Hidden Angel Read online

  Startled by the noise she’d made, he turned around to see what was wrong.

  Round dark eyes were staring at him in wonder. “You had the same babysitter as me!”

  A stupendous feeling engulfed him. “What?”

  High with excitement, her voice carried on. “Your back. An artist babysitting you drew that wing on you, right?” Not giving him a chance to answer, she twirled around and showed him her back.

  Immense shock ricocheted through his body, temporarily causing him to drop the blocking spell he’d surrounded himself with. She’s one of us. A bombardment of thoughts flooded his mind. Gold and silver highlighted hair, not normal at all for a human but normal for an angel. His touch didn’t work on her. Creamy skin. No monthly cycles. Smooth pussy. Someone who never shared their body would not normally shave down there, possibly not even her legs. And there was the time she head-butted him during wild jealous-heated sex. Angels in love were known to do that.

  Angel!

  Anya was an angel!

  He stood frozen in place wearing a stunned look for so long she began to tremble. Her voice was barely above a whisper, and he could hardly hear her past the total shock he was engulfed in. “You are no different than the kids I went to school with or had to play with at the park. But the pain in my heart at your rejection of me is way, way worse. I wish we’d never met.” She quickly threw on her clothes. Lips trembling, tears welled in her eyes. “You think I’m a freak like everyone else. I shouldn’t have trusted you. I shouldn’t have trusted you. Why did I trust you? Never again.” Sorrow was evident in every pore of her body. Swallowing hard, she headed for the door.

  Coming out his shock, he realized she was leaving and hurried over to her. Grabbing her wrist, he pulled her to him. Looking down into her tearful eyes, he said in awe, “You’re an angel. No wonder I was so attracted to you. Who are your real parents? Is your mother an angel? Where is she?”

  “I don’t understand what you’re saying. You’ve met my family.”

  “Why couldn’t I sense that you are an angel?” He looked thoughtful for a moment. Then understanding passed over his handsome face. “You’re a Hidden Angel! I have to show you to my mom. She’ll know what to do. She knows a lot about these matters.”

  Pulling away from him, she stated bitterly, “Not so fast with the freak show.” This was such a mistake. She strongly regretted showing him her secret. “In case you’ve forgotten, I’m not lost or hidden— whatever you called me. I have a family that loves me very much. I’m leaving. Don’t bother calling me. I’m no one’s pet freak.”

  Duncan didn’t know how to handle her. She wasn’t calm like his mom, and his touch didn’t work on her like it did on humans. He couldn’t let her go. Most likely, she’d had a hiding hex placed on her, which would make it hard for him to find her.

  Thinking fast, he started chanting a memory loss spell. The air thickened and swirled around Duncan as he chanted louder. A pale-blue light the color of his eyes rolled off his skin and formed into a long ribbon. Duncan increased the speed of the chant, causing the ribbon of light to chase Anya down and wrap around her head. He erased her memory back to her waking up to music that morning. As soon as the spell was complete, the light rushed back to him, circled his body, then absorbed into his skin.

  Hurrying to his closet, he quickly put a shirt on. He was sliding his long legs into a pair of tan pants when she walked back into his room with a look of confusion on her face.

  “The strangest thing just happened to me. I was going somewhere, and all of the sudden I couldn’t remember what I was going to do. Do you know what I was doing?”

  Shaking his head innocently, he offered, “Maybe you were looking for your coffee. See, it’s on the dresser instead of the tray. Go ahead and drink it before Joey shows up. I’m sure he’ll be anxious to get the cars moved.”

  A frown furrowed her brow. “You’re probably right, or maybe I was going looking for Joey.” Moving to pick up her cup, she commented, “Whatever caused my early-morning brain-fog, I’m sure this morning brew will clear it right up.”

  Whew, that was close. The ringing of his phone drew his attention away from his close call with Anya. “Hello.”

  “What just happened to you? Are you okay, baby?”

  Groaning, Duncan replied, “I’m fine, Mom. Nothing’s wrong.”

  “You’re not telling me the truth. Something happened that was bad enough to cause your blocking spell to slip for a brief moment. Yes, I know about your blocking spell, and I’m not happy about it. I also know something big just happened. Do I need to come over?”

  “No…but I do need your help with something. Later, not right now. I have the auction today, remember? I’ve handled the situation for now, but I’ll need to see you tonight.”

  “What’s wrong?” Concern filled her voice.

  Looking at Anya, he said in a low voice, “I can’t talk about it right now. I’ll get with you this evening. Love you, Mom. Bye.”

  If Duncan had seen the look of determination on his mom’s face, he would have known she wasn’t about to let the issue go.

  * * * *

  Both Cleves released a breath of relief when all four cars were parked in their spaces. They all received many appreciative stares. Buffed and shiny, the paint jobs drew a crowd. Gold stripes boldly raced over a glossy, gold-flecked black body, drawing attention to the Shelby. It no longer looked like it had just lost a bar fight. Now it looked like a super-hero winner, not a scratch or scrape on it.

  Rosso Barchetta, dark red, was the color of the Ferrari. This one was appreciated by all who loved deep red colors on a race-car-style body. With its tail feathers now in place, it could strut like a peacock in its prime.

  Sunshine-yellow with dark-purple hand-painted pinstripes delicately drawn in a swirling pattern complemented the lines of the Diablo, making many stop and stare. It no longer looked like a nosey neighbor looking for gossip. Now it would make nosey neighbors gossip about it. This one was her favorite. Anya hoped it went to an owner who would love it.

  White tapered racing stripes ran over the hood and trunk of the candy-apple red Viper, adding a sporty look to its sleek, smooth lines. The sharp claw-looking marks were gone from the side, and it looked great. This was now a car that could carry the most sophisticated driver almost anywhere he or she wanted to go. A highly skilled, sophisticated driver, that is.

  The car auction made national news because of the charity and fine sports cars involved. Cleve Restorations and Mechanics received a lot of camera footage. Anya was only in front of the camera for a short time before she passed the reporter on to Joey and let him do the rest of the talking.

  Anya blushed guiltily when Candice had shown up with her father to buy the Shelby. Now that she had Duncan as a lover, she felt bad about lying to the woman, but not too bad. She had no intention of giving him up just yet. Although, she wasn’t sure how she was going to keep him now that the job was done. True, she had slept in his bed for the first time last night, but that might have been just a farewell gesture.

  The auction was a great success. All the cars sold at excellent prices, thanks to Duncan for inviting people he knew loved cars and who had the money to spend on them. Everyone left happy.

  At six o’clock, Duncan approached Anya and grinned devilishly as he placed a set of keys in her hand. Looking at them, she turned troubled eyes his way. “The Diablo didn’t sell? Did the new owner back out?”

  “She sold.”

  Relief flooded her entire system. “Do you need me to drive her to her new owner’s home?”

  His lips curled. “I sure do.”

  “Let me get my pad, and I’ll write down the address.”

  “That won’t be necessary.”

  A snort slipped past her lips. “Trust me. With my memory, I need to write it down. I can’t even remember getting dressed this morning. I must be getting old.”

  “You won’t need an address this time. The Diablo belongs to you. I kn
ow how much you love her, so I bought her for you—I love you, Anya.”

  “I…” she began, but he placed his finger across her lips.

  “Just take her, Anya. We’ll talk more tonight.” Pulling her tightly to him, he hugged her before releasing her and gently pushing her in the direction of the Diablo.

  With shaking hands, Anya got in the Diablo and started the engine. Disbelief resounded throughout her whole body. He had bought her a car. Her favorite car. Did it mean he wanted more? He’d said he loved her. Could he really love a freak like her? It felt too good to be true. But maybe he was just being nice. Maybe he loved a lot of people. Trying to regain control of her rioting emotions, she focused on what she had to do next. She was going to the apartment to pack most of her stuff then go out with Duncan to celebrate the success of the auction. Planning on taking it one moment at a time, Anya pulled into Duncan’s driveway and by rote headed for her apartment.

  Joey had a full evening ahead of him. He planned on going to the apartment to change his clothes, and then he was going to take Michelle out to eat. When they were finished eating, they were coming back to the apartment to stay the night. He planned on spending his last night there in a private pool party with Michelle. Anya thought he was crazy, but the pool was heated, so she guessed they’d be fine.

  Tomorrow they’d pack up the rest of their tools and anything Anya didn’t pack that night then head home. Shrugging off the feeling that this was her home, Anya tried to stay on track.

  Duncan was still out handling the money from the sales and would be back soon to clean up and take Anya out. She needed to be ready.

  Chapter Ten

  “I saw you on the five o’clock news. Can you imagine my surprise when I saw the demon-tainted angel I left to wither away twenty-five years ago alive and well? It wasn’t a pleasant feeling. But I was new to demon chasing at that time. Unfortunately for you, I know what I’m doing now.”

  Anya jerked with shock at the sight of a man standing in the doorjamb leading out of the bedroom. How had he gotten in here? His words confused her, and his black eyes scared her. They had a soulless quality that would make a vampire shudder in fear. “I think there’s been some kind of m–mistake. I don’t know what you’re talking about. I wasn’t left behind by anyone. I have a family, and they should be here r–real soon. You should leave because they don’t like people messing with me.” Her voice quavered with fear. Crazy killer was written all over him.

  The man advanced on her. “Oh, there is no mistake. Your demon eyes gave you away. Now you have to be dealt with before you breed and continue to ruin our bloodline.” With a look of unadulterated disgust, he added, “Your kind shouldn’t even exist.”

  As scared as she was, Anya couldn’t hold back her retort, “Demons? Have you been drinking? Only humans live on earth.”

  Shaking his head from side to side, he tsked. “You are no human. Lying won’t do you any good. You are a demon, and you must be sent to the netherworld where you belong.”

  Looking wildly around, Anya sputtered in fear, “You are the demon, not me. I haven’t done anything to you, and yet you want to kill me.”

  His black eyes turned down sadly. “I don’t want to get rid of you, but I must.” His face turned to a mask of rage. “Your mother is to blame. If she’d kept her legs closed to that demon, I wouldn’t be forced to be here taking care of you. If she weren’t a pure angel, I’d kill her. Of course, if she doesn’t leave her demon lover soon, I may just kill her for the principle of it. You know, to stop other angels from following in her shoes.”

  “Look, mister, I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I know some people who can help you. They could help you get things sorted out in your mind.” She had to do something to stop this man. If she could hold out a little longer Joey and Duncan would be here. Together, they could take him down.

  Black eyes narrowed on her. “I’m not crazy. And even though you don’t seem to know it, you are the spawn of a demon, and you have to be removed from the earth.”

  Knowing she couldn’t talk her way out of this situation, Anya stepped back and picked up a heavy, metal flashlight then threw it at him. He dodged, and it hit a mirror, shattering it. Hopefully that seven years bad luck thing wasn’t true. Looking around wildly, she grabbed a lamp and threw it. He stepped out of its path easily.

  “Is that all you have? You’re the weakest demon I’ve ever seen,” he taunted.

  Picking up her duffle bag, she charged at him. This time she caught him off-guard for a second, just enough time for her to run past him. Breathing in large gulps of air, her lungs ached, and her heart beat with the force of a pounding sledgehammer.

  Lunging out of the bedroom, she rushed into the kitchenette. Seeing a wrench on the counter, she grabbed it up and ran for the door. Her blood was singing in her veins, almost there, almost there.

  One moment she was running, the next she felt a hard push. In a flash she was on the ground, sliding a few feet forward. Hearing her pursuer closing in, she screamed, “Duncan, Joey. Help me!”

  The crazy man gave a cackling laugh. “Scream all you like. They’re not coming for you, little demon. They can’t follow us where we are going.”

  Her voice rose in desperation. “I’m not going anywhere with you.” When he stepped closer to her, she kicked out at him.

  He jumped back and grinned evilly. “I like to play. I’ll give you a ten count head start. One—two—”

  Realizing what he was doing, she scrambled backward then jumped up and started running. Heart beating like an untamed beast caught in her rib cage, she madly dashed down the stairs.

  “Ready or not, here I come.”

  The rough voice echoed in her head. What was the last number she’d heard? Six. Shit, he hadn’t even given her the count of ten he’d promised. Hearing his heavy footsteps pounding down the stairs, she quickly darted into the bathroom-storage room. There was no way her short legs would have carried her fast enough to escape the garage. Where were the guys? Could she evade him long enough for them to show up?

  Hiding behind some boxes, she closed her eyes and prayed he wouldn’t find her. Maybe he would look outside for her.

  “Come out, come out from wherever you are.”

  Oh god, where was he? It sounded like he was in the garage. Blood pounded in her ears, making it hard to tell exactly where he was. Please go away, please go away. She was going to kill Joey for being late if she ever saw him again.

  Stomp, stomp, stomp.

  “I smell your fear, little demon. Come out, come out from wherever you are.”

  Silence.

  Covering her mouth with trembling hands, Anya forced herself not to make a sound. The wrench in her right hand felt cold against her heated flesh.

  A loud sigh sounded from the other side of the boxes. “Your fear is strong over here. Your demon father would be so disappointed in you, little demon. Where is your fighting spirit?—What, no answer? Let’s see, could she be here?”

  The sound of boxes moving raked across Anya’s nerves, making her tremble in fear.

  “Hmmm. Not here. Where, oh, where could you be?”

  More boxes moved. “Still not here. Maybe she left the building.”

  Anya held her breath. Hope bloomed in her chest. Maybe he’d leave.

  “No, I don’t think so. Demon stench is too strong in this area.”

  Footsteps echoed around the room. She couldn’t tell where he was. Come on, Duncan and Joey. Where are you two?

  “Maybe the stench is just a lingering effect of a demon being here for far too long. Or maybe she’s right here.”

  Anya screamed when the box she was hiding behind moved.

  He leaned down close to her and shouted, “Boo!”

  On instinct, Anya reared back and hit him hard across the face with the wrench. He bellowed with rage, and she took off running.

  Dashing out into the large, empty garage, she sprinted across the floor.

  “You�
��re going to pay for that, little bitch.”

  His voice sounded too close for comfort, so she tried to pick up her pace.

  A loud, ominous laugh sounded from behind her. She turned just in time to see the down-swing of the metal flashlight she’d thrown at him earlier come crashing down on her temple. Evil laughter was the last thing she heard before darkness wrapped her in its cold arms.

  * * * *

  The demon loomed over her wilted body and declared, “I love it when they run. The chase is so much fun.”

  Wrinkling his nose in distaste he looked around. “This place reeks of human-tainted angel. He’s probably a weakling. No threat to our kind, not like the demon-tainted angels.” Jarrell hoisted Anya’s limp body up and over his shoulder, mumbling as he left the room, “You were lighter the last time I carried you out of a room. I messed up that time, but I won’t this time. I’m much smarter now. I’ll make sure to send you where you belong this time.”

  He concentrated for a second, summoning his wings, then flapped them three times and disappeared with Anya, leaving nothing but chaotic rooms behind him.

  * * * *

  Duncan knew something was very wrong the second he drove up his driveway. Dread weighed heavily on his chest.

  Anya! Something was wrong with Anya.

  After quickly pulling up to the garage, he jumped out of his vehicle and raced inside. Emptiness assailed him.

  “Anya, Anya,” he yelled as he ran upstairs to her apartment. “Come on, baby, answer me. Where are you?”

  Entering the apartment his eyes immediately scanned the rooms for signs of Anya. Instead of seeing her, he saw the signs of a struggle. His heart sank, and his soul wailed in rage. Somebody was going to pay. Walking over to the lamp lying in a broken heap by the wall, he reached his hand out and started chanting a recognition spell. The air sparked around him, and the pale-blue light that lived within him rolled off his skin and surrounded the broken lamp. Duncan chanted a few new words, and the ribbon formed the name Anya. That meant Anya was the only one who had recently touched the lamp.