The Forsaken by Renee Pace Page B

the first inkling for Meredith that there was more to her preordained Cherub life. And when the battle raged again in the heavens, Meredith hadn’t hesitated to slay demons. The fact she’d enjoyed killing them had made her seek more prayer time, but it hadn’t deterred her.
    A soft rasp on her door startled Meredith. She knew instinctively it was Gareth. A nervous flutter started in her stomach and she tried hard to ignore it. Meredith opened the door wide, allowing him to enter her sanctuary. She didn’t want Gareth to see her worry or tear-stained face, so she turned her back to him and moved to sit on the edge of her bed.
    Gareth slowly moved closer to the bed. “Meredith, what happened?”
    Meredith composed herself and then turned her face so she could look up at him. He was so handsome, so inviting, so needing someone to love, and a part she tried hard to ignore yearned for him. The realization she had a crush on him caused her to falter. She had no right to be involved with him, or any human. She was damaged goods, exiled, and it was best for all for her to remember that. “I know I said I could help you, Gareth, but tonight…”
    “Shh, it’s okay. I don’t need your help.”
    Meredith knew Gareth lied, and even though her room was dark, she could make out his fidgeting hands.
    “What happened?” he asked again, gently.
    Meredith noticed how he kept standing, his feet braced apart like a warrior, ready to do battle when the war he waged was one deep within him. Meredith patted the spot on her bed, urging Gareth from his warrior-stance to sit beside her. She didn’t like looking up at him. He reminded her too much of the Seraphim who had taught her how to use morning stars and a sword. Worse, she knew if she asked Gareth to show her how to use his modern-day weapons, he wouldn’t hesitate. For a second, Meredith wondered why Izzy never went that route to fight the demons. Gareth would be delighted to teach her how to use weapons, but not once had Izzy asked. Mentally, Meredith made a note to investigate that.
    “Izzy…”
    “What about Izzy?” asked Gareth, carefully taking the spot next to her on the bed. Never in her wildest dreams had Meredith ever thought she’d have a human male sitting next to her in such an intimate setting.
    Feeling bold, Meredith tentatively touched his arm. She felt the pull of him race through her body and fought for control. He looked at her, long and hard, speaking volumes with his dark brown eyes.
    Slowly she took his hand, caressing his thumb in the process. “I’m not sure about Izzy. We tried everything. We sang to her all night—”
    “What the Hell, Meredith? What are you saying?”
    Meredith smiled. “You shouldn’t swear.”
    “Don’t change the subject. Why on Earth would you sing to Izzy? Are you telling me she’s hurt?”
    Meredith’s hand tightened on his arm, drawing him closer. For the first time that day, Meredith worried about her appearance. She almost wished she’d taken the time to brush her hair, but she’d been too preoccupied dealing with the crisis to care. Now she did. He, Gareth, made her want to look pretty.
    “I tried to show you the other night. I thought it best you know. We are not of this Earth, Gareth. We are angels. Well…we used to be angels. Now we’re all exiled. Isabella got in a fight and Nathanael’s doing his best to save her. He’s her only help.”
    Gareth attempted to laugh her off. Meredith turned, sliding her body toward him, feeling the heat of his thigh press against hers.
    “I tried to show you the other night, but you ran. I wanted you to understand. You deserve to know after everything you’ve gone through. Would you like to see my wings, again? Or will you once again run away?”
    Meredith was careful. She’d stated who she really was but also said it like a challenge, knowing he’d try to laugh it away. But Meredith was dead serious. The other night, she suspected Gareth had boiled down what she’d