Fallen Redemption Complete Boxed Set (Books #1-3 Plus Companion Novel): Guarding Angel, Reaping Angel, Warring Angel, The Impending Possession of Scarlet Wakebridge-Rosé

By Samantha L. Strong

Belief is power. Choice is illusion. Justice is imminent.

Meet Enael, a guardian angel who excels at attracting humans who don't listen, scrutiny from the highest levels of Heaven, and, of course, demons plotting to upset the entire balance of power in the Earthly realm.

This boxed set contains the three primary books and companion novel of the Fallen Redemption trilogy: Guarding Angel, Reaping Angel, Warring Angel, and The Impending Possession of Scarlet Wakebridge-Rosé. Fans of Fallen, Black Wings, and Hush, Hush will love this fantastic series by science fiction and fantasy author Samantha L. Strong.

Reviews

“Kept me turning the pages until early in the morning...”

“Seriously, don’t put it down. It gets better with every page you turn...”

“The author took me on a journey I did not expect...”

“Heartbreaking, thought-provoking, and multi-faceted...”

“Disturbing, entertaining, emotional, and for me, philosophical...”

“Rather than thinking, ‘Could I believe this world exists?’ I'm actually trying to persuade myself it doesn't...”

“An original and refreshing take on angels...”

“I loved Enael so much...”

“I love this book...”

“This is a must-read series!”

Guarding Angel, Book #1

An exasperated guardian angel.
A stubborn human.
A distracting charmer.
An interfering demon.

Heaven and Hell are about to be turned upside down.

Guarding Angel is the first book in the Fallen Redemption trilogy, featuring an angel determined to prove herself, a demonic plot to wrestle power from Heaven, and secrets that will reverberate throughout Earth's history.

Reaping Angel, Book #2

A resolute fallen angel.
An unjust penance.
A demonic, interfering ex.

The consequences for betraying Heaven are dire.

Reaping Angel is the second book in the Fallen Redemption trilogy, featuring a fed-up former angel, buried secrets from the past, and a cold, hard look at the ugliness of life—and death.

Warring Angel, Book #3

A worldwide conflict.
A prophetic warning.
The rise of an ancient evil.

History will never be the same.

Warring Angel is the final book in the Fallen Redemption trilogy, featuring an angel coming into her power, an evil older than the Earth itself, and a war that will change the face of Heaven and Hell forever.

The Impending Possession of Scarlet Wakebridge-Rosé, Companion novel

A demon.
A past life bargain.
One week to stop a possession.

Some mistakes last a lifetime. Others last two.

This stand-alone novel set in the Fallen Redemption universe extends the series to modern day. Enter a world where humans reincarnate, demons interfere in daily life, and the currents of fate carry us all to our destinies.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Samantha L. Strong
• Release date: Jun 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9781777703110

Samantha L. Strong

Samantha L. Strong (formerly S. L. Saboviec) writes dark and beautiful sci-fi and fantasy stories about complicated characters. Like many Elder Millenials, she’d like to become an herbalist and live in an abandoned (and probably haunted) nunnery somewhere far away from people. She loves drawing sigils on everything, growing plants, and playing with her three adorable daughters. You can find her on Twitter @SamanthaLStrong, on Instagram @SamanthaLStrong, and on Facebook @AuthorSamanthaLStrong.Samantha’s short fiction has appeared in Amazing Stories, AE, and elsewhere. She has three novels out about angels and demons: the first two and a companion novel in her Fallen Redemption trilogy. She’s also the Reprint Editor and has been a slush reader since 2016 at Flash Fiction Online.Beating the odds against metastatic breast cancer since 2017.

Book preview

Angel

FALLEN REDEMPTION COMPLETE BOXED SET

FALLEN REDEMPTION #1-3 PLUS COMPANION NOVEL

GUARDING ANGEL, REAPING ANGEL, WARRING ANGEL, THE IMPENDING POSSESSION OF SCARLET WAKEBRIDGE-ROSÉ

Samantha L. Strong

Copyright © 2021 by Samantha Sabovitch.

Cover Design by: Regina Wamba of ReginaWamba.com.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher at the address below.

Strong Lane Publishing

1231 Astra Ave.

Oshawa, ON

L1K 1H3

Canada

www.samanthalstrong.com

Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.

Fallen Redemption Complete Boxed Set (Books #1-3 Plus Companion Novel): Guarding Angel, Reaping Angel, Warring Angel, The Impending Possession of Scarlet Wakebridge-Rosé / Samantha L. Strong — 1st edition

Kindle/mobi ISBN 978-1-7777031-0-3

epub ISBN 978-1-7777031-1-0

A collection of SFF stories by Samantha L. Strong

Cover of Floating in Blue

Join my mailing list to get news, a behind-the-scenes look at my writing, and the real dirt on my three-year breast cancer hiatus.

In exchange, you’ll receive a FREE copy of my short story collection, Floating in Blue. Be swept into a beauty pageant for sentient flowers, the East Neptune Space Station, a town suddenly taken over by the forest, and other interesting locales. This collection of twelve spectacular fantasy and sci-fi short stories includes two that were previously unpublished.

Click here or visit SamanthaLStrong.com/newsletter/ to claim your copy.

Angel

GUARDING ANGEL

Fallen Redemption #1

Angel

Chapter 1

My Ward, Daniel Michael Wheaton, was a special assignment, direct from the Council of Seraphim—the highest rank of angel in Heaven—and I was determined to prove myself with him. My past failures as a Guardian were of no consequence. All that mattered now was keeping him on the right path. After all, he’d chosen that path, so guarding him shouldn’t have been that hard.

But it was.

Being a Guardian angel is so… exhausting. Humans create their Incarnation Plans before being born on Earth, and it’s a Guardian’s sacred duty to ensure nothing interferes with following that Plan—including the humans themselves. Constantly trying to help them live their lives the way they wanted drained me. But I had to do it right this time.

On an afternoon in May 1759, in a rural part of colonial Maryland, the Wheaton family was eating their midday meal together. I stood behind Daniel, hands nestled in the small of my back under relaxed wings. Daniel’s head bowed as he planned the work he needed to finish before twilight.

Daniel’s heart rate was strong, his breathing was even, and he seemed calm. The breeze sweeping through the cabin cooled him, despite the unseasonable afternoon heat. The only thing that could go wrong was yet another emotional outburst, and I would do everything I could to stop that.

Though angels can’t directly interfere in the lives of the humans we’re charged with guarding, we can assist. I wasn’t good at helping prevent Daniel from lashing out, but I tried to keep him serene by pressing soothing thoughts toward him through whatever bond we supposedly share. For now, he seemed stable.

Daniel’s wife, Lily, cut up their son’s pork, her cutlery clinking against the plate. Eleven-year-old Caleb chattered about a game he and the neighbor boy had invented that morning. It involved leftover scraps of fence, long grass strands, and large insects. It was my idea, he said.

Caleb, finish your mush. Lily slid the plate toward him.

I don’t wanna finish my mush. Caleb shoved aside the bowl. His Guardian, Jersihod, didn’t move. It tastes like cow dung.

Lily clanked down her knife and gave Daniel a sharp look.

I felt Daniel’s temper flare. Before I could react by again pressing placid emotions toward him, he said to Lily, It’s my fault your mush is dry? He didn’t look up from his peas.

Lily’s Guardian, Oronis, stared at me from where he sat on the windowsill. I resented his stares. I was doing what I could. I tucked my hair behind an ear and pressed calm thoughts into Daniel’s mind—another weak attempt to quell his anger.

Every human has a Guardian, and I wasn’t pleased I had to work with Oronis. He’d changed his aspect to a grey-bearded man with laugh-lines crinkling the corners of his eyes, an affectation that annoyed me. All eternal creatures can modify their aspects. Changes range from the mundane—such as Oronis’ grey beard—to the bizarre—such as shape-shifting to an object or animal. But humans can’t see us, so what’s the purpose?

For that reason, I didn’t change my aspect from how I’d been born: white robe, feminine shape, white-blond hair, eternally youthful. Simple. Oronis was probably younger than me by centuries anyway. I’d seen so much more than he in the many years I’d lived. We experience time with our humans, in the same way they do, as we watch and do our jobs, invisible to the Wards we’re assigned to protect.

Lily’s face twisted into the look she wore whenever Daniel was curt. She touched the cross that hung from a cord on her neck and stood. I kept myself from glancing toward Daniel’s neck, naked of religious symbols. Lily grasped Caleb by the shoulder and pulled him from his chair. A tear glimmered at the corner of her eye as she grabbed the wooden paddle from its place on the wall.

Lily marched Caleb into the living area and bent him over her knee. Three smacks came from the paddle onto his bottom. A few seconds later, she was back in her seat, the disciplinary implement hanging on the wall once again. Sounds of sniffling followed her.

No crying. Lily picked up her fork and knife. Caleb’s sniffles quieted.

They ate in silence.

As Daniel spooned the last bite of mush into his mouth, Lily said, Caleb, take the Bible into the yard. Read First Corinthians, chapter thirteen. Memorize verse four. Lily drilled the Bible into Caleb. Though she valued the benefits of reading, it was more important to her that Caleb knew biblical teachings.

Caleb snatched the Bible from the end table and stalked out the door. The boy and his always-silent Guardian, Jersihod, settled under the small oak tree several paces from the house.

Lily gathered up the dishes. Daniel started toward the front door, but her voice stopped him. Daniel—

What? Daniel whirled. His heart rate increased, and his breathing became shallow. I pressed placid thoughts into his mind, but he pushed them away.

Lily, why can’t you leave it be? I pleaded silently.

Daniel’s boot thumped as he took half a step toward his wife. Things need doing, and I don’t have any help to do them. He looked beyond her to the paddle hanging on the wall.

Daniel and Lily had been unsuccessful at building the large Catholic family they’d wanted. She was a good wife, keeping the hearth swept, the living area tidy, and food on the table, but Daniel resented that she was unable to bear more children. An accident two years after Caleb was born had left her barren. She still cried herself to sleep because of it.

Lily held a plate in each hand. I just— She looked down. I wish you wouldn’t speak to me that way in front of our son.

Oronis cocked an eyebrow at me, but I refused to respond. If I gave him an opening, he’d have a snide comment.

Daniel’s pulse quickened. What way? My efforts to soothe him had no effect.

In that, Lily swallowed, tone. You were unbecoming to me. I don’t want our son to hear it.

Daniel’s voice was quiet. You don’t want a son who can defend himself?

Defend himself? Lily’s voice rose. I didn’t attack you!

You were about to blame me for Caleb’s impertinence. Daniel’s eyelids lowered. It’s not my fault you can’t bring the boy to heel.

Enael, murmured Oronis. The low, rumbling way he said my name irritated me.

I shook my head. Can’t he see I’m concentrating?

Neither human spoke for another few seconds. Don’t say anything more, Lily. Her eyes narrowed, and the corner of her mouth twitched. Steeling herself, she said, If you didn’t speak to me that way, your son would know how to respect his mother.

Oronis sucked in a breath, and I clenched my fist. I was failing to stop Daniel’s flaring anger again.

So much for my special assignment.

Daniel crossed the room in two strides. I grabbed at him, but my hand passed through his shoulder. He didn’t want to be stopped, so I couldn’t stop him.

Lily cringed. Daniel’s slap echoed in the small room. She lost her balance, and a plate slipped from her grasp, smashing against the packed dirt floor. Oronis caught her arm before she fell, protecting her from falling on the sharp shards. Anger flared in his eyes as he glared at Daniel, but he wasn’t allowed to interfere with other humans unless they were jeopardizing his Ward’s Incarnation Plan. Daniel’s cruelty did not qualify.

Lily stared down at the broken plate, teetering as her long braid hung over the mess. Tears sprang to her eyes, but her lips were tight against her teeth and she didn’t make a sound. A red mark in the shape of a hand was already rising on her cheek.

Daniel said, Clean that up and be more careful next time. You know Mother had those dishes brought over from England.

He grabbed his pistol from the nail on the wall, knocking over the double-barrel shotgun that leaned next to it. Goddamn it. Everything’s always gotta be difficult. After righting the gun, he raged out the front door.

I tore my eyes from Lily’s tear-stained face.

Before I could follow Daniel, Oronis spoke. Enael, you have to get him under control.

I’m trying, I said. She keeps provoking him. Why is it my fault Daniel has a bad temper?

As I passed through the cabin wall, he said, You know she’s not the problem. This won’t end well.

I stopped. It’ll be fine. I’ve been doing this for centuries. The retort slipped out with a twist of anger. I’d been serving for several centuries longer than most Guardians. I had one guess as to why, but the Council of Seraphim refused to confirm or deny my suspicion. They’d said little beyond that I was being given a special assignment, so I’d drawn my own conclusions about Daniel. I could only assume that Daniel held a role that would somehow be important to history, since the large scope of humanity’s well-being was the overall concern of the Council.

You know this is Daniel’s fault, Oronis called as I hurried away.

What does he know?

It wasn’t that I lacked compassion for Lily’s struggle, but she could be choosier about when she asserted herself. I couldn’t stop Daniel’s outbursts, which invariably led to violence. Lily knew the consequences, so I didn’t understand why she pushed him.

Caleb stared at Daniel as he stormed past. I hurried after him. Jersihod’s judgmental silence made my wings twitch in frustration.

Time to muck out the stalls, Daniel thought. One of us can take care of the gifts from our elders.

I almost snorted aloud. Elders meant Lily’s parents, who had given them their horse, ox, and cow. The wooden table they dined at, the flintlock pistol Daniel carried to protect them against wild creatures and Indians, and even logs Daniel had used to build the cabin were gifts from Lily’s parents. Daniel, being the fifteenth and most obstinate child in his family, was given little of the tobacco empire his father had created. What they had was due to Lily.

Daniel stalked into the barn, which was not much larger than their tiny cabin. As he grabbed the pitchfork and drove it into the first pile in Thunder’s stall, the sweet smell of hay mingled with the familiar scent of horse dung and calmed him. His breathing returned to normal, and his heart stopped pounding. After a few minutes, Daniel whistled a tune as he planned for the upcoming monthly Market Day. All thoughts of Lily were gone.

With Daniel finally at peace, I turned my attention to his wife, gazing through the barn wall and into the house. Lily, bent over the broken plate, wiped tears from her face.

I needed to figure out how to make Daniel hear me. I didn’t want to acknowledge the creeping suspicion that Oronis was right, that this wouldn’t end well. Out of habit, I rubbed a thumb across the scar that twisted over my left hand and wrist. Source, I prayed, how do I make Daniel listen?

The answer was subtle, but I got the message: if I didn’t get Daniel to listen, something terrible was going to happen.

That wasn’t helpful. I knew that already.

Angel

Chapter 2

The next morning, the mood at the Wheaton breakfast table was subdued. Once the family finished with their meals, Lily cleared the plates. Caleb, go help Ismene Taylor with chores this morning. Henry’s taking supplies to his sister in Port Tobacco, so she’ll be alone except for her daughters.

Daniel grunted, considering making a snide comment about Lily’s inability to bear more children to help him around the farm.

Having decided it wasn’t worth the trouble of riling her, Daniel went outside and gathered the tools he needed for the day of work that stretched ahead. As he slashed at the weeds in the garden with a hoe, he replayed yesterday’s events in his mind. Each time, his wife’s tone was more accusatory, and each time, his heart rate rose.

You never get to the part where you slap her, do you? I tucked my hair behind my ear and brushed his shoulder. Daniel, calm yourself.

Daniel ignored me. After a few minutes, he threw down the hoe and stretched his back. My wings relaxed as he stormed away from, rather than toward, the house to berate Lily. One less confrontation with her meant one less opportunity for me to fail to tame my Ward in front of Oronis. He grabbed Thunder’s halter and led the horse into the barn. Can’t stand how she talks to me, he muttered as he tacked up the horse.

A few minutes later, Lily climbed the stairs from the cellar and noticed he wasn’t in the garden. She hurried toward the barn as he swung a leg over the saddle and I settled behind him. Where are you going?

Daniel pulled on Thunder’s reins, and the horse danced to the side. The inn. We’re almost out of beer.

The market is two days away. Why don’t you bring some back in the wagon then? You won’t be able to carry more than a jug on Thunder.

Daniel’s blood pounded in his ears. From where I sat on the horse’s hindquarters, I pressed a soothing hand into his back. He said, It isn’t a wife’s place to question her husband’s comings and goings. He spurred Thunder.

As we trotted away, Lily mumbled, Proverbs 21:9. ‘It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.’

The Wheaton farmstead disappeared behind us, and the modest log building on top of a hill came into view. The innkeeper, Oswyn, was a man who had been there as long as Daniel could remember. His earliest memories included this gathering place, where travelers and neighbors would meet to have a drink to escape day-to-day living and hear the latest news.

When we finally arrived at the inn, Daniel tethered Thunder to a post just outside the front door. From where he stood, he noticed something odd about the window. Gingham curtains framed the inside and a vase of blue flowers sat on the sill. He ran a hand over his beard, considering. I fluttered from the horse, peering through the wall.

Inside, a Guardian leaned beside the hearth, white wings relaxed, while a woman swept cinders from the fireplace. My fingers curled into my palms when I realized I’d been lax in marking the time. This was the day that would start a sequence of events with an unknown outcome. And I had forgotten it.

Humans live many times. When they die, they go to Heaven, where they’re rehabilitated and assigned to their next incarnation. As part of the Incarnation Plan, each human chooses his or her Incarnation Theme—or what to face in the upcoming time on Earth—during a series of Foresight Sessions. When they’re living their lives on Earth, the humans aren’t aware of the choices they made while in Heaven. Daniel was oblivious to the importance of this day, which marked the beginning of his selected trial.

Daniel had chosen the Theme of Temptation. And it was my job to ensure he overcame it.

He shouldered open the wooden door. Oswyn?

I studied the other Guardian while avoiding eye contact, afraid my nervousness at having forgotten this important moment was obvious.

Though all angels are sexless, each has characteristics that give the impression of gender. My breasts marked me as female, and the other Guardian’s height and broad shoulders marked him as male.

Despite my attempts to seem casual, when his eyes found mine, my breath caught and my skin prickled. His irises were white and surrounded by a black ring, the same as all Guardians, but his gaze was penetrating. I was pleased I kept my voice steady, when I said, Peace to you, greeting him with the traditional salutation angels use with one another.

Peace to you, he replied in kind. He inclined his head and began his appraisal of my Ward. His eyes moved from Daniel’s curly hair to his short beard to the heavy work boots, worn from years of use.

During Daniel’s Foresight Sessions—where humans also meet the key players in their upcoming life—he had met the woman who was sweeping the hearth, though of course he didn’t recognize her now. Her name was Miriam, and, after deciding on an Incarnation Theme of Catalyst, she’d been chosen to influence Daniel’s life. Humans with the Incarnation Theme of Catalyst sparked growth in others by raising moral questions or playing an antagonistic role to all they came in contact with. It was chosen by old souls because newer souls required the familiarity of loved ones from previous incarnations. Most Catalysts accepted that their role was to affect others—possibly negatively—and were content despite how society shunned them.

I’d paid little attention to the Guardian who had stood behind Miriam during the Foresight Session, so I couldn’t remember his name. He ran a hand through his dark hair and stared at my Ward. Though I couldn’t place him, he somehow seemed more familiar to me than someone who I’d briefly encountered.

Daniel glanced around the room. Cornflower blue tablecloths covered the tables, and turquoise bows were tied to the back of each chair. Clean sawdust was sprinkled across the floor, and an aqua ribbon had been woven through the railing slats. Two blue flower vases sat on the recently scrubbed bar. Daniel scratched his head. Neither of us had seen the inn so clean before.

Miriam was still bent over the hearth. From around the tables, Daniel couldn’t get a clear look. Os?

She stood and examined her handiwork. A shock ran through Daniel when he realized she was a woman.

Old Os is gone, she said, a broad smile already on her face as she turned. I’m Miriam. What can I do for you, sir?

Recognition shivered through Daniel, but he shook it off. Gone? Where?

Miriam’s breath hitched as she caught sight of Daniel. Oh, my, my.

She stepped away from the hearth, coming into full view. She posed with her right hip jutted, put a fist to her waist, and looked over his rugged face. And who do we have here?

Name’s Daniel, old family friend. Where’s Os?

Miriam was as she’d appeared in the Foresight Session, a petite but shapely woman. She wore a black skirt and bodice with no shirt or chemise underneath. Instead of a bolster to accentuate the wideness of her hips, a corset pressed her cleavage high and narrowed her waist where her apron was cinched. She wore a layer of pale face-paint and rouge on her cheeks. The combination of Pilgrim garb and European fashion added an air of foreignness, as did her English accent.

A carved ivory dove hung on a silver chain around her neck. Another religious symbol. Is my Ward the only human in Maryland who refuses to wear something that can give me power? I once again found myself yearning for Daniel to have some sense—any sense—of spirituality. With belief, a religious symbol worn by a human enhanced the Guardian’s effectiveness. Daniel, of course, had neither.

Miriam lowered the pitch of her voice and her eyelashes. Os has gone to Jamestown to live out his remaining years.

Daniel grunted. Jamestown. Got grandchildren there.

It’s my inn now. Miriam wiped a hand on her apron and held it out.

How’s that? Daniel asked as he grasped her hand in his.

When he kissed it, Miriam shuddered at the contact. I can’t chat today, but come back another time and I’ll tell you. Her eyes traveled up and down his body.

Daniel drew his hand back and swallowed when he realized she was inspecting him. Ah, well, now, he absentmindedly rubbed a thumb over his pistol, just came to get a bottle of beer. Almost out, and market’s two days away. Didn’t mean to interrupt.

Miriam clasped her hands and curtsied. I welcome the interruption. This way, sir. She gestured to a seat at the counter and sashayed around it.

My attention shifted back to Miriam’s Guardian. He followed her, mimicking her swagger around the counter—or was it the other way around? She shuddered again as she moved bottles under the counter. My eyebrows knitted as he watched Miriam’s face while she searched. Lust rolled from her in a wave, a sharp emotion I felt but tried to ignore.

When the other angel turned his gaze back to Daniel, protectiveness rushed over me. It was clear Miriam’s Guardian had increased her emotion. Something inside of me twisted in frustration that I couldn’t affect my human as he had so effortlessly affected his. It hardly seemed fair. I’d been doing this for so long.

Here it is. Miriam set the container on the counter. No charge today, sir.

Daniel grasped the jug, brushing her thumb. Did she just moan? he wondered.

Yes, I thought. Daniel smiled.

You here to stay? Anticipation coursed through him.

Absolutely, Miriam said. It’s my inn now, every last cobwebbed corner.

Daniel laughed, the first time he’d laughed in… I couldn’t remember. Steady, I said under my breath, hoping that the other Guardian wouldn’t hear my impotent attempt to stop Daniel from a making a fool of himself.

You’ve done a fine job cleaning up the place. Daniel cleared his throat. Compliments did not come easily from his lips.

Thank you! Miriam’s smile widened. Daniel gazed at her cheekbones and imagined brushing his hand over her hair, her neck, her breasts. I need to finish the chores, but it was good to meet another neighbor. I look forward to seeing you again, sir. She curtsied and pranced from the room, her Guardian a step behind her. When he brushed a hand across her back, the lust I’d been pretending to ignore spiked.

Daniel’s eyes followed Miriam. He raised a hand in farewell. His own lust mingled with hers, and I tamped down my sudden panic, squeezing my hands together behind my back.

Just before Miriam’s Guardian stepped out of sight, he stopped and turned. My name’s Kaspen. He smiled. This assignment will be enjoyable.

Enjoyable? My voice went up an octave. Excellent way to maintain your composure. Had he been given an assignment, too?

Oh, yes. Just wait ‘til we get to the passion and romance.

My response stuck in my throat. Passion and romance were not words I would have used to describe Daniel cheating on his wife. Besides, I was determined to keep that from happening.

Peace and love to you, he uttered the traditional farewell as he extended his hand.

I thrust out my arm hastily. Peace and love to you. As our palms touched, a crackle of heated energy passed between us. What was that? I drew my hand back.

Kaspen looked at his arm and tucked it behind his back. What was your name?

Enael.

His wings flapped once, and he nodded. He turned and caught up with Miriam, already in the cellar.

Kaspen had chosen the enhancement of a strong and stubbled jaw. I frowned. Angels are hairless, except for our heads. I couldn’t help but notice how the white tunic that clung to his frame accentuated muscled biceps. The corded muscles were another affectation that called attention to his masculinity. Angels have no need for muscles.

My mind jumped to the realization that it had been centuries since I’d last been intimate with another angel. Why in the Source’s name am I thinking about coupling?

With Miriam gone from the room, Daniel turned on his heel and left the inn. Distracted, I followed. His thoughts alternated between the laces of Miriam’s bodice and the brush of her fingers. My thoughts— Well, that wasn’t important. Daniel slid the beer into his saddlebag and pulled himself onto Thunder’s saddle. I flapped my wings and landed behind him.

As we rode away, I twisted in the direction of Miriam and Kaspen, desperate for one last glimpse of the enigmatic Guardian I’d just met, but unclear as to why. I gazed through the wall to see Kaspen looking back at me. My stomach clenched, and I spun around.

I brushed a finger over my scar. I had no desire to open myself to the possibility of intimacy again. The risk wasn’t worth the reward.

Daniel spurred the horse to a canter, rising up in the saddle and letting out a whoop as the inn disappeared behind us.

He would find Miriam enticing, but I was determined to keep him from cheating. After all, nothing good could come from giving in to temptation. Daniel had made it clear in the Foresight Sessions that he wanted to be faithful. Keeping to his ideal Incarnation Plan had to be the Council’s assignment.

If only I knew for sure.

Angel

Chapter 3

That night, I paced the floor of the Wheaton cabin. The moon hung at its apex, and the fire burned low in the hearth. I glanced through the loft floor to where Daniel, Lily, and Caleb were curled in their shared bed, bodies glowing faintly to my angelic eyes. All three were asleep, though Daniel snorted and rolled fitfully. Jersihod sat cross-legged on the floor next to them.

I said, Oronis, do you know of an angel who forced a human to behave a certain way?

What? No. Dim light spilled across his flaring wings. Forcing humans to act a certain way is demon territory. We can’t do that. We only assist. Why would you ask?

No reason.

Oronis cocked an eyebrow and settled back. His outline, too, glowed against the dark cabin wall. You’d better be careful, Enael.

Don’t worry yourself over my affairs. None of his concern.

I was being unfair to Kaspen about his more successful connection with his Ward and sensitive because I didn’t know what my true assignment was. A Guardian’s function is to calm or heighten a human’s emotions as the situation warrants. As a Catalyst, Miriam was tasked with attempting to seduce Daniel; as her Guardian, Kaspen was to assist her. The more lustful Miriam was, the more motivated she was to tempt Daniel. He would gain little from his chosen Incarnation Theme of Temptation if he wasn’t challenged.

I was frustrated at being unable to create the same emotional reaction in Daniel as Kaspen did in Miriam. I always struggled to connect with my Wards, though I couldn’t fathom why. None had listened to my suggestions beyond only what they wanted to hear or do, though not one had been as stubborn, willful, or angry as Daniel.

As I passed through the living room again, Kaspen appeared in front of me.

I jolted.

Peace to you, Enael. He extended his hand.

I glanced at Oronis, but he reclined against the wall with his eyes closed.

I returned Kaspen’s gesture. As our hands touched, warmth flooded my palm. I didn’t imagine the energy I felt before!

A flicker crossed Kaspen’s face. His eyes snapped to our hands. My arm trembled at his unreadable expression. Remember he’s your adversary. Daniel mustn’t give in to temptation.

We pulled our hands apart.

Would you join me for a walk in the Garden? asked Kaspen, inviting me to leave my sleeping Ward and travel to Heaven.

Oronis’ wings twitched.

Yes, I said before he could comment. I hailed an Attendant to watch over my sleeping Ward in my absence. She landed, her prismatic wings fluttering to a stop. Attendants are younger angels, one rank below Guardians, who assist with anything higher ranked angels require.

I pressed my palm against hers. Peace to you.

Moving between Earth and Heaven is effortless. Simply by concentrating on where I want to be, we can arrive there. I pictured the Garden, and the Wheaton cabin faded into watery colors, though Kaspen’s face never blurred. The tingling sensation that always comes with the transition coursed through me, and my mind spun until the greens, purples, and oranges swimming in front of me took shape into a blossoming bush in Heaven’s Garden.

The sky was brightening as morning in Heaven began. Kaspen gestured to the polished gray and white stone pathway. I nestled my hands into the small of my back, and we meandered.

Kaspen said, I thought it proper to bring you here so I could apologize. You may have thought me rude earlier. I didn’t mean to appear aloof. His white eyes widened and his eyebrows rose.

My eyes flitted over his dark hair and the earnestness of his handsome face. No need to apologize. You were performing your duties as expected. The reason for his invitation seemed thin. Did he have another purpose? I fought excitement that he wanted to bring me here because he wanted to see me.

I get pulled into human emotions. I found Daniel and Miriam’s first Earthly meeting fascinating. He seemed to be studying me out of the corner of his eye.

Most Guardians, myself especially, saw our time of servitude as a necessity—as a stepping stone to becoming something greater. I see. A breeze, carrying the scent of jasmine, ruffled the leafy canopy above us.

I’m fascinated by the effect our emotions have on each other, Kaspen continued. He ran a hand across an immaculately trimmed bush. I’m interested in the effect I have on Miriam and the effect she has on her suitors. He turned and looked at me again. I’m interested in the emotions between angels, too. The effect I can have on you, for instance.

My stomach dropped, and I grabbed my scarred wrist. Oh. Calm down, Enael.

A grin flashed across his face but quickly disappeared.

I brushed by him to perch on a redwood bench, carved millenniums ago by the Muses. I appreciate your invitation and I look forward to working with you. Too formal?

Kaspen sat next to me. He stretched his wings, touching mine as he settled them. The brush of contact sent tingles racing through me. What about you? he asked.

I blinked. What about me what?

What about your assignment interests you?

I… I wasn’t interested in my assignments. I was interested in why I was guarding in a dusty cabin in the middle of Maryland instead of flying from bookcase to bookcase in the Archives. I cared about my humans, but only to the extent that they were my duty—something I had to do until I could ascend. I hoped that successfully completing this so-called special assignment would allow me to become a Keeper after centuries of being denied. After all, what else could my assignment of Daniel be about? I suppose I enjoy watching Daniel’s spiritual journey.

A Keeper hurried past us with an armful of leather-bound books. Her sunflower yellow wings denoted her rank, one of the six above Guardian. I gazed after her, pushing aside jealousy and trying not to feel self-conscious about my white wings.

Kaspen smiled. He re-settled his wings, bumping against mine again. Is he doing that on purpose? You didn’t recall today was the day when Miriam and Daniel were to meet for the first time.

I most certainly—

His amused expression forced my mouth shut. You didn’t.

It was going to happen whether I remembered or not. I’d been focused on Daniel’s treatment of Lily, which was also important. If he appreciated his wife, he might not give in to Miriam’s wiles. Kaspen’s white eyes never wavered from mine, putting me off balance. I had no need to prepare.

I’m fascinated by Daniel. Despite the temptations, he seems to be drifting. Mundane upbringing. Quiet life. No care about who he is or what he’s on Earth for, Kaspen said. I pushed thoughts of Daniel’s darker side away. This is his last and greatest temptation. When he overcomes it, he’ll have passed all the trials he laid out for himself in this life.

How do you know that?

I reviewed his Book of Life. In his past lives and in this one, he took few risks.

Each human life is chronicled in a Book of Life that is filed in the Heavenly Archives. That Kaspen reviewed Daniel’s previous Books wasn’t improper; most Guardians studied the past lives of significant people who would enter their Wards’ lives during the next incarnation.

Still, it made me uncomfortable. I had had a bad experience with the Books many years ago. I found my mouth hanging open, so I closed it.

Kaspen said, How old is he?

Thirty-one. Why?

If his life follows the path he favors, he’ll live for ten more years. Yet nothing of consequence will occur. Ten years of drifting? That’s it? He’s reached his spiritual peak?

His life was his choice. He’s set up more trials for himself.

Kaspen laughed. Nothing important. If you review his Book of Life, you’ll see it.

Of course I’d reviewed Daniel’s Book of Life! What kind of a Guardian did he think I was? We’re not here to change things.

Kaspen cocked his head. It’s only here, when they’re living, experiencing, and growing, that they can truly understand what they want of their lives. I wanted to disagree, but he pressed on. Did you notice how difficult it was for him to pass temptations earlier? His comments reminded me of Daniel as a young boy.

When Daniel was thirteen years old, he’d sneaked across his father’s tobacco fields, dodging the slaves, who’d been working and singing and not watching for a wayward boy. He climbed the loft to the neighbor’s barn, chuckling to himself at the chores his brothers would do in his place while he took an afternoon nap. He settled into the hay and closed his eyes.

The neighbor girl had crept up the ladder. Daniel, can I join you? A sliver of afternoon sun made her face glow in the dim barn. Her eyes beseeched him and her smile was innocent.

No. He had buried his head in his arm, rustling the hay. A piece stuck in his short, brown curls.

She’d lowered herself next to him and pressed her body against his.

Stop it, he’d said. You’re an addle-brained harlot.

Her horror and embarrassment had blasted me. I mouthed the word sorry at her Guardian as the girl ran from the loft, braid streaming behind her and tears spilling down her cheeks.

"That’s not how you’d planned on overcoming that temptation," I’d said. Daniel yawned and snuggled his head further into the hay.

To Kaspen, I said, He’s a Catholic man. That was a lie, but I didn’t want him knowing how I’d failed to inspire religious belief in my Ward. None of the earlier temptations were difficult for him to resist. I glared at him in what I hoped was a confident manner, clenching my hands in my lap.

Then they weren’t real temptations. When he created his Incarnation Plan, he shied from anything that would challenge him.

My confidence wilted as quickly as it had bloomed. Regardless. My voice quavered. "We guard their Plans. They choose, not us!" I took a deep breath, remembering when Daniel had chosen his trial.

The discussion in the Foresight Room had been clear about what would happen once Daniel met Miriam.

The carnelian-winged Engineer had balanced a quill over Daniel’s Book of Life. Engineers are responsible for meeting with and planning the life of every human during the Foresight Sessions. They carry out the direction of the Council of Seraphim first and foremost, molding human lives to fit the themes of the historical times. They watch for disruption to the Council’s overall plan for human history and for interruption in individual human Incarnation Plans.

As the Engineer spoke to Daniel, the quill wrote of its own accord. You will meet Miriam in the spring of 1759. Daniel nodded, and the quill scrolled. Three possibilities exist. First, you will be tempted by her, but she will fail to seduce you.

That’s what’ll happen, Daniel had said.

The Engineer had given him a long look. The second possibility is that you will sleep with her. Guilt will overcome you, and you will pray for Saint Valentine to intercede. Your belief will allow Enael to provide you with the spiritual strength you desire to resist additional temptation. He nodded toward me. The final possibility is that you will sleep with her a second time, your wife will discover your infidelity, and she will take action.

I couldn’t let that happen.

In the glow of the Garden, Kaspen’s face was unreadable. Enael, I’m not here to hurt you or Daniel. I only wanted to spend a few moments together without our Wards. You know what I have to do.

I wasn’t sure how to reply. He had just admitted the real reason for his visit. He wanted to spend time with me! I kept my face neutral while excitement fluttered in my throat.

Kaspen, a female voice called. Kaspen, I need to talk to you.

I looked up. Another angel, beautiful face twisted into a frustrated expression, skidded to a stop in front of us.

Angel

Chapter 4

Her royal purple wings proclaimed her a Muse, another of the specialties within the Heavenly rank above ours. She was beautiful, with high cheekbones and full lips. My eyes narrowed before I could stop myself.

Yasva? Kaspen flapped to his feet, and I rose with him.

What are you doing here? she asked. Yasva’s amethyst eyes shifted to me and traveled from my bare feet to the tips of my wings. Her diamond nose ring glinted in the soft glow of the Garden.

Our Wards know one another, and we were just discussing their lives. Kaspen’s shoulders held a tenseness that contrasted his previous confidence. She guards Daniel. He provided no further explanation, which meant they’d talked of our humans before.

Who is this angel?

Yasva snorted and tossed her raven hair over her shoulders. Her movements were stiff and deliberate, strange in comparison to how the flamboyant Muses usually carry themselves. Fine, whatever. Guardians are of no consequence.

No consequence? I might not enjoy being a Guardian, but our duty is important. Perhaps more important than any other Heavenly duty. Guarding is essential to humankind, I said. Not every human gets a Muse.

Kaspen’s face was devoid of the cool assurance from moments before. He put a hand on Yasva’s shoulder, and my insides twisted. Yasva, perhaps you and I should talk somewhere.

Yasva shook his hand off and stepped toward me. "If it’s so essential, why would the Council of Seraphim use guarding as a way to punish a misbehaving Muse?" Her ruby lips pursed as she glared, but the expression failed to mar her beauty.

What? Demotions are rare and enforced by an Archangel, the rank directly below Seraph. Acts of the Council are usually decrees on the direction of human history.

Kaspen said, I didn’t realize your meeting with the Council was today.

Yasva snorted. They dithered for decades, undecided, but today was the day. She tossed her head again. She brought a hand to her temple and her amethyst eyes fluttered shut. She opened them to glare at me. Should I tell your Guardian friend my tale of tragedy and tribulation?

No, she should get back to Daniel. Kaspen’s resigned tone had replaced the strong, confident timbre of his voice. As his eyes darted to a tuft of grass beside Yasva, he seemed another angel.

I wasn’t interested in being in the middle of… whatever was going on between the two. Good idea. The words snapped out, and I prepared to fade to Earth.

Before I could leave, Yasva glided toward me, beating her wings once to propel herself. I did my duty as a Muse. I inspired great works of art. Her hand swept in front of her, and she looked to the sky. But the Seraphim were sullen. So now I’m to chase after a human like… she paused, glancing at me as though to ensure I was paying attention, … a lost little lamb. She shuddered, appearing to prevent herself from collapsing.

I couldn’t help myself. Is she always so dramatic? I asked Kaspen.

Of course I’m dramatic, you uncomely wench. I’m a Muse!

Uncomely wench? My hand ran through my rumpled hair as I searched for a suitably caustic response. This was a waste of time, but now I couldn’t leave after being insulted. Three times.

Kaspen said, Yasva, it’s not her fault. Besides, you only have to guard for one lifetime. Then you can return to inspiring, right?

Yasva thrust a manicured finger in Kaspen’s face. No, I’m supposed to learn ‘empathy’ for the humans, so I understand what ‘appropriate’ inspiration is. She huffed. How am I supposed to think with this constant cacophony?

Her punishment became clear to me: In addition to a demotion, she was being forced to live the emotional suffering caused by whatever she had done. From what I understood of similar punishments, through her link to the Source, she could feel the pain, sadness, and fear of the humans or angels she had hurt.

Yasva put both hands to her temples. They can’t see it now, but I’m a veritable vanguard.

I wanted to interject, but I still hadn’t recovered from the insult.

Your human needed a Muse for painting. Kaspen’s voice was barely audible.

No one would have understood her if she’d used paint. Her eyes glided over me as if she recalled something. If you could have seen the art she wrought… It was so much more than bloody thumbprints on a wall. Her eyes snapped to Kaspen’s. They’ll never forget my artist, and isn’t that what they asked of me?

Yes, Kaspen’s voice held the rhythm of an argument revisited many times, but her victims died earlier than—

Yasva interrupted. "Now they have you calling my art ‘victims.’ Her wings trembled. They’re canvasses. What’s more beautiful than using humanity as a canvas?"

I stood open-mouthed, more at a loss than before. What angel inspires a human to kill? I have to go. I wiped away my shocked expression as Yasva turned to me. My body didn’t obey the inward command to leave.

You don’t understand. Her voice was quiet. This is unbearable. It’s only just begun, and it’s unbearable.

I tensed, my annoyance giving way to apprehension. She’s not going to—

She continued, You’re just another angel judging me. You don’t know anything about this pain, yet you’ve sided with those tyrants. Her head snapped up. Kaspen, I came here to tell you something. I’m done.

You can’t be done. Kaspen’s voice held disbelief, but his eyes were horrified.

Those barefoot boot-lickers think they can tell everyone what to do, Yasva said. They think they can force this farce upon me. They think they’ll whiten my wings tomorrow.

Kaspen tried to interrupt.

Yasva waved a hand. ‘The Council of Seraphim finds you guilty of violating Incarnation Plans. The Council of Seraphim determines the methods a Muse may inspire in humans. The Council of Seraphim wants you to know they’re more magnificent than a malcontented Muse.’ The words tumbled out in a mocking tone, as though she was quoting the Praetor himself, the head of the Council.

Only one alternative existed to living through her punishment, and I couldn’t bear to think on it. Maybe— The word came out in a croak. I cleared my throat.

Kaspen stretched a hand toward his friend. Yasva, let’s go to the Nexus.

No. Yasva flapped her wings and took a backward step off the path, crushing an orchid under her foot. "I can’t bear another fifty years of this sniveling, whining, crying. I can’t bear another moment of this human emotion."

A phantom pain spiked through my scar. You don’t mean that. I clutched my wrist with my other thumb and forefinger, willing her to relent. It can’t be so terrible—

You don’t know what this is like! Her quavering voice echoed through the clearing. Take the wings. Take the emotions. Take it all away. I don’t want to be connected anymore.

I fought the heavy weight that had settled into my chest. Wait. Why hadn’t I left before she’d started her rant? Why couldn’t I leave now? Why had I come here with Kaspen tonight?

Yasva tipped her head back. No more. I revoke my place in Heaven.

Her amethyst eyes went wide and the air shimmered around her. I cringed but couldn’t look away. She screamed as she clamped her hands to her ears. Her wings quivered. No… They flared above her and burst apart in a spray of royal purple. The droplets hung in the air before they contracted into nothingness.

I backed away but bumped into a bush. It’s happening again.

Shrieking, Yasva pressed her hands to her eyes and doubled over. Deep purple blood soaked the back of her robe where her wings had been. She wrenched her hands down and stared at me. I willed myself to move but couldn’t. Her eyes were pits, stark black and seething. She regarded me with a hatred I had seen but once before.

My stomach lurched in fear. Beside me, Kaspen gripped his hair, eyes wide. I’d nearly forgotten he was there.

Yasva thrust out a hand as though to steady herself. This isn’t… She wobbled, reaching for Kaspen, who backed away. … the end… She coughed and staggered. … of me! I will have my revenge! She went to a knee before fading and disappearing into Hell.

Where all angels who renounce their connections to the Source go.

Where they live as demons.

The stench of sulfur washed over me, and I quashed the urge to gag.

Kaspen gripped his hair with his other hand. No.

The part of me that had urged me to flee returned, but I forced it aside. Something deep inside me echoed his sorrow, something I’d tried to forget but couldn’t. I fumbled for words. I’m sorry. Is that the best you can do, Enael?

Kaspen lifted his head. Why?

I don’t know. Should I get Rehniah? Our assigned Archangel would know what to do.

He shook his head.

Should we—

Kaspen grasped my sleeve. Let’s go back. His voice was a whisper. He pulled me to Earth. The brilliant colors of the Garden swirled and faded into the darkness of the Wheaton cabin.

Everything was the same as when we’d left a short time ago. The humans were asleep. Jersihod sat cross-legged in the loft. Oronis leaned against the wall with eyes closed. The Attendant nodded at me when we appeared.

Kaspen pressed my palm to his. The same energy as before surged between us, and he sucked in a breath before pulling away. He ran a hand through his hair and leaned in to whisper, She’s not evil. They just don’t understand her. She’s an extraordinary angel. He glanced toward Oronis and disappeared.

I couldn’t believe what had just happened. Something inside me quivered, a helplessness that I had felt for too many centuries. Lost in thought, I dismissed the Attendant and fluttered to the loft. Daniel’s face was twisted into a snarl even in his sleep.

Maybe Yasva had been an extraordinary angel, but I was skeptical. One thing was certain: She wasn’t an angel anymore.

Angel

Chapter 5

Though I tried to think on my Ward, the image of Yasva’s wings bursting apart replayed in my memory again and again. A similar sight had haunted me for centuries, though I’d finally put it from my mind—until recently. If the Council found out I’d been present for another Fall, they couldn’t fault me for it. Could they? Finally, I immersed myself in Daniel’s thoughts, his unhappiness comforting me with its familiarity.

The monthly Market Day finally arrived. The Wheaton family packed the wagon and headed toward the inn. When the roof appeared, Daniel’s stomach somersaulted. He refused to look at the building as the wagon lumbered toward it. Turning into a giddy little girl, he groused.

The market spread across the foot of the hill. Beyond, the river churned high from yesterday’s rainstorm. A dozen families mingled and the din of bartering met our group as we rolled through the throng. Guardians hovered or reclined in wagons. Daniel’s nose perked up at the scent of baked goods, and he directed the ox to pull the wagon next to their neighbor, Ismene Taylor.

Lily climbed from the wagon, laid her shotgun on the front seat, and waved to Ismene. While her husband unhitched the ox and led it to the water trough, she hurried to the back and pulled away the blankets to uncover two buckets of milk, fresh asparagus, broccoli, and bags of cornmeal she’d ground herself.

When Daniel returned, Ismene and Lily were sharing local gossip and Caleb busied himself arranging the vegetables. As Daniel picked up the buckets of milk and started up the hill toward the inn, Ismene tapped her fingers across her chin. She said, Did you hear the new innkeeper is Protestant? Though the turmoil over Maryland’s government was resolved before Daniel’s father was born, the discontent between the Catholic and Protestant populations continued.

Lily tossed her braid over her shoulder. What new innkeeper? Her face darkened as she looked toward Daniel, but he was halfway up the dirt path.

I hovered behind my Ward, too anxious to walk. Are the butterflies in his stomach affecting me? Or is it something else? I tucked my hair behind my ear and let out a breath.

As Daniel pushed open the door, a tinkling bell that hadn’t been there during the last visit rang. We stepped inside and two different things struck us.

Saw you arrive, Kaspen called to me from where he stood facing Miriam. She wasn’t wearing face-paint, and he was pinching her cheeks into a blush. When she lifted a jar onto a high shelf, he breathed on her nipples, much to my open-mouthed shock.

In my years of guarding, I’d never—never—never seen something like that before. I stood thunderstruck, watching as Miriam’s body responded. Oronis’ warning about only demons being able to force humans into doing what they wanted flashed through my mind. Was Kaspen crossing a line?

Miriam, oblivious to the angel primping her, lowered her arms and turned to Daniel. Welcome back, sir!

Her bodice hung unlaced, exposing more neck and bosom than when Daniel first met her. His eyes followed her freckles into the space between her breasts, and I pursed my lips. He inhaled sharply when he saw the results of Kaspen’s ministrations, hard nipples proclaiming Miriam was not wearing her corset. Her light brown hair spilled across her shoulders.

M-Miriam, Daniel stammered. His work boots thumped as he pushed the door shut and weaved his way through the tables adorned with vases holding yellow flowers. I tried to soothe his pounding heart. He quivered in nervousness and willed his groin motionless. Steady, I warned silently. I’d never seen him like this.

Good to see you, Enael. Kaspen extended a hand in greeting and flashed me a bright smile. Was his exuberance at seeing me overcompensation for letting me witness his devastation at Yasva’s Fall? When our palms pressed together, both Miriam’s and Daniel’s lust prickled across my skin.

Daniel held up a bucket of milk. I’m here to trade for beer.

Miriam’s eyes traced his biceps. A full cask. I haven’t had milk in weeks. I’m certain my neighbors would trade me for some, but I’d rather drink yours.

Daniel smiled.

Miriam turned her attention back to the shelf she was organizing. Daniel’s eyes traveled from the tops of her shoulders to her bare feet, and he imagined tracing a finger from her toes up her calves.

I had no idea Daniel could be so lecherous. You’re supposed to resist the temptation, I reminded him in a whisper. As he envisioned her knees and upper thighs in his mind’s eye, the beginnings of an erection pressed against his pants. Daniel, control yourself.

Lily and Caleb climbed the hill, and I sent a torrent of caution into Daniel’s mind. The bell hanging from the door rang as they entered and killed his arousal.

Uh, Lily, Daniel said, this is Miriam. Os is in Jamestown with his grandkids. This is Miriam’s inn now. Miriam, this is my wife Lily.

Lily’s eyes traveled across Miriam’s body, and the petite woman’s cheeks colored. She started to lift her hands to the bodice laces, but Kaspen moved behind her. My stomach clenched as he gazed at her hair and brushed a hand over her arm. His connection with her was so effortless. I couldn’t stop myself from being impressed.

No, Enael, I chastised myself. I had to stop admiring Kaspen if I was going to help Daniel keep to his Incarnation Plan. Even though he couldn’t hear my thoughts, the closer my emotions were to his, the stronger they became. If I allowed Kaspen to sway me, Daniel would have a hard time resisting Miriam’s temptations. Get yourself under control.

Miriam dropped her hands. Pleased to meet you, ma’am. She put a hand on her hip.

Daniel’s arousal spiked. I brushed a hand over his back to soothe him, but it did nothing to calm his heightened state. I bit my lip and pulled away from him.

So you’re the new Protestant innkeeper, Lily said.

Daniel’s rugged face darkened as he stepped forward, but he failed to keep his eyes from Miriam’s cleavage. Caleb, help me carry the cask to the wagon.

Caleb nodded, and the two followed Miriam to the storeroom to get the beer. Lily stared after them. When they returned, her eyes sought out Miriam’s.

Have a lovely day, said Miriam. She curtsied.

I started after the group, but Kaspen’s voice halted me. Enael. My wings clenched.

Yes? I turned and started to trace the muscles of his arms with my eyes but stopped myself.

I look forward to seeing you again. He hesitated as though he was going to say more but closed his mouth and smiled.

And I as well. If he wasn’t going to mention Yasva, neither was I. I lingered for just a moment before hurrying after the others.

Huh, Os is gone, said Caleb, huffing as he readjusted the cask. I thought he’d be there forever.

Me, too, son, said Daniel.

Lily snatched her braid and threw it over her shoulder. Her eyes narrowed and her pixie-like face twisted.

Enael, said Oronis, lifting an eyebrow.

Don’t say it. I flapped my wings in annoyance.

Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Angel

Chapter 6

Caleb trudged beside the wagon as it rolled across the field where the Wheaton animals grazed. Lily clutched the shotgun, her knuckles white, and Daniel pulled on the reins to stop the ox in front of the house.

Caleb, Lily’s dark eyes flashed, rub down the ox and slop the pigs. Your father and I will unload the food.

Caleb nodded and unhitched the ox. Jersihod floated behind him, silent.

The adults climbed out of the wagon. Daniel took the eggs and loaves of bread. Lily tucked the shotgun under her arm and gathered up the zucchini they had traded for.

Oronis and I followed them into the cabin. Once inside, Lily said, You didn’t mention that Os moved to Jamestown.

Daniel sighed, dumped the bread on the table, and shoved the eggs into the pantry. The pantry cabinet hung open as he moved to take off his pistol.

You’ve smashed the bread, said Lily. She put the vegetables on the table and leaned the shotgun against the wall. The new owner is pretty.

Oronis stood next to the table, arms crossed and eyebrow cocked at his Ward. My gut churned at the argument I knew was about to unfold.

Not my fault what she looks like. Daniel stared at the nail where the pistol hung.

Oh, you think she’s pretty? Lily tossed her braid over her shoulder.

Daniel’s agitation grew. My wings twitched as I pressed feelings of serenity into his mind. Why do you let her goad you? I didn’t say she was pretty, you did.

Oh! You don’t think she’s pretty?

I didn’t say that. He hung his coat over the back of a chair. I reckon it’s my fault she’s Protestant, too.

Doesn’t that just figure. Lily’s laugh was angry. A naked Protestant dasher taking over Oswyn’s inn. First they turn from God, then they turn from decency.

Daniel snorted. Always so pious. You got some scripture for this?

How about, ‘Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies?’ Or ‘Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.’ Does Miriam know those verses? Lily carried the bread from the table to the pantry.

Or my favorite, ‘Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.’ Daniel rubbed a hand over his beard and stared at the door. "I got