Night Angel (Angel Haven) (23 page)

****

Karen sat up when the door creaked open. Gizel entered, heading straight for Randall. He checked the salve on the knife wound, nodding in satisfaction.

He gazed at Karen. “He’ll live, but he’ll have a scar.”

Karen sagged back in the chair.
He’s going to live.
“I don’t care if he scars.” She dropped to her knees, grabbing Gizel in a tight hug. “Thank you so much.”

He patted her back. “The bond between the two of you is one of the strongest I’ve ever felt. Keep it going through the night. He should wake tomorrow. Stay with him. Watch over him.”

She gazed at Randall in the bed. “I will. I promise.”

Gizel noticed blood on her sleeve and lifted it, muttering something. He took some of the salve and smeared it on her and said the incantation one last time. He nodded and left.

The setting sun bathed the room in low light. Raesheen came in. “Gizel says he’s going to pull through.”

Karen nodded, glancing out the window at the darkening sky. “Will he change?”

Raesheen walked to the bed, nodding as she threw back the covers. “If we got the poison out of his system in time. Help me get him undressed.”

They pulled his clothes off as the last rays of the sun faded. When Karen had lit the last candle Raesheen had brought, the guardian lay there. “Will the change help him heal?”

Raesheen shrugged. “It should. Take a quick break. I’ll stay with him.”

Karen stood and stretched. She watched Randall a few more minutes before forcing herself to leave the room.

She went to the kitchen for some water. As she filled the glass, she saw movement outside. She eased herself out the door, staying close to the cabin wall. As her eyes became accustomed to the darkness, she saw several men, but they looked larger than normal and deformed.

“Who are you and what are you doing here?” she demanded.

The largest stepped forward. “We mean you no harm. We’re guardians. One of our own is here and injured. We were fighting the men in the woods when he was hurt.”

“Guardians?” Karen repeated. She ran to him, throwing her arms around his waist. No wonder they looked odd. Now she could make out their wings and tails and their elongated faces. “I’m so glad you’re here. I’m Karen.”

The guardian looked down at her. “You’re the one the children call Angel?”

“Yes.” Karen stepped back and smiled.

One of the guardians came forward. His ebony hair fell over his eyes as he stared at her. “Is Randall all right?”

Karen nodded, narrowing her eyes. He had the same deep, southern drawl as Randall. “Gizel seems to think so, and he changed at sunset. I’m hoping he’ll heal faster.”

He grabbed her hands. “That’s great news. If the wound had been any more life threatening, he wouldn’t have changed.” He stared at the cabin. “Can I see him?”

“Who are you?” she whispered.

“My name’s Marshall. I’m his brother.”

Chapter Twenty-One

Karen’s eyes fluttered open and she stretched, arching her back to work the kinks out. She smiled when she saw Randall watching her.

He held out his hand and she hurried to his side. “Morning, beautiful.”

She sat on the bed, taking his hand in hers. “Morning, yourself. Gizel said if your wound looks better you can keep the bandage off.”

“I’m all yours.”

He lay still while she checked his chest. “All closed up. I think you should keep it covered for at least one more day.” She took clean gauze from the night stand.

“I can’t believe it’s over,” he said, watching her work.

She smiled at him. “How’s your arm?”

He flexed it. “Still aches, but the bones have mended.”

She took the bandage off his hand, nodding in satisfaction when his skin was pink and healthy, not the angry red mass of blood and blisters that had covered his palm the day before. “And your ribs?”

He nodded. “The same as the rest of me.”

“That good, huh?” She dropped her gaze to his bare chest with the stark white bandage. “Gizel says you’re going to scar.”

He curled his fingers around her hand. “Badge of honor. It was worth it to save you.”

She leaned over, stroking his hair. “The guardians came to the cabin last night. One in particular wants to see you. His name is Marshall.”

Randall tried to sit up, grimaced, and rubbed his chest. “Marshall’s here? He promised me he’d stay away.” He glanced up at her. “Marshall’s my brother.”

“I know,” she said, grinning. “I met him last night. He’s very worried about you.” She went to the door and turned to him. “I’ll go get him.” She stabbed her finger at him. “And you, stop moving.”

She opened the back door, stepping into the bright morning sun. The guardians patrolled close to the cabin, their eyes watching the surrounding area for threats.

She waved to them. “Good morning.”
Are all guardians this extraordinarily handsome?
she thought. As humans, the ease and grace with which they moved and their extreme good looks could make a sinner out of a saint.
Misty would have a lot of candidates for her list. She couldn’t help but smile at the thought.

Marshall trotted over to her. His eyes were stormy gray, perfect with his midnight hair.
He must’ve broken a lot of hearts in high school.

“Good morning, Angel.” He kissed her cheek. “Can I see him?”

Karen smiled. “He seems a little upset with you. Go on in. He’s in the bedroom.” She watched as Marshall hurried through the door and down the hallway. She turned to the others. “It’s not over, is it?”

“Liam,” he said, introducing himself. “And no, it isn’t. As long as Troyington lives, the threat remains. Caledon wants the children home as soon as possible. Marshall and I are going to stay with you and Randall. The rest will escort the children home as soon as they are ready to go.”

She nodded. “That sounds great. The children need to be home with their families and to get a decent meal.”

He laid his hand on her shoulder. “You and Randall have done enough. We can finish it if he wants.”

Karen stared into Liam’s eyes. “He’ll insist on taking down Troyington. As he’s the one that’s suffered the most, it’s his right.”

“I hoped that would be your answer.” Liam nodded toward the cabin. “I know where you’d rather be. Go on. We’ll talk more later.”

“Thank you,” she said. “The rest of you will come see him, won’t you?”

He gave her a slight smile. “Of course. Just because we’re from different clans doesn’t mean we aren’t tied together. All guardians are bound by who we are and what we do. We’re brothers in the truest sense of the word.” He gave her a little push toward the cabin. “Now go. He needs you.”

As Karen made her way to the bedroom, laughter drifted toward her. She stood in the doorway, watching the brothers. She could see the resemblance now that they were human. Even though Marshall was bigger, with broader shoulders, longer legs, and more muscular arms, they had similar shaped faces and the same impish smiles.

“You guys catching up?” she asked coming into the room.

Randall smiled at her. “Yeah.” He turned to Marshall. “See what I mean?”

Marshall’s eyes narrowed as he watched her walk closer to the bed. “Yeah. You’ve got a seriously powerful soul mate. The High Mother is going to love her. She complements your power perfectly.”

“I know.”

Karen folded her arms, staring at the two of them. “But he’s got this annoying habit of talking about me like I’m not here.” The brothers were seriously sexy. Thank goodness Marshall’s smile didn’t affect her like Randall’s. There were many benefits to having one love, after all.

Marshall laughed. “He does it to the rest of us, too. Maybe you’ll get him to break that particular habit. Welcome to the family.”

“Thanks.” Karen was run into from behind as the werewolf children crowded into the room, the younger ones arguing over who got to sit on the bed.

Karen, you awake?
Rena called in her mind.

Yeah. What’s up?

All the people that left the town yesterday are back, and we’ve been told in no uncertain terms to leave.

Get out of there then. I’ll see you back at Angel Haven in a couple of days.

You sure?

Karen watched the children and Randall laugh and talk.
I’m sure. There are a few loose ends here that need to be tied up. I’ll be home soon.

Finally, Karen clapped her hands to get their attention. “All right, gang,” she said. “The guardians are here to take you home, and Randall needs some more rest. We’ll join you tomorrow.”

The pack children filed out, calling their goodbyes to Randall and Karen. Marshall stood, too. “I’ll let you guys have some time. I’ll be back later, little brother.”

She shut the door behind Marshall and went to take the hand Randall held out to her. She shrieked as he pulled her down onto the bed with him.

“You’re going to aggravate your injury,” she said.

“Tough,” he murmured, kissing her lightly. He trailed his fingers along her arm as he inhaled her scent. “When I saw the knife, I was so afraid I’d lose you. I just want to hold you, to know you’re safe.”

She snuggled closer, sighing as his arms wrapped around her. “I’m glad I made you keep your promise.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Oh? What promise?”

She traced his jaw. “You promised me you wouldn’t be dumb enough to get yourself killed.”

He grinned, his hand dropping to her shirt and opening the top button. “Want to help me heal faster?”

Gazing in his eyes, she knew exactly what he meant. “How? Do you need some soup or something?”

He opened another button. “I was thinking more along the lines of a little tender loving care.” He opened her shirt the rest of the way, placing light kisses on her collar bone.

She stood, slowly peeling off her clothes. She felt her body burn from the intense hunger in his eyes. “I think soup would be better for you.”

He smiled, pulling his power forth. “No, I think you’re just what the doctor ordered.”

She threw the covers off, and pulling her own power out, straddled his lap. She leaned down and whispered, “Let’s make you better.”

****

Karen stood and dressed. “The sun’s setting soon. The other guardians want to see you.”

Randall carefully sat up, wincing as he felt the knife wound twinge. “Are you coming with me?”

Karen turned to him, running her hand down his arm. “Of course. I’m your soul mate. It’s my duty to be with you no matter what.”

He winked at her. “I can’t wait for this to be over.”

“I know. Get yourself ready. I’ll see you outside in a few minutes.” She pointed to the chair against the far wall. “Raesheen brought your pants.” He nodded and Karen slipped out, closing the door behind her.

As the sun began to set, Randall climbed from the bed. His nightly change was beginning, and he welcomed it. He could feel himself grow stronger as his body morphed into the gargoyle. Folding his wings tightly around him, he trod carefully through the cabin to join his brethren.

He stepped outside, unfurling his wings to their full span. It seemed forever since he could just stand in the darkness and be himself. He heard someone coming up behind him and turned, watching his brother approach. Randall frowned. “I thought you were staying down home.”

Marshall shrugged. “You’re my little brother. I had to make sure you didn’t need my help. We both know I’m the better fighter.”

Randall rolled his eyes. “Thanks for your concern.”

“Good evening,” Liam said, appearing in the darkness. “You’re feeling better?”

“Yes. Gizel’s salve worked wonders.” He stopped and looked at the guardians, for the first time a little apprehensive about what he had to say. “My soul mate helped too.”

The guardians all nodded, looking at each other, knowing what he meant. Marshall glanced at the cabin. “Speaking of the Angel, where is she?”

“She’ll be out soon.”

****

The guardians came around to the front of the cabin. Karen shook her head. She couldn’t believe that fairies were real and she was soul mate to a guardian of the fairy world. She couldn’t wait to tell her team and her father about all this.

She hurried straight for Randall’s side and sighed as he put his arm around her. She stared at the guardians towering over her. “I’m not used to being the shortest member on a team.”

Marshall laughed. “You’ll get used to it. Wait until you meet the rest of our clan.”

“Great.” She studied their faces. “What’s going on?”

“We were catching up on clan business,” Liam said. He stared at her. “It’s time. Tell him.”

Randall switched his gaze between the two of them and frowned. “Tell me what?”

“Troyington’s alive,” Karen said in a low voice. She felt his anger fuel his power, making it burn bright and hot within her. “He escaped after stabbing you.”

“Why didn’t anyone stop him?” Randall growled.

“Because saving your life was more important to all of us,” she said, her voice rising. “I wasn’t about to go running off to get revenge while you were leaking blood all over the ground.”

He caressed her cheek. “I’m sorry.”

She stared at him, trying not to smile.
“Apology accepted.”

Randall stared at the group. “So what do we do?”

Liam stepped forward. “He’s got to answer for his crimes against my clan and Caledon’s pack.”

“There’s no proof,” Randall said. “Without that, human law can’t touch him.”

Karen’s mouth hung open as she stared at him. “You mean he’s going to get away with what he’s done? Are you kidding me?”

“I didn’t say that.” Randall turned his gaze to the woods. “I said
human
law can’t touch him. I didn’t say our laws couldn’t.”

Karen turned to Liam. “How do we know he’s still in the area? If it were me, I would’ve hightailed it out of here by now.”

“The wood folk are watching him.” Liam’s face drew down into a fearsome scowl. “He hasn’t left his house since he returned.”

“We should be there,” Marshall said.

Karen watched Liam and Marshall take off and could only imagine what a whole squadron of guardians in flight would look like. It would surely be magnificent. She turned to Randall. “Are you ready for this?”