TWIN FLAMES

By J L. Berkowitz

"Twin Flames" is a mesmerizing tale of love, destiny, and self-discovery that will captivate your imagination from start to finish. At the heart of this stunning novel is a unique female soul who is destined to be the mate of Michael, the greatest of all archangels. The journey begins when the

• Language: English
• Publisher: J. L Berkowitz
• Release date: Dec 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798869084071

Book preview

TWIN FLAMES

THE LOVERS OF THE ARCHANGELS

A NOVEL WRITTEN BY: J. L. BERKOWITZ

Copyright © 2023 by J.L. BERKOWITZ

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact [[e-mail]]

ISBN ……………… 979-8376578315

Printed in the United States of America

DEDICATION

TO: MR. ARCHIBALD BUTTERS BERKOWITZ,

my feline friend.

Rubbing your face on the corner of the computer screen,

so, I would misspell a word.

Or your need to push the laptop off my lap,

so, you may sit there.

Or your constant demand for attention when I sit down to write.

Doesn’t annoy me anymore!

I have mastered the ability to share my lap and type,

and scratch your fuzzy belly all at the same time.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I began this new and exciting adventure of being a published author with the help of a variety of people, my supporting friends and family and endless hours of zoom classes from bestselling authors giving their advice. This novel was transformed from manuscript to print. 

When the time arrived for the editing, website design, book covers, and formatting and marketing. I want to acknowledge the creative team of the Amazon Publishing Network that brought my book to life. I would like to personally thank Mr. Aly Ariff for his professionalism and eagerness to make this novel a best seller. Mr. Aly Ariff and his team did make it possible for me not to worry about the production of this novel. He managed everything so I could continue to focus on my writing. This was a blessing. Thank you. 

Next, My wonderful and supportive husband Michael. Who never questioned my weird writing schedules. Thank you for cooking dinner all those nights, and listening to me complain about a story, I refused at the time to tell you about! Your love for me is everything. Even when I walked down dark roads of recovery from disabling surgeries. You held my hand, never giving up on me. Without you, my life’s journey could not be complete. I am blessed, and grateful to have you as my husband and life companion. I love and cherish our journey through this beautiful life together.

Of course, I must thank my parents for the exceptional inventive mind they blessed me with. Without it, I would not be the creative force I am today. I also want to acknowledge my children, whom I love dearly. My grandson, who allows me to play with his cool toys. My extended family across the USA and their families, too. Each one has a special place in my heart for supporting my creativity and filling my life with splendid loving memories. Special thanks to my dear brothers Jason and Teddy, who now have become our guardian angels watching over us.

A special thanks goes to the beautiful state of Texas. Thank you for the gorgeous sunsets and all the hospitality that comes naturally for Texans. I have so many wonderful memories with good friends. A tremendous piece of my heart resides in the heart of Texas. 

Most importantly, I need to thank Dr. Laura Garrison, of La Alza Health and Wellness in Sarasota Florida. For giving me the strength and the tools to learn to love myself again. Teaching me how to smile at the world once more though healing and acceptance of change. Dealing with past issues has presented to me a new inner peace, so I can do what I love, and that is writing. Her knowledge is priceless. I will always be grateful for the day that the higher powers guided me to her.

Dr. Laura Garrison is also the leader of our Mastermind group. We are amazing women that supports each other in our journeys to be independently wealthy, successful, and live a life of happiness. It was this group of women that pushed me from my fears and inspired me to turn my passion for fantasy writing into reality. I love these ladies. Dr. Laura Garrison, Christine Alston, Naydaliz Soto and Cindy Wilson. I am proud to be a part of the FAWs (Fucking Amazing Women!) and grateful for this amazing life experience. 

AUTHOR BIO

I have a wonderful marriage of 26 years with my amazing husband. We have three fuzzy feline companions that rule and run the household. They are determined that I learned their language.

Having raised two thriving children to adulthood, I get to experience the imagination of a child’s mind again with our grandson, who is very curious about the world. 

Living in beautiful Sarasota, Florida, where every day is a beach day, I spend a lot of time outside. Observing and imagining our world in fantasy realities is a hobby of mine. There are so many What ifs? inspiring me to write stories and share them with others, helping people escape reality for a while. 

I invite you to step inside my worlds of fantasy and paranormal with mystical creatures and magical beings. With a passion for good against evil, sexy angels and beings that can transform. With the assistance of my unique characters, witness thrills, suspense, pain and laughter, and some spicy under the sheets’ romance experiences.

Using my imagination and my youthful humor, I create and manifesting moments that bring me happiness and a sense of self-worth to inspire readers. I hope you enjoy experiencing my worlds and my unique characters as you step into their reality.

J. L. Berkowitz

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEDICATION      ii

ACKNOWLEDGMENT      iv

AUTHOR BIO      vii

CHAPTER ONE      10

CHAPTER TWO      47

CHAPTER THREE      66

CHAPTER FOUR      74

CHAPTER FIVE      82

CHAPTER SIX      111

CHAPTER SEVEN      122

CHAPTER EIGHT      136

CHAPTER NINE      158

CHAPTER TEN      181

CHAPTER ELEVEN      221

CHAPTER TWELVE      245

CHAPTER THIRTEEN      262

CHAPTER FOURTEEN      286

CHAPTER FIFTEEN      301

CHAPTER SIXTEEN      323

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN      342

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN      378

CHAPTER ONE

Aree hung over the edge of an old fishing dock, looking for something interesting to catch her eye. Finding nothing more than a pebble, she tossed it into the stream, watching the ripples spread across the water. Bored, she scrunched up the skirt of her white linen dress, so it wouldn’t get wet. Sitting down between two wooden rails, she began tucking the hem of her dress under her left butt cheek.

Kicking her legs back and forth so just the tips of her toes touched the surface of the chilly water, each brief splash makes her smile’s reflection wiggle on the water. Feeling bored, her fingers found the familiar engraving on the railing; an M and A carved inside a heart, now weathered with time. She smiled at the memory as her fingers traced the etching. Her dear Michael would meet her here soon, once the suns tucked beneath the horizon. She took a deep breath and released a decompressing exhale. Soon. Michael would be here soon.

She got up, releasing her dress that flowed down to her ankles, and brushed off the dirt. Twirling like a delicate ballet dancer, she watched the skirt of her dress billow and flutter around her. Determined to feel something other than boredom, she twirled and twirled until vertigo took over.

Stepping off the dock, she walked to a very special spot. Atop a hill in a rolling meadow, under the largest tree in the realm, her favorite, the tree of different colors. The tree had bark as dark as chocolate and roots resembling octopus legs curling through the earth. Creepy Jenny vines crawled up the roots to encompass the enormous trunk. The tree branches reached out, touching the sky, strong and wide enough that she could walk on them. The tree grew leaves of every color and size. Blue and red and purple and pink and yellow and orange. So many that it seemed someone had taken a paintbrush and splashed the tree with multiple colors.

Aree was picking pieces of wet grass off her feet before she sat down on the blanket she had spread out under her tree. Enjoying the smell of blooming wisteria that clumped around the old fishing dock nearby, the delicate fragrance eased her mind. While she watched, the fireflies blinked from the canopy top, frolicking with happiness through the branches.

Feeling peaceful as she filtered through her memories of this place. They shared romantic nights here. Michael would play his violin in a soft, romantic tune. She would fall in love with him all over, and they would dance in the twilight.

The tree is special for both Aree and Michael. Long ago, they made a bond with each other and planted a seed. As their love grew, so did the tree. A representation of their love. They enjoyed climbing up the massive dark branches deep into the tree, playing chase, or lounging on branches with their heads touching and their fingers entwined, oblivious to the world around them. Their energy would dance in the air around them like layered halos moving up the tree. The tree is thriving from their love for one another.

Smiling, she loves this place. Her fingers stroked through the wild lavender covered in dew, leaving liquid diamonds all over her hand. She inhaled the smell of lavender with delight and sighed. Leaning back on her arms, she wiggled her toes in the furry blanket as she looked up, admiring the brightly colored leaves.

With a smile from ear to ear, Aree could feel an incredible warm energy approaching, and she knew instantly it was Michael. She waited for the right moment, then she leaned her head back into the hands of her protector, companion and her soulmate.

Michael smiled down at her. His hands were warm and comforting, cradling her head. Gently, he outlined the curves of her face as he turned her chin upward. She tilted her head back in full submission as he placed his warm and soft lips on hers. He held her close, burying his face in her hair, taking in the orangey rose scent causing his eyes to glow brilliant shades of blue, swirling full of passion and pleasure. He watched the red shimmers of her hair as it moved through the warm breeze. Speechless in happiness, he joined her on the blanket.

It wasn’t long until they were side by side, enjoying the early sounds the evening offered. He leaned over her body, kissing her softly. First, he kissed her forehead, then slowly rubbed the tip of his nose with hers, then continued to each rosy cheek. He was kissing the very tip of her chin. She wrapped her arms around his powerfully muscular neck and shoulders. Crawling her fingers across his upper back and dragging her nails softly down his muscular arms.

Life was perfect in the little piece of heaven they created. Being in his presence and feeling his heavenly glow gave her security. There is no pain, no fear, or anger, just the most intense feeling of a beautiful love that never ends. It continues to grow without limitations.

Together they love taking long walks along the shoreline of the sea, where the water reflected liquid silver waves rolling up on the beach, holding hands and kicking the diamond sand as they chased each other around in the receding waters. Their love is strong and never threatened, so spending time apart enjoying personal interests had never been a problem, and each had passions different from the others. 

She loved spending time in nature communicating with flowers and trees, and even animals. Aree owns a unique ability. When she meditates, she connects with nature, controlling everything with her breathing.

Michael enjoys being in the stables, where he could ride Nokomis, a winged Stallion of Heaven. He loved riding bareback over the beautiful hills. 

They never once worried about their future or time; being blessed with the immortality of Heaven. Soulmates, Aree and Michael shared the first bond of a human soul and celestial light being together forever.

Lying on the furry blanket, they were laughing and telling each other stories, when in the distance they heard a faint sound of flutes and harps coming from the city. The crystal singing bowls continued to grow in vibrations on the F note. It’s a call to Michael.

The Elders are requesting me? He spoke in a soft, but concerned, deep voice. His energy halo swirls stopped and dissipated from the tree. Old thoughts started running through his mind. It had been a long time since he heard the call from the Elders. The last time he heard the crystal singing bowls vibrating so rapidly, they had requested Michael to prepare for war, a war no one saw coming. Deep in the back of his mind, he always knew the time would come when the battle would begin again. He just hoped it wasn’t now.

Putting space between them, he stood up, grabbed the blanket, and turned to her. We must go, he said. Before she could speak, he wrapped his arms around her waist, laid a firm, reassuring kiss on her plump soft pink lips, and then, with a huge swooping sound, his wings appeared and spread out, ready for flight. He held her tightly against his body as he shot straight up in the air above the treetops.

Michael looked toward the Grand Cathedral. In the distance, he could see the majestic city, Celestrian, The Holy City of Angels.

It sat deep among the clouds of color. They made the city from different crystals that shone as bright as the stars, existing on the middle level of the Heavenly realm. Thousands of angels and Archangels lived in the middle of the clouds. Amethyst of a deep purple outlined the buildings. They created the roads that twist through Celestrian from the finest crushed Jade. in the middle of Celestrian, sits a Grand Cathedral, the source of Michael’s summons.

Michael turned and flew to the Castle of Archangels where he and Aree have their home. Landing softly on the dewy grass, he released Aree and kissed her forehead.

I will be back soon, my love. He gave her a wink and a smile and then took to the sky to answer his call.

Aree turned and was walking up the steps to the front of the castle. They carved the Medieval Castle from black granite. Ivy and moss covered the towering walls. The castle nestled against a grassy knoll on a small cliff above the sea. Aree was tucking the blanket under her arm when she noticed the smell of jasmine around the castle was stronger than usual.

Off to the left was an archway that led to the doors of their chamber where she pushed open the doors.

Aree, wait! a familiar voice called out. She turned around to see Gabriel, an Archangel, and Michael’s brother, coming up behind her.

I didn’t mean to startle you; I just heard the crystal singing bowls. Do you know anything about what they mean? he asked. As he approached the doors, she invited him inside. Placing the blanket on a table, she looked up with a blank face.

I don’t know anything, she said. We were sitting under our tree when we heard the crystal bowls. Michael dropped me off here and headed to the Cathedral at once. Do you think I should worry, Gabriel?

He looked at her. No! No! I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about. Don’t worry. There was a strange silence. Then he said in a convincing voice, I will let you get back to what you are doing. Just please tell Michael I am looking for him.

She gave him a reassuring smile. Is there something I can do?

Gabriel grinned, showing his dimples, but shaking his head no. I just wanted to know what is going on.

Aree smiled as Gabriel left, and she pulled the doors shut. She tried not to let her mind go crazy with nonsense thoughts, so she thought a hot bath would help her relax before dinner and enjoy a big, chilled mug of a new fruit elixir that Raphael created. This would ease her mind.

She enjoyed her drink, but she could not keep her mind from wandering. Knowing that Elders spoke only with the Archangels. They communicated orders to the Archangels. She recalled hearing Michael speak about the Elders, also known as the Wise Ones or the Empyreans. There are hundreds of Elders keeping records for all the realms, for every human on Earth. Others were astrologers for all the realms. Others worked as monks, studying ancient history for all the realms.

Elders were the oldest beings, closest in age to the Creator. They were with him before the beginning, before the Creator manifested the universe and its realms with different dimensions. They had been around since the start of time.

Elders were tall, smoke-like beings reaching ten feet in height, usually dressed in a veil of the thinnest satin and silk robes of pale blue. Their eyes were bright violet, with hair of white and glistening silver strands reaching to their feet, and long facial hair to match. They radiated blue mist and smoke rose all around them. They could appear in a form with boney appendages showing under their robes and could disappear at will, using their mystical powers. Most contacts with the Empyreans happened in the Grand Cathedral.

The Grand Cathedral sat above the middle of Celestrian, elegantly embraced by its own magnificent cloud bank. It shone bright like a sun, created from gold and silver mountains.

Massive stained-glass windows lined the main narthex in the center of the cathedral. Statues of mighty angels stood sentinel along the many levels of the Cathedral, some dressed in war attire, some with trumpets turned up to the sky. 

They placed gargoyles on each corner, hiding in the mist from the colossal fountains, shooting holy water hundreds of feet in the air. The fountains resembled Celestial Beings of all kinds gathered in unity. Carved from iron, the fountains showed their age through the turquoise patina set against the gold and silver walls. 

Outlining the ascending steps to the Cathedral were golden lower-level angel statues in armor holding swords pointing toward the doors. White linen draped in a frame around the doors, adorned by a dove. In the center of the Grand Cathedral, two massively towering spires of crystal stretched toward the sky, carved with angelic hieroglyphs that sparkled like glitter. Each day, the sounds of flutes, harps, and violins filled the air as celestial beings hummed on cue. 

Michael arrived just as the singing bowls were slowly fading. White owls flew down from their perch, signaling Michael’s arrival. The crystal singing bowls stopped, alerting the Elders of Michael’s presence on the grounds. Landing softly, he sent his wings away and started walking up the stairway. 

There was a commotion near the altar sitting in the middle of the Cathedral. A group of lower-level angels stood in deep discussion and quieted their voices as they saw him approaching. Michael, with deep respect, stopped at the altar and bent his knee. He looked around for clues on why he had been called. Finding none, he turned around and started heading into the west corridor where the Elders gathered. Walking down the familiar marble and rose quartz hallway, he admired every stained window that lined the massive walls.

He glanced up to see a view of the earth through the domed ceiling of crystals, which magnetized the amazing blue and green orb that was created trillions of years ago. It took his breath away every time he looked at its beauty, and it reminded him how important it was to keep the orb and all its unique creatures that live there safe.

Being a planet of matter, all creatures have feelings of love and loss, compassion and pain. Humans were special, for they have fascinating minds of curiosity and love and the ability to learn from mistakes and keep peace with other creatures. Angels were light beings created to protect, follow orders, and help guide humans in the protection of their planet. He stood there admiring the orb and took pride in protecting it. He wondered if that was where they were sending him.

He turned to face the doors to the west chamber, entering the Hall of Records. Made of antiqued sycamore, covered in gold, and ornamented with carvings of the angelic script which glistened across the keystone connecting the double doors and morphed into beautiful vines with inset diamonds covering the door frame. He never noticed all the carving and script before. Personally, it was a little much for his taste.

Inside the Hall of Records, Michael’s anxiety rose as he looked across the room. It had been some time since his last meeting in the room. Beautifully carved columns stood every twenty feet across the hall, reaching up to meet at a point in the middle of the ceiling where a single stained-glass window hung, creating a soft kaleidoscope effect across the walls and hundreds of scrolls stacked on old shelves that lined the edges of the room.

The Elders sat upon their engraved thrones around a large ruby table in the center of the room, awaiting his arrival. He walked in, bowing his head in respect as he approached his own throne, created from the finest lapis. Many other Elders passed through the periphery of the room, coming and going at will. None had names or held leadership titles, all equal beings of identical form and function, and mind.

The room settled into silence as a bright light streamed through the stained-glass window on the high ceiling. It forced Michael to cover his eyes as the light grew brighter. The second moon was shining directly on the Cathedral. Lowering his arms as his eyes adjusted to the intensity of the colors reflecting across the room.

An Elder stood and spoke, looking directly at Michael. There is trouble in Faermorreya that could cause devastation in the Earthly realm. We need your full cooperation in this matter and a complete understanding of this mission. There has been a breach of the seal of Faermorreya, nature’s invisible dimension of the earth. This seal must remain shut. Demons have found a weakness in the seal. 

Watchers have informed us that the demons are planning on destroying the magical beings of nature in Faermorreya, destroying the dimension and killing the earth’s oxygen supply. As you know, we do not interfere with politics, as that dimension keeps the peace between all magical beings.

If the demons succeed in their mission, they will have what they need to start the big war. But first, they will cause mass killings and destruction. We must act fast yet draw no attention. All evil entities are expecting our angels to be watching. We must stay calm and do the unexpected.

This intrigued Michael. Sitting straight up with his back against his throne, resting a fist under his chin, he could feel the sharpness of his unshaven face. Tell me what you need, and I will make sure it is done. He spoke with authority.

A mumbling of agreement rustled around the court of Elders as they looked at each other in acknowledgement. Michael looked around at the Elders, seeing them stroke their long silky beards with their boney appendages, deep in thought…

An Elder turned to study Michael’s expression. Then stood up and said, We have a plan, but it doesn’t include you.

Confused, Michael asked, Why am I here then? If I am not going on a mission, I do not understand how this concerns me?

An Elder, on the other side of the table, reached across the top of the table toward Michael, his mist and smoke swirling around him. His violet eyes grew brighter and he, too, started stroking his beard. In a loud voice, he said, It’s Aree, your soulmate! She is the only one who we need for this mission!

In complete shock, Michael pushed his throne far away from the table, shouting out, No! She knows nothing of warfare with demons on earth! She doesn’t even know about the existence of Faermorreya! There must be another you can send! Breathing heavily in defiance, he stood his ground, defending his mate and trying everything not to lose her to the earthly realm.

He pleaded and pleaded for another possibility. When he finally realized this was an order, he sat down in defeat.

His love for Aree was important, but he would always obey any command given to him; he had never disobeyed an order from the Elders. Michael quietly slumped down on his throne with his hands clenched together into fists, turning his knuckles white. His knee bounced anxiously. His arms were glistening from sweat and his forehead was slicked with anger. He stared off into a corner of the room, knowing he must accept the mission.

In a calm, peaceful voice, one Elder said, Michael, we request you bring Aree to us so we can proceed with the mission.

Speechless, Michael just nodded his head.

The bright light dimmed, and all the Elders considered the proceedings satisfactory. They vanished one by one, returning to their duties. The doors closed, leaving Michael alone in the room. He pushed his throne slowly away from the table, stunned. Dropping to his knees, he knew he couldn’t do this. Tears burned his angry eyes and his cheeks flushed as he settled into silent melancholy. He did not want, nor was he ready, to let go of his love. How would he tell her she had to return to the earthly realm, starting life all over with no memories of him or their love? He must tell her this night! How do I tell her? They have given an order.

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