The Spirit Series

By Rachel Carrington

Finding love after death isn't easy, but these Angels aren't giving up even though breaking the laws in their realm can have sticky consequences.

Join the Angels in this four books series that includes Souls Divided, Share Our Souls, Unite Our Souls, and Keep Our Souls.

Souls Divided

As an Angel of Death, I wasn't supposed to focus on my own happiness, but becoming involved with Derek, another Angel, changed all that. For the briefest of times, our existence revolved around more than escorting the dearly departed over the mortal threshold. Until the Council discovered our liaison.

Share Our Souls

On the fifth anniversary of my murder, I set out to find what I wanted the most—revenge. Others warned me that the whole project could be risky, but getting even with my killer husband seemed worth the danger. Turned out, I made an appointment with the Angel of Death. Perfect.

Unite Our Souls

A sexy Angel of Death had to tell me I was dead. But he wasn’t there to offer comfort. He was there to take me to the other side. Wherever that is. I wasn’t ready to go, though. My nephew, Joey, needed my bone marrow if he was going to survive, but I wasn’t sure how I was going to give it to him now that I was dead.

Grayson, the angel, told me he’d help but then I’d have to cross over. I certainly didn’t expect to fall for the one being that intended to hustle me across the mortal realm.

Keep Our Souls

I didn’t ordinarily break the rules, but everyone has bad days, right? I mean, as an Angel of Death, I always toed the party line. That is until one night when I was feeling particularly vulnerable and along came Dominic. He’s another AOD, but don’t think of him as an angel because really, he’s anything but. To me, he was more like a walking advertisement for sin.

So that night, Dominic and I broke a cardinal rule—no fraternization between Angels of Death. Fast forward two months, and both Dominic and I are facing disciplinary punishment if we don’t figure out how to put our differences aside and work together.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rachel Carrington
• Release date: Jun 26, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310565861

Rachel Carrington

Rachel Carrington began her career writing fantasy romances of powerful wizards and wicked witches. Since then, she has branched out into contemporary romance and romantic suspense and has had books published with Ellora’s Cave, Samhain Publishing, Red Sage Publishing, and more.Currently, a freelance editor/writer residing in historical Charleston, South Carolina, Rachel has written non-fiction articles for Absolute Write, The Writer’s Journal, Writing for Dollars, Writer’s Magazine, and Writer’s Weekly.Because she likes staying busy, Rachel has also taught classes for Suite 101 and for author groups regarding promoting, writing, starting your own business, and editing.When not writing, Rachel loves to read romantic suspense (Lisa Gardner and Roxanne St. Claire are two of her favorites), rework old furniture, cross-stitch, cook, and drink lots of coffee.

Book preview

Chapter One

The summons from the Council came after I’d helped my sixteenth soul of the day cross over. I wasn’t surprised. It had been three days since my hand had been smacked so I had been expecting another reprimand.

When the door to the Council area opened, I floated out onto a long walkway. I never actually saw any members because it wasn’t allowed. I hadn’t even seen Derek since he’d taken his new position three weeks ago. That was part of why I was so bitter.

Once upon a time, Derek had been an Angel of Death, too. Then he received the promotion that put him amidst the holier-than-thou council members. That’s when my life had gotten worse.

When Derek had been a lowly Angel like me, he and I had gotten involved even though it was against the rules. I’d never been one to follow rules anyway. Then he’d impressed the High Holies apparently and had been offered a seat on the Council. I thought he’d turn it down because of me. Hey, even as an Angel, I still had the same hopes and dreams as Earthly women. Hell, I used to be an Earthly woman.

Derek hadn’t blinked twice before accepting the chance to rule over all of us lowly Angels. And once I’d discovered his betrayal, I’d rebelled…until he’d restricted me to an area of the ethereal realm which had more than its fair share of death.

While I tried to tune them out, the disembodied voices of the Council droned on and on about my attitude.

Yes, I was still doing my job but making snide remarks to the souls I escorted wasn’t conducive to a peaceful passing. No, I could not see Derek as it would serve no purpose, and the sooner I realized he was not returning, the better I would be. And finally, if I continued to exhibit such unpleasant mannerisms, the Council would be forced to take a firmer hand with me.

The last part made me snicker considering I’d never actually seen one of their hands. But I gamely acknowledged this new finger wag in my face and retreated to the holding room.

Made entirely of glass, the room served as a temporary waiting area for souls in transition, those who fought the crossover process or couldn’t cross because of some unfinished business. Fortunately, I’d only had to deal with one of those types of souls, and it had been a pain in the ass. Had taken him almost forty-eight hours to cross over. You’d think, given my job, time wouldn’t matter, but when you’re stuck listening to a man alternatively hum Elvis songs and sob uncontrollably, it matters very much.

Dropping down onto a leather settee, I crossed my legs and considered my current position. A part of me thought about asking the Council to send me over to the other side. Since Derek had left, I’d never felt more alone. Even conversing with the other Angels held no interest for me.

Most Angels of Death were content with their lives of solitary existence. Not me. I’d never been a loner when I was alive over twenty years before, and I certainly wasn’t one now. And those weeks Derek and I had spent together, slipping away to secluded spots to share intimate conversation and connection, had been the best of my ethereal existence.

And I couldn't understand how Derek had abandoned me or how he'd used his position against me, trapping me in a never-ending cycle of death. He'd thrown away what had been the best few weeks of my eternal existence, and as much as I wanted to stay angry with him, I wanted him back more.

That wasn't going to happen. And I didn't want to stay here alone. Once I was happy with this life. That was before him, and I didn't get the chance to ask him what in the hell I was supposed to do now.

This constant dwelling on the past only brought one conclusion to my mind. If I wanted to make the pain go away, I'd have to cross over. While I wasn't exactly sure what waited me on the other side, it had to be infinitely more pleasant than torturing myself with memories.

I stood, dusted my hands down the front of my white cotton dress, and headed to the door of the Council room. Maybe a conversation with the white-haired guys wouldn't hurt.

What do you think you’re doing?

The voice stopped me in my tracks. Derek’s voice. I was almost afraid to turn around. Would he be standing there?

Shaye, I asked you a question.

I pivoted slowly, but the second I caught a glimpse of shoulder-length brown hair and a scruff of a beard, I moved faster. What are you doing here? Though I asked the first question that came to mind, I didn’t really care to hear the answer. Derek was here, and my need for vengeance had evaporated…at least for the moment.

What am I doing here? Weren’t you the one sitting there thinking of doing something incredibly stupid? He strode toward me, all muscles and lean, pure male. It didn’t make sense that he should be this vibrant, this mouth-wateringly good-looking, when he was as dead as I was.

And if thinking of crossing over was all it took to bring him back from the clutches of the Council, I wished I had thought of it before.

Damnit, Shaye. Answer me.

I’m not sure I would have gone through with it.

We need to talk. He bit out each word like they were distasteful.

"Now you want to talk? After you left without saying so much as goodbye, now you want to have a discussion?"

Does everything have to be difficult with you?

It wasn’t difficult before you left.

With a heavy sigh, Derek reached out for my hand. I hesitated before taking it, but in the end, I needed to feel his skin against mine once more. With our hands joined, he guided me back to the settee and sat beside me.

You can’t leave…at least not yet.

Those last four words were enough to gain my full attention. What do you mean ‘not yet’?

I’m not supposed to be here right now.

I finally noticed how strained his face looked, and my phantom heart sped up. Whatever he was here to say, I wasn’t going to like.

He squeezed my hand. Bethany is going to die soon.

My world tilted and spun crazily. Bethany, my best friend from high school, was only fifty-six. She had three kids, a husband who adored her, and one grandchild on the way. Though we'd long been separated, I couldn’t even imagine a world without Bethany in it.

Why? When? I managed to squeeze the two words out.

Derek cast a glance at the ceiling as though expecting a hand to reach through and snatch him around the neck. I don’t know the specifics yet because we just received notification. The Council wants to assign the crossover to Galen.

To Galen? I lunged to my feet. As an Angel of Death, the guy was good, but there was no way I was letting my best friend be escorted to the other side by a stranger. Why not me?

One look was all Derek needed to give me for me to have the answer. The Council doesn’t think I can be objective.

Well, you have been a bit emotional since I left.

"You left? You abandoned me, Derek. What was I supposed to do? Congratulate you on the promotion?"

You don’t even know why I accepted a seat on the Council.

Could that be because you never told me?

He got to his feet, looming over me with anger rolling off of him in waves. Now is not the time to discuss this. I only came to let you know.

And that’s it? No going to bat for me with the Council? If those weeks meant anything to you, Derek, I’m asking you not to let them give Bethany’s crossing to Galen.

A long sigh escaped those perfect lips I’d tasted, and my mouth watered. I needed to focus. Bethany would die soon. That's all that mattered.

It’s not that simple, he ground out each syllable. I’m a member of the Council not its leader. The majority has spoken.

My heart ached for my friend, and I stood, one hand reaching out to touch Derek’s arm. I’d at least like to speak to her before she crosses over.

His eyebrows converged in a scowl. You mean appear before her while she's still alive? Are you insane? He shook his head. Never mind. Forget I asked that. Of course you’re insane. Otherwise, you wouldn't ask that. He gripped my shoulders with hands that might as well have been made out of stone. I don't need to tell you Angels of Death do not appear to mortals, Shaye. This isn’t your first day on the job.

I thrust my chin up. The only way you’re going to be able to stop me is to send me into the other realm.

He cursed, but I didn’t back down. This was too important to me. There’d been no one to warn me before I’d passed on. I still remember the doctors’ solemn voices telling my parents that there was no hope of recovery. And watching them as they disconnected my empty body from life support. I shuddered at the memories.

I need to see her. She’ll be scared. Alone.

We all die alone, Shaye. His voice had softened if not his demeanor. He tucked my hair behind my ear and added, It won’t help.

You don’t know that. I wish someone would have told me what was coming.

Surprising me, Derek pulled me into his arms and held me for a brief, tight moment. If you’re going to do this, you need to go now. And you’ll only have an hour at the most.

An hour? Sixty minutes wouldn’t be enough time. I knew Bethany. She’d want answers. As I would.

That’s it, Shaye. Any longer than that, and you might get your wish to cross over.

I paused, looked over my shoulder. How much time does she have?

Not long.

How will she go?

He gave me a long-suffering look. You know I can’t tell you that.

Illness or injury? Tell me that much.

Damnit, Shaye. If you go down there and try to change your friend’s destiny, all hell will break loose up here. His dark eyes flashed, and I knew he meant business.

But he knew me better than to leave without more information. How was I supposed to let Bethany say goodbye to her family if she didn’t know how much time she had or the way she was going to go? For all I knew, it could be a car accident that day. No, I definitely needed better facts.

I want to know how much time she has to give her a chance to tell her family she loves them one more time. Is that too much to ask? I batted my eyes at him, and I wasn’t ashamed of it. At this point, I’d do anything to save my friend some of the misery my family had endured.

Derek stormed toward the wall that would part to give him entrance to the Council’s chambers. She has two days. But your ass is back up here in an hour. Got it?

Two days. My mind reeled at the brevity of my friend’s remaining time on Earth. It wasn’t much, but at least I could give her an opportunity to say what she needed to say to her family. Maybe she could get the closure I didn't...with my family or Derek.

Chapter Two

I had no idea how I was going to explain my presence to Bethany. She hadn’t seen me in twenty years. That was the way it was supposed to work, considering I had departed the mortal realm.

Her house looked the same. Rose bushes lining the driveway, vibrant green grass clipped neatly, and planter boxes filled with flowers I’d never be able to identify. Before I knocked on her door, I checked my reflection in one of her spotlessly clean windows. I hadn't aged a day in twenty years. Which would probably scare Bethany out of her shoes. Not a good idea.

Closing my eyes tightly, I concentrated on changing my appearance. When I opened my eyes, another check in the window had me frowning. I hadn’t focused on becoming a grey-haired woman with sturdy shoes and support hose. For a moment, I wondered if this was Derek’s idea of a joke. Regardless, I was running out of time. I raised my fist and gave three determined raps on the door.

And my best friend, the woman who’d been there through every important step in my life, even my death, answered my summons. I couldn’t speak immediately. She still looked the same except for a few gray hairs.

Bright green eyes danced with life, and not one wrinkle marred her porcelain skin from what I could see. I knew I was staring, but it was hard to look away even though Bethany must have said, May I help you? four times. When she started to look uncomfortable, I found my voice.

Hi, I’m Wilma Prescott, and I’m from Favorite Yards Magazine. I was hoping I might talk with you about your beautiful lawn. I pasted a smile on my face and watched Bethany’s shoulders relax. She never could resist the opportunity to talk about her landscaping abilities.

With a broad smile of her own, Bethany invited me in. I checked my watch. Five of my allotted sixty minutes had already passed. I didn’t have much time for playacting.

Would you like some tea? She was halfway to her kitchen before I responded.

Actually, I’d prefer a glass of Coke, if you have it. Cold no ice with a lime if possible.

Bethany hesitated and looked over her shoulder. Of course.

I knew my request would do that to her. Few people asked for their drinks without ice and with lime, but I’d always done so. Seating myself on her leather sofa, I folded my hands and studied her living room.

Classic style. Not surprising since Bethany had always preferred the clean, crisp look. Pictures on the wall showcased her family’s life throughout the years, and I was surprised to feel a tear sliding down my cheek. I quickly swiped it away as Bethany reappeared with a polished silver tray bearing my drink and her tea.

I must admit, she began once she handed me the soda, I’ve never heard of Favorite Yards Magazine, and I thought I subscribed to them all.

We’re not a local magazine. I dismissed her concern and plunged on. You really do have a lovely home. Have you lived here long?

About thirty-six years. She folded her legs, and I almost snorted at the way she drew them to one side. Just like high school. How many times had she tried to drill it into me that ladies always sat with their legs tucked? And how many times had I called her Mrs. Cleaver in response? The second the question popped into my mind, I knew I had my way in.

Well, it certainly is lovely, Mrs. Cleaver. I said the name as though it really belonged to her then took a sip of the soda. It tasted as good as I remembered, the fizz tickling my nose.

Bethany’s cup clattered on the china saucer. What did you call me? Her green eyes had narrowed to slits.

I touched my fingertips to my mouth. Oh, I’m sorry. Is Mrs. Cleaver not your name? I could have sworn that was what was written on my interview card. I made a show out of delving into the saddlebag of a purse that accompanied my dowdy look. Let’s see. Bethany Cleaver. Yes. Here it is. Though I held the card aloft, she didn’t take it.

Her hands trembling, Bethany set her saucer back down onto the silver platter and folded her hands in her lap. That isn’t correct. My last name isn’t Cleaver. It’s—

Warden? The second the name slipped out of my mouth, Bethany jumped to her feet.

Who are you, and don’t tell me you’re from that yard magazine. She propped her hands on her hips and glared down at me, ready to take me on if I didn’t answer.

You won’t believe me when I tell you. I paused. But I need you to believe me, Bethy. I used the nickname I’d given her in freshmen PE the first day we’d met.

Her hands covered her mouth, and she sank into the stuffed chair she’d occupied seconds before. No one calls me that.

One person did. Shaye.

How do you know her?

I took a deep breath and let the bomb drop. Because I'm Shaye.

The big reveal hadn’t gone as well as I thought it would. Bethany had screamed at me to leave, and the more I tried to convince her she needed to listen to me, the louder she got. So here I was back in the waiting room pacing while Derek took his sweet time answering my call.

I glared at the wall and muttered a few choice phrases that were popular back in the eighties when I was alive. Finally, as I was about to run out of patience, a whoosh of air lifted the edges of my skirt. I looked up, and Derek stood in front of me, holding up one hand to ward off my diatribe.

I know it didn’t go well. The pained look on his face said more.

His words pushed me to my feet. Is Bethany all right?

No. She had a heart attack shortly after you left.

My hand flew to my mouth. Wh-what? Is she…she…? I couldn’t bring myself to even ask the question.

She is, and the Council is ready to burn you at the stake. You’re supposed to come with me.

My eyes bulged. Derek didn’t need to tell me what the Council had planned for me. I looked around at the waiting room, and even though I hated its clinical feel, I was going to miss it.

Where is Bethany now? Since she wasn’t my charge, I hadn’t gotten the sense of when she’d passed. Knowing Galen, he probably had her halfway to cross over by now. The man was as efficient as he was attractive.

Derek covered my hand with one of his. She’s with Galen.

My heart ached. Instead of helping Bethany prepare for her journey in two days, I’d escalated her departure, had taken away the opportunity to say goodbye to her family. Which was exactly why the Council intended to send me packing.

Slowly, I walked to the wall that would open and lead me to the Council. Whatever punishment they had planned, I deserved it. Robbing a soul of their last hours on Earth was akin to pulling the trigger. And if there was one thing I’d learned when I’d accepted a position as Angel of Death, it was to never, ever hasten a soul’s travels.

The walls swished open. Come on. Hand at my back, Derek guided me forward, but I wasn’t ready to go yet.

No.

He arched an eyebrow. No?

I have to see Bethany, to explain.

Not a chance, Shaye. The Council is watching you right now.

You’re part of that Council, Derek. They won’t say anything to you if you take me to Bethany.

He crossed his arms over his chest that I’d admired more than once. And why exactly would I do that?

Because you know how horrible I feel, and you wouldn’t want to cross over knowing you’d caused someone’s death, either.

Bringing his hand to his face, he pinched the bridge of his nose. When he fixed his gaze on me again, I read the conflict in his gorgeous green eyes. If I do this, Shaye, I need your promise you’ll return with me to the Council when I say.

How much time would I have? And did it really matter? No time would be enough. Guilt ate at my stomach, and I covered my abdomen with one hand. For someone who technically wasn’t alive, I sure did have a lot of human symptoms.

Will I be able to spend time with her alone? I negotiated my position even though I didn’t have a lot to bargain with.

His arms folded again. I’ll be there.

My eyebrows rose. I hadn’t counted on him staying with me. But you can give us some time alone, right?

You’re pushing it.

You know me. I’ve never been one to accept the first offer. I was growing a little irritated. Why was he giving me such a hard time when he had to know how I was feeling inside? Besides that, it’s not like you wouldn’t always know where I was.

A whoosh of wind surprised us both. The air contorted, and Galen materialized into view. He was as attractive as I remembered but wore a furious scowl that distracted me from my appreciation.

What in the hell is going on, Derek? I have a soul that is refusing to cross over, is damned near hysterical, and is babbling something about seeing Shaye. His gaze stabbed me. Did you meet with my charge?

The last thing I wanted was another man bursting into my personal space and verbally smacking my hand. I stormed over to him, tipping my chin upwards to add to my height. Not that it made much difference to him. What I do is none of your business.

He glowered down his nose at me. "It is my business if you’ve done something to affect my charge which is causing her refusal to cross over. Galen turned his attention back to Derek. So what did she do?"

It was a shame such a handsome man could get on my nerves in such a short amount of time. Don’t talk about me like I’m not here. I gave Derek a look only he would understand. In a moment’s time, I would disappear. Sure he could find me, but he wouldn’t like it.

Derek held up one hand. We’re investigating this now, Galen. For now, return to your charge and stay with her.

I don’t like this at all. Galen's lips drooped. And I’d better not find out you had anything to do with this.

Oh, stop trying to threaten me. It’s not like you can kill me.

Enough. Derek didn’t raise his voice, but the tone had changed, giving Galen notice that it really was time for him to go. Without another word, the Angel disappeared, and my shoulders instantly relaxed.

Well, I guess I have no choice but to go to her now. The thought of Bethany scared and distraught because of me make me even sicker inside.

Derek took hold of my wrist and tugged me closer to his side. Stay in line, Shaye, or so help me, I’ll push you into the Other Realm myself.

Chapter Three

Bethany had disappeared. Galen went in one direction searching for her, and I suggested we all split up, but Derek countered that with a glower meant to scare me into submission. It never worked on me, though.

It makes better sense if we’re all looking for her. I gritted my teeth when Derek’s hand latched around my wrist as though I were connected to his chain gang. And you don’t have to hold onto me. You can find me no matter where I go.

Unfortunately, Council members had a built in radar system or some such nonsense that enabled them to track their Angels. Good for them. Pain in the ass for us, especially when we wanted to disappear for a while.

Yeah, but having to track you down would only encourage my instinct to hand you over to the Council.

I halted in mid-air, my feet dangling several inches above the mortal realm. Why does it sound like you think this is all my fault?

Because I never should have listened to you. Each word came with enough bite to assure me he wasn’t joking.

Which time? I snapped back, as eager for a fight as he was. He wasn’t the only one having one hell of a day.

Derek pivoted to face me, and with the glow of the light behind him, he looked every bit the part of an Angel. Pure perfection but only on the outside. I knew the real Derek. The one who used women no matter which realm he was in, and, unfortunately, I’d become one of the scorned.

Because I have to tell you, I continued before he could speak, you’re not exactly the innocent party here. You chose to tell me about Bethany. I sailed forward and poked his chest with my index finger. You came to me. Another poke a little bit harder. And you agreed to let me see Bethany. So the way I see it, you’re as guilty as I am.

He snagged hold of my finger just as I was about to grind it