Alice's Sacrifice (Alice Clark Series) Read online

  By Andrea DiGiglio

  Copyright © 2013 by Andrea DiGiglio

  Formatting by JT Formatting

  Book art-cover, Photography by Russ Turner

  Model — Natalie Jenkins, Matthew Oldenkamp

  MUA — Deaette Dwyer

  Editor — Betsy Head

  Final Design — Russ Turner

  All right reserved.

  Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the author.

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  This book is dedicated to my son Aiden for teaching me about strength, how to use that strength and how to share it with the world. Jessica Gibson for all of her support and so much more than my words can ever say.

  The breeze caressed Alice’s face from the open window as they flew through the winding roads that led them back to their home. She felt Cole’s hand clutch hers, loosening only to brush his fingers gently along her arm. They had won this unfathomable fight against God’s Angels for now, but for how long, only time would tell. She felt him lift her hand to his mouth, giving it a tender kiss before returning it to her lap.

  “How is your back?” Cole asked.

  “Sore. I knew it would be painful, but this is more than I could ever have imagined.” She flinched slightly from the memory of her new-found wings collapsing into her back. “I’m sure it’s worse than child birth.”

  He chuckled, “Well, that is something I will never be able to know.” His laugh faded as they made eye contact.

  Alice twisted uncomfortably, having never really considered having children herself. She sat torturing herself, conflicted between comparing whether she even wanted to have kids and how much worse she’d feel if he did.

  “I think that is something we can talk about down the road. We’ve had quite a night,” he said.

  He was right. The last few months had changed her life in every way possible. She now knew what real love was every time she looked into his beautiful amber eyes as they reached deep into her soul. She had finally known the truth of why such bizarre things had happened to her in her life when she met her biological Fallen Angel father, Penemue, or Paul, as she liked to call him. It was then she was brought face to face with her destiny. The topic of children was not something she was even remotely up for talking about, though a part of her couldn’t help imagining what their children would be like. She leaned over to rest her head on Cole’s shoulder. As she did, he lifted his arm, holding her tightly to his chest. We really did make it, she thought. He kissed the top of her head, Yes we did, he said. She would never tire of hearing his voice in her head or knowing he could hear her voice in his.

  After arriving home she looked back at the flood of cars that trailed behind them, letting a smile crawl up her face. Everyone was camped outside around a victorious campfire except Cole and Alice, who had excused themselves and ventured back to their home to shower and relax. The overwhelming emotions that had run through her were gone and all that was left was adrenaline and passion. Cole barely shut the door behind them when she jumped into his arms and pressed her lips to his, slamming his back into the door. He wrapped his arms tighter around her, returning her kiss with the same raw passion. She needed this, and she knew he did too.

  Paul stood silently, staring through the bright embers, watching the fire dance, ignoring the Fallen and their children as they danced and drank in celebration. He should be happier. They had won for now and his beautiful daughter was alive and well. He turned and looked up at her bedroom window. A little too well, he thought.

  “What’s on your mind brother?” Kokabiel asked, following his view.

  “I’m just concerned. She is so reckless,” Paul said through gritted teeth as he ran his hand through his hair. So human of him, it was a trait he didn’t like.

  “She is human after all.”

  “A fact I am well aware of,” Paul sighed looking away from the window. “They are at it, again.” His voice growled, though he tried to control it. It was very uncharacteristic of him to not only show, but to have such human emotions.

  Kokabiel looked at him, a little surprised, “Well it is the best part of…”

  “Watch what you say about my daughter.”

  “Hey, she’s with my son; she is practically my daughter-in-law, as they call it. I understand…”

  “It’s different,” Paul said, coldly cutting him off. He knew he needed to compose himself quickly.

  Kokabiel sighed in frustration, rubbing his temples. He patted his Fallen brother on the shoulder. “Okay, Penemue.” Paul relaxed his shoulders and returned his view to the victory fire before him. He felt Kokabiel study him for a moment and finally return his eyes to the blaze. He was beginning to feel more like a Paul, the human nickname Alice’s mother had given him back when they were in love, than a Penemue, the name given to him by God himself before he fell from grace.

  Alice stared back into Cole’s eyes with such intense joy. They both attempted to catch their breath, and each time they glanced at each other, the huge grins plastered across their faces sent them into bouts of laughter. He pulled her close to him and kissed the top of her head, wrapping himself around her like a blanket. He loved the way she would snuggle in closer to him, as if no matter how close she got it wasn’t enough. He agreed; it wasn’t nearly enough. He closed his eyes attempting to soothe his unsteady lungs into calmness. He felt her fingers entangle with his, and he let his lips crook into a smile.

  “What?” She asked playfully.

  “You know what.”

  “Why you are smiling? Yes, I’d like to think I do know.” Her smile beamed and he loved it.

  He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, letting his fingers gently touch her face before pulling her closer to him. He kissed her gently and breathed into her parted lips, “We should probably make an appearance out there.”

  “Oh, you so don’t play fair, but you are right.” She kissed him again, sending an electrical surge that ripped through him until she released him from her. He held back the urge to moan.

  “Neither do you.” They both laughed.

  Holding Cole’s hand, she followed him out of their front door toward the bright flames across her yard. While holding his hand, she would follow him anywhere. She smiled at the thought, knowing it was the truth. As they drew nearer, she started to feel irritated, but it wasn’t her that was irritated; it was Paul. She felt slightly distraught with shock from it. She rarely had to block Paul’s emotions, since he never really showed any. He noticed her gawking at him and suddenly, the feeling washed away. Cole felt her sudden tension and looked at her, searching for the source. She let a small smile show to ease his worry. I’m okay.

  “Cole,” Kokabiel said wi
th a nod.

  “Kokabiel. Dad,” he nodded in reply.

  Kokabiel beamed a proud fatherly smile and then nodded to me. “Alice, thank you for opening your home to all of us. I was thinking once the festivities end, I will help find those who want a place to stay. I’m sure it would be nice to get back to your lives for awhile.”

  “Oh, well, thank you. You can all stay as long as you need,” she replied.

  “I think it’s best everyone finds their own place. We are always near enough if you need us,” Paul said with saddened eyes.

  She intended to argue with him, but felt his sadness so deeply she only bowed her head slightly in agreement. She could feel his need for space from her. It hurt, but at the same time, she knew he was right. Someday the Angels would be back for her, and for them all. She refused to let one day of her life, her life with Cole, pass by without fully enjoying each breath of it. Cole wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close to him. She inhaled the luscious ocean breeze scent that radiated from him as she nuzzled into his shoulder. Not one day. She looked up to see Cole raise his eyebrow at her; she kissed him in return. His kiss was something she could never live without. And the way he returned her kiss told her he felt the same way. She heard someone clear their throat, and she and Cole chuckled as they reluctantly let go of their embrace.

  “You do realize there are people around?” Kokabiel asked with a smirk.

  “Oh, you know what, you’re right!” She joked back. She relished that moment, being able to joke and laugh with their fathers.

  Weeks had passed by in a slow blur. She watched, silently, from her window, as the Fallen and their children departed from her yard. She was happy to finally get to enjoy some time alone with Cole, but part of her was sad to see them go. Her father had a house a few miles up the road. She was a little more than displeased to find out that during her entire stay here, he had been watching her. Kokabiel stayed the longest, while searching for an apartment nearby. It was a difficult task in such a deserted area. Though she was happy he stuck around a little longer, she noticed Cole didn’t share her views. It was a subtle change in his mood, but there nonetheless.

  “Is that interview today?” Cole asked breaking her thought.

  “Interview?” A puzzled look took over her face. Cole raised his eyebrow at her waiting for it to register. Oh! The art school!

  “Right,” he said as he brushed her hair from her face. The slightest touch still sent the same electrical surge through her. Her body fought between the need for him and the panic of being late and unprepared for her appointment. Reading her expression, he released her and went into the spare room. When he returned, in his hand was a large portfolio. He opened it with a proud smile to show her work inside, along with a smaller book that was filled with 8x10’s of her larger work.

  “You are so amazing.” She jumped into his arms, knocking him to the ground and kissing him.

  Out of breath, he pulled back from her, “As much as it kills me to say this, you have to go.”

  She pretended to pout, causing them both to break into laughter. She reluctantly got off of the floor, grabbed her portfolio and headed to the door. I love you; you’ll do great, he said. She smiled as she went through the door, “I love you, too.”

  Cole chuckled lightly as he pulled himself from the floor. He was glad they finally had the house to themselves, though he still needed to go to his old apartment and retrieve the last of his things. He was hoping his father wouldn’t be there but knew better, maybe a shower first. Cole ventured upstairs to the bedroom, grabbed a clean pair of jeans and a T-shirt and headed towards the bathroom.

  He leaned his head against the tile, letting the water pound against his skin. Eyes closed, he relived the moments that led up to where he was now. He felt lucky that Alice had forgiven him for misleading her. He did fall for her almost instantly, though he knew it was his job to watch out for her. He hated his father for that turmoil but was also grateful. He may never have met Alice without him. The moment her wings unfurled was burned into his mind; she was so intensely beautiful in that moment, though he thought she was just as beautiful with her tousled bed hair, in her sweat pants and his T-shirt, smiling over her first cup of coffee in the morning. He felt a smirk crawl across his face from the memory. He turned the water off and toweled off in front of the mirror. I need a haircut, he thought as he ran his hands through his thick black hair.

  Alice breathed heavily trying to calm her nerves as she barreled down the road. She was so nervous it felt like her skin was trembling. She reached into the glove box for a cigarette but quickly pulled her hand back in defeat, remembering she had quit three weeks ago. The last few weeks she had done well without them, but at this moment, it was killing her. Finally, she could see the dirt side road that led to the school entrance. She fishtailed along it into the parking lot and slid into a parallel spot under a group of large willows hanging over the parking lot. Quickly, she jumped out, cursing under her breath, fighting with her car for her portfolio. Finally it came loose, and she fell straight back on her butt. Well this is going well. She laughed as she dusted herself off and headed toward the building.

  She stopped dead in her tracks at the site of it. She had spent so much time panicking about being late she didn’t even notice the beauty of the surroundings. It was a tall building that stretched out far across the grounds, with stone pillars that reminded her of the kind in which she envisioned Rapunzel being kept. The campus resembled a cross between an old castle and an old church. The brick was gray and smudged with something black that looked like soot. The walls were covered with ivy that cascaded around the entire building. The lettering above the front entrance was old and hard to see; it read, Art Institute of Hell. She couldn’t stifle the laugh. What a horrible name. The grass in front of the building was such a rich green she thought for a moment it was fake. There is no way I can afford to attend this school, she thought as she pulled open the giant iron doors open and entered.

  Inside the school, it was oddly comforting. It had the old 16th century look of the exterior, but with some new renovations that looked more like a restoration.

  “Are you Alice?” A voice called from behind her.

  She screamed slightly as she whipped around to find a petite woman in her early thirties staring at her. “Sorry. Yes, that’s me.”

  “Sorry, dear, I did not mean to startle you. I’m Theresa; I am a professor here. Dean Vassago asked me to give you the tour of the campus.”

  “Oh, well, thank you.” Alice followed Theresa through the empty hallway toward a courtyard. They walked through it towards the other side of campus. Worn cement benches were surrounded by ivy covered trees, a few holding artsy looking students. “It’s really beautiful here.”

  “We take pride in keeping the grounds as they were meant to be. We believe it helps the artists flourish in their work,” she said with an almost blinding smile.

  “Sorry to have kept you waiting, Ms. Clark,” an older gentleman said, with his back to her. His hand was outstretched in the direction of his office. Alice entered the office, feeling her anxiety rising again. “No need to be nervous. Mr. Buer has spoken very highly of your work. This is mostly a formality, though I hope you brought some of your work for me to see.”

  “Yes, sir,” she said quietly. She retrieved her work from her portfolio and handed it to him. She watched him study each one with a look of determination.

  He stopped for a moment longer while looking at the photograph of her final piece from last semester. It was a likeness of her, her body lifted off of the ground with a bright light shining from her chest and charcoal wings outstretched. Dark bodies were below her, shielding their eyes from her. She really is the one, he thought.

  “I’m sorry, what?” She blurted.

  “I didn’t saying anything.” His face grew alarmingly concerned, and she realized she had just heard his thoughts in her head.

  “Sorry, I’m just nervous,” she said in atte
mpt to cover it up. Usually she was so confident, without a care for what others thought about her. Ever since she had found out that her mother was an artist, and that she loved making art as much as her mother did, she was fueled with the desire to pursue her passion.

  “No problem.” He closed the portfolio and slid it across the desk back to her. “I will have to speak with the board of admissions; again, it’s just a formality. I would expect your acceptance letter to be sent in the next few weeks. Welcome to the AIH.” He reached for her hand; she cautiously reached out hers and shook his hand. She collected her work and quickly exited the office.

  When she burst through the iron doors, she finally felt as though she could breathe again. The building now seemed much more eerie in the overcast skies above her. She hurried to her car and drove out of the parking lot. Great time to quit smoking.

  Cole pulled into a small, mostly deserted parking lot next to his father’s car. It was a small apartment complex; he wouldn’t even call it that. It was more of a duplex with only four apartments. The reason Kokabiel had such a hard time finding a place was because the town was so deserted. All these apartments had been occupied, but Cole gave him his apartment. Jasmine, who never left the house unless she went to Max’s bar, was at the far left; Sariel lived next to her, and Jake on the far right. Luckily, Sariel owned the place and not Jasmine, for she was far from friendly.

  “Kokabiel? Uh, Dad, I came by to grab my things,” Cole announced as he entered.

  Kokabiel entered the room with a towel wrapped around him and a smile on his face. “Of course. Would you like something to drink?”

  “No, thank you. I want to get back before Alice gets home from her interview.”

  “That’s right; that was today for the art school, correct?” Kokabiel asked.