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Connor flinched inwardly. Shannas fangs were retracted, but he could still see the sharp points. Bugger. He didnt understand it. How could so many of his friends marry mortal women, knowing full well this would be their future?
Shannas eyes widened as she looked Marielle over. Youre really an angel.
Marielle knelt and bowed her head. Dear soul, I have caused you terrible wrong. I pray you will forgive me.
Shanna approached her. Father Andrew told me how upset you were when you learned about the accident. She leaned over. It was an accident. Theres nothing to forgive.
Marielle looked up at her with tears in her eyes. Im so relieved youre all right. God bless you and your family.
Shannas eyes glimmered with tears, too, and she extended a hand. Thank you.
Marielle took her hand and stood.
Connor looked away. They were probably able to forgive so easily because neither one had been at fault. He was the one who had brought Marielle here, ignoring all her protests that she mustnt be touched.
He sat at one of the tables, giving the ladies some distance so they could chat. Still, with his heightened senses, he could hear everything they said. As always with Shanna, the conversation soon turned to her children.
She led Marielle over to the window to point out Constantine and Sofia, who were still playing on the basketball court with their father.
Theyre beautiful, Marielle murmured. You and your husband are truly blessed.
Shanna nodded, tears shimmering once again in her eyes.
How are they doing? Marielle asked.
Shanna sighed. Its not easy for them. Since they were born, they grew up knowing their father was unavailable during the day, so they just accepted it. And they always had me. A tear slipped down her cheek. Now they dont.
Connor noted the pink tint to Shannas tear and turned away. Tears crowded his own eyes. Guilt bore down on him.
Well adjust, Shanna continued. Theyll learn to sleep more during the day so they can be awake more at night. And they can spend more time at the school. Thank God I have Radinka. Shes like a grandmother to them. And my sister, Caitlyn, is a big help.
Im glad your family is here for you, Marielle said.
Shanna sighed. Not all my family. My father is the head of the CIA Stake-Out team. He hates vampires. And shifters. II dont know how Im going to tell him.
Marielle touched her shoulder. What is his name? I will pray for him.
Sean Whelan. Shanna smiled sadly. Itll take a lot of prayers to sway him. Hes still furious that Caitlyn turned into a were-panther.
Marielles eyes widened. How did that happen? Was she attacked?
She married a were-panther, Shanna replied. She risked her life to be with the man she loved.
Good heavens, Marielle whispered. She was very brave. She turned toward Connor and their eyes met.
His chest tightened. God help him, he was falling for her. He looked away. What a bloody fool he was. Always berating the other guys for falling in love, and here he was falling faster than any of them had. It was pathetic.
Caitlyns expecting twins in a few months, Shanna continued. Were all very excited about it.
Marielle smiled. Thats wonderful.
A tap on the nearby window snagged Connors attention. He glanced up to find Father Andrew motioning for him to join them outside.
He trudged toward the glass door and nodded at the ladies. Excuse me. He let himself out onto the patio.
Radinka was still seated on the bench, but she was staring at the window with an expression of awe. I cant believe Im seeing a real angel. Shes so beautiful.
Aye. Connor glanced toward Roman.
A glint of anger flashed in Romans eyes, then he turned back to his children.
Hell come around in time, Father Andrew said quietly, then gestured toward a cement bench farther away.
He has every right to be angry, Connor muttered as he followed the priest.
Father Andrew withdrew three vials from his coat pocket. These contain holy water. To help you fight the demon. Has he returned?
Nay, no yet. Connor dropped the vials into his sporran.
Thank you for agreeing to protect Marielle. Father Andrew sat on the bench. Ive been pondering how we can return her to heaven.
Connor sat beside him. She hopes that helping us defeat Casimir and the Malcontents will prove her worthiness, and the Archangels will take her back.
She believes she can earn forgiveness? Father Andrew frowned. In my experience, it doesnt usually work that way. The Lord honors a truly penitent heart.
Connor scoffed. She is truly penitent, and look where it got her. Wounded and left bleeding in the dirt.
The priest sighed. I cannot presume to understand everything that is going on, but I do feel that we are witnessing divine providence. Perhaps the Lord has loaned her to us for the express purpose of defeating Casimir.
And then afterward, He intends to take her back? Connor glanced toward the windows where she was standing next to Shanna.
I believe so, Father Andrew said. Can I count on your assistance in getting her home?
He continued to watch her. I gave her my word I would do everything in my power to get her back.
The priest was silent for a moment. Perhaps your assistance will help prove your own worthiness.
He snorted. I am past redemption, Father. Even the demon knows my name and said I was on his list.
Theres a word for a man who believes what a demon tells him. Father Andrew gave him a wry look. Hes called a fool.
Connor scoffed. Im a realist.
God is real.
So is the demon. Ive seen him.
Father Andrew sighed. Does she understand how dangerous this mission could be?
Aye. We worked tonight on a way for her to defend herself. And we successfully teleported close to a place where she sensed death.
How did you know where to teleport?
Connor shifted on the bench. I had to . . . slip inside her mind for a few seconds.
The priest sat back. You were inside the mind of an angel?
For a few seconds.
That must have been incredible. Whatwhat did you see, if you dont mind my asking?
He leaned forward, resting his forearms on his thighs. It was . . . a beautiful, peaceful place full of love and compassion.
I bet it was. Father Andrew sat silently for a moment. Ive never met a man whom the Father couldnt forgive. If you confess
Nay. I confess nothing. Connor stood. Im a lost cause, Father. Thats why Im the perfect choice to protect Marielle. I have nothing to lose.
And everything to gain, the priest muttered, then rose to his feet. Come. Lets see if we can convince Roman to talk to Marielle.
So he can forgive her? Connor asked dryly. Or forgive me?
Father Andrew walked toward the glass door to let himself into the cafeteria.
Father, no! Roman strode toward him. Its not safe.
The priest gave him a bland look. I talked to her last night without any problems.
You had several Vamps to protect you, Roman argued.
Then come in with me. Father Andrew opened the door and walked inside.
Gods blood, Roman muttered, then glared at Connor. Arent you going in?
After you.
Romans eyes narrowed, then he glanced back at the children. Stay here with Radinka. Ill be right back.
I want to meet the angel, Constantine said.
Me, too! Sofia skipped toward him.
No! Roman winced, then softened his tone. I need you to stay here. You can watch her through the glass.
Come, my darlings. Radinka gathered the children in her arms. Well have a lovely view right here.
Roman shot Connor an annoyed look as he entered the cafeteria.
Connor followed and saw that the priest was talking to Marielle, but keeping a safe distance.
Shanna grabbed Romans hand and led him toward Marielle. You would think a former monk would be eager to meet an angel.
Roman looked properly chastised as he stopped in front of Marielle. It is an honor to meet you.
Marielle inclined her head. I am so very sorry for the pain and grief I caused. I will remember your children in my prayers each day.
Thank you. Roman extended a hand.
She took it, then flinched and looked more closely at him. I have encountered your soul before.
Yes. Roman nodded. I met you last night, though you were mostly unconscious.
No, it was . . . She tilted her head, studying him. Then with a gasp, she released his hand and stepped back. Good heavens! It cant be.
Connor moved to her side. Whats wrong?
She shook her head. It was so long ago. How can . . . She looked at Roman, her expression a mixture of shock and horror. You were my first mistake.
Chapter Fourteen
Roman stiffened. Youre calling me a mistake? After nearly killing my wife? Thats what I would call a mistake!
Marielle winced. She still needed to learn not to say everything that came to mind.
