Dream Angel Numbers: A Stella Jackson Novel

By Xlibris US

Stella, Reese and Julian visit the number capitals of Vegas and Atlantic City. Stella begins to tap into more of her angelic powers as Reese grows fearful of her angelic world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 9, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499043402

Book preview

Copyright © 2014 by Patricia Penny.

Library of Congress Control Number:       2014911653

ISBN:          Hardcover          978-1-4990-4341-9

                   Softcover            978-1-4990-4339-6

                   eBook                  978-1-4990-4340-2

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 06/25/2014

Xlibris LLC

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

622270

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 — You Will Never Be Rid Of Me

Chapter 2 —Angel Or Not!

Chapter 3 —Men Don’t Like To Share

Chapter 4 —Strength In Numbers

Chapter 5 —One Of Your Greatest Enemies

Chapter 6 —Are We Angels?

Chapter 7 —Why Would Angels Need Guns?

Chapter 8 —It Is What It Is

Chapter 9 —The Back Door Man

Chapter 10 —A Little White Wedding Chapel

Chapter 11 — Put It In A Fancy Bowl

Chapter 12 — It’s Your New Husband

Chapter 13 — Now Let’s Eat!

Chapter 14 — They Are A Family

Chapter 15 — Outnumbered Or We Have A Secret Weapon

Chapter 16 — This Is Not My World

Chapter 17 — What Happens In Vegas …

Chapter 18 — The Sephilim Prophecy

Chapter 19 — Let’s Go Visit Pearl City

Chapter 20 — Sometimes The Truth Is Better Than The Lie

Chapter 21 — What Are The Angels Talking About?

Chapter 22 — What Happens To Reese?

Chapter 23 — I Think I’m Going To Be Sick

Chapter 24 — She Loves Both Of You

Chapter 25 — You Betcha!

Chapter 26 — Keep Them Both

Chapter 27 — Stella’s Bedroom

Chapter 28 — Pretend We Are Not Here!

Chapter 29 — I’m Really, Really Sorry

Chapter 30 — Vomit Is My New Secret Weapon

Chapter 31 — It Gets Complicated From Here

Chapter 32 — Are You With Reese Or Julian?

Chapter 33 — Papa Julian And Papa Reese

Chapter 34 — Leaving Las Vegas

Chapter 35 — That Explains A Lot Of Things

Chapter 36 — Detective Reese And Mr. Stone

Chapter 37 — You’re Like A Queen Or Uno-Playing Alcoholics

Chapter 38 — Tell Me The Prophecy

Chapter 39 — Build Your House

APPENDIX—FAMILY CHARTS

STELLA’S BIRTH FAMILY

JACKSON REESE STONE FAMILY

STONE FAMILY CHART

CAELISTIS’ BIRTH FAMILY

FRED MILLS FAMILY

MILLS & PENNINGTONFAMILY

OTHER FAMILIES

This book is dedicated to my good friend

Beverly ‘Rae’ Lipscomb

RIP

And

My daughter,

Melissa Penny Boone

For listening to all my wild ideas!

CHAPTER 1

YOU WILL NEVER BE RID OF ME

Stella

On Monday at six in the morning, Stella Jackson sat in her home office thinking about how she made it through the week. Last Wednesday she took a trip to Rocky Mount, North Carolina, to visit her grandmother’s grave site and her mother’s birthplace. Her bodyguard and security specialist is the sexy Julian Stone. He provided transportation. Stella was afraid to fly on a plane. They drove eight hours from Pearl City, Maryland, to their destination. Julian is a slow driver. The trip usually takes four and a half to five hours.

Julian’s purpose was to train Stella how to be an angel and how to use her God-given supernatural abilities. Julian is a Sephilim warrior angel. He defeated two demons who were killing families in and around the city of Rocky Mount.

This was Stella’s first real assignment. Julian was teaching her the rules designed to become a fierce Sephilim warrior.

On Tuesday evening prior to the trip, she went to dinner with Detective Leon Reese. He is a handsome, sexy, light-complexioned black man working for Pearl City Homicide. This was their first formal date. It was Stella’s first date in ten years. When she mentioned she was going to Rocky Mount with Julian and they were going to be alone, the date turned volatile. Reese shook her hand and left her standing on the front porch.

Naturally, Reese and Julian are rivals. Reese doesn’t like Julian, and the feeling is mutual. Reese didn’t want her to go with Julian even though they did not have a girlfriend-boyfriend relationship. Somehow, they all skipped the formality.

A Sephilim angel is part human and part angel. As a warrior angel, Julian is trained to fight demons and other evil beings. Stella is turning into some sort of angel. They found out her powers were different from Julian’s while they were in North Carolina. During the trip, Julian gave Stella what she needed to understand the spiritual war going on between good and evil.

Before Stella met Julian, she met her guardian angel. They met the previous Christmas when she shot a demon living inside a man named Jeff Willis. Some mortals, whether intentional or unintentional, give demons access to reside in their soul. Intentionally, Jeff was one of them. While possessing her body, Stella’s faithful guardian angel pulled the trigger twice. He explained his purpose—to guard her and to help her fight demons and other evil beings that cannot be killed by human means.

Stella simply calls him Guardian. His real name is hard to pronounce. Guardian appears to Stella whenever she calls. He takes the form of her favorite movie, television, and recording stars. In rare moments, he shows his true form—opaque in color with shimmering wings and a somewhat human body.

Detective Reese entered her life while investigating the murder of Jeff Willis. Julian Stone entered her life when Stella was stuck with a low-dose hypodermic needle full of the drug M99.

A sadistic female cult, the Hill family were kidnapping men for the use of sperm to add more females to their clan. Consequently, Julian became Stella’s bodyguard.

While they were in Rocky Mount for training, Julian killed two demon cousins known as the Two Coreys. They were running around Rocky Mount murdering families at random. Stella was having nightmares about all of them.

Julian is deeply in love with Stella. He managed to track down the Two Coreys even though he was fighting his human emotions to make love to her. Sephilim suffer from the same human weaknesses as any mortal.

On the first night of their arrival, Julian betrayed Stella by entering into her dreams and making love to her. In the dream, he confessed his love. Quickly, she forgave him. However, his human side was still running wild.

Last night while Stella was on her second date with Reese, Julian appeared just in time to stop them from making love. Reese gave Stella’s strong and mighty warrior angel a bloody nose. He struck him hard and fast. Julian was shocked and knocked down. Stella made them stop fighting by blasting Julian out of the penthouse, a skill she thinks she picked up on her own.

Stella wanted Reese to know the truth. Julian messed it up. She tried to erase the evening from Reese’s mind, but Reese secretly recorded the event. He wanted to obtain some information about Julian. Reese left with his mind erased by Stella. He listened to the tape, threw it in the glove compartment, and returned to apologize. He came back willing to listen. He made her promise to never erase his mind again. Stella and Reese made up at the penthouse. She explained who she is and why Julian does what he does. Reese still didn’t like him.

In North Carolina the Two Coreys killed three members of the Denkins family; a family of four. The wife, Serena Denkins was the only one who survived. Her husband and two toddler boys were brutally stabbed to death. She suffered multiple stab wounds.

Stella and Julian went to visit her in Nash Hospital as soon as they arrived in Rocky Mount. Another unforeseen power emerged from Stella’s hands and she healed Serena from all her wounds. The doctors couldn’t understand how this happened and Serena ran away from the hospital. She couldn’t take all the probing.

Stella took Serena under her angelic wing. Julian called Stella a people hoarder. They changed Serena’s hair color, named her Sadie Stone, and introduced her as a distant relative of Julian. They took her home to Pearl Mansion in Maryland.

Fred, Stella’s earthly father figure called and told her his sister, Leah passed away. Now, Stella was making arrangements for the family to fly to Las Vegas to bury Leah and take care of her estate.

Stella loved Fred like a father. He married a beautiful black woman named Vivian Pearl, aka Granny. They all lived together in Pearl Mansion, Vivian’s home. Pearl Mansion has been passed down for generations from the slave owner, Robert Pearl. Vivian Pearl Walker is the sole heir of Pearl Mansion.

A year ago, Fred gave Stella a new life. He made her CEO of his company. Stella loved Fred and Vivian as if they were her parents.

There are several children who live at Pearl Mansion with Stella. Jena is Stella’s biological daughter from her deceased husband, Paul Jackson. She is almost eleven years old. She came into some of her angel powers early. Jena told Detective Reese she dreamt about a bomb explosion. Unfortunately, the police didn’t take her seriously, and explosions went off at Pearl City Mall. Five people were killed and many others were injured.

During the confusion, Jena pulled a piece of glass out of Elisa’s arm and healed it. Then she made Elisa and her mother, Elizabeth forget what she did.

Fifteen-year-old Elisa and nine-year-old Richie are the grandchildren of Fred. Elizabeth is Fred’s only biological child.

Vivian is David’s grandmother. David is married to Stella’s adopted daughter, Kara. Vivian and Fred secretly eloped and Stella made them get married all over again around Labor Day.

Elizabeth and Richard Nottingham are the parents of Elisa and Richie. They came to live in the Mansion after Richard was kidnapped by the Hill family. They didn’t want to return to Hawaii where Richard’s acquisitions company is located. Deciding not to sell the company, Elizabeth ran the company from her father’s corporate office, JMW (Jackson, Mills, and Walker) Enterprise located near the Pearl City Mall. In a reversal of roles Richard, Elizabeth’s former playboy husband started taking care of the children.

Kara is Stella’s twenty-one-year-old adopted daughter. She and David are expecting twins in December or January.

A baby named Princess Jewel was kidnapped by the Hill family from the hospital. After their exposure, Princess Jewel was taken in by the Mansion family. She is four years old. Kara and David are waiting to adopt.

Jackie is David’s sister. She has a seven-year-old son named James, Jr., aka JJ. Jackie brought the pet cat, Elmo to the Mansion.

Jackie is a recovering crack addict. Jena cleared her mind of the addiction by putting her in a trance and making her give up illegal drugs. Jena hasn’t confessed to her mother that she used her powers, but Stella is suspicious.

Carlos is the one-year-old son of Margarita Santiago, the maid. She sought refuge at the Mansion too. Her husband was physically abusive.

Ursula Kellner is the German housekeeper and lives above them in the loft apartment. She brought along the pet Rottweiler, Daisy.

By the end of the second date, Stella and Reese were tired of dealing with Julian. She begged Reese to spend the night. She was afraid Julian would retaliate against Reese for the punch in the nose. Reese decided he was going to Vegas with Stella. He didn’t want her to be alone with Julian.

Stella and Reese arrived at the Mansion to get some sleep before the trip. Jena announced she wasn’t leaving her mother’s bed. She had been waiting to sleep with her mother for five days. She ordered Reese to sleep on the other side of Stella. Guardian slept on the loveseat.

Early Monday morning, Stella left Reese in her bed with Jena. She sneaked downstairs to take care of some business matters from her home office.

As she was going downstairs, Stella saw Princess Jewel sneaking down the hall to her bedroom. She knew Reese wouldn’t be able to sleep if Jena, the wildcat sleeper, and Princess Jewel, the million- questions child, were present.

Reese was fully clothed in his detective suit. Stella still wore her satin blue dress from the evening before. She knew she needed to hurry because no one could sleep under the conditions of Jena and Princess Jewel. Stella also knew Julian would want to have the last word.

Stella could feel Julian’s presence in the office. She looked at her guardian and he verified Julian was there. She spun in her chair to face him.

His hair was uncombed. His chin showed signs of a beard. His eyes were deep blue, a sure sign of his untamed human side. He was totally untogether.

Usually, he is impeccable with his dark clothes, dark hair, and brown eyes, very businesslike. He is way over six feet and has a sexy body. He appears to be Italian but claims he is French.

She spoke first, Why are you here?

Julian responded, If you think I’m going to apologize, you can forget it. It will be you apologizing to me soon.

She stood up. So why are you here?

I am here to beg you not to bring Reese to Vegas with you.

She was angry enough to throw something. She knew she would miss. He would simply disappear and not be touched. She purposely didn’t make eye contact.

Julian, he will be with me.

He can’t protect you like I can.

Is there something going on in Vegas other than Leah’s death?

Yes, something big.

He glared at her. She felt weak when she was around him. She wanted a man to love, not an angel. She couldn’t control her own emotions when Julian was near.

He moved closer to her. He leaned down and whispered in her ear, You will never be rid of me.

He kissed her lightly on the lips. She let him.

When he pulled away he whispered, Never.

He vanished just as Reese came walking into the office.

CHAPTER 2

ANGEL OR NOT!

Reese

On Monday morning, Reese opened his eyes and stared at a little foot on top of his chest. He turned his head slowly to the left to see four-year-old Princess Jewel staring at him with her chin in her hands. She lay on her stomach near the top of Stella’s headboard.

Hi, what’s your name?

Reese.

Why are you in Mom-Mom’s bed?"

He simply smiled and gently moved Jena’s foot off his chest.

Are you Mom-Mom’s boyfriend? Where are you going?

Before he could answer Jena said, Princess Jewel, stop asking so many questions and lie down.

Princess Jewel laid her head down. Okay.

Jena said, Good morning, Detective Reese. Mommy is in her office. You snore.

He said good morning to her and went to wash his face. When he opened the bathroom door, Princess Jewel was sitting cross legged on the floor.

She got up and took his hand, I’ll take you to Mom-Mom.

Jena sternly said, Princess Jewel, he knows where Mommy is. Come get back in bed.

Princess Jewel did what Jena asked.

Reese found his shoes and jacket. He went in search of Stella. He was still in shock about what she shared with him at the penthouse. He would have never believed her if the other angel and Julian hadn’t showed up and kneeled in midair. He was glad he sucker-punched Julian, angel or not!

Reese is deeply in love with Stella. He has been in love with her ever since he laid eyes on her in her small Farmington apartment a year ago.

She told him last night she killed Jeff Willis. Jeff was a sadistic serial killer. If Reese’s partner Barbara King, ever gets hold of this information, Stella will be behind bars, and Reese will be in the next cell. Julian would be flying around in a cage too.

Reese was so close to having sex with her last night. He wanted her so much but her guardian, followed by Julian, intervened. If only she was normal, but she wasn’t. He didn’t know how he was going to adapt to her lifestyle. She is everything he ever wanted.

Reese spent the last couple of years in a loveless relationship with a married woman who lived with him named Angela. Angela had the audacity to run around on him with her estranged husband, Bert. Reese caught them naked in his bed and threw her out shortly thereafter.

All he wants is to be with Stella. The entire time she was in North Carolina, he couldn’t eat or sleep for five days. He kept thinking she slept with Julian.

He entered her office where her back was to him. He turned her around, and she happily laid her head on his chest and hugged him. He felt loved.

She was still wearing her sexy blue satin dress. Her hair was disheveled. Her face was clear of makeup.

He asked, Are you okay?

Yes, she said softly as she clung to him.

I have to go home and change, pack a bag.

She said okay, but she still clung to him.

Stella.

Yes.

Are you alright?

She gazed up at him. Her eyes were so beautiful; he was smitten. He bent down to kiss her just when Princess Jewel pulled on his pant leg. He looked down at the four-year-old.

Princess Jewel giggled. I remember you!

Reese said to Stella, Hold that pose. I’ll be back in an hour.

He looked down at Princess Jewel. I’ll see you later, PJ.

She shouted, My name is Princess Jewel!

He laughed. Maybe, but I’m calling you PJ.

She laughed too. Okay.

He noticed Stella’s car was parked in the driveway. They left it at the penthouse last night. She wasn’t able to drive. He left the Mansion and drove to his townhome in Columbia near the Howard and Pearl County border.

He opened his front door and was on his way upstairs when he saw Julian sitting on the sofa in his living room. He slowly backed down the steps.

Julian didn’t make any sudden moves. He looked messed up. He looked as though he never slept. His hair was disarrayed and a five-o’clock shadow was forming.

I didn’t come here to fight, Reese.

Reese walked over to a chair and stood his distance.

So why are you here, Julian?

Julian didn’t look directly at Reese. I’m begging you to stay away from Vegas.

Why?

There is a battle, and you may get hurt or get her hurt.

I suppose you can take better care of her?

This time Julian looked directly at him with angry eyes.

Yes, I can. She and I, we are the same.

Reese glared at Julian. He could see Julian was highly in love with Stella too. It made him hate him more.

What happened down in Rocky Mount? Did you take advantage of her, Julian?

She wanted me just as much as I wanted her. She forgave me.

Well, I don’t have to forgive you, Julian. I don’t have to do a damn thing you tell me. You don’t have that kind of power over me. You don’t have any power over her. So stop pissing everybody off!

Julian stood up. If you come to Vegas, you are going to hurt her more than ever.

Well. Reese took a step toward him. That’s none of your damn business. Stella is a grown woman and can make her own decisions. If she wants me there, then I will be there.

Then I will see you there, Julian said as he disappeared.

Reese stood in his living room completely alone.

Julian

I told you not to go there brother, Jessiel said as Julian reappeared in his Las Vegas suite. You must let her have her mortal. She has made her choice. Just be there when he lets her down. It has been written.

Julian looked sadly at his brother. She is not going to understand. She thinks he loves her.

Jessiel smiled and patted Julian on the shoulder. "We know he does. But you will be there to pick up the pieces.

Why don’t you clean up? You look a mess. You’re probably scaring the hell out of both of them.

The blood brothers, Jessiel and Julian were two of the seven Head Warrior Angels patrolling the earth. They have one sister, Rosashiel. She watched her brothers as she sat on the sofa in Jessiel’s suite inside the Mandalay Bay Hotel.

Rosashiel informed Julian, "We are sending the Gulfstream to pick them up and bring them here. We have reserved rooms for them.

Brother, what kind of hold does she have over you?

She has no hold over me, Julian replied.

You said she has healing power, correct?

Julian and Jessiel stared in amazement at Rosashiel.

She continued, It is a rare power. Healing power binds the healed to the healer. Did she heal you in any way?

Julian remembered he was hurt and she put her hand over his wound. She may have. I thought I healed on my own. She placed her hand over my wound.

Then you are bound to her.

I already love her. Being bound to her is good for me.

Not if she doesn’t love you.

She loves me.

How do you know? She still wants the mortal. Rosashiel walked closer to her brothers.

She told me. I can feel it, Julian said in defense. Our destiny is written.

"Then you