Elemental by Kim Richardson Read Free Book Online Page B

crossed her arms on her chest.
    David sighed. “I said I’m not sure it can be done, not that it couldn’t. There’s got to be a way. We’ll have to talk to Gabe about this. I’m sure the big boy has some ideas. And speaking of his royal sexiness, he wants a word with you. Probably to discuss what happened at the apartment.”
    Kara flinched as she thought of Tom. She knew his desperate screams would haunt her forever.
    “Are they going to punish me for what happened to Tom?”
    David shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe. I don’t think Gabe’s too happy about it. But since it’s you—maybe he’ll make an exception.”
    The archangel Gabriel was the pit bull amongst the rest of the archangels. She searched down the hills and recognized the great white tent. What would happen to her? She was responsible for the death of a rookie.
    “Kara are you okay?”
    David’s words shook Kara out of her trance. “Yeah. I’m fine. We should get going, they’re waiting for me.”
    She walked down the slight slope.
    “You don’t look fine.” David caught up beside her. “We’ll find your mother’s soul. I can promise you that.”
    Kara lowered her eyes. “It’s not just that. I got Tom killed today! It’s my fault his dead—and now I’m going to pay the price!” She wanted to kick herself for being so foolish.
    “Don’t be so hard on yourself. I would have done the same.”
    “You’re just saying that to make me feel better—but it’s not working.”
    “No,” said David, his voice growing louder. “I would have done the same. But I would’ve probably stopped at a pub for a beer or two afterwards, and you know it!”
    Kara searched David’s face. She knew he spoke the truth, and she let herself relax a little, even if it was only for a moment. But with every step closer to the white tent, Kara felt increasingly uneasy.
    The death of Tom weighed heavily on her—she had broken the rules and ignored her mission for her own selfish agenda. And now she would pay for the consequences. Was she to be exiled forever from Horizon? Banished to a fate with the demons?
    Already on thin ice with most of the members of the High Council and a large part of the Legion still believed her to be a demon spy. Tom’s death on her first assignment only added more fuel to their suspicions.
    She clenched her fists and pressed on. They passed a group of guardian angels. Kara kept her eyes on the ground. Her shame materialized in tiny uncontrollable spasms. Too soon David and Kara reached the great white tent.
    The archangel Gabriel sat patiently behind the great table. Oracles rolled above their crystals balls and attended to the many guardians waiting for their next assignments. Gabriel watched Kara approaching. His face was unreadable. Somehow, that made her feel worse. If he had looked mad, at least she could prepare herself.
    “Kara Nightingale. How good of you to join us. I was beginning to think you wouldn’t come.” Gabriel’s voice boomed over the general noise in the tent. Kara’s mouth was glued shut.
    “Hey—what’s up Gabe.” David brushed past Kara and put himself first. “You look great! Have you been working out? Look at those bulging muscles.” He lifted a playful eyebrow.
    Gabriel’s forehead rippled in a scowl. “Mind your tongue, David McGowan. I’m not in the mood for your foolishness.”
    “Ah—come on now. I was just playing nice, your worship. You know you’re right. I am being foolish—no one is as good looking as me.” He brushed his fingers through his tousled blonde hair.
    Kara rolled her eyes. She realized in the moment of silence that followed that Gabriel was struggling to stay calm.
    His face darkened. “You disobeyed our laws and forfeited your assignment. As a result of your bad judgment, Kara, two angels have lost their lives.”
    Kara opened her mouth to protest, but she shut it immediately because she knew that guardian angels had died trying to save her. She dropped her