The Gift Read online

  The Gift

  Dark Warrior Alliance Holiday Novella

  Brenda Trim

  Tami Julka

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Untitled

  EXCERPT FROM Dragon Knight of Khoth BOOK #17

  Authors’ Note

  FREE eBook!

  Copyright © November 2018 by Brenda Trim and Tami Julka

  Editor: Amanda Fitzpatrick

  Cover Art by Damon Trim

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writers’ imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

  WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction of this work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  All rights reserved. With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the authors.

  Created with Vellum

  The next time you’re faced with something unexpected, unwanted and uncertain…consider that it just might be a GIFT!

  1

  “You still brooding over that charge of yours?” the angel asked, startling Arial from her reverie. Arial should have known better than to try and hide her thoughts from her best friend.

  Arial’s wings fluttered behind her back, and her mouth twisted. “No,” she denied and tossed a half-smile at the purple-winged angel.

  She met Zakara’s doubtful gaze, and then her eyes immediately shifted to the small, black horns poking up from the top of Kara’s head. She was the only horned angel that Arial knew, and their meaning shook Arial to her core, reminding her how grateful she was to have her friend back after so long.

  Zakara was outcast from Heaven, along with Lucifer and many other defiant angels, millions of years before and lived in the Underworld as a fallen angel until she fled the Dark Lord and escaped to Earth. Thankfully, Fate intervened and Zakara met and fell in love with Ramiel, and Angel of Retribution.

  After helping Rami save a young vampire from the devil’s clutches, Kara earned her wings back and rejoined the celestial realm. The fact that her friend was no longer a Fallen was a miracle, but even more surprising was Kara’s union with Rami. It was the unlikeliest match Arial had ever witnessed.

  As if her thoughts summoned the male, Ramiel strode into the small establishment and bee-lined toward Zakara. His massive black wings bristled with his movement, and the metal-tipped feathers scraped against one another. It reminded Arial of fingernails on a chalkboard, and a shudder ran down her spine.

  The leather-clad male was the most lethal of his kind. Angels of Retribution hunted and punished those who committed criminal acts or wrongdoings against another. Sometimes the punishment was death and, if rumors were true, Ramiel enjoyed his job a little too much. He intimidated Arial like he did most angels, but Zakara wasn’t fazed by the domineering male.

  “Hey, sexy,” Rami muttered and swept Kara into his arms as he claimed her mouth.

  Her friend wrapped her arms around Ramiel’s neck, and their kiss quickly heated. Arial turned away, embarrassed by the couple’s display of affection. The sexual tension between them was tangible, and Arial couldn’t help but think of Ren, the human male Kara accused her of brooding over. Brooding wasn’t the term she’d use. Fantasizing was more accurate.

  What she wouldn’t give to know the taste of his lips. And she couldn’t count the times she’d imagined his strong arms around her as he made love to her.

  Nearby whispers caught Arial’s attention. She glanced at a group of Joybringers pointing toward Zakara and Ramiel. Their disapproval was obvious, and Arial rolled her eyes. Like they weren’t wishing it was them in the throes of passion with a gorgeous male. The females’ chatter snagged Zakara’s attention, as well, and she pulled away from Ramiel, eyeing the group.

  “Hey, Prudezillas. If you don’t like me kissing my mate, then leave,” Zakara spouted and grabbed Rami’s hand, tugging him toward Arial’s small table. That was Kara, alright. The female held nothing back.

  “Now, back to our discussion,” Zakara said as she laced her arm through Ramiel’s. “Don’t try and deny that you’re daydreaming of your Romeo,” she added with a smirk.

  “Kara!” Arial countered and glanced at Ramiel as heat flushed her cheeks.

  “Looks like I interrupted girl time. I’ll leave you two to talk. Just wanted to say I’m leaving. Duty calls,” Ramiel informed his mate with a wink then pecked Kara on the cheek.

  “Go get ‘em, Tiger,” Zakara replied, and swatted Rami’s ass as he turned to leave, making him smile broadly.

  Arial remembered a time, not long ago, when the surly angel wore a constant grimace. Rami had a chip the size of Saturn atop his shoulders. There was little evidence of that male now, thanks to Kara. And, her friend was vastly different, as well, compared to her previous time in Heaven as a Joybringer. The horrific scars along her spine told of the suffering she experienced while under Lucifer’s command. Arial couldn’t bring herself to ask the details, but she told Zakara that if she ever wanted to talk about it, she would listen without judgement.

  Still, Arial was happy the purple-haired angel was back in her life. She’d missed her sarcasm and sharp tongue, as well as, her brutal in-your-face honesty. If Arial were honest, it was the reason she came to the bakery today. For a dose of what she needed to hear.

  Watching the couple, Arial acknowledged she’d learned a valuable lesson. Love conquered all, no matter what. She wanted a small slice of that happiness.

  “So, spill it. What’s new with Ren and his baby blues?” Kara teased with a wink.

  Arial couldn’t help but laugh as she stirred her coffee. Unfortunately, her friend was right. She couldn’t stop thinking about Ren, or his incredible eyes. Zakara knew Arial better than anyone else. In fact, Arial hadn’t even acknowledged her obsession with the sexy but damaged human until Kara confronted her.

  “Nothing new to tell,” Arial replied with a huff then put her palm up to stall Kara’s objection. “Seriously. I’m just trying to figure out where I’m going wrong. I should’ve gotten through to him after all this time, yet I continue to fail. I’m certain that Raphael would take my wings over this one if he could. Five years I’ve visited Ren, and he hates himself as much today as he did at the height of his addiction.”

  “Oh, that’s bullshit, and you know it. That man is off drugs because of you,” Zakara countered as she walked to the large display of pastries and grabbed an oversized chocolate cupcake, setting it in front of Arial.

  Arial’s mouth watered and her stomach did little flips at the sight of the perfectly decorated muffin. Kara made the best cakes and pastries known to mankind. Her bakery, Sweet Indulgence, stayed busy from open to close. To say Heaven was addicted to her delicious treats was an understatement.

  Arial looked up and pursed her lips, “Thanks. Nice shirt, by the way.”

  “Mack is master of the heat press,” Kara mumbled as she ran a hand over her top that said ‘Whatever Sprinkles Your Donut’ in glittery, purple vinyl. Arial didn’t know Mack but had heard stories about the sarcastic human female. This Mack obviously knew Kara because the shirt fit her personality perfectly.

  “Now, back to you. I see that twinkle in your eyes. You’re fantasizing about introducing Ren to hot angel sex. Bow-chick-a-wow-wow,” Zakara chimed. />
  Arial giggled as Kara swiveled her hips seductively. The table of Joybringers began whispering again as they stared at Zakara. She found her friend’s irreverence refreshing, and it was one of the things Arial loved about the new Zakara. Heaven needed to loosen up and stay in touch with what was real. Not everything was rainbows and sunshine. Sure, they had Bladz, but only the Angels of Retribution, the Warrior Angels, and rebels went to the less-than-holy bar. On the other hand, Sweet Indulgence was visited by every angel no matter how conservative.

  “Okay, okay. So, Ren’s handsome, but I’ve still failed him. All my other charges have found forgiveness after, at most, a few years. I’ve been visiting Ren for more than five years and…nothing,” Arial admitted as she threw her hands up in defeat.

  “You’re overthinking. And, Raphael has you at a disadvantage, relegating you to dreams. How effective can you be when Ren assumes it’s not real and writes off your advice as wishful thinking?” Zakara suggested as she glanced to the Joybringers then rubbed her horns and flared her purple wings, reminding them she was a returned Fallen.

  Arial realized Heaven was still adjusting to Zakara’s presence, but most of the heavenly host saw her as a shining example of hope, and how they shouldn’t give up on the Fallen. Everyone, no matter how wretched, deserved another chance.

  “I’ve told you I can’t go and see him. Anyway, what would I say?” Arial muttered as her mind immediately went to having dinner with Ren, or better yet, celebrating the upcoming Christmas holiday with him.

  Zakara plopped down on the seat across from Arial and ran a cloth over one side of the colorful, but scarred tabletop. “You tell him you’ve been in love with him for years and you want to do the horizontal mambo.”

  “I can’t say that!” Arial blurted then covered her mouth when her voice echoed throughout the small bakery.

  “Sure you can. You just choose not to. I know you have your reasons, but in my opinion, it’s total crap. I get that there are rules regarding charges, but there are times when it’s necessary to break them,” Kara spouted with a tilt of her head.

  Arial picked up her cupcake, peeled back the wrapper, and took a bite. Sugary sweet icing and spongy cake made her eyes roll back in her head as she let out a low moan. “These are delicious,” she murmured. “How do you make something this big so soft and moist? Every time I try my hand at baking, they come out dry or undercooked.”

  “I have a special touch, just ask Rami. He’ll tell you all about my magical hands,” Kara chuckled with a smirk.

  “I hope you’re making these for the holiday party. And, I know we haven’t exchanged gifts in too many years to count, but I want a dozen of these for my present. In case you were wondering,” Arial suggested with a grin, and took another bite.

  Zakara smiled brightly and sat taller. She truly enjoyed what she did and had real talent. Thank God Raphael welcomed Zakara back into the fold. “Yep, these are on the menu for the party. And, you just gave me an idea. It doesn’t matter what you say to your man. Just give him one of these. Or, better yet, eat one in front of him, and he won’t be able to resist your sexy sounds as you enjoy the treat. Try slowly licking the frosting from a finger. It’ll drive him wild,” she offered with a wink.

  Arial smacked her friend on the shoulder and shook her head. “I can’t visit him…can I?”

  Zakara leaned over the table and grabbed Arial’s hands. “Of course you can. Trust me. I nearly ignored the urges that drove me to Ramiel, and that would’ve been my greatest mistake. He is my everything, Ari. Fate drew us together. Who’s to say that’s not what’s happening to you? There’s a reason you can’t stop thinking about him, and it has nothing to do with your assignment or lack of forgiveness on his part.”

  Arial cocked her head and considered her friend’s words. It sure felt like something more than unfulfilled expectations. Thoughts of Ren consumed her to the point that her favorite time of day was bedtime when she visited his dreams.

  “You’re right,” Arial announced. “I’m going to see him,” she added the moment her decision was final. She crossed her fingers Raphael would approve her request. After all, she surmised, it was with Ren’s best interest at heart.

  “That’s my girl,” Kara whooped and raised her palm, high-fiving Arial.

  Arial decided not to tell her friend she was asking permission first. She knew Kara’s position on that front, but there was only so far Arial felt comfortable pushing Raphael’s limits.

  Tossing his phone onto the coffee table, Ren glared at the object then shifted his gaze to the living room window. Colored lights on the house across the street reflected off the glass, and the sight made the knot in his chest tighten.

  It was nearly Christmas, and Chicago was blanketed in snow and holiday cheer. But not for Ren.

  Another year had come and gone, making it five years since he talked with his family. Was he destined to suffer the rest of his life for the abhorrent things he did while in the throes of addiction?

  Ren glanced to the phone again. It beckoned him like a siren’s song. But, what would he say to his father if he answered? Hi, Dad. Sorry for pawning mom’s only family heirloom for drugs. So, can I come over for Christmas? I really miss you and my life is empty and meaningless, But, hey, great news! I’m not using anymore.

  Ren sighed as he played the conversation in his mind. As if being sober for five years made up for what he’d done to his parents. Anxiety rushed through his system, and his hands trembled as Ren thought about his past actions. He clenched his fists as he fought the urge to rush to the street corner for a fix. As badly as he wanted to get fucked up and forget his miseries, Ren knew he’d regret it. He accepted the fact that he would always crave the high, but he couldn’t go down that dark road again. Ever.

  He glanced at the clock hanging on the wall. His NA meeting wasn’t for two hours, which meant he needed to find a distraction. He quickly jumped from the sofa and walked to the small fireplace in the corner of his living room. Ren picked up the medallion sitting on the mantle and stared at the coin that represented his five-year mark of sobriety. It was the only thing he owned that held meaning to him.

  He went to the hall closet and grabbed the container of miscellaneous items, thinking there must be a roll of wrapping paper inside. He dug through the bin and found a small box and an unopened package of various holiday styles he’d bought from the Girl Scout down the street. Ren carefully wrapped his sobriety coin and addressed a small gift card to his parents.

  His accomplishment was a big deal, and he wanted more than anything to give it to his mom and dad, but couldn’t. They’d never forgive him for all the shit he put them through, and he couldn’t blame them.

  Ren tied a lopsided bow on the package, and walked over to his Charlie Brown tree and placed the small gift under it. There were no ornaments or lights on the tree, but he had one nonetheless. His mother’s favorite holiday was Christmas, and no matter how painful a reminder it was to have the decoration in his house, he always bought one in her honor.

  Staring at the lone gift beneath the tree, his dream girl came to mind. He swore to her that he’d call his parents and ask for forgiveness. Seemed he was breaking that promise, too. Another heavy sigh left his throat. Disappointment was what he did best. Truth was, she was the last person he wanted to let down.

  Thoughts of the alluring angel had his body responding with enthusiasm. Cursing his overly-eager shaft, Ren adjusted his erection before it was squeezed to death by his zipper.

  Ren shook his head, thinking he was a glutton for punishment. It wasn’t entirely surprising, given he never did anything the easy way, but having an angel as the object of his fantasies was taking it a bit too far, even for Ren. Even if angels did exist, there was no way she would ever want him, let alone do the things he imagined night after night when he’d woken hard and swollen with aching need.

  Her image flashed through his mind. Massive green wings fluttered behind her back as her gray eyes pinned
him with pure adoration. She was stunning with long brown hair, hanging in perfect ringlets against her peaches-and-cream complexion.

  His dream angel was the only thing that kept him going most days. Even now, it was her beautiful smile that kept Ren rooted in place when his craving for drugs was at an all-time high.

  Drug addiction was the worst. Ren still thought about using each day. Craved the high more than anything. But every time he found the strength to resist. Ren believed his angel supplied him with the needed willpower.

  He recalled the first time she appeared in his dreams. Ren was huddled over a filthy toilet in a run-down hotel as he went through withdrawal. He assumed the hallucination was what he needed to get him through the body aches, vomiting, and stabbing pain while he quit meth cold-turkey. The event that resulted in Ren’s decision to stop doing drugs was branded in his memory like a hot poker to the chest.

  He would never forget the look of betrayal on his mother’s face when she discovered he sold her wedding ring. And, not just any diamond band. The piece of jewelry belonged to her great-great-grandmother. Ren’s mom cherished the ring. Even sadder was he didn’t recall how much the pawn shop offered for it. Probably not a fraction of its worth, considering it was priceless to his mother.

  Her disappointment killed him and was the last straw for Ren. He knew he had to quit, but the damage was done. It was the last straw for his parent’s, as well. Ren hurt them too many times as he spiraled out of control in his addiction. Ultimately, they kicked him out of their house and banned him from visiting. He hadn’t seen or spoken to them since.

  No one in his family knew what became of him. They probably assumed he was dead by now. Many in the group he ran with either overdosed or were murdered so it wouldn’t be a stretch for his parents to think he was dead, too.