The Fallen Part 14

aBy the time I had found a place where I believed I would be safe, I was not very clear in my mind--and it was not as safe as I had thought. The humans came when I was barely conscious. I fought them, but I was weak and easy for the four of them to overwhelm. When I woke again, I was as you found me.a I was more than a little unsettled by the time head finished. I was deeply distressed. Guilt crept into the mixture for my part in his mistreatment, but I was far more furious at what those cultists had done to him. I had to fight the urge to rage over what they had done, which made it that much more difficult for me to think objectively about his problem.

aYou were in an abandoned building when they found you?a He shrugged. aSo I had thought.a aMaybe an abandoned building,a I amended. aYou donat recall having the sword when you were taken from the building?a He gave me a look. aI was not conscious.a I felt like crying, but stifled the unfamiliar urge. aNot very helpful. So you wouldnat remember anything about the trip to the temple either?a He shook his head.

I thought over what head said. aIt must be around there somewhere,a I muttered finally. aEven unconscious, I doubt they would have considered going far with you. Believe me, those cowards were a lot more afraid of you than you were of them.a He looked surprised. aI was not afraid. I was angry. If I had had only a little time to rest and heal, they could not have taken me. I was angry that I was so weak that I had been taken so easily.a Now that he mentioned it, I recalled pretty vividly that he had been very, very angry. Iad thought at the time that it was because of me. Now I wondered if he had been so furious simply because I was another human whoad come to torment him.

I sighed. Water under the bridge now, but it was certainly something to make a mental note of for future reference--donat get so wrapped up in what you want that you forget to consider someone elseas feelings.

There were a lot of ways awhat goes around comes arounda could manifest itself. Gideon had gotten his revenge for what Iad done in a way I doubted head even considered.

aWeall have to go back there,a I said decisively. aYouall have to go with me because I canat fly. And weall need to disguise you. I donat want to take a chance that any of the cultists will recognize you and try something else.a aI am strong now. I would welcome the opportunity to fight them again.a aIam sure you would, and I canat say I blame you. Thing is, though, humans take a dim view of wholesale slaughter. If you waded in and whacked off a lot of heads, every cop for miles around and half the federal government would be looking for you--which might not bother you since you can always head back across the border. But it could make my life h.e.l.lish and Iam just not going to go if you wonat give me your word that you wonat do anything thatall land me in jail. Iave got other plans for my life.a

Chapter Eight.

He gave in easier than Iad expected, which made me more than a little suspicious. From what I could see, the world he hailed from was all about vengeance--taking it and dishing it out. Considering the circ.u.mstances, I would have wanted revenge myself if theyad done to me what theyad done, and tried to do, to him so I could relate to the desire for it. I just hoped he could contain himself until I was out of the picture.

He seemed to take it as a matter of fact that as long as he was there anyway he might just as well take care of his needs. On an emotional level, I wasnat nearly as enthusiastic as I had been before because I found I couldnat be as objective and detached about it. On the other hand, I couldnat think of any way to object that wouldnat give my feelings away. Besides, I did enjoy it. I figured I might as well make hay while the sun was shining.

Having done without for almost a week--half a week anyway--I discovered I couldnat contain my enthusiasm anyway once he got the juices flowing. Since the route of indifference wasnat possible, I decided to go the other way and tease him to the point of rough, quick s.e.x to minimize the temptation to go all mushy and stupid about it. It worked like a charm, because, I suppose, head done without, too--maybe not--but I didnat want to think about that. He was hungry enough to convince me head gone without and that was all that really mattered.

Since I figured the sooner done the better, I took some measurements and headed out to the mall the following morning to find clothes that would help him blend in. The price tags were a real shock, enough that my practical side kicked in.

New clothes were going to be a lot more noticeable than older clothes. I didnat want to make him look like a homeless man either, but Gideon was drop dead gorgeous. Women were going to notice even if the men didnat. As much as I wanted to dress him aprettya, I decided that wasnat such a great idea and began searching for stores that recycled clothing.

It was exhausting, but I finally found a couple of shirts and pairs of pants I thought would fit him reasonably well. I didnat bother with undies. He went around swinging in the breeze now. I figured the pants were going to be more restrictive than he liked. Topping the stack off with a pair of tennis shoes and cap with a visor to hide as much of his beautiful face as possible, I paid for it and headed home again.

Gideon was pacing my living room when I got back, not surprising since Iad told him I wouldnat be gone long.

I was happy to see the clothes fit him--not happy with the way he looked in them. There was just no making the guy look bad.

He hated the shoes worse that he hated the clothes, and he was pretty unhappy about those.

That long, beautiful black hair had to go. I knew it, and yet I just couldnat bring myself to cut it off. Finally, I brushed it back from his face, secured it with a pony tail stretch band and tucked it under his cap.

He liked the cap.

Probably because he looked like h.e.l.l in it. One could always count on a man becoming instantly attached to anything that looked like s.h.i.t on them.

The first part of the trip didnat go well. Gideon twitched, complaining about the restriction of the clothes and the fact that he couldnat get out of them very quickly if he needed to. The shoes pinched and the trousers were strangling his c.o.c.k and b.a.l.l.s.

I told him to do like every other man Iad ever seen, play with them until he was comfortable. I also pointed out that he wasnat supposed to get out of the clothes quickly because head promised me he wasnat going to do anything violent.

I had to slap his hand when we stopped for lunch, because he was still trying to adjust himself. He glared at me, but subsided, merely shifting and wincing like he had a stake up his a.s.s from time to time.

Patience, Nicole! I told myself. The man had never been trussed up in clothes before. I was sure it wasnat something he was going to get used to either, because he would be ditching them as quickly as he could.

I whiled away the second half of the trip talking--mostly to myself--about the farm and what I would do with it. Despite everything, I was really looking forward to a change in my life, maybe because of everything.

I didnat get so wrapped up that I talked about my plans for the kid. I figured wead pretty much made our peace on that subject. There was no sense in starting the war all over again by reminding him of what Iad done. Besides, I thought Iad feel better if we could end this affair on a high note. Fighting was no way to end it.

Toward the last, as we came closer to the town, uneasiness loosened my tongue even more. I really didnat relish returning to the scene of the crime so soon after the crime. It was risky. I was fairly sure no one had seen me well enough to recognize me except the girl Iad hit with the taser and as far as I knew she was still in the loony bin. I wasnat one hundred percent certain, though--of anything.

Since I figured two strangers asking anything at all about the cult or the fire would be enough to arouse suspicions, I merely drove around town until I found a real-estate company. I was nervous about taking Gideon in, but more nervous about leaving him outside in the car--which I knew he wouldnat stay in.

The receptionist glanced up when we came in, did a double take when she caught a glimpse of Gideon and was instantly transformed into borderline r.e.t.a.r.ded. aCan I help you?a she stammered, falling all over her tongue.

It thrust me immediately into territorial b.i.t.c.h mode. Iad realized I would have to introduce Gideon. He didnat look a thing like me, so I didnat think it would be very believable to claim him as a relative. On the other hand, I thought he looked a little too young to be my husband--young enough it might attract attention to us that I didnat want.

Under the circ.u.mstances, though, it took all I could do and then some to keep from digging my claws into him and screaming amine!a I managed a tight smile. aMy--uh--brother and I are looking for a place around this area.a The girl looked at me blankly.

I forced a chuckle, ignoring the look Gideon gave me. aHeas my half brother actually.a She was having trouble gathering her wits. I could see that, and also the speculative gleam that had come into her eyes when I hadnat staked my territory. aOf course we want something that would be big enough for his wife and kids, too,a I added sweetly.

Her face fell, almost comically, except that I didnat feel much like laughing. She asked us to take a seat, but before we had, the agent came out of his office and invited us in.

For a man who must spend a lot of time at his desk, he looked pretty good. He wasnat hard on the eyes either.

Of course I knew all the charm he was pouring on was aimed at my pocket book, not me, but it soothed my wounded ego that he at least appeared to find me attractive.

aWhatare you folks looking for?a I frowned. aActually, weave only just begun and weare not entirely sure. What I was hoping for was to get a map of the area and a listing of the properties that were available.a He frowned, obviously not pleased at the idea that he wouldnat be able to follow me around and press for a sale.

aThat way I could eliminate the ones that were totally unsuitable and once Iave taken note of the oneas that interest me I could get you to show them.a aSomething in town? Or in the country?a I glanced at Gideon. His eyes were stormy. I had a feeling he was going to give me h.e.l.l when we left. aThe countryside,a I answered, giving the guy my best smile.

He began searching his desk drawers for files, giving us his spiel about the county and town while he was at it. Producing a map, he began sorting through his listings and marking spots of interest.

It took almost an hour. My face was starting to cramp from smiling. aGoodness,a I drawled sweetly when he finally ran out of breath and listings. aThis could take a while. Weall look these over and get back to you in a couple of days. Thank you so much for all your help.a aIad be delighted if youad let me take to dinner this evening. We could talk about the properties youave looked at over dinner and drinks.a He glanced at Gideon. aBoth of you,a he added belatedly, looking more than a little uncomfortable.

I pretended to think it over. aActually, weare really tired from the drive and Iad like to look at a few of these today. Maybe tomorrow?a aWhat was that all about?a Gideon growled when wead gotten back into the car.

I kept my smile with an effort, waving to the realtor, whoad followed us out. aGetting information without arousing suspicions,a I retorted.

aHe did not take his gaze from your b.r.e.a.s.t.s,a Gideon said harshly.

aThat was the idea,a I said dryly. aItas why I wore this blouse. If a manas mind is on his c.o.c.k, it isnat on other things.a aYou were trying to--entice the man to f.u.c.k you?a he demanded, outraged.

I rolled my eyes. aOf course not! I didnat even know it would be a man before I got there. I just figured if it was a man I would want to distract him, thatas all. I didnat want him asking a lot of questions about us or why we were thinking about buying a place anywhere near this hick town. He wasnat bad looking, though,a I added, mostly because I was still ticked off about the way that girl had practically drooled all over Gideon. I hadnat noticed whether Gideon was encouraging her or not, mostly because I refused to look and see, but he certainly hadnat discouraged her and neither had my lie that he was married with kids for more than a few minutes and she was not only young, she was pretty. Not that she actually had to be pretty as long as she was young.

I pulled off and parked as soon as I saw a likely looking spot, opening the map to study it. Gideon, still boiling mad, had apparently decided to give me the disapproving silent treatment.

Ignoring his bad humor, I studied the map until Iad located the temple and then checked to see how many places near it were up for sale.

Of course, I was depending on the possibility that it was fairly close, and also that the cultists hadnat just taken the sword when theyad taken him, but I figured Gideon had already thought of the cult himself.

aYou checked the temple and the other buildings?a I asked, just in case.

aYes.a Sighing, I put the map away. Three of the places were right on the same d.a.m.ned road as the temple. There was no way to avoid going by it.

The first place I stopped turned out to be a house for sale. I couldnat see any sign of a barn or other structure on the property, so I kept driving. I couldnat resist glancing toward the temple as we pa.s.sed. Raw new lumber met my gaze. Cult members were running around the burned hull like ants.

They were rebuilding.

At least half of them paused to watch the car pa.s.s. Obviously not too many cars came this way.

My belly clenched as uneasiness flooded me. It was unnerving to have so many psychos looking at me. Very casually, I propped my arm on the armrest and propped my face in my hand because I didnat want to be recognized but I also didnat want to make it obvious that I was trying not to be recognized.

A little further down the road, I spotted an old barn in the distance. It looked like it was about to collapse in on itself. It wasnat one of the properties the realtor had marked, but I figured we might as well look.

aI have looked here,a Gideon said when I turned off the road and headed toward it.

aIt wonat hurt to look again.a There was no sign of the sword, of course. I hadnat expected it to be easy to find. If it had, Gideon would already have found it, but I was still disappointed and I became more disheartened and more uneasy as the day wore on. Darkness fell and wead still had no luck. I didnat like the idea of staying in town overnight, but there wasnat another town of any size for miles.

Once wead gotten a room for the night we went out to eat. There were no fast food joints which left us no choice except to go to one of the local diners or do without. Everyone stared, hard. I tried to tell myself it was just typical small town nosiness. I knew that was probably all it was, and it still made me uneasy.

Gideon had spent most of the day scowling at me. I was surprised he stayed angry. Ordinarily, he didnat nurse his temper. It was rather like quicksilver, erupting fairly easily, but dissipating just as quickly.

Mad or not, he saw no reason to let the bed go to waste only for rest. In fact, he hardly let me get any rest at all. I wasnat sure what he was trying to prove, or if he was trying to prove anything at all, but my legs were so wobbly and sore the next morning I couldnat walk without wincing.

We got off to an early start. Wead checked every place close to the temple the day before. We widened the search, driving down every back road we came to and stopping at every run down barn and storage building. By noon, Iad begun to seriously consider the possibility that it would never be found. Maybe the cops had found it and it was sitting in their evidence room? Maybe some kid had found it and took it off to play with it? Maybe the cultists had taken the sword after all and had hidden it somewhere?

Day two was as much of a bust as day one had been.

I considered fobbing the realtor off when he called to ask me to dinner. Instead, I accepted, deciding Iad tried everything else. Maybe I could pump him for information and discover something.

Gideon did not like it. He was even less happy about it when I insisted on going out alone with the guy, but after Iad pointed out that I wasnat likely to get anything out of the man if Gideon was going to be glaring at him over the table the whole time, he got p.i.s.sed off and left.

I had a headache by the time I met the realtor at the local country club. I was vaguely amazed that they even had one, but I supposed there were rich white men all over the south and whither they were, there was going to be a club.

By the time our dinner was served, I already knew the man was going to be no help at all. He bounced back and forth between flirting outrageously with me and flirting with my pocket book.

He tried plying me with drinks even though Iad already told him I didnat drink--which wasnat strictly true. I did drink occasionally, but I was pregnant now. Alcohol would not pa.s.s my lips.

I was ready to go as soon as wead finished eating--actually before we finished, but I figured I had to be polite and not behave as if I couldnat get loose from him fast enough. On my way to the ladies room to calm down and regroup, I just happened to glance at the paraphernalia that had been mounted on the walls as decoration.

I came close to pa.s.sing out when my gaze landed on a long sword. I had to make myself walk past it. I was shaking by the time I got into the ladyas room.

aIt was just a replica,a I told myself. I didnat believe it, though. I was no expert at such things, but Iad seen enough war memorabilia to know that sword didnat look like any Iad ever seen from any period of world history. The hand guard and hilt were gold, encrusted with gems like Iad never seen, and even the blade was different, wide like a medieval broad sword, but shorter and serrated at the tip almost like a hunting knife.

The G was the biggest giveaway, though.

Chapter Nine.

By the time Iad calmed down a little, I realized that it wouldnat necessarily look suspicious just to gaze casually at the wall. There were a lot of things on it--old pictures, old tools and weapons--all antiques I supposed. When I left the ladiesa room, I strolled by, stopping several times to examine things I had no interest in, just so it wouldnat look suspicious when I got to the sword and lingered long enough for a thorough look.

I hadnat imagined the initial. There was a design that reminded me of a medieval coat of arms, not exactly like those I was familiar with but similar enough I thought that was probably what it was.

I donat know why I did so unless I sensed that I was being watched, but I glanced toward the tall window as I started to move on. Gideon stood framed in the gla.s.s. His gaze wasnat on me at that moment, however, but on the sword.

For a handful of heartbeats our gazes met. I saw triumph in his eyes. The next moment, that strange phenomenon Iad seen before began, except this time I was looking at Gideon, not behind him. The gla.s.s, the wall, the air seemed to ripple. Gideonas form vanished. A coolness brushed along my arm. When I glanced down at the p.r.i.c.kle of sensation I saw the sword was gone.

Head taken it and no one save me had even noticed.

An odd a.s.sortment of emotions washed through me--gladness was uppermost, though, because I knew Gideon had his sword now and he was going to be alright.

I moved on after only a moment and stopped to study a few other items for good measure. The realtor got up and pulled my chair out as I reached the table again. I sat, heavily. My knees felt unaccountably weak. My thoughts were still chaotic, but I didnat want to sort them at the moment. I needed to be alone. aIave really enjoyed this.a aYouall like the dessert even better. I took the liberty of ordering while you were gone.a The polite smile Iad pasted on collapsed. aThat is so sweet! But Iam watching my weight.a aJust a taste.a I should have insisted on leaving then. I didnat want to be present when someone noticed the sword was missing. Not that I could be blamed. I didnat have it. And I refused to feel guilty about the guy ordering desert. It wasnat my problem that head ordered something I didnat want. I didnat really like being rude, though, and it couldnat take long to eat a bite or two. aI suppose. I really do need to get back, though. Iam just exhausted from driving around and looking at places.a To my relief, the dessert arrived fairly quickly. I didnat see anything particularly special about it. It was cake, and not especially good cake--bone dry, in fact. I took a bite and washed it down.

aDid you notice the sword?a I looked at him blankly, trying to pretend I had no idea what he was talking about. I couldnat keep my d.a.m.ned color from fluctuating, however. aSword? Oh, that strange one.a He chuckled. aThe only one on the wall. I found it a while back. No idea where it came from or what it was doing in that old barn, but I figured it would look good on the wall and make me look good if I donated it.a aOh,a I said, stalling while I wracked my mind to think of something to cover my slip. Obviously, head noticed me looking at it. I didnat especially want him to notice it wasnat there anymore so I resisted the temptation to say awhat sword?a, knowing head instantly look. aI wasnat paying much attention,a I added lamely. aI suppose itas a replica?a He smiled.

A wave of dizziness washed over me.

aYou think itas a replica?a aIam not really up on antiques, to tell you the truth,a I managed, beginning to feel really odd. aYou know--I donat like to be rude, but I think my fatigue is starting to catch up to me. I think Iam going to head back to the hotel.a He frowned. aSorry to hear that. Let me walk you to your car.a I didnat really want him to walk me to my d.a.m.ned car. I just wanted to get out of that place. Gideon had his sword.

I hadnat gotten the chance to say goodbye. I didnat want to think about that, though, because I had a bad feeling that if I let myself think about it I was going to end up squalling.

A harder wave of dizziness. .h.i.t me when I stood up. I had to put my hand on the table to find my balance.

aA little too much to drink, huh?a the realtor said, smiling.

I blinked. aI havenat drank anything but tea.a He chuckled, nodding at the couple at the next table. aWhy donat you let me give you a hand?a By the time wead made it to the wide front porch of the club, he was practically carrying me and I knew I was in serious trouble. Head put something in my drink while I was in the bathroom.

Stupid! Stupid! That was how the guys always slipped the date rape drug to their victims and I shouldave known better than to drink anything Iad hadnat been keeping an eye on. But how was I to guess the guys in Hicksville were doing it, too?

aI think I should drive you.a aNo! No! Iall be fine,a I said, but the words were slurring together as if I really was drunk.

aYou know, I owe you one for that trick with the d.a.m.ned taser,a he said almost matter-of-factly as he marched me down the stairs and into the parking lot.

As far gone as I was, that comment didnat take more than a couple of seconds to compute. aThe guy in the tower? That was you?a aI recognized you almost immediately. I might not have if you werenat still with the demon, you Satanist b.i.t.c.h, but youare in league....a He didnat get the rest of the sentence out. Something huge and black slammed into him, hitting him so hard he flew backwards several yards and into the side of a parked car. I sprawled out without his support. When I finally managed to struggle upright, I saw an avenging angel standing over him--my angel. I could tell just by his stance that he was disgusted the guy was out cold and unable to present any kind of challenge. aGideon,a I said in pleased surprise. aYou here?a He turned at the sound of his name and moved toward me. Kneeling, he scooped a hand under my shoulders, running his free hand over me as if to check me for injury. His palm lingered on my belly for several moments, making me wonder what was going through his mind. Apparently satisfied, he slipped his other arm beneath my knees and stood up again. I wrapped my arms around his neck and dropped my head on his shoulder because my head was spinning and felt too heavy to hold up.

aI didnat get to say goodbye,a I muttered.

aWhat did he do to you?a he asked sharply.

aDate rape drug, I think,a I slurred. aSomething in my tea, anyways. But you rescued me.a aI need to take you home.a aCanat. Need my car. And my suitcase,a I pointed out, holding onto consciousness with a supreme effort.

He kissed me, to shut me up, I think. aIall get them for you later,a he said when he lifted his head to look down at me again. aRight now I just want to be sure you and the babe are safe.a My stomach went weightless. I had a feeling I was no longer on the ground, but I wasnat entirely certain. I struggled to remain conscious just a few minutes longer. There was something I wanted say, but I was having a hard time thinking of it. aTake care of yourself, Gideon,a I murmured finally.

Light was shining in my eyes when I woke up. I felt like Iad been on a drinking binge. Everything on me hurt, but my head most of all. Groaning, I rolled over in the bed, dragging the pillow over my head to block out the light.

Sleep eluded me. Finally, I threw the pillow off and struggled upright, thoroughly confused when I looked around at my room. I frowned, but to save my life I couldnat remember getting there. A few s.n.a.t.c.hes of memory flitted through my mind, but it was like a dream one couldnat quite remember, just random, blurred images.