Ascension. Warrior. Celestial Legion. Angels Among Us: Omnibus Books One-Three, #0

By Sherry Hutchison

When the fate of others intertwines sometimes not even the heavens can pre-determine the outcome their paths will take.

     Ascension, Book One
On the same day, the sun set, and the moon rose as always but time had come for two young souls. Alyssa, a beautiful young woman, was an angel even before her unfortunate death. Aiden, however, was a wandering soul even after his time had come. What could two young people whose lives had been as different as night and day have to do with one another? Could the ties between these two young souls be deeper than what they know?
With only seven days before ascension, Alyssa and Aiden must team up and come to terms with their past. They must learn forgiveness and in return be granted grace.

    Warrior Unchartered Ascent Book Two
The Nephilim known as Timothy Aldaine, set high upon the local library rooftop in Danbury Connecticut waiting patiently for his assignment. She walked pass every night.
If you'd told this young man two years ago, he'd be rescued and brought back from the brink of death as a young angel assigned to do the heavens bidding on earth he would have sneered and rejected any words. That was before faith intervened in the appearance of Archangel Michael and another young angel; a twin sister he'd never known he had.
He was now a true believer; Nephilim, warrior; a young man with a huge responsibility placed on his shoulders as he sat patiently awaiting the command

    Celestial Legions Book Three
Warrior stood gazing down upon the city at night. The lights were so beautiful giving off an ambiance, yet to a Nephilim, one understood they could be deceiving.
He was saddened. A war was upon them. It wouldn't be the first nor the last. Angels and Demons had battled for centuries for human souls. He clenched his teeth as Metatron read from the book.  
"First shall come the birds, flying in fear as the Angels blacken the sky in legions. The Demons and their dark lurkers gather down below; they walk among the humans as they do every day. They grow in numbers. This has become a battle for dominion. We fight for faithful souls, for loss souls crying out. We shall not be defeated. We shall always be. Heavenly beings.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sherry Hutchison
• Release date: May 10, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224288106

Sherry Hutchison

I am a multi-genre author. I was that book geek hanging out at the local library every Saturday. I stepped through those doors into a magical world in which anything was possible.  I spend my time between Missouri & Texas with my hubby Chris and two fur-babies, Max & Maisie.

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Angels Among Us

Copyright © 2021-2024 by Author Sherry Hutchison

All rights reserved.

Any resemblances to persons alive or dead are merely coincidental.

You may not reproduce any part of this book, in any form or by mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author.

If you received this book without proper cover, binding, and identification it may be an unauthorized copy. Please help authors by contacting them and letting them know the location. Independent authors spend a lot of money out of their own pockets to self-publish books and share their creative world with you the readers.

Cover Designers: Kris Pittman & Fiction-Atlas

Also by Sherry Hutchison

Angels Among Us

Ascension: A Story of Grace

Warrior Unchartered Ascent

Celestial Legions: Heavenly Beings

Chasing The Lights Series

CT's Quest

Chasing The Lights: A CT Journey, Book 1

Mr. Sumpton's Ghost, Book 2

Chasing The Lights: Vernon The Witch

Metamorphosis of CT

Veiled Fae, Embracing The Lights

Fae Wars: Battle For Nenagh Realm

Children of Ethereal Lights, Protecting The Lights

Greybeard Series

Douglas Greyson AKA Greybeard Life Before Death Prequel

Greybeard, The Ghost of 489

Greybeards Love Everlasting

Greybeard the Ghost of 489

A Ghostly Intervention

Omnibus Books One-Three

Ascension. Warrior. Celestial Legion. Angels Among Us

Schooled Fae Series

Zazz' s Secret Journal, Schooled Fae Series, Years One - Four (Coming Soon)

Scream For Me Series

Scream While I Whisper

Scream While I Run

Fade To Black

Social Issues

The Troubled Child

Watch for more at Sherry Hutchison’s site.

PROLOGUE

Stamford Hospital’s Maternity Ward was full late Friday night, March 15th, 2004, when a young couple entered the hospital to give birth to their twins. They were excited. Life could not have been more perfect for them. They were firm in their faith that all would be fine. Except, all was not fine. One of their twins did not make it. He passed shortly after birth. They went home grateful to have one of their babies with them while they planned to bury another.

Meanwhile that same night, a young nurse’s aide was found shot to death, her lifeless body lying in an alley behind the hospital. A female angel watched as a body was thrown overboard like a piece or garbage. Having mercy, she dove deep into the water’s depth and catches up the young man bringing him up to the surface.

Life and death go on and on as a circle. It would take an act of violence, a rendering of faith and enduring love to right a wrong and save two young souls.

1

ALYSSA ALDAINE’S STORY

Alyssa slowly became aware of the soft fluttering sound of wings surrounding her. She tried to open her eyes, but they felt weighted shut. Exhaustion weighed heavily on her even as a fragment of memory made her feel as though something wasn’t quite right.

She was finally able to force her eyes open, only to quickly close them against the blinding light. It was beautiful and painful at the same time. A chittering of whispers came to her ears.

She heard a man’s voice command! "Silence, she’s not ready yet."

Oh no! Alyssa realized in a heartbeat where she was. Her family went to church every Sunday and between Sunday School and returning home from church to talk about the sermon, it was kind of hard to not have an idea of where she was.

Alyssa was a senior at Franklin High School in Danbury, Connecticut. She was a beautiful young girl who others envied. Her natural auburn hair, and her beautiful blues eyes were envied by other girls. Her hair had natural highlights, that others had to pay for. She was petite in stature but large in motivation. She wanted to be in a medical field where she could help people, so her grades were above average, which allowed her for a promising career as a medical doctor.

She was an only child and adored by her parents. Except she was not exactly an only child. She had been a twin, but her brother died at birth. They visited his headstone on holidays and left flowers for him. They had named him Timothy after her father. Occasionally she would catch her mom staring sadly off into space. She always wondered if she was mourning the son she never got to know, but she never complained. She grieved in silence.

Alyssa was seventeen years old when she decided to defy her parents’ wishes for the first time in her life and join her girlfriends as they all snuck off to a local party on a Saturday night, as well as ignoring her father’s advice about alcohol and drugs.

Cory, a young football jock at her school would be there. He was her first real crush. She had fallen hard and fast for his smiles and sweet words. She thought she was in love with him. She found out the hard way that sometimes love was only skin deep as she arrived to find him in the arms of some strange girl. Alyssa did not recognize her from school.

Her shame was made worse by the cruel teasing of some of the girls there. Their echoes screamed in her ears. Cory was a football jock. He could have the pick of any girl in school. Why would he pick a simple girl like her?

She wanted to crawl into a hole and hide. What was she thinking coming here tonight? This had been a big mistake.

Alyssa was tricked into drinking what was later to be determined to be a spiked alcoholic drink with drugs in it. Several other atrocities were visited upon her that ended her short life that night.

We all make mistakes at some point or other in our lives. We make an unwise decision and wind up going down the wrong road. Sometimes we are lucky enough to regret it the next day. Alyssa was not going to be that lucky.

Her final fleeting thoughts as life ebbed out of her as she fell into a coma were, Someone help me. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. Lord, forgive me. I didn’t mean to do this.

No one knew how she ended up in the small bathroom at the back of the house. Her so-called best friend Shelby was too busy having fun to notice her absence. It was hours before she was found lying alone on the floor.

An ambulance would be called, and the police would investigate her death. Several drugs would be discovered in her system. Her heart could not sustain the shock. Her so-called best friend’s guilt would stay with her for years. Alyssa was pronounced dead the next day. She never regained consciousness. It was November 2nd, 2020, 4 a.m.

Alyssa’s eyes slowly focused on the beautiful angel standing in front of her. His broad shoulders were flanked by large white wings. His golden hair glistened. His eyes penetrated her soul, although she could not determine his eye color. She was surrounded by darkness, yet ahead she could see a bright light. The light was moving slowly away from her. No, no this was bad.

I’m sorry, she cried, "please don’t send me to hell. I don’t want to die. I would never willingly take my life. I just made a stupid mistake.

Hush child. The angel spoke. I am Archangel Michael. I am the great captain, the leader of heavenly hosts. Your time on earth has passed. I cannot change that. However, you have been granted grace. I show you mercy. You are not ready to rise to the heavens just yet. You have something to do first. Stand now and accept your wings.

She rose as if on command. She stood in front of this magnificent Angel. He wrapped his wings around her as he whispered in her ears.

You will listen for my voice and only my voice to guide you in your mission. There is another who needs your help. His time, however, is limited. He must see the errors of his way and ask forgiveness.

Wait, she cried, what if I fail? What if he won’t repent? For she knew what was going on. He could be sent to Hell if he didn’t change his thoughts and seek forgiveness.

You won’t fail, Michael smiled. I have faith in you. Either way your wings are secure. You will rise when your time comes with or without him. Other archangels will protect you, have no fear. Close your eyes. Do not be afraid. This is a blessing to be granted such an important task. Quiet your fears and calm your soul. Close your eyes child and sleep now.

Alyssa’s body swayed gently as though floating on a soft billowy cloud as she slept. Her wings curled around her as she landed gently on the shoreline of the East River near Bronx, New York late on a Saturday evening in November.

If anyone could have seen her, they would be shocked and amazed at a beautiful young girl with beautiful white wings wrapped protectively around her. She appeared to be sleeping peacefully. As it was, she was invisible to the human eyes.

2

AIDEN AETOS STORY

Unlike Alyssa, Aiden’s life had not been filled with love and compassion. He never knew his mother, who as he had been told, died when he was a baby. His father was reputed to be a Mafia member. Aiden had been warned not to ask too many questions. He was raised by an aunt and uncle who made it constantly clear that he needed to work and pay his own way. They did not have extra money to feed and clothe him.

Aiden lived in a small two-bedroom apartment with his aunt, uncle, and younger cousins, Sammy, and Johnny. All three boys shared a tiny bedroom deep in the Bronx. By the time he was twelve he had brought home a sleeping bag which became his bed on the floor in a corner. No one questioned where or how he got it, no one cared. The two younger cousins shared a tiny twin bed.

Due to Aiden’s small stature, by the time he was thirteen he was hustling the streets for food and money. His piercing blue eyes freaked his aunt out as she put it. His hair was mahogany brown and wavy.

No one cared where he went, or if he was safe if he returned with his weekly stipend of money. As long as he contributed to the household, no beatings occurred, and no questions were asked.

Even though the conditions were poor, and his aunt and uncle didn’t treat him well, he worried about his younger cousins. Sometimes he would sneak food into them while his aunt and uncle were away making them promise not to tell.

Aiden gave up on school completely by time he was fifteen. He finally gave into the pressure surrounding his life and joined a street gang. This was a common occurrence in the Bronx area. It was not too bad while he was starting out at this age, since the younger members were assigned to stealing and hustling. He went home with money every day and life got easier.

Life as a gang member took a sudden turn when he turned sixteen. The stakes became higher, and initiations started. A new leader, known as Ace, took over the gang that referred to themselves as Ninth Street Dogs. Pressure was put on several boys in the gang to steal cars.

The day Aiden turned seventeen the fragile hold he had on his bleak reality took a turn for the worse. He had become hardened by the lifestyle he was forced to live. No one came to rescue him. No one cared what happened to a bunch of poor kids in the Bronx. Fighting became a way of survival, of life. The weak get beaten; only the strong survive.

Things went too far one night when he was taken to a warehouse by Ace and some of the older guys. He will never know why he was signaled out. They were holding a young girl and boy who had been caught taking extra shares for themselves. Cries for mercy, that they had hungry brothers and sisters to feed, fell on deaf ears.

Ace handed Aiden a gun; telling him to take care of them and once his mission was completed, his initiation would be done. He’d have respect and a new standing in the gang.

Just because Aiden quit school didn’t mean he was stupid. He knew there was more to it than that and felt that this was Ace’s way of holding something over Aiden’s head to extort him with. He refused to shoot the kids. Stealing and hustling was one thing but killing was another. He wasn’t going to do it no matter what.

He made a stand, knowing full well it could be his last. He yelled for the kids to run as he raised the gun and pointed it at Ace. He didn’t have time to think about what the consequences would be for him. Before he realized it, he had fired a shot from the gun when three of Ace’s gang members rushed him. He had hit Ace in the arm which only angered him more.

Over the years he had become quite good at street fighting, however he was no match for Ace and his three gang members who quickly beat Aiden to unconsciousness. His life passed from him as he lied there on the cold dark pavement.

Ace sent two of his senior members to dispose of the body. They went out in a small boat. They tied a cement block to Aiden’s ankle and tossed his body into the water where they assumed it would sink down into the murky depths below.

The Angel watched from above weeping silently for the child in the water. She flew down into the blackness grabbing the body and bringing him up to the surface. She laid Aiden’s still form gently on the shoreline where it would be assumed he had washed up from the East River, near the Bronx Area, New York on a cold Saturday, November 2 nd, 2020, at 4 A.M. a young man called Aiden, life on earth ended.

No one would report him missing. At the age of seventeen, Aiden had died as an angry, bitter, lonely young man.

He wasn’t a bad kid. To the contrary, despite his harsh upbringing and disadvantaged life, he spent his last moments trying to save others.

His only fault was leaving the world with so much anger and bitterness in his heart.

He had not been raised in a church. He knew nothing of Heaven or Hell, which opened the door to dark spirits who lie in wait for lost souls.

His body lied in the wet sand, less than a mile from Alyssa’s body, on the same night at the same time.

The difference between the two was that upon opening her eyes, although confused about her location, Alyssa fully understood what was going on, while Aiden sat up looking around confused and disoriented. He had not realized yet his physical body was gone. His spirit waited for expiatory purification. It lied in wait for grace to be rendered.

Alyssa was about to become his redeeming quality.

3

MICHAEL (GUARDIAN ANGEL)

Archangel Michael hovered high above the clouds in the heavens. He made a swirling motion with his right hand. A shimmering mirror-like opening appeared allowing him to see the two young souls down below on earth. They had been placed near each other. All was proceeding as it should.

He always worried for his young messengers when he sent them out. He felt a great responsibility for them. It was the boy called Aiden; his heart hurt the most. He had never been shown a moment of kindness or compassion in his young life. He was guilty of stealing and fighting.

However, none of his acts had been immoral. He had been found worthy of wings. Neither of them should have had their young lives cut short as they had been.

It was up to Alyssa to help show Aiden kindness and forgiveness. He could not enter the kingdom of heaven full of anger. The rules were strict. He did not have much time.

Michael arched his head as he heard his name being summoned. "Yes Father, I hear you. I shall call on the other archangels for healing, guidance, and protection of these two young souls. They will be worthy.

angels to join our messengers."

Michael stole one last glance before he set off to do Father’s bidding. He paused and turned around making a small clapping motion with his hands. Alyssa, he whispered, It is time to wake up. You must go to Aiden. You have much to do and little time in which to do it.

Michael’s beautiful white and gold wings folded gently behind him as he went to join the other archangels. They had much to discuss and much to do. Alyssa must not fail. They would not give this young man up to the dark side. He must come over to the light.

4

MESSENGERS

Alyssa opened her eyes to a beautiful starry night. She had no idea where she was except, she was sure it was not Connecticut. She felt the wet rocks and sand as water lapped about her ankles and feet. Her body was lovingly covered by her wings. She was in fact near the Bronx Area of, New York. Although she had no idea of her location except for the fact she was sitting on cold wet sand near a large body of water.

The chill November night air, crisp with the breeze from the ocean water, didn’t faze Alyssa one bit. Many people would complain about the frigidness; however, Alyssa was beyond feeling minor nuances such as the weather. A higher calling had been placed on her shoulders, allowing her to march to the beat of a different drummer.

She pulled herself into a sitting position as she glanced around. She smiled as her wings raised up and spread out. They were absolutely beautiful. Everything she had been taught in Church all these years had been true. Her heart swelled in pride at the realization that her mother had indeed, never lied to her. If she felt bad at all, it was a fleeting moment as she realized how sad her parents and best friends must be. She would never make it to college or become a doctor. She would never get married. All that was past now. She calmly accepted her death as if she were discussing what she would order for dinner at a restaurant.

She remembered a discussion she’d had with her mother when her grandmother passed away years ago. The Pastor of their church explained it was so much harder on those left behind. The person who leaves their physical body rises to claim their wings in heaven, a beautiful peaceful place of harmony, while the family and friends are left to deal with their emotional turmoil. At the very least you still mourn, even in faith, because you must go on in life without that person by your side. The person who has passed from this world has already risen and are at peace.

They can linger for a while, sometimes longer than they should as they wait for their loved ones to accept that they are gone. Eventually, they must go on, whether their loved ones are ready or not.

However, Alyssa was thinking hard on this matter. They never spoke about being allowed as an Angel to linger on earth as a messenger. For that was the only way she could sum up what she was doing. No one ever came back after passing away to talk about what happens when your soul leaves your body. She had heard things and seen a few specials about Angels walking on earth and people sharing special dreams in which they were visited by a loved one with a message. She regretted now that she had not paid more attention to them.

She suddenly heard a voice in her ear whispering to her. "Alyssa stand. She knew immediately who it was. Although she had heard his voice only once, it was not something she would ever forget. It was Archangel Michael, and although she should have wondered many things, she was beyond that. Her faith established her accordingly. She responded simply, Yes, I hear you."

Several things happened at once as Alyssa stood and her wings stretched open of their own accord. She realized she was wearing a long thin veiled white robe. She was so engrossed in her surroundings and what was happening to her she had not noticed earlier she was covered in a thin white veiled gown.

Alyssa saw flashes of wardrobes through the mental link her and Michael were sharing. As the image stopped on an outfit, Alyssa glanced down at her clothing and saw herself wearing the imagined clothes. She was now wearing jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. A denim jacket and shoes completed her attire. Her wings were gone.

Glancing around, she could see dim lights in the distance, from what could be houses or stores. Alyssa felt her first smidgen of fear as the enormity of her reality set in.

She reached out in her mind, Michael, wait, I don’t understand what you want me to do. You took my wings. They are gone! Where am I? Please do not just leave me standing here alone. I only know I am standing near an ocean. It is very dark out. Do I have to stay here? I know you want me to help someone, but I have no idea what or how I will do this. Can’t you come and stay for a while with me please? I’m scared.

There was a brilliant flash of light as Michael appeared next to Alyssa. They stood next to each other like a golden beacon on a dark cold wet night. A soft golden light surrounded them.

Most people would not see them; however, they may feel a warm sense of presence near them and feel an unexplained sense of calmness, not know that there were angels among them.

Others may hate the feeling, being drawn away to a darker being.

A few blessed lucky ones would see and understand. They would know how blessed they were to be in the presence of an angel and would not interfere. They would be left with a dim memory on the edge of their mind as if a dream they could not recall.

Michael was concerned about the amount of responsibility they were placing on this young girl. They had never sent messengers out so young and inexperienced. However, times had changed. So many souls were being lost. The world was dying, turning inside out.

Sadly, he understood why it was necessary to recruit young people. A young person would respond better to someone their own age. Heaven does not plan or arrange deaths, however angels and messengers, stand by to recruit saved souls.

Once assigned this task Michael took his position as Archangel very seriously. His heart swelled with love for this young boy and girl. Alyssa would be victorious in bringing Aiden over to their side. He had faith in her, and he would provide her with the tools she would need to help her along her way.

Alyssa smiled gratefully as Michael appeared standing next to her. He was dressed in a long white tunic shirt and white pants. He let his wings fold down. There was a soft golden light surrounding them. His long golden blond hair was surrounded by a soft light making it appear as if the light sprang from his hair.

He smiled down at his student for that was what Alyssa was as he placed his hand gently on her shoulder. They stood side by side undisturbed. As Alyssa glanced into the night sky, she saw spirals of soft light as wings flew about the sky surrounding them.

Hundreds of angels came to bless her on her journey. Their love was endless and forever as a protective parent to a loved child. She felt their love and felt safe. Their presence calmed her. Her fear left her.

Michael spoke gently. Do not be afraid child. I did not take your wings. You will have all you need. Listen and hear.

Alyssa felt a calm come over her has Michael’s voice filled her head. You are granted wisdom and knowledge. Your friend’s name is Aiden Aetos. He passed from this world on the same date and time as you. He is also seventeen. He lived in this area. You are in Long Island, New York. Do not be overwhelmed. No city on earth compares to Heaven. You still have your wings. You just do not need them now. If you do need them just wish it and they will be there. Aiden does not have wings yet, so, if necessary, you must carry him. You will be his strength. You will pass among the mortals as if you are not there.

No walls shall hold you. No chains shall bind you. Do not fear. You see them, but they cannot see you. If a mortal does see you, you must not engage with them. This is forbidden. The only exception would be those mortals that have a tiny cross appearing on their forehead. They have been given deeds to do. They have been chosen as messengers on earth. Only true believers can see the cross and understand you are safe with them. Do you understand?

Yes, Alyssa responded. Can I ask a question Michael? May I speak out loud? You’re standing here in front of me.

He responded with a nod.

As Angels, I assume we don’t need to eat any more?

Michael answered, "Yes you are correct," he smiled down at her. This question amused him. However, I see no problem in you partaking of food for enjoyment if you so desire. Just wish for it and it shall be. Aiden has many questions. He feels alone right now. He does not fully realize he has passed on yet. You must go to him now. This path shall light your way.

Michael raised his right hand as if reaching out and a path lit up along the shoreline. It was as if somehow lights had been set up, except there were none within sight.

Alyssa smiled and nodded. Yes, thank you that is so much better. So, I am to follow this path and it will lead me to this Aiden? This wisdom you granted me will help me know what to do, what to say? I am scared Michael. What if he will not listen to me? I have no idea what I will say to him. I understand praying with others who ask for healing. We did that at church. This is so different. We are both dead. You’re telling me he doesn’t even fully realize yet what is going on.

Alyssa caught her first stern look from Michael as he faced her, placing a hand on each of her shoulders. "You have been chosen for this task. We are recruiting new young messengers, and this is a great honor that has been bestowed upon you. You will not fail; we have faith in you.

Be prepared, for you will be challenged by dark spirits, but rest assured you are protected. Show no fear and always keep Aiden in your light. Do you understand?"

Alyssa nodded yes although she was not feeling as self-assured as she pretended to be. She was quietly freaking out.

Michael continued quickly now. He was being summoned once more. He must go. When you have a question or concern just think it. We see all, we hear all. There will be fellow messengers placed along the way to aid you both. So, in reality, you are never alone. Time is of the essence. It is Sunday morning. It will be dawn soon. Off you go.

Wait. Please Michael. How long do I have?

Michael answered without hesitation. You have seven days. We will return for you both next Saturday at midnight. One other thing, you may desire to see your parents. It will happen, it is a natural thing. People want to reach out and check on their loved ones that they leave behind. Mind you, you can only observe them. You cannot speak to them. Is that understood?

Yes, Michael. I understand.

Michael smiled at her and nodded. She turned away from Michael, not seeing him disappear as she began to walk down the lit path to find her new friend. She had no idea how far she had to go. She heard a chorus of song as she glanced up to see Angels flying in circles above her. She smiled and nodded as she picked up her pace. There was no time to waste. She had some recruiting to do.

5

ANGEL AND THE LOST SOUL

Alyssa and Aiden both felt each other’s presence before they saw each other. It was Six A.M. Sunday morning. Aiden had no idea how long he had sat there. His gaze focused on his feet stretched out in front of him.

Chilly water trickled down from his hair onto his face and neck. His once beautiful mahogany hair hung limp and lifeless. If one were able to see him, they would wonder in shock how he was conscious at all.

His battered body carried the evidence of a brutal beating. His torn shirt hung limp off one shoulder. Only his beautiful blue eyes carried any sign of life. They betrayed the lack of emotions he was feeling, for Aiden was not feeling much of anything. He was in shock.

His soul tried to leave his body; however, confused it lingered. The presence of angels called to it calming it. Had Michael not recruited Alyssa and sent her to him, Aiden’s soul would have been snatched up by the dark lurkers. They were everywhere and answered the Dark Prince below. Aiden’s soul would have been stolen before he had a chance to become aware of what was happening.

As it were Alyssa felt their presence as she ran to Aiden. She was not the only one who felt them. She felt strong; in fact, she felt no