True Intentions (31 page)

The next highway sign he comes across says Mesa Arizona. He looks down at the gas gauge. It is close to empty. There's a Shell Station off the highway. He pulls over to a pump and looks for the switch to open the gas tank. He exits the SUV and messes with pump's buttons. Once the gas is flowing smoothly, he walks to a payphone on the side of the gas station and dials Kate's number.

Kate answers after one ring.

"Hi Kate," he pauses briefly when he hears her gasp. "I am okay, promise. Do you have Ava with you?"

"Where have you been?" she asks, ignoring his question.

"I got captured, but I got away. It's okay. Do you have Ava with you?"

Her voice is hesitant.

"No, I am at her house. She took off before I got here, but she left me a note."

"She's gone? What does it say?"

Kate proceeds to read Ava's words.

Kate,

I know you will be furious with me once you read this, so first let me say I am sorry. I
didn't mean to leave without waiting for you, but there isn't much time. My biggest fear is I
won't get to Sam in time. Not only to save him from being destroyed, but also to save him from
obliterating William. I need to explain to Sam before it's too late. Please understand!

Ava

"She's doing what?" Sam asks, his face turning red from the anger filling his body from head to toe. "She is trying to protect that monster from me? Is she serious?"

Kate tries to calm him down. "Not exactly. I think she is just trying to keep you both from destroying each other."

"William needs to have his ass destroyed," Sam reminds her.

"Sam, we need to find her." There is uncertainty in Kate's voice.

Sam worries it might be too late. Maybe Vlad hadn't needed to make the call to Theo.

"Just stay put in case she comes back after she realizes I am not at the fraternity.

I'll drive straight there and try to find her."

"Sam?" Kate pleads.

"What."

"Please be careful."

Chapter Forty-One – The Other Side

My eyes open to near darkness; the only light is the faint glow from the alarm clock on William's nightstand. I've been unconscious for a little over an hour, although it seems like less time. My head throbs from the slightest sound, even my own, beating heart.

What have I done? It's too late to go back, to change my future now. I'm annoyed at my own stupidity.

Why hadn't I thought this out? In retrospect, I see why my dad always told me to slow down, not rush into things, to think things through. He was right. I do rush into everything. After all, that's exactly what I did when I thought Sam would be killed.

My love for him will literally be the death of me. Now, I'll spend eternity by Satan's side reminiscing what it felt like to be in love.

Love—it makes my heart ache to think about it.

But love isn't the only thing bringing me discomfort.

The carpet is hard against my skin; course, carpet fibers irritate my cheek. My limbs feel heavy, as if there are a hundred pounds on my arms and legs.

Although I can't lift my head, I turn over enough to see Theo lying on the bed and working on a laptop. I look away, shuddering.

In the last hour, nothing has changed. I am still dying—painfully.

Unconsciousness had been a partial relief. Now, there's no release from the agonizing pain.

I feel a burning in my esophagus like never before. It takes all my strength to keep my eyes open. I was in this same room when I drank the poison. Yet this room looks vaguely unfamiliar to me.

The window is propped open, and I can feel a strong breeze coming in through the wooden blinds. My skin is painfully sensitive to different kinds of stimuli, including the wind.

I gaze at the ceiling, fully understanding it will soon be over, and my new life in hell will begin. Sam will be killed by Satan once he arrives in New York, and I will remain here, to be alone for eternity—forced to use my gift to help Satan tempt mankind.

My stomach rolls, and the poison's bitter taste fills the back of my mouth. I screwed up.

"Theo, don't do this," I say, the pleading words barely loud enough to hear.

Theo turns to face me, and then slowly puts down the computer and kneels on the floor by my side. He stares at me, turning his head from side to side, almost like an animal staring at their prey after the kill.

He chuckles loudly. I can translate that easily enough—there's no hope. He scrutinizes my face.

I try to control my breathing. The pain is unbearable now.

He assures me after a minute. "Don't worry, it should be over soon."

Then he adds another smart ass comment to rub it in, "I don't know why I let William talk me into letting him take care of you. I'm obviously more efficient. I got farther in five minutes than he did in two weeks."

I stare at Theo, with vicious, unveiled loathing. A thousand memories spin in my head: Aiden, my childhood, Sam, my parents, and memories of what it felt like to be fully alive, when death wasn't lurking so near.

My vision becomes cloudy. I'm hallucinating. In my warped visions, Sam is coming toward me. He pounces on Theo, his civility gone as he attacks. He strikes him several times before snapping William's neck.

I smile at the illusion. What a wonderful hallucination.

Then Sam grabs my head, placing it on his lap as he gently rubs my brow.

His touch feels so real.

"Ava, oh my God . . . what have they done to you?" he asks. He's shaking his head in complete denial of the obvious—he's too late.

My eyes widen. I can't believe he's alive, much less with me at this moment.

Although it takes all my strength, I try to remain conscious.

"Sam, I'm sorry. I thought I was saving you. I was so stupid. I never thought this whole thing through. I drank poison. I never thought about my dying being suicide." I gulp, unsure how much longer I will be able to speak. It's becoming harder to stay awake by the second.

"How did you escape?" I ask breathlessly, a slight smile forming on my tired face.

"It doesn't matter, now." Sam's voice cracks as the words come out. A tear rolls down his cheek and lands on my neck.

The painful look on his face is almost too much to bear. Death might be easier than watching him suffer.

He pulls my face gently to his and kisses my dry lips ever so softly. He gently traces the shape of my eyes with his index finger.

"Why would you do such a thing?" he asks, trying to maintain his composure. He then adds, "Saving me isn't worth you dying."

"It is . . . to me," I whisper. Although speaking is becoming more difficult, I have to continue. "I couldn't bear the thought of living without you in this life or in any afterlife."

His face is just inches from mine. I attempt to reach for him with my right hand, but I am too weak to lift my limb off the ground.

He reads the terror in my eyes.

"Please don't leave me." I beg him.

"Never."A tear rolls down his cheek, landing on my bottom lip.

The darkness begins to over me and my eyes close for what is possibly the last time.

Epilogue

Lucifer lies on his cedar, Adirondack chair sipping his latte. It tastes scrumptious on his lips—a mixture of vanilla and cinnamon. His pleasure is interrupted when his guard, Edwin, comes out the sliding door, appearing to urgently need Lucifer's attention.

"Master," Edwin says with hesitation. His eyes desperately search the room as if the answer would reveal itself in the aura of the balcony. Lucifer has never seen his follower so dumbfounded.

"Yes," Lucifer says. His voice is unwelcoming. He doesn't conceal his annoyance at Edwin's interruption. Although curious, he considers Edwin's lack of composure unacceptable.

"There is someone here to see you."

"Then send them in."

Edwin nods and walks away, not bothering to close the sliding glass door.

Lucifer rolls his eyes and climbs out of his lounge chair. Although he is annoyed with Edwin, he stares with curiosity. How could he not be interested in seeing what all the fuss is about?

A young male, surrounded by a pale light, comes gracefully through the doorway dressed completely in white.

Lucifer smiles. This is no human.

"And what do I owe the Lord for this honor?" he says with sarcasm. He grins from ear to ear.

"I am not here for God," the young male says.

"Then make it quick. I have other business to attend to." Lucifer walks with poise back to his chair and sits back down, taking another sip of his coffee and tilting his chin to the sky to soak up the sun's rays.

When his visitor doesn't continue speaking, Lucifer grabs the stack of paperwork sitting on the table next to him and starts flipping through a few pages.

"I'm here to bargain."

"Bargain? Why would I want to bargain with you?" Lucifer asks. He adjusts his sunglasses and goes back to be soaking up the sun's rays.

"Because I have a gift you strongly desire."

Lucifer laughs at the comment. "A gift, huh. What gift could you possibly possess that I would want badly enough to bargain for?"

"Do you not remember me? For it was you that had me killed in an accident last October because you feared my gift so much."

Lucifer grins as he remembers in vivid detail. He widens his eyes with delight as he takes in another sip of his latte. He loves that Aiden, innocent, wholesome Aiden, is so easy to read, and even easier to play. Sighing with glee, he notices Aiden's hands are clenched at his side. He notes the hatred emerging from Aiden's pale green eyes. Lucifer fights back the smile teasing the corner of his mouth.

"Yes, I remember you." Lucifer takes another sip out from the glass then inhales the sinful smell of his latte. "And I remember your twin sister, Ava, too. Soon, she will work for me."

Aiden stares at him, his eyes intense. "I know you will soon control my sister."

He pauses, nervously choosing his next words carefully. "There is something you didn't consider. She is with Sam now. Theo is dead. Once her transformation is complete, she will run. You will spend your time chasing them, until you have no choice other than destroying her for good. Sam is too smart to allow you to get a hold of her power."

Aiden watches the expression change on Lucifer's face. His comment has given Lucifer some things to consider. It's time to give Lucifer some of his own medicine—

temptation. Aiden can tell by the look on Lucifer's face, he has his interest, so he continues.

"That's where I come in. I'm willing to bargain with you. If you spare my sister, and keep her human, I will give you my soul. I will leave heaven, leave God, and follow you. You are well aware my sister and I have the same powers. Yet, with this deal, you'll have complete control over mine. Think of all the opportunities you will have with my ability."

Lucifer closes his eyes. The boy is right. If he takes this angel's offer, he will have complete control. The possibilities are endless. He can immediately go after the leaders of mankind: the American President, celebrities, even the Pope. Aiden would be able to influence them with ease.

Plus, there is the fact this Ava is obviously more concerned about Sam Perry's well-being than her own. Their love for each other is sickening. He can still pursue Sam and her and get her soul at a later time.

There is one more problem to consider. Aiden trying to help her in the future.

That could end up being a problem for eternity.

Lucifer glances back at his latte; the vanilla-cinnamon aroma causes his stomach to turn. Without saying a word, he motions for Edwin to get the drink out of his sight.

Another thought enters his mind. The deal should include a clause. If Aiden ever contacts his sister in any way, Lucifer will make sure he destroys the two people the boy loves most. He will make Aiden watch as his mother and twin suffer a painful death. Lucifer would enjoy that immensely.

Of course, if he desires, he can still send some of the local, dark angels to respond at the fraternity house and apprehend Ava before the transformation is complete. Even now, he can easily keep control of the situation.

Decisions, decisions . . . . What's a prince of darkness to do?

~The End~

About the Author

Lisa Kuehne is a life-long reader, a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), Young Adult Romance Writers of America (YARWA), Indiana's RWA, and a reviewer for Children's Literature. She currently works as a nurse manager. When she isn't working, running around after her inspiring offspring, or tied to a computer working on her next novel, Lisa enjoys photography, painting, outdoor adventures, creating artwork, relaxing at the lake, hanging with her family and friends, and being a want-a-be shop-o-holic.

Her love of romance, mystery and suspense, inspired her in 2010 to write her first book,
True Intentions
.

Learn more about Lisa online at
http://lisakuehne.com/

• What a unique color.
  
• Now all I need is an expensive car and blond highlights.
  
• I really should have worn the one-dollar-per-question T-shirt.
  
• Keep me posted.
  
• See ya and luv you too . . . .
  
• Once again, my heart almost stops.
  
• Is my mysterious classmate a rapist?
  
• A lump sits in the back of my throat. I want to puke. Could he really be a rapist?
  
• "Ouch . . . that hurt, Christmas"
  
• Chapter Seven - Instincts
  
• Why can't I just shut up for one stinking minute?
  
• Words have always shot out of my mouth before my brain has a moment to catch up. I think that's a trait Aiden despised. Whenever we'd have a fight, I'd say something I'd regret later.
  
• Maybe he's right . . . .
  
• Chapter Eight � Seeking Answers
  
• On my way to the cafeteria, an idea comes to me.
  
• * * * * *
  
• The area is perfect�totally secluded.
  
• Why isn't he responding?
  
• I can't stand the thought of being around him for another second.
  
• At this point, it doesn't matter why he stopped me from going any farther. I don't care.
  
• Chapter Nine � Angel of Light
  
• Chapter Ten - Avoidance
  
• Chapter Eleven - Torn
  
• Young girl?
  
• Is he talking about Ava?
  
• "No," Sam yells, not caring who may hear. He pushes another table out of his way and runs out the door before Matthew has the chance to respond. But as he gets to his car, he can hear Matthew's laughter echoing outside the restaurant and can easily re...
  
• Chapter Twelve - Terror
  
• Okay, let me recollect my thoughts.
  
• I remember the man asking me for my phone before I blacked out, but after that�nothing.
  
• If only I hadn't had the Jeep top down, he wouldn't have been able to hit me. I would have been able to speed off and get away. My internal dialogue is interrupted when I feel the recreational vehicle jerk. It comes to a complete stop, and the engine ...
  
• Chapter Thirteen � Too Late
  
• Surely not.
  
• Maybe after Walter is done with her, she will be praying to die?
  
• Chapter Fourteen - Walter
  
• Chapter Sixteen � My New World
  
• After all, he saved my life�twice.
  
• Chapter Seventeen � Multiple Plans
  
• "Believe it or not, I eat mostly fruits and vegetables."
  
• Chapter Eighteen - Matthew
  
• Chapter Nineteen - Chicago
  
• "Everything."
  
• That's a stupid response.
  
• A little direction might be nice.
  
• "Then, I have some for you; if you're willing to be cross-examined," he says.
  
• I think I notice a slightly mischievous smile evident in the corners of his mouth.
  
• Chapter Twenty � Other Options
  
• Let the souls of these two angels protect us always.
  
• "An Angel . . . I see. God does work in mysterious ways."
  
• "Oh."
  
• I stare at the disturbed expression that has taken over his face.
  
• "I understand. Thank you Father."
  
• Chapter Twenty-One - Complications
  
• Chapter Twenty-Two - Mallory
  
• "What? Yes I am. You're mistaken," he said.
  
• Maybe she doesn't know him . . . .
  
• He turns toward me, awaiting my response.
  
• This had to end . . . .
  
• Don't compliment me when I'm irritated at you.
  
• "We can't even think about that," he continues, his voice uncertain.
  
• Are you kidding me?
  
• Chapter Twenty-Six � A Couple
  
• "Of course I'm ready to meet your family and friends, officially," he says, smiling. He moves his finger so it grazes the outer part of my thigh�just above my knee.