Burn My Soul Part 1 Page 9

  Just as I reach the rocky entrance to my beautiful maze, a heavy weight slams into my back and forces me to fall forward head first toward the rocky gravel. My only thought is, Damn, this is going to hurt as I close my eyes. I don't want to see it coming.

  A few seconds later, when my face doesn't smash into the rough gravel, I open my eyes in disbelief. My arms are still outstretched in front of me to break my fall.

  It's as if time is standing still. The only thing between my face and impending facial road rash is a few mere inches.

  A second later I realize strong muscular arms are holding me tightly. I scream for help, struggling against the large bands of steel.

  My mind is stuck reliving that day not so long ago as fear paralyzes me. I expect to see the monster my mind conjured up that day. A voice penetrates through the fear but, it takes me another moment to recognize it.

  "Sweetheart. I can and will hold you firmly all day long until you wear out. Now, please stop struggling. I know you're frightened and confused. If you let me, I can explain. I can help you make sense of your newly developed gift and all of it."

  His voice is low and soothing, as he tries to coax me to become calm. I'm lost to him. I struggle even more, my words are stuck in my throat like a sinking rock.

  I know you somehow just gained the power of telepathic hearing. I can see it scares you deeply and I understand. I'll block my mind to give you some silence. Please, just calm down and stay with me in the here and now.

  Franklin sends the thought calmly and reassuringly into my mind. It momentarily overrides the other voices now gaining in strength and volume in my head. Yet, instead of helping, it just contributes to my irrational overwhelming fears.

  I push my hands tightly over my ears and temples to alleviate the increasing pain in my head. It doesn't help. I grip large handfuls of my hair in my hands and pull as hard as I can, nearly ripping it out in a huge chunk. I desperately need the physical pain to override the pain of the voices screaming in my head.

  "Make them go away! I can't do this! So many voices, they're screaming so loudly! Go away, all of you, leave me the hell alone!" I scream shrilly.

  Franklin tries to listen to Jinny's head to see what is causing her such pain and nearly buckles himself.

  Afraid Jinny's head will explode from the incredible pain and screaming voices, he holds her head tightly between his hands with lightning speed. Chanting quickly and feverently in a language as old as time, he gives her a temporary block to prevent her from hearing anything except her own thoughts and his, when she's ready.

  What's going on here? The ability to hear human and demonic voices is not something my wife had in her past lives. She never had any ability other than communicating with the Gods as their favorite daughter.

  There's no way she can have the gift of the angels, not unless....Hellfire! One of her parents had to have been an archangel on earth! That's only happened three times in my existence! It would explain why they were burned beyond recognition. Angels are notoriously hard to kill.

  Numb and grateful for the sudden blessed silence in my head, I finally feel more like myself and more in control. Although, my head feels incredibly raw, as if someone just threw it in a meat grinder. I have a fiercely intense migraine beginning.

  "Franklin, what the hell is happening to me, what is this? Is this God joking at my expense?" I ask and try to cover my fear with a sarcastic laugh. The movement causes intense agony in my temples as my legs give out beneath me.

  "Shhh. Sweetheart, wrap your arms around my neck. I'll take you to your room and help you get some much needed sleep.

  We'll discuss your new abilities later." Franklin cuddles her gently in his loving arms. He treats Jinny as if she's fragile like a butterfly's wings.

  He carries me past Demonicus. Who I notice has finished off his breakfast and mine as well. I can see he feels awful, it's written all over his face, the poor guy. I smile lovingly at Demonicus and whisper, "I'm so glad someone at least loves my cooking." Franklin and Demonicus both chuckle softly.

  "It's the best I've ever had." Demonicus whispers back with a genuine smile. Then, looks as if he wants to say more. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Franklin shaking his head no silently.

  Franklin lays me gently down on my bed and helps me to be as comfortable as I can under the circumstances. He makes me feel loved and cherished.

  "Franklin, please forgive me if I hurt you. I couldn't stop the insane fear as my mind flashed back to that day...." My voice sounds rough even to my ears and I know it's due to the migraine now plowing its way through my head.

  "Shhh, it's ok love. Don't waste your strength, I'm fine. You need to sleep now darling." Franklin says, his voice deep and comforting. He gazes at me with his heart in his eyes. I sigh peacefully as he compels me into a deep and healing sleep.

  Franklin comes back downstairs after assuring himself that Jinny's sleeping peacefully. He heads outside where he senses Demonicus.

  Wearily Franklin sits down next to his adopted son and explains what happened to cause Jinny's full blown panic attack.

  "I don't understand why a mere mortal woman has the gift of hearing humans and demons both on such a magnificent scale? Is it possible she's not fully mortal, father?"

  "I think I have to consider that possibility. I have a feeling there's much, much more to her story. For some reason, the whole truth has been kept from her and it's dangerous as hell. The only way she can have the abilities I know she already possesses, is if one of her parents was an archangel. It just doesn't make any sense not without more information." Franklin's shoulders slump as he places his face in his hands.

  "Never before, have I seen a soul or a heart as pure as Jinny's. She deserves the truth about our past together in Egypt and in Hell. She needs to understand exactly how much danger her life is in while we seek out answers."

  "Father, No! You can't tell her about Egypt! She will hate you when she finds out about the sacrifices and she will hate herself. You'll trigger all her memories. That along with everything else, will completely destroy her with the incredible darkness of days past. Please don't do this, I beg of you! Let the past stay dead."

  "When the foundation of a relationship is built on untold truths and lies, it will only fall that much harder. Besides, she's been dreaming about it for six years now. I'm not sure there's much I can say that she hasn't already dreamed."

  Demonicus is furious, he knows this path so soon will only lead to pain and destruction for father and sweet Jinny and it's killing him.

  Demonicus knows that after Franklin completes his insane need for confession, Jinny will never be the same again. She'll be forever haunted with the burden of knowledge and memory of the ancient past.

  I may have just met her but, I watched how she healed everyone she met at the club last night. Every demon she's touched with her pure soul claims centuries of pain and agony were healed with just a touch, a hug, or a word of kindness from her pure soul.

  Demonicus refuses to stand witness to this cataclysmic event! He stands up and walks away, leaving Franklin to sit alone. Then he did something he's never done before, he prays to God for Jinny's soul. Demons never pray to the God that banished them to Hell.

  Franklin sighs as he watches Demonicus angrily stomp away. He knows Demonicus has made his choice. He chose Jinny as he knew he would. At least he knows she'll be under his protection.

  He sits on the patio and ponders what Jinny has already said. He knows she prefers to call him Senefru and hates the name Franklin. He chuckles to himself. The most perplexing of all though, is how she saw him after her death. It made no sense at all.

  There is no way she could have seen that without the help of the Gods. It's possible she called on them for help.

  It won't be long before she remembers everything and will hate him for keeping it all from her. Hell, she might even hate him for making her remember the worst time in her life.

  Unfortunately, he has no choice, S
atan has seen to that! If she's to remain safe, she needs her memories back. Franklin heads upstairs to lie down beside her and watch her sleep. He knows it may be the last time he has this luxury.

  I open my eyes, feeling wonderful and just like myself again. I see Senefru on his side staring at me with such love and adoration in his eyes that I can't help but take a deep inhalation. I strangely feel the same toward him and in such a short time. Maybe love at first sight does in fact exist in the case of destined soul mates.

  "May I ask you something, Senefru?"

  "Ask me anything you like, love." Franklin says and expects questions about demons. It would help lead into the conversation they need to have.

  "Your tattoo, it covers the whole right side of your chest, back, and all the way down your right arm. It looks tribal. What's the meaning behind it?"

  Franklin is quite taken aback, not expecting that to be her question and remains silent for a few moments as she gathers his thoughts.

  "This tattoo was placed on my body when I had attained the position of high priest at seventeen years old in the Order of Ra-Amun, 3,386 years ago at the Temple of Karnack. You will understand the rest soon enough darling."

  3,386 years ago? There's no way in Hellfire he's that old! He should be a dusty mummified heap of leathery skin in a museum right now if that's the case! Oh, he's clearly just pulling my leg. I think and chuckle softly.

  "I most certainly assure you, that is my true age." Franklin speaks with a tone of authority in his voice.

  "I have to admit, you look damn fine for someone who is so ancient." I blurt out without thinking. I slap both my hands over my mouth, sit up in bed and feel my face heat up once again.

  Ancient or not, you sure jumped right into bed with him now didn't you...open mouth and insert foot girl! My mind scolds me silently.

  Franklin emits a deep smoky chuckle as he hears Jinny's outburst as well as her scolding herself.

  Oh damn. There it is again, that chuckle of his. I think as my body buzzes with the need to have him deep inside of me.

  I try very hard to keep the current fantasy from gaining purchase in my head. My face heats up even further. Franklin's wicked smile quickly turns serious. I know it's time for that talk and that kills the buzz in my body immediately. Any hope I have to make sweet love together before we have to deal with whatever has put that look on his face, dies a quick death.

  "Sweetheart, I live in a very dangerous world. Your very life is in danger from the current ruler, Satan, who wants you back very badly. He had your past self as his concubine for hundreds of years and now he knows your alive again, he wants you back for all eternity."

  Oh Jesus help me, he's talking about the owner of that chilling voice that froze my heart with ice and dread. I just want to be with Senefru, er, I mean Franklin, why can't we just run away together?

  "I do have a remote island in the Caribbean. It's my permanent earthly home and it's heavily warded and spelled. Anyone who wishes me or those I love any kind of harm, are banned from seeing it or entering its land. You'll always be safe there."

  "I would love to see it, it sounds heavenly." I whisper in awe. I can see us running away together to his island to live out eternity there together. But, that would mean leaving my home behind and sweet shadow too. It was something to think about.

  Once again Franklin answers my thoughts. "Sweetheart, I have a feeling Shadow would follow you anywhere. Besides, I can't run away and hide for all eternity. I have responsibilities. I worked hard, did things I won't mention, just to have the most trusted position in Satan's kingdom. I can't give it up now or we'll never find out the truth."

  Just then he's interrupted from saying another word as my doorbell rings. "I'll be right back." I smile and leave the room only to see he looks worried and is right behind me. He stays at my side until I reach the front door.

  Ariel is alone at the door. I wonder if her and Meg have had a recent fight as I open the door.

  "Ariel is everything ok? You look worried. Please come in." I'm suddenly worried for her and yet, relieved to put off the serious conversation with Franklin, as he's known in public.

  After Ariel comes in, she follows me to the den and sits down heavily. I immediately introduce her and Franklin to each other. She immediately shocks me with her next blunt statement.

  "You Franklin, are a nightmare demon. Good. That means you can protect Jinny better than most from what is coming." I gasp, my palms rest on my chest as my eyes widen. How could she know that? I didn't even know what type of demon?

  "Who are you really? You're not a human Ariel. Your essence is too powerful!" Franklin demands as he puts his arm around me and pulls me tightly into his side.

  "Damn, I wanted more time to do this and do it more gently and not so bluntly." Ariel looks straight at me.

  "Your parents are not your real parents, Jinny. They adopted you when you were two days old. They knew exactly who I was and what I was, because....the woman you call mama is my sister. They were killed by Satan because you were to be in the car when it blew up. He found out somehow about you and wanted to hurt me. I gave birth to you in Egypt centuries ago, I was caught by Satan to watch over you and gave birth to your current form in this life along with your twin both times as well. His soul was not reborn in this life because he is still alive and has been for centuries when he should have died and been reborn with you.

  "I....NO!.... You're lying!" I scream at her angrily."You just sit here. Franklin watch her, I'm calling the cops, she's the one who killed Mama and Daddy!" I jump up and run for the phone on the other side of the room in a blind rage.

  "Let me go dammit, let me go! I have to call the police and get help right now! You're all insane!" I scream when Franklin stops me feet from reaching the phone. I don't understand what the hell is wrong with him!

  "Sweetheart, listen to me. Do you trust me?"

  "I did until just now."

  "Honey, she's telling the truth. I have the ability to know when someone is lying. It's one of my demon abilities and she isn't lying....not one bit."

  I can't stop thinking they are in it together, maybe that's the only reason he slept with me! He just wanted to get close to me, to finish off what my parents' killer had not! I think as I begin to hyperventilate and feel the panic attack coming on.

  I suddenly sink into immediate darkness. I can't see anything but, I can still hear even though its slightly muffled. I grow angrier by the second. I know Franklin, Senefru whatever the hell his real name is, did this to me. He blinded me and tried to knock me out but, it didn't completely work!

  And Ariel, what the hell is the matter with her? Why would she lie to me like that, cause me such great pain so viciously? There is no way in hell she's my true mother and if she is, where the hell has she been all these years? Why does she still look my age?

  The questions running through my head are giving me another migraine so I try to quiet my brain and just listen in.

  "Why did you do that to her?"

  "She has no idea who she really is nor does she remember her past lives. Only small bits and pieces with me in them. She's had to deal with an overwhelming amount of abilities, memories, knowledge and a message from Satan himself all within a week's time. She's close to breaking as it is."

  "Why haven't you triggered her soul's memories then? Her life is in grave danger when he finds out exactly where she is!" Ariel yells at Franklin.

  "I had considered it but, she can't handle it right now. She has enough on her plate. Now, tell me the truth. I now know you are her mother and an archangel. Where's her real father?"

  "Satan murdered him and took my son in Egypt."

  That's the last thing I hear, too exhausted to hold on anymore, I drift into the blissful darkness once again thankful to put this nightmare off for awhile.

  When I come to again, over six hours have passed and it's now the middle of the night. I'm covered up on my couch in the den. I don't see anyone in the room. Trying to ke
ep panic at bay, I call out for Franklin.

  "I'm right here honey." He suddenly appears out of thin air in front of me. I scream and jump. He scares the hell out of me with his quick appearance.

  "Dammit Senefru! Don't do that! Use the damn front door like a normal person!" I gasp out angrily.

  "Where the Hell is Ariel? I want the whole truth and I'm not stopping until I get it!" My anger rises again.

  At the look of understanding and sympathy on his face, I already have my answer but, I need to hear the words.

  "She's gone love. She gave me what information I needed to search for the answers you still seek then, left and took Meg with her. She is one of God's archangels, the archangel of lost souls to be exact. She is one of the most powerful of God's army and willingly fell for Heaven. Satan has been obsessed with her before you were born in Egypt." He whispers softly, barely above a whisper.

  I allow my eyes a moment to feast on the six foot three inch, 265 pound Adonis who, no matter what happens from here on out, I can no longer deny I'm falling quickly for.

  His beautiful bluish grey eyes stare back silently and sadly. I watch him sigh deeply as he approaches me then sits on the couch beside me.

  Hellfire, Ariel's right. The only hope I have of Jinny accepting our past lives and forgiving me as well as saving her life is to trigger all the memories in her soul.

  I see the sadness turn to deep pain and fear. It quickly increases my own to the point where I jump over the back of the couch keeping it between us. I can't explain it, I just have this feeling that he's about to harm me in some way.

  I have no choice. Please forgive me Jinny.

  Franklin disappears and reappears right behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. I turn my face up to his. Franklin gives me a searing kiss that's enough to sear my whole body, making it burn out of control with pure sexual need.

  While my eyes are closed, I feel him turn me toward him and I sigh, thinking we are about to make love. That's when I feel his body immediately tensing up. One of his arms pull me tightly against him while his other arm wraps against the back of my neck. I believe he's tensed with need too and think nothing of it until his hand lands and stays on my forehead. His voice immediately changes, turning darker and more sinister as he chants.