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My Guardian Angel

By: BrokenGrace



My eyes were watering and a scream was caught in my throat. The powder from the airbag choked me and I tried bringing pure oxygen into my lungs by pushing open the car door and breathing in the cool night air. My hands were shaking and I still hadn't shut the car off. I tried to, but didn't have it in park.

I told myself to calm down. I put my car into park, then turned off the key. The engine was still buzzing and I was still choking on the powder. I un-clicked my seatbelt and tumbled out of the car. My tears were falling now, and all I could think was "How am I alive? What just happened?" There was blood on the cement, coming from my forehead. A cry escaped my lips and I fumbled to get up. I looked up towards the other car that I had impacted with. There wasn't much movement that I could see, and my heart started hammering.

"No... no no no no no no..." I cried, starting to crawl over to the car, then pulling myself up and scrambling over to the driver side window. The man, probably around his 60's, was still breathing. He looked at me, his face was bloodied, and I started crying. "I'm sorry! I'm so so sorry." I pulled open the door and un-clicked his seatbelt. "I'm calling an ambulance, okay? You're going to be okay, I promise." I tried to sound reassuring, but I think I just sounded incompetent. 

My hands were shaking even harder now as I pressed the 3 memorized numbers for the police. I could feel a little blood trickle down my forehead, but it was nothing compared to the other drivers. I looked at him, and he was still breathing heavy. My voice was shaky as I told the dispatcher of the location and that we needed an ambulance and to hurry. Our cars were in the middle of a desolate street area; a head on collision. I had just hung up with the dispatcher when I saw a dark shape against the night sky. Wings. Hovering, then disappearing when I saw them.

My heart pounding subsided a little more.

************************************************************************

I was lying in my bed on my side, holding an ice pack to my head, thinking about the accident. It should have been much worse. The road was especially dark. No streetlights or lamps. The other car didn't have his head lights on, but we were both going the speed limit, 40mph. Still, someone who was in a head on collision shouldn't come out with only a trickle of blood down her forehead and a hurt hand. 

I was so lucky to be okay. I kept crying, thinking of the old man. What if I was going faster? He could've been dead. I could've died. My parents were filled with relief when I called them and told them I wasn't physically hurt. But my mom could tell by my voice that nothing was really "okay", and they came and picked me up. Of course, they were just happy I was alright, but I knew that tomorrow I'd be getting a huge lecture about the responsibility that comes with driving a car. As if I didn't know such things, having my license over a year and a half. 

Suddenly, strong arms enveloped me from behind. I felt his cool breath by my ear, and I instantly felt better. "I'm here, honey. I'm here." Seth pressed me against his chest while I continued to cry, thinking of all the possibilities and "what if's" of the night. His hands rubbed my arms and back, trying to get me to calm down, but it really had no effect. I was starting to get hysterical again. I was hiccupping and trying to talk and ask questions to no particular person or for no particular reason. My pillow was starting to get tear stained, and I was trying to stifle my sobs. It was near 2am, and my parents were in bed, thinking I was safely tucked away from any other horrors that could find me.

Seth's arms constricted protectively around me, and I knew what he was thinking. I knew he was closing his eyes, pressing his cheek into my hair, and thinking that for the umpteenth time, he'd almost lost me.

Seth's job was simple in theory. Don't let me die. As a Fallen angel turned Guardian angel, he was assigned to protecting the one life that he'd fallen for. He'd never told me why he'd Fallen. I suspect Seth has done terrible things in the past, things that would make me cringe away from him. While I am curious about them, I can tell that whenever I ask, he knows that if he tells me, I won't look at him the same. I don't like to think that's true, but it could very well be.

As it turns out, I'm a magnet for catastrophe, and everything bad in the world seems to gravitate towards me. Two years ago, when I didn't know Seth was my Guardian angel, I'd been caught in the crossfire of a gun fight in a bad part of town. Then, I'd almost fallen to my death while rock climbing. Then, after finding Seth, and ultimately falling in love with him in a short 2 month period, I'd almost drowned in the ocean while vacationing in Maine. And now, a near fatal car accident. My parents were considering locking me inside a bubble for the rest of my life.

I didn't know Seth was my Guardian until about a year after I'd met him. I thought he was dangerous at first. He was tall, wore mostly dark colors, but wasn't "gothic" by any means. He was just cold and mysterious. He seemed like the dangerous type. Mostly kept to himself. Except that he always seemed to be where ever I was. And he always looked like he wanted to protect me from everything.

After getting to know him in one of my classes, we'd started dating. I was never supposed to find out about him. It was when we were in my bed, and my hands were wandering up his back that I felt them. The indents in his back in the shape of an upside down V. 

I'd first guessed Batman. After he laughed at me for that, I'd put a little more thought into it and came up with the right answer the second time. It made sense when you put the clues together. 

He explained a lot to me in those first couple months. Half the time when we were together, we were taking walks along side streets and in the woods, and he'd tell me folk tales of the Fallen and of The Book. It was hard to keep everything straight, but I was still learning. 

The only part where Seth could potentially slip up is if he doesn't see the danger coming. He can't see the future; he can sense danger though, the kind that would be life threatening to the person they're supposed to protect. Not all Guardians have the power to, but he said when one has the kind of relationship with the person they protect like we do, they can sense the danger that surrounds them better than other Guardians. Tonight, when I was driving, he must've sensed that something was going to happen to me. He tries to explain it to me, but it's hard to understand. He says it's like déjà vu, but different, and stronger. It's like you know something's happening, something tangible that you've experienced before. Or something you're trying to prevent from happening.

He's able to see through me, almost propel his sight through me, when I'm in danger, but only then. It's very difficult to understand. If I'm not in danger, and he thinks I am, he couldn't see through me. It's only when we're both on the same level: when I am actually in a life threatening situation, and he's trying to propel himself through me that he can assess the situation and prevent it from happening. Seth says it's not that hard, but sometimes I'll catch him just staring at me wondrously, like he has no idea how he's kept me alive all this time. I don't blame him.

But not only that, it's his job as a Guardian to keep the one you protect safe. If you fail your job, you lose your wings. 

I turned around in his arms, and snuggled against his chest. His slow, steady breathing always calmed me. No matter what the situation, he always had an air of strength and composure about him, and I admired that so much. 

Of course, I still had no idea what he was doing with someone like me. Clumsy, nerdy, not the skinniest, not the prettiest. Frizzy brown hair that sometimes doesn't like to cooperate. I could go on.

Seth always turns it into: cutely awkward, intelligent, beautifully voluptuous, angelic (har har), and that he loved my hair. I still don't get it. 

"I'm so sorry..." I whispered into his neck. If the world ended tomorrow, I would never have apologized enough times for what he has to go through to keep me safe. 

"Grace," He started, shifting me in his arms and tilting my face up towards him. "you are my life. I don't know why I have to keep telling you that." He gave me a reproachful look, but smiled softly. His smiles always sent my heart into running mode. "It's not only my job to keep you safe," he trailed his fingers over my cheek, "but I can't ever lose you. Not now, not ever. You know I wouldn't change anything, even if I had the chance to be human again. You're my angel." I smiled into his chest, blushing. 

"I love you." I whispered to him.

He moaned and pulled me up to him. "I love you" he said back powerfully. He pressed his lips against mine very gently. His dark brown hair was falling in his eyes, and I traced it away with my fingers. Seth's eyes were the most beautiful and seductive things to look in. They were dark, almost black, yet held so much emotion behind them. I was just getting lost in them when I felt his hands slide up my sides to my stomach, and I dropped my eyes and tried to shift under their pressure so they weren't on my tummy.

He growled.

"Enough of that." And he rolled me over on my back, holding my hands in his spread out on either side of me, so I'd be fully exposed to him were I undressed. Luckily, I was wearing a t-shirt, but decided to nix the shorts in the warm weather. I blushed and struggled against him, laughing when he wouldn't let go. "Uh-uh." he murmured, and leaned down and used his nose to push up my shirt.

"Seth..." I objected. I was so self conscious of myself. No matter how much Seth drove me crazy, I'd never let him passed my panties and bra. He'd plead a little, only backing off when he saw how truly scared I was. And those occasions where he did manage to get off my shirt and jeans were few and far between. 

I felt his lips against my stomach, and my muscles tightened. His arms, so well defined that the muscle stood out, held mine down gently. Not forcefully. Seth was never forceful. Both he and I knew that if I really wanted to stop, we would. But of course, I didn't. I wanted to go on forever. He felt when my arms relaxed, because he let go of them and moved his hands to rest gently on my sides. He moved back up to my lips and kissed me, this time sliding his tongue in my mouth, while his hand moved down my leg to my thigh, and hitched it up against his waist. Something between and whimper and a moan escaped me, feeling his body pressed against me, and I felt his lips respond.

"You know," I said breathlessly, "I really shouldn't be doing this. You aren't human. You're a bird. I should be running away screaming."

"Mmm, is that so?" He whispered, coaxing my shirt off over my head. I helped easily. "A bird? Mmm... I may have to make you pay for that insult." His breath across my lips made my head whirl. I trailed my hand down his back, lingering where his wings were, tracing my fingers around the V. The wings were invisible to me, but the place where they should be definitely wasn't. The fact this his back and stomach were toned only added to me wanting to put my hands all over his body. He smiled, knowing exactly what I was thinking. His shirt was off next, and he pressed his chest against mine, then rolled me on top of him. 

I smiled down at him, and ran my hands over his chest. "Now why," he started, putting his hands on my hips and running his fingers underneath my panties, "do you get all the touching privileges? That hardly seems fair." He added devilishly. I felt my cheeks get hot again, and I bit my lip, looking away from him. "We can stop..." he whispered. I looked down at him, and his eyes held no accusation, no annoyance at me. He simply stared up at me with soft eyes, keeping his hands still on my hips. I didn't feel at all self conscious anymore. My little tummy didn't seem quite so significant anymore. My hair felt almost... sexy? Maybe if I bit my lip more, it would drive him wild...

I smiled down at him, laid my hands on his chest, and leaned over, gently planting a kiss on his collarbone. Readjusting against him so I was straddling him, but still pressed against his chest, he ran his hands up and down my back softly. His fingers trailed, leaving warmth everywhere on me. My kissing was getting more passionate. I wanted him. I wanted him everywhere. I slipped my hands up to his neck and held him there, tugging on his bottom lip with my teeth and making him groan. 

Seth's hands stopped at my bra, slipping underneath it a little while our breathing intensified. I could feel his hands becoming restless, not sure if they were allowed access to my bra or not. I moaned into his mouth and moved my shoulder so one of my bra straps fell loose off it. He pulled back and stared at me while his fingers professionally unclasped my bra. The very back recesses of my mind wondered, jealously, where he'd become so adapt at taking a girls bra off. But soon, his lips were on my collarbone, moving lower, and I lost every thought I'd ever had. My arms were shaking as I held myself above him. Seth smiled, and gently rolled me on my back, holding his weight above me and pressing his lips into mine. He started moving lower, slowly, giving me time to stop him if I wanted. I all but pushed him lower on my body. I felt him smile against my stomach before his lips moved to my breasts. 

My hands splayed down his back, down to his jeans, and tugged. He straddled my waist, unbuckling his jeans almost giddily, before kicking them down to his ankles and coming back to kiss me. He pressed his waist against me, and I looked up into his eyes. Mine were probably sparkling green while his were shiny black. I moaned, biting on my lip when I felt his hand slip past my panties. His mouth opened, then curved into a smile when my body trembled with pure pleasure. Dark hair fell against my cheek when he kissed me, and I buried my hands in his hair, wanting every part of his body against mine. I was breathing harder now, pulling my lips away from his to breathe. His fingers were touching my clit gently, teasingly. I moved my hips up a little and slipped out of my panties before kicking them down to the end of my bed. I wrapped them around his hips and felt him press against me. Pulling me up to kiss him, his eyes held something new. Almost possessive in them. I ran my hand down his stomach, then underneath his boxers and touched him tentatively. He nodded, his mouth open against mine, and I kept going. His hips thrust once against my hand, and my lips curved into a smile. I leaned up and bit his bottom lip, moaning louder than intended. Seth's lips and breathe were on my shoulder.

"Seth..."

His eyes bore into mine. I could tell he was waiting for me to tell him "Yes". And very suddenly, I became shy again. His eyes were so dark, and he was trembling, my hand still on him. I blinked, blushing and hid my face in his neck. Softly, I whispered his name again. He waited. Now he was just having fun with me, I could tell.

I moved my lips to his ear and whimpered a small "Please..." into it. He groaned loudly, and pressed his full body against mine. Seth wrapped his arms under and around my back, pulling me up against him while he pushed in me. I trembled a little, but it didn't hurt, and I instantly started moaning against his ear. Seth had his arm under my right leg, pulling it up almost to his shoulder while he thrust inside me. I moved to kiss him again, and his lips were so tense. I could feel him holding back, trying not to push too hard, but I wanted him to. I wanted him to thrust in me and look at me with lust. 

He pulled me up suddenly, his hands under my arms, locking eyes with me on top of him now. I moved my body and hips up and down on him, his hands helping me move up off him. He was moaning with his mouth open, his dark hair in his eyes. I threw my head back, moving faster on him. My hand was suddenly behind his head, and I coaxed him towards my breasts and curled my fingers in his locks. My whimpers were getting louder, and I pulled him back to my lips to stifle my moans. An orgasm was building inside me, and I moved my hand down to my clit, touching while Seth and I kissed. He thrust up in me and I dug my nails into his back. He was saying my name over and over in my ear, and I was answering each time with an innocent moan, all I could manage while still focusing on Seth inside me. I rubbed my clit harder, leaned my head back, and opened my mouth while I orgasmed over him, a white light spreading across my vision. His name escaped my shaky lips while I contracted around him. His hands pressed on my back, holding me against his chest. I moaned, wanting more.

My lips traveled back to his ear. "Seth, please..." I begged with him as innocently as possible, still breathless from my orgasm.

He groaned, pressing his fingers further into my back and squeezing his eyes. "Please... please fuck me..." I whispered.

Seth's eyes shot open, and no sooner was I back on my back. I spread my legs a little more, and Seth held himself up on his arms. He started thrusting into me slowly, watching my eyes react to his length. Then he moved faster, my lips parting while he continually hit my G-spot. I cried out, then came over his hard member. He leaned over me, grabbing my arms and thrusting inside me while staring into my eyes. There were tears in the corners of my eyes, not from pain but pleasure. He kissed them away with shaky lips, before locking his lips with mine, then thrusting himself so deep inside me and holding there. I gently kissed back to his ear, nibbling gently while he breathed on my shoulder. I felt him inside me when he released, and moaned his name and kissed his lips. There was a jagged groan on my shoulder, and I felt his teeth bite very gently. We stayed like that, my legs locked around him, his forehead pressed against my shoulder, and him still inside me. We were breathing hard, and a layer of sweat covered our bodies. Seth's hair was tickling my shoulder, and I giggled after a little while. 

He propped himself up on his elbows, looking rugged and very, very sexy. "You giggled..." he smiled, and brushed a curl away from my face. He pushed his lips against mine, then slowly slid out of me, and pulled me against him when he went to lay on his back. I threw a leg over his waist, and his hand trailed slowly down my back. Both of our breathing still weren't back to normal.

"You're my angel." he whispered to me, his lips close to my ear. His breath traveled down my neck and back, giving me goose bumps. 

I rolled over, my chin resting on his collarbone. "I wonder if that was dangerous and life threatening towards me..." I whispered. 

He smiled and stuck out his tongue, but tucked me safely under his arm. "I won't ever let anything happen to you. I promise." I nodded against his chest, then planted a kiss there. Seth, my angel. 

My Guardian Angel Ch. 02



2 years prior

"The new kid keeps watching you." Lori whispered in my ear from the chair next to me. I was playing around with different mediums on the computer for my photography project, trying to find the perfect one that highlighted the creases on the hands just right. The project was to find where the soul is. I'd always loved hands. You do everything with your hands. They crease and wrinkle, yet are one of the toughest parts of your body. Your hands give you access to everything in the world. 

"What now?" I said, my eyes flitting across the screen. I'd never pass this art class if I struggled with finding mediums. My teacher kept saying "It's good work, but not the right lighting/coloring/mood." 

Lori bumped my arm, causing the mouse to flick off the desk and the teacher to glare at us. I shrugged and bent down to pick it up, kicking Lori in the process. "Why are you hitting me?"

She sighed and nodded in the direction of the windows. There were a few people working on their projects, but not many. The end of the year was fast approaching, didn't they care about their grades? "Yeah, I don't understand that either. We've got a shit load of work to do before the end of the year and they're just jerking around." 

She kicked my chair. "Nice try asshole, I'm talking about Mr. Broody McBrood pants over there staring at you every 5 seconds."

"Huh?"

I glanced over, and sure enough, the new kid, slumped into his chair, hand on his face, trying to seem bored, was glancing right at me. He averted his eyes, caught, but I still saw him all the same. "That's interesting. I haven't talked to him before."

Again, his eyes flashed up to mine, then back to his screen. My eyebrows scrunched together, trying to understand any possible fascination he might have with me. Was my hair on fire?

"Maybe..." I started, turning back towards my screen, "maybe he just heard about what happened. I mean, I think everyone did... and everyone had their fair share of stares at me for a while."

It was true. A couple weeks ago, I'd been stuck in a bad part of town. I was supposed to be on a date with someone, but the guy ditched me in the middle to go to a hookah bar with his friends. Me being underage, I couldn't get in, and walked towards the nearest bus stop to catch a ride home. Chris wasn't a bad guy. He just kept saying that he hadn't seen his friends in so long and just wanted to chill with them. He even offered me a ride home, but I said no, and that he should go have fun with his friends. I tried telling Lori that later, but she just scoffed. "Wow. Dickface. Can I kill him? He just left you?"

After getting to the nearest bus stop and seeing that the next bus wasn't supposed to come for another 20 minutes, I started wandering, and ended up right in the middle of an all out brawl between two 20-something-year old black guys. I tried sneaking away, feeling the staleness and pressure in the air increase, but one of them just shouted "Hey! Where are you going?" and pulled out a gun. I suppose he was afraid I'd run to tell the police or something, and he'd be caught with a firearm. And possibly other paraphernalia.

Long story short, a police cruiser pulled up just in time. I don't know who called them, seeing as no one else was around at the time, but I'm sure thankful that they did. All in all, a lot of hullabaloo for nothing big. I wasn't shot, though I was terrified, and everyone made a big fuss of it. Especially Lori. She kept threatening to kill Chris, who, I told her, showed up at my house the next day, apologizing like crazy. He also asked me out a bunch more times, but we didn't work out.

"I don't think that's it Grace..." Lori said, but she sounded less insecure about the new kid than before. Sure, he dressed differently (black Nirvana t-shirt and black jeans), but that didn't make him a bad guy. He was probably just curious. 

I glanced at him one more time before the bell rang only to see him staring right at me again, only this time from under the protection of his shaggy brown hair.

***********************

I heard Lori long before I saw her. I stood in the cafeteria line, waiting to get to the soup portion of the line when I heard Lori, pushing her way through the throng of people. "Um, excuse me, my best friend is up there and I need to talk to her so if you'll just-" then I heard a scuffle and an "Oh shit" by Lori. I silently laughed to myself, wondering what she'd gotten herself into.

She was suddenly at my elbow, pulling her green Army hat down over her eyes. "Shit, is he staring?" 

I didn't even look up. "Is who staring?"

"I just ran into Kevin-Fucking-Barker and spilled his Sprite all over his hockey jersey."

"I'm almost positive that isn't his middle name." I crinkled my nose at the odd looking ravioli that the lunch lady offered me, and continued down the line. "You wanted me for something?" 

"Oh yeah!" Lori instantly became animated again. "His name is Seth, he's a sophomore like us, and apparently he just moved here from Nebraska."

I noted that the soup tasted pretty good today after taking a small trial sip of it. Maybe a nice piece of Italian bread to dip into it. "Nebraska, eh? That's fascinating." I commented, solely focused on the food in front of me. My stomach grumbled, as if telling the line to hurry up, but no one moved any faster.

Lori smacked my hand. "Pay. Attention." She waited until I had paid and we had found seats with our usual friends Nate, Brady, Alex and Marisol before she started up again. "Apparently he's an amazing photographer and a shoo in to get a scholarship into the DAAP program at University of Cincinnati."

"Mhm..." I added dully, sipping my soup and smiling at Nate when he looked over at us. I noticed Lori had stopped talking after a few minutes and looked over to see if I had offended her. Apparently I had. I grimaced. "Sorry babe, I just don't understand why you're telling me all of this?" 

She sniffed and turned her head away from me. I frowned. "Please. I'll listen now. Why are you so interested in the new kid?" Lori's eyebrow arched, and it looked like she wasn't going to respond to me any time soon. But she turned back towards me and started talking again.

She ticked things off with her fingers. "He's broody. I haven't seen him with many friends, or any at all. He's stared at you the entire 3 photography classes we've all had together. He's hot! And," she added emphasis "I heard he was asking around about you. About things you were into. Where you go after school. That kind of stuff."

I'll admit, now Lori had my attention. Had he really done all of that? "I don't know Lori, that could just be people talking..." I added lamely.

She sat back and raised her eyebrows, then did a small head nod in a direction over my shoulder. I sighed and looked quickly. Seth was standing in the lunch line. His shoulders were hunched, but he still stood at a nice 6'2 or 6'3. His arms looked more toned than any of the other guys standing in line, but he looked utterly bored. It didn't look like he was planning on eating much. Almost as if feeling my gaze, he turned his eyes on mine. I stared for a millisecond more before blushing and turning around. "Great, now I'm the stalker. He wasn't even looking, he's just getting lunch."

"Yeah, except he's eyeing your back like it's the hottest thing ever." My cheeks flamed again, and I wondered if Lori might have a point. Was this kid really checking me out or something? Perhaps getting a tad bit on the stalker side?

I shrugged and stared right at Lori, noting that her attention was still directed over my shoulder. My food started to get less appealing the more I ate it. I sat back in my chair, and Lori pursed her lips, and widened her eyes a little in a sarcastic expression. "Fine!" I exclaimed, and immediately got up and started heading over towards the lunch line. 

He was about 3/4 of the way through it. His back was towards me, but I knew it was him. There was an apple and a milk carton on his plate. I felt like a fatty as I approached him, having just eaten a boat load of calories, but I wanted to prove Lori wrong. I'm sure this kid had no interest in me, and our gaze just happened to meet whenever he was checking out the new student surroundings.

I took a deep breath and cut in line behind him. The guy behind me now let out a huff, but I glared at him. I bit my lip and looked back at Lori. She nodded in encouragement. "Hi..." I said softly, hoping he could hear me above the dull roar of the cafeteria. "I'm Grace. I heard you were new here and I'm part of a... school ambassador program for new students." Pulled that one of out my ass. "I was just wondering how your first couple days here were and such... You know, if you needed anything or help finding classes and whatnot." Is that what ambassador's of schools did? I didn't know.

For the first time, the kid looked up at me. I almost gasped from the intensity of his gaze. His eyes were black. Dark, compelling black. He held my stare. "I'm Seth. The counselor didn't mention anything about a school ambassador program when I met with her at the beginning of the week. Mind telling me a bit more about it?" His lips almost curved into a smile. He was playing with me.

"Well... um... we do a lot of open houses and stuff-"

"For a public school like this one? I'm sure there are tons of kids who come to those." Now he did smile, and I almost felt weak. The line moved a bit, and Seth broke my gaze to move forward. Now, I breathed. For the first time in what seemed like an eternity.

I nodded, desperate to make a good first impression with him. "Yeah, I guess they want to advertise the falling ceiling tiles and made-of-shit lunches." He smiled again and looked at me. This time his gaze was less piercing, but I still didn't want to stare directly into his eyes for fear of being incoherent again. 

"Well, thank you for the warm school welcome. I'll go straight to the administrators office after school to compliment them on their great school ambassador, Grace...?" He left a question in the air.

"No!" I almost shouted. He look mock-puzzled. "I-I mean, no need. They already know who I am and what I do yada yada yada."

"And what is that?" He asked, like he was genuinely curious.

My eyebrows scrunched together again. What was he asking? Who am I or what I do? And why is he asking? For some reason, the answer slipped through my lips. "I'm a stoney rock climber."

Seth's lips twitched, then he started laughing. Hard. "You're interesting. Most people would've gone with 'I'm a nice person' or 'I'm a hard working, dedicated individual.' But you just got straight to the point. I like that."

I blushed. I did want to ask him if he'd been watching me for the past couple of days, but I didn't want to seem too forward. "Yes..." Lori was watching us intently. When I glanced at her, she shook her head and made furious motions with her hands, all of which I had no idea what they were. "I really just wanted to ask you..." I started.

"Yes?" He'd finally paid for his apple and milk and we were standing by the doors that lead outside into the courtyard. It was a nice, sunny, May day in Cincinnati. Seth's eyes were piercing mine again, and he tilted his head to the side. He was almost a foot taller than me, and he shifted his tray from one hand to the other, waiting.

"Um..." What? What did I want to ask him? "Did you... want to sit with us... or something?"

He smiled genuinely. "I think I'm going to take a seat outside and work on my project for Brehmers class. Thank you for the offer though." I nodded and waited a tiny millisecond before heading back towards my seat. I stopped mid-stride though and looked back to where Seth was still standing.

"I'll just... see you around then." It sounded more like a question.

"I hope so." It sounded like he said before turning and heading outside. 

1/2 a year later

"My baby..." My moms voice came through to me. My brain was still fuzzy as to the events that occurred earlier that weekend, but I knew I was in a hospital somewhere. "Baby... I'm so glad you're okay... my baby girl..." My mom was crying, her head resting on my stomach. My head was bandaged. Had I hit that? My hands were attached to wires and beepy things. My heart rate was rhythmic in the background. My back felt stiff and I realized I wore a brace. I looked around, but my mom and I were alone. 

"Mom?" I asked in a raspy voice. "What happened?" My voice rose a few octaves. "Did I fall?"

Her mouth pressed into a hard line, and she nodded. "The rope... there was too much c-chafing in it and it s-snapped. You're so lucky honey, you're so, so lucky." Her voice quivered. My eyes squeezed together as I remembered feeling the rope start to break, and my brother call out to me. 

I'd fallen over 30 feet... how was I not dead?

A few tears spilled over and I was quick to wipe them away, not wanting to add to my mothers pain. "I'm sorry mom. I'm sorry I scared you... I'm okay now." She nodded, then glanced up as the nurse came in. The nurse smiled sympathetically to me, then added something more to an IV that I was connected to.

I was out again in minutes.

***********************

My lips were chapped when I woke up, and I licked them, feeling the sting of my saliva in the cracks. Someone was holding my hand, and I looked down to see a head of shaggy brown hair resting on my hip. I smiled softly and stroked his hair. He immediately looked up and sighed. Seth shifted off of me and kneeled at the edge of my bed. "Hey beautiful..." he said, smiling.

I laughed. "Anything but, as of right now..." Then I shook my head. "I don't understand how this happened. I've checked my rope a thousand times, making sure it didn't need to be replaced. My brother and I are safe climbers..."

He nodded, stroking my cheek. There was something behind his dark eyes besides his concern for me. Protectiveness? I couldn't place it. "I'm just so thankful you're alright, Grace... I don't know what I'd do if..." he trailed off. Seth leaned in and pressed his lips to mine once gently. "Stop scaring me Gracie. It's hard enough being your boyfriend and having to protect you from other guys. I didn't count on you being put in death defying situations every couple months that scare the hell out of me." 

I looked down, tears forming in my eyes. Was he sad that that's what came with the package? Sure, I was clumsy, but I didn't think I was a walking catastrophe... "I wouldn't change it for the world, Grace. I wouldn't change you for the world. You know how much I care about you. That's all, honey." His words were a comfort to me. Ever since we'd started dating, I'd still wondered why he chose me. He had girls swooning for him every minute and at the drop of a hat, but he chose the insecure klutz that he sat across from in photography class last year? It didn't make sense. Seth's and my relationship never made sense to me.

1/2 a year after that

Seth lay face down on my bed, his head turned to the side and his cheek resting on my pillow. I sat next to him, Indian style. First, I moved his hair out of his eyes. He opened them and smiled at me. His cheek was soft against my palm. Then, I softly ran my fingertips down his back and over the V. His eyes closed and he let out a soft "Mmm", like my touch was a warmth to him. I still had so much to learn, and it was a lot to take in.

So, here we are. Seth is my Guardian Angel. Like the ones I used to think about when I was little. Except, Seth wasn't exactly a small child with a diaper on and a harpsichord in his hand. But still, the same concept. His voice was gentle when he spoke. "Do you have any questions...?"

Questions? Of course I have questions, you idiot. You just told me Angels and Dark Angels and Fallen Angels existed. I wanted to know everything. I wanted him to tell me everything right now. 

But I simply smiled and shook my head, because for now, sitting here with Seth, rubbing his cheek and his back while his hand rested on my knee was enough for me. Everything could wait, because apparently we had a while. Evidently, Seth is my version of a "soul-mate." Technically speaking. Because Seth isn't technically human. A couple questions did surface in my mind.

"Okay, I do have a few questions..." I said softly, leaning down and pressing my lips against the indents in his back. He sighed again, and I could hear the smile in his voice when he spoke. 

"Yes?"

"Can you..." I started drawing little circles on his back while I spoke, and his hand tightened on my knee. I think it tickled. "Get married...?" I asked softly. Half of me was afraid of the answer, but the other half already knew what the answer was.

He smiled. "Nothing in the rule book about not getting married. If there was, I'd break that one for you." His dark eyes flashed up to mine, making my cheeks and neck flame red.

"Even though I'm not an... a ... Guardian Angel?"

Seth blinked and looked at my desk for a while. I kept drawing circles on his back, but I was listening intently to his breathing and the way he swallowed. "There isn't anything in The Book that says 'No'... I guess since this situation hasn't ever happened before this. Sure, Guardians will have flings with human women, but I think you'd call them Incubi." I gasped.

"I thought those were vampires?"

Seth sat up slowly and sat back against my headboard. He held out his arms towards me and I climbed into his lap. He wasn't smiling anymore, but he was still gentle and warm as ever. I looked down at his hands while he spoke. "Not necessarily just vampires. Any mythological creature, really, that preys on human women for sex is considered an Incubus."

I swallowed. "Mhm..."

"But I've never heard of any creature finding their true love in a human woman. I'd say this is a first..." He trailed off, seemingly lost in his own mind. I let him stay there a while, simply watching his jaw muscle clench and unclench, and the way his ears lifted slightly when he smiled. "But I'm sure we won't have any trouble from anyone important..."

My lips were pursing and un-pursing as Seth held me and I mulled over all that he was telling me. "You said questions..." he murmured eventually.

"Hm?"

His lips brushed my cheek. "You said you had 'questions.' Plural."

"Oh." Seth waited as I contemplated whether or not asking him the next one. "Can you... I-I mean can we... you know..." I stuttered, but he looked completely lost. I growled. "Never mind."

He shifted me to being cradled in his lap. One of his arms was wrapped around my back and the other was holding under my legs. "Just ask me honey."

I decided on a different route that still asked the same sort of question. "Could you ever... you know... have a... baby...?" My voice was barely above a whisper.

"Oh." I looked up at him, but he was looking away from me, at my door or something. "I suppose... yes..." he started hesitantly. "but I don't know what that would do to the child... and I don't know if I'd ever want to risk that."

I nodded. "I understand." And I did. It made complete sense to me. We were both silent for a few moments before Seth leaned down and kissed my forehead. Then he chuckled. "You look so contemplative." His fingers smoothed the wrinkles that had formed on my forehead. "Were you hoping..." He asked softly.

"Hm?" I said, looking up into his eyes. "Oh... I don't know. I guess someday I was. I always thought it'd be nice to have someone who's half you bouncing around here." Seth smiled. "But I'm barely 17, who knows what I'll really want in the future." Then I smiled. "I know I just want you."

"And I want you. None of these other fools are taking you from me."

Sigh. Here we go again.

"Seth, I honestly, really really honestly, have absolutely no idea what the hell you're talking about."




My Guardian Angel Ch. 02



He became animated and his jaw started clenching in a very sexy way. I wanted to kiss it while he got angry. So I did. I moved my lips over his neck and jaw, sometimes letting myself taste his skin. He tasted sweet and had a musky scent to him. He kept prattling on. "...and you don't even see what these guys are staring at. I mean, that's my ass," he pointed towards my butt. "I own that thing, they have no right to stare. And you should hear what they talk about in the locker rooms. Like, dudes, her boyfriend is sitting right here. I swear, the only reason I don't kill them in their sleep is because I know you'd disapprove."

I sighed. "Shut up, Seth." I started kissing his jaw again, then moved to his neck. I had a theory that he was just making this shit up to boost my self confidence. Because I had about zero to none. 

His hands slipped down my sides to my hips, and he lifted me back into his lap. "Okay." He whispered against my cheek. His lips found mine and we gently started kissing. The only sound in the room was our lips moving and the occasional sigh by Seth or myself. I smiled under his lips and knotted my fingers in his hair.

My shorts and Seth's shirt ended up on the floor. One of his strong hands was holding my thigh up against his hip and the other was holding himself over me while we kissed. Sometimes his hand would slide up and find its way under my panties, but I shifted uncomfortably and he moved his hand back to my leg. I whispered a breathless "Sorry" to him, but he simply smiled and slide his tongue in my mouth again. I loved the taste and smell of Seth. My hands pressed down on his back, and he laid himself on me, with one of his legs in between my thighs and his elbows supporting him. A strand of his hair fell against my cheek and I smiled and tucked it away with my hands. Seth's breathing was jagged when he moved his lips down my neck and over my collarbone. Sighing, I tugged on his hair a little and felt him nip my skin. I brought him back to me and gently pulled his lower lip between my teeth, feeling him start to tremble.

My legs had just wrapped around his waist when we heard the front door open. Seth grumbled quietly. "God damn it." He whispered against my lips, and quickly retrieved our clothes from the floor. I slipped my shorts on while he tugged his shirt over his head. We turned on the television and quickly went to lounging on my bed while my parents footsteps got louder up the stairs. I snuck a peek at Seth laying next to me. He was staring at me, a small smile playing around his lips. He took my hand and we turned back to the TV where my favorite movie, Cold Mountain, was just starting.



My Guardian Angel Ch. 03



Back to Present Day

Seth dutifully left the next morning out my open window, but not before holding me and stroking my back and whispering in my ear how much he loved me. I'd kissed him with all the love I had in my body, making us both breathless and me flushed. He smiled and left me laying half covered by the blanket, my bare breasts exposed to him. I wanted Seth to stay, but my dad usually checked on me in the mornings, and there's no doubt if he would after the accident last night.

Almost on cue, my door cracked open and I saw my dads glasses-clad nose peep through the crack in the door, then he pulled it shut again. I lay motionless on my side, snuggled deep under the covers, not ready to get up and face the day.

I tried assessing my body after last night. I always thought I would feel something. A glow perhaps? An uplifting nature? But I simply felt good. Right. Shivers ran down my spin as I thought of the way Seth's hands ran down my body... the way his voice turned husky but gentle when he was touching me... the way his body draped over mine and his eyes watched me in pleasure.

A quick moan escaped my lips before I could stop it, and I rolled over in bed, pushing my mouth into my pillow and continuing to think of Seth. 

We'd fallen asleep side-by-side. His eyes bore into mine like he never wanted to look away. He stroked my hair and my cheeks, smiling every once in a while and planting a kiss on my forehead. I'd fallen asleep with one of my legs thrown over his waist and his arms constricted around me, tracing designs on my back.

After basically reliving every moment of last night, I rolled off my bed and quickly got dressed. I found that my panties had somehow made it across the room...

My cheeks were flushed when I looked at myself in the mirror. I didn't want my parents to be suspicious, so I pinched them to add some color. Thankfully, they were already out for the day and I had the house to myself. I'd promised them I'd be spending it studying for AP's that were coming up, but I was too jittery. 

I called Lori after eating a grapefruit and staring out the window like a lovesick puppy.

"I HEARD, I HOPE YOU'RE OKAY!" She answered on the third ring.

I took a deep breath. "I'm fine Lori. The newspaper says that the old man's being treated at the hospital in Greenwich. A..." I scanned the paper for his name, "Mr. Trebbing." I heard her sigh of relief. "But, I do really need to talk to you..." I almost whispered.

"Alright... I'm just glad you're okay." She sounded skeptical.

My heart was pounding. Why was I nervous to tell my best friend what happened between Seth and I? Was it because it should stay between Seth and I, and not anyone else? Maybe just the thought of finally losing my virginity astounded even me... "Seth came over last night. After he heard about the accident." Lori had no idea who or what Seth really was, so there's no way I could tell her that I owe Seth my life. A million times over.

"I bet he was worried, Grace. You put him through so much with your carelessness and clumsiness."

I frowned. Now was not the time to take jabs at my awkwardness and lack of coordination. "No... Lori... me and him... after talking..." I started again. "He was worried. Really worried, and he helped me calm down a lot. And, I don't know... it all just sort of happened at once and it started out playful and I really did want to and he kept asking me and I just hope I did everything righ-"

"YOU LOST IT?" She squealed. "Oh my god Grace, finally! I mean, seriously, everyone can almost feel the sexual tension between the two of you. I almost couldn't believe it when you said you'd barely let him feel you up. I mean, granted, it's not like you didn't want him to or anyth-"

I cut her off. "LORI. I'm calling for advice, not for you to collect gossip... I don't... what if I didn't do something right?"

I heard her sigh. "You know how much Seth is in love with you, right? Every time I look at you guys," she trailed off, "he's staring at you and you don't even notice. He looks at you like he'd bring the planets out of the sky for you. It's almost odd how protective he seems of you." Inwardly, I giggled. "You don't have anything to worry about. That boy is just going to be happy that you know... you've finally... been together... knowwhatimean?" 

I nodded, then agreed when I remembered she couldn't see me. "So... how was it?" I could almost hear the smile in her voice. 

Blushing, I sighed and answered drunkenly. "Amazing. Incredible. The best thing ever."

"You were so horny for him." I started laughing when I realized how true that statement was.

************************************************************************

After talking with Lori for a while more, I told her that I needed to study for my AP's that were this week. Though I doubted I would get much studying done, with my mind being a thousand different places at the moment. I made peach tea to calm all my thoughts, then went to my room and sat at my desk. I couldn't stop glancing at my bed though, imagining Seth and I, just a tangle of arms and legs...

I moved back to the kitchen, frustrated that now I couldn't concentrate worth a shit. I had just started getting down to studying AP US History when my cell phone buzzed and started ringing. Groaning, I glanced down, then smiled and pressed the green button.

"Hey..." I answered timidly.

Seth's voice came through the line. "Hey Grace. I hope you're studying for your AP's." He had a smile on, I could tell.

"I am. I'd rather not be though."

"Oh? What would you rather be doing?"

So many responses came to my mind, and not one of them was truly appropriate. But I skimmed over all those. "I'd rather be with you. After everything, I just hate being by myself anymore..."

He was silent for a second. "Do you want me to come over?" I pondered this before realizing I would get nothing done with Seth here.

"I want to... but we both know I wouldn't get studying done. And I need to. I need to get good scores for Ohio Uni. I need a scholarship and any and every other thing that could help me get into Scripps."

Seth and I had talked long and hard about our futures. He had already received a letter from the University of Cincinnati with a full ride scholarship into the DAAP art program. He was a truly talented artist, and I'd made my position clear to him: nothing would stand in the way of an opportunity like that.

And Ohio U. isn't that far away. Two, two-and-a-half hours tops. And Scripps was one of the best journalism programs in the country.

"Alright. Call me if you need help studying, okay? I'm heading over to Brady's to work on a project, but I can be there in a flash if you need me." I knew that when Seth said he and Brady were "working on a project", it meant they were really doing a mandatory Guardian meeting at the Maryse Hotel. Seth said that they held meetings often, almost like being a Guardian Angel was some sort of business to run. And in a way, it was. Every Guardian had a charge that they looked after and reasons for keeping such a person alive. Whether that person is meant to be future President, develop the cure for AIDS, or hell, end world hunger, each person had their own reason for the necessity of living.

I had yet to figure out my own, and Seth didn't know either. Only the Guardian Barons and Superior Angels knew the reasons for each persons need for survival.

"I love you." I whispered to him just before hanging up the phone.

My mind drifted as I tried focusing on APUSH. I got some good work done for about a solid hour, holding my focus steady and went through the course notes our teacher gave us. But as I flipped aimlessly through my notebook, the pages swooshing in the silent kitchen, my thoughts were clouded with things that Seth had told me about the Fallen and the Book on our many walks.

"Do they ever interfere? The Angels who are at the top of the totem pole?" I'd asked.

"Only if a Guardian is misbehaving. Or they're releasing a Guardian from their charge..." He'd answered.

How do you get released from the one person you're supposed to be guarding? What would someone do to receive such punishment?

Suddenly, there was a loud CRACK outside. One of the loudest noises I've ever heard. My first instinct was to drop to the floor and crawl under the table, fearing a nuclear bomb. We'd learned about how the A-bomb had effected Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and I suddenly feared for my life. I threw my arms around my head and crouched low, putting my head between my knees. My house shook scarily, the windows shaking and doors rattling. I cried out, hoping someone would hear me, but I knew I was alone. Where were my parents? I didn't even know how long they'd be gone for.

As quickly as it came, the violence stopped. It was eerily calm, and I unlatched my shaking hands from around my head. Then, so fast I couldn't be sure it happened, the table above me was blown away. I was hauled up by my arms, and I instantly started screaming and kicking. Hands held both my arms and legs, and another one cupped over my mouth. I tried biting, but the person was wearing a glove and didn't seemed fazed. My eyes were wide as I stared at my attackers.

They pulled me out the back door of my kitchen to our backyard. We lived in a country house with a few acres of land, and there was no one in site. I continued to fight and bray in the assailants arms, but to no avail. They had a hold on me. I was suddenly dropped to the concrete, where my elbows collided hard and I cried out in pain. My cheek was pressed against the concrete with what felt like the heel of a boot.

"Where is he?" An angry voice shouted in my ear.

"I don't know who you're talking about!" I screamed as loud as I could with my cheek being pressed into my teeth. 

I was hauled up again and pinned against the side of my house. Finally, I got a good look at my attackers.

They all had wings, I surprisingly noted. Why couldn't I see Seth's wings...?

"He was here. He was here everywhere. His trail is here. It's always to you. He's your Guardian. Where. Is. He?" His hot breath was against my neck and I squirmed, crying out again. "You call him Seth when you're together." His grip on my arms grew tighter. I glanced at the other 4 winged figures. They were all either looking at us or around the yard, sizing up hiding places and ways of escape, I supposed. "You called him Seth last night..." His voice trailed off, and my mouth opened with a gasp like I'd been punched.

"WHO ARE YOU?" I screamed in his face, seething. My teeth were gritted together, but I held my composure, refusing to let him see my fear. The man smiled. His teeth were perfect white, but the way he showed them was menacing. His neck and cheeks were marked with stubble, and he had bags under his eyes. He had dark black eyes. All of them did.

The man's eyes raked down my body. I tensed. All my muscles tensed, ready to strike as soon as he let go of me. I wanted to claw those black eyes right out of their sockets. I wanted to bloody his face the way Seth would. I wanted to be lethal and deadly in that moment. My mouth opened and I growled. The man threw his head back and laughed, pressing me further into the siding of my house.

"I hope you kissed him goodbye for me." He countered. I gasped, but had no time to register shock as he picked me up, and threw me over his shoulder. I kicked at his chest, screaming again.

One of the other men ran up and quickly tied something around my mouth, preventing me from screaming. I started crying as I felt my hands being tied. The man pulled me back to his chest, holding me, not gently, against him. 

Then I heard a whoosh of wings, and we were lifting into the air. My tears stung my face as I flung my head around desperately trying to find Seth somewhere in the sky. But all I saw were clouds and the darkening sky above.

My pitiful screams around the cloth were choked off by the man's hand over my mouth... then his hand kept constricting tighter...

My eyes bugged wide and I started kicking at his chest while the whooshing of his wings were in my ears. His grip tightened, and I started loosing oxygen. My chest was pinching and I did the first thing I could think of. I spit the cloth out of my mouth and bit his hand so hard there was blood. A gargled "Agh" came from his mouth and he jostled me in his arms, pinning me against him, not allowing me to move whatsoever until we landed perhaps 5 minutes later.

It was completely dark now and we were standing on a warehouse roof, it looked like. One man grabbed my tied arms, and another held on to my legs while I continued to fight, albeit losing strength and energy as I pressed on. They carried me inside, down a flight of stairs where the lights were flickering and there were no sounds. My breathing intensified as their boots slapped against the linoleum stairs. It seemed to go on forever, one of the winding staircases that never ended, but it finally did. There was a steel door with a padlock that the man who I'd bit opened. His hand looked swollen, but I couldn't tell quite how bad it was from here.

"Put her in the back room and don't let her move." He instructed gruffly before turning to leave. He stopped mid-stride though, and turned back towards me. So fast that I couldn't be sure it happened, he lifted his hand and backhanded me across my cheek. I instantly felt a searing pain and headache as my eyes flew shut and everything went black.

************************************************************************

I woke groggily, but coherently. I knew exactly where I was. My arms and legs were chained up and my cheek was pressed against the cement floor. I peeled away from it, sitting up dizzily in the darkness and adjusting my eyes. My cheek was swollen from where the man had hit me, and I couldn't open my right eye all the way.

The padlocked door banged open. "Get up." I blinked at the tall outline of a figure before being jostled to my feet. He bent down, unchaining my feet but keeping my hands tied together, and led me out to where the men were sitting. He pushed me towards a chair and I sat, shaking where I was. I didn't want to be afraid. I wanted to be fearless and deadly; wanted to be hopeful that everything would be okay. But I had no idea how that would happen.

The man with the stubble and hand that I bit sat across from me. His eyes stayed locked on mine, then he flashed a terrible smile, and I suppressed a shudder. He shifted in his chair, scooting closer towards me and I flinched away. Finally, after a stare-off for a few minutes, his eyes flicked over my shoulder and he gave an imperceptible nod. 

The other bolted door flew open and a flutter of limbs came through it. There were fists and wings everywhere, teeth too. Growls were escaping all of their lips as they each tried to attack the other. I instantly recognized Seth as he threw his fist into one mans jaw, dislocating it completely. "Seth..." I breathed, tears forming in my eyes.

Across the room, Seth stopped moving completely and turned towards me. I cried out as the man jumped him, pinning him on the floor with his arms behind his back. His mouth was open and jagged breathing was going in and out. "Stop it STOP IT!" I screamed, jumping from my chair and trying to run for him with my hands still tied. But I was caught mid-jump and thrown back into the chair.

"ENOUGH." I was starting to guess that the man across from me was the leader. His jaw was locked and his eyes were furious. "Let the boy up. Now." He seethed. I turned again towards Seth, where the man was yanking him towards his feet.

Seth and I locked eyes. He looked relived to see me, and I him. He was disheveled; a bruise was forming under his eye and his hands looked bloodied. Had they fought before here? What did they say to make him come? We stayed staring at each other before he bared his teeth and let out a fit of rage. "What did you do to her?!?" He yelled at the men. 

"Nothing compared to what I could do. Now sit."

My heart was hammering as Seth was led to another chair that was too far away from mine. He was struggling to keep his hands and feet untied, but the men held him down. "Do not struggle, Seth Ludlow. We're here to talk."

"So talk. And let her leave, she has nothing to do with this."

The leader smiled. "Oh, she has everything to do with this. She's the reason we're here." The three of us made a big triangle, and we stayed silent for a few moments. I could hear Seth trying to control his breathing, but I could tell it was taking all of his strength not to scream and rip through the bonds and kill every one of them. I looked at him until he looked back, and tried to convey that I was alright with my eyes. "Well now, isn't this a fun little reunion? Seth, you remember the boys, Tom, Jared, Mitch, and Chandler." He gestured to the other men that were in the room. "And now we have a new addition. I'm sorry our first encounter wasn't the greatest," he turned his eyes towards me, almost looking as if he meant what he was saying, "but I'm sure in good time we'll get to know each other a lot better." Seth writhed in his chair, nearly knocking it over while I sat, staring at the giant man across from me. What was he doing with us?

"My dear, Grace, is it? You obviously know about all of this now," he started, moving his wings from behind his back, "which is the precise reason we are here. A human girl being with an Angel. It's an anomaly in our world. Never been done before. We're merely trying to understand the attraction between the two of you. Why Seth continues to put your life in danger and put his wings on the line. You see, we rarely hear of this type of...intimacy. And when we do, we're called in, more or less, to, shall we say..." His eyes turned menacing, "clean up the mess?"

I glanced to Seth, and I immediately knew the wheels in his brain were turning, trying to think of any way to get us out of this. The man continued. "You see, human women are a delicacy for us. Not edible, no no." He said, seeing my terrified expression. "I mean to say, that, even Angels enjoy a human woman every once in a while. But most of the time, we cannot handle ourselves in such a situation. Can't control ourselves. Our strength gets to be too much and the life is just..." He sighed, "sucked out of them. You notice that Seth here cannot rip out of his bonds? We know how to hold a strong Angel very well. We are trained for this, you see."

The leader scooted closer towards me. Much closer, to where I could almost feel his breath. Seth shouted from across the room while the men held him and his chair back. His chest was rising and falling fast as his eyes darted from me to the leader. "I'm quite astounded that he has not killed you yet... I'm really just very curious. How does he control himself? Or do you," he lifted his hand and I flinched away as his fingers slid across my cheek. They were oily. "Possess some sort of interesting quality that allows you to intermingle with such strength-bearing beings?"

I quirked my eyebrow. "I guess he just got lucky."

He laughed harshly, and I felt a few spit drops land on my face. I gritted my teeth together. "I guess you could say that." We all stayed silent again, staring at each other. The leader leaned back in his chair, puffing out his chest. "You know of Seth's past then?"

"Stop."

I looked to where Seth had spoken, but he was glaring at the man. I glanced back, but he was staring at me. "Can I know your name?" I asked him.

He looked amused; part of his mouth lifted. "Kai." I repeated it for emphasis. "My name is Kai, and I am a Guardian Baron. Has Seth ever told you of us, Grace?" I nodded imperceptibly, keeping my guard however. "So you know what we do then?"

I shrugged and lifted a brow. "You keep watch over the Guardians and their charges. You're higher up in rank than them."




My Guardian Angel Ch. 03



Kai nodded. "Indeed we are. We know everything about every Guardian under our command. I know all about Seth's past, including his human life. He was in love before you... did he ever tell you that?" I held my composure while inside, my heart slowed a little. I didn't look at Seth and refused to let it bother me. That was a long long time ago. Kai waited for any response from me, but continued when he saw he would get none. "A girl named Madeline. She was taken from him, and he was shattered. He was ready to end his life-"

"Kai!" Seth's voice ripped across the room. "You know what else happened. Madeline was not the one for me. She was part of your clan, she was using me." My eyes darted, trying to keep up.

But Kai was still focused on me. "He hasn't told you these things then. He should. He's breaking every law and rule in The Book for you. Don't you think you should know why?" Shaking my head, I looked down, staring at my hands. I just wanted it all to end. "He's killed, lied, manipulated-"

"Stop." Yelling from across the room, Seth leaned forward as far as he could in his chair towards Kai, gripping his fists in the restraints.

"Cheated, slandered, lusted-"

"STOP."

"Tortured, hated, massacred-" Kai was cut off by me. I was screaming, staring at him. 

"I DON'T CARE." I seethed, writing in my chair. "I don't care about his past! You don't think I know all of this? He's a Fallen Angel, I KNOW! Stop telling me this!" My eyes were bugging, and I probably looked crazy. Kai immediately stood up and walked behind me and rested his hands on my shoulders, holding me down. My heart raced.

"You care. You'll always care that you're in love with someone so monstrous." His hands started sliding lower, and I yanked forward, away from his grasp. Other hands grabbed my arms and pinned me back against the chair while Kai groped me from behind. I bit my tongue and closed my eyes, thinking I was anywhere but here while Seth yelled and raged from across the room. 

"If you fucking touch her I swear on everything I will find you and rip your heart out! I swear to everything that I will torture you beyond reason-" Seth was cut off with a hand over his mouth. Kai's lips were by my neck now. I felt his hot breath rolling down my back.

"I want to see how far I can push Seth before his rage overcomes him." He whispered, sinking his teeth into my neck. 

I screamed. Blood dripped onto my collarbone and I felt Kai's fingers brushing over the puncture wounds. He swept my hair back and licked at my neck. I stared forward with my jaw set while tears formed in my eyes. I couldn't comprehend what Seth was shouting, but I'm sure it was profane. Kai's hands continued to grope me from behind harshly. "Tell me why you're with him, Grace. Why does he lay in bed with you, risking your life by merely touching you?" He finally stopped and stood up, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. I smelled the salty rust smell of blood from my neck. "We're here to put a stop to this. Seth will no longer be your Guardian. You will go back with no memory of this, or of Seth at all. You will not remember he existed. You'll forget every touch, every kiss, everything that you ever shared with him. But he..." Kai walked over to Seth. "He will remember it all. He'll remember us as we tortured his love in front of him. He'll remember losing yet another woman he was willing to risk her life for. Because, he knew what he was doing, didn't you boy?"

Seth was staring at me, shaking his head. His eyes were locked on mine. He was mouthing something to me over and over. I started crying and mouthed, as well as I could, "I love you" back to him. 

"He deserves this. Seth was merciless before he met you. He was on his way to becoming an even higher Guardian Baron than even me." Kai smirked. "Ruthless. Everyday he was in your life, supposedly protecting you from afar, he was just putting your life even more in danger. From him, from us, and the entire Guardian race."

The 4 other men, their names evading me, approached me now. They gripped the back of my chair and hauled me over to sit in front of Seth, 4 or 5 feet away. Kai was gripping Seth's shoulders as I saw the light of a switchblade being opened by one of the men.

"IF YOU FUCKING TOUCH HER! IF YOU FUCKING TOUCH HER I'LL SLIT YOUR THROAT. DON'T YOU GO NEAR HER. I WILL KILL YOU!" Seth ripped in his chair, his eyes furious as Kai's muscled arms stood out, holding him back. Seth was shaking with rage, roaring and trying to get any foothold to get out of the bonds. 

I saw the switchblade come towards me, and I closed my eyes, hoping that Seth would too. I wouldn't scream. I wouldn't put him through that torture. 

"DON'T GO NEAR HER. GRACE, NO! I LOVE YOU-"

The tip of the blade touched my neck, and I focused on the coolness of it, keeping all my thoughts as calm as I could get them. Seth would tell my parents I loved them. He knew how much I loved him. It would be okay.



My Guardian Angel Ch. 04



I felt the pressure of the blade before I saw blood. It didn't hurt at first; the slice from my collarbone to my shoulder blade. But a second later, the stinging and searing pain arrived and I started crying. My head went forward and the pain increased. The hands on my arms tightened and I felt more blood rushing. My blood was hot as it ran down my chest and back, and I felt the blade nestle against the other side of my collarbone. 

"NooooOOOOOOOOOOO." I heard Seth's voice through the fog of my brain, but couldn't register much. The pain was overpowering most of my coherent thoughts, but I heard the scuffle happen, and then the blade was away from my neck. There was a loud grunt and thump, and my chair was knocked a little. It took strength, but I opened my eyes to see Kai laying on the ground. Blood was pooling around his mouth, and there was a tangible wound protruding from his scalp.

It was apparent that he was dead.

The other men were already fleeing. I saw their backs; black wings spread wide. The padlock door was already open, with a loud BANG, and they were off up the stairs. It wouldn't be long before they were flying, miles away from here.

Seth's hands were already on mine, undoing the bonds that held me. His hands were strong and steady, whereas mine were shaking so much that it was hard for him to release me. When he did, he stepped back and very gently helped me stand up. Wordlessly, he took off his shirt and pressed it against my neck, putting gentle pressure against it. I cried out, the pain being extremely unbearable, and Seth's nostrils flared. 

"I'm sorry Gracey... please just sit here and I'll call Brady to come take you home..." he whispered before pushing me back towards the chair, and turning without another word. He didn't leave the room, but went to the opposite side of it and spoke in hushed tones. I kept adding pressure to my neck, no matter how much it hurt. The blood was seeping through the shirt and I was starting to get dizzy. I was losing too much.

Seth was by my side again in an instant. His hand took over mine and held his now blood soaked shirt against me. His other hand ran down my arms, over my stomach, my face, looking for scratches and dents. My eye was still swollen from the hit that Kai gave me. I'd almost forgotten about him until I looked over again. The blood was a puddle beside his head, his mouth hanging open. The obvious damage to Kai's head came from the huge puncture wound and crusted blood around his hair. I instantly flinched away from Seth, not meaning to.

His jaw clenched and I never saw more hurt come into his eyes than just then. I was about to apologize, but he spoke first. "Brady's going to take you to the hospital. He already called your parents and they're on their way." His lips briefly smiled the smallest smile. "I'm sure this isn't an uncommon call for them."

I nodded, but couldn't meet his eyes. I wasn't afraid of Seth. I'd never be afraid of Seth, but I was thinking. Thinking of all the things Kai told me. What had Seth done? How much of his previous life has he not told me? "Why can't you take me...?" I whispered.

Seth didn't meet my eyes. "I think it'd be better..." He trailed off. There was the sound of footsteps up above, and moments later, Brady entered into the small warehouse room. He was windblown and was carrying a blanket. He wordlessly walked towards me, picked me up, and wrapped the blanket around me.

"Take her straight to the hospital, then straight home and make sure she's safe in her bed. I want you to take watch there all night, and I'll come if I can. I'm going after Kai's cronies." Seth spoke rapidly, looking Brady straight in the eye. Seth was only very slightly taller than Brady, yet Seth held so much more power and leadership in his posture that it was evident that Seth had better rank. "If you hear or see anything, you call me right away."

Brady nodded, and started walking away with me. I was confused. Seth wasn't coming? Wasn't that his job? To keep me safe? It wasn't Brady's... "Wait WAIT." I shouted. I was leaning back, trying to get a view of Seth. We were already 3 huge strides away from him. My eyes must've been so scared. I didn't care what Kai said. I didn't care what Seth used to be. I didn't want to be away from him.

Seth came forward slowly and took my hands. "You need to get to the hospital, Grace. You've already lost so much blood. I promise that you're going to be okay." He was looking into my eyes, portraying false hope in his. 

"I don't want you to leave me..." I whispered. Tears were forming in my eyes, and I tried to get a handle on myself. "Please don't stay away from me..."

Seth breathed deeply, then planted a quick kiss to my forehead. Then he nodded to Brady, and he was suddenly running. Running up the stairs, out onto the warehouse roof where it was a cold, but breathtaking night. The stars were beautiful here. Brady didn't hesitate to lift into the air, and then the wind was rushing in my ears. I closed my eyes as tears stung my face, and forbade myself to start sobbing. Brady turned my face towards his chest and whipped his wings faster. 

I'd never felt such pain in my entire life.

************************************************************************

Seth didn't come that night. Or the night after that. Or the next night. I stayed up, leaning out my window looking at the sky, hoping to see his shadow against the moon. But, there was nothing.

My heart started breaking then. I'd done a lot of thinking these past couple of days, not being at school. The official report to the doctors and my parents was that I'd been caught in a bar fight in downtown Greenwich. My neck and shoulder barely hurt anymore, and my eye was almost healed. I thought that after everything had died down, maybe Seth would come to me. But he hasn't so far. I haven't gone to school and missed my AP exam, but my teacher said that I could make it up anytime, and that there was no rush.

Brady kept watch over me every night since the accident. He doesn't talk much and only makes it worse because he reminds me so much of Seth. 

The fifth night after my accident, I was laying in bed and thinking of everything that had happened in the last week, tears running down my face. I'd been so happy that day, and everything turned bad in an instant. I didn't know if Seth ever caught up with the guys that worked for Kai, and Brady wouldn't tell me. He stayed outside my window all night, even thought I had offered him a seat in my room where it was much warmer. He simply shook his head and turned back towards the cloudless night. 

A quiet knock came from my window and I quickly rolled over, expecting it to be Brady. I wiped my eyes and padded across the hardwood floors lightly. The clock said it was only 1:34am. A hunched form took shape on my windowsill and I quickly opened the window to the frigid night air.

The form swung his head, then quickly ducked into my room. Seth was wearing a black jacket over torn jeans, his hair whipped around his face. I crossed my arms over my chest, hunching in on myself to keep warm while he stared at me. He quickly put the window back down again.

We stayed in silence for a while before Seth ducked his head and rubbed a hand behind his neck: a mannerism he always did when he was nervous. He opened his mouth, as if to speak, then closed it again. His dark eyes flashed against the moon when he turned his face back towards the window. It was silent between us; the only sound was me shifting from foot to foot on the cold hardwood floor.

Tentatively, I stepped forward. His eyes flashed again in the moonlight, watching me as I moved towards him. I stopped short and looked up at him. Seth gasped. "You're crying..." his voice was pained. I was flustered, and tried rubbing my eyes to get the tears to go away. I didn't know what to say. I was mad. He hadn't been here when I asked him to be. But I could never fight with Seth. We'd never even argued.

"You ignored me for 5 days..." I whispered. "You weren't even here to protect me. You sent Brady every night..." I started choking up, and Seth opened his mouth to speak, but I put my hand over it. "I don't care about your past, Seth. What Kai said... it doesn't matter to me. I know what I was signing up for when I fell in love with you. You gave me plenty of warning in the beginning. As a Fallen angel... I'd expect you to have... done things that I probably wouldn't approve of. You've been alive for... so long. And I don't expect you to tell me everything about your past, really. I do understand. But I just..." tears were falling now, and I tried keeping them back, "... do you not want to be my Guardian anymore? I understand with e-everything that's h-happened that you'd be scared to be with me anymore, but I don't like the thought of losing you. It's your decision... I...I'll understand."

I could feel Seth's gaze on me, but I refused to meet it. My heart was racing and I felt the heat coming off of his body. "Are you scared of me?" He asked, his voice surprisingly gruff.

"No." I answered easily.

He breathed deeply, and I felt his hands trail up my arms. "I never want to leave you Grace. I will do everything there is to keep you safe. There were necessary things I had to get done..." he trailed off, his thumbs stroking my arms.

"Did you kill them?" I asked, finally looking him in the eyes. There was no fear in mine, and after a minute of searching for any, he finally answered.

"The one who cut you." 

I nodded again, suddenly very tired. "I do want to discuss things with you. But I'll never fear you, Seth. I know that you're different now..." I tilted my head up towards him, staring straight into his dark eyes. I could almost see my reflection in them. He was breathing hard and he finally pulled me against his chest, holding me tightly, careful not to touch the scar on my neck.

"They hurt you... I let them hurt you..." Seth's arms tightened around me with the anger he felt towards himself. I squirmed my arms out of his and twined them around his neck, gently massaging his neck and back. He inhaled deeply, a frustrated breath, and leaned his forehead against mine. "I had never thought about it before. What the Guardian Baron's might do when they found out. I guess because a relationship like ours has never happened before." He stopped talking for a while, and I just stayed, listening to our steady breathing. "Gracey, for all my life, I'll never forgive myself for indirectly hurting you. For not saving you." His jaw clenched, and I turned my head a little to kiss his lips. Finally his jaw relaxed and he kissed me back. "We have to be careful..." he whispered when I tugged on his shirt. I nodded and tried kissing him again, but he caught both of my wrists gently and looked into my eyes. "Kai wasn't lying... with my strength..." he went on, reaching out and stroking my cheek, "I could easily hurt you. You have to tell me if I ever do. Immediately. Okay?"

Again, I nodded and slid my hands up the front of his shirt. My hands slipped past his jacket and it fell to the floor. Muscle was tensed under his skin, with veins twining. I truly felt his strength. My fingers crept over the crease in his elbow and up his biceps. Seth was staring at me. His breath fanned across my face. So much that I could almost taste him. When I got to his chest, I whispered for him to take off his shirt. He stayed staring at me, then swiftly took off the white cotton shirt he'd had on under his black jacket. 

My forehead came up to about his nose, and I could feel his lips resting against me, trembling. His hands were at my waist, and we were almost completely pressed against each other. Fingers slipped past my shirt fabric and gently touched my hips, moving forward, drawing invisible lines from hips to belly button. I breathed deeply and let his fingers send shivers of pleasure down my body. I felt, rather than saw, him smile. My hands slipped from his chest down to his abs, then lower to where his jeans rested perfectly on his hips. Shakingly, I undid the button in his jeans, then slowly looked up into his eyes. Seth blinked, then smiled softly, holding my gaze while his fingers still stroked my tummy. 

We walked backwards to my bed, Seth tugging up my shirt while I tugged down his jeans. My hair was static against the fabric of my shirt, and fell softly against my shoulders. Seth's lips found mine. His tongue traced my bottom lip while I breathed him in. Strong hands made their way down my hips to my thighs. He gripped the backs of my thighs and picked me up easily. I instantly wrapped my legs around his waist, feeling his need for me on the inside of my thighs. I was only in panties and a bra now, and I so badly wanted Seth to take the rest of our clothes off. Instead, he swayed a little while we kissed more passionately, and gently pressed me against the wall beside my bed. I whimpered softly against his lips, trying to tell him how much I wanted him. 

Seth's fingers slipped past my panties and I gasped and leaned my head back when he touched me. I could tell I was wet by the way Seth's breathing increased and his kissing became more urgent. I felt his hips thrusting very slightly against mine and I moaned in his ear. With confidence, my hand found its way down to Seth's hardness and I gently started stroking him. He was trembling and gasped my name when my thumb circled around the head, feeling his precum. Seth groaned loudly, then gripped my panties and pulled them. They ripped easily and he let them fall to the floor, but both of us were past noticing. I pulled him to me with my legs. His hand came to rest on my neck, and we stared at each other for just a second. Seth's eyes were steady, but his lips were shaking while I stroked him. Kissing, he moved his lips to my collarbone and started pushing in me.

My lips opened, and I reached my hand back, grasping for anything to grip besides his back. I found the top of the windowsill and gripped it so hard while Seth pulled back and thrusted further in me. I moaned his name loudly and felt his teeth on my collarbone. His boxers were still around his hips. He was gripping my thighs and thrusting so hard in me that he pushed me up the wall a little.

Seth groaned then pulled me away from the wall, and turned to lay us down on the bed. I instantly grabbed his hips and pulled him back to me. My breasts were bouncing with each thrust, and I whispered in his ear that I wanted him to kiss me everywhere. Kisses started at my neck, very soft there, then moved to my breasts, where Seth sucked and very very gently nibbled. The only sound we could hear was our bodies moving together and harsh breathing. I gripped the back of the headboard and arched my hips out towards him. He pulled back and gripped them. I rolled my hips to match his thrusts. Seth whispered "Fuck" under his breath when he felt me clenching around him.

His thumb stroked my clit, making my mouth open and my breath come out in a woosh. My thighs gripped his waist harder, feeling an orgasm coming. He leaned back over me, thrusting so hard, pulling his hard member all the way out and thrusting back in me. He grunted a little, and I answered softly in his ear. Finally, my fingers pressed hard into his back and I exploded around him, crying out his name and contracting around him while the biggest orgasm came over me. Seth kept pushing and pulling in and out of me while I came down from my high. His mouth covered mine, breathing me in. He whispered my name, and I nodded, biting his shoulder and pressing my hand against his lower back. He arched into me, gripping my hips, and his breath came out as a shudder into my mouth. Sweat covered our bodies, and I felt him tense and release inside of me. I cried out his name again, breathing hard and wrapping myself around him.

Seth kept his grip on my hips and his chest kept heaving against mine. His grip tightened a small amount, to where it almost hurt. I felt his hips still gyrating the smallest amount before he pulled out of me, tugging my body with him to lay across my bed. Our breathing was slowly going back to normal. A blush entered my cheeks and collarbone when I thought of how passionate we had just been. Seth smiled when he saw and kissed my forehead. He moved his lips to hover over mine, and he mouthed "I love you" against me. I nodded. "Good." I whispered, before laying my head against his shoulder and interlacing our fingers together. 

When I looked up in his eyes again a little while later, I saw a love that shone brightly, and underneath that, protectiveness, and, if I wasn't mistaken, something almost possessive. 

To be honest, it only turned me on more.

I rolled back on top of him, surprising him before I started kissing his chest, and snaking my way down his body. Seth's hands caught my arms before letting me continue, all the while looking up at him with love.



My Guardian Angel Pt. 01



Chapter One:

I am what I consider a rather mousy young woman. I grew up the daughter of strict Southern Baptists who constantly preached the sins of the flesh and the vanity of appearance. As a result, I was shy, introverted, had no friends – male or female – and kept pretty much to myself. Even as I grew into a teenager, I would suppress any feelings of self-worth and subject myself to the overpowering presence of my parents.

Needless to say, I was very lonely. My only acquaintances were from the Bible classes that were mandatory and, on the large they were not much different from me. Many saw their life mission as going out into the wider world to save souls.

In this, I was a misfit. For some reason, I had to believe there was more to life than this! I couldn't imagine living the life as a missionary especially when my parents advised me, at the age of 18, that they had picked out a suitable husband for me and we were to be wed in six months just before setting out on a mission to Angola. When Jacob was invited to dinner to meet his prospective bride, I thought I would be ill; he was at least twenty years my senior and a gaunt foul smelling creature.

I suffered through the dinner and then excused myself to go to my room, ostensibly to study my Bible and pray. I needed to get away from that terrible man. As I ran up the stairs and paused to listen at the top, I heard my parents and Jacob planning the wedding and the immediate departure on the mission. My God, I thought, what am I to do?

That night, I tossed and turned but couldn't sleep; I came to the realization around 2:00 am that my only hope was to escape from under my families control before it became worse. I bided my time for a couple of months, secreting away the few paltry dollars I made working in the mercantile store in our little town just off the main highway. Even though I could hear the noise of traffic on the freeway so close at night, it might as well as been a world away. I suppose, in fact, it was.

Finally, I made the choice one stormy night. As usual, after evening prayers, my family retired for the night by 9:30 pm. I waited for two hours until I was sure my parents were asleep and then slipped silently out the back door with my meager belongings stuffed in a pillow case (we never traveled so we had no suitcases) and $87 in my pocket. I left a note on the kitchen table simply saying goodbye and that I couldn't live this life any longer. I told them I loved them and would be in touch when I found my way.

The wind was brisk and tore at my thin coat as I made my way to the bustling highway. Since I knew nothing of the world, I simply started to walk in a randomly chosen direction along the side of the relatively quiet road. At this hour there was little traffic and they all whizzed by without a second glance at me. 

After a few miles and two hours or so (I guessed) of walking, it started to rain and I was soon shivering with the cold as I became soaked o the skin. I looked for some shelter and saw an elm tree right beside the road so I crawled as close to the trunk as possible and under the sheltering branches. 

Without realizing it, my body temperature started to fall and I fell into a deep sleep – partially from exhaustion but mostly as hypothermia started to take over. I felt the blackness overpowering and then everything went blank.

Chapter Two:

The overwhelming heat awoke me; my vision was blurred so it was as if my eyes were coated with some kind of film. However, I felt cocooned in warm blankets and couldn't move my arms or legs. I drifted in and out of consciousness several times until I heard quiet footfalls and then the settling of the mattress as someone sat beside me. I struggled to open my eyes only to hear a soft southern drawl "Easy, Cher" as a warm face cloth covered my eyes. "Try to rest some more; you had a close brush with death and need your rest" I drifted off again.

When I next regained consciousness, the room was quiet and only the light of the full moon through partially drawn sheer drapes lit my surroundings. I tried to rise only to collapse on the floor with a thud. Quickly, footsteps sounded in the hall outside my room and the door flew open to reveal the silhouette of a tall willowy creature haloed by the light behind. 

"Cher" she said in a husky voice for it was surely a woman. "You shouldn't be trying to walk so soon. You are still very weak."

I managed to rasp out, my throat very, very dry. "Who are you? Where am I" I was very frightened!

"You are safe, Cher. My name is Tamara Thornhill and you are safe in my home"

"How...how long have I been here? And how did I get here" I questioned, more confused than ever.

"I'll answer the last question first. I was driving home in a huge storm and barely saw a sodden bundle of rags next to the old elm tree a few miles before I reached home. I almost didn't stop – it was the middle of the night". As she spoke, strong arms were lifting me back onto the comfort of the big soft bed and covering me with a warm comforter. "As to how long you have been here, well Cher, you have been tossing and turning in a near coma for almost two months now"

"Two months! Oh my God; my parents must be.." Then I recalled the circumstances under which I had left home and decided to not say any more.

"Don't fear, darlin'. I have had my friend the doctor in to see to you several times and he reassured me that all you needed was to keep warm, rest and drink lots of fluids. I can tell you that trying to get liquids into a comatose patient is a true challenge to my nursing skills!"

I fell back against the downy pillow as Tamara lit some candles around the room. I could see it was a very feminine room with lots of pastels and frills. Compared with what I had grown up knowing, it looked like something from a fairy tale – not that I grew up on those. As I checked my surroundings, I took a moment to glance shyly at my guardian angel. I would have guessed her age at late twenties to early thirties, slim, fairly plain in facial features but with piercing grey eyes with what looked like flecks of gold in the candle light. Her crowning glory was a thick mane of flaming red hair that was tied in a French braid that twisted thickly all the way down her back and over her firm rounded bum.

I felt a strange comfort accompanied by a weird feeling that I shouldn't be staring so overtly at her. As if sensing my eyes upon her, she glanced over her shoulder and smiled saying "Do you like what you see, Cher?

I blushed and stammered out my apologies for my rudeness. I was so embarrassed, I began to sob uncontrollably and she sat down beside me and cradled me in her arms as she rocked me against her soft chest. I suddenly felt so protected and warm that I threw my arms about her waist and thanked her over and over again for saving me. She would have nothing of my apologies and instead, she held me at arm's length and admonished me saying "We'll just forget about the past and let's see if we can get you into a warm bath to soak while I make us some dinner.

With a sudden realization, I cried out "Mrs. Thornhill! Is this your bedroom I have to sleeping in all this time? Oh ma'am, I'm so sorry! How terrible of me to put you out. I'll leave right now!"

"First of all, Cher, yes it is my room and I have been sleeping very comfortably in my guest room right next door so I hear you if you needed me. And second, you are going nowhere until you are better and that means until I say so. Finally, please call me Tami or if you must, Tamara. Now lay there while I get that hot bath ready for you and I will come and help you get into it"

I watched her as she moved so gracefully out the door and lay there wondering why I was feeling so tingly and warm all of a sudden. This had to be more than just a feeling of being safe and cared for the first time in my life. Or didn't it?

Chapter Three:

As I lay there listening to the sounds of running water down the hall, I ran my hands over my body and, for the first time, realized that I was wearing a soft, cozy nightgown. I had never owned such a luxury in my life and with that thought came the one that it must have been Tamara who undressed me. No one had seen me naked since I was 5 years old since my parents taught me the naked body is a sin so there were no mirrors in our house (vanity and all that!). Even I didn't know what I looked like but always felt self-conscious even around my cousins who looked so different on the rare occasions our family got together. They, at least, were raised under less strict rules than I and could wear somewhat brighter clothing and their mother, my aunt, would curl their hair for special occasions. 

But back to the problem of my own body - how embarrassed I felt to have been exposed to Tamara's beautiful eyes. Her body was so perfect and mine surely faded into nothing in comparison.

Just as I was running my hands over the soft material of the nightgown, Tamara returned to the room and lifted the covers off me; I cringed a bit in embarrassment as she had changed into a short silk gown and I could see the delicate curve of her small breast as she leaned down to help me to my feet.

"What is wrong, Cher? You look as if I am going to bite you!" she asked with a soft smile.

"Why do you always call me Cher?"

"Well, I was raised in New Orleans in the French Quarter. My father was a minor city politico while mama was a very expensive whore." She saw my look of shock and the throaty laugh caught me off guard (although the movement of her unfettered breasts under the silk did not). "Don't be shocked, Cher. It was all quite respectable in its day. Papa married his whore and they still live happily in their little home in Biloxi. As to how I talk, southern drawl and all, Cher, that is my Creole mama coming through. Now enough questions; take my hand and put your arm around my waist so I can help you to the bath"

As my arm wrapped around her slim waist, I felt strangely affected by the closeness of her, my guardian angel. The warmth of her skin oozed through the thin silk and her arm under mine in support allowed her hand to brush softly across my breast. I suddenly felt a warm liquidy feeling in my centre that I had never experienced before. I was still in wonder as we entered the large bathroom filled with lit scented candles and as the center piece a huge claw footed bathtub filled with steaming water and sparkling bubbles.

"OK, Cher. Off with the nightgown and crawl into the tub. I will help you get settled and wash your back and then you can finish bathing yourself and soak while I make us some food."

Embarrassed I stood, waiting for her to leave. She only laughed and approaching me, said "My love. While you have been sleeping in my bed, did you think I would leave you unwashed for two months? I have bathed you every day and given you a clean nightgown each time. You have a lovely body and should be proud to show it"

I turned red with shame as I explained my background and that I had never seen myself naked in my life and I was taught that nudity is a mortal sin. 

Laughing with that wonderful throaty sound, she took my hand and walked me into the closest bedroom, which, from the scented air, I could tell was the room where she had been sleeping. Against the wall stood a huge mirror on a brass stand and Tam stood me before it. Moving behind me, she reached down and grasped the hem of my gown and whisked it over my head. I squeezed my eyes shut so I wouldn't have to see; bad enough that she could see my shameful body.

I heard a rustle behind me and then heard her voice in my ear. "Open your eyes, Cher and see how beautiful you are. Beside you, I am nothing!"

Chapter Four:

Slowly my eyes opened and I gasped. Reflected in the mirror were two naked women and my breath was taken from me as I gazed at the glorious body standing beside me. She was only slightly taller than I with a voluptuous figure with small breasts tipped with pink nubs and crinkly darker pink circles around them. I had to be educated later that I was admiring her nipples and aureoles. Her tummy was slightly rounded and, as my eyes traveled a little lower, I noted the small reddish thatch of curly hair at the juncture of her legs. A splash of reddish freckles spread across her breasts and the bridge of her nose.

"Oh, Tami! You are so beautiful!" I gushed, never having seen anything to compare her to. Somehow though, I just knew that this was a truly gorgeous woman. 

"Enough of me, Cher! Look at yourself – your body is so beautiful, it makes me want to cry"

I tore my eyes from her reflection and turned a critical eye upon myself. My brown hair – usually unkempt – was brushed to a gleaming sheen thanks to Tami's care. My face was narrow but not unpleasant I suppose although I did like the slight upturn of my small nose and the bright blue eyes that returned my gaze. My lips were full and slightly pouty but when I smiled tentatively, I could see gleaming white teeth hidden inside. I had little reason to smile in my old life (dare I consider this a new one?) so this was a new experience for me. The smile seemed to transform my face.

As my eyes traveled nervously lower in the mirror, I was surprised to see a pair of perky conical breasts with upturned nipples of a rosy red. As I admired them, I felt and saw them appear to grow a little longer and more pronounced. Tami must have seen the look of alarm pass over my face as my hands flew to cover myself.

"Cher; that is a perfectly normal reaction to either cooler air or some other stimulation such as becoming excited or aroused sexually. There is no sin; in fact, it is God's gift to men and women that allows them to enjoy each other. If there is any question in your mind, here" taking my hand in her small one, '"feel mine"

As I watched as if in a trance, Tami lifted my hand to her breast and brushed it softly across the warm flesh. It was so warm and silky until my fingers met her nipple. I tried to pull my hand away – this was all wrong yet it felt so right – as I could feel the hot hardening of her nipple under my hand. I didn't even notice her own hand stealing over my right breast until it was cupped gently in her hand and her thumb brushed over my nipple. I cried out in shock and pleasure as feelings I would never imagined coursed through my body.

As soon as it started, it was over and I felt a strange sense of loss. Following her direction, I continued to examine my body in the cheval mirror following the lines of my flat tummy and down to a full bush of hair at the top of my slim legs. I had to admit that perhaps I wasn't so mousy after all. In my excitement, I turned and fiercely hugged Tami close to my body thanking her tearfully for helping me to see myself as I am for the first time. I felt free!

Then, chagrined, I quickly untangled my arms from around her neck and backed away from that feel of her firm breasts against my own. As she smiled at me, she assured me that it was her pleasure, both the help and the hug! Then she directed me back to the steaming tub and took my hand while I stepped in. I settled with a contented sigh into the neck deep water as Tami knelt beside the tub. Urging me to sit up, she took a soft cloth and after soaping it with a fragrant bar, started to wash my back. As she reached lower, her breasts swayed against my shoulder and I felt that heat in my loins again. I turned towards her angelic face – now so close to mine – and fazed into those mesmerizing eyes. 

I felt drawn closer and closer until I felt the soft butterfly light kiss of her lips on mine. It felt like a jolt of electricity passed through my body and I jumped nervously away. 

"I am sorry, Cher; I have wanted to do that since I first laid you in my bed. Please forgive me for frightening you. I wouldn't hurt you no matter what. I should leave now so you can soak"

As she started to stand, I reached out a soapy hand and asked meekly "What if I don't want you to leave me? What if I asked you to join me here and help wash me?" 

She smiled and was soon seated behind me in the large tub as some of the water splashed over the sides. The tub was wide enough for her to wrap her long slim legs around my waist and to pull me against her chest. I could feel her firm nipples pressing against my back as I laid my head on her shoulder. Her lips found my ear and as she caressed my breasts in soapy circled, she whispered "You frighten me, Cher; my feelings for you are scaring me and I don't want to lose you"

With a trembling breath, I responded as I turned my face to hers, "Kiss me again and we will see, my loving Guardian Angel"

..to be continued 



My Guardian Angel Pt. 02



Chapter 5:

We lay there as the steam rose to the ceiling above the tub and the mirror clouded over. I was completely lost - and very confused about where I was and, in particular, my bizarre behaviour. Here I was, lying in a bathtub, naked, with another woman who, although she had saved my life, was a complete stranger. And I had not only hugged her nude body, I had initiated a kiss! I am very frightened about what might come next but the feel of Tami's legs wrapped around me and her hands cupping my breasts just feels so good; I have never felt so loved before!

Tami climbed out of the steaming tub first and held her hand out to assist me; the heat of the oiled water and her hands on my body followed by my kiss of commitment, had left me lightheaded.

She wrapped my body lovingly in a big warm bath sheet and gently patted me dry. As she ran the soft fluffy material between my legs, I could feel myself becoming wet with desire and need for her hand on my bare skin. She quickly dried me off and, taking me by the hand, led me into her dim bedroom where the king size bed dominated the room. Throwing off the quilted comforter, she helped me to lie on my back in the middle of the linen sheets. She smiled at me. "Just a moment, Cher; I want to relight some candles. I want to see you as I love you"

I lay there trembling in a combination of fear and anticipation not knowing what "love" meant. It was simply something I had never experienced before. I wondered if the warmth in my heart for this strange woman was something akin to love.

Tami turned to me and, lifting her hands behind her head, pulled the long French braid of her flaming hair over her shoulder. In the most seductive manner I could imagine, she slowly untied and untwisted the long skein of thick hair until it hung loose over her left breast. Using her fingers and shaking her head wildly, she completely sent her glorious russet shining mass of beauty cascading all the way down her back to her bum! It was gorgeous and I gasped as she took a silver handled brush off the table; what was she doing now?

As an answer, she bent from the waist and let her tresses tumble forward until they almost reached the floor. She then quickly proceeded to fiercely brush out the tangles until her hair shone in the candlelight. Standing once more and replacing the brush, her tresses of shining red hair fell in masses around her shoulders, covering her back and also, in wispy tendrils, spread over her small upturned breasts. 

All I could think of was the picture I had seen in an art book in the school library. I think it was called Venus Arising from the Sea or something like that and this rather chubby (Tami was definitely not that!) lady with long hair blowing around her body was standing in a seashell. Of course, when I was found looking such prurient images, the librarian informed my parents and I was punished severely.

Tami smiled and assured me in a husky voice as she crawled over the foot of the bed and towards me, "Rest easy Cher. Nothing is going to happen that will hurt you. Any time you want to stop, just say so"

With that, she slowly crawled over me and swayed her hair over the length of my body in undulating waves. The feather light touch was amazing and creating feelings in me that were totally unfamiliar. I didn't know if this was making love but whatever it was called, my body was responding by getting warm and I was moaning softly as her hair brushed across my breasts. I could feel a heat between my legs and felt like I might pee soon if she didn't stop. I realized only later that I was verging on the brink of my first orgasm but Tami wanted to draw it out.

Chapter 6:

I felt like my body was drowning in her hair; it covered my flanks and my face with its fragrant cover - a virtual tent protecting me in its wondrous glory - as she lowered her lips to mine in a heart wrenching whisper soft kiss. A slight probing of her tongue and my mouth felt on fire as it inched its way inward. My own welcomed the intrusion and for what seemed an eternity, our tongues dueled for some sort of supremacy. 

My hands buried themselves in her titian tresses and twisted them tightly as I yearned for more! The kisses grew longer and hotter as we became lost in each other. Even though her lips danced over mine with a tenderness I could scarce believe, I desired more. I needed to feel her take me with an urgency I couldn't fathom and I cried out whenever her mouth left mine. I felt so abandoned!

"Please! More!" I begged. And with a smile that warmed my heart, she obeyed and I found myself gasping for breath as she sucked my tongue deep inside her mouth. I could feel my legs soaking and I was so afraid I had peed on myself and her that I pushed her away apologizing for my lack of control.

"Cher! My sweet love! You haven't peed," she assured me as she smiled. "You are simply cumming with pleasure. That is the sign a woman gives as she feels great erotic pleasure – she gushes forth with the most tasty and delightful nectar" With that said, she sat up on my thighs and scooped a handful of the 'stuff' I was pouring forth and brought her hand to her mouth to lick it almost clean as she purred with satisfaction. 

Her fingers, still glistening with my issue, approached my nose and mouth. "Here, Cher; smell and taste yourself. It is a taste that once experienced will never be forgotten" I sniffed tentatively (it was somewhat musky but not unpleasant) and then opened my mouth in a small O. Tami slipped her wet finger slowly between my lips and, as my tongue ran around it, I was amazed and stunned at how good it tasted. I was soon sucking her finger like a small cock (now where did that comparison come from; I had never seen one or even heard the word?)

As I sucked and Tami sat straddling my thigh, I felt a warm stream of wetness on my leg. I looked down to see Tami's hips moving slowly back and forth on my leg and my thigh was getting wetter and hotter. As she started to move faster, I released her finger from my mouth and reached instinctively up to touch her breasts. Her nipples grew into my hands and she groaned "Squeeze them, my darling! Pull on them, please!"

As I did, I felt them growing harder as I watched Tami start to toss her head around, her eyes closed and her hair flying wildly in all directions. She was rubbing herself harder and faster on my leg and her cries were starting to frighten me. In fear, I released her nipples but she grabbed my hands and placed them back as her one hand disappeared between her legs and started pistoning madly. With a final scream, she shook uncontrollably only to fall forward on top of me. 

She was breathing in shuddering gasps as she kissed the side of my neck and whispered in my ear "Thanks my Cher! I have wanted that since I first saw you in my bed. Give me a minute to rest and I will explain what just happened. Then, my love, it will be your turn!"

...to be continued