An Angel's Crusade (An Angel's Wings Sequel)

Chapter Seven: Opening Doors

Iris

I should have run after her, but I had nothing worth saying. I just watch Kinsley march back into the tent and after she was out of sight I let myself snap.

When a human snaps, they might punch something, and that usually ends with them hurting themselves. When a White Angel snaps — probably the same for a Dark Angel, I don't know, I haven't seen that yet — we punch things and just keep punching.

So I find a tree and throw my fist into it. My hand stings, but I welcome the pain. So I punch it again and again. I even put in a few kicks. I beat the hell out of the tree until my knuckles are raw and bleeding and am pretty sure I broke a few fingers and toes.

"Woah." I spin around, my bloody fists up, ready to fight, but it is only the White Angel soldier with the chestnut hair, the one from Kinsley's interrogation. He's wearing a red hoodie and tan skinny jeans along with a pair of Chucks. He's got his hands in a mock surrender and he wears a big, sideways grin on his face. "I don't know what that tree did to you, but man, did he pay for it."

I don't know why, I'm usually very well kept with my tolerance, but the White Angel's grin just sits me on edge and I've already been ready to jump off.

"If you don't wipe that stupid smile off your face, you're going to feel exactly what the tree felt."

The soldier nods and pushes his smile to a serious face. "You're right. I apologize, Miss Cooper. That tree clearly deserved what it got."

I shoot him a glare and roll my eyes. "It's Iris."

Suddenly he smiles again, this time even bigger. "I'm Aiden, wow, I'm so glad we could introduce ourselves." He steps toward me and I feel the need to step back, but I hold my ground. "So, now that we aren't strangers, 'because you know, stranger danger, why don't we talk about why you just went all Rocky on that tree?"

I stare into his green eyes. They're filled with jokes and humor, but I know there's a door shut, one that isn't all fun and games.

I've known Aiden for no more than a few minutes and I already know he's got a hidden side that I probably don't want to see.

"No," I say and start walking away.

I don't see Aiden's reaction, but I hear it.

"No? What? Iris, I seriously think we should talk about what just happened." There's almost a hint of desperation in his voice.

"If I wanted to talk about it — which I don't — I'd talk about it with my friends, not some guy I met two minutes ago." I continue toward the girls' tent, though I know Kinsley will still be awake.

"Then at least let me bandage your hands," he suddenly says. I stop and turn toward him. "I'm sure they're scratched up pretty badly and it would be easier if someone else did it for you." He's holding his hands out like an offering and I narrow my eyes.

"I could just ask one of my friends to do it."

He gives me a yeah right, nice try look. "And wake them up?"

I sigh and look at my knuckles. Aiden's right, they're pretty messed up. The skin is ripped clear off, blood is starting to dry, but the wound is still pumping fresh stuff over it. And my hands are throbbing in so much pain I'm biting my lip to keep from saying some very colorful words. I give another sigh, this one louder and more exasperated.

"Fine! But the minute they're patched up, you'll go away and leave me alone. Got it?"

Aiden's smile grows so big it looks painful. He holds up his hand and says, "Scout's Honor."