Chapter 16
Reece sat back after enjoying a large lunch and again counted over his winnings from last night's poker game. The men sure didn't like their pockets being cleaned out. But they asked for it. It was a rare occasion to use his charm ability. The only other time he used it was as a permanent effect over Angel. He was the only soul that even knew about such a power and the fact that he had it. No, not the only apparently. Angel I believe knows of it and Araphim for sure knows of it. That's why that bastard was so eager to get her away from me. I'm sure he found out much too late that I had already influenced her.
Since all those involved with Skywalker weren't needed until two hours before curtain call, Claire had the day available to serve him. He sent her off to check the internal and external area where the after party was held. She was also in charge of ordering the get-away vehicle and make sure it was parked in the correct planned location.
There was an hour break between the end of the show and the start of the party—giving all attendees to go home, dress up and arrive at the rented hall one block away from the theater. The private room at the nearby warehouse was complete. He would arrive there fifteen minutes before the party began and light all the candles. That would certainly give it enough time for the aroma to coat the room.
Reece wasn't overly concerned with making sure to be present at the start of the party. This little detail was changed after learning of Angel's sensing ability. He was grateful to Andrew for revealing that key fact. Instead, he intended to arrive midway through the festivities. But I wonder if showing up early...even with Angel detecting me rather quickly…would she be insistent on spotlighting me to her Guardians? Reece wasn't sure he was up to risking such a thing. No, it's best not. I cannot afford to have this plan get botched.
He chuckled upon imagining the look on that monsters face after discovering that he lost the game. It will be a pity when my goal is reached. He was such a good adversary. But this cannot be delayed any longer. Even now, Angel might be in the midst of building up the ability to resist me. Reece wildly shook his head, refusing to even continue mildly thinking about such a thing.
Angel hadn't joined the others for breakfast or lunch. She had spent the time avoiding them. Her Guardians, sans Andrew, grew concerned. "Isn't Angel going to join us for lunch?" Meg asked. "I won't be around for dinner."
"But she'll be at your show and you'll see her at the party." Marie tried to comfort her daughter.
"I know." Meg solemnly nodded. Erik joined them for lunch, but appeared in no mood for conversation. Again, Andrew understood.
Meg was about to cheerfully greet him, but Andrew shook his head, "Best to leave them be, Megan." Finn tried to ease the situation with casual conversation, but soon it was time to leave and meet with Araphim.
Andrew approached Angel in the backyard, "Angel, it's time to go." She sighed, saying nothing as she walked into the house. Angel joined Andrew, Finn, and Tobias in the car and was quiet during the trip to the Sanction. Walking the hallway toward Araphim's office, her Guardians fellow brethren approached her in awe.
"It's so cool to finally meet you." One would say.
"I wish I had been chosen as a Guardian." Another spoke up. And then the fanatics set in.
"Please…I just want to touch your hand!"
"Can you heal? I've had this limp for ages and…"
Angel finally snapped, "Enough!" She was outside of Araphim's door and he opened it when he heard the shout. "Why can't you people just leave me alone?!"
"Angel." Araphim simply muttered.
Andrew moved her inside before she unleashed her power on the crowd gathering around them. "C'mon, Angel." She allowed herself to be led into the office and sunk angrily into a chair.
"I am glad that you decided to visit." Araphim began the meeting. Angel said nothing, but gave him her attention. "Well, I suppose you want to get right down to business." She nodded. "Andrew tells me you have learned your sense ability."
"Yes." She crackly replied. "Well, it was more of explaining what that sensation had always been."
"I see." Araphim nodded.
Angel then interrupted, "Why did you leave me with that madman for eight years!?" Angrily she gripped the arms of the chair as she knowingly took control of the meeting—turning it more into a chance to confess a few things.
"Angel, I…" Araphim tried to begin.
She fiercely shook her head, "They've failed, Your Grace."
They all knew what she meant. Finn spoke up, "How can you be certain? I mean, sure, Reece got close to you once or twice. But he never had a chance…not against us. You're still here, aren't you?"
"But for how long, Father?" She countered. "Each attempt…" She suddenly bowed her head. "…It's been harder and harder to emerge from the pull."
"What do you mean, Angel?" Araphim was concerned about this revelation.
Her confession began in full force then. "In the phone call with him during the visit of Meg's rehearsals for Skywalker, I was so close to telling Reece where I was. I was willing to attempt to sneak away with him. I wanted him so bad, then. If it weren't for Father Rashad, I would have done just that." Angel was quickly on her feet and pacing as she let it all out. "And at the park…I sensed him, but the whole time I had to force myself to reveal that information to my Guardians. That allowed the chance for Reece to sneak up on us—as well as getting me in his arms." She stopped and stared at Araphim, with tears in her eyes, "I loved it there, in his arms. When they tore me away, I wanted to murder them all. But once Reece was gone, I felt so ashamed of myself. And thoughts of Erik flooded my mind."
"Angel, I had no idea…" Araphim gasped. He hadn't known that the after effect of letting Reece raise her as a child would be this devastating.
"I didn't either, Your Grace. But I'm admitting it now."
"What caused the change of attitude?" Tobias asked.
"I had a major fight with Erik this morning." Angel crumbled into the chair again, "I…slapped him. He made an insinuation after I angrily used my power on Andrew and then I slapped him." Tearfully she looked at the men in the room, "I don't want to lose Erik. He means so much to me. But I'm losing myself to Reece, and I can't stop that…I don't want to stop that…" Angel couldn't finish her confession when she buried her head in her hands and cried.
Araphim came around his desk and comforted her, "It's going to be ok, Angel." There was silence except for Angel's muffled sobs. "There's no choice now. You'll need to stay here…were we can protect you better."
Angel suddenly shot up, "But Skywalker...and the dress...Erik ordered my dress…"
Andrew put a finger to her lips, "You can still go. But you live here now, that's what Chancellor Cheyvon means." Angel numbly nodded in agreement.
Erik stared for a long time at the violin that rested against the wall. How could something so right, go so wrong practically overnight? Tenderly he rubbed at his jaw. He could still feel her hand colliding with his cheek. The slap from her was something unexpected. "This is all that bastards fault."
"Never forget that I'll always love you…no matter what happens."
She had looked directly at him, forcing his attention to her words. Had she known what was going to happen? He only realized that then he was losing her. Where those last words to me? She apparently wanted to be sure I would remember them. Erik shook his head. It was nonsense to him.
Erik tried to comb over all the times that Reece made a play for her. Maybe there was something he missed. "It all started nearly a week ago over dinner. He apparently made friends with Meg just to get to Angel. The next morning he snuck into our room." He slumped to the floor and in his confusion of sorting out the situation Erik ran a hand through his hair. Angel had claimed that something big was going to happen. She apparently wasn't overly concerned with Reece's miniscule attempts for her—but was more afraid of one final big attempt.
Suddenly Erik sat up, "What if he does something at the play?" But Erik couldn't fathom such a thing. It was much to public of a place. In all the times he's tried for her, there have been either me or her Guardians present with her. There were hardly ANY crowds.
All of this distorted thought was unnerving him. He wasn't getting to any conclusion. Erik then decided to push it all aside for now and play a musical piece. Music had always comforted him in his frazzled moments.
Angel eventually made it through the remaining time until Skywalker began. She had spent her time within her room at the Sanction after making a call to Marie to have her dress sent to her as well as letting Erik know that she was alright. She refused to speak to him, however.
The dress was something she could wear to both the play and the after party. When she arrived at the theater with her Guardians as escorts, she noticed that Erik had arranged his outfit the same way as well as in a style to match her dress. Angel cautiously approached him just inside the entryway. "Good evening…Erik." She was stiff in her greeting to him. It tore at his heart when she simply nodded to him, instead of embracing him or at least giving her hand for him to gentlemanly kiss. He noticed that she still wore the ring.
As she turned to walk to their seats, Erik clasped her hand in his and pulled her back, "Why are you shutting me out?" He thought she would need him more so now than ever.
Angel frowned, but didn't pull away, "I just…I assumed you would be angry with me." She timidly replied.
"For slapping me? It's understandable." He turned her to face him fully, "Angel, please…you know we can't afford to have a rift between us now of all times." When he gazed into her eyes, he saw the tears forming.
"Oh Erik!" Only then did she crumble into his embrace.
"I hate to break up this reunion, but we should get our seats. The curtain rises in five minutes." Andrew finally spoke up.
"Ah, right. Sorry." Erik nervously chuckled. He was glad that there was so much love between him and Angel that arguments never lasted long enough for them. He knew things were ok between them again as she resumed her light conversational banter with him all the way to their seats.
Angel noticed that Marie was already at the seats, saving them. "Marie!" She gave the woman an exhilarating embrace.
"Dear, you seem to be in high spirits!" Marie exclaimed.
Angel laughed and childishly replied, "Erik still loves me." Erik could only laugh at her response.
"You bet I do."
They were oblivious that Reece watched amusingly from his balcony seat as Erik pulled Angel into a passionate kiss. It was cut short, since the curtain began to rise. During the first Act, Angel was so amazed. Already, the story was fascinating to her. Erik could only be entertained by her childlike view of the musical. He found that the original storyline was done quite well. And by the break between the second and third act, he had realized that Meg was quite impressive. She's obviously worked hard for her part.
During the fifteen minute break, Angel chatted with Marie. The Guardians half chatted with Erik while keeping an eye out for anything unusual.
"My gosh, Meg is so awesome!" Angel gushed. "I could never do that."
"She's worked quite hard." Marie agreed. "I think part of it was knowing that you were going to be present on Opening Night."
"Wow." Angel stared at the stage again, replaying parts of Meg's role in the first two acts. "But I'm also into the storyline. Someone else has found the portal. I wonder what is going to happen. Will the guy have to give up his celestial love?" That question reverberated in her mind and she frowned as she absently squeezed Erik's hand.
Startled since he wasn't paying attention to her conversation with Marie, Erik turned to Angel with worry, "Is something wrong?" He noticed the solemn look on his fiancées face. "Angel?"
"This play is almost like us." She mumbled.
"What do you mean?" When Angel didn't answer right away, he turned to Marie. "Marie, what is she talking about?"
"We were discussing the musical so far when she suddenly pondered if the guy would have to give up his love after someone else found the portal." Marie calmly brought Erik up to speed.
He nudged Angel's chin, "Is that what you think of us?" She slightly nodded. "Well, if you're thinking that you're the portal…then I don't care who finds out about you. I sure as hell won't give you up." His response brought a smile to her face.
Act 3 began promptly, drawing Angel's attention back to the stage. During the act, all loose ends were nicely answered and there was a surprise dance solo by Meg. Angel watched in amazement and clapped loudly as the curtain fell. "You see. He kept the love as well. Smart guy." Erik whispered to her.
"Oh, hell…forget this party then…take me home and make love to me!" She squealed in reply. Erik only laughed.
"We couldn't disappoint little Meg now, would we?" She realized he had a point there. "And there'll be plenty of time later on to love you."
"Not so loud you two." Finn's comment made Angel blush with embarrassment.
"I want to ride with Erik." Angel pleaded once they reached the limo area. She turned to Andrew, "Please, Father Keirnan?"
"I have a better idea." Andrew replied. "Why don't we all ride together?"
Like Angel, Erik had wished for the seclusion in the short ride to the hall, but he relented. "Very well." Angel only gasped when Erik agreed to Andrew's suggestion. "C'mon now, Angel, Chancellor Cheyvon made it clear that you must remain within a certain range of your Guardians."
"Fine." She moaned in an annoyed fashion and just settled on at least having Erik with her. Really wanted him IN me though. Erik wondered what her silent smirk was about.
Reece discovered that he enjoyed the musical. And little Megan certainly can dance. He then pondered that if he had never discovered the ancient tribe and never had Angel in his life, then he just might have gone for someone like Meg—or maybe Meg herself.
He shook off those thoughts. Can't play 'what if' now, there is work to be done. I have exactly one hour now and Angel is already on her way to the hall. They should thank him for being such a nice guy and giving them some time together. But they'd never thank me, because they'll never see how giving I am.
In his limo, he received a call from Claire. "Ah, Claire my dear! Are you in position?"
"Yes, Sir." She replied. "There are quite a few people here already."
"Angel and company have just left here." Reece informed her. "I'm on my way to light the candles and change." Claire could practically hear his giddiness. "Tobias better not fail us."
"If he does—and not that he will, Sir—it will only be more humiliating for him than for us."
Reece laughed at the thought of Araphim tanning Tobias's hide before banning him from the Sanction. "You always amuse me, Claire." He then hung up and remained in silent thought as he went over his checklist for the millionth time until he arrived at the warehouse.
The place was exquisitely decorated. "Boy they sure went all out." Angel exclaimed in awe.
"I'm even impressed." Erik added. He particularly admired the grand staircase that led up to a small second floor—which was apparently built specifically to hold the 21-piece big band. The music was already playing and a few were out on the dance floor. But Erik felt it was too early for dancing. Meg came up to them.
"Angel, Erik…you're here!" She squealed and hugged her friends. Angel had noticed a woman standing behind Meg.
"Meg, who is this?" Angel stepped back as Meg motioned to the woman.
"Oh this is my friend Claire. She was in the show with me." Meg moved aside slightly, "Claire this is Angel."
"Pleasure to finally meet you." Claire shook Angel's hand.
"Hello, Claire." Erik greeted her next.
"Do you know her?" Angel glanced between her and Erik.
"We met briefly the last time you were filming." Erik explained. Angel frowned at the memory. "None of that now." Erik reached out and tickled her cheek until she smiled again.
"Oh, we saved you a table." Meg took Angel's hand and led the way. Angel slightly disapproved of being torn from Erik's side even for just a few seconds. But just as quickly, he was seated next to her. Her hand insisted on being in his, which he found was just oh so cute. A waiter came by and took their drink order before pointing out where the catered buffet tables were.
"We'll get the food for you both." Andrew motioned for Finn and Tobias to join him in the buffet line. By the time they returned, the crowd had grown. Soon, they had settled down into eating. During the meal, they enjoyed the jovial conversation—bouncing from topic to topic without a care. Erik and Angel sat around a bit more, letting the food settle as they watched other couples dance.
Finally, Erik turned to her. "Care to join me in a dance, M'Lady?" He playfully bowed to her.
She momentarily frowned, "Cut that out, Erik." He straightened up, realizing why she frowned.
"Sorry. Angel, you know I didn't mean it in that way." He protested.
"I know. I just don't really want to see that again, ever." A slight smile spread across her lips and she allowed Erik to lead her to the dance floor.
As they danced, they were oblivious to the mysterious figure watching them from across the room. The figures grin couldn't be seen under the full mask and hat he wore. No one seemed to care about the figure—but Tobias knew who it was. Almost show time! Tobias was anxious to complete his role. He shoved his guilt aside and focused on being not so obvious. He had the strongest urge not to fail Reece.
Finally, Reece made his move. Casually he strode over to the dancing couple and tapped Erik on the shoulder. "May I help you?" Erik asked the newcomer, not knowing that it was Reece. Angel knew, but refrained from tipping her Guardians off. Reece simply held out his hand to Angel.
"A dance?" Reece subtlety nodded to Angel's question. "Of course, then, Sir." Angel moved into Reece's arms as if this was just a light dance being shared with a curious admirer. Without thinking much of it, and showing that he trusted Angel, Erik nodded his consent and returned to the table.
"The dress suits you so well my dear." Reece finally spoke. Angel could only nod, as she was mentally trying to fight the pull. She had only a few seconds before she'd lose this battle. Reece felt her stiffen—a signal that she would make a useless attempt to try and get away. Reece responded by leaning close to her, "Angel…" Her name was breathless as it rolled off his lips and he felt her rigid figure somewhat relaxed
When Erik reached the table, Tobias knew that was a good time to act. Suddenly he jumped to his feet, "Oh my god, I just saw Reece walk by the buffet table!" Instantly he led Erik, Andrew and Finn on the wild goose chase.
Reece began to wildly spin Angel, so it would be difficult to even think of focusing on Tobias' shouting. Just as quickly as he started the spin, he suddenly stopped her. Reece trailed a finger along her jaw line and down her neck, reaching just above her breasts before pulling away from her, "You are so beautiful tonight." And then he walked away.
If that had been anyone but Reece, she would have returned then to Erik at the table. But it was Reece…and she was lost in the pull. She watched in horror as Reece disappeared in an opposite direction that Tobias led the others. No, please…Reece! She was distraught now as she huffed off in a direction she assumed he went. Have to find him. Have to find him now! She cursed him for playing this game with her. When I find him, I'm so going to make him pay. Angel looked to her left and thought she saw him slipping out a back exit. Aha! With determination, Angel stormed off toward the door. The moment she stepped through it, she was met with a hand roughly covering her mouth and nose with a rag.
That was when she lost consciousness.
After running about the hall for what seemed like forever, Erik grabbed Tobias and forced him to stop. "This is madness. We apparently aren't ever going to catch him at this rate." Erik shook his head, "I'm going back. Angel must be worried about our absence."
Just then Andrew, Erik and Finn's eyes grew wide and simultaneously they shouted, "ANGEL!" They dashed back toward the table, hoping that she was there. But when they arrived, there was only Marie, Meg and Claire lost in a conversation.
"Marie…" Erik was breathless. "…where's Angel?"
Marie turned, "I thought she was dancing with you, Erik." He shook his head.
"Oh shit." Andrew exclaimed. That was when Erik noticed that Tobias seemed a bit peculiar.
Angrily he grabbed the man's shoulders. "You led this crazy little chase. Tell us where she is! WHAT HAS HE DONE!?"
Tobias broke from Erik's grip, "You're all too late." And he fled from the scene.
Erik crashed to his knees in total shock. Andrew and Finn struggled to get him to a chair. "Marie, get us some water." Andrew took command.
"It's best if we just go home, inform Chancellor Cheyvon what has happened and try to come up with a plan." Finn suggested.
"Good idea, Father Rashad. But we must hurry…we don't have a whole lot of time." Andrew added. It was quite the struggle to get Erik into the car and get home.
Within the hour, Angel came too. Slowly she turned over and before opening her eyes, she realized that she was in bed. Apparently, Erik couldn't wait for later. She mused to herself. She found that she couldn't open her eyes until she rubbed the sleep from them. As she did so, Angel sat up after realizing that she was naked. Where are my clothes? She wasn't aware to panic just yet, as she was assuming her current situation was Erik's doing—and she was perfectly fine with that.
Angel was now able to take in the sight of the room. As she sat on the edge of the bed—facing the door—she breathed in the aroma from the candles. That smells so lovely. Erik my love, you've outdone yourself. Her lips formed a pleasured grin and she steadily rose to her feet. That's when she was aware of the rose petals that littered the room as well as having been on her. "Romantic much?"
"Only for you." Angel stood frozen. That voice didn't belong to Erik, it belonged to…
She darted a glance over her shoulder and noticed a shirtless Reece leaning confidently against the wall now on her right side. "No!" Her smile was gone and she launched herself at the door. Angel frantically tried to turn the knob, refusing to pay attention to Reece's figure slowly walking towards her. The door refused to open for her and she began sobbing. I want out. I want out. I want out. I want…Reece! She had felt her resistance disappear completely. The sheet she had used to cover herself fell silently to the floor—leaving her completely exposed.
As she turned around after shouting his name in her mind in desperate need, his lips crushed against hers and his hands slid up her backside. In return, she clutched her hands around him and onto his shoulders in an attempt to push his body against hers. "…Reece…please…" She cried out in a whisper for him. He planted brief kisses along her shoulders before pulling away. "…no!" When she tried to reach for him, to pull him back to her, he instead caught her flailing hand and led her to the bed.
He had not uttered a single word since revealing himself to her only minutes ago—until now. "Shh, love. Be patient." He stopped at the edge of the bed and jerked his arm, tugging her onto the bed first. Just as she scooted back some to upright herself, she noticed him crawling like an animal over her. Her hungry smile lasted briefly as his lips descended on her again.
Reece felt secure to draw out the foreplay. Those fools will never find me. And even if they interrogate Tobias, the poor fool doesn't even know about this place. That was the last thought he had of anyone else other than the woman beneath him. "Angel…" Teasingly he licked up her chest. "…it is time."
She nodded her assent and he plunged deep into her. The union between them sealed her fate—the very fate that Reece desperately wanted and worked so hard for. During the consummation, Angel's memory literally was erased. By the time they were finished, Erik and the others became unimportant to her. Reece was now in complete control over her. Just as she now lived to serve him…he now lived to serve her.
Continued in Epilogue