Light in Darkness Read online

  Light in Darkness

  Others in Edenton: Book 6

  Brandy L Rivers

  Copyright 2015 Brandy L Rivers

  Smashwords Edition

  http://brandylrivers.com

  Cover Design by Brandy L Rivers

  Edited by Shaner Media Creations

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  Also by Brandy L Rivers

  Box Sets

  Others of Edenton – Series Volume 1

  Others of Edenton – Series Volume 2

  Others of Edenton – Series Volume 3

  Others of Seattle – Series Volume 1

  Others of Seattle – Series Volume 2

  Others of Edenton

  New Beginnings

  In Too Deep

  Shadows Fall

  Shadows of the Past

  Falling Into Place

  Fated Love

  Breaking Free

  Mending Scars

  Labor of Love

  Light in Darkness

  Blissful Agony

  Entangled Darkness

  Deadly Design (Coming 10-24-16)

  Untitled: Declan’s story (Coming Summer 2017)

  Others of Seattle

  Nights Embrace

  Storm Mistress

  Accepting Fate

  Red Queen

  Seductive Solutions

  Changing Destiny

  Coming Together

  Storm Wrath

  Twisted Bonds (Coming Spring 2017)

  Nights Embrace Spin Off

  Summer Rhythm

  Stand Alone Contemporary Romance

  Heart on Fire

  Falling Star

  Sweet Tooth

  Backburn (Coming 1-6-17)

  Pine Barrens Pack Co-Written with Rebecca Brooke

  Cursed Vengeance

  Vengeance Unraveled (coming 2017)

  To keep up with upcoming releases and news visit me at my

  Website – Facebook - Twitter

  Or join my newsletter or reading group Rivers’ Shenanigans

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  About Brandy L Rivers

  Reference Guide

  Dedication

  Kristin and Rebecca, thank you for your early reading.

  The story is always that much more impactful for all your feedback.

  Prologue

  Twenty-eight years ago…

  Peace flowed over her as a breeze shifted her hair against her arms. Setting her book in her lap, Ethyl breathed deeply. Despite the sunny spring day, she caught the scent of rain, sweet and pungent.

  Curious, she turned toward the presence that approached her. Opening her eyes, she found a man who took her breath away. Though in the middle of a city park, she sat under the shade of a blossoming cherry tree, and yet the sun seemed to shine down, giving him a halo effect.

  Stunning, exotic with his milk chocolate skin, eyes the color of peridot sparkling in the light, and ebony dreadlocks falling down his back. He was glorious. His full mouth tilted in a smile, eliciting feelings that made her blush.

  Ethyl could hardly breathe for the beauty staring back at her. She felt an instant connection, could almost remember his presence—but that was impossible, wasn’t it?

  Licking her lips, she tried to formulate a greeting, but no words came.

  “It’s a lovely afternoon, and your smile makes it brighter.”

  She ducked her gaze, blushing furiously. “Thank you.”

  “I’m Jophiel. And you are?”

  Swallowing hard, she locked gazes with him. “Ethyl.” She had a strong desire to reach out and take his hand, as if she needed the physical connection, which made no sense.

  Jophiel squatted down in front of her. She stared with wide eyes.

  His expression was warm and welcoming. “What are you reading?”

  Heat flamed her cheeks as she glanced down at the book in her lap to refresh her memory. How could I forget the title of my favorite book? She looked up through her lashes. “Pride and Prejudice.”

  “Romantic at heart?” His head tipped to the side, the corners of his mouth pulling up.

  “It’s easy to get swept up in the words.” Ethyl let out a dreamy sigh before checking her watch. She gasped. “I’m supposed to be at a meeting.”

  “An important one?”

  Frowning, she shook her head. “No. Though my brother has been begging me to come for months and I keep putting it off.”

  “If you truly don’t want to go, perhaps I could sway you to have dinner with me?”

  Her head slowly dipped as a timid smile replaced her guilty frown. His pale green eyes ensnared her. His offer was so much more appealing than a meeting she’d been avoiding.

  Finally, she answered. “I’d love that. I told him I wasn’t sure I’d go. It all seems silly.” She slipped a bookmark between the pages and closed the book. “As much as I hate to disappoint him, I have no desire to go. He’s always looked out for me though, and thinks the group could teach me to protect myself from monsters.” She rolled her eyes, feeling silly.

  “Good brothers always protect their sisters.” His brow arched, curiosity making his already striking eyes sparkle. “What’s this meeting for?”

  A sigh escaped and she looked up at the sky. “It’s all a bunch of prejudiced conspiracy theory. Complete crap.”

  “Then why were you planning to go to begin with?” His open expression eased her normal caution.

  She had the unusual desire to tell him everything. “I was hoping Pete would stop begging if I went and could honestly say the group wasn’t for me. He’s persistent though and doesn’t like to be wrong, so that might be wishful thinking.”

  “If you must attend, I’ll walk you there. However, I’d much prefer to take you to dinner.”

  Her smile came back full force. “And I’d prefer to go to dinner.”

  He stood and held his hand out.

  With a giggle, she placed her hand in his. After helping her stand, he turned hers, pressing a kiss above her knuckles.

  She melted. A true gentleman, and she had no desire to resist. “I’m happy to join you for dinner.”

  His mood brig
htened further. “What’s your favorite food?”

  Shrugging, she sighed. “Anything really.” She was too embarrassed to admit she’d been living off ramen noodles and peanut butter sandwiches for the last few months.

  He gave her an appraising look. “How about the French restaurant in town?”

  That bill would be astronomical. Her heart sank. “I’m not sure I can—”

  He held up his hands. “My treat, of course. I did invite you after all.”

  She couldn’t help wondering how he spent his days. Jophiel wore light linen pants and a button down shirt. The way the light glowed around him gave him an ethereal appearance.

  Hoping it didn’t sound judgmental, she asked, “What do you do for a living?”

  “I’m a guidance counselor.”

  “That seems fitting.”

  “And what do you do?”

  Ducking her head, she murmured, “I’m a waitress, for now. I recently graduated from college, but haven’t found a job in my field. Maybe moving would be wise, but I haven’t managed to build the courage to leave behind my brother and this town.” She bit down on her lip to stop the nervous ramble.

  “What’s your field?”

  “Nursing.”

  His eyes danced in delight. “You have a kind and generous soul. I imagine nursing suits you well.”

  “Seems to me we have something in common.”

  “I’d like to believe that.”

  Looking away, she asked, “Are you sure you want to take me there? It’s expensive.”

  “Of course I am, Ethyl. You can have anything, and I mean anything, you crave. My one request is an evening of your time for the pleasure of getting acquainted.”

  “Gladly given.” The army of butterflies residing in her tummy erupted into flight as he took her arm.

  * * * *

  Rushing chaotically from one place to the next, Ethyl cleaned her small duplex from top to bottom. He was coming over. Every thought drifted to Jophiel, his warm smile, his gentle touch, the kind words he offered. He radiated a light that exuded peace. She craved more time with him, and after their fairy tale dinner, had boldly asked him over the following day.

  The devastatingly sweet and handsome man hadn’t even kissed her, but every glance her way left her feeling like the most beautiful and cherished woman alive. He was soft spoken, generous, and patient. Things she wasn’t used to but found irresistible.

  Normally, she would shy away, mistrusting all men, save her brother. And as much as she loved Pete, she didn’t always trust the situations he put himself in.

  Banging on the door brought her head up from scrubbing the toilet bowl. Frowning, she rinsed off the yellow gloves before stashing them in the rubber bucket full of cleaning supplies.

  A frown tugged at her lips as she peered out the window. Her brother stood on the porch, his arm raised to knock again.

  She threw the door open and stepped back before he tumbled inside with a sneer. He caught himself on the door jam.

  “Where were you last night?” His voice grated on her nerves.

  “I told you I probably wouldn’t go. It’s all a bunch of hate propaganda and conspiracy theory nonsense.” Turning, she walked to the chair before sitting. “Have a seat.” She motioned at the couch.

  Ignoring her request, he growled. “You’re wrong. I’ve seen things, horrible creatures who tear people to pieces, sometimes changing them into monsters.”

  “Are they handing out spiked tea? I mean, really, what could you have possibly seen that would make you believe in these evil creatures?” And even if they existed, they couldn’t all be bad. It would be all over the news.

  “Werewolves mauling families. Vampires draining women. Demons preying on the weak-willed.”

  “In movies? They’re fiction, Pete. I don’t believe any of it, and even if I did, I’m not going to hunt down things that go bump in the night. I’m quite happy staying home reading romance novels.”

  “You don’t understand. You’re sweet, pretty, and so painfully innocent. You’d be the first person they went after. Right now, you’re prey. HARP can train you to defend yourself.”

  “I don’t need to defend myself from imaginary creatures. They aren’t real. Please, don’t ask me again. I have no interest in going.”

  He stepped forward, his face flushing a deep red. “Why won’t you see reason? I told you, they took our parents from us. Don’t you remember the state the cabin was in?”

  “Yes. There had been a string of brutal murders. The police found the group who killed our parents, but they committed suicide before they could be brought in.”

  “No, Ethyl.” He stormed closer and Ethyl stood as the door burst open.

  Jophiel glowed as he moved between her and her brother. “You won’t harm your sister,” he said calmly. The air seemed to hum with peace.

  Pete’s chest heaved with heavy breath, but the anger left as his face eased back to its normal olive tone.

  “Pete, go. My friend is here.”

  Malice flashed through his eyes. Thrusting a pointed finger at Jophiel, he spat, “Who is he?”

  “Jophiel.” He smiled, holding his hand out for her brother.

  Pete brusquely returned the handshake, and Ethyl saw the way his knuckles turned white as he squeezed as hard as he could. Jophiel didn’t react as he shook, patiently waiting for Pete to let go.

  “What are you? You aren’t human.”

  “I’m a man, same as you.”

  “You’re a black piece of shit… and something worse,” he retorted. “What are you doing with my sister?”

  “Pete! How dare you talk that way to my guest. A man I invited in!”

  “He’s concerned for your well-being,” Jophiel answered pleasantly, then shrugged. Turning back to Pete, he said, “I’m hoping to take Ethyl on a picnic at the park.”

  “Then what? Fuck her and leave her?”

  Jophiel shook his head, a frown marring his perfect face. “I have no ill intentions toward your sister. I truly enjoy her company and hope she enjoys mine.”

  Having heard more than enough, Ethyl stepped around Jophiel with a glare at her brother. “Go, Pete. I’m not in the mood to listen to the hate you constantly spew. I plan to enjoy the rest of my day.”

  Pete gave Jophiel a death glare, and still, Jophiel didn’t respond negatively. Turning, Pete stomped out the door.

  Holding back tears, Ethyl nodded to the bathroom. “I’ll be right back.”

  Jophiel’s hand tenderly caught her shoulder before bringing her into his embrace. He wrapped his arms around her, and her anger melted away as she looked up into his eyes.

  He placed a kiss to her forehead. “Sometimes we’re so lost, all we can see is the darkness in everything. Maybe one day your brother will learn there’s light in each of us. We have to choose to embrace that spark.”

  Blinking, she felt at home in his arms. “You’re right. I’ve tried for years to help him see the goodness all around us. Unfortunately, he focuses on the evil.”

  “Then we’ll strive to show him the light.”

  Smiling, she leaned back to look into his stunning eyes. “Why do I feel like I’ve known you forever?”

  “I could never forget you, Ethyl. You’ve already branded my soul. Come, I truly have prepared a picnic.”

  * * * *

  Jophiel’s fingers were entwined with Ethyl’s. He walked her to the perfect shady patch in the park, with a beautiful view of a rose garden. Her smile brightened as he stopped and turned toward her.

  “One moment,” he said gently.

  Letting her go, he placed the basket on the grass and pulled out a blanket he spread on the ground. Dipping his head in a bow, he took her hand again and helped her to sit.

  “Such a gentleman,” she said wistfully.

  He met her gaze, his eyes sparkling. “For such a lovely lady, courtesy comes naturally.”

  Her face fell. “Are there many lovely ladies?”

  “None
compare to you, Ethyl. You have my full attention, even when I’m not by your side.”

  Warming again, she relaxed. It was impossible to doubt his words, she felt them all the way to her soul.

  Jophiel took his seat beside her, and served a simple, yet delicious meal. They ate chicken salad sandwiches, fresh vegetables, and cut fruit in comfortable silence, stealing coy glances from time-to-time. When she finished, she turned toward him.

  “Tell me something, Jophiel. What do you want?”

  “One day, when you’re ready, your heart. I find myself falling for you, but I’m in no hurry to rush anything.”

  Playing with the hem of her dress, she looked over through her lashes. “Why so patient?”

  “The woman I give my heart to will have my love for eternity. It’s only fair she’s ready to accept such a bond.”

  In that moment, she knew. Instead of speaking the words, she leaned toward him, gently placing her mouth on his. He took her hand, keeping the kiss tender and sweet, yet familiar.

  Her mouth opened, and his tongue slipped between her lips in a sensual dance. Half-remembered dreams floated through her mind. A reverent lover she knew by heart and soul, but never could remember his face. Jophiel mended every fractured dream.

  Pulling back, her breath came in shallow pants as she looked into his eyes. Deep in her soul, she knew this wasn’t the first time she’d fallen in love with him, but she couldn’t fully remember what she knew to be their truth.

  * * * *

  A week went by and Jophiel had fully claimed her heart. He never took things further than a kiss, as if he were waiting for some sign from her. Unfortunately, Ethyl’s tongue was still tied.

  Her dreams had become more vivid. She still couldn’t see his face, but she heard his voice. Now there was no mistaking Jophiel in her dreams. Yet confusion kept her silent.