Guardian: Nephilims' Savior, #2

By P.C. Benson and Lina Bengston

***Complete Series***

A war. A chosen one. And a love for the ages.

Sounds romantic, right? It isn't… It's full of grief and sacrifice.

My life was about getting ready for college and dating. But I got pulled into a supernatural war between the Nephilims and the Fallen Angels. Both sides believe I'm the Savior who will tilt the balance to either side.

However, I must admit that not everything is doom and gloom since I have a moody protector that can be cold one minute and intense another. Did I mention he's super hot? I call that the silver lining.

I guess that's my life. The war with the fallen is imminent, and I hope to get out of it alive.

 

This New Adult Paranormal Romance is intended for 17+ readers due to dark themes and intense sexual chemistry. Trigger warning included. Second Edition.

• Language: English
• Publisher: P.C. Benson
• Release date: Oct 6, 2021
• ISBN: 9798223631170

Book preview

Chapter one

Chapter 1: Sisters

Gabby

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Growing up an orphan, I'd always felt like something was missing. Like I never belonged.

High school wasn't easy for a hermit like me. Instead of partying, I preferred to get lost behind the pages, so I looked forward to starting college because it meant I wouldn't have to conform to social expectations and I'd be free to attend class and read.

After Lilly came into my life, she forced me to go out, socialize, and step out of my comfort zone. A part of me always wondered if that was something I was missing, but I quickly realized it wasn't my scene. Ever since school ended, Lilly has dragged me to various social events. Like today, we were in the mall even though I hated shopping.

I'd had a weird feeling in my neck since we got here. Ants felt like they were crawling on me, making me jittery. I never considered myself to have social anxiety, but something odd like this happens when I go out and I found it difficult to act like everything was fine while following Lilly to every shop.

Stop it. Lilly snapped.

What? I asked, raising the ugly magenta blouse while surreptitiously removing my hand from my nape.

When she directed a cocked brow toward me, I knew she noticed. Using her annoyingly haughty tone, she said, Over the summer, you’ve developed an awful habit of slapping the back of your neck every time we’re in a public place, so quit it. She rolled her eyes and then moved to the shoe section.

I stomped in her direction, but my steps faltered as the sensation on my nape increased. Then, the hairs on the back of my neck rose, followed by a sense of being watched. Since the beginning of summer, I have been experiencing an unsettling feeling of being watched. However, I never see anything suspicious.

Lilly stood by the exit and gestured impatiently for me to hurry, so I pretended to fix my hair and walked casually to her. Lilly flashed me an irritated look, but I bit my tongue from snapping at her and maneuvered through the door, weighed by overflowing bags, and crashed into a boy walking by the exit. He clutched my arms to keep me steady, and then a zap of electricity made me jolt.

My mouth opened, ready to tell him off, but my words caught in my throat as his grey metal eyes held me captive as I felt a sense of recognition. It wasn't like someone I'd met in passing, but a strong familiarity gripped me. His warm touch did something to me that made me want to lean into him, but then a silvery glow flashed from behind him so I stared longer. My foggy brain took a moment to notice the smirk on the boy's lips, but it sure got me moving. With embarrassment coloring my cheeks, I mumbled an apology and strode away.

Lilly's laughter irritated me. Stop laughing. I snapped, then marched toward the food court.

The feel of this touch followed me as if his hand was still on me.

Sorry. You should’ve seen your face. First, you were totally ogling, and then you were beet red. Lilly struggled to string two words together as she burst into another fit of laughter.

I scowled and said, Shut up, and let’s have lunch.

When we were seated with our food, Lilly asked, So seriously, what was that about? I’ve never seen you react that way to a boy before. Do you know him? Her eyes shone, and her lips twitched as she picked at her sandwich.

I hadn't touched my food because I didn't feel right. However, to stop Lilly's interrogation, I said, Now that you mentioned it, he kinda looked familiar.

Lilly didn't take long to change the topic back to her. My eyes wandered around, half listening to Lilly as sweat dripped down my back and goosebumps on my arms persisted.

Shouldn't we go home then so you wouldn't be late? I asked.

She dramatically dropped her sandwich and jumped off her seat. Oh, my god! Hurry! I need to get home and change. My lips quirked at how easily she got up and grabbed her bags.

Lilly’s obnoxiousness and ignorance at my distress should bother me, but I was used to her by now. One would think this was an average sister dynamic, but we only met over a year ago.

I came home one day to the family lawyer, and Lilly was waiting for me in the study. They showed me paperwork, pictures, and a paternity test proving Lilly was my half-sister. Her caretaker had passed, and I was the only family she had left. The thought of my father cheating on my mom bothered me, but they died when I was young, and I didn't have any family left either, so I agreed for her to move in with me. Sometimes, I still didn't know how I felt about her. I enjoyed having her fill the quiet home with her large personality, but she mostly annoyed me.

She picked up a few bags when I pulled into the garage and left the rest for me. Not in the mood to cater to her bratty side, I left her stuff in the car, hurried to my room, and climbed into bed with my book.

After a few pages in, Lilly barged into my room. Gab, please, please, please do me a huge favor.

I narrowed my eyes in response. It’s called knocking, Lilly.

She paused and then knocked on my forehead.

What? I swatted her arm away. I found early on that fighting with Lilly was useless. Only distraction worked on her.

Josh says he completely forgot that he had made plans with his best bud tonight, and since he doesn’t want to disappoint either of us, he wondered if we can just go on a double date instead? She pouted and hunched her shoulders, which were her go-to tactic in getting her way, but I saw right through her act, and I shook my head. Oh no. We agreed that you’d butt out of my love life.

What love life? She snapped.

I raised my eyebrow at her, stung by her words. Lilly had no shortage of dates and hung out with the popular kids. She often criticized my lack of social life as she settled right at school.

C'mon, this is different. I am asking you for a favor. Keep Josh’s friend company tonight. You don’t have to hook up with him. Plus, all you do is sit at home and read. You need to go out and have fun. She grabbed my book and tossed it aside.

A movie might be a better distraction, since the more I read about the male protagonist in the book, the more those captivating gray eyes in the mall kept flashing in my head. His touch still caused lingering goosebumps .

When I nodded in agreement, she flashed me a triumphant smile and strolled out of my room.

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After a few of Lilly’s blind dates, I learned it was safer to drive myself.

With the radio turned up, I drove fruitlessly for twenty minutes up and down a crowded LA mall parking lot. It was tempting to go home, but I could never ditch Lilly. The brat asked to be dropped off at the front because she claimed she couldn’t walk far in her five-inch wedge shoes. Sometimes, her attitude made me question if I did the right thing by taking her in. However, I had to remind myself often that this must be what it was like for siblings, so I tolerated her attitude.

When I finally snagged a spot, the movie was about to start, and I hated being late, so I sprinted up the stairs while I wrestled my keys into my tiny purse.

I collided with a solid body and arms but rushed around without looking. However, he gripped my arms and stopped me. I jerked away from the zap of electricity and locked onto the same mesmerizing gray eyes on my mind all day.

We must stop bumping into each other like this, he said.

Seriously, what was it about this guy?

He watched me with an amused expression, and I realized I’d stared longer than was polite. Embarrassed at making a fool of myself for the second time today, I tilted my chin up and raised a brow. You know, you should stop stalking me. My boyfriend over there will get jealous. I pointed towards Lilly and her friends, then plastered on a condescending smile before I turned and walked away.

I felt his eyes on me, so I took careful, unsteady steps and forced myself not to turn around.

Who was that, Gab? Lilly asked when I approached.

No one. I just bumped into someone. So is this Josh? I gestured to the boy next to her.

Yes, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Lilly wouldn’t stop talking about you. This is Nick. Thanks for agreeing to come with us at the last minute.

I smiled against the weirdness inside me, and instead of shaking Nick’s hand, I came in for a hug in case Gray Eyes watched me.

Lilly’s eyes widened, so I narrowed my eyes in warning not to say a word. She flashed me her nasty smile, showing she would grill me later, but I ignored her and gestured toward the entrance. Shall we?

We found our seats at the back of the theater, where I could feel someone's eyes on me. My eyes darted around the dark room while Nick kept up with a friendly conversation. He kept his hands to himself and was nice enough that I started relaxing in my seat. However, when the lights dimmed, the hair on my arm rose. I crossed my arms and it settled. This allowed me to focus on the movie, but then, about halfway through, the eerie sense of being watched washed over me again. I glanced behind me and slapped the back of my neck as I struggled to sit still.

Are you okay? Nick whispered in my ear.

I nodded, breathing through the tingles behind my collar, but it didn't work. Goosebumps spread throughout my body, and electricity danced over my skin. My leg bounced in my seat, and I wanted to run toward the exit, but I didn't want to call attention to myself.

Nick leaned over. Are you enjoying the movie?

My head jerked without looking at him, pretending the film consumed me, but it took everything in me to stay put because sweat coated my neck, and goosebumps peppered my cold and sticky skin.

By the time the credits rolled, I felt faint, so I rushed to the bathroom without waiting for my group. The cold water on my face helped ease the weird feeling. With unsteady legs, I found Lilly, Josh, and Nick. They planned to head to the diner nearby, but I faked a yawn and told them I would pass.

Good night, everyone. I had a great time. Nick flashed me a friendly smile and said, Good night.

Lilly, don't forget, we have an early orientation tomorrow.

Yeah. Josh and I are going together.

It was nice meeting you, Gab.

You too, Josh. I waved and watched them leave, then with a sigh of relief, I rushed back to the car.

The farther away I got from the theater, the better I felt.

Something unexplainable was happening to me, and I needed to find out what it was before it worsened.

Chapter two

Chapter 2: Meeting

Gabby

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My dreams were plagued by the guy with gray eyes.

I stared at the ceiling, wide awake, until I finally gave up on sleeping. Since I was up, I might as well get ready for orientation to beat the crowd. But despite my attempt, it took thirty minutes in LA traffic to go ten miles to the main campus of UCLA. When I reached the campus, it was crawling with students and parents. A pang of sadness hit me as I was reminded that my parents should be with me today. However, I didn't let the thought bring me down, since the breathtaking campus always brought awe to me. The Romanesque-style buildings, giant columns, and tall archways felt like I'd stepped back in time, away from the heavy LA traffic. I couldn't wait to live here. Perhaps a change of scenery would pull me out of the funk I was in. Lilly would still be around, but I wouldn't have to live with her. 

Wearing a wide grin, I walked alongside old, imposing buildings lined by ancient oak trees. All my worries melted as I strolled the tiled walkways and explored every inch of my dream college. I made my way through the well-kept lawns toward the student-packed quad with blue tents. As I curiously looked over their heads, the same prickling on my neck and the sensation of being watched arose. I turned and saw Gray Eyes just a couple of feet away. He had a smirk on his face and was wearing a navy blue collared shirt and khaki shorts.

No boyfriend today? He leaned against the lamp pole, all cocky with his arms crossed and eyebrows up.

Dread filled my stomach, and I took a step back. Are you following me?

His smile wavered and straightened up. I was thinking the same thing about you.

Our eyes locked, and my wariness disappeared at the playful look in his eyes. He raised his sunglasses through his hair and held out his hand. My name is Alec St Clair.

Hi, I’m Gabby. I sucked in a breath and tried not to flinch at the sting of electricity.

Pleased to meet you, Gabby. Is that short for Gabrielle?

I nodded. The butterflies in my stomach went wild, and I had to wipe my sweaty palms on my shorts. What brings you here?

First-year orientation. Isn’t that what everybody is here for?

Yes. Of course.

Do you have a last name, Gabrielle?

I stared, loving the sound of my full name coming from his lips. Uhhh… My face flushed, and I nodded as he waited for me to spit it out. Yeah, it’s Michael.

Gabrielle Michael—very fitting, he said with a cryptic smile.

Uh, thank you. I think.

So, what will we do about this, Gabrielle?

My heart skipped a beat as he gazed into me with those eyes. No one really calls me Gabrielle. Everybody just says Gabby or Gab. Well, just my sister, really.

No, I like Gabrielle better. It suits you more. His eyes glinted as they dipped briefly toward my lips.

Uh, nice meeting you, Alec St Clair. I’m late for orientation. I lied.

My pleasure, Gabrielle Michael. I will confidently say, see you later, as I'm sure we’ll run into each other again soon. My brow furrowed as a sinister smile adorned his angelic face. I didn’t have a response except to stare before I forced myself to walk away. 

I could feel his eyes on me, so I peeked over my shoulder, and when I saw him still watching me, I practically ran toward the parking lot. 

I headed straight home, skipping my plans to pick up my books since I clearly couldn't be trusted to interact with anyone and needed to stay indoors—secluded.

I had nothing to do at home, and my thoughts kept drifting back to Alec—those gray eyes and his annoying, sexy grin. With restless energy, I paced at the constant need to move. The one time I felt this way was during a dare when I drank three cans of energy drink on top of my morning coffee. 

When Lilly walked in the door, I welcomed her distraction and greeted her with a smile. She was rattling on and on, and I could only catch bits and pieces, but I knew we were heading out to a party tonight.

Be ready in an hour, Lilly called over her shoulder. 

I lounged for almost thirty minutes because it didn't take me long to get ready. Unlike Lilly, I found her in the strewn clothes and shoes pile. Lilly, did you tell Mrs. Wilson we are going out tonight?

She looked up and shook her head dismissively. Why do we have to? We’re adults, and it’s not like she lives here anymore.

Because it’s polite, I said in a bitter tone. Another issue with Lilly was she only cared about having fun and cringed at any responsibility. She claimed she only attended college for the parties and the hot guys. 

I entered the kitchen and found Mrs. Wilson sipping afternoon tea and sorting out mail.

Lilly and I are going out tonight. Please don’t wait up. I opened the French doors of the refrigerator and pulled out bottled water.

Mrs. Wilson had graying hair pulled into a tight bun. Her lined, stern face looked up, and she straightened her thick glasses. I will inform Roger. Did you sign the paperwork in the office?

I paused to drink my water and asked, What paperwork?

Her eyes narrowed before answering. I told Lilly that one of your parent’s lawyers dropped off important paperwork for the company that needed to be signed.

She didn’t tell me anything. We were both out all day.

With pinched lips, she said, "Gabrielle, you’re both adults