Friberg, Cyndi - Rebel Angels 2 - Echoes And Embers

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Praise for the writing of Cyndi Friberg

Rebel Angels 1: Born of the Shadows

Born of the Shadowsis an amazing story with some unique twists. Naomi is a wonderfully strong

heroine, in a time when men usually made all the decisions... This sensuous tale gives vampire lovers

something delightfully different and utterly satisfying. It's highly recommended.

-- Renee Burnette,The Romance Studio

Born of the Shadowsdefinitely lives up to its “Hot” rating. Gideon is sexy, seductive, and oh, my! There

are not enough words to describe this fallen angel, and Naomi is the perfect mate for him in every way.

First in herRebel Angels series, Cyndi Friberg'sBorn of the Shadows captured my interest and makes

me thirst for more.

-- Sinclair Reid,Romance Reviews Today

Born of the Shadowsgives great insight into the world of vampires as well as a biblical background...

The sexual tension is really high in this story and when the couple gets together, wow. I am looking

forward to seeing what Cyndi Friberg comes up with for her next story; she is definitely an author to

watch.

-- Angel,Romance Junkies

I was captivated by Cyndi Friberg'sBorn of the Shadows … I recommendBorn of the Shadows and

theRebel Angels series to anyone who is interested in angels, demons or vampires. You will not be

disappointed.

-- Tanya,Fallen Angel Reviews

Rebel Angels 1: Born of the Shadowsis now available from Loose Id.

REBEL ANGELS 2:

ECHOES AND EMBERS

Cyndi Friberg

www.loose-id.com

Warning

This e-book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language and may be considered offensive to

some readers. Loose Id e-books are for sale to adults ONLY, as defined by the laws of the country in

which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by

under-aged readers.

* * * * *

This book is rated:

For explicit sensuality and graphic language.

Rebel Angels 2: Echoes and Embers

Cyndi Friberg

This e-book is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing

locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or

are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments,

events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Published by

Loose Id LLC

1802 N Carson Street, Suite 212-29

Carson City NV 89701-1215

www.loose-id.com

e-book may be reproduced or shared in any form, including, but not limited to printing, photocopying,

faxing, or emailing without prior written permission from Loose Id LLC.

ISBN 1-59632-078-8

Available in Adobe PDF, HTML, MobiPocket, and MS Reader

Printed in the United States of America

Editor: Maryam Salim

Cover Artist: Fabiano Fabris

www.loose-id.com

Chapter One

Monthamn Major, England

1378

A beam of sunlight fell across Sariel’s boots as his quarry entered the church. Though a calculative smile

bowed his lips, he didn’t turn around. Listening to the muted echo of her footfalls against the stone floor,

he waited until she was nearly upon him. Her fresh, feminine scent teased his nose. Did he detect a hint of

cinnamon? Where had she come by such a rare treat in this secluded hamlet?

Focus, he must focus. He couldn’t allow her youth or apparent innocence to distract him from his

purpose. It was imperative hesense her before he saw her.

Appearances could deceive.

Closing his eyes, he searched her essence, scanned her being. His objective was specific, but far from

simple. The outcome of his decision would determine her fate. He must be certain before he passed

judgment.

“Do you often pray to angels?” He heard her voice from beside him, gentle, yet mocking.

“Do you often disturb men while they pray?” he countered without opening his eyes.

Complex and convoluted, the specifics of her nature eluded him. Most humans were simple to interpret,

transparent despite their hypocrisy. He sensed somethingmore within this girl. But what accounted for the

complexity? Was she aware of the duality within her being? Could she control the opposing forces or

were they controlling her?

Testing the accuracy of his instincts, he tried to picture her. Her head would come no higher than his

chin, but he was uncommonly tall. Dark hair, sable brown, not black, with no curl or wave to distract

from its gleam.

He heard her take a step away and opened his eyes. This opportunity must not slip away. “I was not

praying.” He halted her retreat with a smile. “I was committing the frescos to memory. They’re

extraordinary.”

She was just as he had pictured, petite, dark-haired, pretty. Sky-blue eyes dominated her delicate

features. She glanced at the massive painting he’d mentioned and then returned her gaze to his face.

“Where is Father Myron?”

Taking a step back, Sariel hoped to ease the sudden tension in her tone. “The priest went to arrange

lodgings for me. I didn’t want to presume I’d be welcomed at the castle. The person I’m here to visit is a

guest herself.”

“Who would that be?”

“Lady Lailah. She and I are old friends, but she is unaware of my arrival.”

The girl smiled, a deep blush coloring the crest of her cheeks. “I am Lady Rosalind Monthamn. Any

friend of Lailah’s is welcome at my castle.”

He made a gallant bow and broadened his smile. “How fortuitous that our paths should cross. I’m

honored to make your acquaintance.”

“I should go find Father Myron,” she said with obvious reluctance.

“This is a church, my lady. Be at ease. Tell me about the frescos. I’m enthralled.”

Despite her hesitation, she assessed him far too boldly. A less honorable man might indulge her curiosity,

but his interest in Rosalind Monthamn had nothing to do with pleasures of the flesh.

“The original designs were painted by Naomi of Monthamn around 1150.” Her sweet musical voice

provided the information he’d requested. “A restoration took place about a hundred years later and the

frescos, which preserved the original scenes, were done by my grandmother just before ... before the

Black Death swept across England.”

Sariel studied her expression. She spoke in a calm, clear tone, but he hadn’t missed the emotional catch

when she mentioned her grandmother. “Please, accept my apology. I didn’t realize the subject would

cause you pain.”

“The subject would only cause me pain if people didn’t appreciate the brilliance of my grandmother’s

work.” Again her voice belied the pain visible in her gaze. “I’m pleased you enjoy them.”

He nodded, turning to the largest of the six scenes. Three angels fought back to back, their flaming

swords poised to strike the attacking demons. “These angels seem rather fierce. Far more warriors than

messengers of God.”

She swept her hand toward the far end of the wall. “That one is my favorite. It’s the last Lady Naomi

painted in the church. She continued to paint, but no one managed to convince her to undertake the

ceiling.”

Sariel smiled as his attention focused on the final scene. A lovely woman stood surrounded by five

children, three male, two female. Behind her stood a dark-haired angel with piercing golden eyes. His

hands rested on the shoulders of the woman and his wings spread wide, sheltering the entire brood. “She

looks rather like you.”

Rosalind tilted her head as she considered the fresco. “Aye. I suppose she does.”

The door banged opened, causing Rosalind to start. Cursing the interruption, Sariel turned as a furious

young woman advanced across the church. A cloud of bright red curls bounced and bobbed with her

purposeful stride. Her hands clenched and bright flags of color stained her high cheekbones.

Deep in Sariel’s being carnal hunger stirred. He ignored the urge to clutch his chest and abdomen. What

was wrong with him? He had battled long and hard to banish these yearnings. Why would they reawaken

now?

“I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” Fear battled anger within the woman’s expressive eyes.

“You could not have lookedeverywhere or you would have found me.” Rosalind raised her chin.

“I’ve been frantic, young lady.” Her tone was tight, but her lips trembled. Clearly, Rosalind had given

this woman quite a scare. “Not even Lailah knew where you’d gone.”

Rosalind angled her hands, gesturing toward herself. “It would appear I’m more capable of caring for

myself than you believe.”

The redhead stood her ground. “You will address me with respect, or this will end our conversation.”

“I didn’t invite this conver--”

“Butif this ends our conversation, you will be taken back to the castle under guard. Then you will find a

guard stationed outside your bedchamber door, ensuring that you remain within the curtain wall for the

next sennight.”

Sariel watched the battle of wills, far more intrigued than he cared to admit. What was the relationship

between these two females? They couldn’t be mother and daughter; hardly a decade separated the two.

The red-haired beauty handled Rosalind’s belligerence with remarkable aplomb. Violence was the

response of many to such rebellion.

As Rosalind considered her alternatives, the woman’s gaze drifted to him. Silver, gray and blue, her eyes

combined the colors into a shade, both pale and sparklingly intense. He’d never seen their like before.

The beast within him yawned and stretched. Restless. How long had it been since he’d held a woman,

felt her softness, caressed her smooth skin? Buried his face in a wild cloud of soft, fragrant curls? He

swallowed awkwardly.

He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been tempted. Why now? Why this woman?

Turning back to Rosalind, she asked, “What is expected of you when you leave the castle compound?”

“They areyour expectations,Alyssa . I was never in any danger.”

The girl’s gaze darted toward Sariel and he fought back a smile. Rosalind was performing for him. He

recognized the cunning gleam in her eyes. This was not good.

“Go back to the castle.” Apparently Alyssa reached the same conclusion. “I’ll be with you momentarily.”

“I’m going to take Sir Sar--”

“I will see to the needs of your guest.” Alyssa pointed toward the doorway. “Go.”

Images of all the ways he would like Alyssa to “see to his needs” bombarded Sariel. His shaft hardened

and lengthened. He barely suppressed a moan. Impossible! He had conquered his carnal nature,

transcended the need for physical release. This couldn’t be happening to him, not after all these years.

Rosalind’s nostrils flared, her lips compressed, and her chin quivered.

“Now.”

The girl spun on the ball of her foot and stormed from the church.

Perhaps he should insist they accompany her. He didn’t trust himself alone with Alyssa.

How ridiculous. He wouldn’t hide behind a child.

Gathering the full strength of his angelic intuition, Sariel scanned the lovely creature at his side. She was

an angel and yet she was not. Stunned, he delved deeper. Conflict and confusion battered his senses like

a tempest. He’d never encountered anyone with a nature quite like hers. He didn’t think she was Fallen,

yet undeniable passion surged through every fiber of her being. What was she?

Alyssa sighed, pausing to rub the bridge of her nose before she returned her gaze to Sariel. “I apologize

for Lady Rosalind’s rude behavior.” Her features relaxed, her full lips softened, increasing their sensual

appeal. “Hers has not been an easy life.”

“How came you to be her guardian?” Sariel focused on the issue at hand. His mission must take priority

over the mystery that was Alyssa.

She narrowed her eyes, her brow furrowed in speculation. “Who are you? Why were you with my

ward?”

“Sariel!”

He turned at the sound of his name. Lailah rushed across the room, her long skirts billowing out behind

her. All her glorious silver hair had been confined into thick plaits and coiled to each side of her face,

framing her delicate features.

Her smile was just as bright as he remembered, her eyes as fathomless and dark. In an uncharacteristic

show of emotion, Sariel swept her into his arms and hugged her.

Bittersweet longing rolled through Sariel as he eased Lailah away. His gaze moved immediately toward

the stunning redhead. His senses had intensified when Alyssa entered the church. She studied him, her

suspicion obvious. A smile tugged at one corner of his mouth. She was right to be wary, but not for the

reasons she supposed.

Not a carnal thought or impulse had flickered though his mind, until he sawher .

“You know this man?” Alyssa’s voice reflected her mistrust.

“Aye.” Lailah smiled, her eyes shining. “I invited him here. But after so long, I feared he wouldn’t come.”

“I’m Lady Alyssa. Is Sariel your only name?”

“Sariel Grigori.” He flashed a conspirator’s smile at Lailah. “Grigori is a principality, but Prince Sariel

sounds rather pretentious, so I generally use sir, or just Sariel.”

“I see.” Alyssa tucked a crimson curl behind her ear. “I must attend to Lady Rosalind.”

Lailah sighed audibly as the other woman left the church. She stepped up beside him, her voice hushed

and urgent. “I’m so glad you’ve finally come. It’s difficult to keep the entire castle from thinking --”

“Lailah.” He waited for her to meet his gaze before he continued. “You and I have known each other

since time began, so I will make this perfectly clear. I am obligated to remain separate from the other

angels. You know this. And you knowwhy .”

“But Sariel.” Her dark gaze searched his, looking for answers he was unable to give. “You came.

You’re here!”

“I’m not here about Alyssa.” He glanced away and strengthened his resolve. “I’ve come to judge

Rosalind.”

* * * * *

Alyssa forced her jaw to relax and took a deep breath. “I continue to treat you like a child because you

persist in acting like one.” Staving off Rosalind’s immediate protest with an upraised hand, Alyssa went

on. “You are Lady Monthamn. Your conduct must be above reproach, your manner refined. The days of

running amok with the village children are long past. You must accept your station.”

Rosalind unfastened her mantle. She ignored Alyssa’s directive to sit, but threw her cloak in the general

direction of the counting room’s only chair. “I wasn’t running amok. I went to visit Mae.”

“I see.” Alyssa moved behind a sturdy wooden table and sat on the matching bench. She needed the

barrier to keep herself from strangling the stubborn chit. Never in all her days had Alyssa faced a

challenge so daunting as her teenage ward. “Why didn’t you inform someone of your whereabouts? Why

did you leave without an escort?”

“I don’t need an escort to cross the bloody river!”

“Mind your tongue, young lady.”

The girl turned her face away and Alyssa scrambled for a strategy. Rosalind had always been spirited,

but this rebelliousness was new, and out of character. “What business had you with Mae?” She chose

her words carefully, hoping to diffuse the budding argument.

“I had nobusiness with Mae. She’s my friend. I wanted to see her baby. You continually harp on my

marrying well and producing heirs for Monthamn. I was simply spending time with --”

“Mae married the blacksmith’s apprentice. Your situations are hardly the same.”

“Our situations are exactly the same. Mae found a man who treats her kindly, who provides well for her

and her child. She has accomplished what you want me to do. I was attempting to learn from her

example.”

The urge to reach across the table and shake Rosalind until her teeth rattled nearly overwhelmed Alyssa.

She hid her fists in the fullness of her skirts and studied the girl’s flushed face. Belligerence burned in her

eyes, but another more elusive emotion flickered there as well. Hurt, perhaps, or fear? Alyssa had to

penetrate this defiance, find out what was driving the rebellion.

Alyssa cleared her throat and began in a gentler tone. “I have no quarrel with your destination, Rosalind.

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PraiseforthewritingofCyndiFriberg RebelAngels1:BornoftheShadows BornoftheShadowsisanamazingstorywithsomeuniquetwists.Naomiisawonderfullystrongheroine,inatimewhenmenusuallymadeallthedecisions...Thissensuoustalegivesvampireloverssomethingdelightfullydifferentandutterlysatisfying.It'shighlyrecomme...

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Friberg, Cyndi - Rebel Angels 2 - Echoes And Embers

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