Chapter 1

My breath catches in my throat as I watch my soulmate.

He has no clue we're mates. I'm afraid he will reject me once he finds out that I'm not a werewolf like him. I'm a were cougar.

I'm sort of rare because the number of werecougars have dropped dangerously.  My father also told me that I am very powerful and most people fear me because of it.

Today there is a party for the new Alpha of the pack my mates in. For those who don’t know, the Alpha is the leader of a pack. They give commands and you become compelled to follow them if you are in a rank lower than them. The  New alpha’s name is Timothy but from what I hear they call him Tim.  I decided to sneak a peek of my mate through the cracked gate of the pack house. I know it sounds creepy but it's the only way I can see him. My mother barely lets me do anything so I do what I can.

I feel a hand touch my shoulder causing me to jump.

"Sorry Anne but mom wants you home, now." my big brother Jim apologizes.

I sigh looking one last time at my mate. I close my eyes turning away facing Jim then walk home with him.

"You know eventually the wolves are going to notice you stalking around. You need to stop hiding because your mate will eventually smell you and want you. I know you're scared of being rejected but he won't. Don’t let mom or anyone else tell you different. No one could say no to my gorgeous little sister. If I wasn’t your brother I would date you." He says pulling me in for a hug.

"What if he does reject me because I'm not a werewolf? Or that I’m not pretty enough? Felines and canines have always had feuds against each other. I don't want to feel the pain of rejection. I don't think I would survive. I can’t." I hug him tighter.

"Just think of me as your ancillary. Come to me with anything and I'll help. You don't even have to pay. It'll be free." He grins.

He winks causing a smile to spread across my face. He always knows how to cheer me up. God it's so frustrating at times but I love him.

When we get home mom glares at me.

She hasn't been the kindest to me since my dad passed away five years ago. We don’t know the cause of his death. It just happened suddenly. It was unexpected. People think it was suicide but I know deep in my gut that it wasn’t.

"Where have you been? I told you to be home at three. It's now four thirty. Were you watching that wolf boy again? How many times do I have to tell you if he finds out you're his mate he's going to reject you? No one wants a stalker. Well, no one would want you. Go make dinner before I ground you until you turn twenty."

I sigh and walk into the kitchen. My brother walks in behind me giving me a sympathetic smile. "Let me help you make dinner."

I smile and nod. I grab some ingredients from the fridge and from the cabinet. Soon my smile fades and I stop what I'm doing. The smell of vampires hits my nose and I hear footsteps in the distance coming towards the kitchen door.

I know Jim can smell them to because he jumps in front of me protectively putting an arm to my chest.

Mom walks in once there is a knock on the door. Her face shows something I haven't seen in years. Worry. I mean I even see her shaking a little.

She opens the door and two vampires wearing black step inside. Another vamp comes in after and looks around.

"You haven't paid is like you said you would. I've waited a month. I’ve been very patient. Where is my money?" the vamp asks looking at my mom.

She fidgets with her hands. "I- I don't have enough to pay you."

The vamp glares. "Then someone will have to pay it……... As my slave."

Fear grips me as the word slave leaves his lips. The vamp looks at me and a smile appears on his face. My heart drops as he points at me.

My brother growls as the two vamps dressed in black grab me, poised and ready to attack.

I look at my mother and see no emotion on her face. None. I don’t even see fear anymore.

I look at the vamp who pointed at me. "Please don't I have a mate. I need to see my mate." I beg desperate to get even a little time.

He sighs shaking his head. He looks at me but I can’t see his expression from behind his sunglasses.

"Fine you can see your mate. I'll give you two days then I'll come back to get you. Unless of course your mother can pay the $2000 dollars she owes before then."

He waves a hand and the two vamps let me go. The walk out the door and close it behind them. The Vamp opens the door. “Oh, I almost forgot. I have really good trackers so no matter where you try to hide I will find you. I always get what I want.” He closes the door and we listen to his footsteps as he gets farther away.

Jim turns angrily to our mom and opens his mouth. Before he can say anything I do.

"Thanks for the help!" I yell.

She glares at me. "Will not yell at me."

"Oh but I will. What have I ever done to make you hate me so much? You could at least pretended to care when they tried to take me!" I practically scream.

She slaps me hard. My cheek stinging. I look at her glaring.

"You are too much like your father. You will never speak to me like that ever. I am your mother and I deserve respect. I gave birth to you. I have raised you better than to disrespect me. Now got to your room." She growls.

"I hate you." I say my voice just above a whisper.

I run to my room slamming the door hard behind me. I grab my purse and my suitcase. My suitcase is already packed in case I needed to run away. I guessed this might happen. Or at least something similar. I open the window and look at the door. I close my eyes facing the ground.

I throw my suitcase out the window and hop out. I land with a thud and roll to stop the momentum. I get up and brush myself off.

I run toward my mates house. Tears running down my face but I wipe them away.

Jim was right. I need to stop being afraid of rejection.

Duh. That's what I've been saying.

Shut up.

I run into someone and drop my stuff.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean ...." I stop seeing who it is.

Mate.

My eyes widen and I take a step back.

His eyes move down my body then snap up to my lips.

"Mine." He growls.

He grabs my waist and smashes his lips against mine. The most amazing feeling passes through me at our touch. I close my eyes enjoying his touch. It’s better than I could have ever imagined.

He pulls away leaving me breathless and dizzy.

He sees my suitcase and question fills his eyes.

"I'm running away from my mom. It's not like she'll care that I'm gone…….. I must tell you something. Im afraid you'll reject me when you find out." I explain.

He growls grabbing my suitcase.

"You are living with me. I've been waiting for you since I first found out about mates. Nothing could ever have me rejecting you." he says.

Sadness fills me as we make our way toward his house in silence.

"My name is Joshua." he says once we are inside.

"Anne." I say.

I walk toward the couch and sit down with a sigh.

"I have to tell you that in two days if my mother does not pay the money she owes I will become a slave. I'm also not a werewolf. I'm a werecougar." I say.

He growls at me and pulls me to him. "You are mine. You will not be a slave I won't let that happen. No one will take you away from me. Not while I am still breathing and my heart is still beating."

I look at him and give him a weak smile. "I'm afraid that's not up to you."

He opens his mouth and a knock on the door interrupts what he was about to say.

He gets up to check the door. The smell of a powerful werewolf hits my nose but since I am have more power I don’t have the urge to submit.

Josh opens the door and a smiling face looks at him.

"Josh I'm glad you're home we have lots to discuss." The man says.

"Alpha." Josh says nodding his head respectfully.

The man frown. "I told you were friends call me Tom. Being alpha doesn't change our friendship."

Tom walks in and sees me.

"And who are you beautiful lady?" He asks.

"Anne." I say.

He holds out his hand.

"Nice to meet you." he says.

We shake hands and he turns back to Josh.

"Finally found your mate huh?" he asks.

Josh nods. "She is, though we have a problem. If her mother doesn't pay thoses vamps she will ne a slave."

He must've smelled the vsmp on me. I wasn't specific on the species.

"That is between Anne's mom and the vampires. Though I highly disapprove, there were laws created to keep peace that we have to follow. The only thing I suggest is spending what time you have before it ends."

Anger flashes in Joshua's eyes and the turn dark. A growl rumbles in his throat. I quickly get up and put a hand on his shoulder.

His eyes immediately soften back to their emerald green. He relaxes at my touch and wraps his arms tightly around me. He places his chin on my head and sighs.

Tom smiles. "I'll come back to talk to you later. I think you deserve some alone time. Everyone should be getting back from work soon."

He walks out leaving me and Josh alone. Josh grabs my hand pulling toward his room. A new fire in his eyes. He closes the door and walks up to me.

Before I have a chance to react I'm slammed against the wall and his lips crush against mine. My mind stops working and my body takes control. His hands move from my waist and tugs on my shirt with urgency.

He pulls my shirt and pushes me on the bed.

Fear strikes me hard pulling my mind back in to control. I pull away.

"I- I'm sorry. I c-can't." I stutter feeling ashamed of myself.

I feel heat rise in my cheeks.

"It's fine. I'm sorry I pushed you too fast. I won't do anything you don't want to do." he says retrieving my shirt.

I shake my head and he lets it fall to the floor. I take of my pants and let them fall on the floor. My eyes grow heavy. Joshua notices.

He gets under the covers pulling me into his arms.

I snuggle myself into the crook of my neck. I let out a satisfied sigh.

I close my eyes and drift off to sleep.

 

Chapter 2

 

I wake up with strong arms around me. The memory of last night comes back and I blush. I look at Josh and see that he's still asleep.

I sigh not wanting this to ever end. I go to get up and his grip tightens. His eyes pop open and he looks at me.

"Good morning." he says with a smile.

"Morning."

I try to get up again but he doesn't release his hold. "Just a few more minutes." he says.

My cougar starts getting antsy it hard not to wiggle.

He sighs releasing his hold. I quickly jump out of the bed and turn to grab my clothes. A growl comes from john startling me.

Crap! I forgot about the recent beating I had gotten a couple days ago. She had used silver so it still hasn't healed yet

"Who did this to you?" he asks.

I stay quite picking up my clothes. He spins me around making me face him.

"Who did this?" he asks again searching my eyes.

I shrug pretending it's nothing. "Mom punished me for not finishing my chores."

His eyes grow dark. "You're mother did this?"

I nod. A growl rumbles in his throat and his eyes turn black.

"Josh it's fine. She lost her husband, my father, I look too much like him. She's taking it out on me because of it. I stood my ground and won't let it happen again. She isn't worth going to jail for." I say.

A knock on the door breaks him out of his trance and he puts his clothes on.

I do the same finishing just as the door cracks open and a head pops into view. Tom's smiling face looks at us both.

"Come on everyone back. Let's introduce Mr. Beta's mate." he says.

Joshua grabs my hand and I can feel his sadness. I know why. He's going to introduce me then two weeks later I will be gone.

His sadness mixes with mine as we walk out his bedroom. When we walk to the living room about 100 eyes were on us.

Josh clears his throat. "This is my mate Anne. She will be here today and tomorrow but she must leave after that. For how long? Idk. Why? That's up to her to tell not me." He looks at me.

I take a deep breath knowing they need to know since I will be part of their pack even if it’s for a short time.

"My mother can't pay so I must pay for her as a slave to one of the vamps. One thing you must know is I'm not a wolf. I am a cougar. Once in slavery I won't be out until the vamp thinks the debt is paid. I can't escape. It's not my choice mind you but by force that I must leave. Now if you'll excuse me I need to run my cougar is ansty."

I walk out and head towards the woods. Once hidden I take my clothes off and hide them in a Bush.

I hear my bones crack and shift then I run.

Unknown pov

"Your majesty? Might I ask why you chose the girl as a slave?" asks my bodyguard Gin.

"What do you think? She is very powerful. I can sense it. I can get a witch to spell her into being my mate." I say with a glare.

He bows. "Sorry your majesty."

I wave him away and get back to my study.

Anne Luis Stella Skye

Birthday July 11 1999

Mother- Teresa Skye-Alerson species-werecougar

Father- Luis Skye. species-unknown

Gender-female

Get ready Anne because I always get what I want.

Chapter 3

 

Joshua's pov

I look at my beautiful mate wishing it wasn't going to be the last time I see her in her peaceful sleep.

My wolf is just as sad as I am. We both want her here but we know we have to listen to the Alpha.

I play with Anne's hair and watch her breathe. She sighs leaning in to me.

My wolf howls in pain.

Mate has to stay.

You know that can't happen.

My mates eyes pop open and she stares at me sleepily.

"How long have you been up?" she asks.

I shrug. "I don't know but you have to get ready the vamp may be here at any minute." my heart breaking with the words coming out of my lips.

Her eyes grow wide as she remembers. Her lip trembles.

"I don't want to. I'm scared." she says.

I cup her cheek.

"It's killing me not to be able to do anything. Just think positive. This might not be permanent."

Her face drops and I immediately know my mistake. She gets out of bed without a word and starts getting dressed.

My wolf scolds me for upsetting Anne.

"Thanks for the words of encouragement." She says coldly.

Before I can say anything she slams the door behind her

Something inside me tells me to go after her but for some reason I don't.

My wolf fights for control yelling at me for not trying to apologize but I don't move.

Emptiness fills me knowing I may never see my mate again.

I guess that's another reason why I let her stop me from marking her. We both knew she would never, can never be mine.

Silent tears run down my cheeks as I lay there with pain in my heart.

My wolf howls and we both cry the loss of our mate.

Goodbye Anne.

Anne's pov

Tears run down my face but I wipe them away fercily.

Joshua could've at least tried to make an effort. Instead he just says that we'll eventually see each other. I tell him I'm scared and that's what I get?

I smell the vampires and hear their footsteps as they come to the door.

I open it not giving them a chance to knock.

Jane my cougar gets nervous as I walk out closing the door behind me.

The vamp and his two guards are standing a couple feet away. I take a couple steps forward and the vamp clears his throat.

"Your mother did not pay so now you must. You will be my personal slave. The rules are simple do as I say without question or argument and stay out of my way when I'm working. If you do not follow these rules you will be punished severely. You will also call me master or master Derek and not speak unless spoken to. Are we clear?" He asks. His body rigid as if expecting a fight.

"Yes master." I say looking at the ground. I have no fight in me.

His hand goes under my chin and he lifts my head up so my eyes are on him.

"What’s wrong."

"It's not important." I answer weakly.

"Tell me anyway." he says.

He grabs my hand and we walk to the limo.

I get in and he shuts the door. He wraps around me pulling me close to him.

"Now tell me what ails you "

I tell him what happened and he nods.

"A man who won't fight for his lady doesn't deserve said lady. There's no reason for you to fear me as long as you behave and do what I say. I can even get rid of the mate so you won't have to worry about him." Derek says placing placing a kiss on the forehead.

His lips are cold and strange. They move from my forehead to my lips.
I feel too numb to fight him off. He pushes me back on the seat intensifying the kiss.

Suddenly pain erupts through my chest and a startled cry of pain escapes my lips. I push Derek off me and clutch my chest. He looks at me angrily until he sees my face and it's replaced with concern. Tears flow freely as the pain increases. I start gasping for breath. My vision blacken and the last thing I feel is arms wrap around me.

"Baby girl. My sweet baby girl." my father says smiling at me.

Confusion hits me. "Daddy? But you're dead."

He nods with guilt in his eyes. "I know sweetheart but there's something you must now and you must not tell anyone this. You aren't all cougar inly half. My sweet child you are also part angel. Any contact with evil creatures will cause you great pain. Pain as you've just experienced. You must start your training now that you've reached the age. The cougar isn't where you get your powers it's your angel. Happy birthday my sweet angel."

He starts to fade. I run and give him a hug then he disappears. Everything fades and is replaced with beeping sounds.

Beep!Beep!Beep!

I groan opening my eyes. I'm in a room with white walls and the beeping is coming from the heart monitor I'm connected to.

A man with wings is sitting in a chair next to me with his eyes closed. I sit up and my stomach growl. How long was I out?

The man's eyes shoot open and a smile spreads across his face.

"Good you're awake. Let's get your debt paid off shall we?" he asks getting up.

I raise an eyebrow.

"Who are you?" I ask.

He winks at me. "Arny but you can call me handsome."

I roll my eyes. "How are you going to pay off the debt Arny?"

His wings disappear. "By pretending to be your uncle. I did that to get in all though I can teleport. Happy birthday by the way. Anyway I have the money. I still don't get what the currency of paper is useful for."

He holds out his hand still looking at me. I hesitate before taking it. He helps me take out the IV and the heart monitor.

We walk and I'm met with a surprised Derek. "Anne you're awake. I was worried about you." He explains with a smile.

Arny reaches in his pocket and takes out stacks of money.

"This is the debt my sister owes. I will be taking Anne back home." he states holding out the money.

I see a flash of anger in Derek's eyes but it quickly disappeared. He grabs the money from Army's hand and counts. He then puts it in his pocket and nods.

"You are free to go Anne."

A smile forms on my lips as Arny grabs my hand again. Derek watches as Arny and I leave. His face shows no emotion.

Chapter 4

 

Arny’s wings reappear once the mansion is out of sight.

 

“What are you?” I ask with fascination.

 

He gives me a ‘duh’ look. “I’m an angel, you’re half angel. This was explained already.”

 

“That was just a dream. I’m not an angel, I’m just a werecougar.” i point behind me, “There are no wings on me.”

 

A smile spreads across his face. “Your wings weren’t ready to come out that is why they haven’t yet. Now that you’re of age they are ready. Just turn around and I’ll show you.”

 

Wanting proof I do as he says. I feel his fingers slide across my shoulder blades. A sharp pain shoots through them and I hear what sounds like ripping fabric. The pain ends as soon as it began and Arny is in front of me with a big grin plastered on his face.

 

I look over my shoulder and see a beautiful pair of cloud white wings attached to me. Fear and curiosity swirl inside me as I look at them. I try to reach them, to touch them, but my fingers just miss it. It bends around me as if sensing what I want. I run my fingers through them completely fascinated with how soft they are. What freaks me out a little is when I touch them I can feel through my wings that I am touching them.

 

My cougar doesn’t speak to stunned for words like I am.

 

I feel another pair of fingers touching my wings startling me. Then I remember Arny and let my wings unfold.

 

“Your lucky. Angels and weres don’t mix well. You have a one out of a hundred chance as a baby of surviving. Most half were-angels babies die.” He says still admiring my wings.

 

“My brother survived.” I state.

He shakes his instantly confusing me. “ That’s your half brother. He had a different father. He is pure cougar.

 

I wonder what else I’ve been kept in the dark from.

 

“Why didn’t anyone tell me? I could’ve handled the information.” I feel the muscles in my wings twitch with frustration.

 

“You were too young to understand. Your father wanted to wait until you were old enough to understand. He was called back to heaven after completing his mission. He had business to attend to. He couldn’t tell your mother or your brother why he was leaving so he had to fake his death. It was either that or take you and completely wipe their memories of you or your father. Angels don’t age because they can’t die. Technically they are already dead. The only way to completely get rid of us is by killing us with a weapon of evil. You need to start your training so we can decide your first mission but first you need a weapon to train with. We’ll have to go up and see which one is right for you.” he says grabbing my hand.

 

Suddenly stairs appear in front of us.They're beautiful. They have gold engravings going all the way up them. The stairs also have little specks of blue, red, and green.

 

Arny chuckles at my reaction his eyes holding amusement. He starts walking up the stairs tugging me along.

 

When we reach the top I feel like a kid in a candy store. The view is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. I could never have even dreamed. I look around feeling ugly compared to all the angels that look so perfect around me.

 

They all are perfect from their hair to their toes. Anyone who would look at them would be jealous. I know I am.

 

Arny smiles at me and I smile back. Sharp pain in my stomach causes being a friend. I feel my cooler get said and I know that Josh is cheating on me.

 

Arny looks mad. “ we can break the meat fun if you would like. He shouldn't have been chosen to be your soulmate for your true soulmate is up here waiting for you his training is already complete. Once years is you'll be able to see him.”

 

Anger and Sadness spinning me and the death of Joshua's betrayal cuts deep making me dizzy. I need wanting nothing more than this came to go away.

 

“First we will get the weapons and then we will take the bond that should never have been. I promise you.” he says catching my hand once more.

 

We walk up to it door in it opens without a touch. I am awestruck by the view of the place. Beautiful weapons everywhere eat having their own Gulf. A sword catches my eye attention. It seems to close Friday then the rest as if it's calling to me.

 

I want closer to exam this sword. There's an engraving of a cougar with Angel wings card in his handle. It is above hundreds of demons that are covering their faces if they are afraid.

 

A smile creeps on Arny’s lips. “ this played with made for the angel Hulu lead us in our battle against the demons. Only that Angel can we all this power. It's been sitting here waiting for semester to give it life.”

 

I touched engraving in the glow of the sword turns red. A strange tingling goes through my body to the tip of my wings.

 

I grab the sword in strange energy flows through me. After a couple minutes the sword slow dance in our knees face is shocked. His mouth is in the shape of a ‘o’. And angel comes in and is also left in shock.

 

“What?” I ask confused. “Did I do something wrong? Should I put this back?”

 

I get ready to put it back but Arny grabs my wrists stopping me. The other angel walks out in comes back with a mirror. He handed to me and I take it curiously.

 

The sword suddenly feels heavy as they say my reflection. I'm I left cheek is a proper it was triangles above each little circle. My hair is no longer just chocolate brown. There are blood red highlights on the right and it's completely random the left. Read out once my wings with weird designs in the middle and poppin set the tips. They glow bright as the sword had not that long ago.

 

“Forma bonum fragile est.” the other angel says. What's scary is I understand him. (beauty is a fragile possession.)

 

“Ea est álter. Magnificus.” Arny mumbles. (she is the one. Magnificent.)

 

Confusion Phils me. How can I be the one? How my supposed to read angels in Battle? I'm just me.

 

Arny grabs a holster and hands it to me. I try to hand it back.

 

“Ehue!” the words flow through my lips surprising me in the process. (oh no!)

 

" you are destined for the sword and. You're the only one who can use it." Arny says placing the holster back to me.

" I can't be doing to hold this or. I had new clue about any of this until a few moments ago!" I press.

"That as it make, the sword shows you. No one else can wield it." The other angel speaks. He bows slightly.

"My name is Fortis. I am the keeper of this building in weapons." He says. (strong, brave)

I smile politely but feel anything but happy. I reluctantly put the holster around my waist and put the sword in it sheath.

"We must get you trained méus dómina." he says. (my mistress)

Where we walk out all eyes turn to me. Their eyes all open in shock. "Méta." some of them whisper. (mark) My cheeks heat and I smile sheepishly at them.

Arny chuckles and pulls me in the opposite direction. He stops a few feet of the building interest to me.

"With the tournament of events I almost forgot about breaking the bond that you have. This is where it will be done. I also once that's done you will be meeting your soulmate sooner than anticipated. You need the best teacher to train you in he is." Arny tells me.

I feel my wings twitch. I walk to hurt adore and it opens. I walk in with Arny write behind me. A woman smiles at me, her eyes show her true emotions, shocked and amused. Arny greets her with a hug.

"Chanel it's been a while. Miss Anne has a false bond we need to sever. It's causing her unneeded pain." he explains.

She nods then walks up to me. "This process hurts, I warn you now. You may want to lay down before I begin." she says gesturing to a room in the back. I nod and follow her.

There's a bed in the far corner. She nods in it's direction and I lay on it.

Arny walks in and stands right next to me. Chanel puts a hand on my forehead and closes her eyes. "Silentium onus." she mumbles. A giant burst of pain causes me to cry out.

Black dots in my vision as more pain shoots through my body. When the pain finally ends my body feels drained. I try to get up but Chanel shakes her head lightly pushing me back down. Her hands wave over my eyes and Blackness takes over.

Chapter 5

 

Unknown POV:

 

Arny walks in with a smile on his face. I look at him completely confused. “I thought you had a mission.” I say placing my pencil down and standing to greet him.

 

“I do. I came because my mission is done. Now it’s become yours. You must train alter.” (the one) Shock settles through me.

 

“Where is he?” I ask.

 

“She.” He corrects. I expect him to tell me more but he doesn’t.

 

“I will bring you to her she had a false bond removed.” He says. I flinch knowing how painful that is.

 

He leads me to the building and a pull towards it catches me off guard. A knowing glint sparkles in his eyes.

 

We walk in and Chanel smiles kindly.

 

“So where is alter?” I ask. (The one)

 

She points to the back room ant that’s where I go. My breath catches in my throat as I see the girl from my dreams. My soul mate. I watch her breaths rise and fall unevenly in her chest.

 

I walk up to her and put her hand in mine. I feel our connection immediately. I her wings our hidden but I know they are there. I continue to stare at her. She is even more beautiful in person. A snicker behind me snap me out of it. I look at Arny.

 

“Close your mouth before she wakes up with drool on her.” He teases. I frown at him.

 

Chanel walks in. “She should be waking up soon.”

 

“Gratias tibi ago!” Arny exasperates earning a playful slap from Chanel. (Thank you)

 

I release my hold from meus modo amo. (My only love.)

 

Her eyes fly open and a gasp escapes her lips. Her eyes search the room and stop as they meet mine.

 

We stare at each other in silence. Arny clears his throat.

 

“Anne this is your trainer West. West this is Anne, alter.” He says.

 

She smiles at me sitting up. Her wings spread and I look at them completely stunned. Her cheeks turn pink as she blushes, looking away.

 

“May I?” I ask.

 

She gives me a slight nod and turns around. I brush my fingers along her wings and feel her shiver at my touch. I force my hand off her wings with what little self control I have left. I clear my throat.

 

“We need to start your training.” I say and walk out.

 

When I’m out of view I let out a shaky breath, Memories of my last love surface.

 

I will not make the same mistake twice. She will be trained properly.

 

Anne’s POV

 

I let out a shaky breath. West’s touch made me feel weak in the knees. Even my cougar is shaking.

 

Arny helps me up. I will no longer be with you for my mission is done. I do hope you come and visit once in awhile though.” He says.

 

I give him a small nod. I smile at Chanel. “Thank you.” I say.

 

She nods. “It’s no problem. Hope to see you around.” She hugs me.

 

When I walk out West is sitting against the wall staring off. I can see the emotions running through his eyes. I put a hand on his shoulder.

 

In a flash I’m flipped on to my back getting the wind knocked out of me.

 

I groan and sit up.

 

“Sorry you scared me.” He holds out his hand. I grab it and he helps me back up.

 

“Since the battle won’t be here we’re going to Earth to train. I am here to train you. You need to have all your focus on the training. We can’t let the bond we share be a distraction.” He explains.

 

The beautiful staircase shows and I get a view of the forest. “Your first lesson is flying.” He says.

Before I can understand what’s happening I feel his hands push me and I start falling. Fear grips me and I will my wings to flap focusing on them. At first nothing happens. I close my eyes waiting to have every bone on my body.

 

Finally I feel the muscles in my wings move and the wind catch them. I listen to the sound of it’s flapping. At first I don’t open my eyes afraid of what I might find. Eventually I gather enough courage and open them. I look down and see that my foot is just barely floating above the ground. Relief floods through my system as I let myself touch the ground. I fold my wings and glare at West who is looking at me thoughtfully.

 

“You are a quick learner.” He says.

 

He runs at me fist clenched. I dodge just missing his blow. As he turns, he swings his leg in attempt to kick me. I grab his leg and yank him off his feet. I quickly get on top of him and hold him down.

 

What the hell?!? First you shove me almost breaking every bone on my body and now you’re trying to fight me? If this is how you ‘train’ people then I don’t want any part of it!” I declare, my anger level rising just below my shifting point.

 

I get off him and start walking away.

 

“Where are you going?” He asks.

 

I glare at him. “Taking a walk before I break every bone in your body.” I snap.

 

I continue walking. My cougar starts whining saying that she needs a stretch. I sigh but let her take over. She takes our sword off and hides it in a bush out of sight. My wings absorb into my back and we shift.

 

I stretch then start walking around. The smell of vampire hits my nose and I quickly run toward the bush with my sword. My muscles twitch as a prepare to pounce. A little vampire comes out chasing a butterfly and I relax.

 

West walks up to the little vampire girl and takes out his knife. Before he can hurt her I knock him to the ground. I put my paw on his throat, which turns into a hand as I shift back to my human form.

 

He glares at me. “What are you doing? I almost had it.” He growls angrily trying to get out of my hold.

 

“She is an innocent. I will not allow a fledgling to be killed. It is not her fault who she is today. She has no control, she was born this way.” I counter with just as much anger.

The vampling slowly walks up to me. “Thank you.” She whispers.

 

I nod giving her a smile. She runs off back in the direction she came. When I feel she is at a safe distance I let West go. I go to grab my sword but West grabs my leg and I fall to the ground. He pulls my arms behind my back. He puts his weight on me and puts his mouth to my ear.

 

“Stay still and stay quiet. There are four demons coming this way.” He whispers.

 

I felt tingling in my fingers and suddenly images go by of the demons taking me and then as quickly as they came they disappear.

 

I feel West get thrown off of me and I quickly grab for my sword just as clawed hands sink into my sides. I cry out in pain. I try to move but the grip gets tighter. Hot breath that stinks of death moves to my ear. “The more you move the more it’s going to hurt.” it’s voice sends shivers down my spine. There’s no emotion in it at all.

 

Another demon takes the sword from my hand. It then opens a sac that’s large enough to fit a body and the demon tosses me in.

 

“A pet for Satan coming up. That little human probably thought he stood a chance. Ha!” the demon that had its claws in my side lets out a snort.

 

“Let’s go before more of them come.” The demon that’s holding me says.

 

How am I going to get out of this mess?

Chapter 6

 

I struggle in the bag trying to loosen the demons hold on it. My side is still burning and I feel more of my energy slowly leaving me.

 

“This bag is laced with silver mutt. No way you’re getting out. You’re now as weak as the human.” The demon says.

 

I growl. “I am not a mutt horns for brains. Oh, sorry, I just insulted horns. They are smarter.” I taunt.

 

I feel it stop. The bag opens and it peers in. “You smell like a mutt. And if you were smart you wouldn’t insult your kidnappers.” it still has no emotion in its voice.

 

I let my claws extend and swipe at its face. It curses under its breath, closing the bag. I feel the bag swing as it starts moving again.

 

The pain in my sides intensifies and spreads throughout my body. I hear the demon breathe in deeply and sigh. “Home sweet home.”

 

I grunt as it let’s go of the bag. The pain is like nothing I’ve ever felt before. I clench my teeth to keep from making any more noises. A clawed hand grabs me and pulls me out using my shirt.

 

“We brought you a present. We thought you might want a new pet. Being the old one was boring you.” The demon says shoving me towards a chair.

 

The pain grows unbearable then evens out enough to where I can stand it. I watch as the chair turns around and a man with black wings smiles cruelly at me. He stands up waving the demons away as he moves closer to me.

 

“Well hello there.” He says his voice having its own creepiness factor to it.

 

I growl in warning as he reaches his hand toward me. He just laughs and places a hand on my shoulder. Pain worse than anything I’ve ever felt before courses through me at his touch. I gasp shaking on my knees trembling in pain.

 

My bones crack and shift on their own accord. The devil angel gives a pleased look when my transformation is complete.

 

“Nicely done. She’s a very rare species. She’ll do nicely.” His voice and words portraying me like some animal from the zoo. He snaps his fingers and I feel something wrap around my neck. I start clawing at it in attempt to get it off.

 

“The collar looks quite nice on you. Since I have you now as my new pet you’ll be given a new name to whatever it was before. I think you look like a…..hmmm…..ahah. Your name is going to be Jezebeth. In case you didn’t know my little pet, Jezebeth, a good friend of mine, preys on the weak and enraged humans. You are here to torture humans. I don’t currently need you so you need to lay next to me for right now.” He says sitting at his chair.

 

I hiss at him staying where I am at. I feel the collar tighten around my throat causing me to pant as I struggle to breathe. “Now.” He commands pointing right next to him.

 

Glaring at him with pure hatred I reluctantly comply. He pats my head and in a mocking tone says. “Good girl.”

 

I growl low in my throat and move out of his reach laying my head on my paws and my tail wraps around my hind legs.

 

The demon shows Satan my sword. “ She was reaching for this when we found her. A human had been holding her against the ground. We easily tossed him aside and he passed out after hitting his head against a tree.”

 

I lift my head my heart racing. Is West ok? Is he going to get help? Hope twinges my heart and I place my head down pretending that I didn’t care about the ‘human’ they were talking about.

 

He goes to take it from its sheath drops it as if it burned his hand.

 

It curses. “The were’s sword must be blessed or have that stupid cross on it. If I take it out I will most likely disintegrate.”

 

The Devil angel just waves a hand. “Put it back where you found it. She won’t be needing it anymore.”

 

I spring to my feet running at the demon, snatching it out of it’s hand before he even had a chance to react. I give him a look daring him to try to take it from me.

 

I drag the sword with me placing it underneath me my eyes on all of them. Satan sighs holding a hand up as the demon starts moving towards me. “Let her keep it she can’t do anything while she’s in her current form. It’s not like it’s of any use to us.”

 

I give a defiant snort and turn my head back to its original position. Satan swings back to look at the scene of chaos below us.

 

I lay there with an escape plan forming in my head as I close my eyes.

 

West’s POV

I wake up to a headache. I sit up with a groan. I look around and see that I’m in the forest. How did I get here?

 

It all comes back hitting me like a ton of bricks. I have to get to the high council. They’ll know how to get Anne back.

 

Regret fills me. This is my fault again. I will get you back Anne I promise.

 

I will get you back my soulmate.

Derek’s POV

Anger. It’s all I feel. I’ve already killed ten of my servants because of it. Drained them completely of their blood. I couldn’t say no to releasing Anne without raising suspicion. Oh how badly I wanted her. How bad I still want her.

 

My little sister, Sarah, runs in. “Derek! Derek, a werecougar saved my life. She’s in the forest. A bad man had a knife but she saved me.”

 

Immediately my mood brighten. I run out of the castle and search the woods. I come across a guy rubbing his head with regret in his eyes. My hand is around his throat in seconds.

 

“Where is she?” I ask. Confusion replaces his features.

 

“Who?’ he asks.

 

“The werecougar. Where is she?” I ask again.

 

Recognition crosses his features then it soon turns to rage. “The demons have her. They knocked me out before I could save her.”

 

I curse. Satan always loves to play with  my toys. He can never leave my things alone.

 

“Don’t you even touch my mate Derek. She’s not yours.” The man says ripping my hand of his throat.

 

At first I’m startled that he knows my name. Then I take a closer look and a smile spread across my face.

 

“West? Man, isn’t that cute. You’re going through the same thing twice. That’s hilarious.” I say cruelly, enjoying toying with him.

 

I watch the angel I had once fought lose his temper. A silver knife is at my throat.

 

“I should’ve killed you when I had the chance.” He says.

 

I give him a look of mack hurt.

 

“That stings, West, that stings. Here I thought we were going to be pals.” I say smiling at the last part.

 

He sighs his eyes move to the ground. “ I hate to say this but I need your help. Anne isn’t just important to me. Anne is alter.” West says.

 

At first I think he’s joking and I laugh but his face remains expressionless. “Well, Fuck.” I say completely stunned.

 

“Wait that would mean…….” I trail off, everything clicks into place. When I had kissed her in the limo she had past out in obvious pain. The coincidence of her ‘uncle’ having the exact amount I need on him at the time.

 

Well my plans just went down the drain. I sigh.

 

“Fine I’ll help you. Satan owes me a huge favor anyway. Knowing him. She’s probably at his feet in cougar form right now.” I state.

 

I watch curiously as he searches a bush then curses.

 

“They have the sword. The only other thing that needed to stay out of their hands is now in their hands.”

 

Well, his day just keeps getting better and better.

Chapter 7

Anne’s POV

I wake to pain in my shoulder. I look around confused then notice the Devil angel unconsciously rubbing my shoulder. I roll my eyes but don’t move away.

 

I must have fallen asleep while making my escape plan. Or at least trying to. I have noticed that there are at least four Demons always guarding the entrance and Satan has rarely left his chair. If he wasn’t so evil I would think he was hot.

 

I turn away from him.

 

“Don’t be mad at me. I’m treating you better than I did the last one.” he says as if he’s trying to make me feel better.

 

I ignore him  looking at the wall of fire. I hear him get up and watch him crouch beside me. “Would it make you feel better if I let you be in human form until I need you?” He asks.

 

I nod and immediately feel my bones shift and crack. I get up and stretch. A smile spread across the Devils face.

 

“You are beautiful for a were cougar. Makes me want to have a little taste.” He says.

 

He grabs the back of my head, and before I can even react, pulls so our lips meet. Pain. It was so intense it felt like a bomb went off in front of me and I’m being torn to pieces. I push against him, a scream tearing through my throat.

 

He releases me clearly confused. I fall to the ground, all my energy feeling spent.

 

“Did I hurt you?” He asks.

 

I glare at him. “What do you think?” My voice comes out croaky like if you sing too much.

 

He shakes his head. “No were has ever felt pain when I touch them. The only ones that feel pain like the are those little dogs with wings following the order of the one that took them from me. Turned them against me.”

 

I get onto my feet. “You can’t take something that was never meant to be yours in the first place. You rebelled against god. You became selfish wanting the praise and were cast out.”

 

He laughs. “Is that how their telling my story. That is not at all what transpired. I was, how you now put it, drugged. I was supposed to be the one to be worshipped when humans first came to earth. The god as you say drugged me and while I slept he took control of the humans and made them fear me made a word for them to learn to fear. Evil. I am not evil. I create balance. I only enjoy the torture of those who believe in the one that wants to be called almighty. I can tell you’ve read his bible. Does it not say ‘thou shalt not worship any god but me for I am a selfish god’?

 

“He banished who he said he created out of love punished them for one mistake. Now women must bare the pain of birth and men must work in order to get food. He banished them from a garden of wonder never to step foot in it again because they ate fruit from a tree.” He says this as he circles around me, “I would have been gentler on the punishment for it was but a piece of fruit.”

 

I glare at him. “What you say is a lie. Every word that comes from your mouth is lies and tretury. You can not simply say these things and expect me to believe them true. You had all you could want up in heaven. God loves all his children. He created life the earth humans and supernatural beings such as I now walk. He gave up his only sun so I can have this life I am living right now. I only have ten rules I must abide by. Yes I break them but he is forgiving. All you have to do his forgiveness.” I feel the urge to show my wings but I fight it.

 

He stops his circling and stands right in front of me. “How do you have such blind faith? He let this happen to you. He let me take you here in my kingdom. Usually it’s only angels who would be this fearless as to defend the one above while they are here in my realm.”

 

I smile. “And what if that is what I am? What if I am an Angel?” I ask.

 

He glares. “That would be impossible for the reason that that is very rare. Many weres don't survive a birth like that. So what you are saying would make me think you’re insane.”

 

I laugh. “Your the one to talk about being insane.” I reach for my sword. I strap it around my waist.

 

“Plus, isn’t insanity just a term that humans use to define someone they don’t understand?” I grab my sword and unsheath it immediately feeling tingling throughout my body.

 

The devil angel’s eyes widen. I take that moment of shock and run.

 

I hear him shout for the demons to catch me so I push myself harder. There’s a bunch of tunnels. I catch a faint whiff of the scent that the demons had when the captured me and started following it as it got fainter and fainter. After a few turns hands grab me.

 

Before I get the chance to scream on hand goes over my mouth. Without thinking I bite the hand. I hear a string of curses then catch the scent of who it is. I tense even further and continue trying to fight off his hold. Derek grunts in effort to keep me still. “ Will you stop that? I’m trying to help you. A thank you would be nice.” He whispers in my ear.

 

He let’s go and I glare at him. “I don’t need your help. I was doing just fine on my own.” I whisper back harshly.

 

I turn around and suddenly hear ripping fabric. I curse mainly out of fear knowing it was my wings. I grab my sword protectively. I hear Derek take in a sharp breath.  His fingertips lightly touch his wings and in a second my sword is against his throat.

 

“Hands off.’ My voice is low and dangerous.

 

He puts his hands up in surrender. Without another word I walk out of the cave and into my freedom.

 

When I reach the entrance to the cave I am met with a very concerned looking West. I ignore him and keep walking.

 

“Where are you going?” He asks.

 

I don’t even look at him. “To get my haircut.”

 

My hair is long, reaching my lower back. It makes it harder to take care of it. Getting it cut will save me time and effort of keeping it clean. I let my wings absorb into my back as I reach the street and make my way toward Hair Cuttery.

 

The bell on the door rings as I make my way in the door. I look at my friend as she cuts a customer’s hair. “I’ll be with you in a moment.” She says unaware that it’s me.

 

I sit down and wait as she sweeps up the hair. The man leaves and she heads to the counter. “Ok. Have you been to h….” She trails off after she sees me. She punches me in the arm.

 

“Oww!” I rub my arm.

 

“Do you know how worried I’ve been? How worried you brother’s been? He comes in here everyday waiting for you to come here. He told me what happened and he looks like crap. Are you seriously Derek’s slave?” She asks, her look of scorn reminding me of a parent.

 

I growl. ‘I am not his slave. I had a very wealthy friend who payed that off. I didn’t come here for mother scornery I got that enough with my mother. I came here for a haircut and a friend that I can trust.” She flinches at my words knowing very well how my mother treats me.

 

“I’m sorry. I’ve just been worried. Come on I’ll get you that haircut.” She points to the chair and I sit down.

 

“Just a trim or do you want something more specific?” She ask. I place my hand on my sword and watch in the mirror as my hair and face change. Her eyes iden and I can’t help but smile.

 

“Something that will compliments this look.” She nods and starts assessing me. A smile spreads across her face.

 

“I’ve got just the style.” She starts cutting my hair and I know not to say anything so her full concentration can stay focused on the scissors. She picks up a razor and starts shaving my left side. When she’s finished I look at the mirror barely recognizing myself.

 

She crosses her arms. “Now please explain why a tattoo and hilights just came out of nowhere.”

 

I give her my best ‘I’m sorry’ look. “I can’t tell you yet. I truly don’t understand it much myself.” I start from the begging right before I was taken to be a slave, up until now. She nods listening to my words.

 

“So let me get this straight. You found out that your father isn’t really dead, your an angel, you are an angel that’s supposed to fight some big war against good and evil, you have a soul mate that’s an angel and is a total douchebag, you were kidnapped by some demons, they took you to Satan himself where you were supposed to work for him until you died, you escaped, and now you came to me for a haircut. Damn. That must be a lot to take in because girl I’m seriously trying to process the fact that my friend wasn’t human in the first place. I should be really freaked right now. Wait so that means your brother…. Man! I had a crush on your brother.” She flops on a seat next to me.

 

I turn to her with a disgust face. “You had a crush on my brother? You know he’s like too old for you anyway right?”

 

She rolls her eyes. “I can crush on people I know I can never have. But that’s not what i’m saying. Your not human.”

 

I nod. “I know. I thought you knew. I mean slavery is illegal in human laws. I thought you would’ve guessed when this news reached you that maybe I wasn’t human. I mean even my growl a couple of minutes ago should have set off warning bells in your head.”

 

She throws her hands up. “I just thought that was normal for you. You know how things just go right over my head. Come on I’m stupid you know this.”

 

I glare at her. “You are not stupid.”

 

I smell Jim and tense. "Crap."

 

Paula raises an eyebrow. "What?"

 

"I need to hide now. Paula my brother can't know I'm here yet."

 

She tosses me a pair of clothes. "Put these on and go in the back. Quickly." she says.

 

I run to the back just as the bell rings. I quickly toss on the work outfit.

 

"Was Anne here?" I hear my brother ask.

 

"I haven't seen her." Paula says.

 

I hear him growl. "Don't lie to me Paula. I know she's been here. Where is she?"

 

I hear footsteps coming towards my direction. "WHERE IS SHE?!" he grabs my shoulders causing me to gasp. He spins me toward him. I keep myhead down.

 

He puts a finger under my chin and lifts my head up toward him. "Anne?"

 

I look at him. "Ummmm..."

 

Tears well up in his eyes. "I missed you so much." he pulls me in for a hug.

 

Well crap.

 

Chapter 8

He pulls himself away from me and glares. “Why were you hiding from me?”

 

I look at the ground. “I’m sorry I …” I trail off not wanting to lie but also not ready to tell him the truth. “I wish there was a simple way to tell you.”

 

He crosses his arms. “It is simple. You tell me why you were hiding and why your hair is cut like that.”

 

“I can't just please drop it. I need to go.” I say trying to get around him but he blocks me path.

 

“Your not leaving until I get an explanation.” He says sternly. Anger flares inside me.

 

“Let me go. Please.” I clench my jaw trying to stay calm. He sighs uncrossing his arms and brushing a stray hair from my face.

 

“I miss you. You freaked me out when i came into your room and you were gone.” He says.

 

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to hurt you. I needed to get away. I went to Josh like you said to and was happy until I had to go.” I say leaving out the fact that me and him aren’t mates anymore.

 

A smile spreads across Jim’s face. “Let’s go visit him. He probably is going insane without you. Unless that’s what you can’t explain and you’ve already seen him.” His eyes sparkle and his smile widens.

 

My heart drops and my cougar growls. I can’t tell my brother that me and Josh aren’t bonded anymore without having to explain to him what I am. I don’t want to put my brother at risk.

 

I put on a fake smile as he practically drags me to Tom’s pack house.

 

Jim knocks on the door. After a few minutes we are met with  a very tired looking Josh. He looks at Jim then me. “Can I help you?”  He asks. He squints like everything is blurry.

 

I clear my throat. “I’m sorry if we’re bothering you. My brother wanted me to come visit. We probably should have sent notice first. I apologize.” I adjust my sword. I what recognition fall into Joshuah’s features. He looks at me seeming to be awake now.

 

“Anne?” He asks his eyes turn hopeful, desperate, and lustful.

 

I nod. “Yes. Like I said I’m sorry to….” I get cut off with Josh’s lips crashing against mine in a sloppy kiss that’s filled with hunger. I pull away in disgust. He looks at me hurt and confusion in his eyes.

 

“Anne I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have let you go. I should’ve protected you. I haven’t been able to sleep or eat since you were taking away. It was my fault. Please forgive me. I never meant to hurt you. It was terrible of me. Please won’t you forgive me?” He says looking at me with desperation clear in his force..

 

I shake my head. “They didn’t take me. I left. What you did hurt me beyond measure. I gave up myself. I became his little pet he could tell what to do. I let him push me around. I was only able to escape because of a kind man that paid off my debt. You just left me to the leech. You are nothing but a desperate coward.” I say angrily. I turn around and start to walk away. He grabs my hand and i rip it out of his grasp.

 

“What did he do to you?” Josh asks angrily.

 

I turn back to look him in the face a cruel smile on my face.“He opened my eyes. I will leave your territory Beta Joshuah. I shouldn’t be trespassing without the permission from your alpha. Don’t count on ever seeing me again.” I turn back around and start walking away. I hear a growl behind me.

 

“Anne lookout!” I feel the wind get knocked out of me and I’m on the ground. I groan and see Josh in front of me in wolf form. He snarls at me.

 

“Jim get off of me and back away slowly.” I whisper. He does as I say though I can feel his reluctance. I watch Josh’s eyes move to him then back to me with a crazed look in his eyes..

 

“Josh you need to let me go. I am no longer yours. We have no bond. You are meant for another.Another thing is I don’t want you anymore. I don’t want to be the mate of a beta who won’t even stand up for his mate when she needs him. So let me go” I say as I slowly get up. He growls and shakes his head.

 

“Let me go or I will have to use force. I don’t want to do that.” I say as calmly as possible. On the inside I do want to hurt him the way he hurt me.

 

He lunges at me and I move swiftly to the side. I quickly change into my cougar form and growl. He snarls and lunges at me. This time I’m not quick enough and he knocks me to the ground. He rips into my shoulder. I yelp in pain. He barks at me. I growl and knock him off me.

 

“Anne!” I hear my brother cry out.

 

“Stay out of this Jim. Let me take care of this myself. I’m a big girl.” I mind link to him.

 

I hear him growl in disapproval but he doesn’t interfere.  

 

I feel tingling in my shoulder blades. I crouch down. Josh jumps on top of me and latches onto my shoulder. I yelp feeling slicing pain throughout  my shoulder.

 

I feel pain shoot through my shoulder blade and know my wings have come out.  I decide to use this to my advantage and flap my wing so that I’m floating above the ground. Josh yips in surprise and let’s go of my shoulder. I make my wings disappear and land back on the ground. I glare at him. He growls and jumps catching me off guard.

 

He knocks me to the ground and starts ripping into the flesh on my stomach. I growl and dig my claws into  him cause him to howl in pain. I become weak because of my injuries. We both stop to catch our breath. I hear footsteps and turn to see Derek and West. When West catches sight of my injuries he runs. My brother growls warningly. I roll my eyes at him.

 

“He’s not a threat. That’s my mate.” I say to my brother through our link.

 

“Your mate’s human?” he asks shocked.

 

“No he’s an angel. We can hide our wings.” I say.

 

He raises an eyebrow. “We?”

 

I nod. “No one else can know about what I am. I didn’t want to tell you because it puts you at risk.”

 

West checks my injuries. “You’re hurt pretty bad. Your cougar side could die if I don’t stop all the bleeding soon……… I’m sorry about earlier. I’ve been taught that things born into evil are evil and should be killed. I didn’t mean to upset you. I’ve made many mistakes and don’t want to make them again.” He says.

 

I turn to Joshua and see that he’s been pinned down by Derek. I feel West messing with my fur and a purr escapes my lips. I close my eyes enjoying the feeling of his touch. His affect on me is strong. The urge to shift back into human form and kiss him is proof of that.

 

He picks me up carefully. “Let’s get you home so I can better take care of your wounds.”

 

My brother shakes his head. “I don’t want you to go.” He says through our link.

 

“I know but I will come back and see you. This isn’t that last time your going to see me. I love you Jim.” I say.

 

He carefully hugs me around my neck. “ I love you too.”

 

West walks until we’re deep in  the forest. His wings appear and he flies through the clouds.

 

Once he lands on the ground he breaks into a jog. A door comes into view and it opens. My eyes start to get heavy. When we get inside he carefully sets me down. “Stay with me.” he says then goes into the bathroom. He comes out with a rag.

 

“This is going to sting a little.” He starts cleaning my wounds. He hits a sensitive spot and a low growl rumbles in my throat. He finishes cleaning all of my wounds and gets up. I go to get up but he gently pushes me back down.

 

“You need to rest.” he says gently.

 

I huff at him and pretend that I’m going to stay laying down. As soon as he goes to the bathroom I get up and sit down, my cougar is smiling. My tail flicks back and forth as I start to think about what happened with Joshua.

 

My thoughts are interrupted by West clearing his throat. I tilt my head at him. “You should be resting.” His arms are crossed sternly. I snort at him. He sighs. “Please get some rest?” he gives me a pleading look. I flop onto the ground and he smiles. I flinch forgetting that my stomach was injured.

 

West goes into another room and I hear papers being shuffled around. The front door opens and Arny walks in.

 

He sees me and concern etches his features. “What happened to you?” He asks.

 

“She and her ex had a fight!” West yells from the other room.

 

I roll my eyes. My nose starts to itch and I sneeze. Arny smiles and I tilt my head at him.

“Your sneeze is adorable.”

 

I growl at him as West walks back in with pair of clothes. “It would be great if you could leave so my mate can get dressed.” He says to Arny.

 

Arny nods and walks out.

 

West stands there looking at me. I tilt my head at him then realise he wants me to shift. I give him my best ‘your insane’ look. “Awww. Is my little Anne self conscious.” He teases. I growl at him.

 

“Stop being stubborn. With the injury on your shoulder I’m going to have to help you get changed.” I sigh and let my bones shift and crack. He hands me the white clothes. “I’m going to have to bandage your wounds first.” He gently grabs my arm and leads me into the bathroom. I sit on the toilet and he goes into the medicine cabinet.

 

“It’s my fault this happened to you. If I hadn't have been so thoughtless you wouldn’t be hurt right now.” He grabs the badges and starts covering my injuries.

 

“You were drilled to think that way. I’m just glad I caught you in time. She smelled like Derek. I think that was Derek’s sister.” I say then flinch when he tightens the bandage.

 

He looks at me shocked. “Really? Last time me and Derek had at it he didn’t have a sister. Well at least not that I knew of.”

 

I raise an eyebrow. “You know Derek?”

 

He nods working on my shoulder. “Me and Derek have been around for a long time. He was the first battle I ever fought and let walk away alive. That was a mistake I should’ve killed him when I had the chance. He killed my previous mate. He let the devil take her. He smiled and waved at me knowing that I knew that it was his doing.”

 

“You had a mate before me?” I look at you confused. “I thought you’re only supposed to have one soul mate.”

 

“We are. That soul can become reincarnated. I believe you are a reincarnation of her. You and her are so much alike. Your both very stubborn.” He says smiling.

 

I frown. “I am not stubborn. I just choose to ignore people when they’re telling me what to do. I get it enough at home.”

 

“What do you mean?” He asks.

 

“My mom has hated me ever since my dad faked his death. It feels like she somehow blames me for what happened to him. She tells me to do things and if they aren’t done her way I get punished for it. She tells me that my mate will reject me because i am a cougar he for a brief time was a wolf.” I look at my hands.

 

West puts his hand under my chin and lifts it so I’m looking at him. “You are beautiful and amazing. Your smart and agile. When you smile I can’t help but smile too. Your contagious and I love you more than anything.”

 

I look into his eyes. “You really think so?”

 

He nods and gives me a quick peck on the lips. He takes the shirt from my hands and helps me put it on. He helps me put on the pants and helps me stand on my feet. I watch as the shirt and pants change into a beautiful white gown. I look at it stunned. West smiles. “It changes to fit the wearers specifications. I think you look extremely sexy.”

 

All of a sudden a man walks in the bathroom startling both of us. West’s eyes widen as he looks at the man.

 

The man is wearing an older looking style gown and has bright blue eyes that look like their glowing. He has a beard and his hair goes to  his shoulders.

 

I give him a look of suspicion. “Hello Anne. I’ve been waiting for you to come. I didn’t know that it would be this soon… though I was prepared in the event you did come early.” the man says.

 

I raise an eyebrow. “Who are you?”

 

He smiles. “Of course, I’m sorry. I sometimes forget to introduce myself. My name is Jesus.”

 

I almost laugh but the sword comes out of its sheath and flies into the man’s hand catching me off guard. I stare at him.

 

“My father made this sword. It’s more than just a sword. It can be anything you need it to be. No sense and carrying around your waste when you can hide it in plain sight.” He says. I watch as the sword spirals. He slips it onto my arm. “Like perhaps a beautiful bracelet.”

 

I look at it in fascination. “It can also be any weapon you prefer. A bow and limitless of arrows for example. If you prefer a sword then a sword it will stay.” He says.

 

He looks at West. “I’ll leave you two to your training. I know you will do a splendid job training her.” he says then walks out.

 

Wests eyes meet mine as we are both left confused.

 

“What just happened?” He asks.

 

I’m still too stunned to speak. I shrug. I look down at the bracelet. My mind goes back to the underworld and my vision. My vision hasn’t fully been accomplished. I’m still going to be tortured by the Dark angel.

 

My thoughts are interrupted by West covering my bracelet. I look up and see concern in his eyes. “What’s wrong?” he asks softly.

 

I look away. “Nothing.” He cups my cheek and turns me back to face him.

 

“What’s wrong?” he asks again this time more forcefully.

 

“Right before I was taken by the demons I had a vision. I thought it was just a run down of what was going to happen to me. But now that i am reviewing the vision. I had this bracelet on when I was……...tortured. Which means the full vision hasn’t happened yet.” I watch anger flash in his eyes.

 

“That will not happen.” as if to try to reassure me he places his lips on mine. I instantly lose any trace of thought that I had. He pulls away and I try to pull myself back together. He chuckles. I glare at him.

 

“Whether you want it to or not it is going to happen. It’s feeling I have in my gut. My gut has always been right.” I say when I finally get my thoughts back together enough to make sense.  

 

Before he has a chance to argue I hear footsteps approaching. I look over and tears spring into my eyes as I see who’s in the doorway. “Daddy.”

 

He engulfs me in a tight hug. “My sweet girl I missed you so much.” He pulls away and looks at me.  He catches sight of the bracelet and I watch him tear up. “ I knew you were special. My little girl alter. I’m so proud.”

 

I wipe the tears from my eyes. “I missed you so much. Mom hasn’t been the nicest since you left.” I say.

 

He flinches. “I’m sorry meus fortis puella.” (my strong girl)

 

“Ego scio.” (i know)

 

West stands next to me. “Cur tu hic?’ (Why are you here?)

 

My father looks at me and smile. “Video meus filia.” (To see my daughter)

 

My head starts to pound and images go through my vision of my brother surrounded by demons. “Ego habeo eo terra. Iam.” (I have to go to earth. Now.)

 

I don’t even wait for an answer and run to the stairs. I hear West and my father shouting my name but I ignore them leaping into the air.

 

I summon my wings and flinch as the wind catches them. I slowly descend and run as soon as my feet hit the ground.

 

I am coming Jim.

 

Chapter 9

 

As my wings absorb I catch sight of the demons surrounding my brother. I leap into to the air and let out a roar as I shift. I imagine my bracelet becoming tighter so it doesn’t fall as I knock into a demon. I look at them teeth bared.

 

They turn toward me. Jim takes this distraction and shifts. They all jump at me forgetting Jim. All of a sudden they’re frozen in the air.

 

The devil angel appears in front of me shaking his head at the demons. “I told you she is off limits.” he says. I shift back into human form surprised to find the dress still on me. I imagine the bracelet loosening slightly around my wrist.

 

“What do you want?” I ask annoyed. He turns to me and smiles.

 

“You.” Before I have a chance to react his arms are wrapped tightly around me and a weird sensation travels through my body. I hear my brother call my name as if far away. The sensation fades and I know by the smell we are. Back to hell.

 

I struggle to get from his grasp but he doesn’t let go. Pain slowly starts to spread through me. “We got off on the wrong foot last time.I thought maybe we could start over.”

 

I glare at him. “Now why would I give you that satisfaction Satan? You take your victims by force anyway. I don’t have a choice do I?”

 

He smiles completely ignoring what I asked. “You know it said once the alter is found that all I have to do is kiss her and she’ll fall in love with me and be my goddess helping me fight the last battle.”

 

“Your not a god first off and second off, last time you did, nothing happened.” I say.

 

His mouth grazes my ear sending tingling pain through me. “That’s because I didn’t know you were alter. Now I do.” He whispers.

 

“Your still not a god.” I point out. His grip tightens.

 

“That’s what you were taught to believe.  I am a god. I was never an angel. That was just a lie. I lie to keep everyone scared of me. That god of your created the word evil to frighten.” He goes to kiss me but I turn my head.  He gets my cheek instead. He grabs both side of my head tightly forcing me still. He presses his lips on mine and a wave of dizziness crashes through me. He deepens the kiss and my vision starts to blacken. That’s the last thing I remember.

 

I wake up confused. I struggle feeling like I’m waking for the first time. I can’t remember anything. Literally nothing. I look around and find that I’m in a bed. A man with black wings stares at me. Fear spreads through me and I back up.

 

He smiles. “Hello, Anne. How are you feeling?’

 

I scrunch my eyebrows. “W w who are you? W w what are you? Where am I?” I curl into a ball.

 

He laughs which scares me even more. “Nice try Anne.”

 

“Why do you keep calling me Anne? Who are you?”

 

His gets closer and I back up hitting the headboard. He points to his wings. “What are these?’

 

“Wings?’ i answer confused.

 

“What does that make me?” he asks softly.

 

“I don’t know. A man with wings. Why are they black are you part raven?” I ask.

 

His face drops. “Your not kidding. You can’t remember anything?”

 

I shake my head. “Please don’t hurt me.”

 

He sighs. “Well this was unexpected.”

 

Another comes in his eyes glowing red. Next thing I know I’m in his arms and were going at a dizzying speed. He sets me down and I wobble trying to find my balance. He puts a hand on me to help but I flinch away and back up. “What are you?” I ask frightened.

 

He gives me a look of confusion. “It’s me, Derek. You know what I am.”

 

My head starts to hurt as I try to remember. I groan holding my head. “I can’t remember anything.’ I say fustrated.

 

Concern and anger replaces his features. “What did he do to you?”

 

I hear footsteps and feel arms wrap around me. “I’m so glad your ok sis.” the man says.

 

The smell of this man is oddly comforting. I pull away. “Do I know you?”

 

Hurt crosses his features. Derek puts a hand on the man’s shoulder. “It’s not your fault something happened while she was there. She can’t remember anything.”

 

A woman comes storming over. “I knew you were the devils child. I knew it.”

 

I look at the woman confused. The man that claims to be my brother growls. Lie an animalistic growl. “I wish she had her memory then we both could give you a wake up call.”

 

“Are you some kind of animal? No one makes that kind of noise.” I say.

 

He smiles. “You can do the same thing too.”

 

I groan as my head starts hurting worse. “I don’t know who I am.”

 

The woman glares. “Your grounded when we get home.”

 

Something inside my clicks and A rush of memories hits me. It becomes too much and I pass out.

 

Jims POV:

 

I catch my sister just as she starts falling. “Anne. Anne.” She doesn’t respond.

 

I pick her up and glare at my mom. “You treat her like shit. I’m leaving the house and going somewhere far away from you. I don’t want to see you again.”

 

Derek smiles. “You can stay with me until you find a place to stay.”

 

I give him a nod of gratitude. My sister stirs but doesn’t wake up. I give my mother one last glare then walk with Derek back to his mansion. She had been taken from me to days ago by that devil angel that I’ve come to learn as Satan. It took me this long to find Derek and to make a sort of plan to get her back. Now that my sister is out of harm’s way I can finally rest. My sister means everything to me and she always will.

 

When we get to his house he points to a room toward the front of the building. “Put Anne in there and lock the door. We don’t know wha state of mind she’ll be in when she wakes up.” He says.

 

I nod. I place her carefully on the bed and cover her with blankets. I walk out locking the door behind me.

 

“You should get some rest too. She’s in good hands.” Derek says.

 

I glare at him. “I still don’t fully trust you. You did take my sister to be your slave.”

 

“She was never able to begin her slavery. It was paid off by an uncle.” He says

 

I shake my head. “We don’t have an uncle.”

 

Recognition flashes in his eyes. “That’s why the dog with wings was with her.  He must have been a dog with wings too.”

 

Now I’m confused. “Dog with wings?”

 

He smiles. “ It’s a term dark beings use for angels. I should’ve guessed.” He says.

 

I sit on the ground next to the door. “I still don’t trust you. I’ll stay here until she wakes up.”

 

He rolls his eyes but leaves. I shut my eyes and drift off to sleep.

Chapter 10

Anne’s POV:

 

I’m awake and alert in a second. The last thing I remember was the devil angel kissing me. The stench of vampires hits my nose. A growl rumbles in my throat and I’m on my feet.

 

I go to the door and find it locked. I groan but then another smell hits me as I hear the lock click and watch the door open. My brother looks at me with tired eyes. “Where am I?” I ask him.

 

“Your at Derek’s mansion.” he says. I look at him confused.

 

“How?” I ask.

 

“I carried you after you passed out.” he says looking at me with sad eyes.

 

“Why are you sad?’ I ask.

 

He smiles his eyes still sad. “ I’m not.”

 

I cross my arms. “Jim I can clearly tell your upset. What’s wrong?” The sadness vanishes from his eyes.

 

“Did you just call me Jim?” He asks i see hope in his eyes.

 

I give him a look of confusion. “What else would I call you?” My hand goes over my bracelet and then images and sounds go by and I realise why he looked sad.

 

I sit on the bed and put my head in my hands. “I forgot. I forget my own brother.”

 

He pulls my hands from my face. “What did you just say?”

 

I shake my head. “I’m so sorry. I can’t believe…… Jim where’s Derek?”

 

I hear footsteps. “I’m right here. What’s up?” He asks.

 

“I still don’t like you. Next time place me in the woods. This house stinks of you.” I smile.

 

My brother wraps me in a hug. “You remember.”

 

Derek sticks his tongue out at me. “A thank you from getting out of that hell hole, literally hell hole, would be nice.”

 

I smile. “I’m ok with using that statement as my thank you.” I return my brother’s hug.

 

He sighs. “What happened while you were taken by Satan?” Derak asks.

 

I explain what happened to me and his face goes dark. “DO you feel anything towards? Like a sudden pull that you didn’t have before?” He asks.

 

“The only pull I feel towards him is pulling my fist back to punch him in the face.” I say angrily.

 

I imagine my bracelet turning into a small dagger. I look at my dress surprised it’s still white. My ear perk at the sound of wingbeats. I focus on the familiar face on the other side of the window. I recognise West. Unexplainable anger forms inside me. My vision becomes blurry as well as everything else.

 

When my vision clears Jim and Derek have me pinned to the ground. I look around confused. My eyes fall on West and I see him looking at me in concern and fear. My heart breaks. “Anne. Are you ok? Are you back with us?” Derek asks. Tears form in my eyes.

 

Concern etches everyone’s features. Derek wraps me in a hug. Pain licks at me like a flame but I ignore it. I wipe my eyes. “What happened? Why was I pinned on the ground? Why is West afraid of me?” My voice cracks at the last question.

 

“You saw him in the window and started growling at him. You guys started talking in another language and you attacked him. We had to tear you off of him. You don’t remember that?” Jim asks.

 

I shake my head. “All of a sudden I got angry at him. My vision blurred and that’s all I remember.” I look at West still seeing fear in his eyes. I back up from everyone. Derek reaches for me but I pull away. I almost hurt West. My mate I almost hurt my mate.

 

It keeps repeating in my head as I turn and run. I run until my legs give out. I fall to the ground and cry. I hug myself tightly. I hear footsteps but I ignore them. I wipe my eyes still crying. I feel a light touch on my shoulder and I look up to see an unfamiliar face.

 

“Are you ok?” The guy asks. He smells human so I just shake my head.

 

“Want to talk about it?” he asks sitting next to me. I shake my head.

 

“OK well my name’s Michael but all my friends call me Mike.” He says.

 

I wipe my eyes. “Anne.” my voice is cracky. He holds out his hand. I look at it confused.

 

He laughs. “I just want to shake your hand.” he cocks his head and smiles. I take his hand and shake it.

 

‘What’s someone like you doing out here in the forest alone?’ he asks.

 

I raise an eyebrow. “I should ask you the same. People usually don’t go this deep in the forest.”

 

He shrugs. “I hang in the forest when i’m bored. Plus your here.”

 

I laugh. “That’s because I wanted to be alone. Guess that’s not happening?” He gives me a look of concern. I look away not wanting to see it. I get up. He grabs my arm.

 

“Wait. Why do you want to be alone?” he asks softly.

 

I look at him. “Because when I’m not I put the people I care about in danger. I am a danger to them. I’m a curse. I should just give up and let myself get taken.”

 

“I bet it’s all in your head. Maybe it wasn’t your fault that you hurt them.” he says.

 

I glare at him. “I don’t need a therapist. I need to be alone. It’s better for everyone if I am alone.” He gives a knowing look. He pats the spot by him. I look at his hand then back to him. I sigh and sit down.

 

“You know you’re inhumanly beautiful.” he says. I look into his eyes seeing a hidden meaning. I take in his features and realise that he looks inhumanly perfect. I look back into his eyes.

 

“Do you know West?’ I ask. He nods. I look away instantly regretting the question.

 

“What’s wrong?” he asks.

 

I explain everything leaving nothing out. He nods and listens to every word. His eyes light up at the mention of my being alter and turn sad when i tell him about the underworld and to now. When I finish I’m in tears again. “I saw the fear in his eyes. That hurt worse than anything else. I would have changed that to a bullet to the heart any day.”

 

He gets up and holds out his hand. I grab it and he helps me out. “Sounds to me like it’s not your fault.” His wings appear. “Just let them tell him the situation of what happened before and it will probably help him understand you odd behavior towards him. I know West very well and he is a very forgiving person. He’s also the most understanding person I know. He probably had no intention of hurting your feelings. Maybe he wasn’t really fearing you.”

 

I smile. “Thank you. That helped a lot.”

 

He nods then flies into the clouds. I take in a deep breath watching him leave and then look at my surroundings. I notice some familiar land markings and anger courses through me. I storm toward the cave. Before I even step inside Satan is at the entrance smiling. I take a deep breathe and wipe the anger completely from my face.

 

I decide to use the fact that he thinks I don’t have my memories to my advantage. I pretend that I’m nervous and shy. “H h hi.” I move my hair behind my ear and look towards the ground then back at him. His smile widens.

 

“Hello darling. What brings you here?” He asks.

 

I shrug looking back at the ground. I try to supress the anger I feel toward him. He places a finger under my chin and lifts it so I’m facing him. I give my best look of internal struggle which isn’t hard considering I’m struggling to not tear him to pieces.

 

“Have you figured out what I am yet?” he asks. I shake my head.

 

He moves his lips to my ear and I shiver involuntarily. “I am a god. And you my dear are my goddess.”

 

I pretend to be shocked. “R really?” He smiles his lips inches from mine. I can feel his breathe on my face.

 

“Can’t you feel the pull? That feeling where you are wanting so bad to just kiss me.” His lips are just touching mine. Electricity instead of pain throws me off.  My eyes widen and I pull back in surprise.

 

“That’s impossible.” I say my voice just above a whisper. I touch my hand to my lips. He cocks his head.

 

“What’s impossible sweetheart?” he ask wrapping his arms around me. I see a smile playing on his lips.

 

I push on his chest. “Let me go. “ I say letting my anger show. His grip tightens and he shakes his head.

 

“You can’t deny it can you? You feel it too.” His nose brushes against mine. I struggle but he’s too strong. I keep myself from growling and ripping his head off here and now.

 

“I don’t feel anything towards you. I barely even know you. Let me go. ” I say.

 

He smiles. “Prove it. Don’t kiss me back and I’ll let you go.” Before I have a chance to argue his lips are on mine. At first I’m struggling trying to get away, but my mind and body eventually have different ideas. To my absolute horror my eyes close and I start kissing him back. My mind is screaming at me telling me that this is not right. I feel his lips turn up into a smile. He pulls away and I open my eyes.

 

“No.” my voice is barely a whisper but it’s filled with horror.

 

He smiles and I see triumph in his eyes. “Yes.”

 

I glare at him. “I can never have done that unless you had put some sort of spell on me. You did something to me.”

 

He raises an eyebrow. “And why would I do that? I’m not evil.”

 

I laugh letting my act drop. “That’s funny. The devil, Satan, not evil.” I wipe a fake tear from my eye. I watch him slowly frown.

 

“Now, who told you that?” His voice is filled with confusion and I see skepticism start to form in his eyes.

 

I roll my eyes. “You can’t be this stupid. My memory is back no thanks to you. I came here to punch you not make out.”

 

This causes the opposite reaction. He smiles. “So Anne. How does it feel that you actually like that kiss then?”

 

I growl at him. “It’s because I’m now cursed. I would never have kissed you back otherwise. I hate you. I feel nothing towards you that would warrant me kissing you back.”

 

He grabs me and picks me up. I struggle. “Put me down!” He tightens his grip on me.

 

I notice that my sword is a bracelet on my wrist. I still try to get out of his grip but as we get deeper something inside me was giving up the fight. Telling me to give in. It gets stronger as we get deeper inside the cave and my attempts at struggling slowly weaken.

 

Tears form in my eyes feeling hopeless. I let them fall down my face. He sees the tears and gently wipes them away. “No need to cry my darling. This is a good thing. We will be perfect together. We were meant to be together.” He place a soft kiss on my head and I close my eyes giving up. More tears fall from my face as he continues walking deeper and deeper into the cave tunnels.

 

He gets to his chair and sits down keeping me in his arms. He sits me up and pulls me closer to him.  I feel a flutter in chest but I ignore it keeping my eyes closed. He rests his head on top of mine and I feel the chair turn. I feel empty. I know that this feeling of electricity instead of pain is an illusion created by him. All I can think is how afraid West was. My heart aches just thinking about him.

 

Satan doesn’t say anything else. We just sit there with me crying until I have no more tears left to shed. I hear the voices of the demons talking softly and scream of the souls being tortured. After awhile I become exhausted and drift off to sleep.

 

Chapter 11

 

West’s POV:

 

I feel terrible. I just hurt Anne. I hurt her because I let her see the fear. I’m not afraid of her. I am afraid for her. She’s a kind hearted girl and that was really out of character. I knew something was up when I saw her through the window. Her eyes had started glowing and they turned a silverish white. I knew something was wrong. Though the side of her felt familiar. Almost like it was a completly different person. Like she's possessed.

 

She started talking to me about things she couldn’t possibly know then lunged at me. I could see hate in her eyes. Those weren’t her eyes. I didn’t recognize those eyes. They were empty except for the anger and pain I saw in them.

 

I walk out of Derek’s house and jump startled to see Mike. Mike’s one of my comrades from training. We have become close freinds ever since training. He and I had a lot of good memories together. I see sympathy in his eyes. “Hey West. I’m sorry. I didn’t know……… Anne was in the forest and I happened to see her. Well, I had left to go get something to cheer her up. When I came back I heard her yelling at someone. I went to check it out….. She’s been taken by the Satan. He grabbed her and took her into his cave. I wanted to do something but demons surrounded the entrance as soon as he went in.”

 

Anger and regret pass through me. My shoulders slump and I glare at the ground. “This is my fault.”

 

Mike shakes his head. “You didn’t know. I mean I have only just met her but I could tell the thought of hurting you caused her great pain. She was beating herself up about it. Saying how she wanted to be alone because she was a curse to the people she cares about. Have they told you the possibility of why she was acting the way she was? ” I shake my head, “It was the kiss forced on her by the Devil angel. It had wiped her memories for a short period of time. It may be causing blackouts where she hurts anyone she loves that is angel. It’s just a theory but it’s something. ”

 

I nod. “Yes I’ll need to make a plan. It’s going to be harder to get her out now that he knows to expect Derek to try to rescue her again. We may have to try a different tacktic to get her free. No actually we will have to.” I wave Mike inside and I get Jim and Derek so we can think up a plan.

 

Anne’s POV:

 

I wake up feeling arms wrapped around me. I sigh comfortably snuggling closer to the person holding me.

 

“Morning.” My eyes shoot open and reality kicks in. These aren't the arms of the man that I love. I struggle and he tightens his grip. “Hey. Hey it’s ok. It’s just me.” Satan coos into my ear.

 

I continue to struggle anger setting in. “No it’s not because it’s you.”

 

He sighs. “You need to accept that we are meant to be together. It is written. Prophesiesed. There's no denying it.”

 

I growl. “I will never accept what is not supposed to happen. Your evil. I will never accept evil into my life. Ever.”

 

His grip tightens painfully and it becomes harder to breath. “Darling, you’re now mine which makes you just as evil as I am.” I can hear a slight irritation in his voice.

 

“I….will….never….be….yours..” I say in between breaths.

 

I feel his lips on my neck and I stiffen. He smiles. “It’s cute that you think you have a choice.”

 

I growl. “I. Will. Never. Be. Yours.”

 

He chuckles and nibbles on my ear causing my to shiver. He kisses me down my neck. I struggle to get away from him. He starts sucking on my neck which set my cougar off. My cougar takes control and we shift. Before I have a chance to do anything my muscles lock up and I can’t move.

 

He sighs. “I guess we’ll do this the hard way.” He picks me up as my bones shift, forcing me painfully back into my human form. He walks through a wall.A wall.Yeah creepy.

 

Next thing I know i’m tossed into a chair. My hands and legs are being clamped by rope without him raising a finger. I pull on the rope but it doesn't budge. I look at him and glare.  He shakes his head and sighs.

 

“I thought you could learn to love me for who I was trying to be. I now know that will never be so your going to learn to love the monster you think I am.” He pulls out a knife. It lands hard into me leg and I cry out in pain.

 

I struggle in the bindings. Another knife goes in my leg and tears form in my eyes. It's like hot fire burning me on the inside without mercy. He laughs. “Now you’ve got the monster.” My vision becomes blurry. Another knife goes into my leg and a scream of pain escapes me.  He walks up to me and rips them out.  The pain is unimaginable. No words could describe it. 

 

My vision starts to blacken.  I sense silver entering my blood. I feel myself weaken as I lose a lot of blood. Everything goes black as my conscious slips from me. 

 

West’s POV:

 

Something’s not right. I can feel it. Anne’s in trouble. I need to hurry and help her. I need to save her.

 

I get up from the couch which caughts off any discussion that we were having. “What’s wrong?” Jim asks.

 

“Something wrong with Anne. I feel the bond weakening. We need to get to her now.” I say and start walking toward the door. I feel hands grab me and I look back to see Mike and Derek.

 

“We need a plan. We can’t just go without a plan. It will put us and her at even more risk.” Derek says pointedly.

 

I rip myself from there grip. “She is at risk now. Our bond is weakening!” Mike grabs me and throws me on the couch.

 

“He will not kill her he can’t afford it. She is alter and he wants to get her on his side.” he says. I groan and sag my shoulders in defeat.

 

“Fine but we need to hurry. I don’t know how long I can take this. How long she can take it.”

 

They go back to discussing the plan, talking away, while I sit in worry for my mate.

Chapter 12

 

Anne’s POV:

 

I groan in pain regaining consciousness. I open my eyes and Satan’s face is right above mine. He smiles.

 

“Finally your awake.” he says

 

I glare at him. He just laughs. I look around and realize I’m back in a bed.

 

“Hopefully that little encounter served as a warning.” he says.

 

I look at my leg and see that it’s bandaged up. I feel his lips on my neck and tense. He smiles wrapping an arm around me. “Your insane.” i say.

 

He chuckles. “Thank you.”

 

I groan. “That wasn’t a compliment.”

 

He turns me so I’m facing him. “I know.” He places his lips on mine. Electricity flows through me and my eyes close on their own. He pulls me closer placing a hand on the back of my neck. My mind and heart are trying to fight it but my body won’t listen. Next thing I know he is on top of me.

 

Finally I win over my body and push him away. I shake my head. He sighs. “Fine. I’ve got to go dish out punishments anyway. You can explore as long as you stay inside my kingdom.” without waiting for a response he walks out.

 

I sit there stunned for a second. I get up and wince at the pain in my leg. I stand by the doorway and watch him talking to his demons. I walk out the doorway limping. I fall and wince as I hit the ground. I feel arms pick me up. I look up and see him.

 

“You should probably rest.” he says. I shake my head. He sighs and pulls me close to him. He sits in his chair with me still in his arms. “I really think you should rest.” he says.

 

“I’m not tired.” I say trying to sit up. He helps me sit up. “Plus you said I can explore.”

 

He sighs. “Fine but don’t leave the cave. I mean it.”

 

I groan. “Fine.” I get up and slowly apply pressure to my leg. I limp. I go inside the cave tunnels and start looking around. I imagine my bracelet as a cane and use it to help me walk around. I hear scuffling and ignore it.

 

“Pssst.” i hear a whisper. I turn toward the noise and see the little vamp girl that I had saved. I hobble over to her.

 

“What are you doing here? You’ll get caught.” I whisper.

 

She smiles. “My brother wanted me to tell you not to give up. Their thinking of a plan to get you out of here,”

 

“Brother?” I look at her confused.

 

She nods. “Derek, your boyfriend, your brother, and an angel friend are trying to think of a plan to get you out.”

 

“Your brothers Derek?’

 

She nods.

 

“Tell them I’m not giving hope and if they ask if I’m ok tell them yes. West will completely freak and become irrational if he knows I’m hurt.”

 

She nods. “Ok.” She’s gone and I’m left alone again.

 

I sit on the ground and unbandage my leg and flinch when I see it. It’s really bad. I wrap it back up. I sigh and head back inside the cave back to the Devil angel.

 

He turns around in his chair and smiles at me. He raises his eyebrow and he sees my cane. “Where’d  you get that?”

 

I shrug. “I’ve had it.” I Imagine the cane turning back into the bracelet and laugh as I see his eyes widen. “It’s my sword.”

 

He walks up to me. “May I?” he asks. I shake my head.

 

I smile. “Wait yeah. If you touch it could kill you so go ahead.”

 

He rolls his eyes. “You can’t open up can you?”

 

I shake my head. “Nope not to you.”

 

He wraps his arms around my waist. “You will eventually.” He rests his forehead against mine.

 

I sigh. “Your not going to give up are you?”

 

He shakes his head smiling. “Nope.”

 

I groan. He laughs. “I’ve never had this much fun chasing after a girl before.” He places his lips on mine before I can make a snide comment. My eyes close as I feel electricity pass through my body. His grip tightens and he deepens the kiss causing me to become dizzy.

 

I feel pain in my shoulder blades and gasp as my wings appear. I open my eyes and he pulls away. His eyes are on my wings. He reaches his hand out and brushes them. I back out of his reach my wings fluttering. He looks into my eyes.

 

“Your wings are beautiful. There so soft, like a fluffy cloud.” He brushes his hand across my cheek. I make them disappear.

 

He gives a pouty lip. “Aww. I like your wings.”

 

I roll my eyes.  I turn around looking at the place below. He wraps an arm around around my waist and pulls me closer to him. “It’s amazing right? A whole place under my control.”

 

I pull away. “That’s just it. It’s all about power over people to you. That’s why you are evil. You can’t stand it if someone else has influence over people. That’s why I can never fall in love with you too. You just want me for the power I can give.”

 

He looks at me conflictingly. “If people aren’t controlled then there will be no balance. The world needs balance. I don’t like my job but I have to do it. I’m not the monster that was perceived. Is perceived. I just want balance.”

 

I cross my arms. “You can’t control people. We have free will. We have a choice. Otherwise we would be boring robots walking around. Being able to have free will gives life to the world. Gives each individual personality. Take that away and why even live.”

 

I feel my bracelet glow and turn into its sword falling to the ground. I pick it up and look at it. The engraving has changed. It no longer has me over a bunch of demons. Now it’s an angel with wings. I look at it confused. “My swords engravings changed.”

 

I show it to him and looks at it then back at me. “What was it before?”

 

“There were a bunch of demons looking frightened while I was over them in my cougar form with my wings.”

 

He nods. “That is strange. Maybe your destiny isn’t set yet. It could be that your now to fight this angel instead of fighting demons.”

 

I trace my finger over it. “But why would I fight an angel? It doesn’t make any sense.”

 

“Will figure it out. Now back to what you were saying before this. How do you feel that taking away choice would cause the world to seem dull?” he asks.

 

I imagine my sword as the bracelet again. “Because. If we all do everything we are told without being able to choose whether we want to do it or not. It would become boring. We make mistakes that’s what makes us who we are.”

 

“But wouldn’t life be better without mistakes?”

 

I shake my head. “We wouldn’t learn anything. Making mistakes helps us to learn. To grow. To become wiser.”

 

“So if i do try to continue to take control of people they would lose who they are?’

 

I nod.

 

He rubs his head. “I’ve never had to think about this before. Your the first to ever talk to me like this.”

 

“Don’t you think there is a reason for that? People are afraid of you.”

 

“And you aren’t?’

 

I shake my head. “I am not afraid of you because I know that you need me so it’s not like you’ll kill me.”

 

He is behind me his lips by my ear. “I could. You’re also supposed to be a weakness. I don’t need any weaknesses.” he says.

 

“Then do it. Kill me.” I say.

 

He places his lips on my neck. “Now where’s the fun in that?” He wraps his arms around me.

 

“I knew you couldn’t do it. You act all big and bad but when it comes to risking what power you do have you won’t do it.’ I say.

 

He nibbles my ear. “Yeah but it’s fun to mess with you because you can’t do anything about it. If I get bored with you I may kill you.”

 

He releases me and walks away. I limp to the entrance to the tunnels. I lean against it and look inside sighing. I stay there for a while just looking into the darkness.

 

Satan comes and wraps his arms around me after a while. I continue to look without much of a glance at him. He sighs. “Come on.”

 

I shake my head. He turns me so I’m facing him. “Do you know how to dance?” he asks.

 

I raise an eyebrow and shake my head. He smiles. “Guess it’s time you learn.” He pulls me close to him and places my arms around his neck. He places his hands on my waist. Music starts playing.

 

“Just follow my lead.” He says then starts moving. I look down at our feet making sure that I copy his movements.

 

He places a hand under my chin and pulls my head up so I’m looking into his eyes. “Trust me.” His eyes are soft not their usual hard and distant. I look away not wanting to think he has any kindness in him.

 

I sigh and rest my head on his shoulder instead. He tightens his grip pulling me closer. I rest my hands on his chest feeling tired all of a sudden. My gets heavy and I feel him pick me up. I try to protest but he tightens his grip.

 

He starts walking and I fall asleep before my head even hits the pillow.

Chapter 13

 

Satan’s POV:

 

I set her on the pillow with a sigh. What is she doing to me? I thought this would be easy. Kiss her than we could rule the world. Now all I feel is confused. She’s so headstrong and stubborn. Why can’t she just give up?

 

I sit on the chair next to the bed. She is so different then anyone or anything i’ve met. She’s not afraid to talk back at me and fight back. It makes me feel weird. She makes me want to change to make her happy. I actually want her to be happy. Damn this is a curse I have brought upon myself. I’m actually becoming soft. Because of a girl of all things!

 

I groan in frustration and get up. I walk out and walk out of my kingdom knowing she’ll be asleep for a while. I spread my wings and take off. I need to clear my head. I fly over everything hiding in the shadows.

 

I sigh landing on a branch and for the first time in a milenia letting my wings disappear. The only thing that shows I have them is the tattoo on my back of my wings. I watch as animals and creatures go by not noticing me. I sigh rubbing my head.

 

“I feel so strange. My insides are turning and I can’t stop thinking about her.” I say to myself.

 

“Who’s there?” I hear someone ask. I look down and see a girl sitting under the tree.

 

I jump off easily landing on my feet. Her eyes widen. “I didn’t think anyone else was here.” She gets up.

 

I shake my head. “I wasn’t.” I smile waiting for it to sink in.

 

“Then how did you get up there?” she asks.

 

I roll my eyes. I laugh and let my wings reappear. She backs up. “Y y your…..” she trips and falls. I go up to her.

 

“What darling?” I say still smiling loving the feeling of fear that she’s giving off. Then something familiar reaches out to me and my smile drops.

“

Your scared of me? You’re one of my children.” I say.

 

She shrugs and the fear dissipates. Then it hits me. She wasn’t here before. “Why are you here?’ I ask. She smiles and it clicks. She’s here to distract me. I glare. “You will pay for this treason against your creator.” I fly quickly towards the cave I hear her laughter.

 

I get to the cave and fold my wings against me. I run in and look in the bedroom. Anger slices through me in waves. Damn it. She’s gone.

 

Anne’s POV:

 

I slowly wake feeling myself getting jostled. I am awake and alert immediately. I open my eyes and see Jim. He’s not looking at me as he runs. “Jim?”

 

His eyes move to mine and soften. “Hey sis.”

 

I smile. “It’s good to see you.”

 

He tightens his grip slightly as he turns.  We reach a familiar place. “Derek’s place again?”

 

He nods. “You can be better protected in here until we can get you back to heaven.”

 

That reminds me. “I need to speak to West. If need be I can talk to him through you. It’s important.”

 

He nods. “Ok. We’ll try first having you facing away from him.”

 

I nod and barry my face in his shoulder breathing in his scent. He knocks on the door still holding me in his arms.

 

The door opens and I smell Derek and West. “What’s wrong with her leg?” I hear West ask

 

I pull my face away a little so i can talk. “I told you what was going to happen. It was Satan. He didn’t like that I kept fighting him but that right now is not important. West it’s changed. The engraving is no longer the same.” I imagine my bracelet as a sword and Jim hand it to him.

 

West is silent for a couple seconds. “How?” he asks after a while.

 

“I don’t know. It started glowing while it was a bracelet on my wrist then went back to a sword.” I explain.

 

“This has never changed before. I wonder what could be the cause.” he  says.

 

“I don’t know. It happened while I was talking to the Devil angel.”

 

“When did you talk to to him.  Before or after the fact that he tortured you?” He says angrily.

 

I turn my head facing him with a glare. “You have no right to judge me. “

 

A dizzy sensation pull over me and I feel like I’m watching from a distance. I see his eyes widen. “You of all people know what happens down there. What did you do to stop it? Nothing you just made a little promise to yourself that you’ll do what you can to make sure it doesn’t happen again.” i hear myself laugh. “How’s that promise coming along?”

 

“That’s enough Anne.” I turn to Jim and feel like I’m back in my body after a couple seconds. I rub my head. “What was I even talking about? Not happen again? I don’t get it.”

 

“I’m sorry Anne I deserved that. I just don’t get why you weren’t sprinting while you had the chance. When Derek’s sister checked on you she said you were ok and that you were in the tunnels when she talked to you.”

 

I sigh. “I asked her to tell you that. I was injured when I was in the tunnel. He knew I couldn’t do anything. And I did fight west. My cougar even tried. That’s what got us hurt in the first place. He threw knives at my leg then ripped them out. The pain get to be to much for me and I passed out. He’s too strong for me to fight back. I was trying to change his mind about world dominance. That’s all I was talking to him about. The scary thing is, it doesn’t hurt when he touches me anymore. It used to feel terrible.”

 

“And now?” he asks

 

“It feels like it does whenever you touch me. Electrifying.” I push out of Jim’s arms and wince as I catch myself.

 

“I don’t think you should be walking.’ jim says.

 

I shrug and limp toward the door. I imagine my sword as a cane and walk out the door. I head to the forest sit down leaning against a tree. I imagine my cane turning into a bracelet and sigh.

 

“He cares a lot about you. It’s strange to see my master caring about someone other than himself.” I hear. I look up and see a demon in the tree.

 

“Come to take me away?” it shakes its head.

 

“No master is looking for you though. He got all upset when he found out you were gone.”

 

I laugh. “The most evil guy in all the realms is upset because I left? If you were placed somewhere against your will you would have done the same. I may have come to him. But that was not with the intent to live in hell.”

 

It jumps down and sits next to me. I tense and imagine my bracelet turning into to a dagger. It puts its hands up. “Master doesn’t want you harmed.”

 

I keep my dagger in my hand. “Why do you call him master?”

 

It shrugs. “He created me he’s my master.”

 

I hear wings flap. I get up. “You were just a distraction weren’t you?”

 

It shakes its head and disappears. I turn my dagger to the angel’s throat. I see it’s Michael. I relax. “Sorry. I’m on edge.”

 

He smiles. “It’s fine. I get it you’ve had a bad experience.”

 

I flop on the ground. “I didn’t mean to hurt West. It was like I was there but I wasn’t. I don’t even know what I was saying.  I didn’t recognize myself. I feel dirty. Tainted. I don’t like it.”

 

“He gets that it wasn’t you talking. He knows because he hasn’t told you about that yet. He will when he’s ready. Just know it’s the reason he is pushing to train you. He doesn’t want what happened before to happen again.” He says sitting next to me.

 

I groan getting a headache. “You ok?” he asks.

 

I shake my head. I feel distant again but this time I fight it. He grabs my head forcing me to face him. “Hey you can win this fight. I believe in you. West does, Jim does, even Derek.”

 

I smile. “You believe that she can win? Come on Mike. I think you know that’s not possible. It’s been what almost a hundred years since I’ve been gone. It’s sad that West can’t recognize me. The part of me that he left. The part he was scared of. I wrote the devil’s prophecy it’s what i needed to be able to awaken. I’m getting stronger. Soon She’ll be gone.” I laugh cruelly.

 

“It can’t be. Elizabeth? It’s impossible. You were killed.” He says looking at me conflicted.

 

I get up and spread my arms. “The one and only. He almost killed me. If West had stayed I wouldn’t have needed to chose little alter to be my body. I’m actually kind of glad. She’s very powerful.”

 

He glares. “She’s been through enough. She doesn’t need your issues on top of it.”

 

I roll my eyes. “I know. I hate how weak she is. She needs to grow some guts.”

 

I hear rustling leaves and smile. “Hey Derek. Come to play?” I ask turning around.

 

He glares but it fades when he sees my eyes. I laugh. “What? Weak Derek surprised again. You should have done your job. Now I’ve got to finish it for you.”

 

He becomes confused. Michael moves closer to me from behind. “What don’t recognize me? Lizzy or my real name. Elizabeth.”

 

I move to the side just as Mike grabs for me. I shake my head. “Nice try. You’ll have to do better that. She may not know much about combat but I do.”

 

I hear footsteps. “What’s going on?” I hear West ask.

 

I laugh. “What is this a party? Oh, wait no it’s not. I’m glad you decided to join West.” I turn to face him a cruel smile on my face.

 

I start walking towards him. My consciousness tries to fight her. She fights back with more power than I could muster. My feet still move towards him unwavering. Next thing I know I feel a sharp pain in my head and hear a loud clanging sound. Everything goes black.

 

Chapter 14

 

I groan. I try to move but find that I’m tied down. I also realize that my dagger is gone. My head is pounding and hurts really bad. I keep my eyes closed. “Did you have to hit her so hard?” I hear West ask angrily.

 

“She was about to go after you. Had to do something. It was better than killing her.” I hear Derek say.

 

I open my eyes. “Did you have to hit me so hard? I mean seriously. I was in the process of gaining back control or at least trying to.”

 

They turn to me. “Your back right?” West asks.

 

I nod. “Can you untie me please. I want to punch Derek.”

 

West starts walking toward me but Derek grabs his arm. “It could be a trick. She’s been a part of Anne since birth.”

 

I groan. “Seriously? Your only saying that because you don’t want me to  punch you.”

 

Jim walks in and sees me anger flashes in his eyes. I take in a deep breath, inhaling his scent,  and start to feel better. I smile softly at him. He looks at West and Derek. “Why did you tie her up?”

 

“Jim you don’t get it. The angel that also inhabits her body is dangerous. We have to take precautions. We can’t risk her harming herself or harming anyone else.” Derek says.

 

When I try pulling at the rope it starts to burn my wrists. I look up at Derek shocked. “You laced this with silver?” I look away hurt and give up completely. Closing my eyes I let out a sigh and relax so it doesn’t burn my wrist anymore.

 

“You took it too far.” Jim growls angrily.

 

I keep my eyes closed hoping no one will come over here thinking I went back to sleep. Tears are forming in my eyes and I try to fight them. A tear slips down my cheek. I open my eyes knowing it’ll be useless now. “I didn’t ask for this. I didn’t decide to have her in me. But your right Derek I’m a danger. I should be tied up like I am right? Treated like it right? Might as well stab a knife in my heart and twist it a couple time while your at it. Might as well kill me” Tears fall and my voice breaks.

 

I see West come toward me. This time Derek doesn’t stop him. I look into Derek’s eyes and see regret in them. West unties me and pulls me to him. I try to pull away but he tightens his grip. “Your not dangerous Anne. She is and it’s my fault. I was a coward. I left her in fear. She had changed by the time I had come to save her. Her wings were no longer the vibrant white I once knew. They turned black. I couldn’t handle it. I left her and she killed herself. I caused her pain that I shouldn’t have. I did something unforgivable ”

 

I continue trying to pull away. “West I don’t want to hurt you.” I say my voice just above a whisper. I look away from him. He forces me to face him.

 

“You aren’t going to hurt me.” He says softly. I look into his eyes and see trust and unyielding love.

 

My tears fall faster and I choke on a sob. He wipes them away and places his lips on my forehead. I hug him tight. He wraps me in a hug and we sit like this for a while.

 

His grip tightens. “I’ve missed you so much Anne.” He whispers. I look at him and see tears in his eyes.

 

I nod wiping them away. “Me too. I felt so empty without you.” I put my face into the crook of his neck pulling away just enough for me to say. “Like there was a hole in my heart.”

 

He moves his head closer to mine. “Well I’m here I’m not going anywhere. I’ll always be here for you. I’m so sorry I hurt you. That fear you saw in me eyes was not of you it was for you. I knew that wasn’t you. I knew it could never have been you.”

 

“I was hurt  because I almost hurt you. Maybe not me spiritually but physically. It hurt to know that they needed to protect you from me. That even now they still do. I know she’s not gone. She’s hiding now.” I hear wing flaps and look to the window.

 

I don’t see anything but keep my eyes on the window just incase. “What?” West asks.

 

I get up and limp toward the wind. I clench my fists as I see the stupid figure. The Devil angel. I walk out of the room and head toward the front door. Derek is in front of me blocking my way. “Don’t.” He says his eyes pleading with me to see reason, but nothing can right now.

 

I flick my wrist feeling a strange sensation. He flies across the room and I walk out the door not thinking twice about it. “You don’t know when to quit do you?” I ask angrily.

 

He shrugs. “I told you it’s prophesied. We are meant to be together. I have no clue why you insist on fighting something that can’t be fought.”

 

I laugh. I feel Elizabeth try to push through and this time I let her. “You know that was written by me right? I wrote it and used you so I could be free. I knew that you would be gullible enough to do it, stupid enough. You only heard about that prophecy after my death yet you never thought twice about it apparently. It’s kind of sad really.” I push back and regain control this time feeling no resistance from her.

 

He looks at me shocked, confused, and angry. “What? That can’t be true. It can’t be.”

 

I shrug not feeling any sympathy towards him. “Apparently it is. You just met a very unfriendly spirit. You know the girl you took a hundred years ago. Elizabeth. She’s pissed at you about as much as I am. Thing is, she is absolutely right. You are gullible. You’ve also finally done the one thing I thought you wouldn't. You’ve gone soft. ”

 

He growls. “That’s not my fault. Your spelling me somehow. Your using some sort of sorcery. I would never have feelings toward you if otherwise. You have to be doing something to me.”

 

I smile. “I am not doing anything other than warning you to leave me alone. To leave this realm alone. Or I’ll have no choice. I will kill you and not swiftly either. I will make you suffer for everything you’ve done to this realm.” I say.

 

He laughs. “Your too soft. You wouldn’t hurt me no matter how desperately you want to. Because you weak heart won’t let you.”

 

I run toward him with a new speed. I’m behind him in a split second. “You sure about that. Bad experiences change a person. Changed me. Changed Elizabeth.” I whisper into his ear.

 

He turns toward me with a smile. “Sounds like you’ve finally decided to accept the dark part of you sweetheart.”

 

I laugh. “No I decided to embrace my destiny. The one that says that I will kill you. To get rid of the darkness once and for all.”

 

His smile never wavers. “I’d like to see you try.”

 

My body tingles. I feel a strange sensation and look down to see that I’m changing.  I feel my leg mend and fight the urge to itch it. A smile spreads across my face as I start to glow gold. I look at my wings as they appear and see that they are bigger and gold as well. I look at him seeing even clearer than before. I feel my ear move which is weird. I look at my hands and watch as they change looking like paws but still my hand as well as my fingers. “What?”

 

I watch Satan back away and glare. “I will beat you I will be back.” He flies away.

 

I see Jim, Mike, West, and Derek all staring at me. I feel like something is ripping from my body and I’m lifted off the ground. Fall back and groan. I look up to see a girl staring at me in awe. “How?”

 

It hits me. “Elizabeth?”

 

She nods. She’s on the ground. Looking at herself. “I’m back to normal?” She looks at me and walks toward me. I see all of them tense but I shake my head. She holds out her hand and slowly touches me. I see shock in her eyes. “This is impossible.”

 

I shrug. “I’ve learned that the impossible is always possible.”

 

‘But I’m solid.” She says.

 

I nod. “And it appears human. You may have just given a chance at redemption. I suggest using it wisely.”

 

I look at West and smile. “I’m back.”

 

He shakes his head. “Your even more beautiful.”

 

I cock my head. “I feel whole. Like this is how I was supposed to be.”

 

I hear footsteps and turn to see Arny. “It’s time to go home. There’s a lot to discuss.” He says looking at me, West, and Mike.

 

I groan. “Come on can’t we just end it here. I feel amazing right now. I would like to end with a happy note.”

 

He laughs. “We have even begun to scratch the surface. Come on.” He helps me up.

 

West walks up to me. “You need to see what you look like right now.” I feel his fingers brush my ear that’s now on the top of my head. I close my eyes enjoying the feeling. I let out a purr and he chuckles.

 

He wraps an arm around my shoulders. “Let’s go.” He starts leading me into the woods.

Chapter 15

“Who is she?” I hear whispers of awe and shock.

 

West hands me back my dagger and I imagine as a bracelet. I hear gasps of shock. “Alter?”

 

I continue to follow Arny feeling strange with all eyes on me. West’s grip tightens slightly. “It’s ok.” he says. I smile.

 

“I know. It’s just strange.” I say leaning against him.

 

“Is your leg better?” He asks.

 

I nod. “Yeah. I just feel weird now.  I mean my hands, my ears, the glowing, and the gold.”

 

He smiles. “And the tail.” I look and notice my tail.

 

‘And tail.” I say. We continue walking until we reach a door. It opens and we walk inside. The first person I see is my dad when we walk in. He’s looking at West then scans me and keeps looking.

 

“Where’s Anne?” He asks as he continues looking around.

 

I smile. “I’m right here.” His eyes go back to me and he shakes his head.  

 

“You can’t be. Your taller, glowing gold , have golden wings, a tail, feline ears, and feline paw like hands. My daughter looks like me with white wings and she’s smaller.” he says with disbelief.

 

I walk up to him. “You can’t recognize me? So it’s because I don’t look like a scared little girl anymore? Is that it? I’ve finally grown up. Become who I’m supposed to be. I’ve embraced the destiny I was given. I’m still me. Just not the me who let myself get pushed around. Not the me who was defenseless to protect her family. ”

 

Tears form in his eyes. “My baby girl. All grown up.”

 

I smile and hug him. “Not quite I still have a little ways to go.”

 

I hear footsteps and look up to see Jesus walking toward us. He smiles. “You have finally embraced what you are destined to do. This means that you no longer need training. You are very powerful, for father knew you could handle the power without corruption. He has complete trust in you. Now this is not to say that you don’t have a choice. You can decide to not be the alter. Father has always given a choice. “

 

I nod. “I want to be. I have personally been with him. I know how he is. How he thinks. It has to be me. It can’t be anyone else.”

 

He nods. “You know a side not many have seen. You’ve seen his weakness. You are his weakness. He may not show it for a while now but he does have a heart.”

 

West moves next to me. “Her? How is she his weakness?”

 

Jesus look at him with sympathy. “He has fallen for her. His heart has softened for her. It still is. He is hurt. He doesn’t know how to react.”

 

West wraps an arm protectively around me. I lightly push him. “West I can take care of myself.”

 

He looks at me with anger. “You mean how you took care of yourself the last couple times?”

 

I glare. “Shut up. You have no clue what it’s like. To not be able to even look at the one you love without turning into a monster. I got myself caught trying to get out the anger I had towards him. You know what happened when he picked me up and took me into the cave?” I ask.

 

He doesn’t answer. “I. Gave. Up. Because I had almost hurt you and any torture beyond that would be nothing. My leg was nothing that pain in my leg kept me alert. Kept me from giving up on you. I was going to do whatever it took to make it up to you. To stop the fear I had saw in your eyes. It was burned in me. I thought. I deserve this.” I turn and walk out.

 

I clench my fist my head pounds and I fall to the ground. I feel my bones shift and crack familiarly. A feeling of comfort goes through me as I finish my shift. My cougar is mad as well. She’s been with me she knows the pain we both felt. I leap into the air and fly to the forest. I land on the ground and fold my wings. I sit down and listen to the rustling of the leaves.

 

I hear wing flaps but ignore them. My tail sways back and forth as I look out into the forest. I hear footsteps.

 

“Anne. I’m sorry. I have no clue what you went through. It was insensitive of me but Anne, I don’t want to lose you. I can’t.” I hear him sit next to me. “Elizabeth was my first soulmate and I failed her. When I thought she had become evil I left. I turned my back on her when she needed me most. She had no training and no way to protect herself. My heart broke once I felt our bond was gone and realised my mistake. I realised it too late.”

 

I keep looking in to the forest. I shift back. “You still should not right out judge me as weak.” I pull up the dress revealing the scars on my back. “I have been through more than you would ever know. Once my father faked his death my mother became hard. I’ve been through torture. Physical and emotional. I am more than ready to fight a guy who craves power.” I pull down the dress.

 

West puts a hand on  my shoulder. “Does your father know about it?”

 

I shake my head. “It would break his heart.”

 

He turns me to face him. “Your father need to know. I know it’s none of my business but he should know.”

 

“I will not do that to him. It would devastate him.” I say looking away.

 

I hear footsteps. “Devastate who?” My dad asks.

 

I look at him. “No one.”

 

He sits next to me. “Tell me.”

 

I shake my head. “I was just talking to West. It’s no one.”

 

He raises an eyebrow. “It doesn’t seem like no one.” He says.

 

I sigh. “It’s you. If I tell you you will be devastated. I can’t do that to you.” I say looking into the forest.

 

“Sweety i’m an adult. I’ve been alive longer than your grandfather. Even your great grandfather. I think I can handle what you need to tell me.” He says.

 

I look to West and he nods. “He is right. He needs to know.”

 

I sigh. “Mom hasn’t been very nice since you left.”

 

He nods. “You told me.” I raise my dress exposing my back, showing my scars. He looks at my back and puts a hand to his mouth.

 

“She has hurt me both physically and mentally. She says I am too much like you. That no one will like me because i’m an ugly girl. When Derek was trying to take me because of her debt she did nothing she just looked at them. She had no emotion on her face. Jim was the only one who stood up and tried to stop them. They ended up taking me anyway.” I say putting my dress back down.

 

He doesn’t say anything for a while.

 

“I’m sorry. If I had known….”

 

I look at him and smile. “It’s ok. I’m just happy to know your alive and that you didn’t really die.”

 

He hugs me.

 

I hug him back. “I should probably go check on Jim.”

 

He smiles. “I think it’s time for me to see Jim as well. It’s been so long. He  must have many questions.” He gets up and helps me up.

 

I let my wings disappear and I no longer glow. I watch my hands go back to normal and feel my ears go back as well. I grab his hand and we head to Derek’s mansion.

 

Chapter 16

 

We get to Derek’s house and I knock on the door. My father had let his wings absorb as well and he looks like he did when me and Jim were young.

 

The door opens to reveal Jim who smiles at me. His eyes move to our dad and his smile drops. He stares at him. I put my hand on his shoulder. “Jim. Dad is here he wants to see you.”

 

He shrugs my hand off. “Why?’ He asks looking at Dad. There are tears is in his eyes. ‘Why did you do this to us? You realize what happened to mom while you were gone? What happened to Anne while you were gone?” He goes up to him.

 

I see Elizabeth and wave at her. She looks at me then looks away. I look back at Jim. “He had no choice. It was either that or he take me with him and leave you guys without any memory of us. He was needed and he had to go.”

 

Jim looks at me like i'm crazy. “Why would he need to take away my memory and hers? He could have just told us. Why are you ok with this? Him just showing back up after leaving? It hurt you the most.”

 

I sigh. “I have forgiven him because if he had chose to take me I wouldn’t be able to see my brother. The reason you wouldn’t be able to have memory of us is to keep you safe. If he had told you about this stuff you would be at risk. All dark creatures would be after you trying to get you. Don’t you remember what happened the second time I was taken? I was helping you with Demons.”

 

He glares then question fills his eyes. “How did you know I needed help? I mean as soon as they were surrounding me you were there and you had left with west to go up and train.”

 

“I had a vision about it. Sometimes it’s of the future or what is happening at that point in time.” I say shrugging.

 

He looks back at him. “Am I even your son?”

 

Dad shakes his head. “Your mother had you when I fell in love with her. She had just left the man who abused her. She was meant to be with me but her pack leader had forced her to be his.” He says.

 

Jim sighs. “I need a minute.” He walks past us and goes into the woods.

 

Derek comes to the door and greets us. He smiles at me. “Back to normal ehh?”

 

I shrug. “I guess.” I look back toward the woods. “I need to go check on Jim.”

 

I walk towards the woods heading in the direction he went. I recognize some of the scenery and pick up my pace. I break into a run and freeze when I take in the scene in front of me. My brother is being held with a sword to his throat.

 

Satan smiles. “Hello sweetheart. One more step and your brother will join me for eternity as my little pet.” I watch my brothers eyes flash with anger.

 

I quiver in anger. “Let him go. Whatever quarrel you have is with me not him.”

 

He laughs. “What happened to your glow. You are pathetic. Your heart is too soft.” He tightens his grip on the sword pulling it closer to my brothers throat his face dead serious. “Come.”

 

I start walking towards him. “No! Anne don’t!” My brother says.  Satan ignores my brothers warning. I keep walking toward them.

 

I watch something pass over my brothers eyes. Next thing I know i’m on the ground.  I struggle. “Let go of me!” I say the grip tightens on me.

 

“Anne you can’t let him have you. He’ll kill you.” I hear Mike say. I struggle more.

 

“He’ll kill my brother if i don’t do something. Let go of me!” anger comes off of me in waves.

 

He pins my arm to the ground forcing me to face him. Another pair of hands pin my legs. I recognize who it is right away. “West. What are you doing? Let me go!” I glare at Michael but he’s not looking at me.

 

I look into West’s eyes and see sympathy and regret. I look toward the direction Mike was looking and see my dad walking toward my brother and Satan. Fear and anger slice through me and I struggle harder, panting in effort to get free.

 

My dad looks back at me and smiles. I look into his eyes tears streaming down mine I see nothing but love. “Let me go. Dad don’t do this! I can find a way! Please.” I beg my heart aching. My cougar growls and I feel my bones start to shift.

 

Their grip on my tightens and I yelp in pain and my cougar stops trying to shift. I glare at Mike and West tears going down my face. “Let. Me. Go.” I feel a strange sensation go through me. Like I was filled with electricity.

 

Mike’s eyes widen and his grip loosens in surprise. I take advantage of it and throw him off of me. Another pair of hands grabs my wrists and puts my hands behind my back in a firm grip. “I’m sorry Anne but we can’t let you risk your life. Your needed to save the world. Please forgive me Anne. This is not what I want. Your father wants this.” Derek says.

 

I watch helplessly as my father approaches Satan. “Please. I can’t deal with knowing he’s gone again. I can’t. I just got him back.” I beg and plead but they don’t loosen their grip. I feel my wings slice through my back and I start to glow.

 

“Dad no.” Jim say I see tears in his eyes as well. “You can’t do this. Please.”

 

“Son, you still have a life to live. I’m going to give you a chance to live it.” Dad says.

 

Satan knocks Jim to the ground and puts a foot on his back keeping him still. “How sweet. Sacrificing your life for your daughter and son’s.” I see a glint in his eyes and Satan smiles. “But I have no need for just an angel. Sorry but you sacrifice will be for nothing.”

 

He pushes the sword into my father’s gut.

 

“No!” I scream. I find a new strength and fling both Derek and West off of me. I watch Satan take out the sword. It’s bloodied. He looks at me and smiles.

 

“I think I’ll keep your brother. For a little insurance.” He says.

 

“NO!” I run toward them but he disappears with my brother before I even make it halfway. I run to my father kneeling on the ground next to him. I put my head in my hands and cry.

 

“Anne.” I look down and see my father looking at me.

 

“Daddy. It’s going to be ok. I will help you please stay with me.” I put my hand over his wound to try and stop the bleeding.

 

“Anne.” he wipes tears from my eyes. “Be the woman I know you can be. I made the mistake of letting you go. I didn’t want to make that mistake again.” His breathing becomes ragged.

 

“Shh. It’s going to be ok. I can’t lose you again. I just got you back.” My voice cracks.

 

“I love you and your brother very much Anne. Let him no that I’m sorry for leaving him.” He says.

 

“Don’t talk like that. It’s going to be ok. Your going to be ok.” Now i’m trying to reassure myself as much as him.

 

He cups my face. “Anne. I love you.”

 

“I love you too Daddy. I don’t want to lose you again. I can’t.”

 

His eyes start to become glassy and he starts to glow. “I love you.” His voice becomes distant and I watch his body slowly start to disappear.

 

“No. Don’t go. Please.” I try everything trying to stop his body from disappearing but nothing works. I watch in pain as he continues to disappear slowly.

 

His body completely disappears and my arms hover where it was pressing against his wound. I let the drop to my sides. My cougar and I yowl in pain. Everything crumbles apart leaving me feeling empty. Everything around me becomes distant. I hear voices that sound muffled. Everything becomes a numb haze. I pass out.

The end is only the beggining

 There is going to be a second book. I don't know the title of it quite yet. 

 

 

 

 

Anne wakes up from her coma after over a month. A lot has happened since then. Evil has become more confident and attack people more frequently. She's still broken from the pain of losing her father for the second time. This time for real. She must get through the pain in order to save her brother from the evil hands of the Devil angel. She must be strong to survive. She is constantly tested to see how far she can be pushed before she will finally give up. Will she finally give up? Will she let darkness win? Or will she win the battle and protect the ones she cares about and save the world from the plague of darkness.

 

You'll have to wait to find out more. Im still making the second book.

BONUS: Prologue to The Plague of Darkness

 

“West you need to get some sleep. She isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It was just too much for her.” Derek says patting my shoulder.

 

I shrug it off. “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have held her there. I should have tried something to save her brother. Instead I let her father walk to his death. I wouldn’t be surprised if she leaves and never turns back when she wakes up.”

 

Elizabeth laughs and I turn to glare at her. “It wouldn’t be the first time you made that mistake West. Hurting the ones you care about. I swear it’s like you enjoy pushing the ones you love away.”

 

“Shut up!” I say angrily. “You have no clue what it’s like to lose the person you love. All you care about is watching me suffer.”

 

She glares at me. “How do you think I felt when you left me at the first sign that I wasn’t your perfect image any more huh? When you never turned back. You think that felt great?” She asks.

 

I sigh. “I’m sorry Elizabeth I’m just stressed. I can’t think let alone sleep.”

 

She huff but says nothing else. I look at Anne’s unconscious body solemly.

 

Anne’s been unconscious ever since her father died and her brother was taken away. My heart ached when I heard her cry of pain.  I wanted nothing more than to comfort her. To tell her everything will be ok.

 

I was given instructions by her father to keep her from going to Satan no matter the cost. I tried to argue with him. To reason with him but he wouldn’t hear it. Eventually we all agreed that we would protect her. If I had another choice I would be dead instead of her father. I would have gladly taken my life for her.

 

I sigh and get up from the chair. I place a kiss on her forehead and walk out into the woods. I make sure my sword is handy.

 

Ever since she has been unconscious more evil has come out of hiding. I’ve killed nearly 20 demons this past week.

 

She’s been unconscious for over a month and nothing we’ve tried would bring her back. We ended up getting a doctor to check her out and he said that she has gone into shock. He also said that she’ll come out of it when she’s ready. That we just need to make sure she stays nourished and hydrated.

Me and Derek have made sure to change her bags out when they empty and change the sheets when needed. I just want her to come back to me. I miss seeing her smile. Hell, I’d be happy with her ignoring me and being made. As long as she wakes up.

 

All I can do is pray that she will. Hope that she will open her eyes. I want to hear her voice even if she’s yelling at me. I just want Anne back.

 

Impressum

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 23.02.2018

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Widmung:
dedicated to my mom Katina Cochran and my Dad Thomas A. Cochran