The Blood Will Run (16 page)

It is said that the heavens released these angels to protect the all mighty God from the evil fallen angel who had wished to do him harm. The Whitegliders’ eventually discovered a way to possess human bodies and began to produce offspring. These offsprings’ are half human and half angel.”

“So Alivia is half angel? Is that why I can feel her when she touches me?” Chace asked.

“Yes, I knew the minute I walked into the Café, what she was, from searching through your thoughts,” Demeetrie said.

“You can see my thoughts without touching me?” Chace asked.

“Yes, but that’s not what is important here. The thing I want to explain to you son, is that if ever there comes a time when Alivia needs to travel through the realm, don’t be shocked when her physical body stays behind.”

Chace glanced at Demeetrie sideways. “What do you mean stays behind?”

“Well son, her human body will be here, but she won’t be awake,” Demeetrie said.

Chace shook his head, “I don’t quite understand.”

“The spirit inside of her will leave her human body and until it returns Alivia will stay asleep,” Demeetrie said.

Chace stared at him in bewilderment.

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because son, Alivia will have to travel through the realm to save your brother Devin when the clan exiles him to Hellsgrave,” Demeetrie said.

“How could you possibly know that for sure?”

“The clan will exile any person that is responsible for interfering in matters which do not concern them. They are infamous for sending these betrayers to Hellsgrave.”

“And there is no other way for Devin to get out of

Hellsgrave?” Chace asked.

“Yes, Devin can wait for the yearly festival and hope he gets the chance to escape.”

Chace couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“I’m only telling you this because you have fallen hard for this girl Alivia. What’s more is when the time does come I know she will decide to travel through the realm and bring your brother back.”

“How do you know that for sure?” Chace stared at him questioningly.

“One, Alivia loves you and would put her own life at risk just to prove that to you. And two, Devin is your brother.”

“What if I decide to keep this information to myself?”

“I’m afraid that Mercy will tell Alivia what she must do when the time comes. And if she does not, then I will. You must understand that just as you are my offspring, Devin is my offspring as well. We must stick together as family no matter what, even if that family member happens to be in love with the same woman,” Demeetrie answered.

Chace nodded.

“Might I suggest that you be the one who breaks this news to Alivia? I am afraid Alivia will be relatively upset if she hears this particular news from someone other than yourself.”

Chace nodded.

“Well, I have taken up much of your time son. Let’s head back to the church.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

A
livia
and Mercy waited for Chace and Demeetrie to return. Neither one of them spoke. They just sat on the bench at the side of the church and watched the entrance doors.

“Good morning, ladies,” Devin said as he approached them.

“Hey, what brings you by so early?” Mercy asked.

“Just checking up on Vanstrauss and making sure he is right where he is supposed to be,” Devin said and then continued. “After all, it will be me who the clan will send to Hellsgrave. I’m just protecting my own ass.”

“I’d do the same,” Mercy said and smiled approvingly.

Bex walked up the paved driveway to where Alivia and Mercy were still sitting on the bench.

“Hey Bex, what are you doing here?” Alivia asked.

Bex glanced at Devin quickly and then shifted her gaze back to Alivia.

“Devin invited me out for breakfast. I was waiting in the car, but then I began to wonder why he stopped here at the church and I came to spy on him,” Bex explained.

Chace and Demeetrie walked up and stood beside Devin.

“What’s going on here?” Chace asked.

“Nothing, Devin stopped by for his daily prayer and Bex is here because Devin invited her to breakfast,” Alivia said.

She had to think fast and that was the best she could come up with on such short notice.

“Come on, seriously Livy?” Bex eyed her doubtfully. “You expect me to believe that all of you are here to pray?”

Erica and Tucker joined them. “Who’s praying?” Erica asked.

“Livy here is trying to get me to believe that everyone is here to pray,” Bex said and laughed.

“What are you doing here Bex?” Erica asked.

“I’m with Devin,” Bex replied.

Erica eyed Devin. “Is there something going on between the two of you we should know about?” Erica asked.

Devin shrugged and stared at Chace.

“Devin and Bex hooked up a week ago,” Chace explained.

“Good for you Devin,” Alivia smiled and stood up.

“Well, we’re not exactly boyfriend and girlfriend. We’re more like friends with benefits,” Devin said.

“That is just way too much information Devin. We seriously didn’t need to know that,” Erica said.

“Well,” Tucker said wrapping his arm around Ericas’ waist. “Our little group has become a lot bigger than it was a month ago.”

“Who are these people?” Bex asked and pointed to Demeetrie and then to Mercy.

“This is Demeetrie, my uncle,” Chace said. “And this is Mercy. She owns the Witchittin shop in town.”

Bex glanced at Devin sideways, “Will you be going inside to pray with everyone?”

“No, I’ve changed my mind. I’ll come back later,” Devin said. “Shall we go for breakfast?”

“Sounds good,” replied Bex.

“Maybe we should join you both,” Erica said and looked at Tucker. Tucker nodded his head in agreement. Erica continued, “We haven’t had the chance to hang out lately.”

“I’d like that if it’s alright with you Devin,” Bex said and glanced at him.

He nodded in agreement.

“What about you two? Would you and Chace like to hang out with us too?” Bex asked staring at Alivia.

“No, we already have plans,” Chace answered and then continued, “But thanks for the offer.”

“Right, so we’re out of here. See you around Alivia, whenever that will be,” Bex said and walked toward the street. Alivia knew Bex was upset, but what could she do about it. She made a commitment to watch Vanstrauss and right now, that was more important than going to hang out.

Erica hugged Alivia and followed Bex and Devin.

“Take it easy Livy see you around,” Tucker said and nodded his head at Chace and then Demeetrie. Then he shifted his gaze to Mercy and said politely, “It was nice meeting you Mercy.” Tucker walked off.

“Well I’m off too,” Mercy said. “I need some sleep.”

“Me too,” Demeetrie said. “I will see you back at the Casa De Luca, Chace.” Demeetrie reached for Alivias’ hand and held it. He then said, “Bella, it is always a pleasure to be in your presence. I hope to see you later as well.”

Alivia nodded.

Chace reached for Alivia and brought her closer to him. “I love you,” he said and kissed her tenderly on the lips.

“I love you too,” Alivia replied.

“I need to tell you something that Demeetrie has told me.”

“Is everything okay?” Alivia asked.

“Yes, everything’s perfect. It’s just that Demeetrie said there is something about you that I have to explain.”

“Well, spit it out.”

“Demeetrie said you are a Whiteglider.”

Alivia looked at him. She didn’t quite understand what he was talking about.

“What’s a Whiteglider?”

“You know how Lawson is the guardian of the physical realm door?’

“Yes.”

“Well you have the ability to go through the spiritual realm.”

“What?”

“You can astral project out of your physical body and travel through the different realms in spirit form.”

Alivia stared at him wide eyed. “You’re messing with me.”

“No, I’m not messing with you. Demeetrie knows that you are half human and half angel,” Chace said.

“Well I guess it makes sense.” She thought for a moment and then said, “Look at Lawson. He is the freaking guardian of the physical realm. Why not continue to hurl my life into an unexpected roller coaster ride through hell and back again. But I can handle whatever life decides to throw at me as long as I have you.”

Chace stared at her and smiled.

“But wait, does this mean Jules has some sort of connection to the spiritual realm as well?” she asked.

“I’m not sure. The person you need to talk to about that would be Demeetrie.”

“Well then, do you mind if I talk to him later tonight at your house?”

“Babe, you can do whatever you want whenever you want,” Chace said wrapping his arms around her waist. “If you’re happy, then I’m happy.” He kissed her on her nose and then her lips.

“If it weren’t for you, I would have probably hid in my bedroom and never come out ever again,” Alivia said. “You gave me the chance to see life for what it is and I love you for that.”

Alivia hugged him.

“I need you to always tell me the truth no matter how hard it is for you.”

“I promise you babe, I will never lie to you again,” Chace said and pressed his lips to hers.

☼

Devin walked into the Cafe and slid into booth nine.

“This place has gone downhill since Jules and Alivia took over,” Bex said and slid into the booth. Devin slid in beside her.

“Man, you just can’t keep your mouth shut can you?” Erica stared at her in disbelief.

“Sorry, but that’s my opinion,” Bex said and waved her hand at Jules.

“Hey Erica, are you enjoying your day off?” Jules asked as she walked up to their booth with a smile on her face.

“So far, it’s been just great,” replied Erica.

“What can I get you guys?” Jules asked.

“We’ll have four orders of the fanger special, with a side order of pancakes, and four coffees’ please,”

Devin said.

Jules scribbled on her order-pad and left to fill their order.

“Good call,” Tucker said as he started to play with a sugar pack.

“What’s up with Alivia and Chace these days?” Bex asked.

“What do you mean?” Erica asked.

“Well, Chace is always with Alivia. He never leaves her side, not for one second,” Bex said.

“And what does that have to do with you?” Tucker asked eyeing her suspiciously.

Bex glanced at Devin quickly and then averted her eyes to Tucker. “I’m just saying that it seems strange that they spend so much time together.”

“Bex, Chace and Alivias’ relationship is none of your business. Besides, they’re in love,” Erica said smiling.

Bex burst into laughter. “Love, what would Alivia know about love?”

“Bex, what is your problem?” Erica asked angrily.

“Bex has a thing for Chace,” Tucker said and then continued, “Go on tell Erica, how you used to go to Ticklers just to have sex with Chace.”

“What? You did what?” Erica asked and by the sound of her voice, she was upset.

“It was only a few times. And Chace wanted me as much as I wanted him,” Bex said.

“Now, I get why you’re so upset about Alivia and Chace. I swear Bex if you try to mess up what those two have together, I’ll never talk to you again,” Erica warned.

“Relax. You can’t mess up a relationship unless it’s not a great relationship to begin with. Besides, I’m with Devin now. We have a lot of fun together,” Bex said extending her arm around Devins’ shoulder.

Devin grabbed her hand away from him and placed it into Bexs’ lap. She looked offended, but Devin didn’t care. The sound of her voice was getting on his nerves.

Erica smiled and Tucker burst out laughing. “So much for trying to replace one brother with another,” Tucker said.

Erica elbowed Tucker.

“Ouch, come on Erica, that freaking hurts.” Tucker whined rubbing his side. “But you have to admit it’s damn funny.” Tucker smiled cruelly at Bex. “Besides, Bex here probably figured she couldn’t have Chace, so why not pretend Devin is Chace.”

Tucker laughed again. “You’re creating quite the little reputation for yourself. But it appears you’ve underestimated Devin here, because he isn’t as stupid as you thought he was. He knows what you’re all about.” Tucker glanced at Erica sideways.

“But if you want my opinion the better girl won.”

Devin laughed.

“Screw you, Tucker,” Bex said and then pushed Devin out of the seat.

Devin stood up and watched Bex slide out of the booth.

“I guess Bex can dish it out, but she can’t take her own medicine,” Tucker said.

“You’re nothing but a sex craved asshole,” Bex said raising her voice.

“Well if the shoe fits, wear it sweetheart,” Tucker replied.

“Can’t you control you’re stupid ass boyfriend Erica?” Bex asked staring at her angrily.

“Sorry, I don’t speak for Tucker. He has his own opinion,” Erica said and smiled.

“I knew you weren’t my friend. You’re head is so far up Alivias’ ass that you can’t see her for what she really is, an annoying, emotional, attention seeking, little bitch,” Bex said.

“I dare you to say that to Alivias’ face. She’ll knock you on your fat ass,” Tucker said.

“What the hell is going on over here?” Jules asked with her hand on her hip.

“Nothing,” Bex said and then continued, “I was just leaving.”

Bex glared at Erica angrily, before she stormed out of the Cafe.

“Wow,” Tucker began as Devin slid back into the booth. “That girl has got some serious issues.”

☼

It was about four thirty when Erica called Alivia on her cell phone.

“Hello,” Alivia said once she flipped open the phone.

Chace couldn’t help but eavesdrop.

“Alivia, it’s Erica. Can I speak to Chace for a second?” 

“Sure, no problem, hang on a second.” Alivia passed the cell to Chace and said, “Erica wants to talk to you.”

“Walk as far away from Alivia as you can get away with,” Erica said.

“Okay,” Chace walked toward the road. “Okay I’m out of ear shot. What’s up?”

“I’ve been texting you all day. Have you been ignoring me?”

Erica asked, she sounded upset.

“No, my cell is off.”

“Okay,” Erica started and drew in a deep breath.

“So, you are well aware that Bex was with us this morning at the Cafe, right?”

Chace knew what was coming next.

“Bex, well actually Tucker, brought up the subject about you and Bex sleeping together at Ticklers.”

“Okay,” Chace said.

“How could you Chace?” Erica asked.  “Does Alivia know?”

“No.”

“Well I hope you plan on telling her.” Erica said.

“Why?”

“Well if I know Bex, she’ll tell Alivia just to make her upset. I’m afraid Bex might show up at the church,” Erica said.

“Fine, I’ll tell her,” Chace said.

“Anyways, we’re almost at the church.”

“Fine,” he said as he hung up and walked back to where Alivia was sitting on the bench.

He handed her back the phone and looked at her.

“What was that all about?” she asked.

No more lies, he thought, just blurt it out.

“Well, it seems that Bex had told Erica, that well, Bex and I slept together a few times a while back.”

There he said it.