Page 52 of Rekindled Prophecy

Jasper’s features automatically grimaced at the mention of their nemesis. “So, you see … I need you to leave. The sooner the better.”

The ceremony was to start soon, so she did not have time for a full discussion of the matter. He had to go! Now!

Astonishment would be an understatement to describe the play of emotions on Jasper’s face. As she divulged her tale, his eyes grew wide with shock and dismay. Mostly dismay, then morphed into outright anger.

Good thing I left out the juicy parts.

“I know this is difficult to believe, but I’m sort of working with Kael on this one.” Those last words pained her immensely. She waited for the lightning of Jasper’s fury to zap her. He stood silently for a few moments. The usual happy-go-lucky glint in his eyes churned until his irises were almost iridescent. Jasper was never silent. That worried her more.

Suddenly, he grabbed her arms roughly and whisper-screamed, “What in the unholy fires of hell are you thinking? Kael? Working with Kael? That creature …” pure venom dripped off his tongue at that word, “… needs to be destroyed!”

No, he was not buying her story any more than she was, and she had not told him the worst of it. As if to prove his point, he reached behind his back and yanked out his own dagger, almost identical to her own except for the symbol carved into his hilt was of a French design. A bright red gem sparkled in the handle; brighter than any ruby she had ever seen. Hers held what looked to be a small black opal embedded in a Celtic symbol on one side, with a lighter opal on the other side.

“We do not work with that low-life scum … ever!”

That last word was said so loudly, along with a string of French curse words, that she was sure those outside heard. Shoving her away from him, Jasper stalked towards the door. It was clear that he had one thing on his mind … to kill Kael. Now.

Greylyn jumped in front of him, blocking his access to the door. “Quiet down, or the entire wedding party will hear you.”

Peering up at him with what she hoped conveyed contrition, she attempted to explain the situation in a way he would accept. An impossible task, but she had to try.

“It’s not exactly on the top of my list of favorite things to do … cavort with the enemy, but right now, it’s the best course of action. It got me close to the bride and groom. It got me invited to the wedding, and now I’m even performing the ceremony in place of a recently possessed justice of the peace.” She put her hands on her hips. “Do you think I made the decision to work with a dark guardian lightly?”

She paused to see if her speech was having any effect. His expression was clear … it was not working at all. Long-instilled hatred clouded his judgment.

“The charade has served my purposes so far. When this is over, I willtake careof Kael, but right now I need him.”

Did I just say that? More importantly, did I mean it or was that a lie too?

Jasper stomped angrily around the small room while ranting to himself in French again and waving his arms dramatically. At least he was not bolting over to the main house to decapitate Kael, which would be the best alternative under normal circumstances. Today, however, not so much.

In mid-rant, her cell phone rang. Checking the caller ID, she hurriedly answered to Thomas’s rugged Australian accent. It was a welcome relief from the French cursing.

Unfortunately, he did not have good news. His contacts in the district had found Sofia’s apartment building.

“Darling, the protection spell they had placed over the building is holding for now, but a large demon army has taken up residence around the place. A good quarter mile radius is nothing but demon-city. All electricity and communications to the building have mysteriously been severed. The rest of the neighborhood appears as if it was a normal Saturday in the heart of DC, but there is a large contingent of Hell holding an almost invisible siege on the building. No one enters. No one leaves.”

Greylyn’s stomach plummeted. It was worse than she had imagined.

He continued, “Doesn’t appear to be as diverse of a group as what you encountered last night.” He explained that his friends had some cool new toy that allowed them to see the battalion of demonic creatures which ordinarily would have been cloaked, but Greylyn was not interested in the exact specs of the technology at the moment. “These new guys are warriors geared up for battle, not a ragtag demon boy band.”

Thomas’s cohorts were not outfitted to deal with such an evil force. No one was. Rescuing Sofia and her friends would require extra help … angelic help.

She had to be here for the wedding. Kelly was her priority. Quite possibly this was a diversion to lure her away. Why else would an otherwise innocent psychic and her friends be targeted for a Hell siege?

Looking hopefully over at Jasper who had apparently overheard her conversation, he mouthed the words, “I’ll go,” with a resigned sigh.

Relief flooded her body, all the way to her soul. Once again, Jasper came through for her. They may have gotten a rocky start on that long ago cold, winter’s morning, but he always came through for her even if he was pissed. She quickly relayed the message to Thomas that help was on its way.

With the call over, Jasper shrugged. “So, where exactly am I going now, darling?” It was obvious, he would rather spend his time slaughtering Kael, but there was work to be done. Guardians did not get the luxury of picking their own battles. He knew she had to be at the inn. He did not have to like her methods, but it was her assignment. Her responsibility. Besides, Greylyn had a feeling he would hold the favor over her head until just the right moment for payback.

She gave Jasper the address and a quick assessment of the situation. “Call Thomas on the way. He can brief you more fully.”

Now how to explain Jasper’s arrival and abrupt departure? She had peeked out the window while she was on the phone. Everyone was assembled under the gazebo except for the bride and her father, the groom … and Kael. They had all seen him come inside her suite.

“Act like we’re arguing but trying to be quiet about it. I’ll explain that you’re an ex- boyfriend making a last-ditch attempt to win me back and I’ve sent you packing again.”

Jasper’s eyebrows raised inquisitively. “Now who in their right mind is going to believe that? I mean,” he pointed to himself, “just look at me.”

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