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

Chapter Nine: A New and Unwanted Traveling Compainion

Iris

I watch Kinsley disappear into the clouds and feel guilt enter my body as it has frequently done these past few days.

Kinsley's leaving is my fault. I hadn't tried hard enough to convince her to stay. I should have made more of an effort to get her to understand that Leo wasn't her doing.

"So, she left." His low voice startles me and I twist around to see Asher standing with his hands in his pockets. His hair has grown longer over the past few weeks and now it's passed his eyes, almost reaching his nose. He runs his hand through it and out of his face, looking back up at the sky where the Dark Angel had flown off to. "I figured she would."

"What do you mean?" I ask narrowing my eyes.

Asher's creamy gaze meets me and I almost melt away. "She was full of guilt and self-resentment."

"I could have helped her," I tell him. "I talked with her last night. I could have made her realize it wasn't her fault if I'd just tried harder."

Asher's face turns soft and he steps to me, taking my hands in his. "Iris, when someone is filled with that much guilt, there's no changing their mind. There is no way to make them think that it isn't their fault. The guilt eats away at them, blocks their judgement and their choices. It's almost unbearable."

I lower my eyes to our feet, knowing he's right.

"The best thing to do is to let them figure things out on their own," he says softly. I nod half-heartedly. "Come here." He pulls me into his chest and holds me as I welcome his strength and support.

~

"So, are you going to tell me what happened to your hands?" Asher asks as he helps me pack my things into my bag.

I've been waiting for him to mention my bandaged hands. "I punched a tree a few times," I mumble.

He nods. "Why?"

I stop shoving my sleeping bag into my drawstring and I meet Asher's worried eyes. "Kinsley."

Unlike Aiden, his body doesn't freeze or tense up. His jaw doesn't clench in anger or judgement. He just nods. "You did all you could. She'd already made up her mind." He grabs my bag and shoves everything into it, pulling the strings shut. "Let's focus on things we can do, okay?" I smile and nod. "So, I talked to Alex and even though he doesn't like the idea, I convinced him to agree to go check out Payton's house.

My hope rises. "Really?" At least something is going well this morning.

"Yes, but on one condition."

I narrow my eyes. "What?"

"You let me, Alex and Bailey go in first." I frown. "I know, I know, but Alex thinks that there could still be some Dark Angels camped out there in case we came to check on Payton's mom and I can't help but agree with him. Let us scope out the house, make sure it's safe before you and Payton go in."

I sigh, knowing it's a good idea. "Payton's not going to like it."

Asher nods. "I've got Gabriel on it. He'll convince her."

"Okay. When do we leave?"

"Soon," he promises. "Alex just wants to talk to their leader before leaving."

My eyebrows furrow. "Why?"

"To thank him for helping us and allowing us to stay here last night."

I roll my eyes. "Yeah. I'm so thankful." My voice is dripping with sarcasm.

Asher give me a confused look. "What?"

I want to tell him about last night and how Caesar was keeping us locked in, but then I'd have to bring up Aiden and that might not go well. "Nothing," I lie. "I just don't like it here. I don't trust them."

He nods. "Yeah, me neither. I want to get out of here as soon as possible."

I smile and stand up. Asher hands me my bag and grabs my hand.

As soon as we walk out of the tent, Bailey comes running up to us with a bag. "They finally gave us our swords back. Though they didn't tell me why it took so long."

"They probably didn't trust us, Bailes," Asher says smiling. "Would you trust a group of strangers who have two Dark Angels with them?"

Bailey just rolls her eyes. "Well, then they could have at least told us. If I'd known they were going to keep them overnight I wouldn't have given mine up."

"I believe that would have defeated the purpose then."

She glares at him and I can't help but laugh. "Can I have my sword now?" Bailey's eyes switch to me.

"I don't have yours actually."

"What do you mean?" I ask confused.

"The guy who gave them to me told me that their leader wants to talk to you. I'm guessing he's got it." She shrugs and hands Asher his sword and baldric.

I give a heavy sigh. "Great."

"Do you want me to go with you?" Asher asks softly.

I'm about to say yes. If he is there I'll feel so much better, stronger. But Bailey interrupts. "He wants you there alone. This time no exceptions." She gives me an apologetic look before turning away.

I look up at Asher and give a weak smile. "I'll be fine." He gives me a doubtful look, his creamy eyes full of worry. "The sooner I talk to him; the sooner we can leave."

He nods. "I'll tell everyone else." He leans down and kisses me softly. I relax into his lips and when he pulls away I reluctantly let him go. "Be careful."

I smile shortly. "Always am."

He gives me one last worried smile before walking the direction Bailey went.

As if on cue, a White Angel rebel walks up. "Miss Cooper?"

I glare at him, but if he's bothered by it, he doesn't show it.

"Caesar would like to speak with you." The rebel doesn't wait for me to agree; he just starts walking toward the forest line.

I want to ask why Caesar never lets us meet him in his tent, but I have a feeling that he wouldn't answer me.

I follow him about half a mile into the forest until he orders me to stop before continuing further.

After a few impatient minutes, Caesar's friendly, yet eerie voice booms through the forest. "Miss Cooper!" I turn to him and he's got his arms spread wide and a huge smile planted on his face.

"Iris," I correct not copying his happy expressions.

He nods. "Right, excuse me. I'm just so used to formal greetings." He grins at me. "Please, accept my apology."

I narrow my eyes. "Where's my sword?"

Caesar clears his throat. "It's coming, but I just wanted to have a word with you before you and your friends leave."

I meet his dulling brown eyes. "So talk, because my friends and I would like to move soon."

I don't feel bad for being rude. Caesar is playing a game, and I don't have time to play games.

He holds his hands behind his back just as he'd done the first time I'd met him. "I talked to your friend, Mr. Storm, and he told me that you were going to Miss Slayter's home to make sure her mother was okay."

I tense. Why did Alex tell him where we were going? We are leaving the White Angels because we don't trust them and now Alex told them exactly where we're going to be?

"So?"

"Well, I could tell Mr. Storm was worried about the plan and I thought that maybe you could use another sword." Caesar smiles again and I feel my face contort.

"What are you talking about?"

"I believe you've already met Mr. Davis?"

A frown forms on my face faster than I can fly. "What?"

"I believe I have something of yours." His voice makes my jaw clench in annoyance. I turn around to see Aiden standing with my sword and baldric in his right hand. In his left is a traveling bag. He smiles at me with the same smile he had last night and I feel the same hint of annoyance as I did the first time.