Hell's Angel: Guardian Angel Book 2

Randall and Cassiopeia got to Max’s within sixteen minutes of me waking up. We were supposed to have this little rendezvous at their house, but Michael wanted to be sure that nothing was going to be coming back to my sister’s place anytime soon. He said that when I was up to it, I could put up some wards to protect her house, like the ones keeping Arcadia hidden, but not quite that strong. I agreed immediately but he and my sister agreed that it could wait until I had all of my energy back.

The bubbly cupid strolled in carrying a pizza. From her spot on my lap, Mackenzie clapped in delight. Since she had come back downstairs and saw that I was awake, she’d glued herself to my side. Her account of events was downright terrifying, but the crow was nothing compared to how scared she’d been when she’d seen me pass out after my display of power. She didn’t even want to get up and cross to the kitchen for a slice of her favorite sausage pizza unless I went with her.

“So let me get this straight,” Randall said taking a bite from his own greasy piece of pepperoni. “You actually killed one of those bastards?”

“Randy!” Cassi scolded him. Her brown eyes widened like his language was scandalous. “There’s a little girl here.”

Luckily for my best friend, the child in question was too busy with her dinner to pay too much attention to our conversation. “Whoops. But this is big news. Vega created her titans to be indestructible and Lyra just killed her favorite. She’s gonna be pis- she’s not going to be happy,” he amended at the single arched eyebrow and narrowed eyes she gave him.

Cassi tugged at the thin material of her blouse. “Vega’s titans don’t like to be outsmarted,” she started slowly, almost as if she was thinking aloud and not actually talking to us. Her warm gaze settled on my face. “When Cetus, the sea monster, tried to kill my daughter, Perseus didn’t save her by killing it like the stories say. He was able to trick it. You helped him. But when you two did that to save Andromeda, the others attacked our kingdom. Draco wiped out an entire village.”

I winced. I’d faced off against the massive dragon and it wasn’t something mortals could handle. Deadly claws and teeth could tear a mountain to shreds. The only reason I was still standing was because I’d been saved by the world’s best hunter, Orion. The monster wasn’t dead, just off licking his wounds after that confrontation. He’d be back soon enough.

“So we have to get on top of this before the other titans go on an avenging rampage.”

“And how are you supposed to do that?” My sister didn’t mince words. She got right to the heart of the problem, the answer to which I was at a loss for.

“Um,” I stuttered.

Michael, who had spent the last fifteen minutes brooding in the corner, pushed away from the wall. Even without speaking, he took center stage. His mere presence was enough to silence a noisy room. “We call in reinforcements. The citizens of Arcadia themselves cannot hope to defeat Vega and her titans, and you and I alone are no match, but you still have support from the City.”

“What? You mean like other gods? How many of you are there?” Maxine was more fascinated by all of this than I was, but then it was probably easier to be interested when you weren’t the one that had suddenly become immortal.

As for me, Vega was enough to deal with. From my memories, I knew that most of the gods were prideful, indifferent, and arrogant, but good-natured for the most part. However, from the top of my head, I couldn’t think of a single one that would be willing to help. “What? Do you have gods on speed dial?” I quipped. Seriously, I really needed a nap.

“Though I was banished from the City by Thesis many eons ago, I have maintained many of my alliances. Yet it is not I who will be reaching out to the others who back you for assistance.”

He narrowed his gaze onto Randall and the cupid groaned. I had absolutely no idea what they were talking about and before I could ask, my brother-in-law, Ethan, opened the door and walked in on our little pizza party. “Hey, Lyra! You’re home. Now maybe things can start getting back to normal around here.”

I snorted. Yeah, not gonna happen.

Mackenzie nearly burst into tears when I left, but a tiny push of my own emotions soothed her fear. She was smart enough to understand it when I told he that no one could know about what had happened, and stayed quiet when her dad had asked how her day was. On the same wavelength as her daughter, Maxine almost choked the life out of me when she gave me a parting hug. “Let me know what I can do,” she whispered as Ethan sat on the couch with Mac flipping through channels. “And Michael, please take care of my little sister.”

His response was a simple nod, although I could see the solemnity and admiration in his stunning silver eyes. That had been an hour ago. Since then, he’d taken his duty as my protector even more seriously than usual and hadn’t left our shared bedroom since we got back to Randall and Cassi’s, even though I told him I was just going to do some writing. Words had always had a power to keep me grounded, which was why I went into journalism, and keeping a diary had helped me organize my thoughts through every single one of my many lifetimes. That’s what I was still doing while he sat on the floor with his back against the mattress, meditating or something.

Dear diary.

I have no freaking clue what to do. We have to find a way to stop the titans before they make this world even crappier than it’s been getting, but I don’t think I can trust whatever god Michael says will help us. I was the only one to ever care about humanity; not even my best friend understood why I was so obsessed with the first people. Damn, right now, even I don’t know why I was so obsessed. Overall, people are basically good, but they’re also selfish and spiteful and will take any opportunity to exhibit power. Take Syria. Those were humans that created those terrorist cells and forced their own people to flee the country, not Vega or her goon squad. And Trump. I am taking no responsibility for that mess. There’s just so much hurt in the world. I don’t get it. What am I fighting for?

For the other 99% of the world just trying to get by. For my family and the other good people that have touched me through this and every life.

For me. I’m fighting because despite everything, I believe in humanity. I’m fighting because I’m not Vega. I see things as good and beautiful and I can’t let her take that away from me. I’m still here because-

A soft knock sounded against the door before Cassi hesitantly poked her head in. Her gorgeous features were twisted into a look of unease and she shot Michael an accusatory look. “She’s here.”

My forehead scrunched up in confusion as Michael gracefully unfurled himself from the floor. He held out a hand for mine and pulled me to my feet before the three of us started down the hallway toward the living room. Cassiopeia hesitated at the threshold for just a second before she lifted her chin defiantly and marched in to sit on the sofa with Randall, who looked more awkward than I’d ever seen him, even when he was passing himself off as gay. I cast a questioning glance at Michael, but he kept his expression blank, only giving me a slight nod to enter the tense room.

With my heart stuck in my throat, I did as he bid. My eyes danced between the sofa and across to the high-backed rocking chair and I stifled a gasp. Sitting regally in the chair was one of the prettiest women I’d ever seen. She looked like a ’50’s Hollywood starlet. Her hair was honey blonde, cut at her shoulders with loose curls that accentuated her heart-shaped face. Large emerald eyes smiled up at me through a mass of long eyelashes. Red lips curved up, but it wasn’t exactly a friendly look. Her short pink sundress, a gorgeous color that would clash with my strawberry hair, showed off her ample breasts, thin waist, and long legs that ended in a pair of adorable strappy gold heels. She was walking perfection but there was something... off about her. She was distant, cold.

“Princess Lyra. It is so lovely to see you again, and as one of us once more! Your humans are very entertaining, but it is fabulous to have your true nature amongst us.”

“Um, thank you. What is it that I can do for you?”

She seemed amused. “I have been summoned because it is you who needs me. We have been keeping an eye on you and Vega. Thesis is upset that you have been gone as long as you have, but now that you are no longer human, you can take your rightful place as her successor.”

I jolted back as if she’d hit me. “Successor? No. That was the whole point of my mother’s contest and why I left in the first place. It’s not over.”

The stunning goddess frowned. “This is not about a competition for your sister any longer. She wants to destroy this world that you have created and she is doing a swell job of it. The only way you can hope for humanity’s continuation is to accept the assistance of those of us who support you over your sister. When this started, I would not have cared to offer this help. Two millennia ago I wanted Vega’s titans to end this nonsense so you could join the council. But your humans do have some good qualities and I know that losing them would hurt you so that you could not lead us. We need you and I, for one, am willing to assist in this war with your sister if it means you return to the City and accept your mother’s request. Although, I could do without a few of these pests,” she added with a nasty glare towards the couch.

Randall jumped to his feet. Rage was painted on his normally smiling face and he looked more livid than I’d ever seen him. “That’s enough, Mother.”

My thin eyebrows shot up into my hairline. Before I knew about all of this myth stuff, I’d been tricked into believing that Randall was an only child who lived with his dad, who actually turned out to be someone from Arcadia pretending. I’d never asked questions about my best friend’s mom because it always seemed to be a touchy subject for him. But now that I knew what he really was, his very estranged mother was an even bigger legend than I was. “You’re Aphrodite?” I exclaimed.

“I have many names, your highness; Aphrodite, Venus, Bestet, Freya, Prende. I am known by all as the goddess of love. So yes, Aphrodite will do. It is my most famous name, after all.”

“Stop preening,” Randall growled. “Can we get back on topic? You need to knock off all of this bashing of Cassi. I love her, despite your very obvious opinion.”

Aphrodite’s full lips pinched together and a wrinkle creased between her brows. Even with the indignant look she was drop dead gorgeous. “I do not wish to have this discussion.”

“Too damn bad.”

Anger shimmered in the goddess’s eyes and she looked less like a Barbie doll now that she had actual emotion shining through. “Randall, of the many millions of women, why did you have to choose this disrespectful harlot? You are a cupid. You can have anyone you want. Why her? Never mind. If Cetus would have succeeded the job, we would not be having this conversation. It is no wonder Lyra was able to vanquish Corvus.

“Do you see, Princess, why you make the better leader for the council? We need the strong sister if we are to defeat the coming darkness.”

My best friend was still fuming and Cassi sat dejectedly on the couch, staring at her delicate hands. My eyes slowly moved back to the goddess of love that had no heart of her own. Studying her now after her outburst, she wasn’t as pretty anymore. She still looked perfect, of course, but that cool mask made her seem plastic. The corners of my mouth pulled down. “I think you should go.”

Her blank stare made me realize that not many people kicked her out. Her confusion lasted only a few seconds and she blinked slowly when I didn’t take back my request. “Bear in mind, Princess, that you contacted me. You will need my help.”

“Look, Cassiopeia is my friend and I’m with Randall on this one. You need to stop being a bitch to her. I won’t put up with it, and if that offends your delicate sensibilities then you know where the door is.”

Her full chest expanded at the shocked gasp that she sucked through her teeth. She probably wasn’t used to people calling her out on her snobbishness. Pouting, she rose gracefully onto her six inch stilettos.

“Wait,” Cassi sighed from her spot. Her shoulders were set back and her chin was high in stubbornness. She looked more like the queen she used to be. “Lyra, don’t. I can handle her digs, but you will need her support. My feelings aren’t worth the destruction of everything you’ve worked so hard to build.”

Randall sank back into the cushion next to her, wrapped his arm securely around her shoulder, and he kissed her temple. He kept his arm draped over her while his other hand squeezed both of hers. He tucked her under his chin and glared a challenge up at his immortal mother. Her eyes narrowed at the pair, but she settled back in her seat.

“Now, then, shall we begin?”

I was still a little miffed that she was getting away with hurting my friend. I crossed my arms tightly over my chest and leaned back in my recliner. My face remained a closed off mask with my eyes in slits. “All right. How can you help? I’m not exactly sure what the love goddess can bring to the table in a war with the titans.”

She didn’t let herself appear ruffled. Her mouth curved up just the tiniest bit, but her vivid green eyes stayed emotionless. “You are not the only one with magic or guardians.” I didn’t like the seductive look she cast at Michael but she continued quickly before I could put up a fit. “I will loan out my personal warriors and give you access to my stores of power. In exchange, you return to the City and take over the council. If not, I may have to go to Vega and give her the means to win this silly competition so that your mother will force you into the position. A shame, though, losing all of your humans like that.”

“That’s extortion,” I seethed.

“I prefer to think of it as hedging my bets. You must join us and stop wasting time here on earth. It is bad enough that my son does it, but you are the princess of the gods. It is time to grow up and do what is necessary for your people.”

My teeth ground together so tightly that my jaw hurt. Someone really needed to teach this annoying woman proper manners. My eyes darted at my friends. They all seemed wary of the other goddess and I finally made myself catch Michael’s gaze. Should I trust her? I asked.

No. But you do need her if you wish to save humanity from Vega’s wrath.

Are you sure? There has to be another way.

Perhaps you should think it through a little more, look at all of your options.

I sighed and turned my attention back to Aphrodite. “I’ll consider it. Let me discuss it and I’ll get back to you with my answer.”

She dipped her honey blonde head in something like a nod and a bow rolled into one. “Very well. Randall can find me when you are ready to discuss this further.” She rose gracefully to his feet. “Son, come escort your mother to the door.”

I could tell that my best friend was still furious about her treatment of Cassi, but he had too many manners to simply sit while she walked out the door. Standing stiffly, he took her arm in the crook of his elbow and led her from the living room. With the stunning woman gone, Cassi slumped back in her seat with a huff. I got up and moved over to sit with her.

“Okay, there’s obviously a lot of bad blood between the two of you, so what exactly is it? It can’t be because you’re with Randall because no mother gets that pissed. What did she do to make her hate you so much?”

She leaned her head against my shoulder. “You’re familiar with Greek mythology, how my daughter met Perseus?” I nodded against her silky brown hair. “Most of the stories say that I was a vain queen and mother who raved about the princess being more beautiful than Aphrodite herself. That’s mostly true, but I wasn’t necessarily talking about physical beauty. I said that Andromeda was like perfection to me- gorgeous, but with a good heart and sharp mind. I said that beauty could only go so far, but that she had so much more than that that she could outshine even Aphrodite because the goddess of love doesn’t appreciate a brain and kindness. I shouldn’t have said it, but I was just so proud of my daughter.

“The next day, Aphrodite appeared to us and demanded that I sacrifice my only daughter as penance for my blasphemy. I refused, but Andromeda willingly went to be chained to that rock as a snack for Cetus just so that our kingdom would be spared. Perseus saved her, of course, but she went to Vega to take away my daughter because of a compliment I gave Andromeda. She wasn’t kidding when she said she’d go to Vega. She’s petty like that.”

I picked nervously at my cuticles. “So why would I ever allow her to hold something like this over my head. I can’t trust her and I don’t like the idea of owing her anything, especially not my word that I’ll take the council seat.”

She sat up and took my hands earnestly in hers, her chocolate brown eyes shining brightly. “No, you don’t have to trust her, but you do need to work with her. Michael’s right; we can’t do this alone. You just have to figure out what it’s worth to you to deny that seat.”

Dammit. When she put it like that, I almost didn’t even have a choice in the matter.