Dark Angel (The Angel Series Book 3)

Book summary

Stephanie faces her celestial father, Mustafa, whose hidden motives threaten someone dear to her. Amid a celestial war, Stephanie is left with unexpected allies to confront powerful forces and uncover the truth behind her kidnapping. Will she conquer the Illuminati’s influence or succumb to their might?

Excerpt from Dark Angel

Blueprints to My Heart

Since my tiff with Val that last morning, I hadn’t heard from him in over a week, not even so much as a phone call. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think he was avoiding me. I threw my cell down on the kitchen table, annoyed and flopped down in a chair, shoulders slumped. Giving way to a defeated sigh, I felt abandoned. That made me one grumpy girl. Not even the aroma of Dom’s delicious coffee perked my spirits.

I understood Val’s frustration. I didn’t know what he expected from me. I couldn’t undo my past with Aidan any more than Val could change his heritage. Why couldn’t he just accept that we both have baggage?

This yearning inside me felt worse than blisters on my heels. Regardless of my heart’s desire, I had to face the reality that whether or not Aidan was included in the equation, the fact remained that Val and I didn’t have a future together. I had to keep Val’s best interest at heart. I couldn’t stand back and watch him become ostracized by his race on my account. It would be too selfish for me to put him in that position.

To be fair, even if I wanted to, I couldn’t make a decision of where my heart lied. My stomach knotted. When I’d walked into Mardea’s bookstore that evening, little did I know that my life was going to change course. Meaning the already sticky triangle just became more complicated.

If the storekeeper, Mardea, was telling the truth, that meant Aidan was alive, and he had our child in his safe hands. That certainly changed everything. Perhaps all my pending questions would come to a light.

Considering all things, I couldn’t exclude the Family. It hadn’t left my notice that they could be setting a trap. Regardless how this scenario played out, I needed to watch my back. An act of haste could get me killed, and worse, lose my child forever.

Before I proceeded forward with my search, I needed to know if Val had come across any vital information. Not knowing had my gut in knots. If I were a betting girl, I’d wager that the Zop leader took it upon himself to seek out Mardea and confront her. Val made it very clear that he didn’t trust her, nor did he care for the necklace either.

Despite Val needing time to simmer, I had to see him. The walls of the house felt like they were closing in on me. I couldn’t wait any longer. I was going insane. If he didn’t want to come to me, then I’d go to him.

One hour later, I stood in front of Val’s bar, trying to settle my nerves. I watched the orange colored neon light flash above the door reading Mephistz. A cool breeze tousled my hair. Not exactly pleasant, unless you liked horse manure.

I wasn’t sure if my uneasiness came from the possibility of running into Razz or confronting Val. Either way, I planned to pull up my big girl panties and confront my eschewing friend.

I’d rushed to get here. I threw on the first pair of raggedy jeans I could find, a light tank top, my scuffed-up cowboy boots, and my western hat. Makeup took too much time, so I splashed some water on my face and brushed my teeth. I figured I looked perfect to hang out with the scumbags who frequent the bar. Obviously, the Zop clan was not my fav. I had a problem with prejudice pigs.

I brought backup, my trusty dagger. I never left the house without the steel. I’d gotten pretty handy at throwing. I could hit a snake at thirty feet. It’d be nothing to thrust a blade between one of these jokesters’ eyes.

Chin tilted in defiance, I entered the bar like I owned the joint. Wasting time wasn’t my forte, so I directly went straight to the bar. A young man behind the bar approached me. The glint in his eyes told me he knew my kind, an impure. “What will it be?” His disdain was apparent.

“I’ll take a beer, dark draft, and Val, if he’s around,” I flashed a sugary smile.

The guy smiled without it touching his eyes as he slid a large mug my way. “Sugar, he’s over there,” he nodded past my shoulder.

I pivoted on my heels, immediately dropping my beer. “That son of a bitch!” Gawking incredulously, I stood there, beer spattered over my clothes. “What is she doing here?”

Then I heard the bartender snort behind me. “It’s one of those on-again-off-again affairs.”

“She’s not a Zop. So, you approve,” derision spilled forth from my tone.

“My approval doesn’t matter. Just glad his girlfriend doesn’t stink like an impure.”

I scoffed over my shoulders at the bartender’s dig. I wasn’t going to dignify that comment with an answer.

It wasn’t hard spotting Val. His blonde locks stood out among the crowd. He was in the center of the dance floor, dancing seductively with her. Their bodies locked together tight. A sinking sensation washed over me, like I was falling into a black hole. I couldn’t rip my eyes away as I watched.

A lopsided smile seemed glued to Val’s face. I knew that look. He once looked at me that way, but something was different. His face gleamed like a man in love. Apart from me, the whole world knew, including the hired help.

Their bodies pressed together, swaying to the music, there was no question, they’d shared more than just friendship. All this time, he’d never mentioned a girlfriend, but one thing I couldn’t deny—I had to confront this bitch once and for all. Before I gave it another thought, my dagger left my hand. End over end, it sailed through the air past the crowd, right on target, the dagger nicked his lover’s ear.

It all went down so fast. In one instant, she yapped, grasping her bloody ear. The room fell silent, following only a second later by an echoing thud, piercing the wall clear on the other side of the bar. I smiled to myself. I got the results I wanted, Val’s attention and that bitch’s hands off him.

Seeing the girlfriend’s starkness only sweetened my endeavor, until I became keenly aware that every eye in the joint had my back for a target. Despite the potential of getting mobbed, the only pair of eyes that I’d concerned myself with was the livid gold ones glaring at me. One glimpse of his steel jaw and I knew I’d crossed the line. At this point, a fight was inevitable, but his anger didn’t seem so important. I wanted to know what he was doing with her.

I kept my feet planted to the ground and teeth gritted, staring back as Val charged straight for me.

Now in my face, he towered over me with a six-foot-five fierceness, consuming and threatening. My heart hammered against my chest.

I raked in my fear. I couldn’t let a little thing as death stop me from confronting him. I stiffened, bracing myself for the storm.

“Just what the hell do you think you’re doing?” Val wailed through clenched teeth.

“Oh… just playing with my little old knife.” I flashed a mischievous smile.

Then her hand snaked around Val seductively, trailing the line of his chest. Obviously, she knew his body very well. It took everything I had not to beat that despicable woman with my bare fist.

As I expected, the bitch interjected with a sultry coo. The sound that would prompt me into having my memory wiped in order to forget. “Fancy meeting you here, Stephanie,” she purred with acid.

“You must be on break,” I snarled “Rumor has it that the corner’s a bit slow these days. I hear they pay whores well, but only if they have all their teeth. You might want to offer a discount.” I taunted as if the devil sat on my shoulder.

She snorted a tight smile. “What the hell are you talking about? I have all my teeth.”

The blonde had no clue. “Yeah! Not for long.” I spat her name as if it carbonized my tongue, “Helen!”

I etched my hand to my second knife hidden in the back of my pants. Helen had the speed of a cheetah and claws to match. I wasn’t about to let my guard down.

Val stepped between us, blocking me from any chance of taking down the blonde. “Helen,” he ordered, sternly. “Stay put! Let me get rid of this nuisance. I’ll be back shortly.” He winked at her. Then Val turned a cold eye on me, swooping me over his shoulder, carting me outside to the sidewalk again. It was starting to become an annoying habit. Once more, I seemed to have found myself left on the curb like an empty milk-jug.

When we were out of earshot, he set me down roughly. Shaken off balance, I fell, landing on my keister. Disenchanted, I took note that he didn’t bother to offer me his hand to help me to my feet. Instead, he hovered over me with veins in his neck standing out in livid ridges. “Can you not take a hint,” he blasted me. “If I wanted to talk to you or see you, I know exactly where to find your pampered ass.”

“Yeah, I see why you haven’t been returning my calls.” Without delay, I shook off the embarrassment and sprang to my feet. “What are you doing with her!” I snapped, resting my hands on my hips.

Val’s eyes tightened as he leaned closer. “I know what it must look like,” he barely whispered, “But sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures.”

“What,” I scoffed sarcastically. “You getting laid?” The ache of betrayal struck. A pain I knew too well.

“It’s not like that, Stevie,” he whispered heatedly.

“What is it then? You sleeping with the enemy?”

“Not exactly,” Val sighed deeply as he weaved his fingers through his hair. “Helen and I go back a long ways.”

“Is she the discreet person you were hiding from me?” I hissed as I jabbed a finger in his chest.

“I didn’t tell you because I knew how you’d react.”

“If you can’t be honest with me, how can I trust you?”

“I haven’t deserted you,” his voice rose, no longer a whisper.

“Oh, really? If I hadn’t thrown my knife, I think you would’ve taken her right there on that filthy floor!”

“If I didn’t know any better,” a lopsided grin stretched across his face, “I’d say you’re jealous.”

“Is that what you think?”

“Yes, I do.” Val’s eyes glistened.

“You’re wrong!” I denied emphatically. “What I have a problem with is that Helen is Aidan’s sister! That bitch is just as evil and part of that disgusting family and most likely she knows where my da… ” Then it hit me. Damn, how stupid could I be? I picked my hat off the ground and shook the dirt off. “I blew it!” The acidity hit me.

Val scratched his day-old stubble. “Maybe not. With her, it’s hard to say.” His eyes turned gentle.

“What happened to the first plan, mimicking a staff member from the hospital?” My brows knitted in confusion.

Val blew out a long sigh. “A couple of my Zops and I went to Haven. We found their files, but no sight of yours. The Family is not stupid. Do you honestly think they’d leave such salient information lying around?”

“No, of course not. I had no other recourse.” I felt overwhelmed with disappointment. “I guess we’re on plan B?” I attempted a forced smile.

“It looks that way.” There seemed to be something else lingering behind Val’s voice that I couldn’t put my finger on. Although my finding out what would have to wait. We had to go into plan B before a certain person became suspicious.

“Okay, let’s make this look good.” I acted before I’d given him time for-my-meaning to sink in, as I hauled off and sucker-punched him in his square jaw. His face flew to the side, blood splattered from his busted lip. Then I launched curse words at him. “You dirty bastard! Don’t ever call me again,” I shouted, making this feigned squabble look real.

Without hesitance, I lunged into the backseat of the cab parked by the curb. Apparently, it had been waiting for me, the same driver as always. Though, not surprising. This time, I paid. I watched from the rearview window as Val rubbed his jaw with stun written over his face. A tight smile lit my face. There was a part of me that took some pleasure in socking him. I guess this was becoming a bad habit, clocking the men in my life. I shrugged. It could be worse. I could have to cook.

***

That night a storm blew in raining sheets of steel, pounding the rooftop. Limbs from the oak tree kept scraping the window and casting shadows in my bedroom. And then adding the lightening streaking the menacing sky and thunder roaring, it all kept me buried under my blankets shaking. Storms in this weird state had no mercy for its inhabitants. That was the one thing I disliked about Louisiana.

Giving up on the fantasy of sleep, I high-tailed it downstairs to put on a kettle of water to heat. I figured a cup of Dom’s chamomile tea might soothe my restlessness. I’d just settled down at the table, looking over one of Dom’s gardening tip magazines, when I heard light footsteps. I peeked over the rim of the mag, and in walked Dom, dressed in his night robe.

“Hey, Dom!” I smiled warmly. “You couldn’t sleep either?”

“Oui,” he answered in short. “Jeffery will be joining us momentarily. We want to show you something.” Dom’s face seemed strained.

“Okay.” The magazine no longer held my interest as I tossed it aside and folded my hands. Dread had a bad habit of knocking at my door too frequently these days. I took a sip of my hot tea, trying to hold my panic in check. My fingers started strumming the table to keep myself from a full-blown breakdown.

The clock’s ticking echoed through the house relentlessly. Tick-tock-tick-tock. Time seemed to stand still as I kept checking the grandfather clock. Unable to stand the wait any longer, I caterwauled, “Oh, for heaven’s sake! What the hell is it?” I exhaled an irritated breath.

I’d no longer evinced my impatience when I’d heard Jeffery’s bare feet padding down the stairs. My breath stopped in my throat. I wasn’t sure if I was relieved to have the suspense end more than hearing the disquieting news. The minute Jeffery shuffled into the kitchen, my worries ballooned. My eyes homed in on a white envelope, grasped in his hand.

“Don’t get your panties in a wad,” Jeffery snipped. “I ain’t breakin’ my mofo neck!”

“What is so important that it can’t wait till morning?” At that moment, I wished I were anybody but me. My stomach clenched.

“You’ll see… ” Jeffery buzzed, “But you need to chill! We want to see too!” Jeffery huffed, handing the plain envelope to me. It was nothing out of the ordinary. Merely a plain white envelope addressed to me. “It was left on our porch step today.” Jeffery urged me to open it by swishing his hand at me. “Open it!”

“Okay!” I glared at him. I tore open the envelope and pulled out a letter. I unfolded it and began reading it silently:

My darling, Stevie,

I have our daughter. I finally managed to escape the clenches of my family, but Dawn and I are still in hiding and must remain for an undisclosed time until it’s safe. Be patient my dear. We both want you with us. We are family, and she misses her mother. Go to St. Louis Cemetery tomorrow at midnight. Meet me at Marie Laveau’s tomb. Wait there, darling. Don’t tell anyone of our plans, and especially the Zophasemin you’ve been keeping company with. Trust no one. I love you, and I can’t wait for you to be in my arms and meet our child for the first time.

Forever love,

Aidan

Wide-eyed, I looked up at Jeffery and Dom. Their faces were etched in curiosity as they sat in dead quiet, staring at me. Jeffery broke the stupor between us first. “What does the letter read?” His voice rose an octave.

I sat there for a minute, trying to decide what I should say. If I revealed the details, I might put them in danger and risk losing my daughter forever. That wasn’t an option. I squirmed for a believable lie while I feigned a smile. “Oh, this is a reminder from Val. That’s all.” I shrugged, nonchalantly. I wadded the letter up and stuffed it in my pocket.

I sensed that Dom and Jeffery didn’t believe me by the glance they shared. Dom cleared his throat and added, “As I always say, ‘Chacun a son gout’” (Each to his own). However, if there is something risqué you are embarking on, you should inform us.” Dom’s gentle eyes glistened with concern.

“Guys,” I sighed sharply, “Sometimes it’s best to leave well enough alone.” I pulled from the table.

“Wait,” Jeffery called out. “At least leave a note for us to find. If you encounter any trouble, we need to know your whereabouts.”

“That’s a good idea! I’ll make sure to do that.”

“Excuse me, missy,” Jeffery’s chagrin pierced the atmosphere.

I knew that tone all too well. “Yes.” I tilted a sideways glance, not fully facing Jeffery.

“Where shall we look for this note,” he asked very innocently.

“Oh no, you don’t!” I stared at my friend. “If I tell you where the letter is, you won’t wait. You’ll snatch it up as quickly as my back’s turned. I’ll have it in a place you’ll least expect, and when it’s time to read the note, there will be a sign. You’ll know when it happens.” I grinned.

Jeffery threw his hands up in disgusted resignation. “You is too sneaky for your own mofo good! Don’t go off gettin’ yourself skinned alive, chile! There is tacky people out there who will cut you as to look at you.” Jeffery let the anger pour.

I took a deep breath and said, “C’est la vie, Jeff!” (That’s life) I shot back.

“You, my friend, are becoming more of a diva than even me.” With that said, Jeffery pursed his lips and left the kitchen, stomping up the stairs like a jilted lover, leaving a trail of curses in his wake.

Shortly after Jeffery’s departure, Dom pulled from his chair and began with a gloomy sigh, “We knew what we were getting ourselves into when we opened our lives to you. We are well aware of how the Family operates. They are a bete noire.” (a black beast) Dom gave pause. “Jeffery and I have avoir le coup de foudre (fallen in love with you). We only want what’s best for you, my dear.” Dom came around the table and squeezed my shoulder and made sure I looked into his warm eyes. “Don’t shut us out completely.” He smiled, and without another word, he went to seek his disgruntled partner.

I swallowed the knot that lodged in my throat as I listened to Dom’s footfalls fade. I never doubted Dom’s and Jeffery’s devotion. Still, it was nice hearing it.

Though my decision might’ve been right, it wasn’t an easy one. Despite my better judgment, I felt guilty. They both have stuck their necks out for me. That was all the more reason why I had to protect them at all cost.