As Angels Weep - Supernatural Penance

By Kali Willows

Penance was inconsequential to me once upon a time. Now, for the first time in my life, it means everything. My soul depends on it.

 

For years, I swindled wealthy women and made shady business deals, regardless of how it impacted my victims. In just seven days, I face spiritual exile. My fate is to be doomed to purgatory for my past deeds, selfishness, and cruelty.

 

My one chance at salvation? I have an assignment to complete, with rules, strict rules, and unspeakable consequences if I fail. Whoever said good guys finish last was sadly mistaken. I'd never been a good guy. Now, I have to be one if I want redemption. ~ Luther Evans

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kali Willows
• Release date: Aug 17, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201377700

Kali Willows

Born and raised in Toronto, Kali now resides in the exquisite eastern Ontario countryside where she enjoys the serenity of nature. When she isn't busy being the married mother of two, certified trainer or counselor extraordinaire, she shadows worlds of paranormal passion & intrigue.Kali strives to create emotional, compelling stories and characters you can't help but love, hate and cheer for. Captivated by her love of dragons, gargoyles and everything paranormal, she pens these delightful creatures into epic tales of romance and adventure and often infuses her passions of martial arts, music and ironic twists even she didn’t foresee.

Book preview

Chapter One

BRIGHTNESS PENETRATED his eyelids.

Jasmine, turn the damn light off, Luther grumbled to his girlfriend as he buried his face into the pillow.

The bed shook hard.

He bolted upright and gasped as he reached for his girlfriend. Earthquake.

Stunned, he stared at Jasmine in disbelief. Curled up beside him, she was sleeping peacefully. The tremors stopped, and a golden hue flooded the room.

What the hell? A dream? He wiped the corners of his sleepy eyes with his fingertips, fighting the blurry vision as he struggled to fully wake.

Luther, I bring you a message.

Following the deep voice, Luther looked over to find a tall, ominous figure with wings standing beside the bed. The bulky hood of a cloak concealed his face. Luther’s muscles tensed as panic flooded his body.

Who the hell are you? How did you get into my house? In a frenzy, he scrambled for the cell phone on his nightstand, but he couldn’t find it. Fighting the shock that engulfed him, he patted down his side of the bed and darted his eyes around the room in search of it. Zilch. Daggers of fear jabbed through his chest as he shuddered.

Your time draws short; you must change your life path or suffer the wrath of God.

Pausing for a moment, a reasonable explanation for this bizarre intrusion suddenly dawned on him, and he furrowed his brows.

Crap. This is one of those screwed-up dreams again. He ran his fingers through his hair and tried to will himself awake. Didn’t I already dream this last week and a few times before that? he muttered incoherently.

You are not delusional at this moment, nor the many times before. You have failed to heed my warnings. This is the final time I offer you salvation, but only if you choose to adhere to my words of caution.

This is messed up. He shook his head and blinked hard.

This is a cautionary message. Your philandering and greed have caused many others great pain. Change your ways or you forfeit your life forever in the hereafter.

Letting out a huge yawn, he nodded trying to keep his eyes open. Forfeit? Okay, sure. This can’t be real. Maybe I shouldn’t have eaten that sandwich before bed. I know better than that. Gives me nightmares. He shook his groggy head. Hey, Jazzy, wake up. I need you to pinch me or something. I’m in the middle of another weird dream. He looked to his side, where she remained nuzzled up to her pillow, sound asleep.

You have one final chance to change your destiny, the hooded figure roared. If you wrong another person, you will die and your soul will be sentenced to purgatory for all eternity.

Luther wiggled his fingers and toes, ignoring the chatter of the hovering nightmare. I can feel my body; my dreams aren’t this vivid, he muttered to himself as he looked at his hands and then back to the towering being beside the bed. ...right, purgatory. Got it, and your name again?

I am Jeremiel, Archangel of God’s Mercy. The one who brings a warning. The next ethereal visitor, if you fail to alter your ways, will be Azrael.

Azrael...the Angel of Death?

Archangel, yes.

Okay, if this is real, then what’s with the sad costume? He smirked and pointed at the old robe covering his antagonist. Wouldn’t angels have...I don’t know, a golden halo or even some fancy white digs? He scrubbed his face with his palms, then paused. Wait a minute, is this a joke? Did she put you up to this? Jasmine, wake up. He leaned over and shook her shoulder. Babe!

Jasmine rolled onto her back and heaved a sleepy sigh. What is it, Luther?

Who is this clown? He motioned over to the side of his bed and then he dropped his mouth open in surprise. The spot where the figure stood was now an empty void. The golden hue that had filled the air was gone, once again, leaving the bedroom dark.

Jasmine sat up and stared at the side of the bed for a moment, then looked back to him with her eyes half shut.

That’s nice, honey. I told you not to snack before bed. She let out a big yawn as she patted his thigh. Jasmine curled up to her pillow again and pulled the blanket up to her chin. Go back to sleep, baby.

Flustered, he reached for the light on his nightstand and grabbed the cord. Luther felt his way up to the switch along the cool, smooth plastic, and then he felt...bare wire?

A sudden jolt shot through him. Sparks flew from his fingertips where they met the exposed metal strands. Buzzing agony ripped through every muscle of his body as he locked up, electricity coursing through him. The voltage stopped, and he collapsed back into his pillow gasping for air.

The violent pummel of his heart hurt his ribs as he took inventory of his hand, arm, and body. Holy shit, he wheezed against the tightness of his chest.

In a rush of terror, he jumped out of bed and scampered over to the wall. He flicked on the ceiling light and he scanned the room. The spot where he’d seen the tall figure remained empty. Luther raced to the lamp and pulled the plug from the socket, and inspected the faulty cord carefully, inch-by-inch. He scrutinized the entire length from the base of the lamp to the prongs of the plug...and found nothing wrong with it. No scorch marks, no exposed wire. Nothing. How is this possible? He felt bare wire before he got electrocuted.

The noxious odor of burned hair filled his nostrils and turned his stomach, but there was no visible smoke in the air.

Undisturbed by his traumatic experience, Jasmine’s gentle snores returned as she slept soundly. Still unsure what the hell had just happened, Luther stood there glancing around the room as his heart raced.

A picture containing domestic cat Description automatically generated

LATER THAT MORNING, Luther sat at the table, engrossed with the business section, ignoring the clangs and clatter of dishes and cutlery getting put away. Jasmine moved around their chic kitchen of stainless steel and marble in her usual morning rush.

Babe, I can have dinner ready for you when you get home tonight. I was thinking lasagna? I know how much you love lasagna. I’ll be finished early at the clinic. Jasmine placed his coffee on the table in front of him. We can spend a little quality time, and maybe talk?

With each flip of the newspaper pages, he avoided eye contact and replied in a flat voice, Don’t bother. I have to work late at the office.

Again? she sighed. That’s the fourth night this week, Luther. A loud clank filled in the sink, stirring him from his focus on the New York stock market. There she stood at the counter, gripping the edge and pressing her lips tight as she let out a low growl.

What do you expect? My clients’ needs don’t just exist from nine to five, Monday through Friday.

I’m sure they are supposed to have some kind of a life outside of Wall Street, too, she offered in a disheartened tone.

Are you getting cranky again? He smirked and turned the page, focusing his attention on business.

Seriously, Luther? You could at least have the decency to look at me when you brush me off again, her voice quaked.

Um-hmm. He trolled down the columns of promising numbers.

That’s it. She threw a rolled-up tea towel at him. It hit his paper and tore it straight down the middle. From behind the shredded pieces, he caught a glimpse of the building tears in her eyes and her quivering chin.

Just go to work then, her voice trembled and he raced out the kitchen.

Hey? he called after her.

Guess I’d better go see what mood swing hit her this time. Luther got to his feet and followed her down the hall and up the long, winding staircase of their contemporary mansion. Tending to his girlfriend’s emotional needs held no interest for Luther. Intimacy and compassion were an impractical waste of time as far as he was concerned.

Peering through the ajar door, he shook his head at the sight of the open suitcase on the bed. This time, she was serious. What could have her so riled up?

So, where is it you’re off to, sweetums? He leaned against the doorframe and tucked his hands in his pockets.

Don’t call me that.

Are you mad at me, baby? he teased and pouted.

Your sexy little smile isn’t gonna cut it this time. She yanked the bureau drawer open, and it fell to the floor. Great, she grumbled as she crouched down and scooped the contents up.

What? Why are you so angry? Because I read the newspaper?

Oooo— Jasmine growled and stomped back to the bed with an armful of clothes and flung them into the suitcase. You behave like you don’t even want me here. You’re never home, and even when you are, you’re focused on work. It’s like you aren’t interested in our relationship.

What’s wrong with that? He shrugged.

Are you kidding me right now? she gasped. I try to talk about it and you fluff me off every time. We’ve been living together for almost five years now. We don’t talk, we don’t spend time together. I take care of your home, we have sex and sleep in the same bed. Love is supposed to be a mutual exchange. I’m doing all the giving and you’re not even trying anymore. That’s it. I’m done doing the one-sided thing.

That’s not true. I’m totally interested in this relationship, babe. You’re being oversensitive again.

Jasmine shot him a fiery glare. Are you seriously gaslighting me right now? Oversensitive? You infuriate me.

I can think of something else I do to you, darlin’. Confident with his approach, he strolled up to her as he bit his bottom lip and narrowed his eyes playfully. Luther gripped her hips from behind. In a bid to curtail her rage, he nuzzled his nose into the nape of her neck and blazed a trail of playful nibbles along her skin.

Resisting his charms lasted all of ten seconds before she weakened briefly in his embrace. Knowing her vulnerability of needing love and affection worked to his advantage, and he used it when necessary. Letting out a heavy sigh, she calmed for a moment, but then shook her head and tried to retreat. Before she could escape, he tightened his grip.

Come on, baby, you know you can’t stay mad at me. He continued to devour her neck, running his fingers inside her blouse.

Stop it. You’re such an ass. She tried to pull away, but he held her close.

I haven’t gotten to the best part yet. He handled her hips and coaxed her around to face him.

What? she snapped.

I got somethin’ for ya, Jazz. He slid one hand down the front of his dress pants while the other still held her close.

You think sex fixes everything, don’t you?

Well, it helps, but this time I had something else in mind. Frowning at her fiery glare, he reached into his pocket.

Stop it. It’s not gonna work this time. I’m too mad. She pushed against his chest, and he went down on one knee with a grin.

Look, you’ve been working long hours at the clinic, I’m sure sick people wear you out. Everyone whining and complaining about broken bones and mental health. Being a nurse is a tough job.

Jasmine dipped her head back and heaved a sigh of annoyance. I’m not upset about work, Luther. At least there I have a sense of purpose. I won’t stay where I’m not wanted. Life is too short and too precious to waste it sitting around waiting for you to love me.

Jazzy, don’t leave me. I do love you. He pulled out a black velvet box and held it up to her.

Her ice-blue eyes softened as the tears spilled down her cheeks. That isn’t funny. She shook her head and stifled a sob.

Without a word, Luther remained on one knee as he gazed up at her. He fashioned his most persuasive stare. To flash her puppy dog eyes had become his favorite trick in desperate times. Giving a one-sided grin, Luther opened the box and revealed the two-karat marvel he had held onto for weeks.

A picture containing domestic cat Description automatically generated

THROUGH HIS MASSIVE office window, Luther surveyed the gloomy sky that cast a dark shadow over the sea of Manhattan buildings. In the plush comfort of his leather chair, he eased back, pleased with himself. Giving a smirk of amusement, he tossed the bulky sealed envelope across the desk to his colleague and chuckled. Here’s your cut of the Foley deal.

You managed to wrap this one up quick. Marvin Woodward, his partner in crime offered a tight grin.

Yeah, well, she didn’t want her husband to find out she got screwed.

Which kind of screwed? his business partner snorted and grinned.

Both. In fact, I had your share ready a few days ago. Where did you take off to?

I... Marvin cleared his throat. —had some personal matters to tend to.

Oh? Is Beth okay?

Never better. Shifting in his chair, he covered his mouth and stifled a cough. So, what about this thing with you and Jasmine last night, she agreed?

You sound surprised? She’s been hinting for a diamond ring for years.

So why did you go through with it? Have you changed your mind? His partner tore the envelope open and counted the wad of cash.

Hell no, but it buys me some time. The rock on her finger is enough to calm her jets for a while. Thanks to good old Sandra Foley for that bling.

I don’t get it, Luther. He shook his head.

What’s to get? Some serious strings were pulled to get her.

I remember well. He tipped his head back and snickered, then glanced at Luther with pursed lips. Why the hell would you ask a girl to marry you if you don’t want to get married?

"Whoa there, cowboy. I never said I asked her anything."

You gave her an engagement ring, right?

The corners of Luther’s lips retreated in a mischievous grin.

"The trick is, I got down on one knee and held the rock up. I never said a word, and I never asked her to marry me."

Wow, you could justify selling a sheep to the lions, couldn’t you? He tucked the bundle of money into his suit coat pocket.

It made her happy, didn’t it? She’ll hang around a while longer.

"Why keep yourself tied down? You’re a wealthy, successful, handsome guy who could have any woman you want, and I mean any woman."

Being with her doesn’t hold me back, and I don’t want to let her go. We have good times together. She’s got an incredible body, and she’s a minx in the sack. Dating while you’re single means fending off gold-diggers who expect something. Jazz is cool.

She can’t be that cool if you still screw other women, he taunted.

Sure she can. But why give up the dream when I can live large?

So, you’re not getting hitched? Marvin rubbed the scruff of his chin and arched his brows.

Uh, no!

That’s a relief.

Why? He tilted his head.

Because you’re my idol, Luther. You have the bachelor life I’ve always dreamed about, and if you take vows and settle down, I can’t live vicariously through your escapades anymore.

You’re not so monogamous yourself, you sly dog, he challenged.

What? He raised his brows as he shrugged his shoulders.

I saw you sneak into Kimberly’s car the other night.

Oh that. Well, my conquests are small potatoes compared to you, he huffed. My mother came to town for a visit. She and Beth went to a gala that night, so I had a little fun. Marvin unbuttoned his jacket and rested his arm over the back of the leather office chair.

Why did she leave so soon? Beth said she planned to stay a few weeks to look into buying a condo here.

Mother? Uh, she had...some medical issues to address. The real estate didn’t suit her needs right at the moment.

Medical? I hope not too serious?

Slightly pursing his lips, Marvin tapped his finger against his chin before he answered. Nothing terminal.

Marvin cleared his throat and reached into the other side of his coat. Muffled crinkling filled the material as he dug in, then pulled out some wrapped cigars. Here’s a present for you, bro. Enjoy.

Luther accepted them and opened the humidor on his desk and tucked them inside. You keep me well-stocked. What’s the special occasion this time?

Can’t a guy get a gift for his buddy when he travels without the third degree? He huffed.

Luther pulled out two of the Cubans and handed one to his partner.

It’s okay, I still have mine. Marvin held out a half-burned cigar for him to light.

"You’ve traveled a lot. It’ll take me a year to smoke all of these. I’ll have to return the favor