Guarded by Death Read online

  Guarded by Death

  H.L. Swan

  Copyright © 2020 H.L. Swan

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the product of the authors imagination or used in a fictious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved.

  Cover Design: Jessica Scott

  Feather attribution: User Shamma from PNGTree

  Hey, Dad!

  The Angel of Death has been abroad throughout the land; you may almost hear the beating of his wings.

  - John Bright

  H.L. SWAN

  Prologue

  Pierce

  T he black of night surrounded me as I sat atop a towering mountain overlooking the dark waters off the coast of Brazil. A moment of quiet before the pull took over my body to collect.

  I'm the shadow that lurks in the darkness, the damned. Doomed to walk eternity on earth, tucked away from humanity.

  It had become routine, a reflex I had collected after I became the Angel of Death, the collector, the reaper... whatever you want to call it. A routine that took me mere moments, a year's worth of work in minutes. Some people would love the abilities that come along with this - the strength, the speed, and most of all the wings.

  I've always enjoyed nighttime the most, that's when I feel most human. Kneeling on these jagged rocks in the pitch black of night with the bright stars above. It makes everyone see things how I see them, in black and white.

  The waves crashed violently against the jagged rocks below, but they couldn’t muffle the blast from my tattered wings as they stretched on either side of me. I took off to do my duties and it was at that moment, on my last stop that I noticed something wasn't right.

  I make myself invisible while I'm collecting, a body will be on the ground and I just fly over and bring their soul to the crossroads. I sensed a soul about to be collected in a bar, so I went in expecting it to be like any other night.

  But fuck, was I wrong.

  It was my last stop of the night, and I had plans to grab a drink once my work was completed. I walked into the crowded club; the strobe lights dancing with my eyes across the room as I searched for the soul.

  And at that moment was when I saw color for the first time in centuries, that was when I saw her.

  The light surrounding her was almost blinding in the dark, bustling room. She was dancing with her friend and who I'm guessing was her boyfriend. I immediately didn't trust him, the light surrounding him was dark and vile, nothing compared to the pure white surrounding the girl.

  She adorned her small frame with a bright red dress. I didn't realize at the time what color it was since it had been so long, but I will never forget that dress. I couldn’t remove my eyes from her, I had to take in the beauty.

  I snapped out of my trance, realizing this was the girl whose soul I was supposed to collect, but it couldn't be. It wasn't her time.

  Something else was in the room, another force manifesting around us. The energy shifted in the space, no one noticed, of course, but it was thick throughout the air. I looked for the cause and that's when I lost sight of her. A strange feeling coursed through my veins, was it panic? Yes.

  The realization hit me quickly, a demon is here, and it wants her. They go after pure souls and they can see her light. The boyfriend.

  I was thankful and terrified when I felt the pull to her. He had her at the back of the building and was sucking her life away, I could feel it. The connection was intact, and I could feel her fear.

  In a rage I stormed through and found them, he had her pinned to a wall. The situation confused me, because a moment ago the boyfriend was human, so how was he sucking the life from her?

  When I pinned him against the back door, his obsidian eyes caused no argument to the truth. The boyfriend was in fact, a demon.

  "You can't have her!" I snapped in an unfamiliar, primal voice. Confused by the mix of emotions I was feeling. His eyes panned to me, and the natural blue of his irises seeped back in.

  I turned to the girl, thankful to see her okay.

  Such light should never exist in my world, only eternal darkness.

  If only I had left her alone... she wouldn't have gone through so much.

  But I won’t deny the truth, I'm a selfish bastard.

  One

  Birthday

  Scarlett

  T he whipping sound of my heavy comforter flying off my body wakes me from a deep sleep. With narrowed eyes I look around my bedroom, it's too bright in here.

  Colorful confetti floats around me, landing on top of my plush white comforter. I can tell by the golden anklet next to my face who is jumping on the bed, my best friend Liv. "Get up! It's your birthday. Time to celebrate!" she yells too loudly in the quiet room, but I can't contain my smile.

  I peek over to my nightstand and check the time. "Who let you in at nine a.m.?" I sit up, stretching my arms out wide.

  Liv places her hand over her heart as if I've physically hurt her, which makes me laugh. "Your mom, she was happy to see me. Unlike you!" She pushes out her bottom lip, pouting.

  "Just go back to sleep with me. Two more hours and I'll be happy to see you, I promise." I lay my head back down on the pillow, struggling to pull her down with me.

  With a laugh, she peels herself from my grip. "Are you excited about tonight?" Of course, she's ignoring my offer for more sleep and jumping to our plans for later. "I can't wait to use these fake ID’s! I think mine looks somewhat like me. Your new name is Katie." She slides the North Carolina ID into my hand with a huge grin on her face.

  I groan. "Do we have to go? Can't we just go to the beach and then come home and binge watch horror movies? I'm sure my mom wouldn't be opposed to ordering pizza." I give her a hopeful look, but she isn't budging.

  "You only turn eighteen once, Scar. You need to experience life more, do something reckless for once." She winks, and I know protesting further is a pointless endeavor.

  I playfully roll my eyes at her. "I'm only eighteen. I can buy a lottery ticket if you want?" I snicker. "Going to a club and pretending to be of drinking age when I don't even like alcohol is your kind of fun, Liv."

  Her response is a simple shrug of her shoulders.

  I love Liv but we are polar opposites, yin and yang.

  Even so, I wouldn't change a thing about her. Except for maybe the fact that she is here, over-celebrating my birthday so bright and early. It could have something to do with my birthday falling on the first official day of summer break. Our last real summer break, to be exact. The first time being actual adults before we ship off to UNC. I snicker to myself.

  "What's so funny?” She jumps up and frowns, planting her hands on her hips.

  "Nothing at all. Thank you for the confetti, Liv. You're helping me clean it up later." I laugh at the sudden panic in her eyes.

  Her hair blankets her face when she shakes her head. "Not a chance. Come downstairs. Your mom is making pancakes!" she squeals. I reach for her, but she bolts out of the room, making her way downstairs in a rushed sprint.

  I hop out of bed and stumble to the bathroom. Not taking much time on my appearance since I know we're about to head to the beach. Any make up I put on would melt off and my hair will be a puffy mess if I don't throw it into a bun. After placing a white bikini under my oversized T-Shirt, I bounce down to the kitchen.

  The sweet scent of blueberries and homemade pancake batter hits my nose, making my stomach growl. Mom is carefully ladling a thick mixture onto a hot griddle. When she sees me, her face instantly lights up.

  "Happy Birthday Scarlett! Blueberry or just a regular pancake, sweetheart?" she asks, a wide grin taking over her face.


  I rub my eyes, trying to hide from the morning light pouring into the kitchen. "Blueberry, for sure." I tell her. Shuffling towards the delicious smell, I sit down on the wooden bar stool at the island.

  I give her my best sleepy grin, but the gesture does nothing to calm the guilt that’s seeping into me. She is trustworthy so the fact that I know I'm about to lie about what we're doing tonight makes my stomach turn. That's going to be Liv's job.

  I'm eighteen now, but I still know my mom wouldn't approve of me going to a club, and I live under her roof for a few more months.

  Mom dances around the kitchen, an unfamiliar pep in her step that makes me tilt my head. "Feel any older? I can't believe my baby girl is all grown up now." Her tone is laced with sadness, so I give her a bright smile.

  I shrug, wondering if I do feel more mature. "I guess? I just feel tired." I glare over at Liv's smiling face, suddenly wishing I was a morning person so I could be bright-eyed like her so early in the morning.

  Mom wipes her floured hands on her apron. "So, what do you want for your birthday?" She asks. I look down at the damaged phone in my hands, wincing at the large crack down the center.

  I wiggle it in the air. "Maybe a new screen?" I ask.

  "You and phones." She laughs but I feel guilty. I hate making my mom pay for things like this, once I get my check from Pop’s she won't have to help me so much. I know she doesn't mind, and Dad left a huge insurance policy behind which helps us tremendously, but still. If I would have been more careful and not dropped it when that guy ran into me on the street, this wouldn't even be a conversation and I could be asking for a new radio in my car.

  She pulls a neatly wrapped rectangular box out of a nearby drawer. "What is this?" I ask, reaching my hands out. She nods for me to open it and I pull apart the pink bow on top that's been done perfectly, my mom is a stickler for wrapping gifts with finesse.

  "I figured you were going to ask for a new screen, but I decided to just get you a newer phone!" she beams. I run around and wrap her in a tight hug. "Careful or you're going to get flour all over you!" she laughs in my hair.

  "Thank you, Mom, really I love it!" I sit back down in my seat, admiring the shiny new iPhone.

  She looks between me and Liv. "So, what are you ladies doing today?" she asks. I quickly glare over at Liv for moral support… okay maybe not for moral support, more for her ability to lie.

  "Probably go to the beach and do a little shopping at the boardwalk!" Liv says excitedly. This is true, the daytime plans aren't a lie, but I still feel bad for lying at all.

  Mom nods her head, taking a sip of juice. "What about tonight? Coming back here for a movie marathon?" She knows me so well.

  I grin nervously, about to blow our cover. "Umm, we’re actually staying at my place." Liv sounds hopeful. My mother's face doesn't show that same emotion.

  She pours a tall glass of orange juice and slides it across the table to me. I take a long sip; thankful I haven't brushed my teeth yet.

  I nearly crack under her watchful gaze. She tilts her head, trying to read us. I know what she's thinking, our house is Liv's home away from home. We rarely ever stay at Liv's house; her parents aren't really involved in her life. They go on extended vacations and leave her behind. This week is no exception, but we aren't going to talk about that.

  Liv leans back in her chair, not a single shred of worry lining her face "My parents are going to cook and we're just going to have a chill night," Liv realizes her mistake when my mom’s face lights up.

  "Should I come? I can bring a dish." She asks.

  "Eh, thanks Ms. Wells but-" Liv stumbles.

  "Hey, don't you have that date tonight? Brock or...?" I finally interrupt. I'm confident now, although I can't remember the name of the guy my mom's been dating for a few weeks.

  "Brian." She corrects with a warm smile. "Honey, I can cancel if you want." She takes a bite of her pancake.

  I shake my head. "No Mom enjoy your date! Besides, it's only Thursday. We can always have a family dinner this weekend." As the words come out, my mother's wrongful trust in me makes her perk right up.

  She nods, dusting out her apron. "Okay then, that should be fun girls. I hope you have a great time!"

  "Just make sure you tell me everything about your date tomorrow." I wink, and it makes her blush.

  Changing the subject, Mom focuses her attention on Liv. "Don't forget to take your medicine, sweetheart." She reminds her.

  "Got it, thanks!" Liv replies as she pulls a bottle of iron pills from her bag. Downing a couple with a glass of juice. She constantly forgets to take them and one time she zoned out, causing my mom to call her parents. So now Liv’s mom – Becca - asked us to always remind her.

  A small puff of black smoke rises in the air. "What's that smell?" Liv wrinkles her nose. Mom darts for the stove cursing under her breath as the burnt scent seeps through the kitchen. We can't help but laugh as she tosses the smoking pancake in the trash.

  After breakfast, I brush my teeth and grab my overnight and beach bag before heading out the door.

  We slide into my Altima, cranking the radio to full blast. Enjoying the perfect summer breeze that's flowing through the open windows. Summer is perfect here, warm weather and clear skies. Not to mention the short drive down to the beach. The perks of growing up on the coast in North Carolina. We pull into the parking lot and, luckily, we find a spot. The beach is crowded today, like usual.

  I fluff a blanket onto the warm sand and place my favorite book next to me. Seeing the familiar, happy faces of our classmates enjoying their newfound freedom is a great feeling. Music is playing and the waves are rolling in. As I rub suntan oil onto my skin, one of my longest friends -Zack- walks over to us. He's a good guy, and I’ve always liked him as a friend. Although, I think he wants more than that.

  "Hey Liv, Hey Scarlett," Zack says my full name of course, and he flashes a flirty smile.

  "Hey, Zack!" Liv and I say in unison.

  He shakes the blond hair from his face. "Do you two want to go down to the drive-in tonight? They're playing Jaws for summer break; Max is coming too." He sits next to me on the blanket.

  I go to speak, but Liv beats me to it. "Thanks, but we're going out tonight, girl's night for Scar's birthday!" she sings, pointing in my direction.

  He rubs a large hand over his face. "Happy Birthday Scarlett! I meant to text you this morning. I like you being an older woman." He laughs, slinging his arm around me.

  "Haha, Zack." I playfully punch him in the stomach.

  After catching up for a moment he stands up. "Well, you two have fun tonight. I'll see you later." He waves bye and turns to walk off. Before he gets too far, his eyes pan back to me. His smile is charming as he runs a hand through his salt drenched hair, "I know you’re busy tonight but maybe on Saturday, we could do something? I'm having a thing at my place for all of us graduates since my parents will be in the city for the weekend," he suggests.

  "I'm working at Pop's until 7 tomorrow, come by! I'll let you know about the party then." I say happily, I always have a good time with him.

  I lay down on the blanket as Zack finally joins his friends. It doesn’t get passed me when he sneaks glances my way every once in a while.

  "I don't know why you don't just give that poor boy a chance," Liv says, gesturing her pink nails towards Zack.

  I can’t help but laugh. "You know how I am with him; I wouldn't want to jeopardize our friendship. We've been friends since we were seven, why don't you date him?" I ask quizzically.

  "Because he doesn't look at me like that." Her eyes trail from mine to where Zack is standing. I look over at him, taking in his longing expression as he quickly darts his eyes back to the friends in front of him.

  I let out a dramatic sigh and roll over to grab my book. I read for what feels like hours while I enjoy the warm sun tanning my back. My stomach growls, and I look over at Liv who is staring in Zack's direction, completely lost in a daze.

  From
my peripheral vision I note a dark figure staring in my direction. An unusual sting of fear washes over me as my eyes pan to the tall silhouette, who seems to vanish into the breeze.

  Too much sun and not enough food, I tell myself. I'm paranoid for no reason. No one is watching you Scar, chill. "Hey, do you want to go to your house? I’m starving," I beg Liv with a playful pout.

  "Yes! Let me go wash off this oil in the ocean, wanna come wi-" Before she can finish her sentence, I’m darting to beat her there. The water is cool against my hot skin as I throw myself into the ocean. Liv is yelling 'cheater' behind me as she runs into the waves. We splash each other for a while, laughing and enjoying the lazy summer day before we head to her house to hang out until it's time to get ready to go.

  My fingers are crossed that tonight goes well.

  Two

  Thirsty Thursday

  T he early part of the night was spent in a cloud of hairspray and perfume as we tried on dresses and skirts. Liv ended up in a black mini dress with matte black stilettos, ankle breaker heels on.

  I, without having any say, wore a tight red dress, as short as Liv’s. I opted for wedges, though. Liv knew I would be stumbling all night in stilettos, so she didn’t complain.

  The warm summer breeze flows through the car as we drive to the city. The further we go the darker the roads get; the GPS is taking us to an unfamiliar spot.

  "What happened to the big club downtown?" I look over at Liv in a confused state.

  She bats her lashes innocently. "Well, I heard they make sure to check ID's there ever since some kid got so drunk, he threw up on a cop, and I didn't want to risk them getting cut up, so The Luxe it is." She shrugs.

  Great, now I’m hoping the fakes won’t get past the bouncers and we’ll have to go home. I’m not opposed to fun, but all this makes me a little nervous.