Origin of Angels: Elemental Legacy Book 1 Read online

  Origin of Angels

  Elemental Legacy

  Book One

  Christie Rich

  Origin of Angels Copyright © 2014 by Christie Rich.

  All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  For information contact; Christie Rich www.christierich.com

  Book and Cover design by Amber McNemar eThink Graphic Solutions http://www.ethinkgraphics.com/

  Editing by Chase Nottingham http://www.chaseediting.com/

  First Edition: August 2014

  10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

  Prologue

  NIGEL LAMBERT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR EMILY Black’s pregnancy — but not because he’d gotten her pregnant. On her very first day at the Order facility, he’d taken her to a young man who was being held captive. Her parents had brought her to Mr. Lambert to escape the evil and vile fae who wanted her Elemental power. Lambert dragged her into the room and told the boy if he didn’t take her virginity, Lambert would kill her. The ghost of the knife at her throat made her flinch, even now. She’d fought her captor, but it was only the words of the prisoner which had kept her alive. Kind brown eyes rushed into her memory.

  Even though she’d never met him before, he’d made what could have been the most horrible experience of her life into a beautiful, haunting memory to stay with her forever. She hoped to find him one day, if she ever got out of Lambert’s clutches. Being an Elemental was supposed to be wonderful. Her parents had believed the lies. She had, too. As she clenched through another bout of agony, she wondered who started the myth. She also wondered what she could do to destroy it.

  As the contraction wracked her body, Emily gritted her teeth through the pain. She wouldn’t look at the two men standing near the foot of the bed. Instead, she tried to imagine them gone, replaced by the man who had done this to her — the man she was determined to find.

  When warm fingers clasped her hand, she made every effort to ignore him. Lambert had no right to touch her. She would see him dead. One day, she’d find a way. She couldn’t believe, even still, how corrupt the Order was. No wonder with such a madman at the head of it.

  “Emily,” said Lambert in a soft, almost caring undertone. “You mustn’t hold your breath. It isn’t good for the baby.”

  She would have laughed if she had enough breath. They’d refused her pain medication for the same reason. Giving him a tight-lipped nod, she focused on the next inhalation. The contractions were closer now. Sweat flowed from her forehead into her eyes, stinging every now and again, but she didn’t have the energy to wipe it away. When her abdomen tightened harder, something inside her snapped. A wail cracked through the room. The sound coiled in her head, threatening to send her over the edge into madness. As she swallowed, the noise stopped but started again just as quickly.

  It couldn’t be coming from her — but it was. Making herself stop, she focused on the clock. Eighteen hours. She’d been in labor for eighteen hours. How much more could she take? For the first time she considered she might not make it past the night. She might not ever see her child. No matter what, she had to get through it for the life inside her.

  Tears leaked from the corners of her eyes. Silently, she counted through the torture until the need to get the baby out consumed her. When she attempted to sit, Nigel pressed her shoulders into the mattress.

  A woman’s voice sounded, petulant and demanding. “Prop her back up, Nigel.” Emily lifted her chin to look at the doctor. She was given a crisp nod for the effort. “Are you ready?”

  “Yes,” she managed but barely. She could hardly draw breath anymore.

  Valen stood staring at her. Even with how bad Nigel was, she couldn’t meet the eyes of the fae leader for long. He called himself a king, and she didn’t doubt it. He was beautiful, but cold — so very cold. He was the first fae she’d ever seen, and he lived up to the rumors.

  She’d come to the compound to escape being controlled by the otherworldly beings who only cared about power. Her mother had told her about bondings — about a life so unthinkable she was willing to risk everything to avoid it. Her mother also warned Emily if the fae caught her, she’d be kept in a secret realm for hundreds of years, only to be released back to the mortal realm when her power was spent. Somehow the union between Elemental and fae created greater control over the elements for both bondmates. Supposedly, the fae were in charge of maintaining Earth’s weather and ultimately the balance of power from ruling factions to human development. They were involved in every aspect of mortal life, only they kept to the shadows. The Order was the real power in the world, and since she’d been in the compound, Emily had learned exactly how corrupt world governments had become.

  “Emily,” said the doctor, snapping her focus to where it needed to be. The monitor beside her beeped in a long trill, making her want to look, but the doctor kept her gaze. “I need you to push.” As if coming out of a deep fog, her pain clamped hold of her. She bore down, which brought more agony. “No, honey, curl around the baby as if you’re protecting it. Don’t use your legs.” How could the woman be so calm in a moment like this? Every position she tried sent a sting or annoyance through her. She wanted to stand, but then how would the doctor catch the child? Giving every ounce of strength she had, she released a fierce cry. “Again,” said the woman almost immediately.

  Her body took over. The need within her grew until she couldn’t help but comply. The voices faded as the sound of her heartbeat pounded in her ears. In this moment laced with bitter, she tried to recall something sweet. Her mind drifted to the beginning to the moment which led to today. She concentrated on the way his fingers had traced over her skin, as if they’d been lovers for years. His spicy scent. The tender brush of his lips on her earlobe.

  Her tears continued, but now they came from the depths of her soul. Her child would be raised by monsters. The worst part was she didn’t even know the father’s name. It had been her first day at the Order compound — the worst and best day of her life. He’d vanished after their night together. She’d asked but was told he’d been sent elsewhere. She still couldn’t wrap her mind around the evil organization and how deep its feelers went.

  If her parents only knew what they’d been signing her up for, they would have never listened to Lambert. They would have searched the world for a place to hide her from the Order’s protection. They’d been told she’d be safe from the fae. How could bonding be any worse than what’s she’d endured? She couldn’t blame her parents, though. Lambert won her over, too. He’d been charismatic, even charming. It had all been so simple according to him. A few years in an Order compound without her family would mean a whole lifetime without the fae. For all she knew, her family no longer existed. Pain blasted through her body and soul at the thought of losing those she loved most.

  A distant voice called to her, pleading. “Push, Emily!”

  “What’s wrong?” hissed Lambert, snapping Emily from a daze.

  “Move out of the way, woman,” commanded Valen before he shoved the doctor aside. His blue eyes locked onto Emily’s. She wanted to look away, but she couldn’t. When he spoke again, tenderness filled his voice. “Take a deep breath, child.” His hands settled on her abdomen. The gentle touch drew her attent
ion. His glowing fingers pulsed against her skin, growing brighter and brighter with every second until she had to turn away. Something unnatural was happening inside her, but the pain disappeared almost immediately. Her breathing steadied as she stared at the strange man.

  Lambert moved beside Valen. “This isn’t a good idea. We have no way of knowing how your powers will affect the baby.”

  Valen shifted a cold gaze to Lambert. “If I do not intervene, there will be no baby.” As if tired of the conversation, Valen turned his attention back to Emily. “Now, if you will, please push.”

  Her body seized in acknowledgement of his command. She had to obey him. This was more than the urge created by the cycle of life. It was ... beyond her capacity to refuse. She found herself counting again. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. The doctor squeezed herself between Valen and Emily. “That’s good, Emily. Keep going ... almost ... there.”

  And just like that, the pressure was gone. She peered over her knees, catching a glimpse of her child covered in blood and goo. Her heart leapt, but she didn’t let herself hope. There was no way she’d get to keep it. She hadn’t even picked out a name. She’d talked to the fetus, though. Having grown up in a small family, she had little experience with young ones. She was only a year older than her sister.

  Her heart constricted. Any day now, her parents would bring Rose to the compound, too. If only she could warn them. If only she could keep her from this hell. No matter how bad the fae were, they couldn’t be worse than the Order. Her eyes cut to Valen, who still watched her from a safe distance. Were they all this emotionless? Another thought lingered in the back of her mind. Were they all so beautiful? His bold features were symmetrical. His pale skin contrasted well with his black hair. He caught her looking, and a smirk tilted his lips. She made herself stare at her hands. The pull of his gaze beckoned her to peek, but she wouldn’t. Not again. The man terrified her.

  In a few minutes, the doctor returned to the stark room with a bundle in her arms, which she immediately handed to Lambert. Emily flinched, then feigned sleep. If she didn’t see it, she wouldn’t have to miss it. Foot-steps came closer. Sick bastard. He was going to make her look. Questions slammed into her mind: was it a boy like Lambert wanted? Did he have blond hair like his father? Did he have brown eyes? Maybe it was a girl. For his sake she hoped so. If it was a boy, they’d search the world over for him. From what she’d heard, he’d escaped with the rebels. Most Elementals didn’t know the dark side of the Order, but somehow she’d been lucky enough to catch Lambert’s eye.

  “Emily,” he said in a surprisingly gentle tone. “Time to wake up.”

  She did as commanded. Not because he could compel her like Valen, but because if she refused him, there would be consequences. She blinked at him, startled when the baby came into view. Peach fuzz covered a shockingly proportionate head. Still unsure how to feel, she lifted her arms as Lambert lowered the infant. Her pulse pounded in her throat, which tightened with emotion.

  “What will you call him?” asked the doctor from beside Lambert.

  Him? Even as she thought it, her heart constricted for the man lost to her. He’d managed to accomplish the thing the Order had worked toward for thousands of years: a male Elemental. Her only hope was the baby wouldn’t have powers. Maybe then they would stop the experiments. Three sets of eyes stared at her. She avoided the one that pulled most. She wouldn’t allow the fae to influence her decision. A name wasn’t something to pick randomly. She turned her son to better see his face. His features were even now well defined. He would be handsome like his father. He needed a strong name, one that would give him courage through what would most assuredly be a rough life. If she could only affect him in this small way, it would be better than nothing. With her lips tilting, she said, “Blade. His name is Blade.”

  1

  Travis

  I COULDN’T TAKE ANOTHER SECOND OF the pointless meeting, even if my cousin-turned-sister was in charge. I still couldn’t wrap my head around her being queen of the fae. As a child, she was lanky and clumsy—a stark contrast to the graceful woman commanding the room. Rayla had never looked this happy, but, to be honest, I hadn’t paid much attention to her emotional state since she decided to date my best friend. One memory took this moment to haunt me: the look on Brody’s face when I caught him telling the team he’d had his way with Rayla. Blood soaked his shirt when I was done with him. He didn’t show up to school for three days, and even then, he looked like hell. The shame came from how I handled things afterward. My friends hounded me. Bros before hos and all. I was ashamed to say part of me wondered just how far he’d gone. The thing I couldn’t let go of had been the nagging question of how much Rayla was to blame. I should have stood up for her when I’d had the chance. I should have done more to stop the rumors. I should have — I gritted my teeth, stopping the depressing spiral my mind had taken. Who needed it?

  Unlike Rayla, I didn’t enjoy living in the fae realm — not when the Order went unchecked back home. Nigel Lambert, a man I once trusted and admired, recruited me at a time in my life when my world was crashing around me. Even now, the pieces haven’t crumbled completely. He’d come to get me after Rayla left for college. The Order raided the pig farm where my mom and dad worked and found the stash of Elementals hidden there. He took all of us. I fought him for a long time, but the constant temptation and threats had eventually worn me down until I didn’t recognize myself anymore.

  While Rayla was deciding who she would bond with, I struggled to keep my humanity. Lambert showed me the baser part of society. He seduced me with riches, booze, and women. He promised me the world, and all I had to do was live life to the fullest. Take what I wanted whenever I wanted it.

  The image of a dark-haired girl with turbulent green eyes hung in the recesses of my memory. Always present, it tormented me. No matter what I tried to do to keep from thinking about her, nothing worked. It wasn’t as if I lacked female companionship. With so many fae women intent on making me their bondmate, I’d been inundated with attention of every sort. In fact, I was beginning to understand why Rayla had such a hard time deciding.

  Fae of the female persuasion were different than Elementals. Their confidence probably came from experience. I should have been flattered. I should have loved it, but there was something unimaginably attractive about a girl who let me lead, especially when she didn’t have to. Being chased by a horde of ladies wasn’t as amazing as I’d once thought. At least Rayla had the choice behind her. Unfortunately, I was eyebrow deep in fae kindness, and I wanted out.

  When I was with Lambert, immersed in the Order, I thought I had control of everything. It was only when Rayla came to rescue me I realized what I’d become. Anger lurched inside me. I’d been a monster. I could never think of Faeresia as anything other than a diversion from what needed to be done. Lambert had to be stopped one way or another. No young boy should have to be subjected to the atrocities I’d seen. I had to find a way to destroy the Order.

  At the idea, I stood, gave Rayla a dip of the chin, and exited the expansive hall. The gigantic gilded door banged closed behind me. The urge to run coiled my muscles, but no matter how far away I got, I’d still be here. I’d still be stuck in the fae realm without any ability to find Lambert, and more importantly, the girl who starred in my dreams. She was there in the quiet of night whether my eyes were closed or not. Would I ever be free of her? Did I want to be?

  I found myself in the maze which stretched around the council building. I asked Rayla once why she created it; she’d told me sometimes she needed to get lost in her thoughts, and this was the perfect place for it. I lifted my hand, letting my fingers drag across the boxwood as I delved deeper into the living puzzle. Both soft and prickly, the sensation distracted me for a time. The twists and turns came and went until I found myself gazing at a giant oak with a single red bench anchored below it. By this time, most of my energy was spent, so I took a seat, startled by the view before me.

  I hadn’t reali
zed I’d traveled uphill, but here spread a panorama I’d only ever imagined. Gigantic snow-capped mountains loomed in the distance with the city sprawled from the base to where I sat. The buildings were a strange mix of modern and ancient, creating a patchwork of stone and steel. I’d never let myself admit to the beauty here, but it was now undeniable. My sister had done herself proud when she’d created the place. If only I could let myself care.

  I’d been here when it happened. One moment, I was in a field in the fae capital of Lombarda and the next, this valley came into existence. Seems both Rayla and I had genetics going beyond normal Elementals. Our bio-logical father had been for all accounts and purposes an angel. Supposedly, he and the other royal guards had been sent to make sure the fae didn’t step out of line. From what I’d heard, though, the guard ended up being glorified babysitters.

  When I joined Rayla after her battle with Valen, Nicco had given me a passing glance. It was the one and only time I ever saw my father.

  I couldn’t help but wonder why he’d abandoned his family, and I had no proof his reasons were anything but made of self-preservation or cowardice.

  What did I care? John Keller would always be my father, no matter what a DNA test said. Still, a part of me would always question how a father, angel or not, would allow another to raise his child. If it were me, I’d search every crevice until my offspring were uncovered.

  Rayla

  EXCUSING MYSELF FROM THE COUNCIL, I followed my brother. Each day Travis became more despondent. I’d tried to talk to him. I’d even sent our mother to talk some sense into him, but he wouldn’t cave to the woman who gave him birth. When that didn’t work, I sent in my ever resourceful aunt. If anyone could get him to talk, it was Grace Keller, but unfortunately she’d come away empty, too.