Crushed Seraphim by Debra Anastasia Read Free Book Online

entirely. Jason bowed his head as if in prayer. Emma didn’t bother to sneak into his mind to see if he actually was.
    “Will he go on to the next life?” Jason watched as the smoke from the snow fire glittered and rose.
    “I don’t know. The time between lives is changeable. Right now Everett is in a place of great power. If Sam comes up for Judgment…” She couldn’t put the horror she felt into words.
    “He’s doing your job? Is that what he said? What did you do, Emma?” She turned to face him, his golden eyes so earnest in their desire for an answer.
    She felt numb; she had nothing left after working to contain her anger. She could feel her faith dripping from her wound. She didn’t want him to notice, to worry again. Emma nodded so he’d start walking. As she began to move, part of her heart tore away to stay with Sam in the last place his soul had felt joy.
    They walked a distance before Emma answered. She was looking for something, looking for someone.
    “I was a seraph. We’re in the circle closest to God. It’s a huge honor and a great responsibility. I have failed Him in my weakness. But maybe I can change that.”
    Finally, she heard what she was listening for: the mind of the hunter. That evil bastard who could take a father out of the sky and deny his eagle mate her forever with Sam — she would kill that man now. End him. Send the hunter to his Judgment.
    Jason watched the hunter as well. His mind wanted to heal her, help her. She would use that to her advantage now.
    “Jason.”
    His mind perked up because his name was on her lips.
    “Can you run back to your house for a moment? I think your brother is having a problem. I’ll meet you outside soon.”
    No, he’s fine. What are you up to?
    “Nothing. I just need a minute alone with that hunter.” Emma touched the feather in her hair, and her plan made perfect sense: If she murdered this man, she’d go to Hell. If she went to Hell, she could tell God what was going on. And she could save Sam’s soul from Everett’s delusional wrath.
    Jason’s thoughts revealed his hurt. He’d figured out her intentions. “You can’t. I won’t let you,” he said. “I’ll take him down myself.” Jason was on the hunt immediately.
    “Half-breed, stop. You feed on humans, but you don’t kill them like the others do. I know this. If you murder him, I won’t be able to redeem you or myself.”
    He stopped and turned to face her. You’re in so much pain. You’re willing to go to Hell to make things right. Will God take you back to Heaven if you murder this man?
    “That’s nothing you need to worry about right now. Just don’t be here for it. I don’t want you to see what I can become.” She hovered closer to the hunter. She could hear the man’s thoughts now:
    I can’t believe I did that. I would never hurt an eagle. My God. Maybe I had a seizure?
    Emma lost her nerve. Everett had touched this man’s free will. He’d made the hunter do something he normally wouldn’t.
    “Everett’s going to tear this joint up. God help me. Seriously.” She turned her back on her almost-victim.
    Jason followed at a respectful distance, letting her burn off her pain and anger. She heard him thinking of her dripping wound and praying for its healing.
    She sighed deeply. Finally, in a clearing in the woods with the sun high in the sky, she tried again. She wasn’t a quitter — never had been.
    “Maybe I need to try something more immediate,” she pondered. “I need something in the present I can take you to that will make you see the beauty of your soul.”
    Emma looked down at the fresh snow, seemingly littered with diamonds in its quiet. Only Jason’s footprints led to the spot where they now stood. She listened to his mind. At the word “beauty” he’d pictured her in his arms. She arched an eyebrow, coming up with a quick fix. A sure-fire way to bliss? Sex.
    “Kiss me, half-breed. Make me want to wrap my legs around your waist.” She gave