Page 94 of Destined for Eternity
“I told you that you could do it,” the vampire replied, grinning widely and showing her white teeth with sharp incisors. “You just needed extra incentive.”
Cori appreciated her new ability but testing it was going to give her a heart attack some day. They were always pushing her limits to see what else she could do.
“I doubt you’ll get many more volunteers, though,” Derrick said.
That didn’t bother her at all. They didn’t need too many vampires running around in the daylight, and if they knew she had to trust and care about them for it to work, they’d be reluctant to ask for the privilege anyway. Not that they planned to spread the word about her ability. It would put her and her daughter at risk, which was the last thing they needed. This would be for special cases only with people who deserved it.
She shrugged. “That’s fine with me.”
The alpha’s cell phone rang, and he stepped away to answer it. Kariann continued to dance through the yard, enjoying the sun even more as it continued to rise in the sky and make an appearance over the evergreen trees.
“This is incredible!” she shouted.
It had been six centuries since she’d last stepped into the daylight, so it had to be amazing for her. Cori couldn’t even begin to imagine the feeling. She was rather glad she didn’t have to be a vampire and face that problem. They couldn’t consume any food either, only liquids such as wine and beer, but even those didn’t give them a buzz unless they were a special potent brew. Also, their race didn’t start out strong. Most had to live under their sire’s rule and protection for many years before they could strike out on their own. It wasn’t a lifestyle people would want unless they had no other choice. Even then, only half of humans survived the transition process. It was a miracle there were as many vampires as there were, considering all the downsides.
Derrick returned from his phone call. “We need to check the news.”
“Why?” Bartol asked, stiffening.
“Apparently, the archangel Remiel is making a press announcement.”
“What?” Cori’s jaw dropped. “I thought they didn’t do that sort of thing.”
Everyone hurried back into the house.
Bartol followed behind her explaining, “The deal they worked out with the demons was going to force the issue, but I’d assumed he’d wait a little longer.”
It had only been ten days since the angels and demons signed a new treaty. From what Cori had been told, they spent many hours going over the finer details and agreed that demons could officially start visiting Earth at the beginning of July, which was almost a month away. In the meantime, a few representatives from Hell were already on the planet to set up the two portals and their offices. They had a lot to prepare. Demons would need temporary housing when they arrived, identification, and to be briefed on all the rules before they were set loose.
“There was some talk of getting ahead of the issue,” Raguel said, coming down the stairs into the living room. “If demons are going to be here, humans need to know angels are on their side. Remiel informed me he would be contacting the media soon.”
Ginny turned on the television and started flipping through the channels.
“Did you know it would be today, father?” Bartol asked.
“No.” Raguel shook his head. “But he does not tell me everything.”
“Here it is,” the pixie said, turning up the volume.
A female reporter was standing in front of the Washington Monument, speaking into a microphone. “In just a moment, we’ve been informed that an archangel—yes, I saidarchangel—will be making an announcement. Hundreds of people have gathered in anticipation of this historic event.”
The camera panned around the reflecting pool where there were huge crowds of visitors milling about, including families with children. It might have only been five in the morning in Alaska, but it was nine on the east coast.
“Remiel gave the media two hours’ notice before he planned to show up,” Derrick explained.
Cori lifted her brows. “This should be interesting.”
“Wait, I see something now,” the reporter said, pointing toward the sky. The camera panned upward at a faint figure with large, white wings flapping gracefully. “My God, he’s flying!”
People on the ground were jumping and shouting with excitement. Remiel had to put on a good show if he wanted everyone to believe his identity. The supernatural had been out for a while, but they’d wonder why angels had stayed hidden until now. He steadily made his way down, landing a dozen yards behind the reporter. A moment later, two angels flashed behind him. They were wearing resplendent white robes and had golden halos over their heads. They also glowed brightly, giving off energy that could be seen even through the television.
“This is incredible,” the reporter continued. “I can’t believe this is happening.”
She seemed to be at a loss for words, but Cori could understand that since her first glimpse of an archangel had been overwhelming for her as well. She might not have liked them that much, but they were a sight to behold.
Unseen trumpets blared, and everyone settled down.
Remiel ran his gaze across the groups of people gathered before focusing on the camera. “I am certain you are wondering why I am making my presence known now and not before.”
