The Impact (Book II)

Trespasser

There was an explosion.

When the smoke cleared, Keith had shut his eyes, shielding his bruised face with his arms. The ground directly beside him was scorched and burning. I hadn't gotten to them in time and I slid to a stop, startled when I saw who had.

Zane stood between the two, gripping Zach's wrist like a vice. He had moved Zach's aim a foot off target. He let go of Zach and shoved him roughly back. Turning around, he looked down at Keith with a look of disgust.

"You're weaker than my sister had ever been. Don't know why I went through the trouble of saving you." He grunted as he flexed his badly burned hand.

Zach surged toward Zane, his nostrils flaring and his eyes glowing brightly. "Bastard, who do you think you are-"

"Wait, Zach!" My warning came too late and he threw a punch.

Zane blocked it and rose an eyebrow as he examined my son. "Now, you're a little more impressive. Impulsive, maybe, but definitely impressive. Take more after the angel than my sister in both looks and strength."

Keith whimpered and scrambled backward from Zane. I rushed forward and dragged him to me. Will gaped, too stunned to do anything. Emily had hidden behind him, eyes wide with fear. Cole was somewhere off to my left, head tilted to the side as he observed the situation.

"How did you get past the barrier?" I rasped.

The back of my head tingled with agitation. I didn't like the glint in Zane's eyes. Shoving Zach back from him once more, he brandished a device on his wrist. It almost resembled a watch.

"Lucifer has been doing some tinkering the past few hundred years. Looks like it works." He answered. His eyes shifted from me to Keith. Keith whimpered and slid further behind me.

He moved too quickly for me to follow, appearing side by side with me. His hand rested on my shoulder. When I realized how close he was, my eyes widened and I made to disengage. He tightened his hold in warning. I gritted my teeth but didn't move.

I thought to myself, He's gotten faster.

"Mom!" I glared over my shoulder at Zach and Emily, hearing them take a step toward me.

"Don't come closer!"

By this point, Will looked murderous. I felt Zane's other hand grip my throat. "Ah, ah, ah. Don't move, Archangel; or else I'll rip her head off."

There are only two ways to kill angels and demons. The first way is to pierce their heart. The second is to decapitate them. My body grew more rigid at the threat.

Will obeyed, as did the others. He snarled, eyes bright, "You come to our house and threaten my wife?!"

Zane ignored him. I was still as a statue, uncertain of what his intentions were. He leaned forward until his mouth was close to my ear.

"Lucifer is aware of your Semifacta Demon's existence. He's decided that you are actually worth a bit more effort. I'm not sure what he plans, but your future is looking bleaker by the minute. I was ordered to survey the area and get a feel of your strength. It looks like he is worried for nothing though; you're even weaker now, soft and slow." He whispered.

I shivered and my fists clenched at my sides. My brain racked itself for ideas on how to get out of this. If I used my lightning, Rayi may jump at the opportunity, though she had remained silent thus far. Keith's heartbeat raced, the smell of his fear coating the air along with Emily's. I wasn't sure if Zane was going to end me now nor why he told me Lucifer's plans unless he was ordered to.

Then, Will moved. He was still quicker than Zane's and grabbed him by the face. Zane had been so startled by the attack, he released me and I stumbled as Zane and Will both disappeared.

"Get in the house!" I commanded my children. They were quick to obey, except Zach.

"What, you're just gonna leave Dad to handle that guy?" He protested.

"There's a reason why he took Zane away from here. Now get in the house before I drag you in there myself!" I snarled.

Giving me one last glare, he went inside. I stood outside, anxiously waiting for one of them to return. After several minutes, Will reappeared, unharmed. I rushed to him and he grabbed my face between his hands. I placed my hands on his waist.

"Oh, thank Lucifer. I was so worried he did something to you." I whispered.

"I'm fine. I caught him by surprise and tossed him in the portal before he thought to retaliate." He replied gently.

"He came by the bakery yesterday, but I never thought he would be able to get past the barrier," I admitted.

Will pulled away from me and frowned. "He was here and you didn't tell me? Never mind, we'll talk about that later. That device on his wrist let him get through the barrier. I need to talk to Joel and see if he can strengthen the barrier or something. Don't let the kids out of the house, especially not Keith. I don't like the way Zane was looking at him."

Nodding, I stepped back and watched as his large black wings erupted from his back. He took flight and I returned to the house.