The Alliance: Earth Angel, #17

By B.C. Burgess

In a fiery tale filled with villains and heroes, this installment of the Earth Angel series takes readers on a magical journey rich with emotion, intrigue, and danger. Fans of Twilight, The Red Queen, The Selection, and Harry Potter will devour this breathless fantasy set in a modern mystical world. 

No matter how strong Layla gets, she can't protect her loved ones from the evil forces that haunt her magical life. Now, with a fight for humanity on the horizon, she must watch her family and friends form an alliance they may not survive. 

To save them, she needs to embrace her fate and become the angel she's expected to be, but first, she must find the strength to abandon the only place in the world that makes her feel whole.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bandit Publishing
• Release date: Jun 29, 2018
• ISBN: 9781946793423

Book preview

Chapter One

Shadows consumed the city at nightfall, the hazy sky bereft of the moon, but that was the only time Henrick could traverse the alleyways and lanes. His kind wasn’t welcome here, not in an official capacity. But the city guards flanking the entrance kept their mouths shut and their eyes diverted when Henrick led a troop of Dark Guild soldiers into Maganthia.

The officers had been paid off, no doubt. Henrick and his allies were escorted by a high-ranking council member, the first he’d managed to turn, and that was how the deities’ natural enemy managed to stroll into their city unchecked.

Most of the city slept, giving them clearance to slip through the back alleys to the residential district. Then they made their way to a stately, gray manor. The windows were dark and still, just a solitary lantern glowed near the front door, which they bypassed, venturing around the estate to the backyard. A vibrant garden surrounded a tidy seating area and stretched into the trees, but no one took the time to smell the magical blooms before following the councilman to a tiny tool shed. When he opened the door, Henrick found himself at the top of a dark stairwell, so he smiled at the provisions and descended the narrow steps.

His soldiers filed in behind him, delving about thirty feet underground. Then the passageway opened up to a large chamber with a long dining table, a fully stocked bar, seating for around fifty, and two prison cells. Multiple rooms branched off the first, and Henrick poked his head in them all, discovering a three-bedroom suite, a handful of latrines, a kitchenette, and a few hundred beds.

Well, he sighed, it’s not The Spire, but it will do.

He moved to one of the cells and searched it for weaknesses. Then he coated the floor, ceiling and three walls in a dense shield before demanding his soldiers bring their captive forward. They obeyed, dragging the large wizard named Bull into the cell, and the councilman moved closer to the bars, watching them bind the gagged man to the bars and floor.

How do you know he’s a Servant of Ava? Can you see the mark?

Henrick approached the liquor and poured a drink. We’re not even certain he can see the mark. Our last servant swore until his dying day that Ava hadn’t branded him. It makes sense that the mark would stay concealed until necessary. If it appeared at birth, the information would be too vulnerable. Our researchers have concluded an unknown factor will reveal the information to the servant. Now we need to discover what that factor is. If the answer exists in this realm, it’s in your Dark Vault. Have you procured us access?

We’re working on it. So, if the mark doesn’t exist yet, how do you know he’s a servant?

He and his ilk have Ava on the brain. Since the dawn of the Dark Guild, we’ve been studying the Seven Sisters theory. Direct answers are nearly impossible to find, but one can learn a lot from centuries of experience and research. When we were finally ready to put the wisdom to good use, we discovered there were at least three young wizards who could draw the woman from their dreams before they could talk, and that woman looks a lot like historical depictions of the one and only Ava. We tried to take custody of all three boys, but two of them slipped through our grasp, including this one, so we used different tactics to take the third. I’m afraid we were a little rough on him. He recently committed suicide, so we tracked down this guy again. He goes by the name Bull. Or so we’re told. He hasn’t spoken a word since we took him.

The door to the shed opened, and quiet voices garbled down the stairwell as three men descended into the hideout, one of them with an unconscious witch flung over his shoulder. The wizards were introduced as councilmen. Then the witch was introduced as the key to the library’s Dark Vault.

Turns out our high priest isn’t so holy, one of the council members added. He’s been screwing this chick on the sly for over a year. Once he knows we have her, he’ll do whatever we want.

Why do we need him? Henrick asked. You’re members of the esteemed Maganthian council. Let us in your vault.

We’re not even allowed in the Dark Vault. The high priest is the only person who can enter without raising alarms. And not all our members have accepted our path. There are a few holdouts. Thankfully, they’re no more sympathetic to your enemies’ plight. The Crusaders are here petitioning us for access to the library. We’ve refused to meet with them, but our excuses won’t hold forever. They’ll start pulling strings if they don’t get their way.

Henrick drew close enough to stand toe-to-toe with the local. Whose strings? Yours?

The councilman swallowed and slightly shook his head. No.

Then let them tug. Henrick walked to the cages, draining his glass as he watched soldiers bound the female captive’s wrists and ankles to a stone platform that served as a bed. After all, it is us who has the key to the vault.

Chapter Two

The atmosphere in Layla’s bedroom had never been so thick with tension, and the silence between her and Quin had never stretched on so long. They’d barely spoken since they went to bed, staying quiet through three feedings and mumbling short answers to short questions during their first breakfast of the new year.

Benzio didn’t seem to notice their solemn attitudes, and Layla preferred it that way, so after helping him clean up his breakfast mess, she sent him and Arabella outside to play with Alana.

Even though Quin remained uncharacteristically somber, his love and affection couldn’t be stifled, so he gave Layla a lingering kiss before heading for the bathroom to take a shower.

The triplets had been nursed and dressed and were in good spirits, so Layla toted them with her to the library. After laying them on a blanket with a pile of plush toys, she sat on the floor beside them and summoned the letters she’d been writing, along with two blank pieces of paper.

She set aside one blank sheet while laying the other on the coffee table. Then her vision blurred as she hovered a pen over the top line. Following a ragged breath, she blinked away tears and wrote Quin’s name.

Every word of the letter twisted a dagger in her aching heart, and her stomach clenched with guilt as her eyelids burned. Fearing she might not get the chance to finish, she started with the most urgent sentiments, and by the time she’d written three paragraphs, she felt as if she’d been mourning for hours.

She rubbed her eyes, lacking the energy and time to continue. Quin would be emerging from the shower soon, and she didn’t want him to know about the letter, so she hid it amid those she’d written for her children.

Grabbing the other blank piece of paper, she began making a list, and she was still going when Quin came around the corner. His hair was damp, and beads of water lingered in the muscular grooves of his shirtless torso, but he’d donned a pair of gray shorts.

Layla mind searched Selena, checking on Benzio while Quin greeted the triplets in a soft and soothing voice. Then she ceased the mental connection as he moved behind her and looked over her shoulder.

His clean scent drifted up her nose as his body heat caressed her back, and the sexy vibrations of his voice brought tears to her eyes. Is that a shopping list?

She nodded and set her pen on the table, bracing to speak without bawling. We need to talk.

His brow wrinkled as he met her stare, and his aura grew restless around them. I don’t think I’ve ever heard you say that.

We usually don’t go this long without talking.

He bowed his head and scratched his jaw. You’re right. I’m sorry.

I know, she assured, laying a hand on his knee. You don’t have to apologize. She stood and moved to the sofa, and her lungs refused to work while she waited for him to follow.

Once they were both sitting, she leaned forward and rubbed her face, gathering the strength to push the difficult truth through her tight chest and swollen throat. When she failed to say anything for several seconds, Quin touched her back and quietly spoke. You’re scaring me, Layla.

She swallowed a painful lump and drew a labored breath. Then she dropped her hands and leaned back. I was dishonest last night.

She couldn’t bring herself to look him in the eye, but she could see his frown in her peripheral, and there was no missing the darkening of his aura.

Dropping her gaze to her mom’s wedding ring, she twisted it in time with the slithering knot in her stomach. When you were looking for me after the dress viewing.

When your mind was blocked, he recalled.

She bit her lip and nodded. I blocked it. I didn’t do it to hurt you. I’m sorry if it did.

He chewed his cheek while searching the air around her. Why did you do it?

A lump recaptured her throat as tears sprang to her eyes, and even though she ached to curl into his side and hide her face in his warm chest, she somehow managed to keep her spine straight. I overheard you talking to Drexel.

His colors shifted as his gaze widened on her face. How much did you hear?

Enough to know why you’ve been so quiet. I found you when he was talking about Vortigern’s institute getting ransacked.

Quin sighed and ran a hand down his face. Then he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and cuddled her to his chest. Why didn’t you tell me?

His warm embrace crumbled her defenses, and tears skated down her cheeks to his heart. It seemed like too much to talk about at two in the morning. Drexel’s news made my head spin, and I felt guilty over the entire situation. I guess I panicked.

He stayed quiet for a few seconds, stroking her hair while touching his lips to the crown of her head. Then his chest rose with a deep breath. Thank you for telling me. I’ve been driving myself crazy trying to figure out how to relay Drexel’s shitty news.

I shouldn’t have put you in that position, Quin. I’m sorry.

Don’t be.

She cleaned her face and found his eyes, her voice muffled by that damn lump. I’m not just talking about last night. All winter. I shouldn’t have left you to deal with this on your own. It was selfish of me to stay in denial while you faced our problems head-on. I put you in that position. I wanted to be kept in the dark, so that’s what you gave me, but we… The words got stuck as fresh waves rushed her eyes. I can’t let you do that anymore. You’re not my guardian, Quin. I don’t care what they say. You’re more than that. You’re my partner in every conceivable way, and I won’t let you go through this alone anymore.

He blinked his red-rimmed eyes while wiping away her tears. I wanted it that way.

Only because I wanted it that way. But I don’t anymore. The conversation I overheard last night crushed me. Not because of the dangers I face, but because of the way it made you feel. I should have been standing next to you, offering my input and supporting you, not standing around the corner stewing in guilt.

We were supposed to have more time.

Time for what? For me to hide out, getting everything I want, while you search for answers and take meetings with jerks? That’s not fair. It’s not fair to the world, and it’s not fair to you.

I can handle the jerks, Layla. Drexel’s attitude is the least of my problems.

But it’s not supposed to be your problem. It’s our problem. I have to learn to handle jerks, too, especially if I’m supposed to make a difference in Maganthia.

Quin’s lips thinned as he closed his eyes. I can’t believe you heard all that.

I needed to hear it.

He turned his head and covered his face with a palm. You agree with them.

I didn’t say that. She wiggled closer and took his tense jaw. You’re not failing, Quin. You’re not failing me or our kids. You’re taking care of us every second of every day, and you do it in the best possible way.

His hand remained on his face, his neck flexing as his chest hopped, and when he tried to speak, his body shook with restrained emotion. Watching him try not to cry pierced her to the bone, and she scrambled onto his lap to nuzzle his neck.

He wrapped her in a tight hug and buried his face in her hair. I made this harder on us, Layla. I thought we had more time, and I convinced you to believe it, too. I’m sorry.

I’m not. The past few months have been the best of my life, and I owe them to you.

His hold on her tightened as he shook his head. You felt this coming, but I was too damn blind to see it… too selfish to accept it, and I forced everyone to share my delusional sense of longevity. I’ve done nothing to prepare us for this.

Nothing could prepare us for this. I’ll never be ready to leave my kids and home. No matter what you do or don’t do.

Benzio, he rasped. He just lost his parents. Now he’s losing us, and he has no idea it’s coming. We haven’t even moved him out of our room.

Layla’s heart squeezed under the weight of the burdens he was sharing with her, but she’d asked for it, so she welcomed the pain and held him closer. We’ll start working on it this week. We’ll talk to him about what to expect, and we’ll make sure he knows he’ll still have a wonderful family after we leave. You’ve done right by him, Quin. You’ve given him something he never would have had in the guild. Don’t regret making him love you. He needed it. He needed you, and you came through for him better than I could have possibly hoped.

It touches my heart to hear you say those things, but it doesn’t change the fact that I’m not ready for this. None of us are ready.

We’ll never be ready. I could live a million years like this and still beg for more time. But if I don’t go face my problems, they’ll keep coming here. I have to stop them, Quin. Before I showed up, this coven was perfect – a little slice of heaven in a harsh world. I want it to be that way again. I want it to be that way for our kids so they can grow up to be like you – compassionate and positive and so full of love this scary world has no hope of crushing them.

He kissed her hair then raised his head, cleaning his face with one hand while the other rubbed her back. I don’t know how you’re being so strong.

She left his neck and found his bloodshot eyes. You. If I didn’t have you and your extraordinary love, I wouldn’t have made it this far, and I wouldn’t be able to keep going. My heart hurts, and I’m scared, but I have a partner who heals the pain and makes me brave. I’m strong for you, Quin, and for our kids… and because I have no other choice.

You’re wrong, he whispered, drying her cheeks. This is a choice.

Her endless supply of tears swelled as her heart took another beating. Do you think it’s the wrong choice?

No. I think it’s the tough choice, the kind only an angel would make.

I still don’t feel like an angel.

Even if you weren’t one, you’re one hell of a woman, and I’m proud to be your man.

Her heart fluttered with his warm sincerity as her tummy tingled with relief. He wasn’t upset with her for eavesdropping and shielding her mind, and not only did he understand and support her decisions, he approved of them, no matter how much it hurt him and derailed his dreams.

Touching her forefinger to a hidden dimple, she swallowed her guilt and smiled. Thank you. You’re one hell of a man. She laid her cheek over his heart and played with the rhodium tag she got him for Christmas. He wore it around his wrist every day, and she often caught him touching the engraved fingerprints. And we make amazing babies, she added. They’ll be okay without us—her breath caught in her chest as her throat closed, and she clutched his hand, her muscles trembling with the effort it took to speak—as long as they have each other and their grandparents. She had to believe that or she’d never be able to leave.

Quin’s shaky breath swept through her hair and tickled her scalp. Looks like we have work to do.

Yeah. We can’t sit around anymore.

The shopping list you were making – a camcorder and pre-paid cell phones. That has everything to do with this.

Yeah.

That’s smart. My head’s been too deep in the sand to think ahead like that.

I was buried right next to you until last night, but I’m okay with that. I’m glad we didn’t know. If we had, we would have worried our way through the holidays instead of soaking up the experiences and memories. You’re right – we’re not prepared for this, but only because we’ve been living in the moment. That’s not a bad thing. We’re giving up enough for this world. We deserved our moment.

You deserve more than that, and I’ll do everything I can to give you more. As long as I breathe, I’ll fight to bring you home to your babies.

She pulled his knuckles to her lips, knowing he spoke the truth. We’ll both fight.

Layla and Quin finished the shopping list together. Then he insisted she work on her letters to their children while he found someone to go to Portland for them. The triplets weren’t ready to nurse, but they wanted to be held, so Quin scooped them up.

Give Mamma kisses, he softly instructed. Then we’ll go see your grandparents.

Layla showered their small heads in kisses. Then she stood on her toes and planted one on Quin. Hurry back.

We will.

Quin left the house shoeless and shirtless, unconcerned about what he wore and desperate for the feel of his babies. Every second with them was precious, every touch a fleeting moment he’d never get back. The wrinkly toes sweeping his stomach; the tiny fingers fluttering over his biceps; and the velvety cheeks resting on his chest – each sensation so simple and subtle yet powerful enough to alter the course of his existence. No way would he hinder them with a shirt.

He performed a couple of mind searches as he walked through the garden, and a few minutes later he stood in Caitrin’s living room with his parents and Layla’s grandparents. The triplets were pulled from Quin’s arms for sweet greetings and loving kisses. Then he stepped away from the chaos, taking a moment to put his thoughts in order. Cordelia shadowed him and rubbed his back, and though she didn’t say anything, the worried colors in her aura spoke volumes.

Once everyone finished cooing over the babies, they expectantly turned toward Quin, and he met his dad’s stare, struggling to keep his shoulders straight and his breathing even. How much have you told them?

Everything, Kemble answered.

Quin should have known by his mom’s doting. Layla knows. She overheard Drexel’s rant.

The others frowned as