Ive always been a father to you.
Ive always been a father to you.
A father.
A father.
My father.
He held onto those words and repeated them in his mind like a mantra, refusing to listen to Lucifers obvious deception.
He heard the sound of bubbling liquid, and a sudden gust of heat slammed into his body. Then searing liquid splattered onto his chest, and he wailed in agony.
Against his will, he felt his head being lifted and his eyes being drawn open. Once they were open, he saw Lucifers hand up, manipulating him and the lava to do his will.
Look at me and see the truth that is set before your eyes, Lahash. It is Raphael who has lied to you. He is not your father.
The cave grew still. The only sound was the crunching of volcanic rock as Lucifer took a step forward to the edge of the lake.
I am.
Crushing waves of white noise filled Lashs ears, beating, pounding Lucifers words into his mind.
I am.
I am.
I am!
Lash jerked his head to the side. No! I wont believe!
Look at me, Lahash!
Again his head was pulled in Lucifers direction, and what he so desperately wanted to deny was standing right in front of him. He took in Lucifers tall, lithe body, his dark wavy hair. A wave of cold smashed into his heart, shattering it into a million pieces. He closed his eyes in despair.
Its true. He moaned. Thats why Raphael loved Jeremy. Jeremy was Raphaels true son, and he...he was a bastard.
Ah, I see you have accepted your fate. Youve never really fit in with Raphael and his family, heavenly or earthly. I regret that I did not take you in sooner, but I was young then, and my sole focus was to build my empire. By the time I was ready for you to join me, you were gone. He clapped his hands together and smiled. Well, thats all in the past. Now we can start over. And with Naomi and you in our little family, we can defeat anyone who decides to challenge us as I move toward my total domination of Earth.
Lashs eyes flashed open. I told you, shell never join you, and neither will I, he seethed. I dont care who you are. You can kill me, and still, Michael and the others will defeat you.
Lucifer laughed. I do not fear Michaels army. His belief in the free will of man, or shall I say men and women, is his downfall. Oh, Im very secure, and my association with Senator Jane Sutherland guarantees it. It is she who will lead us to the victory I seek.
What are you talking about?
Lahash, Im shocked. Surely, a seraph would have taken the time to learn human spiritual writings. Even Saleos here knows the prophecy. Tell him, Saleos.
It is foretold that a woman, known as the whore of Babylon sitting on a scarlet beast, will make herself drunk with the blood of saints and will be the leader among leaders on Earth. Anything else I need to teach him? Saleos scowled.
No, Ill take the liberty of telling him the good part, Lucifer said. It is written that the beasthe grinned, tapping his broad chestwill hate the whore and will burn her with fire. Hate is a strong word. Maybe not hate, but I do admit shes turning out to be a handful lately.
What have I done? Lash felt the blood drain from his face. All those years ago when he was on that plane, he had thought he was saving two children, instead of just the one he was assigned to. He thought he was saving a kind-hearted little girl, and now she turned out to be what humans considered the antichrist? Was this all his fault?
No, he had to believe that Michael wouldve had someone else go after her if they thought she was a threat. Thatll never happen. Michael will stop you both.
Ah, but it has already begun. Although I will miss my dear sweet Jane once she has served her use. He looked intently at Lash. My son, there is no need for you to have her fate. I ask you one last time. Will you join us?
Lash glared at him. No.
Lucifers lips tightened into a thin line, and his eyes narrowed. So, be it. Saleos, head out to the press conference in Gardenville. No one is to touch our precious Jane. Hear me?
Sal nodded.
You two, he snapped at the pair of dark angels. They went to him quickly and bowed. Bring Naomi here. Alone. Have your way with her, then kill her.
Two pairs of black eyes turned to Lash, giving him an evil smirk.
No! Lash roared as he jerked on his chains. Dont you touch her!
Lucifer turned to him, his eyes cold. Make sure he is kept alive long enough to see it.
18
Naomi stood at the entrance to the hospital room, watching Chuy as he slept. His large body was sprawled over the chair in the corner. On the other side of the room, Megan slept on the edge of Emmas bed, clutching her tiny hand. The only sounds in the room were the beeps and whirls of the machines and Chuys soft snoring.
When she returned to the room, she had found Chuy and Megan planning how they would turn the medias attention to the damage Prescott Oil was doing to Gardenville and other small towns in Texas. Chuy had told her that Lalo was close to getting all the information they needed and would give it to them at the press conference, which was to be held in an open field just outside of Prescott Oils business offices. Megan had made one final call to Emmas father, making sure that he would be there by morning to watch over her. It seemed everything was set and all they had to do was wait for morning.
The sun peeped out of the horizon, turning the sky into a haze of pink and purple. Naomi glanced at the clock and frowned. Jeremy wasnt back yet, and in only a few more hours, Chuy and Megan would be leaving to the location where Senator Sutherland was making her presidential announcement.
Jeremy had been gone for what seemed like a long time. She warred with the thought of going after him. But then she took one look at Chuylong curly eyelashes fanning his brown face, his mouth slightly open as he slept, looking like a helpless little boy rather than a manand she couldnt take the chance of leaving him. He was in danger. Jeremys voice echoed in her mind. He was there for Chuy.
He wouldnt tell her what he meant by saying that. Of course he wouldnt. Even though he had admitted to being in love with her, he still wouldnt break the code of silence when it came to their assignments.
She leaned against the doorframe, wondering what Lash wouldve done. There was no doubt in her mind that he wouldve told her, even if it meant getting in trouble for it. To Lash, the people he looked over were more than assignments. He cared deeply for them. It wasnt that Jeremy didnt care. It was just that his loyalties were in a different place.
At the thought of Lash, her hands shook and her heart pounded. She quickly pushed the thought of him to the back of her mind. Shed go crazy if she didnt. She felt her nails dig into her palms as she clenched her hands into fists. It was taking every ounce of strength to wait for Jeremy. Only Chuys safety was keeping her there.
Chuy stirred in his seat, and the sleeve of his T-shirt rolled up, revealing his tattoo. She wished she had been there to see the look on Welitas face when she found out about it. She could see her now, chasing him around the house with broom in hand, threatening to smack sense into him. Chuy probably wouldve pretended he was afraid and apologized profusely to her, promising to never do it again. Although Naomi knew he wouldve been planning on his next one even as he said it.
She sighed. Chuy was too young, too full of life to die, and Welita needed him. Maybe she could warn him, somehow. Even if she risked appearing to him like she had with Welita, what would she tell him: Be careful and dont die anytime soon? Lashs brother is the archangel of death, and hes waiting around for something to happen to you, so dont die?
She shook her head. She didnt want this kind of life. She didnt want to have to choose between saving Lash or saving Chuy. She hated being pulled in different directions. It felt like she was being torn in two. And there was nothing she could do to stop it.
Chuy shifted in the chair again, and a cell phone fell out of his lap. She glanced at him, seeing if the sound would wake him, but he continued to sleep.
There was only one person who could understand her. And she desperately wanted an answer.
She looked around the corridor, and seeing no one, she glided to Chuy. Standing over him, she willed herself to change into her human form.
Without making a sound, she picked up the phone and stepped out of the room into the hallway.
With a swipe and a few taps, she found Welitas number. She probably shouldnt be calling her. She had already crossed the line by visiting her, but she needed her.
Que paso? Whats wrong, Chuy? Youre never up this early.
Naomi swallowed thickly at the sound of Welitas voice.
Chuy? There was a pause. Naomi.
Welita, she whispered, holding tightly to the phone. Im so sorry. I had to hear your voice one more time.
Whats wrong, Mejita?
I know something that Im not supposed to know, and I want to do something about it. I want to tell that person, but I shouldnt, and I still want to...but...but what if the... thing is supposed to happen?
I havent had my coffee yet. Youre not making sense.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. I think someone is going to die soon.
Who?
Its... Its... She couldnt lay that kind of burden on her. I cant tell you.
Naomi heard Welitas breath hitch, followed by a muttered prayer. She didnt have to tell her. It was as if Welita knew just by the sound of her voice. Are you sure this persons life will end soon?
Yes. What do I do?
There was silence at the end of the line. And then her voice came out soft yet firm. You let Gods plan unfold.
But, Welita. I can do something about it. Im an angel. Why shouldnt I help? I cant just stand by and watch him die.
Ay, Mejita. We all die. Even if you were still here with us, someday you wouldve had to watch me die, bury me, and mourn for me.
She closed her eyes, and a single tear slid down her cheek. It was a cruel angels fate to have all these powers and still not be able to stop the heartache of watching her loved ones die. Why? Why is this so hard?
De la espina y el dolor nace la flor, Welita said gently.
From the thorn and the pain a flower is born, Naomi repeated the Spanish proverb. It was Welitas favorite.
You have hardship now, but in the end, I know that something wonderful will come of it. Not only for you, but for all of us.
There was so much more she wished she could tell Welita and ask for her wisdom on it all: how to show love for Jeremy without having him confuse it for something more than sisterly love; and Lash, my God, she wanted to go after him so badly.
As if hearing her thoughts, Welita asked, What has Lash told you about this?
She couldnt do it. She couldnt even say his name without her heart breaking. She was barely keeping herself together as it was. Welita, I have to go. Just know that I love you...we love you.
Deep inside, she had already known the answer. All she could do now was rely on faith and hope. Faith that she had the strength to carry on watching over Megan and Chuy, and hope that Jeremy would return soon with an army of angels to save Lash.
And with that, she clicked off the phone.
19
It was a glorious morning with not a cloud in the sky, and all Jane could think about was how she wished it would rain. She fingered the material of her cream pantsuit nervously as she sat hidden behind the dark-tinted windows of the SUV, watching the mass of media assemble on the open field. Why had she agreed to do the announcement out in the open like this?
She eyed the Prescott Oil office building, which sat a couple of hundred yards away from the make-shift stage that had been slapped together overnight, compliments of the companys employees. A giant U.S. flag hung on the front, almost covering an entire wall of the three-story building. It was an impressive sight.
A few employees, dressed in blue coveralls with the Prescott Oil emblem emblazed on the right side of their chests, walked around the stage, doing last minute checks. On the lectern, there was the familiar cluster of microphones from news stations around the country. Behind the stage was a large sign with her smiling face and the words, Sutherland for President.
There was a steady trickle of people lining up in front of the stage. It was easy to tell the hard-core American Federation party supporters from the Prescott Oil employees who had been given the day offonly if they attended the rally. Members of the AF headed straight to Luke, giving him their congratulations on a good start to the campaign. Members of the community were directed to stand in the front row facing the stage where they were sure to be picked up by the cameras, obviously something Luke and his advisors orchestrated.
A pretty blonde woman wearing a pale yellow summer dress caught her eye. She was talking to one of the stage workers, a heavy-set man, his face partially hidden beneath a blue cap that matched his work uniform.
Jane peered through the window at the object the blonde woman had in her hands. Others in the audience were also waving something.
Oh, my God. They have fans with my face on them. She rolled her eyes, not knowing whether to admire Lukes marketing genius or to be embarrassed at watching her smiling face being waved about by dozens of people.
As much as she hated the idea of seeing her smiling face flapping at her when she was on stage, she wished she could have one. It was not even eight oclock in the morning, and she could already feel the heat of the day.
There was a light rapping on the tinted window. Five minutes, Senator.
Jane pressed a button, and the window rolled down. Thank you, Sal.
She rolled the window back up and took out a mirror from her bag. Sapphire eyes stared back at her, and she wondered how she got here. How did she get from being an advocate for childrens rights when she was fresh out of college to battling lobbyists in DC and now vying for the presidency? It wasnt something she ever wanted. She was perfectly happy with her old job working in a nonprofit agency years ago.
Then, she realized it had been Luke who encouraged her, gently pushing her down the path she was on.
She couldnt get Anita Durans words out of her head. She glanced out the window at Luke. His handsome face drew in a small crowd of men and women around him, all wearing what was obviously custom business attire. He had always been charismatic.
Angels and demons. I wonder if thats why he looks so young.
She shook her head and laughed. She was letting her mind run away. It was nerves. That was all.
She powdered her nose and closed the compact with a click. Okay, lets get this show on the road.
Luke flashed a grin as she approached him.
The stage is ready, Sal said from behind her.
Wonderful. Luke offered her his arm. Ready?
You bet. She placed her hand into the crook of his arm.
A wave of nausea hit her when she touched him.
Are you sure? You look pale, he said.
Jane looked into his gray eyes. They looked back at her, cold. She blinked, and his eyes were back to their normal selves. I...I think its the heat.
You there, Luke called to one of the stage crew.
The heavy-set man in the blue cap jogged to them. Yes, Sir? The man eyed Sal nervously, lowering his cap.
Bring the senator some water, quickly.
Yes, Sir.
Mr. Prescott, Sal said. I need a word with you.
Not now, Luke said.
The young man returned and handed a bottle of water to Jane. Thank you, uh, Mister...
Eduardo. He gave Sal a quick look and scurried off back to the stage.
Jane took a sip of the cold water. Thats better. Im ready now...Luke?
When she turned to Luke, he was whispering frantically with Sal. She looked around, panicked, wondering if there was a breach in security. She knew that her announcement wouldnt be popular with a lot of people, especially after the explosion incident. She feared someone would get hurt, trying to stop her.
A shadow passed over her, and she looked up. She felt a sickly chill as dark clouds gathered overhead. Luke, maybe we should cancel or move this inside. It looks like a thunderstorm is coming.
Nonsense. Nothing can stop your day of shining in the limelight. Its a new beginning for you, my dear.
* * *
Naomi let out a sigh of relief when Lalo joined Chuy and Megan on the opposite side of the stage from Sal and Lucifer. She wanted to get closer, but she kept her distance, hiding in a cluster of trees near an office building. Even though she was in her angel form and they werent able to see her, she knew Lucifer and Sal could. She fought with every fiber in her being not to run over there and demand that they tell her where Lash was.
Thankful, for once, that angels had enhanced hearing abilities, she listened to them arguing about why Lalo was there. Lucifer looked nervously toward the group of reporters, who were starting to get curious. It was like they could pick up the scent of a scandal brewing.
She heard Lucifer order Sal to wait in the back of the crowd and to deal with Lalo later.
Jeremy, where are you? She couldnt let them get to Lalo. She knew she was there to watch over Megan, but if Sal touched a single hair on Lalos head, she didnt care how powerful he was. He was going down.
Ladies and Gentlemen. A Texas twang rang out through the audience when a middle-aged man wearing a tan Stetson spoke into the microphone. As mayor of this fine town, Id like to welcome you to Gardenville, Texas. This is a historic moment in our countrys history. It is the birth of a new party, the American Federation party. The AF will take this country by storm and forge for us a better and brighter future. It is my honor, my privilege, to introduce our fearless and dedicated leader, Texas very own, Senator Jane Sutherland!
There was polite applause as the senator approached the lectern. Naomi edged closer, her eyes darting between Megan and Chuy as the senators voice boomed through the speakers.
Thanks to all of you who braved the heat today. You are here because you believe that the American Federation can transform this nation, this country, into a better America.
As Jane spoke, Naomi watched Megan struggle to push her way past the security guards who blocked the entrance to the stage. The senator glanced in the direction of the disturbance but continued on with her speech. A few news reporters caught sight of what was happening and started making their way to the commotion.
A gust of wind rushed through the trees, sending a flock of birds screeching out into the darkening sky. Flashes of light lit the sky, and the audience grew nervous.
Let go of me! Megan tugged on a security officer who was dragging her away from the stage. I have proof that Prescott Oil is illegally dumping the chemicals used in their drilling.
A small group of reporters swarmed to her, firing one question after another.
What proof do you have?
Are you with Green Peace?
Are you with Texans Against Environmental Destruction?
Arent you Megan Dalene, the niece of the woman who died in the gas leak accident?
It wasnt an accident. Prescott Oil is to blame for my aunts death! Megan cried over the thunder and wind. Her hair blew wildly, hitting against her face. My little cousin was severely burned. Shes only four years old.
Youre going to have to leave. A security guard grabbed her arm and hauled her away from the growing crowd of reporters.
Leave her alone, Chuy growled, blocking the guard. She has every right to be here.
Step back, the security officer warned. He took out a walkie-talkie and called for police assistance.
Take it, Chuy!
He reached out to Megans outstretched hand and took what looked like a USB flash drive. He then turned towards the stage.
The moment Chuy placed his foot on the step leading onto the stage, Naomi felt a surge of terror.
Dont, Chuy! Naomi ran to him, knowing he couldnt hear her but praying that maybe, just maybe he could sense her.
Then everything seemed to happen all at once.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Lucifer nod in her direction. She felt a jolt hit against her back, and she fell to the ground. Quickly, she flipped over, just as one of the evil twins was about to strike. She flicked out her wings and took off up into the sky, with the dark angel chasing after her.
There was another loud crack of thunder, and a stinging rain poured down. She was flying as fast as she could go, trying to out-maneuver the dark angel, when his twin appeared.
She stopped and hovered above the audience, who were scrambling to get out of the rain. With one dark angel on her right and the other to her left, she had no choice but to fight.
The dark angel to her left gave her a wicked smile. Just as he was about to attack, there was a loud crash, and he spiraled down to the ground with Jeremy on top of him.
Naomi quickly turned around, and the other dark angel slammed into her, placing an arm around her neck. She twisted and clawed his arm, trying to pull him off her.
She heard a scream in the crowd below. When she looked down, people were dropping to the ground. And thats when she saw Sal pull out a gun. He was aiming it at Chuy.
No! She wailed and bit into the dark angels arm as hard as she could.
He screeched and released his hold, shouting a stream of obscenities.
Quickly, she flew down toward the stage. Run, Chuy!
Just as she was about to reach him, she felt a searing pain on her wing as the dark angel grabbed onto it. She watched helplessly as the dark angel jerked her back. She could see every single detail between Chuy and the senator as if it were all in slow motion.
The senator pushed her wet hair off her forehead and turned to Chuy, a look of recognition flashing across her face. She gazed down at his outstretched hand and was about to reach out to it when there was a loud crack.
She turned in the direction of the sound, her blue eyes widening at the sight of the gun. Her head turned, and her red lips formed a silent No, as she looked to Chuy.
In one swoop, she pushed him away and fell back as the bullet lodged into her own chest.
You fool! Naomi heard Lucifer roar as he ran onto the stage.
Chuy! Naomi screamed, jerking herself forward.
A loud cackle of laughter from the dark angel was cut off by a loud bang, and she was suddenly free. She turned to face a grinning Uri.
Go! Ill take care of Mr. Clean, he said.
Just then, Rachel emerged from the clouds with Raphael close behind her. His face was full of a rage she had never seen before and never thought possible from him.
He lifted his hand, and a fierce ray of light streaked down, striking Lucifer in the chest. His body flew back and landed on the edge of the stage. His suit was torn to shreds, exposing severe burns all over his body as he convulsed, rolling down the steps. When he landed on the bottom, his body fell limp, his eyes open and blank.
The dark twins and Sal stared down at the motionless body. Within seconds, they disappeared.
Lets go, Jeremy said as he flew toward the stage.
Naomi and the others landed on the stage. Hes alright, she said with relief as she looked Chuy over. Hes not hurt.
She watched as Chuy rolled over and crawled to the senator. Blood blossomed on her suit.
Senator. Hold on. Ill get you some help.
She grabbed his hand. Tell...tell your grandmother...
Dont talk, Senator. Save your energy. Lets get an ambulance over here! Chuy yelled.
Tell your grandmother...she was right, she wheezed. She closed her eyes and winced. Rain slid down her pale face.
Right about what? Senator? Senator?
Slowly, she opened her eyes, and Naomi felt a pang in her chest as she watched the Senators tears mix with the rain on her face. She didnt look like the powerful woman the world knew. She looked like a little girl, innocent, and pure. It was the Jane that Lash mustve seen.
How beautiful! Hes so beautiful, Jane said.
Naomi turned, surprised that she was looking directly at Uri. Rachel and I have this one, Jeremy. Go with Naomi and get Lash. Raphael will show you the way.
Where are the others? Where are the rest of the angels? Naomi cried to Raphael.
There is no army for this. Raphael gazed sadly at her. All who came here did so of their own will.
20
This is it? Are you sure? Naomi gazed at the familiar clear stream that ran through the lush landscape and the towering snow-capped mountains in the background. This doesnt look like Hell. It looks like home.
Lucifer purposely made it look like the home where the fallen came from, Raphael said as he stopped in front of a waterfall. It makes it easier to sway those who are displeased with their work. It is not until after they join him that they realize the truth.
Lash is in there? She pointed to the cave hidden behind the rushing water.
Yes.
What are we waiting for? Naomi rushed past Jeremy.
Wait! Raphael grabbed her arm. This is no ordinary place.
I know. Rachel told me about the Lake of Fire. She shivered at the image of Uri being held captive. Lash was there now. There was no time to waste. Lets go.
Raphael tightened his hold on her. This is not something to be taken lightly. Let me go first. He put his hand into the water. It splashed onto his hand, and he withdrew it, wincing.
What is it? Jeremy drew her behind him.
Raphael turned to them, a serious look in his eyes. All that you see herethe water, the cave, even the airis made to weaken you, body and soul. The closer you get to the lake, the more your powers will be stripped from you. Do not let the lava touch you. It will burn.
I know that, she said. She didnt care what happened to her. She just wanted to get to Lash. Im ready.
We must be careful, but we must also be swift. Lucifer can return at any time.
What? But I saw you kill him, she said.
You saw me destroy his human body, but his soul remains. We may have only moments before his soul is revived, and hell head straight here to destroy us all.
With a deep breath, he turned and went through the water.
Naomi followed after him. When the water hit her back and wings, a searing pain hit the core of her being, and she threw a hand over her mouth, muffling her screams.
Naomi! Jeremy ran through the water, gritting his teeth as he went through.
Raphael drew her into his arms and gently glided his hand over her back. She immediately felt the pain turn into a dull ache.
Raphael leaned against the cave wall, gasping for air. Jeremy, I am sorry. I wont be able to heal you right now. Give me a moment.
Save your strength for Lash. Jeremy patted him on the shoulder. I can take the pain.
Naomi ran down the tunnel as fast as she could, struggling to keep up with Raphael and Jeremy. The dull ache on her wings and back was nothing compared to the searing pain that swept through her lungs with each breath of the ice-cold air. Jeremy sprinted far ahead of them. She heard his groans echoing through the cave every couple of minutes. But he kept his pace, never slowing down.
Her feet were growing numb, and she barely felt the ground beneath her. She tripped, and Raphael caught her. We are almost there, Naomi.