The Gates of Gabriel Read online

  The smile lines on his cheeks deepened and a small dimple surfaced on the right side of his face. He wore a white t-shirt that contrasted his tanned skin, exposing the apparent results of his workout sessions and black Levi’s. A cornucopia of black ink trailed down his left arm, a design that I had never seen before.

  I shifted in place, admiring his appearance through my thoughts. Though, I couldn’t scratch the itch that picked my brain. When I had scoped out the shop before walking in, I hadn’t seen this guy anywhere. I definitely wouldn’t have forgotten a face like his, or a body that’s for sure. Where’d he come from? Maybe he worked here? But he hadn’t been behind the cash or making drinks when I last checked. I probably missed him.

  “Thanks,” I let out. We stared at each other for what felt like forever, in the most comfortable, uncomfortable way. He didn’t seem threatening, but he made me feel almost uneasy.

  He released a small laugh and tilted his head. Oh no, was there something on my face?

  “What?” I asked.

  He licked his lips and chuckled once again. “You’re blocking the door.”

  Embarrassment was not an emotion I often felt, yet I experienced it twice in the matter of minutes. I hadn’t realized I was standing right in front of the entrance like a complete idiot.

  My cheeks reddened as I moved aside instantly. “Sorry, again,” I laughed nervously. At least my face was clear.

  “Don’t apologize.” And then he was gone.

  I shook my head, entranced by the moment I knew I had shared with him. You read way too many romance books, I thought. Better to agree with what my brain was telling me than conjure up an imaginary scenario of what could be. It was just a random encounter with a random man, nothing more, nothing less.

  I ordered the coffee and headed back to the station, attempting to erase the last five minutes of my life. Just forget it.

  There were obviously less people but still a bit of a wait. Mags leaned her head on Liza’s shoulder while Max was sitting across from them, flipping through files.

  “Venti iced caramel macchiato for the princess,” I joked, handing the cup to Mags.

  She pepped up and smiled. “You’re a lifesaver.”

  “Did they tell you how much longer?” I asked, sipping my drink.

  Before she could respond, the station doors burst open and in walked Tommy, Ky, and… Braum.

  I nearly choked on my coffee. Braum’s blonde hair was a disheveled wreck, glued to his forehead with sweat. His rage-filled emerald eyes showed no signs of pity, only hatred. What the hell was he doing here?

  I darted my attention to Mags who sat frozen in fright, unmoving. Braum instantly spotted our table and plowed through the line of people, holding his middle finger up towards Mags.

  “You bitch!” he screamed, marching over. Without a thought, I moved in front of her alongside Max and Liza. Tommy and Ky grabbed hold of his shirt and yelled for him to stay back.

  “You don’t think I’ll ruin you? I’ll fucking ruin you!” he repeated, over and over.

  Two male police officers stepped in and cuffed Braum, pulling him into a completely different room. Thank God. I was as weak as a bag of sticks and Max and Liza weren’t exactly pro-wrestlers. Truthfully, I would have been scared to find out what could’ve happened if they hadn’t intervened. The line of people moved away from the scene, staring at all of us with blank expressions.

  “Nothin’ to see here people, you got issues of your own!” Ky addressed the crowd. Low chatter followed but they all went back to their business.

  I held Mags until a female cop came up to us with a clipboard in hand. “Hey there, which one of you is Maggie Lake Harthrow?”

  Mags lifted her arm and shook like a deer in headlights, moving slowly towards the officer.

  “Can you come with me please? I have to ask you a few questions. Don’t worry sweetie, you’re safe.” She smiled. She was kind.

  Mags gathered all the witness papers and disappeared into an empty room with the cop. An awkward silence followed while the rest of us remained.

  Ky’s stalky frame approached me and gave me a slight punch to the shoulder. “How you doin’ sport?”

  I didn’t mind Ky. His brown eyes were always forgiving, warm like chocolate. He was nothing but nice to me always, and probably the most mature person Braum had the privilege of having in his life. Why Ky was friends with him was beyond me, but I knew he had good intentions.

  “Why the hell did you bring Braum?” I questioned. “How can you still vouch for that kid, Ky? You know what he’s done to her.”

  A soft sigh. “I’ve known him all my life, Maya. He wasn’t always like this.”

  I scowled in disgust. “That doesn’t give him the right to do what he’s done.”

  “I know, and I agree with you but –”

  “Can I cut in?” Tommy interrupted, shooting Ky a gentle look. Ky nodded and squeezed my shoulder, then walked over to Max and Liza, engaging in small talk.

  “Hey,” he let out.

  “Tommy.”

  He looked nervous, scratching behind his neck and fiddling with his fingers. I hadn’t seen Tommy in months. He looked the same; a little scruffy and gained a pound or two but other than that, same brown hair and green eyes. I loved Tommy at one point or thought I did. He’d been a good boyfriend in the beginning, and I knew he was a good guy deep down. Just, he never knew what he wanted and led me on for months after apparently falling out of love. I doubt that he even loved me in the first place, but it’s over now.

  “Been a while.”

  His inability to make eye contact made me all the more uncomfortable. I could tell he was awkward and unaware of how this conversation would turn out. Not like I cared. No matter how hard I tried to focus, I was distracted. I felt a palpable presence of someone breathing down my neck or staring at me, but no one caught my eye.

  “Yeah, yeah it has,” I responded hastily. I kept looking around, but all that surrounded me were beige walls and distant chatter.

  “Do you think we can go somewhere and talk?” he asked quietly.

  Are you kidding me? My attention was now on him and I internally rolled my eyes. “Now’s really not the time, Tommy.”

  I felt him hold back his words before speaking. I knew he was going to say something stupid like you look good, or maybe we can hookup one last time. Yeah, wasn’t in the mood for another tragedy at a go-again.

  “I know but –”

  And that’s when I saw him.

  The guy from Starbucks sat in the corner of the station, his eyes fixed on me. How long had he been sitting there? I knew for a fact that he wasn’t there a minute ago, I had done a thorough investigation of everyone in this place.

  Before I could stop myself, my legs began to move in his direction, leading me to stand directly in front of him. His grey eyes glanced up at me, intensifying the longer I kept his gaze. With the little confidence I had, I managed to capture his attention. Don’t lose it.

  “Starbucks guy,” I pointed.

  “Starbucks girl.”

  I touched my chin and leaned on my heel, confused as all hell. “You don’t look like a felon. How’d you wind up here?”

  A slight upturn of his lips formed at the corner of his mouth. “I could ask you the same thing.”

  “I asked you first,” I shot back. Again, that feeling resurfaced. The uneasy calmness when I first met him invaded my senses. Was he following me?

  “I’m visiting a friend.” He was mellow, and what seemed to be amused.

  “You have a friend in jail?”

  Another laugh. “I guess you could say that.”

  I hated that his smile was nice. I could feel the condescending arrogance radiating off of him like fire. He ran his fingers through his hair without taking his eyes off mine. The veins in his arms flexed as he stretched out and leaned back into the seat. Kleaton’s Gate was small and I recognized almost everyone. Obviously, there were a few passersby that I would have no
account of, but I familiarized myself with the mains. Where did you come from?

  “You know, a jail is a dangerous place.” I contended.

  “Hm,” he smirked. “Then why are you here?”

  “I have my reasons.”

  A quick response. “As do I.”

  I wanted so badly to demand what those reasons were. What could a man like this be doing at a police station? Who was he visiting? Why do I even care?

  Out of nowhere, a subtle smile painted his lips. My face heated.

  “Do I amuse you?” I asked, pithily.

  He took a moment, pausing before clearing his throat. “In a way.”

  Something about his tone screamed trouble. Run. But my feet remained glued in front of him, once again, like an idiot. His angled features were so captivating… And those grey eyes.

  “That your boyfriend?” he interrupted my thoughts and nudged his head over to Tommy who was eyeing me like a hawk.

  I furrowed my brows and shook my head. “Not anymore.”

  “So, you’re single?”

  My cheeks instantly flushed, and I swallowed, snapping back. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

  A crisp laugh rose from his throat. “So, you can ask the questions, but I can’t?”

  “Beau Gabriel, proceed to the back bars for visiting.” The intercom went off and he was on his feet, stepping right in front of me, leaving little to no space. He smelt of pine and mint, sending butterflies to my stomach.

  Beau Gabriel.

  “It’s been a pleasure,” he flashed a smug, saccharine smile and extended a hand out to me. For some reason, I was hesitant to take it, but I did. “I didn’t get your name,” he said.

  I felt his warm skin against my palm, taking in the moment longer than I needed to and snapped out of my trance. Just then, I spotted a small golden cross tucked away underneath his shirt.

  “Um, Maya.” I released, rubbing my fingers against my sweaty palm.

  He looked me up and down, smirking once before moving to my side and walking past me. “I’ll see you around.”

  And once again, I felt his fleeting presence hook itself into me. The moment was brief, ephemeral, so why did I remain frozen in place like a stone statue? A million thoughts crossed my mind, all of them rationalizing sheer coincidences. But I couldn’t shake it, not for the life of me.

  This was no coincidence.

  For whatever reason, I kept my eyes on the seat he had just sat on and realized one thing:

  This wouldn’t be the last time I’d see Beau Gabriel.

  Chapter 2

  New Orleans, 1987

  The chandelier vibrated above Beau’s head, causing the lights to flicker in beats. Mardi Gras festivities were booming just outside his temporary loft, penetrating through the crusted brick walls. Ceiling residue peppered onto the blonde hookup who was nestled over Beau’s body, kissing his neck.

  She made her way down his back, carefully avoiding the connected v-lines engraved in his skin. When God took his wings, the scars were white like snow, powdery at the touch. But ever since Beau fell, he indulged himself in the impure vices that Earth had to offer; lust, temptation, and pride were just a few of his favourites. Now the cream coloured scars faded into an off black, darkening with an acute burn every time he committed a sin. Gabriel had assigned him to be the very first Nuntius; an angel able to walk the Earth for God’s bidding. Although, Beau hadn’t realized at first that he would be able to feel, and touch, and taste. And when he did, he did just that.

  “Run off now, Brina. I’d like to be alone.” Beau said, reaching for his trousers.

  “But we’ve only just started,” the blonde protested.

  Beau now stood over her and gave her naked body a look down. He scoffed with disdain and motioned for the door, opening it briskly. When she didn’t move, he pointed out the exit, to which she gathered her things and left in a hurry.

  Beau poured himself a glass of aged whisky and walked towards the window, analyzing the coloured dancers and floating lights. “Hm,” he smirked.

  In the reflection of the window, he noticed a blinding white orb, growing behind him. He knew without turning around what it was, or rather, who.

  “I was wondering when you’d show up.” Beau chuckled, finishing off his drink.

  Gabriel stood tall in white linen, accented with gold. “I’ve been watching you, Beau.”

  “I would hope.”

  “What reason is behind your wrong-doings? You are a messenger of the Lord, the first –”

  “Nuntius, I know,” Beau interrupted, curtly. He shoved past Gabriel, pouring himself another drink. “You should have one, brother. A toast for good fortune!”

  Gabriel stood, displeased and concerned. “Beau, your scars are turning black. If they reach full darkness, you will become a part of the fallen. You will belong to Lucifer.”

  Beau stood in silence for a moment, trying to deny the truth that he had been pushing away for decades. He was turning dark. Lucifer had been pure once, like he was. A beautiful prince of Heaven, who chose power over eternal happiness. Now he led the army of the fallen in hell, torturing them for millennia and onward. The glass shattered in his hands, leaving hairline cuts in his palms that promptly healed.

  Beau gripped the sides of his countertops, slamming down hard on the granite. “I haven’t found her, Gabriel!” His bare chest heaved with anger, flexing the outline of his abdomen muscles. “What do you propose I do? Stay in hiding until the girl is born?”

  “No, Beau,” Gabriel breathed. “Sophie Brixton will be murdered in twenty-five years, on the eve of Maya’s tenth birthday. She resides in Kleaton’s Gate. Go there, and watch her. Protect her peace and yours until the time comes.”

  “The night before her daughter’s birthday,” Beau scoffed and took a swig of alcohol straight from the bottle. “Father has a twisted side.”

  Gabriel was now inches from him, searing Beau’s hand with holy fire. Beau cried out, sinking slowly to the ground in agony. “Blasphemy does not look good on you, brother.” Gabriel spat.

  He released him from the burn and hauled him brutely to his feet. “You enjoy this now, don’t you? The craving for earthly vice and indecent satisfaction. Well with Lucifer, Beau, you will have none, worse than none! A black hole of fire and rage for eternity that will haunt you until you give full control. And then, once you do, he will laugh in your face and burn you twice more.”

  Beads of sweat dripped down Beau’s forehead as he stared into the grey spheres of Gabriel’s eyes. He saw Sophie Brixton, gardening with her husband. She was a beautiful woman, with high cheekbones and straight brown hair. She looked happy and for the first time in a while, Beau felt solace. Sophie gripped at the silver cross pendant around her neck, smiling into the sky. In a flash, he was sucked back into the present moment, puffing with breath.

  Before he could get a word out, Gabriel declared, “Go to her, and keep her comfort. You will be her guardian from afar, while you still can. With divine providence, she will be in God’s hands, and you will guide Maya.”

  Then, Gabriel was gone.

  Chapter 3

  Kleaton’s Gate, Present Day

  “So,” Mags hummed, pouring blueberry syrup on her pancakes. “What are you wearing tomorrow night?”

  I flashed a faint smile and cut my waffle into triangular pieces, like my mom used to do. Today was the day that she died nine years ago, and my birthday just happened to be tomorrow. Wonderful timing, I’m aware. Because of this, I never did anything on my birthday besides order pizza with my dad and watch cult classics. It just felt wrong, you know, that she couldn’t be there to celebrate with me. After all, she was the one who brought me into this world.

  Mags dropped her fork and grabbed my hand, squeezing my fingers gently. “I know it’s a hard day for you Maya, but your mom would want you to be happy. It’s your birthday, the day you were born –”

  “Yeah and the day after she died.” I interrupted her. I knew how de
pressed I sounded, but I didn’t care. I loved Mags but she had two brothers, a mom, and a dad. Her family was complete. I, on the other hand, had no siblings. My dad worked at a law firm all day and when he came home, he’d be buried in paperwork. Mags couldn’t understand even if she tried. Stop being so bitter, Maya.

  Despite everything though, Mags had been there for me ever since we had met two years ago. We hadn’t been friends for that long, but she was family.

  “Please just…” Mags took a pause, looking down. “Try to have a little fun tomorrow night. Even a little! Just a smidge. Tiny, mini, bite-size –”

  “Okay, I get it.” I laughed.

  “Let me take you shopping after this. We’ll get you a nice new dress for the club so you can impress a mysterious, handsome stranger.” She winked, shoving the rest of the pancake in her mouth.

  In that moment, he came to mind. Beau. It had been just over a week since I’d last seen him at the station; those grey eyes that I couldn’t look away from. They were uniquely mesmerizing, almost inhuman. I felt like an idiot, thinking about a random guy I had coincidentally bumped into, twice, in two different locations, one right after the other… Nope, nope, not doing this.

  I took a sip of iced tea and chuckled. “Pretty sure you’re the one that’s going to be on the prowl, miss newly single and free.”

  Mags clapped and grabbed her purse, leaving a twenty dollar bill on the table for both of us. “Well babe, that’s expected!”

  We walked out of Harv’s diner and hopped into her Impreza. “I think they’re having a sale at Bolly’s Boutique, do you want to go there first?” Mags asked, backing out of the parking lot.

  “Sure.”

  We shopped for almost two hours in one store. How that happened was beyond me. Mags was a different person when it came to shopping and devoted an exorbitant amount of time to styling herself and anyone who was willing to play dress up. Her fashion taste was Bratz mixed with Barbie doll. Mine, on the other hand, was vanilla and flat. It wasn’t that I was a horrible dresser, I just preferred my comfy sweaters and mom jeans. But I decided to take Mags’ advice and actually try to have fun for my nineteenth birthday. She was right; I knew my mom would’ve wanted me to. After trying on a bevy of outfits, I picked out a cobalt bodycon dress and some silver heels, then called it a day.