Free Until Next Time The Angel Chronicles Book 1 by Amy Lignor

“You’re forceful when you speak. I think that you completely believe every word that comes out of your mouth.”
    Liz felt hypnotized by his unwavering gaze. “Don’t you? I mean…your words are really the only things that are rightfully yours. Who else would know them better?”
    She hesitated, staring at Jason’s amused look. Maybe she was too young to have such a determined tone. Where did all these strange emotions come from all of a sudden? It felt like, in an instant, her grief had disappeared. In its place was a strength that seemed to rise up from the pit of her stomach. Lost in thought, Liz barely noticed Jason step forward as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
    His kiss was soft and sweet, but Liz could hear warning bells chiming in the distance as the touch of his full lips became more powerful against her own. Liz couldn’t hear or see anything but him. Being in his arms felt magical like nothing else existed in the whole world, not even the pain that she had carried with her for years. A small country could fall into the hands of a tyrant and Liz wouldn’t be the wiser. That sense of utter oblivion scared her to death. As her soul began to panic, she immediately stepped away from him.
    Jason let go of her immediately, his eyes wide. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean…”
    “Don’t say a word,” Liz said as she raised a hand to her burning lips. “I’m the one who should apologize. I’m very tired. It’s been a long day and midnight has come and gone. I need some sleep if I’m going to do anything that resembles work in the morning.”
    Liz fled the kitchen like the devil was behind her. She passed by two whispering figures sitting by the fire. She could feel a thin layer of sweat covering her skin, mixing with the rugged scent of the young man who’d been pressed up against her. “Faith, let’s get them some blankets so that they can get some sleep. It’s late.”
    “Yes, Mother. Right away,” Faith replied flippantly, as she followed her up the ladder to the loft.
    When they reached the landing, Faith grabbed Liz’s elbow. “What’s the matter with you?”
    “I don’t know. I’m just…tired. My head aches.”
    Faith’s eyes grew wide. “Not tonight, Liz. We have people here.”
    Liz glowered. “What would you have me do? You know I have no control over it.”
    Faith grabbed the blankets. “Sorry,” she sighed. “I just thought you wouldn’t want anyone to hear.”
    Liz tried to calm her nerves. She was concerned too. She had no desire to explain to Charles and Jason the reason behind the screaming that sometimes filled the pub during one of her episodes. “You’re right, I can’t have one tonight. But with the storm outside, I’m sure any sound I make will be covered up by the angels’ wrath.” Sitting down on the bed, Liz lifted her hands up to shield her eyes from the now painful flickering of the candle.
    Faith put an arm around her. “Is it going to be bad?”
    Liz nodded, trying with all her might to stop her tears.
    Faith kissed her on the forehead. “I’ll stay up for a little bit longer and talk to them. No one will be able to hear you over my prattling. I’m a better buffer than even the storm.” She offered a nervous laugh before descending into the shadows.
    Liz dropped down on the bed. She racked her mind for a pleasant memory to lull her to sleep, as the brutal ache in her head grew worse. Trying to focus on her moment with Jason in the kitchen, she recalled the feel of the muscles in his back as she’d wrapped her arms around him.
    Deep down inside, her soul screamed. There was trouble coming. She wanted to block it out, but the cold feeling was already covering her like a shroud of death. For some reason, in the distance she thought she heard Daniel’s frightened voice calling out to her through the violent night.

CHAPTER SEVEN
    Fog crept into her brain, erasing the warmth of Jason’s kiss. The familiar white mist evaporated as darkness