KeystoHeavenAll Read online

  Keys to Heaven

  By Shyla Colt

  Keys to Heaven Copyright 2012

  Shyla Colt

  Cover by For the Muse Design

  Edited by Christine Kirchoff

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author.

  Dedication

  To Natasha who watered the seed of hope and self-confidence in myself that needed a bit of TLC. I will always want to be as cool as you, and think of myself as a pseudo little sister. <3

  you.

  Chapter One

  “Mom. I’m going to do a garbage run!” Heavenleigh glanced over her shoulder. The red streaks in her mom’s black hair swayed a she nodded. Knowing she heard, Heaven took the two bags in her hand and walked to the back door. A rush of cool air felt good against her heated skin as she stepped out into the night. The bar was booming tonight. She smiled. Purgatory had been smash hit from the moment it opened, much to everyone’s surprise, hers included. When her mother pitched the concept of a neutral bar for angels, demons, and whatever else supernatural wandered in looking for a good time, Heavenleigh thought she’d lost it. Still, as always she supported the women who’d given up everything for her.

  As a being with one foot in hell, and one foot in heaven she wasn’t well liked. Her mother had fallen to earth, leaving her grace behind to pursue a romance with a demon she claimed was ill fated from the start. Her mother never went into details and the look of pure torment that rose in her eyes whenever she spoke of her father kept her from asking for more details. Besides, the asshole had bailed on them, and at sixty, though she looked about thirty by human standards, the last thing she needed was a wanna-be-daddy trying to tell her what to do. Pushing the bitter thoughts away she tossed the lumpy black sacks in the dumpster.

  Her stomach lurched like she was on a Tilt-O-Whirl and her ears twitched. Turning to face the dimly light area behind her, she raised her hands. Blue power crackled around illuminating the space between her and the parking lot. She waited, her eyes scanning the blackness as she kept her muscles loose and ready to fight. Something wicked this way comes. A shadow peeled itself from the wall and began to take a human shape. Demon. Scarlet eyes stood out against the creatures pale skin, and blue-black hair that fell across his forehead in an angular cut. Wow even demons were doing the Emo thing now. His high cheek bones, an angular chin, and thin, dusky-pink, lips made him look like a runway model. That was their gimmick, good looks, a silver tongue, and a sincere tone.

  “In case you didn’t get the memo, this is Switzerland pretty boy.”

  “I just had to come and see the freak.” His melodious voice made his words seem wrong.

  “Original.” Rolling her eyes she remained stock still, anxious for him to make his move.

  The demon sneered. “I can’t wait to see that pretty smile wiped off your face. You’ve been living up in your tower long enough princess, it’s time you made a decision.”

  “I haven’t for sixty years. It’s not going to change now. But please do hold your breath.”

  His eyes brightened with hell fire.

  “He’s coming for you Heavenleigh Spirit. Even your names make me sick.” A snake like hiss filled the alley. What was this a horror movie? Sorry pal, she didn’t scare easily.

  “I’m done talking. Either leave on your own, or I’ll give you a little motivation.” Here she thought her novelty had worn off. When she’d first turned of age they’d come in droves trying to goad her into action with far reaching consequences. That was the bitch about being Switzerland, you stepped one toe out of line, and the house of cards fell down around you.

  “I’ll be seeing you.”He winked. A puff of black smoke surrounded him. The scent of brimstone seared her nostrils, and he disappeared.

  And she’s the freak? Shaking her head she walked back into the bar. After all this time the pounding bass and muted blue lighting that greeted here felt like home. Normally she’d hang out for a bit after her shift ended, but tomorrow was inventory so she’d need the extra sleep. Striding behind the bar she touched her mothers’ shoulder.

  “Okay Mom, you’re all set for awhile. I’m heading home.”

  “All right baby, be safe.”

  “Always.” Squeezing her mother’s shoulder she left the bar and walked back to the employee room. Removing her black leather jacket from the locker she shrugged it on and left.

  That was Cali weather for you ,hot during the day, and chilly by night. Still, she loved living by the ocean. They’d traveled around a lot growing up and this place just resonated. It helped that strange went unnoticed. Starting up the black Jeep she cranked the rock station and pulled out of the parking lot.

  She was almost home when a brilliant flash of life lit up the sky. To anyone else it looked like a falling star, or meteor, but she knew better. The high pitched vibrations coming off the light in waves screamed grace. An angel was falling to earth. She should go home and mind her own business. The short lived battled ended when she veered to the left. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity, she had to see it! When she reached the ‘crash’ site smoke billowed from a wooded area. Parking, she leapt down from the jeep, and jogged into the forest, mindful of roots and fallen logs. She neared a giant crater in the center of a glen.

  Dark shadows began to slither up from the bottom of the trees. The angel would be disoriented and weak. It wouldn’t stand a chance against an attack of this magnitude, especially with its powers depleted. She had an unspoken rule, she pretended she didn’t see the demons and they did the same to her. She couldn’t stand here and watch them massacre this poor soul.

  Imagine if this had been her mother all those years earlier. Resigned to the stupid act she was about to commit she dug deep down into her soul, tapping into the part of her she liked to leave alone.

  Flames licked at her skin as she walked over to stand in front of the sunken earth. Her eyes burned and she knew they’d bleed. When she was at peak power they glowed. Holding up her hands she admired the flickering, orange fire before she spoke.

  “It is under my protection.”

  “Since when do you care mid-worlder?” one hissed. There were four to her one, all lesser lever bottom suckers. She could take them with her hellfire, but it’d cost her. Usage of her demon powers always did.

  “Does it really matter?” The flames that surrounded her hands grew, lighting up the area like a bonfire. “Who wants to try me first?”

  Whispering rose among them. Time to put on a show. She formed a ring of fire around her and the fallen angel she’d yet to check on.

  “Cross it if you dare.”

  “You win for now Spirit.” They slinked back into the night, blending seamlessly and she disconnected from her demon side. If she was lucky there wouldn’t be any ill side effects other than being overly bitchy tomorrow. Threat dispatched she spun and examined the hole. The body glowed with holy light, obscuring the details. She sank to her knees and peered over into the edge. Crazy, the smoke rolling out of this hole smells sweet.

  “Hello?”

  As the air cleared she made out a shape cloaked in white. The body twitched.

  “I’m here to help you. Can you understand what I’m saying?” Falling was painful and traumatic. It wasn’t unusual for the angel to forget who they were and why they’d come to earth for a time until their body mended and acclimated to the new environment. The light began to fade, revealing features. She gasped. The angel was hot. A shock of chocolate-brown hair fell over his broad forehead leading into a strong jaw and a dimpled chin. His eyelids lifted revealing cobalt blue
irises. She’d never had such naughty thoughts about an angel in her life! She flicked her tongue out to moisten her dry lips and did her best to tamp down her arousal. Her nipples were rock hard and her center throbbed.

  “Heavenleigh Spirit. I came here for you.”

  Her jaw dropped. “You what?”

  His body went limp and his head fell back as he passed out.

  “Son of a bitch.” Jumping beside him she hoisted him onto her shoulders and groaned. “Pal you’re a lot heavier than you look, and that’s saying a lot given who I am.” Gritting her teeth, she gave up on trying to drag him out and released her wings. A few flaps of the powerful black monstrosities and they were out of the hole. By the time she reached the car it was all she could do to place him in the passenger seat and buckle him in.

  “Looks like I’m taking you home. Not exactly how I’d like, but I suppose beggars can’t be choosers.”

  Rounding the car she slipped behind the wheel of her black jeep, peeled out and burned rubber. Chances were someone was looking for him, and it wouldn’t take long before the humans came with their cameras and news crews.

  Grateful for her isolated locale she tugged the nameless angel into the beige one story with a Spanish tiled roof, and dark brown shutters. She closed to door behind her using her power.

  Then she rolled him onto his back, placed her hands under his arms and scooted him along her beber carpet. Inside her room she took in the gray walls decorated with a white and black border. Her gaze trained on the Queen size bed with black duvet. She snorted, amused by her predicament.

  “Shame you’re the only male to cross this threshold, and we’re not even ripping off each other’s clothing.”

  Bent at the knees she, wrestled him into the bed. Who knew a fallen angel would weigh so much? She traced his beautiful features with her forefingers.

  “Who are you, and why in the hell were you looking for me? It seems a long way to fall for a hodgepodge gene pool splice.” He moaned in his sleep, and she stroked his hair off his brow, the way her mother had when she was sick as a child. “Shhh. Sleep Angel Man, I’ll keep you safe.” Sinking down on to the bed beside him she hummed a lullaby formed from an angelic song. His brow unwrinkled and his breathing evened out.

  ***

  He woke with a start, unsure of where he was or what had happened. His eyelids fluttered as he struggled to leave the bondage of sleep behind and focus. Gingerly he sat up from the plush surface he’d reclined on. The sound of breathing drew his attention to the right. His vision blurred, blood rushed to his head, and his heart beat double time.

  “Shh, easy tiger, you’re safe.” A gentle voice whispered to him, a small, soft ,hand rested on his chest, and eased him back down. A woman’s hand. “You’re with a friend.” Her melodic voice soothed him and his tensed muscles began to relax.

  “What happened?” His throat was scratchy and raw.

  “You had a fall.”

  “A fall?” He tried to recall what happened but right now his brain felt like it was full of cotton, everything was fuzzy and white-washed. It was the mental equivalent to white noise.

  “Oh yeah, the worst one a person could ever have. I picked you up, brought you home, and dusted you off. I have to say it was very hard not to peak, you’re quite appealing in this form.”

  “I’m not sure what you mean.”

  “I know.” She sounded amused.

  It pleased him. “Have we met before?”

  “No, I would’ve remembered, trust me.” The gentle purr did funny things to him. His penis twitched and hardened. He cleared his throat hoping she hadn’t noticed.

  “Are you thirsty?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll be right back Angel Man.”

  Angel Man? Maneuvering up into a sitting position he winced. Sore and bruised his body protested. What happened to him? Vision clear, he breathed deep and tried to make sense of the tangled mess his mind had become. The door opened and the woman with the beautiful voice entered. His jaw dropped. She was perfection. Miles of milk chocolate skin were incased in a pair of black pants, and a black tank top with a black glittery heart. The scoop neck put her full breasts on display. The turgid points of her nipples stood out. His cock hardened further. Unable to look away his gaze traveled up to her heart shaped face. She possessed delicate features, an upturned nose, high cheekbones, thick lips, and long black hair with turquoise streaks.

  “I’m flattered Angel Man, I didn’t know you had it in you.” She arched a perfectly shaped brow and gestured toward the tent he’d made in the sheets with her head. He flushed and looked away.

  “Don’t be shy, I like it. I had a girl hard-on the moment I saw that pretty face of yours.” She moaned. “And those brilliant blue eyes.” Her gaze burned him. Sinking down on to the bed beside him she held a glass up to his lips and he swallowed. Cool water coated his dry mouth and slid down his throat into his belly. After a few sips she pulled away and set the glass on the bedside table. Suddenly it struck him.

  “Heavenleigh. I’m here for you.”

  “I might let you have me, but enough of that, we have to get you back on your feet and adjusted before we have the kind of fun I have planned. What’s your name handsome?”

  He reached for it, and it flitted away like a bird. “I don’t know.”

  “Hmm, well we can’t just call you Angel?”

  “You’ve said that before, why?” He tilted his head

  “You have an angelic quality about you.” She winked. “How do you feel?”

  “Sore. Confused.”

  “It was the fall, don’t worry it’ll all come back to you when you’re ready.”

  “I suppose.” He shook his head. “What will I do until then?”

  “Stay with me.”

  “Why would you do this?” He remembered enough about the world to know kindness

  wasn’t in vast quantities.

  “Let’s just say I’ve taken a liking to you, besides you came all this way for something to do with me. My name was the first thing you said before you passed out. I’m curious to know why.”

  “I am as well.” His stomach grumbled loudly. He blushed and she laughed.

  “How about I make you a sandwich?”

  “Sounds good.” He knew what the words she said meant, but he couldn’t bring forth any memories that made him feel connected to them. Surely he had eaten a sandwich before.

  “Don’t think too hard, you might hurt yourself, literally. Forcing things before their time’s a bad idea. ”

  “You seem to know a lot about this, are you a nurse?”

  She laughed, a rich tone that did nothing to ease his erection. “Me? No. I’m a club owner and bartender. My mom had a very similar injury once. It’s important that you let your body and your brain heal and acclimate on their own speed, do you understand?” All playfulness gone she narrowed her eyes and her voice dropped an octave.

  “You are saying I could injury myself worse?”

  “Yes, maybe even permanently, and trust me … you don’t want that.” She shuddered.

  “You’ve seen people who’ve done this.” Fascinated by her knowledge he leaned in.

  “Yes, they’re sad shadows of the people they used to be and have more than a few screws loose. It’s sort of like Humpty Dumpty… all the kings horses couldn’t put them back together again.” The words sparked something inside him. He gasped and then he was traveling down a long tunnel, and thrust into a memory. Images of haggard looking men and women shuffling around in filthy clothing muttering to themselves.

  “You remember?”

  Her voice drew him back into the present. “Yes… I would not wish to be like them.”

  “Good. We have an understanding. Now, sit tight and I’ll be back with a sandwich and some soup. I don’t think your tummy’s up to much else.”

  Rested and full an hour later his lids began to feel like they had weights on them.

  “It’s okay, sleep Angel Man, I�
��ll watch your back.” Heavenleigh’s voice was the last thing he heard before he succumbed to sleep.

  Chapter Two

  The jangle of her phone pulled Heavenleigh from her sleep. A glance at her bedside clock told her it was seven in the morning. Rolling over she placed the pillow over her head. The phone stopped.

  “Thank God.” On her way back to oblivion the phone rang again. “Ugh!” she snatched the rectangle off the nightstand. “Someone better be dead.”

  “Heavenleigh Spirit! I got an interesting call this morning, and I hope to God it was a rumor.”

  She attempted to swim up from the surface of sleep. “Mom? What are you talking about?”

  Her sluggish brain refused to work.”

  “Did you defend an angel from demons last night? How many times have I told you we remain neutral? Fly under the radar and stay as ensconced in protective wards as we can manage at all times.”

  Heavenleigh moaned. “It wasn’t an angel it was a fallen angel. I couldn’t let him get eaten alive. He was a sitting duck.”

  “He? Heaven, please tell me this is not about a man, an ex-angel at that! He’ll be a mess.”

  “Exactly why I had to do something.” Exasperated she blew out a breath.

  “Placing him under your protection!”

  “It sounded like a good ideal at the time.” Closing her eyes she counted to ten as she allowed her mother to vent. Her skin itched and a million hurtful comments burned bright in her mind. It was the use of the demon blood, always turned her into a raging bitch.

  “This is serious!” The boom in her mother’s voice raised her hackles.

  “Mom...I know. But what if that had been you all that years ago? How could I walk away?

  Even now he’s completely disorientated and has no clue what he actually is.”

  “Wait. You brought him home?” She held the phone away from her ear. “What the hell were you thinking!”

  “What else could I do with him Mom? Leaving him alone right now would defeat the

  purpose of the rescue. I know it’s against the rules, but when he opened his eyes he told me he came down for me.”