Reign of Angels 2: Deception: Reign of Angels, #2

By L.G. Castillo

Blinded by faith, I hold on to Tristan's vow to keep my family safe. Even after learning my parents aided disloyal angels hell-bent on destroying the world, he stays by my side.

When whispers and suspicions continue, Tristan is forced to choose between his angelic family or the daughter of traitors. Even as he distances himself from me, I hold on to the hope our friendship will prevail.

But when the angels come for me, it is another who fights for my life. Friends turn to enemies, and protectors become traitors. Deceit and betrayal surround me, and I don't know where to turn. Tristan's promises may be the greatest deception of all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rylind Publishing
• Release date: Sep 16, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393794752

L.G. Castillo

This is my about the author information. More books here. Here. Here. Here.

Book preview

1

Tristan

They didn’t trust me. After traveling hundreds of miles through countless demolished cites, I still had no idea where the safe haven was located. I only knew what the others did. We were heading for the place the humans called, the City of Angels, Los Angeles. Even my most loyal friend, Zac, Throne of the House of Michael, was avoiding answering my questions. One glance at Karenna and I knew why.

In the seat across the aisle, Karenna leaned her head against a partially opened window. Strands of silky brown hair blew in the wind, hitting lightly against her cheek. The top of her head lightly bounced against the glass with the jolting movement of the bus. Lips parted, her chest rose and fell as she slept.

I clenched my fist, fighting the urge to slide next to her and touch that velvet soft skin, to kiss those pink lips and taste her one more time.

Tearing my eyes away, I focused on the SUV driving in front of the bus. I could almost make out Val and Zac’s silhouettes. It wasn’t hard to guess what they were thinking, and Blaze didn’t even pretend to hide it. To them, I was a fool driven by desire.

How could I blame them? I’d been playing the playboy magician role and loved it. I led girls on and flaunted my exploits with them in every social media outlet known to man. They didn’t know it was all hype and that I never crossed the line. No one did, except Calder.

I grunted and fell back, hitting the back of my head against a window. It was my fault for getting myself into this mess and letting them think my only purpose in life was to hook up with fans. I didn’t engage in trysts with random girls then, and I wasn’t doing it now. Besides, Karenna was different.

Just thinking her name caused my head to turn involuntarily in her direction. I couldn’t even last a minute without looking at her.

Sweet innocence radiated from her sleeping form. She was so different from the countless other girls who threw themselves at the fantasy I created. She was selfless, loyal, brave, and…

Nephilim.

A Nephilim girl who had attempted to assassinate Blaze.

The daughter of the Nephilim who had created angel sword killers and betrayed Remi.

Yeah, I wouldn’t have trusted me either.

I shook my head, chuckling at the insanity of it all. If Karenna was human, Father would’ve flipped if he knew my feelings for her. But as a Nephilim who practiced the Dark Ways, well, I could hear his pompous voice snapping, At least she’s useful.

Mom, Karenna breathed softly. Her eyes moved beneath her closed lids as if dreaming. She exhaled slowly and smiled, the first one I’d seen in days. Breathtaking. I could watch her for hours.

Her expression suddenly shifted, and her brows knitted together. Falling stars. It’s time, she mumbled.

I sat up, alarmed, as she tossed in her seat, her breathing growing frantic.

It’s time. Don’t leave me. Please! she cried.

Karenna, wake up. You’re safe.

Mom! Don’t go! Her hand struck out, clutching empty air. Her eyes flashed open as she frantically sat up. She searched the crowded bus in a panic.

Hey, hey. Everything’s all right, I said, sliding next to her. You were dreaming.

Her hand flew beneath her jacket where she kept her dagger. Where’s Lucy?

Sitting with your aunt. The moment I placed my hand on her shoulder, relief washed over her face. Our eyes met, and I felt it, the warm connection between us, pulling us together. Touching her gave me the feeling of coming home. It was a feeling I’d fought against since the first time we’d touched, a feeling I desperately wanted to hold on to.

Lucy’s okay?

Yes, she’s fine. Those soulful eyes gazed into mine trustingly. I didn’t deserve her trust. I didn’t even trust myself. I was playing with fire, and it was up to me to put it out. Reluctantly, I pulled my hand away.

It’s about time you woke up, sleepy head, I said playfully.

It’s your fault. Sugar crash is real. I shouldn’t have eaten so much candy, she said, rubbing her eyes.

You ate the entire bag.

No way, she yawned.

I held up the bag with one peanut butter cup left. You were saying?

Yeah, well, you lost on purpose. She stretched her arms then crossed her left arm to her right shoulder massaging it.

Excuses. Excuses. I jammed my hands into my pockets, forcing a laugh when all I wanted to do was erase the lines of pain across her forehead. How’s your back?

Stiff. These seats are going to be the end of me. I’m shocked I’m even able to sleep.

And deeply too. You were talking in your sleep. You must’ve had some dream. You said something about falling stars and that it’s time.

Time for what?

"I don’t know. It was your dream."

Her forehead wrinkled deep in thought. I was dreaming about Mom and the sunshine dress Aunt Marmie and I made for her birthday when I was twelve. She paused, a soft smile swept across her face as she stared ahead, lost in a memory. My stomach fluttered.

Dad called Mom his sunshine. He always sang You Are My Sunshine to her, off key, of course. She chuckled. I wanted to get her something special for her birthday. Aunt Marmie found the perfect material, bright yellow with big white flowers. The sleeves came out a little lopsided, but Mom didn’t care. She loved it. It was the last thing— She stopped suddenly, biting her lip, blinking fast.

Karenna? I leaned forward, wanting to comfort her, to touch her again, knowing I shouldn’t.

She was wearing it in the video.

Oh….

We sat in silence, listening to the bus’s engine roar. Families we’d found walking along the highway filled every seat of the bus. Many of them were Nephilim who’d brought along neighbors who had listened to their warnings. With each family we picked up, they proudly announced they were Gibbor. Aunt Marmie seemed to know all of them by name.

Marmie had the kids in the front rows of the bus with a couple of board games, allowing exhausted parents to catch up on much-needed rest. They slept soundly as the bus rumbled down the highway.

Am not!

Are too!

Not!

Too!

High-pitched yells sounded from the front of the bus. A couple of kids jumped to their feet, hovering over Lucy, her face red as she argued with them.

Ya pues! I’m trying to drive here, Nacho snapped.

Oh, my. Girls, please! Sit down! Marmie cried. She rushed to the screeching girls, apologizing as she bumped the elbows and heads of groggy parents.

What’s…going…on? she wheezed when she finally reached them.

Gracie says Karenna and I are Eljo. Lucy scowled, hitching a thumb at a girl with golden curls. And we’re not!

Are too! the girl yelled back. My dad said all the good Nephilim know each other, and we don’t know your dad.

Calm down, please. Marmie placed a hand on Gracie’s shoulder and glanced at the two adults, who appeared to be the girl’s parents, sitting one row back. They shrugged, not saying a word. Marmie’s eyes slightly widened with surprise, and then shifted to hurt.

Gracie, Marmie said softly, you know me.

Everyone knows you, the girl replied.

Well, I know Lucy’s parents. And I can tell you they are indeed Gibbor.

What’s a Gibbor? Lucy asked.

See, you don’t even know who we are, Gracie spat.

Shut up!

You shut up.

Girls! The other kids joined in against Lucy despite Marmie’s cries.

Javi, Neto, come back, Jo said, reaching for her brothers, who were climbing over several bus seats. They joined Lucy, yelling at the others in her defense.

Let them be, babe. They’re children, Dorian said smoothly.

What the hell? Why aren’t their parents doing anything? Karenna jumped to her feet, glaring at Dorian. Why aren’t you doing anything? she asked the adults as she passed their seats.

I’ll help you, Jo said, standing up.

She can handle it, Dorian said, holding her back.

I gritted my teeth, on the verge of telling him off, when I noticed some of the parents looking at Karenna with disapproval and contempt.

They knew. Someone had told them about Karenna’s parents. Who? Val? Zac? Blaze? My fingers dug into my palms. I thought we had this settled. The actions of Karenna’s parents were irrelevant here. Karenna and Lucy were innocent.

We’re not Eljo! Tell them, Karenna, Lucy said when Karenna made it to the front of the bus.

We’re not… She glanced at Marmie and then me. The bus fell silent as everyone waited for her answer.

I’m not sure, Karenna finally said, looking apologetically at Lucy.

The bus erupted in an uproar as Lucy’s pale face gazed up at Karenna, oblivious to the chaos around them.

Gracie and her circle of friends yelled, I told you so. Parents jumped from their seats, demanding Nacho stop the bus as they yanked their children away from Lucy and Karenna. Marmie waived her arms, pleading for everyone to go back to their seats.

I made my way to Marmie, trying to help her calm everyone down, but their angry faces grew close, ignoring our polite requests.

I shoved my way to the front of the bus. I’d had enough.

Silence! I yelled. With a sharp crack, my wings flicked out, reminding the crowd of who I was.

Everyone froze. Fear painted their faces. Dorian let go of Jo, his hands shooting up in the air. Jo rushed down the aisle, joining her brothers.

Sit. Now! I commanded.

No one made a sound as everyone returned to their seats.

Now that you all are quiet, I continued. Marmie has something to say that might explain the situation. Isn’t that right?

Uh, yes, th-thank you. She inched away from me as she looked at my wings nervously.

Karenna’s face tilted, as if she were seeing me for the first time. She didn’t look scared like the others. I couldn’t put my finger on it. She was…confused.

I glanced at the mirrors mounted in the back of the bus and saw what everyone else did. I looked like a warrior angel with my narrowed eyes and flaring nostrils. My wings slowly flapped, showing their strength. I looked like him, like Father.

Was this how it began for my father, using his power against the powerless to get his way?

Marmie, please, I said sweetly, hoping to wipe the fear from her eyes. I was never going to be like Father. Ever.

I held out my hand, helping her to the front as I folded in my wings.

Thank you, Tristan, she said, facing the others on the bus. I’ve known each and every one of you for a long time. You have my word Rowan and his family are one of us. They’re Gibbor.

Karenna held Lucy close to her chest, relief flooding her face as the bus murmured with disbelief.

Are you sure? How do you know? Karenna asked. I mean, how did Dad…the swords…?

Your parents didn’t teach you about our history. They did that to protect you. It’s time you know, Marmie said.

The bus quieted as Marmie looked off into the distance. Something inside her shifted. Her voice took on an air of authority, like a history professor in lecture mode.

As many of you know, Nephilim are the offspring of fallen angels. Heads nodded in agreement. A few of the younger children climbed onto their parents’ laps, snuggling as if they were about to hear a familiar bedtime story.

In the beginning, when Lucifer was cast out of Heaven, other angels followed. They were loyal to him. They believed in Lucifer and his ways, Marmie continued. Among Lucifer was a young angel, Belial. He was Lucifer’s most devoted follower. Belial quickly rose through the ranks to be second in command, and he became—

Father of the Nephilim, the children said in unison.

Karenna and Lucy jolted back, startled at their unified voices. I’d heard the story before, all angels had, from the Guardians to the Thrones. The angel academy made sure we were well versed in the historic betrayal of the rebellious angels and their traitorous progeny.

Yes, Father of the Nephilim, Marmie said. For it was Belial who learned and taught the fallen the Dark Ways. It was Belial who told the fallen—

Go forth and maketh an army on Earth. Lie with the daughters of Eve and createth a new people. And they shall be giants on Earth, Gracie said.

That’s right, Gracie, Marmie said.

Gracie turned to Lucy and stuck out her tongue.

Lucy stuck out hers in return.

Lucy, Karenna warned.

Lucy rolled her eyes, turning her back to Marmie. There’s no such thing as giants. Dad’s only six feet tall.

That’s not what Belial meant, dear. He meant the Nephilim would appear greater than humans because we are half human and half angel.

We’re giants among men. Ain’t that right, Aunt Marmie, Gracie said.

She’s not your aunt, Lucy shot back.

She’s not yours either.

Is too.

Is not!

Is too!

Girls! Marmie slapped her hand against the seat, surprising everyone. All the Gibbor are family. We are all aunts, uncles, brothers, and sisters. And why is that?

Because we chose love, the children said again in unison.

Whoa. What did you say? I asked, flabbergasted. This was different from the history angels were taught. We were told the Nephilim divisions were because each clan was fighting for power. They wanted to win favor from Belial and Lucifer. They fought each other to win the honor of being their foot soldiers.

Appalled faces replaced fearful ones as the bus full of adults and children surged, once again, into an uproar.

Lies!

No way!

How could you say that?

You believe that?

Of course he did. He’s a Throne. What do you expect?

Karenna shook her head, muttering under her breath. You didn’t know, Tristan. Neither did I.

How many lies had we told about the Nephilim? I remember vividly what we were taught: Never trust the Nephilim, especially the Gibbor. They were immoral, selfish, caring only for themselves.

Marmie raised her hand, pleading for calm. When the bus finally quieted again, she turned to me. Who told you that, dear?

All the angels were taught the same thing in the academy. I should know, my father supervised the academy’s curriculum. He— I gasped when realization sucker punched me in the stomach.

Of course. Father.

I’m afraid you weren’t taught the true history of our kind, Marmie said gently. The fallen did as Belial told them. They lay with the daughters of Eve, but some fell in love with their wives and their children. They saw the beauty in human life, and they cherished it. They vowed to protect humans from Belial and Lucifer, so they broke off from their fallen brothers and became Gibbor.

They chose love, I whispered, gazing at the Gibbor families with wonder.

We chose love. Even though we are shunned by the angels and our own kind, we fight to keep humans alive and protect them from Belial and Lucifer.

My chest tightened with guilt, knowing Marmie spoke the truth. I couldn’t imagine everything they’d gone through, the sacrifices they’d made, all while the angels…. I curled my hands into fists in a rage. How could we have followed our teachings so blindly? We’d fallen for it. I’d fallen for it.

Marmie turned to Lucy, cupping her cheek as she spoke. Your parents are Gibbor. They fought for you and your sister. They fought for love.

Tears rolled down Karenna’s check. I plunged my hands into my pockets, fighting the urge to wipe them away.

How do you know if someone is Gibbor or Eljo? Lucy asked.

There’s no way a person can tell, Marmie said. But we are all very close. I try to keep track of everyone.

Are you sure we’re Gibbor?

Yes.

Lucy let out a breath of relief then turned to Gracie. Told ya I’m no stinkin’ Eljo.

That’s a relief, one of the parents murmured.

And what if we were? Karenna snapped. What would you have done?

Everyone stilled, tension filling the bus. The few humans who had remained quiet at the back of the bus looked warily at the Gibbor families, waiting for an answer. One Gibbor man