Sapphyre: Rise of an Angel (Sapphyre Saga Book 3) Read online

  When he leans back I open my eyes to still see him smiling.

  “Why didn’t you say something?” he asked kissing down my neck.

  Chills cover my body. My voice is breathless, “I didn’t want to bother you. You looked like you were enjoying yourself.” I smiled as he moved back up my neck.

  “Mmm, well I’m enjoying myself much more now.” He pressed his lips to mine once more with such passion.

  I let out a small laugh. When he let me breathe I’m able to speak. “I see that now. Wish I said something sooner.”

  He laughs, “I wish you did too.” He moved his lips under my chin and I laugh.

  Somehow we manage back onto the ground among the tall golden grass. I’m on my back as Zach is over top of me moving my arms over my head. His lips stay glued to mine keeping them warm.

  He moves his hands to either side of my body lifting his weight off me. He pulls back and looks at me with a deep passion and love only I can understand.

  “I love when you look like that.” He grins devilishly.

  “Like what?” I question. I have no idea what I even have on at the moment.

  “Sexy.” He bends down keeping his weight off me and kisses me again.

  I laugh under his lips.

  “It drives me crazy, I’ll have you know.” He moves to my ear and gives it a nip sending chills down my spine.

  I never want this to end. It’s perfect.

  He leans back again and looks deep into my eyes, his lips at a slight angle, smile. I can’t move. His eyes keep me paralyzed with their beauty.

  He speaks in a low voice, “Marry me.”

  My heart races and a smile breaks out over my face. It’s so wide it hurts, but I don’t care.

  I grab him behind his neck and pull him closer to meet our lips. I keep him locked here with a passion as strong as I have ever felt before.

  I’m able to roll over so I’m now on top of him, pinning him to the ground. My hair blows in the wind along with the beautiful white silk dress I’m wearing.

  I hold his hands up by his head on the ground. I lean closer toward his face as if I’m going to kiss him, but I move toward his ear instead.

  I whisper quietly into his ear, “Yes.”

  I grin as I look back into his eyes. They glow with such intensity I almost can’t look. I give him a quick kiss then jump up away from him and start running through the field. He gets my hint and takes chase after me.

  I laugh and squeal when he gets close, but I’m able to place distance between us again. I don’t hear him behind me after a moment, so I turn my head to look. He isn’t there. I turn back and run right into his arms.

  I laugh.

  “Got ya!” he gleamed.

  “That’s not fair!” I laugh trying to get away.

  “You can’t get away, I caught you fair and square!” he laughed.

  Reaching into his back pocket, he pulls out a ring. He lifts my left hand and places it on my finger.

  Lifting my left hand to examine the ring closer, I can’t help but be in awe of its beauty. Beautiful white gold embellished with two beautiful white diamonds, standing true in the middle side by side, surrounded in swirls tying them together. The band itself is wavy around my finger with no straight lines. So delicate, yet the most beautiful ring I have ever seen. It fit Zach and I perfectly. The chaos around us can’t pull us apart no matter how many directions we are pulled. I lift my hand up above my head and watch it glisten and glow in the sunlight. I’m lost in its beauty and the thought of being engaged.

  Zach has redirected my attention with a swift kiss as we laid in the grass once more, but this time he’s pulling off my dress.

  After waking up from the best dream of my life I can’t help but smile. I realize I’m wearing the white silk dress, well nightgown, from my dream. I now remember putting it on before getting in bed, but that was basically it. I sit on the edge of my bed hanging my feet just above the floor. My body is sore and I’m sure it is still trying to heal. I let myself adjust to the bright room and stretch out my worn muscles. I think about the dream with Zach. It seemed so real, unusually real, especially the ring he pulled from his pocket. But it couldn’t have been real, Zach was human…

  I look at my hand, but there is no ring... just a dream then.

  I sigh as my feet touch the floor. I desperately need a long shower. Just like my room back home, this one has a bathroom attached to it, for which I’m grateful. Opening the closet I find some new clothes, still with tags all my size. Someone went shopping… or not. I recognize some of these clothes. They are the ones I gave to Katrina a while back. She must not have worn them.

  I grab a shirt and jeans then head to the bathroom for my hot shower.

  The heat feels good while it relaxes my muscles, I stand here until the hot water starts to cool off.

  Quickly getting dressed while avoiding the mirror, I leave the bedroom to head downstairs.

  My mind still races with the thought of being engaged to Zach. It feels right, like that’s what is supposed to happen. I feel complete even at the thought of getting married.

  No matter how much I try, I can’t get that beautiful ring out of my mind. It was perfect and completed me in a way, I can’t understand.

  My attention turns in another direction of my dream. The last moments I spent with Zach. I start to heat up and I’m sure turn beat red.

  “Are you feeling okay child?” Garcia asked, pulling me from my intimate thoughts.

  I stutter, “I’m, I’m fine.”

  “You look a little red. You’re sure you’re feeling okay?” She looks concerned.

  “Yea, I just took a hot shower is all.” I try to lie putting a smile on my face. No one needs to know about that dream, not even Zach.

  “Okay then,” she smiled. “Do you mind if I check your wounds?”

  “Um, sure.” I turn around and start to pull the back of my shirt up.

  Garcia finishes lifting it up, then I feel her hand run over my skin. “All that is left is some scar tissue. That should be gone by tomorrow.” She put my shirt back in place.

  I turn around facing her again and smiled. “Thanks.”

  “I didn’t do anything child.” She laughed lightly. “You needed rest is all.” She smiled a little devilishly then continued talking. “Would you like some lunch? I made chicken quesadillas.”

  “Lunch? What time is it?” I asked a little confused. It feels like morning.

  “It’s two in the afternoon.”

  “Oh, wow. Guess I was tired.” I smiled. “Sure, I’ll have some. I’ve heard of it, but never had any. How do you make it?”

  “It’s quite simple. Its shredded cheese, and chopped up cooked chicken between two tortilla shells and placed in the oven or fry pan to crisp them up and melt the cheese. Of course you can add a lot more to them like diced tomatoes or different meats.” She laughed. “But with all the visitors lately I haven’t been able to shop.” She gave me a plate.

  “Sorry about all of this.” I frown.

  “Now don’t you worry about it! There is no reason.” She lifts my chin up. “Do you understand? None of this feeling guilty.” She sounds just like my mom.

  “Yea, I understand.” I smile a bit. “They smell great. Thanks!”

  She gives a small laugh. “Now go eat. You need your strength. I believe you and Zach have a one-on-one for later. If you feel up to it.” She smiled.

  I blush while nodding my head. I sit at the table and try to put my dream aside.

  Garcia laughs a little stronger now. “There is that color again.” She grinned. “Sometimes I wonder about you.” She shakes her head as she goes back into the kitchen.

  That only makes me blush deeper.

  I start to eat when Katrina and Donavon walk in the room.

  “Hey, are you feeling better?” K asked sitting down. “I was worried. You’ve been asleep for two days.”

  “Two days!?” My eyes widen in shock. “Garcia didn’t tell
me that!”

  I hear a laugh from the kitchen. “Sorry child, but you needed a lot of rest. With your stubborn ways, I had to do something.” She laughed again.

  I sigh and shake my head, then look back to Katrina. “I’m better, but still sore. Where have you been?” I don’t want to stay on the ‘me’ subject too long.

  “That’s good.” She smiled. “Donavon and I were outside talking is all. Just working out some things.” She looked at Donavon.

  He gives a small smile. It looks like he’s in trouble.

  “That’s good.” I smile lightly.

  Katrina stops and looks at me for a moment. “Are you sure you’re okay? You seem like your elsewhere.”

  I answer quickly, “No, I’m fine, really. I just have a lot on my mind.” It’s true.

  “Anything you want to talk about?” She asked as my concerned friend, not someone who is just nosey.

  “It’s just… I have a lot to think about. I don’t know what to do about my parents, or Bree. The eclipse is coming and I’m nowhere near ready, Zach is a wolf and can’t turn back, and I’m just overwhelmed with everything. I’m kinda freaking out.” I can’t eat anymore. The more I think about everything, I want to hyperventilate.

  “Let’s just take things a day at a time.” She scoots her chair closer to me and wraps her arm around me in a sister like bond we have. “We still have a couple months for you to train and time to do what you want about your parents. We will figure it all out, I promise. We will all be here every step of the way.”

  I hug her, probably a little too hard. “Thanks K, you’re an awesome best friend!”

  Donavon rolls his eyes. But I let it go. I’m sure Katrina gave him a verbal lashing and I don’t want to add to that.

  “Where is Kasey?”

  Donavon spoke this time. “He took off shortly after we told him what he wanted to know and said he was going to spread the word. He knows they will help us fight even if they don’t approve of you, everyone knows Malvent’s rein needs to come to an end.”

  I nod. “Okay. Did he say he was coming back?”

  “No, but he’s kind of weird, he spaces out a lot.” Katrina said confused.

  I smile. “Yeah, he does, but his heart is genuine.”

  K nods in agreement. “Oh, before I forget, you and Zach have a lesson.”

  I nod. “Where is he?”

  “Out front,” Donavon said nodding his head toward the door.

  I get up and take my plate to the kitchen with the half eaten food. Garcia is still cleaning up. She grabs the plate before I can do anything with it.

  I start to speak but Garcia cuts me off. “No need to explain, but you will eat all your dinner tonight. I’m sure Zach will work up your appetite.” She smiles. “Now go on.” She shooed me out of the kitchen.

  I laugh and head out the front door. Zach and Thomas are wrestling around in the yard looking like they are having fun. Then Zach drops to the ground in a heap while Thomas stands smiling.

  Before I can panic, Donavon is beside me. “Zach’s fine. He’s trying to teach Thomas how to use his sleep ability in battle,” he said coldly.

  I feel the same way about the situation. Thomas is just a little boy, and now he has a big job to do. It just isn’t right. So many things can go wrong, and I will never forgive myself if something happens to him.

  “Just so you know…” Donavon continues in a whisper, “Thomas has used his ability to knock Zach out a few dozen times in the past hour. He’s becoming stronger and faster in using his ability and will be a huge help.”

  I’m still not comforted.

  Thomas returns Zach’s energy for the last time and Zach shakes out and looks in my direction. We lock eyes and something is different. I don’t feel darkness or loneliness. I feel warmth and love. It still isn’t as strong as our bond, but I will take this any day.

  “So… we have a date I hear,” I smile walking down the steps.

  He bows his head to the ground.

  I laugh, “Cute.”

  He barks a laugh. Then he looks me up and down with question marks in his eyes.

  I roll my eyes. “I’m fine. Just need to work out a few muscles is all.” I smile and he gives a wolfy grin.

  I stretch out a little bit and just as I lean to the side, Zach takes off into the trees. I look questionably as to what he’s doing.

  “Better get tracking,” Donavon said sarcastically.

  I take off after Zach trying to follow his scent. I still don’t feel like I’m one-hundred percent. Things are still off as far as my smell and speed. I don’t feel as strong as I was. Of course, through the hell I went through… it’s a miracle I’m even alive. For that I am very grateful to my family, my friends. I could never repay the debt I owe them for risking their lives.

  There is a saying I never really understood until now. ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’. How true it is, I just wish I didn’t have to find that out the hard way. But now, I know to pay attention to everything around me, to stay vigilant and never allow myself to become captured again. I lived through being so close to death and I am here to fight someone everyone fears. I am strong, I am powerful and I can take on anything that comes across my path.

  I put this new confidence into my hunt. Zach is around here somewhere and I will find him one way or another. I smile when I hear a branch crack a half mile away. I speed up, pushing my already sore muscles. I enjoy the beauty around me as I speed forward. The trees are full and the ground has grass peeking through the fallen leaves of last year.

  July is a beautiful month. It’s a shame that in three months’ time I will be fighting for my life and trying to protect those around me.

  I have lived here a year this month and my life… ended but yet it began all at the same time. I left the old Lexi back in Arizona a year ago and the move to New York gave me a re-new. I found myself here, the true me. At first I was unsure and scared that I would change, that I wouldn’t be who I was. But, I am me. Of course there have been some huge bumps in the road to get here, but I have learned from all of those experiences and I won’t make the same mistakes again. Maybe that’s what Harmony meant by ‘everything happens for a reason’. I am stronger and more secure in myself because of everything that has happened. It doesn’t mean I have to like what has happened. But, I am better for it.

  Suddenly I come to a stop. Something doesn’t feel right. I’m in a small clearing surrounded by dense trees. I feel uneasy and threatened. The wind is blowing from behind my back so I can’t get a scent on anything. I spin around trying to see into the trees, but it doesn’t help. I hear rustling of feet and there is more than one set, there are three. They are all headed in my direction. It’s an ambush, and I have nowhere to go.

  They run around me in a circle at high speeds then one breaks from the circle and heads right for me. I fall to the ground as they return to the circle. I can’t focus long enough to catch who they are. Then all three head for me at once. This time I’m able to track one.

  Donavon is about to swing to hit me in the ribs but I catch his hand and throw him to the ground. Then Thomas is coming at me. He drops to the ground trying to kick my legs out but I jump into the air and head for the third. I don’t have the heart to hurt Thomas.

  As soon as I land on my feet Zach lunges for my head but I duck just before he makes contact. He lands on his feet and spins to attack again. While Zach holds my attention, Donavon comes rushing from my right and plows me into the ground, knocking the wind out of me. He grabs my throat and I grab his arm with both my hands. He can very well crush my throat and if this was an enemy I’d be in trouble.

  I have to be smarter than this!

  I’m able to use his arm as leverage and kick my leg up and give him a good kick to the head. Needless to say he looks a little shocked but he let go. I smiled.

  Not a time to get cocky, I remind myself.

  Thomas, the sweet little boy, looks a little devilish as he charges toward m
e. I’d seen him with Zach fighting, so I know he has some skills. He jumps over me and lands behind me, grabbing my arms behind my back. Wow, he is strong. I don’t know why I forget he’s a Vampire.

  I sigh as I have to get free. I take off running, dragging Thomas behind me then I jump onto a tree and do a back flip he wasn’t expecting and he lost his grip. I’m free. But he comes at me from the front trying to go for my throat.

  “Forgive me Thomas,” I said just as I flung him fifty feet into the air and as he came down I grab his arm and launch him into the tree line. I hear him land with a giggle and I know he’s okay.

  As I spin around, both Zach and Donavon are coming at me full speed. One is going for the legs, the other for my neck. Just as Zach jumps for my neck I jump into the air grabbing Zach and coming down on Donavon, hearing his spine crack and landing on top of Zach in the dirt.

  Zach grins giving me a wink of approval. I laugh and give him a quick kiss on the muzzle just before jumping off him.

  “I think I need a chiropractor,” Donavon complained holding his back slightly hunched over.

  I laugh. “What can I say, don’t mess with the hybrid girl.”

  “You mean mutt?” he rolled his eyes.

  I laugh again. “No, a mutt is a mix of more than two. I am a mix of only two, so I am technically a designer hybrid.”

  Zach barked and I can hear only a hint of his human laugh. It makes me smile.

  “Oh please, a designer hybrid? You’ve got to be kidding!?” Donavon can’t help but laugh.

  “Well then, call me a Lavama! That’s my breed you know.” I grinned. The name I came up with for myself.

  “Lavama? How did you conger that one up?” Donavon looks interested.

  Zach smiles showing his canines.

  “Easy, when you mix Vampire, Angel, Alexis and Lexi.” I grinned.

  Donavon looks completely confused. “I’m not asking.”

  “Good, ‘cuz I’m not answering!” I smirked.

  He rolled his eyes.

  “Hey! That was fun!” Thomas said walking out of the trees.

  “That was fun?” I questioned.