Free The Angel's Covenant (The Covenant series) by Lynn Landes

completely in its protective embrace.  From above they watch the caves walls crumble and she finds herself spinning through space and time. Dizzy she closes her eyes opening them when she stops moving. She finds she is standing near the barn, Elina trembles clutching the scroll and watches as the Ketuwah grows smaller and smaller, finally disappearing all together.
    "Amazing!" she whispers. "What is?" her Uncle Ronnie asks from behind her. Quickly turning around, Elina tries to calm her heart.  "I can't stop shaking," she says in a strange voice. "You okay Lina?" he rushes forward realizing he startled her. "Sorry, I have been watching for you.” Grabbing her arm, he says "No wonder Girl you’re soaking wet and frozen. Let’s get you inside your Aunt Ruby has been worrying me to death, pacing the floors and not resting."
Taking off his coat he wraps her in it and guides her to the side door, leading her into the kitchen.
    "Ron?" Ruby says walking into the kitchen ”Oh thank goodness!” Looking at her daughter she says "What’s wrong? Are you okay? Are you hurt?" Rushing over, she kneels down to take her hands but finds she is holding something. "Lina, what's going on?" she asks her.  "No, no I am okay; I just need a few minutes,” she responds in a raspy voice. "I just need to change, and get warm then we will talk, okay." Standing up on weak knees she walks slowly to the door, before she leaves she turns to them and says, "It's going to be okay" and heads up to her room. Ronnie puts his arm around Ruby and asks, "Is she trying to convince us or herself?"
     
     
     
    Wiping steam from the mirror, Elina stares at her reflection. Her black hair is slicked back, highlighting the paleness of her skin. Her mother’s turquoise eyes stare back at her, older and wiser now with the burden they carry. Thinking about her family together at last, she smiles flashing a single dimple back at her. Her smile fades as she wonders about her brother. How is it possible that he is alive? Maybe Malach will have the answers.
    Thinking about Malach, Elina stares at the woman in the mirror and feels ashamed. He was right, she was broken, and he gave her a chance to put some of the pieces back together. It is time she accepted her destiny. "Malach" she whispers "forgive me; I am sorry I lashed out at you." Thinking of how she taunted him, her cheeks heat. Remembering the strength of his wings, surprisingly muscular more weapon that ornament she feels her heart race. "You have always been there for me." Turning from the mirror she quickly pulls on her sweatshirt and jeans. Braiding her hair, she wonders if he will forgive her. The connection they share has always been so strong that she could feel him in her heart and mind. Now she feels nothing. Either he is blocking or he is too far away.
     
     
     
    The smell of coffee drifts to her drawing her to her family. Walking into the living room she sees Aunt Ruby setting down a pot of coffee, with a warm loaf of cinnamon raisin bread waiting. Uncle Ronnie says something that has her blushing and smacking at his hands as he laughs. Tears fill her eyes as she realizes that she has been incredibly blessed to be loved by these people. Quietly she offers a quick prayer of gratitude.
    Turning at her sniffle, Ruby sees the tears and draws her into a hug. She says nothing, simply holding her offering comfort and love. It is enough. Ronnie walks over and wraps them both in a bear hug. Laughing from the circle of protection, Elina s ays "Okay, I am good now."
    Sitting close to the fire Elina stares at the flames, wondering where to start. "You know I spent so long trying not to think about my family and friends, that I forgot them. Today I saw them again. Looking at them she says “My Dad, Mom and brother Senaka." Wiping her tears away, she tells them how she helped him crossover. "This ability to be watchers is such a gift and I have taken that for granted. I can't hide from my destiny