My Guardian Angel (In Combat Boots)

Chapter Five: Integration

Wes stood on the deck that hugged the back of his house. The huge dog he somehow ended up getting from the girl’s animal shelter was sprawled out beside him, taking up a good 6 feet from front paw to back paw. The smaller dog was inside curled up on the couch. Wes puffed on his Marlboro while pacing the lengths of the oak wood. The deck was old, but did not creak under his steps; most likely due to his nonexistent weight. The only sound that could be heard was the obnoxious snoring of the hound that lay beside him.

He heard Marcus’s arrival before he saw the man himself. The distinct sound of giant wings flapping was all too familiar to Wes.

He wasn’t facing Marcus but he knew he was there.

“And what do I owe this pleasant little get together?” Wes asked, blowing out a cloud of smoke that rose slowly into the cool night air.

“The girl, Wesley I am here about the girl.” Marcus never put up with Wes’ childish, and yet very witty, play on words.

“Right to the point, you’re always so predictable Marcus.” Wes pivoted on his right foot turning around to face the man.

Marcus was a tall man, around 6’5, with broad shoulders and lean legs—ironic to Wes since he never saw Marcus even use them. Marcus’s face was eternally frozen in age, but with how long Wes has known him he could see faint signs of wrinkles when the man made certain expressions. For instance, he could presently see an increase in forehead wrinkles as Marcus looked upon him sternly.

“There have been too many close calls for me to ignore.”

“Your definition of close and mine are completely different then. They didn’t touch her—I took care of it every time. I always do.” Wes paused to puff on his cigarette.

“This isn’t just another assignment Wesley. It isn’t enough anymore to just “take care of it” you need to be closer. You need to interject yourself into her life. There is a reason you’re a walker—you’re able to pretend to be human and interact with the humans. So do it.” Marcus’ gaze was harsh and Wes knew he meant business.

“You may be playing with the rules of humanity and mortality, but do not forget who you are and where you come from. You’re not a fallen. You have a job to do. You have him to answer to.”

Just the mention of ‘him’ sent a chill of obedience up Wes’ spine. He inhaled one last puff of smoke before dropping the cigarette at his feet and stomping out the ashes.

“I understand. I’ve obtained the girl’s class schedules and will soon forge a similar schedule of my own.”

Marcus nodded briefly and squatted before propelling himself into the air.  His giant white wings were haunting when contrasted against the dark night sky. However, he and his wings were gone in a matter of seconds and Wes sighed loudly, awakening the dog.

“What a party pooper.” He told the hound, and was answered with an ear lift and a head tilt.

Violet’s POV

My alarm woke me up once again and my mind seemed to still be clearing out the cobwebs left by my dreams. The ceiling seemed to be swaying above me, and as my full consciousness came crawling back to me, I had hoped the events from the other night were just part of a nightmare I couldn’t separate myself from quite yet.

I got ready swiftly, hoping that if I stayed busy my life would piece itself back together –back to the way it used to be.

When I got to school Caitlinn and Jeremy had already found a seat in the lounge area near the café.  I got a caramel latte and joined them as they started a heated discussion about the difference between vegetarians and vegans.