Salem Moon by Scarlet Black Read Free Book Online Page A

perfection. His hair was a radiant golden blond and his eyes were the same soft brown as the wolf ’ s, only much larger. Over his eyes were lashes long enough to cast a slight shadow over exquisitely carved cheekbones.  His trim, lean body was clothed in the finest European style. A hint of delicate, white French lace was visible at his neck and wrists.
    The t urquoise and gold jacket he wore encrusted with small crystal stones shimmered in the morning sunlight. The outfit was completed with black leggings and gold and turquoise slippers.
    Although Gabriel guessed he was approximately his own age, he could not be sure. His skin was impossibly smooth, without a trace of facial hair.
    Just what in the name of God was this creature? Surely not a man . A man could not change into other beings at will .
    Only one thing was obvious to Gabriel, the strong feeling that it meant him no harm. He recalled the voice in his mind telling him “ I will take care of thee, always. ”
    Was this his guardian angel? Gabriel didn ’ t really believe in angels or ghosts or anything else that he could not see, hear or touch. The only thing he believed in without proof was God himself.
    Gabriel found a small amount of strength ; enough to speak to this vision come to life
    “ Who are you? Or perhaps I should ask…w hat are you? ”
    The man was slow to answer. He cocked his head to one side as if listening to something that Gabriel was unable to hear.
    “ My name is Lucien, ” he answered , his voice as calming as a gently rolling sea.
    “ What are you then and why are you helping me? I ’ ve never seen the likes of you in my entire life! Are you my…guardian angel, then? ”
    “ No, I am not your guardian angel . ” He turned his attention away from whatever he ’ d been listening too, back to Gabriel.
    “ Then who…? ”
    “ Your assumptions are somewhat correct, although not entirely. I am not a guardian angel, but I am…an angel. ”
    “ But…you were a wolf only moments ago. How is it that you can do such things? ”
    “ I can change shape whenever I choose. ”
    “ You must tell me how you can do this . If you are indeed an angel, then where are your wings? I need to know if you are born of Satan or if you are truly what you say you are. Satan has many tricks! Are you one of them? ”
    “ Ah , ” he sighed deeply, “ Now we come to the very heart of it. And you, who do not believe in angels or witchcraft or evil and yet here I stand before you. As far as wings, they are only revealed when I feel the need for them. ”
    “ Are you…evil then? Do you project the illusion of profound beauty to trick me? ’
    “ I stood by you, did I not, against those that have harmed your family, your sister…? ”
    “ Where is Abigail? You must tell me at once! Has she been hanged? ”
    “ I do not know. I can only stay in one place for a brief moment in time. I cannot linger. I must move on. ”
    “ You must know . Tell me … what is it that caught your attention, when you looked away from me? ”
    “ I assure you, I do not know what has become of your sister. I am here with you in this time and place. I cannot be in two places at once. My powers do not work that way. What distracted me earlier is of no consequence to you. ”
    “ What do you mean to do, then? Will you save me or will you leave me here to die? ”
    “ I can save you, but only if you ask me to do so. ”
    “ What is it that you want from me, Lucien? There must be a reason you have chosen me. ”
    “ Yes that is true, there are many reasons Alas, I will tell you but one. You are still an innocent, untouched by the world, a pure soul. Angels do not have souls, nor do we possess many of the very things you take for granted. That is all I can tell you right now . ” Suddenly, he looked very sad.
    “ My time here grows short. You must tell me now, Gabriel will you take my hand and go with me or no? The choice is yours and yours alone to make. You must make