It was not that you were unskilled or lacked strength, my son. I fear I may have encouraged the peoples attention directed at Jeremiel and away from you. From the day you two met, it was clear Naomi wanted only you. And Ihe swallowed thicklyI did everything I could to turn Naomi away from you.
He looked at Lash with tormented eyes. That is a memory I wish I could forget. Believe me when I tell you, Lahash, there is not a day that goes by when I have not regretted my actions.
Why would you do such a thing? Naomi said, her voice sounded raw with ache. Why would you have wanted to hurt your own son like that?
Raphael threw a glance at Jeremy and then turned to her. Because I...I favored Jeremiel. He paused, his eyes fixated on the floor, the words coming slowly, carefully. And he favored...you.
Lash jumped up and screamed at Jeremy. Get out!
Come on, Lash, Jeremy said in a soft voice, looking up at him. That was a long time ago.
Lash took a menacing step toward him and looked down at the golden angel who threated to take everyone he loved away from him. Hed done it in the past. What was to stop him from doing it again? Youve been acting strange ever since you set foot in this house. Why is that?
Jeremy swallowed. We didnt exactly leave off on good terms the last time we saw each other. I wasnt sure what to expect.
His eyes stared intently at Lash as if he were struggling to convince him.
Lash searched his face, trying to read him. Jeremy was wearing his poker face. Damn it! Hes hiding something.
What arent you telling me?
Please, Lash. This doesnt matter anymore. Naomis soft hands touched his tense arm and turned him around to face her. For the entire time youve known Jeremy, that you can remember, has he ever tried to take anything away from you?
Yes. He let you die. He couldve saved you.
That was different. His job was to bring me here. When I first met him, you told me he was your friend. And if you remember, I wanted to take a tire iron to him.
Lash grinned. Those were good times.
Naomi looked at him expectantly.
He sighed. Oh, all right. No, Jeremy never took anything from me.
And?
And, he was always up front with me.
So, why would you expect anything to be different now?
She was making too much sense, and he didnt like it. Memories or not, he just couldnt shake off the feeling that Jeremy still wanted her. He gazed into Naomis pale blue eyes framed by thick black lashes. She was so beautiful. How could he blame any man or angel for wanting her?
Youre right. I guess Im just being paranoid.
She pecked his cheek with a kiss and then turned to Raphael. I dont remember any of this, and what little flashes of memory that have resurfaced have always been of Lash, and now I understand why. I love him and nothing, no one, can ever take my love for him away. Thats why we are to be bound as soon as he can make the arrangements.
Raphaels face lit up. This is wonderful news!
Youre happy about it? Lash asked.
Of course. I am not the same person Lucifer showed you in your memories. It may have taken losing you and Jeremiel to realize how wrong I was back then. Can you forgive me for my past, for my inability to be a good father to you?
Lash looked at Raphaels pleading eyes. In all the time hed known him, at least the times he could remember, Raphael had always been by his side, guiding him, helping him. Even when he did his best to push Raphael away, he never left. And now he knew why. Raphael was trying his best to make it up to him, to be a better father. Yes...Father.
Raphaels face lit up. You make me proudboth of you.
He stood and pulled Lash into his arms. Surprised, Lash looked over to Naomi. Tears glistened in her eyes as she watched them.
Hug him back, she mouthed.
He nodded and placed a hand on Raphaels back, giving him a gentle squeeze. He felt warmth spread through him, a peace he hadnt felt for a long time.
I shall go with you to visit Michael, Raphael said when he pulled back. At long last, I have my family back with me. This is a joyous occasion. Is it not, Jeremiel?
Jeremy stood and approached Lash, extending his hand to him. Congratulations. I wish you both everlasting happiness.
Lash looked down at his hand and then back at his face. The only thing he saw was the sincerity in his eyes. He really was happy for him.
He took Jeremys hand, and for a moment, he felt that maybe, just maybe, he had his old friend back.
And then he watched as Jeremy turned to Naomi. He was barely able to look at her as he mumbled his congratulations and called her sister.
5
Are you sure about this? Naomi scanned the area surrounding the stream to make sure no one was around to see her and Lash stepping onto the bridge. Her heart fluttered with excitement at the thought of seeing Welita and Chuy again, although she wished Lash would let her do this alone. If she were caught disobeying Gabrielles orders, they might let it slide for her since she was new. But if Lash were caught, he might get in trouble for helping her.
Absolutely. He took hold of her hand as they went to the center of the bridge. Ill keep a look out for you.
Naomi bit down on her lip. She was only seconds away from seeing Welita after all these weeks. Why was she suddenly afraid to look?
Whats wrong?
She gazed into his beautiful hazel eyes. How could she ever be afraid with him by her side? She was being silly. Nothing. Ill make this real quick.
She went to the spot where she knew she could get the best view of Welitas house. Her hand brushed over the familiar railing. Again, her heart raced in anticipation.
Knock it off, she told herself. Stop making a big deal about this. Youve looked in on Welita lots of times.
Taking a deep breath, she leaned over the rail. The water was still. It was like looking through smooth glass. For a moment, she saw nothing but the clear water. Then slowly, the familiar small white house emerged.
Her heart slammed against her chest. Something was wrong. Something was off.
The once lush green and perfectly manicured lawn was filled with knee-high weeds. The flowerbeds that Welita so meticulously cared for, her pride and joy, were overrun with crab grass and littered with beer cans.
She slammed her eyes shut. This couldnt be Welitas house. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Dont panic.
She was obviously looking in the wrong direction. She just had to be more careful.
When she slowly opened her eyes, she saw the same small white house in the same place. She moaned.
It is Welitas house.
Shattered glass littered the front porch, and the screen door banged loosely in the wind. Worst of all, every single window was broken.
What happened? Welita and Chuy would never let the house look like that, unless...the house was empty.
No! She wailed as she threw herself against the rail, leaning over as far as she could. The house was Welitas pride and joy. She would never leave it. Her father grew up in that house. Something had to have happenedsomething so awful that Welita had no choice but to leave.
Fear stuck in her throat as she thought of the one thing that could pull her stubborn grandmother away from her home.
No! No way! Welita was not dead. There was no way that could happen. Welita had been in the best of health when she last saw her a few weeks ago. It had to be something else. It just had to be.
Frantic, she ran along the side of the bridge, trying to get a better look at the surrounding neighborhood, desperate to find a clue, anything to explain what had happened to Welita and Chuy.
Whats wrong? Lash followed close behind her.
Welitas gone. She sobbed.
She looked at the other houses near Welitas. They all had the same haunted, broken-down appearance. It looked like the entire neighborhood had been abandoned. Theyre all gone!
What? Are you sure? He leaned over the railing and peered at the water.
I-I dont understand. Its only been a few weeks since I last saw her. Everything looked normal. There were cars lining the street. The neighborhood kids were playing basketball. Everything looked exactly like it did when I left.
Its been a few weeks, he mumbled.
Yeah, an entire neighborhood block cant just up and leave in a couple of weeks, can it? I mean look at the grass. Its almost knee deep!
He pinched the bridge of his nose and gritted his teeth. A few weeks, he repeated.
Why do you keep saying that?
He groaned and then slammed his hand against the railing. Shit!
What? What is it?
He paced the length of the bridge, running his hands through his hair and cursing under his breath.
I didnt think anything like this would happen, he mumbled as he dropped his head into his hands. Stupid, stupid, stupid!
Lash, please tell me. You know something. Her voice grew louder with each word. She grabbed his shoulders when he wouldnt answer, shaking him. Tell me!
Tormented eyes met hers. It was a few weeks...for you.
She blinked, confused. For me? What do you mean, for me?
Well, for us actually. He turned his head away, unable to look at her. I cant believe I didnt tell you.
She placed a hand under his chin and directed it towards her. Tell me what?
He inhaled sharply and held his breath before he let it out in a rush. Time is different here than it is on Earth.
What does that mean? Time is different? How different?
Her heart dropped to the pit of her stomach. Oh, God! Maybe theyre all dead.
Lashs face zoomed in and out of focus, and she felt herself falling.
Naomi! He cried as he caught her.
How...long? Her voice was soft, fearful.
Youre in shock. Lets get you back home. Im so sorry I forgot to tell you. I can explain it all to you and then we can figure out
No. She took a deep breath and forced herself to stand. Now was not the time to be weak. Now was time to be the archangel she was training to become. Taking another fortifying breath, she said, Tell me. How long has it been?
I never really paid much attention to time. We dont measure time here like on Earth. Id say maybehe gulped and eyed her with worrya year.
A year! Ive been gone for a year?
Maybe less, he said frantically.
She let out a breath. She should be thankful that it was only a year. She turned and stared down at Welitas house. She had planned to sneak in a visit when she was given her first assignment. She had wanted to give Welita some kind of sign that she was still with her. Even if Welita wasnt able to see her, she knew Welita would know it was her. Shed even planned on seeing Chuy, knowing that he too had grown to believe that angels did exist. Now, they were gone.
A sudden thought hit her. Archangels are powerful. They can pretty much do anything, right?
I wouldnt say anything, but, yeah, they have powerful gifts. Why?
I can find them.
You wont be able to go down to Earth unless you are given an assignment or one of the archangels gives you permission.
But Im an archangel.
Technically, yeah, youre an archangel, but youre in training. Youll still need approval from Michael or Gabrielle, and they would never give it, unless it was to serve some higher purpose.
Her face dropped. What was the use of being an archangel with power if you couldnt use it? What was she going to do now? Tears slid down her face. I thought Heaven was supposed to be a happy place.
He gathered her into his arms. Naomi, please dont cry.
She couldnt help it. She wanted to be brave, to be the powerful archangel they expected her to be. She couldnt. It was hard, so hard to leave a part of herself, the part that made her who she was, behind, her family: Welita, Chuy, her parents. Having them made her feel like she could do anything. When her parents died, shed felt like she lost a little bit of that. And now, with Welita and Chuy gone, it felt like she was left with a hole in her chest.
Lash placed a finger under her chin and lifted it up to meet his eyes. Ill take you to find Welita.
How? She sniffed. You dont know where they are.
I have a plan. Go back home, and when I return, Ill have the permission you and I need to go down to Earth.
Her eyes widened. I dont want you to do anything to get kicked out. I cant lose you too. She wanted to find her family desperately, but not at his expense.
Its perfectly legit. I promise. I cant tell you now. Just know that Ill get it for you. Do you trust me?
She looked into his glorious face, and his eyes gazed at her tenderly. She sighed, feeling hopeful. With Lash by her side, they could do anything.
Yes.
* * *
Lash trudged down a worn path alongside the stream, a path he had taken hundreds of times over the years. I cant believe Im actually doing this.
He had promised Naomi that hed get her to Earth to find Welita and Chuy. Thinking they would surely empathize with Naomis situation, his first thought was to ask Rachel or Uri for permission. He axed that idea when he remembered all they had gone through and the centuries of separation from each other. It wouldnt be fair to ask them, only for them to get in trouble. Archangels were not safe from being punished. Raphael could attest to that.
That only left one person who could help him, and it irritated him to no end that Lash had to ask him for help.
He shuffled slowly up the flower-lined path to Jeremys door. Jeremy lived in a one-room cottage along the stream, a few miles away from the bridge that was a gateway to Earth. Like his clothes, Jeremy kept his living quarters spotless, which was a difficult thing to do, especially after poker night. Even when Lash had offered to host, Jeremy refused, claiming no one would be able to get through the front door with the mountain of mess in his room.
Jeremy did his job like he led his life. Everything had its place and purpose. Although lately, he didnt seem to be his usual self.
Lash tried to shake the memory of the way Jeremy acted around Naomi last night. Deep down, he knew Jeremy was truly happy for him and his announcement that he would be bound to Naomi soon. Then why did he feel like he couldnt trust Jeremy near her?
It didnt help that he had to ask Jeremy for a favor. He hadnt minded before, but now, things were different.
He knew Jeremy was eager to prove himself as a true friend and brother to him, and he was confident Jeremy would say yes. And that was the problem. He wanted to be the one to give Naomi what she needed to make her happy. Not Jeremy.
He was about to knock on the cottage door when he heard a whistling in the distance, followed by a loud splash of water. That could only mean one thingJeremy was swimming.
When he approached the stream, he paused and leaned against a tree, watching Jeremy swim. He remembered what Raphael had told him about Jeremy being favored by others. Now he saw him with new eyes.
Jeremys body was tanned golden by the rays of the sun, whereas Lash was pale in comparison. Jeremys thick arms moved effortlessly through the water, and Lash gritted his teeth as he noted the size of them. Where Lash was tall and lithe, Jeremy was huge and muscular. All the years hed known Jeremy, he had never noticed or even cared. So, why now?
Lash! Jeremy cried when he saw him. What brings you here?
Lashs stomach twisted with envy as he watched Jeremy step out of the stream and head towards him, perfect white teeth flashing him a smile. He was taller, stronger, and loved by all the other angels. Lash could never compete with him, and for a brief moment, he wondered what Naomi had ever seen in him. Were her feelings for Jeremy buried along with her memories? What if she got them back?
Knock it off! Naomi is not like that. She loves me. He felt her love every time she looked at him. That would never change.
And Jeremy? He had to believe Jeremy would never do anything to hurt him or Naomi.
He focused his thoughts on Naomi. Her needs came first. Swallowing his pride and forcing a smile on his face, he said, I need a favor.
6
There was a light crunching sound when Lashs feet landed on the dead grass covering Welitas backyard. The house looked worse than when they saw it from Heaven. It was as if the life that once filled the home, the entire neighborhood, had been sucked out and all that was left was a skeleton.
He reached out to grab Naomis hand, knowing she would be heartbroken.
He watched Naomi bite down on her lip, her pale blue eyes watering. Are you okay?
Yeah, just give me a moment. Her voice quivered.
Dont you want to go inside? Maybe we can find some clues as to where they are.
She nodded. Her face was a mixture of emotions. Yes, I do. Its just, everything is so different. I mean, its more than just the empty house. It feels different. I dont know why. I feel like Ive lost something, or someone.
Maybe its because youre different.
How? It hasnt been long...well, at least for me it doesnt feel like its been that long.
He gathered her into his arms and kissed her forehead. So much has happened to you in such a short amount of time. Its not surprising that youd be confused. Part of you still feels like it belongs in this world.
I dont know who Im supposed to be: Welitas granddaughter or Heavens seventh archangel.
Youre young for an angel, and its so rare for humans to be placed with us. He gave her a gentle squeeze. Ill help you through this. I promise.
I know you will.
Why dont we look around the outside and then work our way in, okay?
They walked hand in hand toward the front, passing through the weeds and overgrown rosebushes. Naomi bent down to touch the wilting flowers, stifling a sob. Welitas roses. Chuy and I worked with her for days planting them around the house. She talked to them, you know.
Really?
Yeah. She watered and talked to them all the time. They were gorgeous. And their fragrance... She let out a breath. You could smell them from down the street. They smelled so good. And now, shes gone, and theyre gone.
Her fingers glided over the browning stems. She said flowers had feelings too. I think she was right.
He squeezed her hand, trying to comfort her. As they continued walking through the tall grass, his foot hit a small plastic object. He bent down and smiled sadly as he picked up a dog dish.
He stared at the red dish, surprised when his eyes pricked with the threat of tears. He recalled how hed hide behind the bushes and Bear would dash to him like a little furry jet. Ignoring the dog food in the bowl, shed run around his feet until he gave her the little sausages hed bought just for her. Hed grumble at her as he took the smelly dish and disposed the contents with not even a lick of thank you.
Ungrateful dog, he thought as a lump formed in his throat.
He swallowed thickly. Lets see what we can find in the front.
The front yard didnt look any different from the back. Trash littered the steps of the house. Beer cans, bottles, an old sock. Graffiti was written on the front walls.
Dont do that, he said when Naomi bent down and picked up a flattened basketball.
Why? I want to clean up.
Youre in your angel form. No one can see you. If someone passes by, theyll only see the objects in your hand and not you.
Oh, right. She dropped the deflated ball. I forgot about that. Can we change into human form?
He looked around the neighborhood. It didnt seem like anyone was nearby. But if one of her old neighbors just happened to be around or if they ran into someone who knew her, it could be trouble for them, especially since they thought she was dead. I dont want to take a chance on someone seeing you.
Okay. She glanced over his shoulder and furrowed her brow. Is that a sign over there? I dont remember seeing it before.
They headed toward a large sign on the corner of the street. Lash scanned the area as they walked over, studying each of the houses as they passed. Other than a few stray cats that scrambled underneath a house porch when they passed, it was obvious no one had lived in any of the homes for quite some time. He listened carefully for any sounds of life in the surrounding area. There was nothing.
The entire neighborhood for blocks around was empty.
His hand dropped from Naomis grasp as she placed it over her mouth. His heart slammed into full gear when her face grew shockingly white.
What is it?
She shook her head, and tears streamed down her face as she pointed to the sign.
A numbing cold washed over him as he read it.
Future site of Prescott Park.
Houston luxury living at its finest.
* * *
Lash held Naomi as they sat on the porch steps of Welitas abandoned home. He should have known that Lucifer, known to people on Earth as the billionaire Luke Prescott, was behind this. How could he have been so stupid to think hed stop? Naomi was in Heaven. She was an archangel now or at least in training. Lucifer was up to somethinghe just didnt know what.
Its my fault. I did this to Welita, to Chuy, to the entire neighborhood! Naomi bawled, dropping her head into her hands.
Its not your fault. His voice was gentle as he stroked her back. The battle between the angels and Lucifer has been going on for centuries.
Yes, but hes after me. He wants me dead because Im the seventh archangel. She popped up her head and looked at him with a glint in her eyes. I can fix this. Maybe if I go to him and work out a deal
No! Absolutely not.
But, I
He pressed a finger to her lips, silencing her, and she scowled.
Kissing her lightly, he said, It wouldnt make any difference if you did. Think about it. The purpose of killing you when you were human was to prevent you from becoming an archangel, which you will be, once your training is complete.
Then why is he after my family?
I dont know. We need to talk to Raphael. Maybe hell know what Lucifer is up to.
Oh, my God! She gripped his arm, her eyes bulging with terror. What if he killed them? What if he killed them all?
He wouldnt do that. That would be a lot of people to kill, and it would get way too much media attention, he said calmly. He has to maintain his position here on Earth.
He wouldnt have to do it himself. He couldve gotten Sal to do it or his other followers.
He shook his head. It doesnt make sense why he would.
A muffled sound came from inside the house.
He stiffened. What was that?
Naomi stood and headed toward to door.
Wait! He jumped, grabbing her arm. It could be one of them.
Let go. She tugged at her arm. They might know where Welita and Chuy are.
He tightened his grip. There was no way he was letting her go in there. If there were more than one of them, he didnt know if they could fight them off. Even if they do know, they wont tell you.
Lash, she warned, her eyes blazing with determination. Im going in.
He let out a breath. There was no stopping her when she had her mind made up. He loved that about herexcept when it placed her in the line of possible danger.
Okay, but let me go in first. Stay behind me, and if anything happens, leave. Go to Raphael and let him know.
She hesitated a moment before finally giving in with a grumble and moving aside to let him pass.
Stubborn woman, he said as he kissed her forehead.
As he went in, he heard the muffled sounds coming from the hall to the right of him.
I think its coming from Welitas room, Naomi whispered.
He nodded and moved slowly down the hall. Just as he reached the entrance to the bedroom, a womans silhouette appeared in the doorway.
He moved back and placed his arm up, holding Naomi away from the stranger.
The silhouette moved slowly toward them. Lash was about to attack when the shadow stepped into the sunlit hall, and hazel eyes locked with his.
Lahash.
Lash froze with shock at the petite angel who gazed lovingly at him. Dark waves of hair cascaded onto her shoulders. She wore a pink dress that flowed down to her ankles. The delicate dress, with tiny billowy sleeves and lace trim, flowed around her with each step she took.
Something inside of him stirred as he watched her. Something he hadnt felt since the first time he heard that same voice calling out his name. It was a feeling of unconditional love. He saw it in her eyes. The only other person who looked at him like that, other than Naomi, was Raphael.
Rebecca? Naomi stepped around Lash. Are you Rebecca?
A tender smile lit her face. Yes, how did you know?
You look just like Lashso beautiful. Naomi nudged him. Are you all right? Youre so quiet.
I-I-I... He gulped, overwhelmed with emotion. I dont know what to say.
It felt like only yesterday he had found out about his parents. When Raphael told him that his punishment was to never see her again, Lash had thought hed never have a chance to meet her. And now, here she was, standing in Welitas house.
Its been a long time, Lahash, Rebecca said. Has Raphael explained to you who I am?
Yes. Yourehe took a deep breathyoure my mother.
I am. She stopped a few inches from him, and her eyes took him in with wonder.
May I?
He tensed as she wrapped her arms around him and placed her head on his chest. His shirt grew moist from the tears that fell. Slowly, he relaxed and placed his hands around her. She was so small, delicate. His hands touched her velvety hair, and a memory stirred deep within him, fighting to get out.
He squeezed his eyes shut, wanting desperately to have his memories of her resurface. All he could see were bits and pieces, images of her holding him, playing with him as a small child.
And then a feeling slowly spread through his body, a feeling like none hed ever had before. It was as if there had been an empty place in his chest, a place he didnt even know was missing, and it was slowly being filled up with motherly love.
He held her tighter.
Cradling him in her arms, she crooned, Lahash, my son. I have missed you so.
Mother, he croaked. His memories of her may have been suppressed, but this, the warmth, the love he felt was there with him.
She pulled back, tears staining her cheeks. I dont have much time with you, and there is much I need to tell you.
Wait. There was something he had to do before anything else. Something hed always wanted to do but didnt think hed ever have the chance.
He turned and took Naomis hand, pulling her next to him. This is my Naomithe love of my life. We are to be bound.
Hazel eyes lit up, and she placed a hand over her heart. Oh, Lahash, you dont know what great joy it brings me to have you two together again, after all these centuries. When I found out you were assigned to her, I knewwell, I hopedthat you two would find love again.
Rebecca turned to Naomi and, reaching over with her small hand, cupped her cheek. You do your grandmother proud, Naomi. She is the reason why I am here.
Where is she? Is she all right?
Shes doing well now, and shes with your cousin, Chuy.
Now? What do you mean, now?
Rebecca took her hand, and her face grew serious. Dont be alarmed when I tell you this. She had a heart attack soon after you left.
She had a heart attack? Naomis voice grew frantic. We need to find her. I need to go to her now. Please tell me where she is.