She led Marielle over to the window to point out Constantine and Sofia, who were still playing on the basketball court with their father.
Theyre beautiful, Marielle murmured. You and your husband are truly blessed.
Shanna nodded, tears shimmering once again in her eyes.
How are they doing? Marielle asked.
Shanna sighed. Its not easy for them. Since they were born, they grew up knowing their father was unavailable during the day, so they just accepted it. And they always had me. A tear slipped down her cheek. Now they dont.
Connor noted the pink tint to Shannas tear and turned away. Tears crowded his own eyes. Guilt bore down on him.
Well adjust, Shanna continued. Theyll learn to sleep more during the day so they can be awake more at night. And they can spend more time at the school. Thank God I have Radinka. Shes like a grandmother to them. And my sister, Caitlyn, is a big help.
Im glad your family is here for you, Marielle said.
Shanna sighed. Not all my family. My father is the head of the CIA Stake-Out team. He hates vampires. And shifters. II dont know how Im going to tell him.
Marielle touched her shoulder. What is his name? I will pray for him.
Sean Whelan. Shanna smiled sadly. Itll take a lot of prayers to sway him. Hes still furious that Caitlyn turned into a were-panther.
Marielles eyes widened. How did that happen? Was she attacked?
She married a were-panther, Shanna replied. She risked her life to be with the man she loved.
Good heavens, Marielle whispered. She was very brave. She turned toward Connor and their eyes met.
His chest tightened. God help him, he was falling for her. He looked away. What a bloody fool he was. Always berating the other guys for falling in love, and here he was falling faster than any of them had. It was pathetic.
Caitlyns expecting twins in a few months, Shanna continued. Were all very excited about it.
Marielle smiled. Thats wonderful.
A tap on the nearby window snagged Connors attention. He glanced up to find Father Andrew motioning for him to join them outside.
He trudged toward the glass door and nodded at the ladies. Excuse me. He let himself out onto the patio.
Radinka was still seated on the bench, but she was staring at the window with an expression of awe. I cant believe Im seeing a real angel. Shes so beautiful.
Aye. Connor glanced toward Roman.
A glint of anger flashed in Romans eyes, then he turned back to his children.
Hell come around in time, Father Andrew said quietly, then gestured toward a cement bench farther away.
He has every right to be angry, Connor muttered as he followed the priest.
Father Andrew withdrew three vials from his coat pocket. These contain holy water. To help you fight the demon. Has he returned?
Nay, no yet. Connor dropped the vials into his sporran.
Thank you for agreeing to protect Marielle. Father Andrew sat on the bench. Ive been pondering how we can return her to heaven.
Connor sat beside him. She hopes that helping us defeat Casimir and the Malcontents will prove her worthiness, and the Archangels will take her back.
She believes she can earn forgiveness? Father Andrew frowned. In my experience, it doesnt usually work that way. The Lord honors a truly penitent heart.
Connor scoffed. She is truly penitent, and look where it got her. Wounded and left bleeding in the dirt.
The priest sighed. I cannot presume to understand everything that is going on, but I do feel that we are witnessing divine providence. Perhaps the Lord has loaned her to us for the express purpose of defeating Casimir.
And then afterward, He intends to take her back? Connor glanced toward the windows where she was standing next to Shanna.
I believe so, Father Andrew said. Can I count on your assistance in getting her home?
He continued to watch her. I gave her my word I would do everything in my power to get her back.
The priest was silent for a moment. Perhaps your assistance will help prove your own worthiness.
He snorted. I am past redemption, Father. Even the demon knows my name and said I was on his list.
Theres a word for a man who believes what a demon tells him. Father Andrew gave him a wry look. Hes called a fool.
Connor scoffed. Im a realist.
God is real.
So is the demon. Ive seen him.
Father Andrew sighed. Does she understand how dangerous this mission could be?
Aye. We worked tonight on a way for her to defend herself. And we successfully teleported close to a place where she sensed death.
How did you know where to teleport?
Connor shifted on the bench. I had to . . . slip inside her mind for a few seconds.
The priest sat back. You were inside the mind of an angel?
For a few seconds.
That must have been incredible. Whatwhat did you see, if you dont mind my asking?
He leaned forward, resting his forearms on his thighs. It was . . . a beautiful, peaceful place full of love and compassion.
I bet it was. Father Andrew sat silently for a moment. Ive never met a man whom the Father couldnt forgive. If you confess
Nay. I confess nothing. Connor stood. Im a lost cause, Father. Thats why Im the perfect choice to protect Marielle. I have nothing to lose.
And everything to gain, the priest muttered, then rose to his feet. Come. Lets see if we can convince Roman to talk to Marielle.
So he can forgive her? Connor asked dryly. Or forgive me?
Father Andrew walked toward the glass door to let himself into the cafeteria.
Father, no! Roman strode toward him. Its not safe.
The priest gave him a bland look. I talked to her last night without any problems.
You had several Vamps to protect you, Roman argued.
Then come in with me. Father Andrew opened the door and walked inside.
Gods blood, Roman muttered, then glared at Connor. Arent you going in?
After you.
Romans eyes narrowed, then he glanced back at the children. Stay here with Radinka. Ill be right back.
I want to meet the angel, Constantine said.
Me, too! Sofia skipped toward him.
No! Roman winced, then softened his tone. I need you to stay here. You can watch her through the glass.
Come, my darlings. Radinka gathered the children in her arms. Well have a lovely view right here.
Roman shot Connor an annoyed look as he entered the cafeteria.
Connor followed and saw that the priest was talking to Marielle, but keeping a safe distance.
Shanna grabbed Romans hand and led him toward Marielle. You would think a former monk would be eager to meet an angel.
Roman looked properly chastised as he stopped in front of Marielle. It is an honor to meet you.
Marielle inclined her head. I am so very sorry for the pain and grief I caused. I will remember your children in my prayers each day.
Thank you. Roman extended a hand.
She took it, then flinched and looked more closely at him. I have encountered your soul before.
Yes. Roman nodded. I met you last night, though you were mostly unconscious.
No, it was . . . She tilted her head, studying him. Then with a gasp, she released his hand and stepped back. Good heavens! It cant be.
Connor moved to her side. Whats wrong?
She shook her head. It was so long ago. How can . . . She looked at Roman, her expression a mixture of shock and horror. You were my first mistake.
Chapter Fourteen
Roman stiffened. Youre calling me a mistake? After nearly killing my wife? Thats what I would call a mistake!
Marielle winced. She still needed to learn not to say everything that came to mind.
Roman strode toward the door. This meeting is over.
Give her a chance to explain, Connor said.
Roman whirled around and glared at him. What has gotten into you? Have you forgotten where your loyalty lies?
Marielle saw Connors hands curl into fists, and she grabbed his arm to stop him. Please dont blame Connor for my mistakes, she told Roman.
He scoffed. And your mistakes include me?
Connor shot her an angry look. Release me. I fight my own battles.
She let go, surprised that his angry lash stung her more than Romans. Why shouldnt she seek to protect him? He always protected her.
Enough! Father Andrew scowled at them all. Lets all sit down and let Marielle explain.
She took a seat and glanced warily at Roman.
He sat with an impatient huff. Shanna sat next to him, took his hand in hers, and leaned close to whisper something in his ear. His tense expression relaxed.
They had a good marriage, Marielle realized, one filled with understanding and tenderness. Romans sour mood stemmed from the fear he had endured, the fear of losing his beloved wife.
She glanced at Connor who was sitting nearby, his arms crossed, his face frowning. She sighed. Hed been so happy earlier in the evening, but now he seemed downright grouchy. He knows he is losing me. Shed go back to heaven as soon as she could. And he would be left behind, still lonely and still full of pain and remorse.
His words came back to her. Yere healing me. Dear Lord, she hoped so. She couldnt bear the thought of him existing for centuries with so much sorrow and despair.
Please begin when you are ready, Father Andrew said, interrupting her thoughts.
She took a deep breath. Father Andrew and Connor heard some of my story last night. I have been banished from heaven for disobeying orders. Last night was my third time.
Her second time was when she healed a baby who was supposed to die, Father Andrew explained. The boy grew up to be a serial killer.
Roman nodded. Otis Crump. Robby told us about that.
Marielle shifted on the hard chair. Thats when the Archangels decided to strip away my healing abilities. As a punishment, I became a Deliverer, and I had to deliver the souls of all the women who were murdered by Otis.
That must have been heartbreaking for you, Shanna said.
Roman snorted. Im sure it was a lot tougher on the women.
Yes, Marielle conceded. You are correct.
What does this have to do with me? Roman asked.
I think I know. Father Andrew leaned forward. You mentioned the first time you disobeyed. Eastern Europe in the Middle Ages?
Yes, in 1461. She noticed Romans stunned reaction. I was a Healer then. I was sent to a small village in Romania where a farmers wife had given birth to their third son.
Roman jumped to his feet. You witnessed my birth?
Marielle gave him a sad look. You and your mother were dying. I was given orders to heal your mother. But not you.
He flinched. I was supposed to die?
I touched your mother to heal her, and your father broke into tears, praising God. Then he vowed that if God would heal you, too, he would dedicate you to the Church.
Roman paled. My father made a vow?
Yes. He pledged to give you to the local monastery.
Roman walked away slowly till he came to a wall of glass windows overlooking the garden.
I couldnt see any harm in healing you, Marielle continued. The world was full of poverty and disease. I thought you could do some good as a monk.
Roman leaned a forearm against the window and gazed outside. I never knew. My father took me to the monastery when I turned five and left me there. I thought he didnt want me.
He loved you greatly from the moment you were born, Marielle said quietly. He cried and pleaded for you until my heart could no longer bear it. So I healed you.
You saved his life, Shanna whispered, tears glimmering in her eyes.
Roman rested his brow against his forearm. When my father left me, the monks gave him a sack of flour. I thought he had sold me for food.
Shanna rushed toward him and hugged him from behind. It was probably a gift since they knew how poor your family was.
Im sure thats all it was, Father Andrew agreed. But as an abandoned child in pain, Roman misinterpreted it.
Were ye punished for healing him? Connor asked her.
I was reprimanded. She sighed. But I didnt learn my lesson very well. I still have trouble following orders.
Well, thank God you disobeyed. Shanna turned toward her. I wouldnt have Roman now if you had let him die. Or my children.
I wouldna be here, either, Connor said. Neither would Angus or Jean-Luc or Gregori or any of the others who were sired by Roman.
Roman turned and wrapped an arm around his wifes shoulders. His eyes glinted with unshed tears. I cant help but wonder why I was supposed to die. Ever since I was transformed by Casimir, I have believed it was my destiny to bring about his defeat.
Youve done a lot to protect mortals and encourage Vamps to live in a good way, Shanna told him. Ive always been proud of you.
He smiled and kissed her brow. Then he looked at Marielle. Do you really consider me a mistake?
She shook her head. The mistake was mine, but I cannot regret it. You have led a good and noble life. I have always been grateful that there are good vampires who are willing to fight the evil ones. And I am thankful that I can offer you my assistance.
The Lord works in mysterious ways. Father Andrew smiled at her. I believe your destiny has long been linked to these Vamps.
She took a deep breath. Could it be true? Could she somehow be exactly where she was supposed to be?
She glanced at Connor and found him watching her intently. Her heart lurched with a burst of emotion. No, this couldnt be what the Father intended. An angel didnt succumb to human emotions like desire and longing.
No angel was supposed to fall in love.
It was over an hour later before Connor was able to teleport Marielle back to the cabin. Shanna insisted on fixing her a meal in the cafeteria, which turned into a cooking lesson. Meanwhile, Angus and Emma returned from Nebraska, along with Robby and Olivia.
Connor spent some time in the MacKay security office, describing the progress he was making with Marielle. Angus was eager for a final showdown with the Malcontents. The dead bodies in Nebraska had indeed been Casimirs victims. Shannas father, Sean Whelan, had given them the tip about the bodies, and now, in return, he was demanding to be included in their battle.
The man is crazy if he thinks he can fight a vampire, Robby muttered.
Angus shrugged. I told him as much, but he insists. He claims he can weaken them with silver bullets before they ever get close to him.
