abduction: Earth Angel, #12

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.

Despite the threat of worldwide destruction looming over her, Layla must dismiss the Crusaders' prophesies in order to protect the innocent lives that have been placed in her hands. But the Dark Guild continues their hunt for the earth angel, and they'll scour the globe to catch her.

With more on the line than ever before, Layla faces the biggest challenge she's ever encountered, and it may be her last.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bandit Publishing
• Release date: Oct 30, 2017
• ISBN: 9781946793317

Book preview

Chapter One

Mere days after the graduation party, Quin and Layla packed enough supplies to last several months. Then they offered sad goodbyes to their families, concealed themselves, and flew to San Francisco. By Wednesday afternoon, they stood in a line of people boarding a cruise ship, and as Layla stared up at the enormous boat, she felt tiny and intimidated. She was excited, but she was also nervous, and she remained morose over leaving her family behind. The goodbyes had been as tough as ever, and she was once again leaving American soil, putting an ocean between herself and her home.

Letting go of her hand, Quin wrapped his arm around her shoulders. You okay?

Yeah, she answered, turning her attention to the never-ending gangplank. I’m just nervous. I don’t know what to expect.

I’d fill you in if I had any clue myself, but I’m flying blind on this one, too.

Sure enough. I hadn’t even considered that. Are you excited?

Yes.

Me, too, but it kind of feels like I’m trapping myself.

But you’re not, he whispered. We can fly from this ship anytime we want to.

Oh yeah. How do I forget things like that?

Blame it on the babies.

I can do that?

Sure, he laughed. It’s true. Hormone fluctuations can make you scatterbrained and increase anxiety levels.

Did Serafin tell you that?

Yes. Your grandpa has been a sea of knowledge.

The moment they stepped onto the boat, a waiter welcomed them with wine, but Quin refused before leading Layla to a busy service desk. After waiting in line, he handed a woman a pile of identification cards and passports. Then the clerk picked up the phone and rattled off something in a foreign language.

Finishing her call, she smiled and passed Quin a piece of paper to sign. Feel free to take advantage of the refreshments across the room, Mr. Smith. A concierge will be here momentarily to escort you to the grand suite on deck eleven.

Thanks, Quin returned, gathering their papers. Then he led Layla across the lobby.

Smith? she asked, watching him grab a bottle of water. A little cliché, don’t you think?

Yes. That’s why I’m one of six Mr. Smiths on this ship. It was either that or Brown.

Smith it is then. Did I hear her say grand suite?

You did.

Layla shook her head while taking the water he offered. Fancy.

We’ll be on this boat for a while, so we’ll need room to breathe.

How long is a while?

Forty days.

What? she blurted, nearly choking on her water. Then she glanced around and lowered her voice. What?

This is a forty day cruise.

You’re kidding.

No.

I didn’t even know they have cruises that long.

Some are over a hundred days.

Crazy, she mumbled, scanning her surroundings. Forty days, huh?

Yes. Does that bother you?

I don’t know. Ask me again in a couple of weeks.

The boat will stop often, sometimes for days at a time, and if it gets to a point where you’re sick of it, we’ll get off and stay off.

Is that allowed?

Of course it is. We’re not prisoners. If we tell them we’re done, they have to respect that, and they’ll be fine with it because they already have their money.

That eases the nerves a little, knowing we’re not stuck for forty days.

Not at all. We’re as far from stuck as a person can get. We’ll spend the next forty days in constant travel unless we’re docked, in which case we’ll be discovering the world. And we’re going to do it all at a relaxing pace while letting the cruise line cater to us. No schedules, no bad omens, no enemies, and very few limitations. I thought it sounded like an ideal way to spend the first trimester of your pregnancy.

She smiled and wrapped her arms around his waist. You make it sound like heaven.

He set their water aside so he could hug her, but they were interrupted by a man in a suit who introduced himself as their concierge. If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to your room. Feel free to ask questions along the way.

Thanks, Quin replied, keeping one arm around Layla while following their guide, but I think we’ll figure things out as we go.

Taking it easy, huh?

Yes.

Then the grand suite was a good choice. It comes with a butler on call twenty-four hours.

A butler? Layla mouthed, raising an eyebrow at Quin, who merely smiled.

As your concierge, the man added, I’ll be handling the bulk of your scheduling, from simple tasks like dinner reservations to larger projects like excursions. Anything you need outside of your room, let me know. My extension number’s posted by the phone, and the butler’s number will be right below it. He checked his paperwork while stepping onto an elevator, and after making sure his guests were on board, he pushed the button for deck eleven. You’ll also find extension numbers for the rest of the ship, a schedule for our on-board activities, and the hours of operation for all our eating and entertainment establishments.

The elevator began moving, and Quin watched as the concierge slowly scanned Layla, who was oblivious as she admired the lift’s crown molding. The concierge shifted his gaze to Quin, who raised his eyebrows, letting him know he was busted, and the guide cleared his throat while looking at the floor.

The elevator slid open to a spacious hallway with two doors, and the concierge led them to the one the left, using an electronic key before stepping out of their way.

Layla’s mouth fell open as she entered, sliding her gaze over a space much bigger than she anticipated, even after hearing the words grand suite and butler. Tucking her face into Quin’s side, she took a deep breath while making sure she wasn’t dreaming. Then she looked around again, deciding she really was awake, living a moment worthy of a fairy tale.

This is amazing, she whispered, peering through the floor to ceiling windows to the private balcony.

I see the lady likes it, the concierge noted, holding the door for a bellhop toting their luggage. What does Mr. Smith think?

If the lady likes it, Quin answered, I’m happy.

Then we’re on the right track.

The concierge led the way to the bedroom, and Layla eagerly followed, finding that their balcony wrapped all the way around the suite. She took Quin’s hand and pulled him to the glass double doors, pausing long enough to eye the hot tub between the picture window and the king bed. Then she opened the doors and walked onto smooth, wooden planks. The deck held two sets of cozy furniture, one on each end, and it offered views from the starboard and over the bow.

Layla moved to the edge and leaned against the railing, taking in a huge breath of salty air. Wow. I can’t believe this.

Believe what? Quin asked, trapping her between him and the rails.

I can’t believe I’m living like a queen.

It’s not that fancy.

Are you kidding? This is the kind of vacation only famous people, royalty, and business tycoons can afford. Not diner waitresses.

That’s not who you are, Layla.

I know, but you get my point. You can’t put me in the fanciest room on the fanciest cruise and not expect me to feel like a pampered princess. That’s just not how it works.

This isn’t the fanciest room. They also have two bedroom suites. Would you like me to pull some strings?

No, she blurted.

He laughed and nuzzled her hair. I was kidding.

Oh.

She turned away from the ocean and found his eyes. He was so close, his body heat slipped through her satin dress, and her heart beat hard, like it was trying to jump from her chest to his.

He smiled at her flushed lips, his own gravitating toward them, but as soon as they touched, the concierge interrupted.

Mr. Smith?

Layla sighed into Quin’s mouth. Then she pulled away and wiped her lips. He softly ran his thumb over her pout, and after giving it a soft tug, he turned away. Yeah?

This is your butler, the concierge replied, introducing another man in a suit.

Quin offered the newcomer his hand. Hi.

Mr. Smith, the butler returned. Then he leaned to the side and smiled at Layla. Mrs. Smith.

Layla offered him a wave. Then she quietly laughed while turning back to the ocean.

Quin motioned for the concierge and butler to return to the bedroom. Then he glanced at Layla before following the men inside. Pausing by the hot tub, he dipped his wrist in the water. May I turn this down?

The butler moved to the tub and opened a hidden panel. Allow me. What temperature would you like?

Below a hundred.

How about ninety-nine?

Perfect, Quin approved, walking to their luggage. After making sure everything was there, he turned to the staff. Looks like we’re all set.

Call if you need anything, the butler offered. Then he bowed and left the room.

We’ll be departing at sunset, the concierge added. There will be drinks on the deck for the cast off. Let me know when you decide what you’d like for dinner, and I’ll make the arrangements.

I’ll be sure to do that.

After glancing toward the terrace to make sure his angel hadn’t flown away, Quin escorted the concierge out and locked the door. He immediately returned to the balcony, kicking off his shoes and vanishing his shirt along the way. Then he wrapped Layla in a hug and whispered in her ear. Hey.

She leaned into him, realizing he was shirtless, so she beamed and turned around. Are we alone, Mr. Smith?

He laughed while sweeping her hair behind her shoulders. It sounds way sexier when you say it.

It’s funny – someone so extraordinary having such an ordinary name.

I’m extraordinary? he asked, leaning in for a kiss.

Her smiling lips obediently parted. Uh-huh.

He worked his fingers under windblown curls, taking the back of her neck, and his other arm braced her away from the rails as his kiss emptied her lungs. He kept her wrapped in bliss as he carried her to bed. Then he vanished her dress and laid her down.

Sliding his lips from her mouth to her stomach, he gave it several soft kisses. Then he worked his way back up and whispered over her tongue. I love you, Layla.

I love you, too, Quin.

And I love our babies.

Me, too.

I need you to be okay, all four of you.

You take perfect care of us.

Good. It’s important that you’re safe, but I also want you to be happy.

I am.

Will staying here for forty days make you happy?

Yes. This is a beautiful hideaway, Quin. What better way to disappear than at sea on a floating palace?

I think so, too, but if you find it makes you sick, or if you simply get tired of the atmosphere, let me know and we’ll cut it short.

Okay. I’ll let you know if I can’t find my sea legs.

Good, he whispered, sliding his hand to her tiny pooch. The little ones should already have their sea legs, but I need you to tell me about every tiny change you experience. It would be best to avoid emergencies while we’re between destinations, since flying from the ship would cause the cruise line a lot of problems, but if I know what’s going on as soon as it happens, we should be able to avoid extreme measures.

Every tiny change, she agreed. Then she flashed a smile. Have you noticed my boobs are getting bigger?

He laughed as he took one of her breasts and gave it a soft kiss. I have. Do they hurt?

No, but they’re more sensitive than usual.

I’ll keep that in mind.

She smirked while pulling his lips to hers. Then she gave him a hard kiss before pushing him onto his back and vanishing his pants.

That was fantastic, Layla purred.

Perfect, Quin breathed.

She stretched her fingers out over his sides and nuzzled his neck. I hate having to dodge danger, but there is one thing I can appreciate about our situation.

What’s that?

This. Isolating ourselves is giving me the opportunity to touch your body and get to know the man inside. I love everything about you, Quin, and I love that I’m getting the chance to learn more. No interruptions, no obligations, just you and me for forty days. I feel so lucky to get this time with you.

Me, too, but we’re not exactly obligation free. Not yet anyway.

What do you mean?

The ship’s leaving port at sunset. We need to conceal our lights and go to the cast off party to make sure we’re the only magicians on board. It’s unlikely there would be another, and going to the gathering won’t give us a guarantee, but I’d feel better about things if I got a look at our neighbors.

Then we should definitely go to the party.

Would you like to eat dinner at one of the restaurants? Or would you rather order room service?

We’ll be out and about anyway, so we might as well save the room service for another night.

We can eat every meal in our room if you want, but I think you’re right. We’ll be down there anyway. We should probably make an effort to learn our way around.

Okay. Maybe we’ll find something worthy of our time. We’re obviously not on an average cruise line.

It’s just a ship, my love.

We’ll see, Mr. Smith.

He laughed and urged her face from his neck. You’re getting too much pleasure out of teasing me about that. Would you like me to call you Mrs. Smith?

She wrinkled her nose. Nuh-uh.

Why not?

It sounds silly.

He watched her eyes for a moment. Then he rolled onto his side and rested her head on his arm. I can’t tell which one you find more ridiculous, the title of Mrs. or the name Smith, so I’m just going to ask. Do you have any interest in marriage?

She tilted her head and bit her lip, her gaze flitting between his eyes and aura. Are you asking me to marry you?

No. I’m asking if you’d consider marrying me.

Why?

He lightly laughed while running his fingers into her hair. Why am I asking? Or why should you marry me?

Both, I guess.

And that’s exactly why I’m asking. You don’t seem very interested in the idea.

It’s not necessary, Quin.

No, I don’t suppose it is.

Then why do it?

You don’t have any answers for that?

She snapped her mouth shut as her question bounced back at her, but then she shrugged. I can understand why it appeals to some, but it’s still unnecessary. I don’t need a lavish wedding to know you’re mine, and I hope you don’t feel like you need to hold a ceremony in order to hold me.

It’s not about securing commitments, Layla. There’s no question in my mind about how committed you are to me.

Good. Me, too. See? Problem solved without the stress of a wedding.

He laughed while nuzzling her neck and tickling her side, and she squirmed while giggling a protest. I won’t be tortured into submission.

His tickling ceased, and he ran his hand from her ribs to her stomach. I’d never do that. I don’t mind dropping the subject. Maybe I’ll mention it again after you’ve had time to change your mind.

You seem confident.

Only because you’re right. A wedding isn’t necessary, so if you don’t ever change your mind, that’s okay. I wouldn’t consider it a failure.

You don’t fail, she noted, remembering Weylin’s claim.

Quin’s dimples deepened. Not very often.

She laughed at his easy confidence. Then she slid his hand from her stomach to her back. How long before we have to mingle with the masses?

We’ll need to start getting ready in about an hour.

That’s plenty of time. She wiggled a leg between his while moving her mouth to his chest. I need another dose of my favorite drug, enough to last me a while. Do you think you can succeed at that?

He grinned and rolled her onto her back. Yes I do.

By six o’clock, Layla and Quin were in the elevator, making their way downstairs, and they couldn’t keep their eyes off each other as aroused smirks twitched their lips.

For the first time since she’d met him, he wore a suit – all black with a black shirt underneath, but he skipped the tie and left his collar undone. The sleek jacket and slacks looked like they’d been made for his body, and all she could think about was ripping them off.

He’d taken the liberty of dressing her in one of her tighter dresses – a peach, pencil dress made of vintage lace – and since they were among the hexless, he completed her look with a pair of nude platform heels.

Did I mention you look fantastic? he asked, pulling her hand to his lips.

She smiled, her cheeks and chest growing warm. You did. Thank you. Looking down, she fidgeted with the material hugging her belly. Enjoy it while it lasts. I won’t fit into anything but muumuus soon.

Muumuus?

Tent dresses, like what housebound grandmas like to wear.

"Ah. Those are... comfortable, no doubt, but I think we’ll