Her Guardians Lost(31)

However, Archangel Charisma was a different story. I could tell she wanted what was best for her daughter. I could tell she was suffering in that meeting just as much as I was. She loved Archangel Gabriel, but even she could see his dominance was taking away Cassie’s one chance of being truly happy. She wanted me, she needed to be with me—plain and fucking simple.

“I can see it in your head, Stephen. No amount of cursing is going to solve anything.”

Looking up through my clouded thoughts, I saw Archangel Charisma smiling softly at me. Cassie definitely had her gentleness. She made you feel special, and seemed to have this knack of keeping you calm.

“I’m sorry, Archangel Charisma. I just can’t understand what happened in there. You and I both know she’ll never remember.”

Placing her hand on my shoulder, she tugged at me to look at her. “Oh, ye of little faith. Cassie is strong—stronger then she even knows she is. I think even her father has misjudged her a little.”

She could see the shock in my eyes. How could it possibly be true? Once our souls reach earth and find a body, we are born renewed. We have no memory of our previous life.

I could hear her father’s words: “You can go back to earth on one condition. That Cassie remembers who she is.” He knew it would be physically impossible.

“I wish there was some way I could help her.”

“Stephen, you know that’s against the rules. It could end up getting you caught and sent to Limbo. Then your chances of being together again are slim and you know it. I want my daughter to be happy. I can see that’s with you. I also know why she has chosen you.”

My eyes met hers, shock still coursing through me. How much did she really know?

“I know what you did.”

And there was my answer. Shit, what do I say now?

“There is no need to curse, Stephen. As I said before, it won’t get you anywhere.”

She actually smiled at me. How could she smile when she knew what happened?

“What you did was reckless and stupid. At the same time, I understand why you did it. You’re an honourable man, Stephen, who didn’t deserve what happened.”

I shook my head. “I don’t know how you can say that.”

Charisma sighed. “Look, I know you have been patient. I know you’ve been waiting for what seems like an eternity. All I ask is that you have faith. Faith in my daughter. Faith in your soulmate.”

Seeing the sincerity in her eyes, I couldn’t help the tears threatening to run. I wasn’t an emotional person. I didn’t do sitting around in a group, spilling my feelings and showing how a man can cry. I take my feelings and my pain, and keep it hidden deep within. For some reason, Charisma saw the good in me. She saw how much I could be for Cassie. And, for some reason, she knew. She’s the only one who seemed to know.

“I don’t know what to say.” I was truly speechless. I had kept this secret for so long, it almost didn’t feel like one. I could almost believe what everyone else believed happened. I was a good actor, but now that I knew Charisma knew, it filled me with a new sense of hope.

“Keep an eye on her, Stephen. Be with her when she needs you. You can’t help her remember, but you can help her heal after the suffering she’s gone through.”

And there it was—the sucker punch to my gut. “I can feel it, Archangel Charisma. I can feel her pain. It tears me apart.”

“I know,” she said, resting a soothing hand on my shoulder. “Give Cassie time. It won’t be easy for her, Stephen. I know miracles can happen, but it’s not going to suddenly appear out of nowhere. It will frustrate and anger her at times. I’m afraid all you can do is sit and watch as you hold her hand.”

“It will crush me,” I whispered.

“I know it will, but wouldn’t it be worth it in the end? Don’t you think Cassie will think it all worth it in the end?”

Smiling up at her, I knew she was right. I would go to hell and back if it meant being with Cassie.

“You know, she makes the best goddamned hot chocolate in the universe.”

“Stephen,” she scolded, “don’t blaspheme.” Although she was trying to be stern, you could see the hint of humour in her eyes.

“I’m sorry,” I laughed. “I just don’t know how she makes it.”

Grabbing my hand, Charisma squeezed it tight. “She makes it with love, Stephen. Only love.”





Chapter 10



No such luck on Simeon having to work the riot tonight. He managed to get out of it somehow. Either Simon got him out of it, or Simeon managed to wangle his way out of it himself.

So I was sitting, waiting for Simeon to pick me up. He was supposed to show up two minutes ago, but there’s been no sign so far. I opted to wear a comfortable lilac dress which rested just above the knees. My hair, which was getting longer, was a mass of wavy curls resting gently on my back. I must admit, I was exhausted more than normal lately. Getting shot probably did it, but I found I had to put a lot more effort into getting ready than I normally would have. It was a pain. My shoulder was a pain, not working was a pain, being without Stephen was a pain!