Gods and Mortals: Fourteen Free Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Novels Featuring Thor, Loki, Greek Gods, Native American Spirits, Vampires, Werewolves, & More (166 page)

“Do you think it would be safer for her to stay here?” Davin asked hopefully.

“She can’t stay here. She is not an alkin,” Caleb replied.

“However, it would give us the opportunity to be educated about her world,” Vivian said, enthusiastically. “Her world has advanced so much since we came here.”

Michael shot her a disapproving look. I could tell that he didn’t like her response at all. I knew the reason. He didn’t want me around.

Phillip interrupted, “I don’t think that would be a good idea. You don’t need Claudia in order to learn about her world. You can research on your own.”

“True. But hearing it from Claudia would be much faster. And why wouldn’t it be a good idea?” Vivian spoke out. “Divine Commandments can be altered to fit the situation.”

“She is not one of us. Need I remind you of the obvious again? She is human, not an alkin,” Caleb said with slight irritation, and then paused to think. “What if the fallen come here?”

Phillip was about to answer Caleb’s question when Agnes and Margaret entered the room, and everyone became silent. It was the first time I was able to see Margaret’s face. She was stunning, just like the goddess I remembered. This time, she wore her hair straight down, as smooth as silk. She looked at me, nodding her head to acknowledge my presence. She began to speak, her hypnotic voice exactly the way I remembered from before.

“The fallen can only enter our world if they take an alkin who has the soul of the Holy Spirit. Only Royal Council angels have the soul of the Holy Spirit. Isaiah was one of the Royal Council. He fell in love with a human many lifetimes ago. His descendants are now with the Royal Council. I doubt any of them are left on Earth. If there is a possibility that the one still exists, the chances are very slim to none. We do not make mistakes. So you need not worry. Hypothetically, if one does exist, then it is out of our hands. And if the fallen finds the one, there will be war.”

“Let the danger come!” Davin shouted passionately, raising his fist in the air, as if already victorious.

I was startled by his sudden outburst. A multitude of arguments began. They were speaking in Latin, and I could not understand. Realizing instantly that this was all because of me, I began to feel horror in my body. I was plagued by thoughts of this mysterious, beautiful, unknown existence, possibly on the verge of destruction, all because I couldn’t, or rather didn’t want to, go back. I was desperate to make this right.

“Can you please stop? I’ll leave! Just please don’t fight. I’m so sorry.” My voice became softer as I saw them glaring down on me. Maybe it was not my place to have an opinion. I was sure my sudden outburst didn’t help matters. All I wanted to do was hide. Nobody wanted me here, and I had nowhere to go.

Vivian interrupted, “Why not ask the human?”

Ask me what? I didn’t even know what they were arguing about.

“She has a name,” Michael said.

I was surprised to hear him respond in that way. It was as if I mattered to him, like he was defending me. Could he care a little? Could it be possible that he wasn’t mad at me anymore? But then I thought What does it matter, and why do I care so much about what he thinks of me anyway?

Phillip looked at me tenderly and said, “I’m sorry, but it’s time for you to leave. We will be keeping an eye on you as promised, to make sure you stay safe. However, this is an unprecedented incident. I can only hope that my judgments are correct. Michael, I think it would be best that you be appointed as her guardian angel.”

“What!” Michael and Davin exclaimed simultaneously.

“Why?” shouted Davin. “He doesn’t even like her.”

In the midst of Davin’s opposition, I tried to wrap my head around his words—he doesn’t even like her. I was disappointed at this thought, and admittedly, a bit sad too. Why did he think so little of me? I felt cursed, like being human was dirty and not worthy of this angelic being. How could someone who disliked me be the right guardian angel to protect me? I guess maybe I did care what he thought.

“Like has nothing to do with this, Davin,” replied Philip. “Michael is trained to be a guardian angel. And you are one of our gatekeepers. I need you here for now.”

“I see your point,” Davin replied, looking disappointed.

Michael glanced at me and then turned to Phillip. “I don’t think I’m ready to be a guardian angel.”

“Nothing can prepare you for what you are about to do. One can never be ready enough,” Phillip countered. “I believe you will be fine. Just listen to your heart and stick to the Divine angel rules.”

“You don’t understand. I…,” Michael said as he was about to protest again.

Phillip interrupted him. “Nothing you say will change my mind. I’ve appointed you as Claudia’s guardian angel, and that is final.”

Michael just stood there, looking down, impassive. From his body language, I could tell he wasn’t happy with Phillip’s decision. Great! I might as well be dead. The way he felt about me, he probably wouldn’t lift a finger to save me. I was just about to tell Phillip that I didn’t need a guardian angel and that I could take care of myself when Michael looked up. I waited to see what he would do.

Michael looked at Davin and then looked at me blankly. How I wished I could read his thoughts. He must be cursing inside, wondering how he could get out of being my guardian angel. He started walking toward me.

“Michael, wait.” A soft-spoken, gentle voice came from a distance.

It took me a second to even see where this voice was coming from. As she appeared, she jumped up eagerly and wrapped her whole body around Michael, like a child hugging her daddy. Michael held her tightly but tenderly and pulled her face away to give her a kiss on the cheek. I was taken aback by the sight of a child and by seeing a different side of him, affectionate and caring. Part of my anger toward him subsided, but not completely. My heart softened to see their interaction. I estimated that she was about seven years old. She had long blonde curls, reminding me of Goldilocks. It wasn’t hard to stare back when she gazed at me with those irresistible baby blue eyes. Where did she come from? Was she the only child here?

“No need to worry, Alexa Rose, I’ll be back soon. I need to take Claudia home, then I’ll be right back,” Michael said sweetly, a tone he had never used to speak to me.

“Promise?” she pouted.

“I promise,” he said as he placed her down slowly. Before he stood up, he whispered something into her ear, making her giggle.

“Okay. I will,” she responded cheerfully.

As she walked away, she acknowledged my presence with a cute little smile.

After Alexa Rose left, Agnes turned to me and said, “It’s time to send you back. Meanwhile, try to stay calm.”

As she said those words, I felt my body slowly droop. I heard a faint voice from a distance, “Davin, send them back safely. Michael, be on your guard!”

M
y alarm clock
buzzed with excitement, and without looking at it, I slammed it to snooze. Had I dreamt last night? I couldn’t remember. I strained my thoughts as if I could squeeze it out of my head, but it was no use. I guess I didn’t dream at all. No wonder I felt refreshed. What I knew was that it had been about five days since I last dreamt about Michael and the alkins, but it seemed so long ago.

It was Saturday, and today would be my first day of work on my first job. It was at Fashion Wear, which was located in a small shopping plaza adjacent to a pizza store and an ice cream store. I applied there as a cashier because of Patty. She thought it would be fun to work together.

I can still remember our conversation when she tried to convince me to work there. “This would be a great opportunity to see each other more often. You can work on weekends. You also get 20 percent off your entire purchase. What more could we ask for?”

I quickly agreed and got hired the same day I applied. She must have put in a few good words for me; I always earned excellent grades, but I didn’t have any employment references since I had never worked before. I better stop thinking in bed, I thought to myself as I looked at the clock.

“Oh, shoot!” I said out loud. “Not again!” It was close to noon. Had I pushed the snooze button that many times? I couldn’t remember if I had or if I had accidently set the wrong time. Regardless, I couldn’t believe Mom let me sleep in this late, but then again, it was Saturday. I couldn’t blame her. I didn’t let her know what time I was starting my new job. I had no time to waste. Quickly I got ready, kissed my mom, and ran out the door, hoping she wouldn’t say anything about me sleeping in this late.

“You should at least take something to go!” my mom yelled through the front door.

I didn’t want to upset her, and my stomach was rumbling like crazy from hunger. I ran back in and grabbed a banana, a granola bar, and a bottle of water, then ran back out the door. I didn’t realize she was following me outside so I practically slammed the door in her face.

“Mom!” I yelled, reaching for the door, nearly having a heart attack. “Your steps are too quiet. Please don’t follow behind me like that.”

“Sorry, but you need to slow down.”

I paused for a second to show her I was slowing down and hopped on my bike.

“Have a good first day, Claudia. Please be careful, especially since you’re working late. Make sure you call me when you get there and from time to time.”

“Mom!” I retorted as I kicked the stand from my bike.

“Okay! At least text me then.” She was standing in front of me with her hands on the handlebar so I couldn’t leave.

“I gotta go. I’m gonna be late on my first day,” I said anxiously.

“Ride carefully, watch out for cars, and don’t forget to call Gamma. She called this morning, but I didn’t want to wake you,” she said quickly and backed away. “Remember, be good to those who are alive, because what good is it when they are dead?”

“I know, I know,” I muttered, hearing that phrase from her for the hundredth time. “Bye, Mom.” I smiled and pedaled my way to work on the red bike I had received last Christmas. Although I enjoyed riding, I was hoping to get a used car, or perhaps a new car, for my birthday. I didn’t think I had ever pedaled so quickly in my life because I could feel my heart pounding in and out of my chest. I watched out for cars, just as I had promised. When I came to the first red light, I got off my bike and pushed the “walk” button. Impatiently, I pushed the button several more times, hoping that it would make the light change faster. I didn’t know how these things worked, but I thought maybe it would sense my urgency.

Walking to school was much easier since it was a shorter distance, but it was just an excuse so that I wouldn’t have to ride my bike to school. I just couldn’t do it. Riding my bike to and from work was one concession I had to make to my mom. She’d rather have me ride the bike instead of walking home in the dark, since she usually worked the night shift. I knew it would put her mind at ease, so I didn’t put up a fight. Patty lived nearby and we had planned to ride home together.

As I approached the building, a sense of excitement ran through me. On several occasions, I had visited Patty at her workplace, but it was always for a short time. Now that it was also my place of employment, I found a different kind of interest in the store. Patty saw me through the tall glass window and pointed her finger, directing me to park my bike next to hers. Her bike was black with yellow fluorescent lights in front and back. You could see that thing shine a mile away, but then again that was the whole purpose. It had an on-and-off button that controlled the brightness. I locked my bike next to hers, called Gamma and exchanged a few words, texted Mom quickly to let her know I had gotten to work safely, and ran in.

“Sorry I’m late,” I said still breathing heavily.

“You’re here.” She smiled. “No worries. Mrs. Lee had to leave, so I’m training you.” She spoke while walking toward me to give me a big hug.

“Thank God. I didn’t want to be late on my first day.” I was relieved that I had just made it in time as I hugged her back.

“Now, let me show you around,” she said enthusiastically.

As she spoke, I tuned out and observed the high ceiling and the huge size of the store. I guess I hadn’t realized how big it was before. With this newfound interest, I observed where everything was: the bathroom, dressing rooms, storage room, light and music on-and-off switch, and the cash register, before Patty even pointed them out to me. Not only was it bright from all the lights, there was also a sense of comfort…maybe it was because Patty was around. Regardless, I was thrilled to be working and spending time with my best friend at the same time. Patty was right, what more could I ask for?

As Patty continued to talk, I noticed a few customers rummaging through the clothing racks. I also noticed a teenager in front of a mirror holding one of our shirts in front of her. As we passed her, Patty made a comment.

“That shirt would look really cute on you. Would you like to try it on? I’ll take you to the dressing room, so you can see for yourself. My name is Patty, what’s your name?”

“Clara,” she said with spunk, obviously happy to have someone at her beck and call.

I followed them to the dressing room.

“Watch this,” Patty whispered. When Clara came out with her new shirt on, Patty practically dropped her jaw with exaggeration, “Oh my gosh! You look sooo cute!”

“Yeah, I like it,” Clara smiled, as she admired herself in the mirror.

“Like it?” Patty’s tone begged Clara to say more.

“Okay, I love it…and…I’ll take it,” Clara said, wanting to please Patty.

“Great, let’s take a look at some jeans to go with it. And we’re having a sale on some jewelry as well.”

Clara followed her like a lost puppy, and soon we were at the cash register. She bought two pairs of jeans, because she was undecided, three shirts, and a long chained silver necklace. Patty was such the saleslady. I helped her stuff the items into the Fashion Wear bag, a cheap gray plastic bag with the FW logo on it.

Patty looked into Clara’s eyes with a big smile and said, “Thank you, Clara. Come again soon, and I’ll help you with anything you need.”

Clara looked so pleased and by now probably worshipped Patty for her expertise in fashion.

“Thank you, Patty, for everything. And don’t worry, I’ll come again soon. You were so helpful and very attentive.”

Clara was gleaming with happiness and held the bag close to her, as if she had diamonds in it. After Clara walked out, Patty turned to me proudly and said, “And that’s how you do it!”

“You were fabulous!” I said excitedly, thinking I had a lot of learning to do.

She giggled. “Thank you. With practice you’ll be as good as me…well, almost,” she teased.

“Maybe better,” I teased back.

She gave a fake frown, and nudged my shoulder playfully and said, “It’s always busy like this on Saturdays, but it makes the time go faster. Having fun?”

As I nudged her back, I replied, “I was so excited to actually have a job, and I didn’t know what to expect, but it’s so cool working with you. And you, my friend, are an awesome saleslady. Thank you for getting me this job.” I smiled.

“Thank you, my friend, for telling me that I’m awesome. But you got the job yourself.” She smiled back and bowed gracefully and walked away to attend to another customer.

“Regardless, thank you,” I said, but I didn’t even know if she heard me.

Throughout the day, I watched Patty work her magic. The day went by in a flash. I couldn’t believe it when the clock said it was almost nine o’clock.

Patty’s cell phone rang, and she answered. “Hi, Mom. You’re what? HHHow? I’m almost done. But, I…now? Okay, bye.” She ran toward me looking very upset and confused. “My mom locked herself out, and she left the stove on. I’ve gotta go, but I’m suppose to lock up, or maybe you can, or…I don’t know. I’ve gotta go. What should I do?”

“Calm down, Patty.” I placed both of my hands on her shoulders. I caught on to what she was trying to tell me. “Don’t worry. Show me how to lock up and go. I’ll be fine. I just have to be here fifteen minutes and then lock up. No biggy. Just don’t tell my mom I was here by myself, okay?”

She nodded quickly. “Okay. I’ll make this fast. It’s really easy. Nothing to it,” she said, rushing. She opened the cash register and took out a key. “Use this spare key for tonight. Don’t forget to bring it back with you tomorrow.” Then she pulled me toward the entrance door. “Push this red button to activate the alarm, walk out, and lock the door.”

“That’s it?” I asked.

“That’s it,” she repeated. “Thanks, I owe you big time. Just text or call me if you need any help, and text me when you get home, or I’ll worry, Okay?” She sounded frazzled as she looked at me for approval.

“Don’t worry. Just go,” I said. “What could happen in fifteen minutes?”

“I’m so sorry. Your first day at work and I have to leave you. Gosh, what was my mom thinking! Ahhh! I’m so mad at her right now.”

“Don’t worry about it. Don’t be mad at her. She didn’t do it on purpose. I’m a big girl,” I said, smiling. “Now, go!” I said sternly. I practically shoved her out the door. Patty gave me a tight squeeze and left. Off she went pedaling as fast as she could. For her sake, I hoped she didn’t hit all the red lights.

Fifteen minutes usually passes with a snap of a finger, so I waited for customers to enter while I paced through the rack of clothes, looking for something that might catch my eye. At least the music was keeping me company, but not a single customer walked through the door. Fourteen minutes. Thirteen minutes. I decided not to look at the clock every minute, but the longer I stayed here alone, the more anxious I started to feel.

Suddenly, I heard a loud BAM! It sounded like one of the dressing room doors had closed itself.

Stay calm. It’s nothing. It’s just the wind, I told myself.

I couldn’t recall a customer being in one of the dressing rooms, so I guessed the door must have closed from the breeze that was coming from the air vent. Feeling more frightened than before, I quickly glanced at the clock. I decided to close five minutes early since nobody would notice, and that was when the music stopped.

I froze. My heart skipped a beat. It was like I was in a scary movie. I ran to switch the music button back on, then remembered that the control panel was located inside the dressing area. I stopped when I got near the door. I didn’t want to go in there, but I had to prove to myself that it was a coincidence, and that the music was probably on a timer set to turn off at a given time.

As I slowly walked in, I looked around the five dressing rooms and saw that all the doors were closed. I was able to spot the switch quickly, as I remembered Patty pointing to the wall right next to the first dressing room. Just as I reached for the switch, the lights went off; it was pitch-black.

What was going on? This couldn’t be happening. Maybe Patty forgot to tell me that the lights went off automatically. There had to be a reasonable explanation for this. Although I could see some dim lights from the parking lot glimmering through the windows, it was still dark, and I could barely make anything out. Then I heard a soft eerie voice call my name. “Claudia…”

I didn’t answer. I thought I was losing my mind. Then I heard my name being called again in the same creepy voice. “Claudia…”

Hearing my name for the second time was a sure sign that I was not delusional. Immediately I panicked. I knew for a fact that there was no one here except me. I calmed down and decided to answer, thinking that maybe Patty was playing a joke on me. “He…ellooo. Anyone there?” I asked quietly.

“Claudia, commme.”

“Who are you? How do you know my name?” I demanded. “Patty, is that you? You can stop now! I’m on to you! It’s not funny anymore! You’re scaring me!” I was envisioning Patty turning on the lights, laughing, and telling me it was her way of initiating a new employee. Please let it be her, I prayed.

“Follow the light,” the voice continued, ignoring my request.

When it spoke again, I knew with certainty that it wasn’t Patty’s voice. The voice was very enticing and for some unknown reason, I wanted to go to it, even though I was scared for my life. Suddenly I was in a hypnotic state; I had no control of where I was going, though I could see and hear everything around me.

“Claudia, Claudia…come to me.”

I was walking toward the light, which was glowing around a door. As I placed my hand on the doorknob, the bright light began to fade. I didn’t want to move, but my body and mind were not in sync. I could see my hand twisting the doorknob, even though I was screaming inside telling myself not to open it. I could no longer resist, and I succumbed to the calling that would lead me into the darkness.

As I obediently walked into the room, the door behind me slammed shut. The loud bang jolted me out of the trance, leaving me to wonder why I was there. Immediately I turned to open the door, but it wouldn’t budge. Twisting, pulling, and turning the knob every way possible was useless. With my back against the door, I searched the pockets of my jeans, only to realize I had left my cell phone next to the register. What could happen in fifteen minutes? I remembered telling Patty. I should’ve kept my mouth shut.