Violet: Broken Wing I

By Alex De Tres

Nobles of Heaven and of the Underworld are more than Angels and Demons. They vigilantly watch over mankind and the delicate balance between good and evil. Without these guardians keeping the peace, Angels would rule the earth with an iron fist, while Demons would choose to revel in its destruction. Violet is a Guardian Angel, and a Noble of Heaven, whose many talents include the ability to read the hearts of men, which more often than not, gets her into trouble. Especially when her gaze turns to a handsome young artist, who frequents Central Park in New York. Takara is a Noble of the Underworld, with a reputation of being aloof, and a recluse. He lives among men as a world famous painter, whose gifts include painting living portraits known as Captures. He has always been content to paint all things beautiful, be they heavenly or otherwise, but finds himself drawn to Violet for her elegance and innocence. But most of all for her perfect violet eyes. When an unforeseen accident places Violet at Takara's feet, the sparks between them will threaten the oldest peace treaty between the two realms. Will they become the catalyst that dooms mankind?

M/M Gay, Fantasy, Romance

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 8, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543424508

Alex De Tres

Alex De Tres first began her writing career as a poet. She stated that as an adult, writing poetry became an outlet for her overactive imagination, and discovered her muse in everything she's experienced in life, and in the people she's met. With regards to storytelling, she writes: “I never thought I'd become an author, thinking they were special magical people, who could spin stories that would sweep me off my feet, and take me along on their adventures.” Alex is a Southern California native, who loves the ocean breeze, beautiful sunsets, and the sounds of the surf. For a time, she placed her writing dreams aside, while she served with pride in the United States Marine Corps. However, while still young, she suffered a spine injury which ended her military career. She then studied law, becoming a paralegal, however, as her disabilities increased; she was forced to retire from the secular world. She has now returned to her love of writing and has released the characters in her mind to come to life between the written pages of her fiction. Alex is a very private person who enjoys reading, listening to music, and going to the movies. She has a grown daughter, and teenage son, who along with her husband, support her writing dream and whom she considers her treasure. Alex is a true romantic, and writes about the figurative heart. Her writing style is vivid and enjoys taking her readers into the mind of her characters, allowing them to become a fly on the wall of every scene. Alex has five completed novels soon to be published, to read more about Alex, and her fiction, you can visit her website at: www.untamedlady.com

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Copyright © 2017 by Alex De Tres.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2017907901

ISBN:   Hardcover        978-1-5434-2451-5

             Softcover          978-1-5434-2452-2

             eBook               978-1-5434-2450-8

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: 06/06/2017

Xlibris

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledge

Chapter 1 Introductions

Chapter 2 Broken Wing

Chapter 3 Tainted Love

Chapter 4 Bloom

Chapter 5 An Angel Takes Flight

Chapter 6 Sanctuary

Chapter 7 The Fountains Of Mid-Heaven

Chapter 8 Delicate Balance

Chapter 9 Eclipse Of The Heart

Chapter 10 Exhibit A

Chapter 11 Exhibit B

Chapter 12 Rumblings In The Distance

Chapter 13 Mask

Chapter 14 Interlude

Chapter 15 Captured Hearts

Chapter 16 Portents Of Evil

For Monica & Jd

My true inspirations.

ACKNOWLEDGE

I’ve always believed that words have power. Whether good or bad, words have the power to touch the lives of others. For me, poetry was a way I could show others I cared. There are many people who encouraged me to pursue my love of the written word. But life isn’t always kind in the curve balls it tosses at you. Mine came in the form of disability. Injuries while in the Marine Corps were made worse through a medical mishap, and in the end, I was no longer able to work.

That period of my life was very difficult for me, but I had true Angels whose support made my life less miserable, because they were there for me when I was at my lowest. The most wonderful thing a person can have is love and encouragement, and I did from my best friend and husband, Angel, who asked me: Why don’t you go back to writing? So I did. I’m also grateful for my two biggest cheerleaders in my daughter, Monica and son, Isaac, for being gracious in their mother’s dream to become a writer. They’ve never failed to inspire me to march on. I am truly blessed by their support.

Violet began as a poem. A friend of mine was having a rotten day, and it came across on my Facebook feed. So I wrote a few lines to lift his spirits, and for a while we role played a story I was kicking around in my noggin. Before I knew it, I was putting pen to paper and Violet was created. I must thank Clay Geller for his friendship in the early stages of my writing Violet from a poem.

My wonderful writing coach, mentor and editor, Kally Jo Surbeck-Owren took on Violet, and through her wonderful patience, helped me grow as a writer through her tough-love editing. She would often apologize for appearing too aggressive in her critiques, but I always leaned into the blow, because that was the only way to learn. She has truly become a wonderful friend, and I want to thank her for watering the seeds in my head. She is a wise Sensei and her support has been truly inspirational.

I must also thank my beta-reader, Hela Peremska, whose selfless acts and friendship kept me grounded, when the squirrels in my head were out of sorts. She is an amazing friend, with a wonderful listening ear, who despite being 9 hours ahead of me from across this globe never failed to greet me with (virtual) hugs and kisses. She often lifted my spirits when she knew I needed encouragement, or my physical pains overwhelmed me to the point of tears. I love her dearly.

At the time Violet was being written, the movement by same-sex couples petitioning for the right to marry began to grow. This touched my family personally, and I found that my story mirrored this. Violet brings up two questions: "What is good and right?" and "Where has our tolerance gone?" Whether it’s race or gender, why is marriage only defined between a man and woman, why not between couples of mix race, or same sex? As my writing of Violet crossed those same barriers, I found my own personal views changing. And because much attention is aimed at these issues, I was inspired to complete Violet in the vision I first penned it.

Finally, I must thank the wonderful team at Xlibris Publishing. Being an Independent Author, Xlibris made publishing affordable. I am grateful for their magic performed to get this novel published and into your hands.

CHAPTER 1

Introductions

Turn of the Century, New York, 1901

You say you will always love me, but you never say that you will be mine. Takara’s words and gentle laughter made Ray reach across the sheets, and pull Takara tight against his body.

Ray was known as the Dark One, for his colors were true to his name and when hidden in shadow was nearly impossible to detect. The only colors that betrayed his presence were the scarlet red stripes that glowed across his chest when he was aroused. "I fear ‘always’ is a tedious word, my love, yet forever sounds far better … especially between the sheets?"

A wicked smile danced across Ray’s lips, as he pulled Takara against his growing erection. Ray was not about to let Takara go, knowing it might be the last time he’d be able to bed the Noble from the Underworld.

You tease me with that smile, little one, but I’ve never heard you utter forever in all the years I’ve known you, Ray. I swear, I can never tell when you are honest. Takara pushed away from his embrace.

Come now, we are both Demons, it can’t be helped. Ray followed Takara and reached for his hand. But I never joke when it comes to you, my love. Won’t you ever believe me? Does not my very body betray my true feelings?

Takara did not turn to face him, but spoke in a whisper, "You know where my heart lies. That is what cannot be helped … Takara frowned. And besides, we both know your markings only betray the state of your arousal. You could be in love with Cerberus for all I know."

I’m wounded you would say such words to me, Takara. Ray came up behind him. I don’t mean to press you on this but the human world is built on rice paper … Humans cannot even be touched by us, for they would dissolve with the softest kiss. But I am one and the same as you, and I love you.

But you are not. You are an evil and mischievous Demon who enjoys dancing in the flames of that very same rice paper you just torched.

Ray laughed, kissing Takara as he wrapped his arms around his slim waist, and smiled as Takara closed his eyes and gave in. Ray would not miss this opportunity, quickly moving his conquest back toward his bedchamber.

I simply can’t have enough of you, Takara. Ray nibbled on his neck, as it began to alter into Takara’s Demon form. I love your scales. I swear the sparks that fly off your skin as I rake my nails across it, would make any dragon green with envy.

Takara’s tall body was now fully transformed, as his blue eyes turned dark amber and his wings stretched out from his back in shades of crimson red and brimstone. His nails raked across Ray’s back, shredding his flesh. Ray was easily overwhelmed, crying out in ecstasy as his black wings sprung out, and his blood rained down upon Takara, who was lost in the moment. He stared into Takara’s eyes as he lifted his hips demanding more stimulation, and he was not left wanting.

The two began to grind in a frenzy of unbridled passion. Takara’s body began to glow red, his scales sparking against Ray’s body, burning his lizard-like flesh.

Yesss! Ray cried out, ever-the-sadist, as his teeth sank into Takara’s shoulder, the two wrestling for dominance.

Ray pursed his lips. I love a challenge, Noble one, for you never give in easily!

I will never be dominated by you, Ray! Takara’s fangs erupted from his gums as he bit back, making the smaller Demon wince, and lose his focus. Takara rolled with Ray in his arms, quickly spinning him face down on the bed, and plunged his cock deep into Ray.

Ray gasped as Takara penetrated with such force; the enraptured Demon could do nothing but accept it with a smile.

You will always be mine, Takara … forever. Ray grunted back as the two became lost in a frenzy of thrusts and growls.

Takara’s muscular body moved sensually, as he ravished the black Demon. His mind was a blur, and only the sounds of Ray’s grunts echoed along with his own in his ears, until his body began to tremble with impending release. Takara would not hear Ray’s last words, as his long nails dug into Ray’s hips as he came hard.

"I will never give you up; regardless of how many of them I have to kill …"

~*~

Present day New York

I’ve watched you for some time now, my handsome friend. You walk to your favorite park and sit beneath the same trees, soaking up the sun that pokes through the limbs above. Oh! You just sighed so sweetly, daydreaming perhaps? If I could enter your mind, would I find you there with someone else? Could I ever find my reflection in your eyes?

Violet sat on a high branch hidden by sunlight. Her wings stretched out letting the breeze hold her up like a kite. She was invisible to the naked eye, though it’s been said that only the innocence of a child and animals could see an Angel with their naked eyes.

I’ll kick up a gentle breeze to cool your body down, and watch as your body stretches across the soft grass. As one from above, I often wondered where my heart would lead me. Of all the heavenly creatures that I could choose from, I found your face in everyone I’d met. It’s silly, I know, since we’ve yet to meet …

Violet was happy just to enjoy the view. The object of her affection was unaware of her presence, and she was content to have it remain that way … for now.

The one who held her heart was a young man known by the name of Takara Takumi. A young artist who fascinated her with his skills, and innocent qualities. But that was just on the surface. Takara was much more than that.

But you are neither allowed nor aware of my presence. Your realm is off limits to one such as I … yet I am drawn to you, desiring to see your face up close, yet I am content to witness your beauty from afar.

Violet watched as Takara stirred, then imagined in her mind his real appearance. For Takara, like her, was not human.

You’ve hidden your wings, but I yearn to see their crimson blush. You prevent the world from seeing your real form, but you cannot hide it from me.

A shadow crept over Violet’s face. A heaviness that made her believe the world was on her shoulders.

This world, for all its beauty, can truly be cruel for beings like us. A world we could never share.

It was a forbidden subject even to bring up in private, among the creatures of the Heavens. Something Violet could not keep silent about, lest she burst out in song and poetry; something she was doing at this very moment from the privacy of her perch.

If love is what makes us live, what am I to do with the love I hold for you? Violet swayed with the branches as she pondered this last thought.

Would I become tainted? Would my wings become as yours?

Violet let out a sigh, extending her arm out to the young man enjoying the warmth of the sun as it kissed his face from between the branches.

I hover overhead, tossing caution to the wind, and yet you continue to slumber without a care to weigh you down. The young Angel made a face when she thought of her daily visits feeling rather foolish for hiding like a stalker, reciting her own poetry. The world continues to move forward, yet I feel my heart would break should I avert my gaze … do you even think of me? Violet closed her eyes, as she whispered the answer to the rhetorical question. Of course not …"

As the breeze shifted the limbs of the trees above, the rays of sunshine danced on Takara’s face. It made him stir and awaken from a dream he was having. It was like a motion picture that continued to run in a loop in his mind.

What a long day! Takara stretched. "I so needed that nap, though I could have done without that nightmare." That nightmare was the last time he and Ray were together. A bitter taste came to his mouth, as if his body wanted to purge those images away.

I do hope those preliminary sketches of Ms. Nadia meet with her approval. Takara mumbled to himself as he scratched his head. Ballerinas can be such a pain in the ass.

It had been an all-nighter once again ending with an empty bottle of wine, and a pile of crumpled wads of sketching paper on the floor of his studio. The result of his artistic mind disagreeing with his common sense. It didn’t help that Ms. Nadia was a Prima Donna in the truest form. Hence the empty wine bottle on the floor.

But once he’d gotten free of all the distractions of life, he headed to his favorite part of Central Park. He lay down next to the trees he always slept under, and sighed. Even in a busy city like New York, Takara found the great park surprisingly soothing.

Suddenly, a perfectly timed breeze passed over his body. He stretched out along the grass and began to drift off once again, enjoying the scent of fresh grass beneath his body.

As he slowly closed his eyes, he thought he saw something hover over him, but he dismissed it as an illusion from the light filtering through the trees. Finding nothing strange, Takara soon drifted back to sleep.

Phew! That was close! Violet ducked behind the swaying branches, holding on tight. He is unbelievable … why must he be evil?

The young Angel bit her knuckle as she leaned forward. If I were to get a closer look … would he sense me? I could always change my form into a human, and just happen to walk by and trip … at least that would break the ice, right?

Violet felt a wave of excitement over her genius, then as quickly as it came, if faded.

But this aura would give me away in a minute. Think! Think!

She went through several emotional expressions as she reasoned her thinking with her heart, and not her mind. Am I dancing too close to the edge of that slippery slope?

Violet looked rather childish as she rubbed her wings, a sign of her indecision. If the other Angels see me, would they be upset? Or perhaps, even jealous?

Violet looked around secretly hoping it didn’t have to come to a choice, wishing this was as natural as breathing.

Well, I can’t continue to look at him without at least knowing his name. Violet sighed as she hovered now a bit on the lower branches.

Even though she’d watched him for some time, she found it odd that he never spoke to anyone. Violet, daring to get a better look, inched her way closer, when the tree branches bent and snapped, making a loud cracking noise that scared off the birds, squirrels, and every other living creature, taking Violet with them on the way down.

OW!!

The infatuated Angel landed squarely on her ass next to the object of her obsession … .and desire.

Fade away! Fade away!! She screamed in her head, as Takara stirred. Violet quickly faded to invisible.

Takara awoke with a start. He heard the branches snap and then looked to his side. Although there was no form in front of him, he felt as though someone or something was there.

What in the world?

Takara blinked the drowsiness away, his voice deep, raspy. He reached out and felt something round and quite soft.

He touched my wing! Violet screamed in her head, as she tried her best to fade into the breeze she’d created. But the love-struck Angel couldn’t help but stare at the handsome man before her. Wow … look at those eyes … they are nearly as blue as the sky! Violet licked her lips.

She was treading on dangerous grounds, and while her brain told her to leave, her body would not respond. Maybe I can just sit from this distance and he won’t know I’m still here … Violet did her best to stay still, not that her sore bottom wanted to move nevertheless.

He’s just as beautiful as I knew he would be. Up until today I was happy just to watch him walk on by, and take his nap. But now he’s right here in front of me!

Violet scooted a bit further back, and away from Takara. The delicate Angel was careful not to leave any visible tracks on the grass, easy enough for any Angel, except this Angel had a very sore bottom. Yet she could not stop staring. I feel like a total idiot …

Takara felt whatever was in his hand move away, this piqued his interest, along with that strange feeling he sensed with it.