Soul Catcher (14 page)

Chapter Seventeen

Pain and agony woke her from her nightmares. She lay still on the bed, her body sore from the prior night’s torture. Tears fell. She thought she’d run the well dry last night. Throughout the night, she replayed his death over and over in her mind, praying it was only a dream. Now, awake in the daylight, the nightmare became a reality as she lay alone in the bed.

A knock came at the door. “Sweetie, are you awake?”

“Yeah. Come in.” Angel wiped her face with her T-shirt and sat propped against the headboard. Her sister padded into the room, balancing a large tray in her arms. The smell of chicory and beignets drifted through the room. The tray also held a large bottle of the magic elixir, which Angel desperately needed. Faith set the tray on the nightstand, stood at the edge of the bed, and held Angel’s hand.

Unable to maintain her emotions, Angel cried out, “He’s gone. He’s really gone.” She flung herself into her sister’s arms.

Faith stroked Angel’s back, gently rocking. “I know...I know.”

“It’s my fault. If I hadn’t made this stupid deal with Lucifer, Jacque would still be alive.”

Faith tilted her chin, forcing Angel to face her. “You listen to me. Jacque was here because he wanted to be here. You didn’t ask him to come, and no one made him go with you.”

“I know. He didn’t do this because it was his job or he was asked. He did this, because he loved me and wanted to keep me safe.” The depth of Jacque’s sacrifice pained her. She wasn’t use to someone putting her before their needs.

“Hey, sis. Jacque left this world protecting the one he loved. What greater sacrifice can someone make? He’ll be fine.”

“I’m not sure if demons who work for the Devil get a reprieve.”

“Huh. The Devil himself was once in God’s good graces. Actions turn a person away from God, not birth rights. Jacque seemed to be a good man. Had to have been to make you love him.” Faith pushed the wavy locks out of Angel’s face. Her sister’s touch always soothed Angel. She was the calm in Angel’s chaos. Faith kissed her on the top of her head and left her to her breakfast.

She downed the bottle of Vamp Juice and bit into the beignet. The neon light of the clock blinked 12:47 p.m. The day was halfway through. As much as she wanted to climb back under the covers and hide, she knew she had to face the world. Angel crawled out of bed and slogged to the bathroom. Fifteen minutes later, she reappeared dressed in jeans and a black T-shirt. This was the first time in five years she emerged from her morning ritual without any makeup. She didn’t want to disrespect Jacque’s memory with pomp and showiness. Her exterior matched her mood.

***

Laurent slouched on the sofa with his shoulders hung low. Angel leaned over and hugged him, absorbing his misery. He flung his arm around her neck, pulling her closer, his head pressed to hers. Once he released her, she hopped over the back of the couch and slid beside him.

“I’m surprised to see you.” His voice was tired and weak.

“I can’t hide upstairs forever. And someone apparently has to take care of you, because you look like crap. What’d you do? Just sit down here all night?” She knew the answer before he answered. He never left.

“Where else was I supposed to go?” He played with the fringe on a pillow, lowering his eyes to his lap.

“Home. Get some rest. It was a rough night. You need some sleep.” Her hand covered his and she leaned on his shoulder.

“No shit, right? I got to make sure you’re safe. If the word spreads you killed Antione, others might come after you. They’ll know you’re working contracts.”

“Great. The man I love is dead, I have to work for Lucifer, and
now
other Supes will start gunning for me. My life couldn’t suck more if I actually tried.” She ran her fingers through her hair.

“You loved him?” Laurent gazed at her compassionately.

“Yeah. I loved him. Doesn’t do any good to admit it now.” She diverted her eyes, not wanting to share the pain reflected in her heart. It was too soon, too fresh.

“He loved you, too. I think it’s the first time he ever loved anyone. It was hard for him, especially to love a human.” She closed her hand around Laurent’s and squeezed hard. He was a good friend, both to Jacque and her.

Buzzing inside Angel’s purse broke the silence. She snatched it off the floor and dug around for the dreaded BlackBerry. She unsheathed it from the case and read the message.

From: Luc Devlin

Condolences

June 25, 2010

I’m so sorry for your loss. I know you and Jacque were close. Sometimes bad things happen to good people or demon is more correct.

You did a fine job of delivering Antione. He arrived safely.

Since you did such a fine job, I have your next assignment. Your new target is
Laurent Lacoste
. I’m sure you know who he is and where to find him. You have one week to deliver him to me.

Forever yours,

Luc

Sorry bastard! He was punishing her, taunting her. Enough. She refused to play his game. She clicked reply on the BlackBerry and typed two words–
Fuck You
. Then hit send.

Angel had just fucked herself. She prepared for the worst. It no longer mattered to her. There wasn’t much else Lucifer could take. If it came down to being his slave and hurting her friends, she would rather live out her days in hell.

Heat scorched her skin and flames licked her face. Lucifer was revoking their deal. This was an undeniable possibility. She knew the price and was willing to pay it. Agonizing pain seized her from inside out. She felt the scars and burns reappear down her face. Laurent froze in horror as he watched her transform.

“What the hell is going on?” His eyes were wide with amazement. The flames subsided and she righted herself.

Pulling her hair to hide her face, she smiled at Laurent. “This is the real me. At least it’s the me left over after the accident.”

His voice was soft and comforting. “This is how you ended up with Luc.”

“Yeah. Messed up, right? I sold my soul to be beautiful again. I know it’s shallow. I’ve depended on my looks all my life. I didn’t know what to do without them.” A pang of shame twisted in her belly.

“Why’s Luc pissed at you? I have to assume it’s bad if he took back his deal.”

“I refused my next target.”

“What the hell for? I would’ve helped you,” he answered sincerely.

“I highly doubt it since my target was you.” She raised her brows as she watched his expression.

He paced the length of the sofa. His eyes grew redder with each step. “Has he lost his mind?” She swore the tribal tattoos banned around Laurent’s biceps transversed to a different design. Jacque had the same tattoos. It must be branding of some sort.

“This is the Devil we’re talking about. And I kinda told him, ‘fuck you.’ I’ve got to work on my anger issues.” She needed to calm Laurent down. She wanted him rational. They had to figure a way out of this shit. Her mistakes were kicking her in the ass. This time she had to get it right. She had two choices, take down the Devil or end up in Hell.

The next time he passed, she snatched his hand and pulled him down to the sofa. She needed to think and the pacing was driving her crazy. He was her only back up. Marie was back in the Underworld. Jacque was gone. She knew a handful of other Supes, but they had no reason to assist them. Without her alluring sex appeal, she couldn’t even attempt to entice their alliance.

“Look, Laurent. We got to figure something out. Luc’s gonna come for us, well at least me. I don’t know about you. I’m not planning on sitting around and waiting for him to kill me.” The words tumbled out of her so quickly she had to take a break. “My sister always told me, ‘Never let’em get the first lick. You might not get back up.’ I’m not planning on letting Luc get the first lick. You in or out?”

“You want to fight the Devil?” The surprise in his voice succumbed to hysterical laughing.

“Hey. Are you making fun of me?” She crossed her arms across her breasts.

“I know you’re all bad ass and stuff, but really.... You think
you
can
win
a fight with the Devil?”

“Why not? It’s about time someone stands up to him. What do I have to lose? I rather die fighting than running.”

“Oh, wow. Now, I understand what Jacque saw in you. This much fight in a human is hot!” Laurent fell back as she punched him in the arm. “Shit, that hurt.”

Pouting, she stood to leave. “Oh, forget it.”

“Don’t leave. You know me. Always got jokes. But you’re right, we got to hit Luc before he gets us. Only thing is we’re gonna need help. And lots of it.”

“Yeah. I figured, but who?” she muttered.

“I guess it’s a good thing I’m here then,” a voice called from the backyard. Both Angel and Laurent turned to see who entered the house.

Shock choked the words in Angel’s throat when she saw Isabella step from behind the foliage. Why was Isabella here? Angel didn’t have the energy to fight anyone else. Isabella was the last person she wanted to see right now.

“What’re you doing here?” Angel asked suspiciously.

“I know shit hit the fan, and I figure you guys needed some help. Here I am.” Isabella waved her hand down her body in a Vanna White move.

“Why the hell do you want to help me?”

“For one, it’s not just you. You’re sitting next to
my
brother. And two, you’re not the only one who loved Jacque,” Isabella announced more to the floor than to Angel.

“I guess I should say thank you. We could use all the help we can get.”

Awkward silence filled the room, until Faith came out the kitchen with iced tea. Angel picked up a glass and held it to her face. The coolness of the ice tempered the frenzy of her anger and fear. Bravery wasn’t one of her strong suits. She mastered acting brave in order to mask her fear. She was like a chameleon, changing her exterior to protect herself from danger. Today, she summoned her courage for Jacque.

“Faith, you said you’ve conjured
Grand-mère
before. Do you think you can do it again?”

She took a sip of tea and put the glass on the marble table. “I think I can. Why do you need Marie?”

“We have big trouble. I pissed off the Devil. It was fight or run. I picked fight.” Angel shrugged it off.

Faith set down the tray and inhaled a deep breath. “Good lord, girl. What is wrong with you? I swear you’re more like Mom than you’re willing to admit.”

“He wanted me to kill Laurent. I’m not letting him rule my life anymore.”

Finally, Faith noticed Angel’s face. “Aw, shit, I’m so sorry.” She pulled Angel’s hair back, studying her face. “At least he didn’t make it worse.”

Isabella gasped in horror, her gaze steadying on Angel. “What did he do to you?” The words slipped from her lips in a hush tone.

“Lucifer didn’t do this to me. This is why I was indebted to him. A stupid-ass drunk driver hit me, and this was the result,” Angel explained. “Don’t drink and drive, boys and girls.” She choked.

Silence stung like a slap in the face. Everyone studied the floor. Angel refused to let this ugliness incapacitate her again. The scar wasn’t going to define her this time.

“Okay, we have work to do.” She broke the lull. “Faith, you see if you can get Marie up here. Laurent and Isabella, find anyone and everyone willing to help us. I’ll start with Etienne. I don’t know if he’ll help. Can’t hurt to ask.” She barked orders like a general. She had a newfound purpose, making Lucifer pay for stealing her chance for love.

Chapter Eighteen

Dealing with the preternatural world was like trying to break into a high school clique. Everyone thought their group was the best and no one wanted to mingle with the others. Angel’s new job was creating a Supe United Nations. This job took more self-control than her in a Jimmy Choo store. Diplomacy wasn’t one of her strengths. Angel realized she was short when it came to things she was good at.

Laurent worked the soldier angle, gathering as many of Jacque’s loyal soldiers as he could find. Isabella welded a black book only to be topped by the D.C. Madame, working it with the same divisiveness. Faith managed to materialize Marie for the second time. Angel suspected Faith possessed more power than she let on. Etienne also agreed to help. Apparently, Lucifer pissed off a lot of people. Go figure.

The house buzzed with activity. The living room served as a makeshift war room. Sitting at the large glass and metal desk, Angel poured over Etienne’s report outlining each group’s costs and criteria for participation. She understood why so many of the Supes were rich. Alliances didn’t come cheap.

Someone leaned on the doorbell. Angel hopped up from the black leather executive chair and ran for the door.
Whoever was at the door best be on fire
. Snatching the door open, she readied for her verbal attack.

“Is there a problem?” she snapped, peering at the two strangers on her doorstep. Two beautiful specimens of male stood watching her curiously. “Oh. Sorry. Can I help you?” She rested against the door.

“Are you Angel?” the taller dark-haired one asked.

She backed away, never taking her eyes off them. “Yeah, who’s asking?”

“We’ve been sent to help,” the blond responded in a lyrical melody. The aroma of melting chocolate drifted through the air. Strangely, it came from the two standing in front of her.
Delicious
.

“Sent here to help who and for what?” Her eyes narrowed, waiting for the answer. Strangers represented danger.

“To help you defeat Luc.”

“Who sent you?” She stumbled backward into the safety of the house, pulling the door in front of her. She thought about running, but their magnetizing beauty drew her to them. Their tantalizing smell made her stomach growl.

“The Big Guy.”

“Who the hell are you? There’s others here with me. I’m not alone,” she warned.

“Sorry. We didn’t mean to frighten you. I’m Michael and this is Raphael. We’re here for the battle.” The dark-haired one, Michael, eyes sparkled at the mention of battle.

“Are you
Punk’n
me?” Her voice climbed an octave. “Hey, Laurent! Get out here. Ashton Kutcher sent a couple of angels to punk us.”

Laurent appeared behind her faster than she expected. “Oh. Wus up, Michael. Raphael. What’re y’all doing here?” The casualness of his tone made Angel do a double take.

“We heard you were going to battle. Wondered if you needed a hand. The Big Guy gave us permission to participate if we wanted. Raphael and I thought we’d see what’s cracking. Gabe backed out. Last time we fought Luc, I think he got spooked.” Angel stared at the hunky archangel standing at her door. A bead of sweat glistened down his radiant face, a three-quarter length suit in New Orleans, especially during the dead of summer, never a good idea. An angel and a demon stood at her front door talking like two boys from the hood. After the scene registered in her mind, she giggled hysterically.

“The Bible was right. Interesting. It’s really
them?
” She gave Laurent a sideways glance.

“Yeah, they’re who they say they are.” He shook his head at Angel in amazement. “You accept vampires, demons, and werewolves. When it comes to angels you have a problem believing. I swear you need to use Bell’s peroxide sometimes.”

“Shut up, Laurent. I just wouldn’t expect them to help
us
.”

“They’ll help anyone who’s fighting Luc. It’s some kind of sick game to them.”

“Can we come in?” Raphael finally asked.

She opened the door wide and moved out the way. “Sure.” The angels had to angle their bodies to squeeze through the door.

***

Isabella flew around the corner, her blonde hair fanning about her and lips set in a sultry smile. “I should’ve known when I smelled cookies someone let the angels loose. Nice to see you again, Raphael. It’s been a while.” Her smoldering eyes explained the prior was more than a casual meeting.

“Bell, good to see you again. Maybe, this time will be as good as the last.” The angel reached out, running his thumb along her chin.

“We don’t have time for this right now.” Michael gave Raphael a menacing glare.

The pair shrugged off their coats, revealing feathered masterpieces tucked against their backs. The wings protruded from their shoulder blades and the tips reached the bend of their knees. The feathers gleamed a brilliant white. Angel resisted the urge to touch them.

“What’re you guys doing here?” Isabella questioned.

“Battle of course. And we’re instructed to offer Angel a gift. The Big Guy extends you a boon for relinquishing your deal with Luc.” Raphael smiled at Angel, intensifying the aroma of molten chocolate.

“A gift? What kind of gift?” Laurent asked before she could interject.

“He knows you sacrificed a lot when you turned down Lucifer. He’s willing to restore your appearance as Luc did.” Michael studied the seating around the room and settled on a leather ottoman beside the sofa.

Her heart rejoiced at the offer, and then broke again. She no longer had a reason for her beauty. The one man she wanted to seduce with her beauty no longer existed in her world. She couldn’t care less about how she looked, but it could come in handy during negotiations.

“Do I have any other options?”

“Isn’t beauty what you were seeking from Lucifer? Your need for beauty is the reason we battle.” Michael’s dark brows contracted in confusion.

“I’ve realized my obsession with physical attraction has been a problem. I have something I want more. Can I ask for something else?” She waited, holding her breath in anticipation.

“I can submit the request. I don’t know what the answer will be. What is it you seek?”

“I want Jacque back.” Everyone stared in disbelief.

Michael almost whispered as if he didn’t want God to hear. “You want him to resurrect a dead demon?”

“Yes.” She smiled at the angel, picturing Jacque’s face. “I want the dead demon.”

“What if he no longer wants you in your current condition?”

The thought hadn’t crossed her mind. At this point, she didn’t care. Jacque deserved to live. This was her chance to do the right thing for a change. “It doesn’t matter.”

“Understand you are declining the opportunity to regain your looks. Once I submit your alternative, the original gift is void.” He gave her a second glance, searching her eyes. She met his stare and nodded her head. “I will send your request.”

Michael pulled out his BlackBerry and sent the email.

***

Fear gripped Angel. In her current state, she resembled a monster in a horror film. How would she ever compete with the flawless perfection of the supernatural females flaunting themselves in front of Jacque? Even in top form, she barely met their standards. Insecurity gripped her. She prepared herself for rejection.

They worked on aligning the divisions. Assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the little army amassed, they developed a strategy. Michael was an expert strategist. Isabella and Raphael huddled in the corner debating weapons. Laurent worked on the budget at the desk in the corner. Angel stared out the window, praying silently for Jacque’s return.

She rested her head on the arm, curling into a ball in the club chair. She studied the cracks in the worn leather, tracing the path with her finger. It seemed an eternity since Michael sent the request. She checked the clock and only an hour had passed. Laurent hauled the ottoman in front of her chair, showing her compassion. The tears burned her eyes. She tilted her head back to keep them from falling.

“Hey, there’s no crying in war.” He wiped a tear slipping down her cheek. “What’s going on?”

Angel hugged her knees. “Sorry, I know I’m a downer.”

“Yeah, a big one. You know I’m available if you need to talk. I’m your friend, Ang, and will do anything to help.”

“You’ve been a great friend. I needed one. Most of the people in my life have been there, because they wanted something from me. It’s strange to have people who care about you and want nothing in return.” She turned her gaze back outside. The moist heat created a hazy mist in the air. Louisiana summers were notorious for the humidity.

“Tell Dr. Laurent what’s going on.” He chuckled.

“I’m afraid of losing Jacque again.”

He swatted her shoe. “What’re you talking about?”

“Look at me. If Jacque comes back, he’ll never want to be with someone like me.” Her head hung low and she closed her eyes, appreciating the darkness.

“He loves you ,Angel.” Laurent took her hand in his. His words gave her hope.

“Yeah, we can remake the
Beauty and the Beast
, only I’ll play the beast.” She graced them with her fake smile reserved for bad jokes and unwanted advances from a boss.

“You’re being ridiculous. We’ve had this conversation before. Give Jacque more credit.”

“The last guy I loved ditched me while I was in the hospital, because of this face. My own mother can’t stand to lay her eyes on me like this. I’ve known Jacque for a minute. I’m supposed to trust he can see beyond this?” She peered up at him with questioning eyes, begging for the truth.

“Your mother and the other guy are idiots. You’re a good person. You have love to share. Look at all these people here to help you. It doesn’t matter to us what you look like.”

“Okay, half of these people you’re paying ungodly amounts of money to help. The rest just like to fight or have some kind of vendetta against Luc.”

“They wouldn’t back you if they didn’t believe in you. We’re risking our lives for you. You have to be special for people to be willing to die for you, regardless of the money.”

“It doesn’t matter. The request will probably get denied anyway. I knew it was a shot in the dark, but I had to try.”

“See that’s why people love you. You risked your shot at something you deemed important for the possibility to get Jacque back even though you believe he won’t want you. You’re something else, Angelique Dias.”

Her smile was genuine this time.

The doorbell interrupted the conversation. It was like Grand Central Station around here these days. She wiped her face and left to answer the door. Hopefully, it was the pizza. Keeping food in a house full of supernatural males was like finding a $9.99 sale on Pradas. Impossible.

When Angel opened the door, her heart stopped.