Feisty Heroines Romance Collection of Shorts Read online

  She laughed, then called out, “Hello, Moonsilver, I welcome your strength and speed, old friend.”

  The magical winged creature wasn’t a unicorn or a Pegasus but could shift between a horse, oxen, or lion. He had great wisdom with the ability to distinguish right from wrong. He and Shadow always had her back, and she had theirs.

  In his winged horse form, Moonsilver knelt, and she mounted him.

  The trio traveled in the dead of night with the brilliant light from Moonsilver’s horn guiding the way to their destination. Shadow flew slightly behind.

  The sun topped the ridge with warm pinks, reds, and violets spreading across the horizon as they arrived. Each sunrise held a promise of hope for a better day than the one before.

  Campbell Ridge burst with new life as they descended to the ground.

  The Earth was well on its way to a full recovery on this part of the continent.

  The tree nymphs nodded a greeting with the sway of their branches. Kaduntz nodded then strolled through the field bursting with blooms and incredible scents from purple sage, wild daisies, and sweet William making her sensitive sensory receptors work overtime.

  The Ellauroa’s iridescent wings shimmered with a kaleidoscope of colors. The local faeries hadn’t descended from the Seelie or the Unseelie, but from The Great Mother, Sophia—a separate species exclusive to North America. They went underground before the supervolcano erupted. They protected nature and meant no harm to humanity, but humanity had proved harmful to them, nearly wiping them out of existence in the early twenty-first century. They had survived and seemed thriving with numbers.

  “Hello, Kaduntz.” Queen Ellen waved. She morphed from a tiny faery to a height of an average five-foot mortal. “I’ve not seen you in many, many years.” Her long white hair billowed in the gentle breeze, her skin the palest of peaches with lips the color of dark coral. She never aged once reaching maturity. Her voice had a singsong quality that could weave potent magical spells.

  “Your Highness.” Kaduntz bowed. “You’re looking well, and I must say, the ridge is more beautiful than I remember.”

  The compliment made the faeries’ wings shimmer with dazzling colors across the meadow. One Ellauroa held a small voice like a faint whisper, but a field of Ellauroa with superior musical minds created a transcendental tune, both spiritual and magical, making Kaduntz lift her own voice for the first time since leaving Heaven.

  “Thank you, Angel Watcher. Your song is a first for our ears, and a gift we will treasure forever.” Queen Ellen asked, “You seek the humangel?”

  “Do you mean humans?”

  Giggles erupted from the fae.

  Queen Ellen’s long white lashes lowered, and her cheeks blushed pink. She looked up and said, “Aye, a handsome humangel, fierce yet kind, and respectful to nature. He checks on us and the other species on the ridge often. He is brave and loyal too.” Her wings fluttered as she pointed toward Campbell Ridge. “He disappears in there.”

  The Ellauroa vanished from sight.

  Shadow lifted his head and sniffed. “I smell human—hybrids.”

  “Angel hybrids? Leeel’s descendants, perhaps? Humangel. Ah,—human-angel.”

  “My keen sense of smell doesn’t differentiate DNA. However, a small one is close. He’s hiding, but he sees us.”

  “Look,” Kaduntz said, “the remnants of an old asphalt road.” She flew toward the flowering tree branches, which formed an elegant archway as if a gardener used the art of pleaching. A sure sign someone else lived in this part of the woods. “The Ellauroa could’ve braided the archways.”

  “Don’t think so.” Shadow shook his head. “Let’s follow the stone pathway. The scent is getting stronger.”

  Moonsilver flew ahead and stopped at the end of the road.

  “Could it be? Oh, Shadow, maybe some of the humans survived.” Kaduntz didn’t want to get too hopeful.

  “You’re not supposed to engage, but a boy hides near the stone gateway.” Shadow sat on the lush grass, then stretched out his front legs and yawned.

  “We’ll approach slowly, not to scare him away.” She looked at him. “Shadow, you coming with me or staying here? I must try and talk to him. There must be others.”

  “We don’t know if it’s friendly or hostile, but Moonsilver isn’t afraid. His horn points to the boy’s location; however, the child is frightened.”

  She approached with her hands held high above her head. “Do not be afraid, boy. I am here to help you.”

  The boy jumped from one of the lower braided branches. His eyes widened. He wore a straw hat, a loose-fitting shirt with a standing collar buttoned partially to the chest, and a pair of canvas trousers. He whistled loudly.

  Shadow ran to the boy, nudging and licking the boy’s fingers to ease his fears. The boy reached out carefully and was about to rub the Semargl’s ears when a man shouted, “Waulie, don’t touch that varmint. Go through the gate this minute.”

  “Varmint?” Shadow grunted. “I beg your pardon.”

  The young lad ran through the stone gate and disappeared through pulsating blue light.

  Was it a portal?

  Kaduntz eyes locked with the greenest eyes she’d ever seen on this planet. He was taller than a mortal, dark-haired, and muscular. And, although she could sense his displeasure, she experienced a funny kind of fluttering in her midsection. The feeling, however odd, spread warmth throughout her body. “I mean you no harm.”

  He took two long strides to stand before her. “Luc sent you to spy on us. You’re coming with me. I can’t allow him to find my family.” He shot Shadow a look, and to her disbelief, the beast bowed to him.

  “My apologies, Semargl. I didn’t recognize your greatness. Get through the gate.”

  “What are you doing, Shadow?”

  Shadow looked up at her and smiled. “He’s a descendant of Leeel. He’s a hybrid warrior.” He raced through the gate, and Moonsilver followed, disappearing into the glimmering light.

  “You’re related to the Glenns of Campbell Ridge?”

  “We don’t have time to talk. We have exactly one minute to get through the gate unnoticed.” He grabbed her arm. “Luc has more spies than you. Move it.”

  The touch of his hand sent a jolt of electricity through her whole being, releasing an incredible scent through her pores. Confused, she jerked out of his grasp. “How dare you treat me so disrespectfully.”

  “Angel Watcher, you ain’t seen disrespect, yet. Now get your fine ass through that portal. We’ll talk on the other side!”

  Fuming, and grudgingly flattered, she reluctantly followed him through the humming cobalt light. He walked around her, then extended his hands outward as a divine wall of magic sealed the gate and the archway from view.

  “Who the blooming hell are you?” she asked.

  The Keepers of the Sacred Law flew low over the meadow of Campbell Ridge. They swooped as Kaduntz and the magical creatures entered the braided archway. Anoth glided to the other side of the covered road and materialized, followed by Oglaren and Arnorag.

  “Kaduntz is gone,” Oglaren said in apparent amazement.

  Arnorag ran through the archway, searching for an opening.

  “They’re not here.” Anoth scratched his cheek. “They used magic. There’s more afoot than Luc mentioned. Let’s get settled on the ridge. We will wait and watch.”

  “It’s not magic, my lord. It is The Creator. Look, the sign of the Trinity.” Oglaren pointed to the Triquetra knot carved in the stone gate as it faded from sight.

  “The war isn’t over.” Arnorag’s voice quivered.

  “We will not report to Luc. The Creator is our master.” Anoth crossed his arms. “We’ll wait until the Trinity sends further instructions.”

  Chapter 3

  Cord glanced at the stunning Angel Watcher. Every nerve within him bounced.

  A fine-looking warrior to be sure, but it was her strength, vitality, and exceptional beauty that kicked him hard in the place un
der his left rib. He knew with one glimpse of her turquoise eyes and short spiked platinum hair, she was the one from his dreams, his pairing partner, but that was a conversation he’d revisit later.

  “You didn’t meet with Uriel at Ice Mountain.” He swallowed hard. “Luc manifested himself to resemble the archangel.”

  “How do you know me?”

  “My name is Cord Jackson, and Leeel was my great-great-grandmother.” Approaching the fortress wall, Cord pounded on the next gate door. “It’s a long story, and I have instructions to take you to GrandPap.”

  “And pray tell, who is GrandPap?”

  “Joseph Jackson, my grandfather. Ruby and Reed’s son.”

  Cord pushed open the gate, and Kaduntz’s mouth gaped. Her eyes widened.

  Transporting from the existing Earth plane and crossing into their parallel world was reminiscent of leaving the black and white version of Kansas and entering Oz, the place in that film GrandPap played for the children during the summer solstice.

  Cord placed his hand gently on her forearm. “Are you okay?”

  Tears brimmed in Kaduntz’s eyes, and she blinked them away. “I’m sorry, I never thought I would see Fifth Heaven again.”

  He grinned. “This isn’t Fifth Heaven. It’s Everglade.”

  She didn’t move. Her gaze started at one end of town and followed it through to the other end, resting on their ancestral family home sitting on a hill overlooking a pond. Red, pink, and yellow rose bushes sprinkled throughout the front yard along with Japanese elm trees shaped like large umbrellas with oval-shaped leaves and serrated edges planted by his great-great-grandfather, Harry. Honeysuckle and wild roses climbed over the fencerows next to the red barn.

  He took her hand. She looked at him. He wanted to take Kaduntz in his arms and kiss her. In front of the whole town, he didn’t care. The need to feel her lips against his was powerful.

  “Do I know you, Cord? I suddenly feel a wave of déjà vu.”

  “Yeah, I get that sometimes too.” He’d give Kaduntz time to acclimate after speaking with GrandPap. But then, he had to tell her. Did she feel the same connection, the same link pulling them together like gravity?

  And Luc, the devious dragon, had an inkling humanity survived, albeit tweaked with angel DNA. He had come to Cord in his dreams. A reckoning was imminent.

  The residents of Everglade, along with the warrior angels, would have to set up a meeting in the barn and devise a plan to protect the outer ridge and their inner sanctum.

  What Luc didn’t know—the people in town were hybrids: half-angel, half-mortal, given another chance by the Trinity. All had lethal weapons created to fight against Luc’s tyranny of destruction.

  “Angels live in the open here?” she asked.

  “Yes, they do. Angels aren’t just guardians any longer. They’re family. We’re creating a new world, a new Jerusalem.”

  “Oh, I love the sound of that.”

  He and Kaduntz walked down the streets of Everglade, passing homes and small businesses. No motor vehicle pollution, no utility lines, just clean, fresh air. No need for currency, the town used the barter system, and the Trinity’s energy used within the community caused no harm to the environment.

  Children ran and played tag without fear because evil did not exist within this parallel world.

  “Shadow’s found a new friend,” Kaduntz said with a hint of amusement.

  The Semargl chummed with his female foxhound. Oh, that was sort of wrong and a little right on many levels. “That’s my dog, Trixie.”

  “Shadow looks happy.” Kaduntz chuckled. “I think he’s laughing. I’ve never seen him interact with canine breeds.”

  He tried to read her thoughts, but she blocked him.

  “I don’t know you well enough, Cord, to allow you into my thoughts.” She smiled.

  “Point taken.”

  At the end of the street, GrandPap sat in his rocking chair on the white-painted porch. Scented geraniums mixed with bright yellow chrysanthemums overflowed in big clay pots. He whistled an old tune from a bygone era. They had saved many of the electronic devices during the formation of the parallel town. Listening and dancing to music in the evenings after dinner was a favorite pastime and a builder of community spirit.

  “Hello, boy. You brought me a visitor.” GrandPap didn’t stand but stopped rocking.

  “GrandPap, this is Kaduntz.”

  “Kaduntz, I’ve been waiting a long time for you to arrive.” GrandPap said, “Yeah, I’m blind as a bat, but I still see.” He motioned to the chair. “Take a load off.”

  “I remember you, Little Joe. Are any of the others still alive?” she asked.

  “Aw, I haven’t been called that in decades,” he paused then said, “From my time, you mean? Nope, I’m the only one left. I visit them often, though, on the other side.” He chuckled. “I guess my time’s a-comin’, but I ain’t in no hurry to get there. Cord, did you ask if our guest would like some refreshment?”

  “Um, no. We just got here.”

  “I’m fine.” Kaduntz waved her hand. “So, I’m anxious to know how you survived, and how this place exists, and how I didn’t know Luc impersonated Uriel.”

  “That ole cunning devil’s been up to some new tricks.” Grandpa slapped his knee. With a thick Southern drawl, he said, “The AAF did a sting operation and found numerous spies within our camp before we worked with The Creator to extend Campbell Ridge into this parallel plane. Luc’s power has increased exponentially with every human he killed, every angel, and angel watcher he took prisoner. He knows we’re still here, but he doesn’t know how to get to us. That’s why he sent you.”

  “Kaduntz, would you mind stepping inside the house?” Cord asked. “We need to check you for nanochips. Shadow and Moonsilver are clean.”

  She withdrew her sword and pointed it to his chest. “You are not checking me. Is there a female about?”

  Erinelle magically appeared and threw her arms around Kaduntz in an embrace. “I’m glad you’re here, sister. I’ll check you for tracking devices, and then I have a surprise for you.” She pushed the red front door open of the two-story brick house. “After you.”

  The two angels entered, leaving Cord alone with his grandfather.

  “So, she’s the one?” GrandPap asked.

  “Yeah, she’s the one. I knew her the moment we looked into each other’s eyes. My pairing scent released and initiated the bond. I’m not sure it was reciprocal, but it nearly knocked me to the dirt. Waulie around?”

  “Sit, son. Waulie doesn’t need discipline. He’s a seer too. You’ll need him when I’m gone.”

  “GrandPap, I worry about Waulie. He is so quiet and doesn’t interact with others his age. I miss our parents.”

  “You don’t need to worry about Waulie. And I miss your parents too. I miss your grandmother something fierce. You know, son, it was their sacrifice that made our new home possible. One day, we’ll see them again. There’s no time limit on grieving. Just try living each day to its fullest, and you’ll have few regrets, dear boy.”

  “Do you think I should tell Kaduntz of my dreams?”

  GrandPap exhaled. “When you go telling Kaduntz your dreams and professing love, and giving her your heart, be patient. Females need to think everything is their idea. And I’m pretty sure she felt the link.” GrandPap snickered. “She’s an ancient one cast here from the beginning. She’s been fighting so long and hard she’s lost the ability to notice true love even when it smacks her in the face. The Creator is giving you both an opportunity at a new life, without Luc.”

  “Are you sure Luc can’t penetrate the portal?”

  “Oh, he’ll try—one day. We must protect the ridge perimeters and nature’s spirits. It is our responsibility. But for now, once Erinelle catches Kaduntz up to speed, you may take her to the cave. She deserves to rest for a spell. She’s wandered many seasons alone. You have a big block of ice to chip away from her heart.”

  Within a minute or two,
GrandPap snored while Cord waited for Kaduntz to come back.

  Kaduntz.

  The moment Cord locked eyes with her, he was home, in his heart and his soul. The touch of her hand had his heart beating out of his chest. His racing pulse made him dizzy, and his legs weak. And it felt like a stone plummeted to the pit of his stomach. He knew he had to pair with her soon, to touch her satiny skin, to plunge himself deep inside her and complete the pairing link, or he’d surely die.

  Kaduntz is mine.

  Cord wanted to know everything about her. He wanted her to know everything about him. Share each other’s secrets, sorrows, joys, and yes, even the pain she held in those incredibly beautiful azure eyes.

  He glanced at the door, waiting for one glimpse of her face.

  Oh, the love’s fool he’d gladly play.

  He had joked with his friends when they linked to their pairing partners, but he wasn’t laughing now.

  Cord was thankful golden sparkles of angel dust hadn’t released, and the love angels didn’t suddenly appear playing golden harps with the music theme from Love Story, a movie released over a hundred years ago. The love angels loved that ditty.

  The touch of her hand released such a desire he had to fight to contain it.

  Cord Jackson, the no-nonsense, seasoned warrior, had fallen in love, and there wasn’t a dad-blame thing he could do about it.

  Kaduntz was a warrior angel of the ages and not just any warrior, but the leader of the Angel Watchers. Heck, they sang songs about her.

  Who knew she’d be the one?

  The Spirit knew, and she had come to him in his dreams. He had traveled on the multicolored threads of light to the room with crimson curtains that opened to a thousand flickering candles, and a gossamer screen played movies of the future in his head.

  That was where Cord had first seen Kaduntz, but he hadn’t known her angel status in the hierarchy or even entertained the possibility the Angel Watcher would be his pairing partner for eternity.

  Would she accept him?

  His AAF warrior guardian, Sariel, appeared. He had been with Cord since birth. Each citizen of Everglade had a warrior angel serving as guardian, protector, teacher, and healer.