Her Other Guardian

By TK Lawyer

Humans.  Blah.  What was good about them?

That's what Julian wanted to know when he was assigned to guard one.

 

Then he saw her in the viewing pool. A clever, beautiful, charlatan. A temptress whose illusions wouldn't work on him.

 

Humans were angry, evil and unlovable.  They started wars.

He'd walk away, unscathed; a year after his detestable assignment was over with.

 

Ariadne had no luck finding "the one." 

 

Yet, when a man shows up claiming to be Ariadne's Guardian Angel- his perfect, muscular physique screaming of desire- what can she do?  Avoid his snarky attitude and take him to bed, of course.

 

Still, Julian is only assigned to her, for one year. Ariadne wants more.

 

Will Julian change his mind about her kind? Will he take a chance with a human he can't seem to forget?

 

 

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: TK Lawyer
• Release date: Jul 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393993414

Book preview

Chapter One

Julian was in trouble, the kind that came with a capital T.

His fellow comrades’ fell in hoards around him, screeching and shouting into the acrid air. Their agonizing screams pounded mercilessly against his eardrums while the stench of their spilled blood nauseated his insides.

The Demon was too powerful.

Yet, Julian stood his ground, regardless of the consequences he’d ultimately face and the slim chance he had to defeat his foe. Widening his stance in front of the gates of Heaven, he thrust his chest out and glared at his nemesis, presently grinning ear to ear, spittle sliding down one side of his hollowed-out jaw. Perhaps he was being a bit foolhardy and more than likely reckless; nonetheless, he stared the Demon down. Disgusted by the turn of events and attempting to formulate a mostly successful plan without a clue as to how to kill the brute, he did what he did best. Attack first and think later. Julian shouted a war cry and ran full throttle at the beast, vowing to kill the Demon this time.

Moving quickly to his left, Julian immediately knew he made the wrong decision when a searing white-hot heat tore instantly through his right wing. He screamed and fell, rolling into the puffy clouds below him, his arms and legs flailing about in an attempt to regain control. He twisted, suddenly, and righted himself, drawing his fists up in front of him, ready to attack once more. Yet, the brute was big and tough. Julian’s mere arm wrestling wasn’t going to be enough.

He flew back to his post and met up with Cian, a fellow angel, at the gates of Heaven. A wide grin of triumph curved up the corners of Julian’s mouth as he witnessed the mammoth sword Cian held out in front of him. Borrowed from the renowned Archangel Michael, Julian feasted his eyes on the trademark for all weapons made. The golden sword of Truth. The power and strength of the weapon, capable of vanquishing demons with the slightest touch, sparkled before his eyes. It stirred up hope within his heart that their chances to defeat the Demon may have tremendously increased. With Truth on their side, the battle was surely won.

Cian lifted Truth in the air, wielding it toward the approaching Demon as the beast circled in the air above them. The mammoth being side-stepped Cian’s effort to bring him down and then retaliated. Emitting fire from his mangled mouth, he burned a trail close to Cian. Unwilling to let another of his colleague’s pay for his indiscretion, Julian waved his arms in the air. He tried to distract the Demon’s attention as he shouted, Hey, you big ugly beast. Come get me!

The Demon cried out an ear-splitting decibel shriek, almost shattering Julian’s sensitive eardrums, and then raised what looked like two charred stumps into the air. Julian caught sight of the beast’s lit fingertips. He shouted a profanity seconds before he flung his body to the left, narrowly escaping the ensuing fire while Cian thrust Truth into the Demon’s belly, at the same time. A cry of agony followed the Demon’s once solid form as it burst into tiny pieces. Grisly, raw, random chunks of meat swirled like a tornado and then disappeared.

Cian turned, wide-eyed, to Julian. Are you okay?

Julian glanced about him in awe, surprised that they both survived. Yeah, just a couple of burnt feathers. He took in the greyish tint of his right wing, marring one side of the pure white color.

Cian shook his head while he patted Julian on the back. I hate to say it, comrade, but I think the Council’s going to request your presence very soon. I’m afraid I can’t help you out on this one. Not this time. Cian grabbed ahold of Truth and nodded to Julian, bidding him farewell before lifting into the sky and disappearing.

Julian frowned and muttered under his breath. Damn it. I really did it this time. How much more leniency would the Council extend to him, or was he past his limit on get out of jail free cards?

He pondered stellar, believable excuses, coming up with nothing that might work. With a long sigh, he gave in, knowing there was no way to cover up this blunder. Too many angels had been injured. As much as he’d like to place the blame on someone else, he knew he was the sole cause of the outcome. He couldn’t put off the unwanted visit anymore.

Flying straight to the all too familiar Council doors, he sighed heavily as he pushed on one, creaking it open before he, begrudgingly, stepped inside. He cast his eyes upon the elongated wooden table in front of him. Five distinguished, male faces turned toward him and stared, wordless, though likely judging him.

Julian proceeded, crossing the cold, tile floor with his sandaled feet. He lowered his head, glancing down in a gesture of humility and deference, wondering if the action would make a difference in his imposed sentencing. If possible, he’d rather sink into the tile, merging his essence with it. The Council didn’t understand mercy and leniency. There was no way Julian was leaving the hallowed room without some sort of punishment.

He was doomed.

When he reached the end of the long walkway to the prominent five, he prostrated himself before the prestigious members. Streaks of grey intermingled within the stark white color as he unfolded his wings, allowing them to spill across the floor. The sudden shock of frosty tile against warm feathers caused him first to grit his teeth and then suck in air. As they adjusted to the temperature, so did he, closing his eyes, breathing out a satisfied sigh with the refreshing chill. At least one good thing came of seeing the dreaded Council.

The silence from the five members, however, was pure torture. Julian could’ve sworn he spent a mini- eternity waiting for someone to say something. Normally, he’d stroll through the doors, nonchalant, and egging the five members on with his casual, smug demeanor but not this time. This time he screwed up, and there was no side-stepping his predicament.

Fearful of drawing more attention to himself than necessary, he kept his head down and his patience intact waiting for someone, anyone, to address him. His hands, growing numb from lack of use, twitched involuntarily. He clenched and relaxed his fingers, giving them something to do during the vast expanse of time he lingered on. When the speaker for the Council finally spoke, he blew out a breath of air he didn’t know he withheld.

Drayton stepped forward, his tall stature over-shadowing the four seated members behind him. His steady gaze, directed toward Julian, darkened with his disapproval. Julian, you are before us again. He paused for effect before continuing. Young warrior, I fear you have much to learn. Leaving your fellow angels, unaware the Demon, almost cost them their lives.

I know. I apologize for my indiscretion.

Drayton narrowed his eyes. What was that?

Julian grit his teeth, knowing Drayton had the upper hand in this conversation. I said, I know. I’m sorry.

Well, we are too... You’ve been a good warrior and a great asset to your comrades until now. Your recent actions have been less than desirable. Drayton pointed at Julian. You were aware of the Demon and his plan, but you decided to take him on, yourself. That was foolhardy and prideful. We don’t work that way here. We work as a team. There are no heroes. We are valiant, together, in partnership with one another. You must learn to understand what it’s like to rely on someone that you can’t control. Drayton paused, glancing back at the four still seated behind the table. He nodded to them before continuing his lecture. You must grasp, young warrior, that there are advantages to working as a team. You already know what it’s like to take on challenges on your own. Yet, we fear you lack the knowledge and capability to work in tandem with others for a higher purpose. As the Council, we need you to master every aspect of your Angelic nature. In that way, you will have the capacity, one day, to become a great angel. We don’t condone rebels with their own agendas.

By the severe tone to Drayton’s voice and the length and depth of his explanation, Julian knew he had no chance for freedom. In light of this, he did the only thing he knew to do. He lowered his head as a sign of respect and begged for forgiveness. I deeply apologize, Council members. I made a grave mistake, but as you pointed out, I am young, and I’m still developing in my knowledge and skills. I enjoy my work, and I’d like to return to it. I promise to work as a team with my fellow comrades from this moment if you...

No! Drayton bellowed. His gruff tone of voice rumbled and threatened the stability of the floor. That’s not enough. Your actions were grave, indeed, and the correction you’ll receive will match the infraction.

A short silence ensued. For the first time in his life, Julian regretted his decision. His body visibly shivered and trembled though the room temperature didn’t change. If he received death for this-

His breathing accelerated. He snapped the negative thought out of his mind to clear it of concern. They wouldn’t give him death, would they? Gazing up at Drayton, he wasn’t so sure. His angelic senses discovered a frostiness washing over Drayton’s body, fading his usual cheery demeanor to something else.

Julian attempted to ward off the sudden chill in the air, enfolding his feathers around him, in secret, loathe to having any more unwanted attention on him. While he waited, what seemed a second mini-eternity, Julian lamented his actions. He recalled minute by minute details and bemoaned all that brought him here, in front of the fateful five. His teeth chattered in the monumental silence, and his heart skipped several beats as panic set in. What if they vanquished him, after all? He’d never view the sunlight again. Never witness the moonlight, and never have the chance again to banter and carouse with his comrades. He attempted to strike out the new thoughts plaguing his mind; instead, twisting images in vain to form a more positive, upbeat conclusion, but it was pointless. He needed to know their decision. He didn’t want to die.

Drayton’s voice boomed. We have come to a decision.

More like my fate you’ve decided, he muttered under his breath, soon afterward regretting the flapping of his loose lips.

Come again?

Nothing. He had to be more careful. The last thing he wanted to do was aggravate the Council any further and extend the severity of his punishment.

This is a prime example. You’re a rebel, and you have a wild streak in you. Angels can’t exist with these attributes. They must work together for one common goal. Drayton swung his bulky, chiseled arm toward Julian and pointed at him. You haven’t learned the value of working with and depending on others. Your duty in protecting Heaven will never teach you this. Therefore, you are hereby stripped of your warrior status. You no longer protect our realm.

Julian’s jaw dropped, gaping in a deadpan look, as his world crumbled beneath him. His gaze, becoming blurry and bloodshot, he could’ve sworn his eyes popped out of his head, too, at the inhumane sentence.

Council members, please. Don’t take away from me what I am. I’ve worked hard in my duties to you. Please don’t do this to me. He collapsed onto the floor, cupping his hands over his eyes as tears formed in the corners. Yet, he wouldn’t shed one. Not in front of these five, brutal angels. Instead, he grit his teeth, embarrassment laced with anger stilling his eyelids from spilling over their watery contents. He swiped at them with a vengeance, anger heating his core at being stripped of his heavenly duties.

This is awful. This is Hell. I don’t deserve this.

Please have mercy on me—council members. I beg of you. I apologize for my actions, and I promise it will never happen again. Let me continue my duties to heaven.... please. Lifting the hand over his battered heart, he covered his forehead, instead, as a painful zinging sensation stabbed at his cranium. A constant throbbing rattled the interior, ping-ponging against the inner walls, dancing back and forth inside as if his brain had suddenly turned into a pinball machine.

What was this strange, unusual feeling within him? Was he starting to suffer from one of those nefarious human conditions now that he no longer guarded, Heaven? Was this some kind of sick, twisted joke the Council played with him, and how long would it last? As an angel, he felt only love and joy. This foreign emotion was definitely neither.

Could it be? Nah. Or was it? Was this what humans called pain? If so, he wanted it gone. The sensation was awful. It weakened him when he needed to remain strong. Julian grasped at his chest as his system spiraled downhill and failed him.

On the other hand, could he use the sensation to his advantage? If he fell onto the floor, would they grant him mercy? As if reading his mind, Drayton responded.

"We are extending mercy to you when you should have none. We’re giving you a second chance but in a different capacity. You’re no longer a warrior, Julian, because your duties have changed. You will be a Guardian Angel, instead."

Oh, God, no! Kill me now—anything but that.

Please, no. I would never be any good. I don’t believe in protecting humans. Julian rose to his feet. His wings expanded toward the stained-glass windows on either side of him as he arched his back and stretched his upper torso to his full height. He faced the Council with a defiance that etched crease lines around his tight-lipped mouth and branded thin slashes into the corners of his eyes.

Julian! Drayton bellowed in the stillness. Kneel before the Council. Now!

Julian ground his teeth and reluctantly prostrated himself before the irritating Council. He closed his eyes to the dull, hollow panging threatening to break in two, the cavities within his aching heart. A second foreign emotion hit him. He could only surmise it was the one human’s termed grief. Sentencing him to guardianship altered his entire existence. Instead of the fearless, bold warrior, he was proud to have become, he’d shift into a lackluster and unresponsive waste of an angel. Guardianship was worse than being sentenced to Hell. It was no outcome for a brave warrior.

We will pick a charge for you, one that will not only instruct you on what we cannot but one that is a good match for you, too, and the lessons that you must learn. You will report back tomorrow and receive your assignment. For now, you are relieved of your duties. You may leave.

Upon receiving the harsh, cold dismissal, Julian wanted nothing more than to run through the double doors with no goal of ever returning. He aimed for the doors with all his might: newfound energy, and a sense of purpose fueling through his muscles. There was no way in Hell he’d become a Guardian. If they insisted on forcing him into the lowly position, he’d show the Council the error of their ways. Abandoning his charge at the first opportunity, he’d let the human rot and wither away till the festering pestilence’s existence became a distant memory—fitting retribution for an assignment he had no plans of completing.

Unjustly punished for something he didn’t intentionally do was unfair. Placing his comrades in the path of the Demon was never his objective. Though many were injured... in the end, the intention had to count for something. Whatever Julian did or didn’t do, didn’t warrant the harsh sentence he received.

Julian picked up his pace as he stormed across the seemingly never-ending tile floor. He slammed open one of the heavy double doors with a thrust of his left hand, banging it loudly against the brick wall. At the same time, a tinge of regret fleetingly passed over his heart amidst the violence strumming through his veins. He stomped the emotion down, mimicking the same with his feet as he mashed his heavy boots into the lavish green meadow and happily shredded the lushness into mulch. When the raw inferno within him boiled over his maximum limit, he stopped in the middle of the field, lifted his fists beside him, and shouted, This is bullshit!

A primal sound escaped his raw throat, and he fell to his knees. This couldn’t be happening. It had to be a dream, or, better yet, a nightmare. His fingers clenched, and his jaw tightened. Shaking his lowered head, he let the tears wash over his flawless skin. Protecting a human? Were they kidding? The vile, angry, greedy human beings! Humans were selfish, ungrateful, and undeserving of protection.

There was no way he’d guard any of humankind.

Warrior Angels had no respect for Guardians. Even their essential duties were laughable and ludicrous. What did they do all day, anyway? Count the seconds they wasted pretending they were real angels? That was Julian’s answer. Guardians hung around their charge all day long like some sick pervert or lost puppy dog, with nothing better to do but peep on their humans. They stalked them twenty-four hours a day., every day until their co-guardian stepped up to the plate and relieved them of the hellish nightmare that was their assigned duty. Their reprieve, however, was sadly only temporary until their co-guardian stepped out, and it was their turn at protecting the ungrateful human, once again.

Guardians didn’t have grand, important duties like Warriors.

Always on guard, Warriors never had time to rest. Hanging out with humans and playing games with them weren’t considerations when it came to the life of a warrior angel. A slight mistake on the part of a Warrior could cost his comrades heavily, as Julian was wearily finding out.

Julian and his comrades considered the Guardian sector of the angelic realm, worthless, and a waste of creator-made talent. These angels were on permanent light duty from day one. They were a lazy, lower class of angels that never made much of an impact. It was ridiculous and demeaning that he was now relegated to become one of them.

Julian couldn’t stomach the idea of his new duties. With zero belief in humanity, he was likely the worst angel chosen for the task. Humans were given precious lives to make a difference, and what did they do with their gift? They squandered their time, wasting their blessing on the accumulation of useless material goods that meant nothing in the end. No matter how wonderful the human assigned to him turned out to be, in the end, they were all the same. Neither was different from the other, and Julian would never change his mind on the subject.

He took several deep breaths and calmed his growing anxiety. After a minute or two of contemplation, he came to a decision. Instead of rebelling against the Council’s decision, he would abide by it. If the Council made him a Guardian Angel, he would be the best Guardian to the most unworthy sinner assigned to him. When the delinquent eventually annihilated himself, another human, or participated in some type of heinous crime, he would laugh at the Council. Laugh while continuing his duty of protecting the unproductive being. This is what the Council wanted, and this is what they’d get. He’d prove to the Council that punishing him with human servitude was a waste of his time