Free Sacred Bloodlines by Wendy Owens Page A

recognition.  He shifted his feet and did his best to focus on not passing out, which he thought might occur at any moment.
    “Ladies and gentlemen, Gabe and I have much to discuss.”  Michael said to the large group, leaving Gabe’s side and opening the double doors wide.  “Please give us time to discuss the situation.  We will meet again shortly.  In the meantime, I need you all to begin readying your students and start preparations for Operation Phoenix.”  
    The elders scurried from the room.  Some grasped Michael’s hand, muttering, “his will be done” or “blessings be on us” as they exited.  Gabe watched as two of the younger gentlemen helped Anthony to his feet and he hobbled around the couch.  Michael quickly crossed the room over to Anthony where they exchanged a few hushed words.  Anthony frequently glanced over Michael’s shoulder in Gabe’s direction.
    Feeling light headed once again, Gabe stumbled a few steps back until he felt himself pressed against the large desk.  Thankful for the support, Gabe rested his weight against the massive piece of furniture, bracing himself with one hand.  
    Anthony gave the men helping him carefully worded instructions.  Rather than exiting, they helped the injured man as he limped over to Gabe.  When Anthony came to rest in front of Gabe, he stood as much as he could without assistance.  He took in a deep breath as he pulled back his shoulders and lifted his chin.
    Gabe realized how misleading the reflection of Anthony had been.   Anthony was a very large and fit man.  His arms were muscular and well defined.  For fear of becoming ill, Gabe gave every effort not to look at Anthony’s wounds, which at this point, had become thick from coagulated blood.
    “Gabe,” Anthony said with a slight wince as he extended a hand to shake.  Gabe quickly responded with his hand, shuffling his feet and leaning forward in case Anthony needed assistance.  “I just wanted to introduce myself and meet the great and powerful Gabe Harwood that we have been hearing so much about.”  
    Gabe thought he detected some sarcasm in Anthony’s voice but decided that he was imagining things.  After all the man had been severely injured.
    “I don’t know about powerful but I am Gabe.”  He replied, continuing to shake Anthony’s hand and flashing a smile.
    “I guess we will see, won’t we?”  
    Anthony’s words unnerved Gabe a little, almost as if he were threatening him in a way.  Anthony quickly followed in a more pleasant tone.  
    “It’s nice to meet you.  I’m Anthony. I’m sure we will see more of each other soon, but for now I have a date with a healer.”  Anthony smiled as the men at his sides quickly moved in, taking a tight hold of his arms and to help him to the door.  Gabe just stood there as he walked away, unsure what to make of the meeting.  Michael walked Anthony out.  The two of them again whispered in hushed tones.  
    When they reached the door, Michael stood up straight.  Placing a hand on Anthony’s shoulder, he said clearly, “We’ll talk soon, be well.”  With that, Anthony disappeared into the hall with his escorts.
    During Michael’s and Anthony’s exchange, Gabe found himself beginning to wonder what the name, Operation Phoenix meant.  He was entranced by the impressiveness of it.  
    Michael leaned into the hall and motioned for one of the nearby men to assist him.  Michael grabbed his hand and held onto it for a moment.  The man stumbled back and looked at Michael curiously in response.  Gabe realized it was the unpleasant looking man he had seen outside Michael’s office.  
    “Please send Uri in right away.”  Michael whispered.  The man looked back at Gabe, emotionless.  He nodded to Michael as he left.
    “Shall we?” Michael asked motioning to the couch.  Gabe shuffled his feet across the emblem in the floor as he followed Michael.  “Now, I don’t encourage my students to eaves drop.