The Sentinel

Prologue

It shouldn't be this difficult to locate such a high profile archangel, he thought with considerable frustration. Uriel had been to several levels of heaven, continuously on the heels of and missing his angel brother by what he was assured by the others was the barest sliver of time. He was well aware of the relativity of time between heaven and earth and he didn't have much of it to enlist the assistance he required.

He had arrived in fifth heaven, where a large administrative gathering was planned, hoping to corner his quarry there. He approached the steps of a glorious natural rock formation that led upwards to the plateau where the meeting would take place.

He couldn't deny how much better it felt to shed that cage of a human body he'd been imprisoned in while he had been on earth. He was tempted to unfurl his massive wings and soar upwards in seconds instead of taking the stairs, but it would be bad form to extend them in close company. But at least he no longer felt encased and limited in that fleshy confine.

He was welcomed with as much enthusiasm as he'd experienced in the other realms he'd visited, the other angels eager to glean any information he would share. Unfortunately, they were doomed to disappointment because he wasn't at liberty to divulge details from this latest mission; he was aware of the high level of curiosity over his dispatch to earth after thousands of years avoiding it. It was well known he wasn't sent for anything other than high priority assignments.

It was far from complete, but he'd had to withdraw for now, which was unprecedented for him. While it stung his pride, he would never jeopardize such a crucial project that involved the salvation of so many souls over his own personal struggles. He was the angel of repentance, and as such, he needed to get his own priorities straight so he could assist his fellow angels in their own redemption. This was closer to his heart than the human project ever was. Although, lately, his attitude towards human beings had undergone some revision as well. He deliberately pushed aside the feelings of yearning and loss creeping into the edge of his conscious awareness, pervasive and overwhelming. He would control them at all cost. There was no room for self-indulgence.

His ruminations were abruptly halted as he finally succeeded in his object. As usual, his brother was surrounded by hosts of angels who sought his company and counsel but was easily visible in their midst as he towered over everyone else. How could he begrudge them, as he was doing the same? As if sensing his regard, he saw the archangel's head swivel in his direction and their eyes met across the plateau.

The cluster of angels were silenced and parted respectfully as the imposing angel held up his hands and signaled his intention to have a word with Uriel. Swiftly, he came over and they clasped forearms with vigor, smiling in their mutual pleasure to see each other after Uriel's absence.

As usual, Uriel wasted no time in what he considered useless pleasantries. He pulled his angel brother in towards him to shield them from the blatantly curious onlookers and whispered urgently, Gabriel, I need your help. Where can we speak privately?

Chapter 1

Beth woke to a quiet house still shrouded in darkness. She burrowed under the covers to evade the late November chill that surrounded her. Lifting her head to peek at the fireplace, she noted with a groan that the woodstove had exhausted its fuel supply, but she was too cold to get up to replenish it. The cold air stung her nostrils while she breathed. Thank God she was off today; she had the luxury of being home to deal with her morning sickness instead of finding ways to hide it from her coworkers.

She wasn't as successful hiding it from Paul, who preferred she stay home full time but held his peace. She couldn't do that; she'd go bonkers with boredom. Besides, she loved her job as a nurse in the busy Intensive Care Unit and now that Paul worked as a full time orderly in the same unit, he was more comfortable keeping an eye on her.

Every time she thought over the events of the last couple of months, Beth's head spun with the incredulity of it all. Her life had changed drastically, irrevocably. Automatically, her head turned to the empty pillow beside her, which reminded her where she was.

Sam was in Germany for a week performing as a guest with the symphony orchestra in Berlin. Although he played his cello in a rock band, he was classically trained and loved returning periodically to his classical roots.

Sam wouldn't be in this bed with her, she thought with a guilty flush, and his head would never rest on that pillow. She'd returned to her own house as soon as she'd dropped Sam at the airport and Paul had followed, determined that she wouldn't be left unguarded. Since she'd first known of her pregnancy, she had stayed at Sam's home, an impossibly large mansion the next town over. She had been craving her own space, her own house, which was a roomy Victorian set back from a quiet country road. Beth avoided thinking about the other reason she wanted to go home. It was safer that way.

Oh no. The familiar queasiness assailed her and rose in force. Her abdomen clenched and roiled, propelling her out of bed despite the cold and sent her flying down the hall to the bathroom. Dimly, she heard Paul's door open as he arrived at the bathroom just in time to hold her hair back while she retched over the toilet.

As always, he projected a soothing calm that was a balm to her frayed nerves. He made sympathetic noises as he held a warm hand to the small of her back while she caught her breath. Gratefully, Beth took the cold facecloth he held out to her and swiped it over her face, pressing it against her eyes for a few long seconds.

Her voice came out muffled through the thick terrycloth, Can't you use your angelic powers to take this puking away?

He laughed gently and reminded her, I wish I could, Beth, but as you know, this is a good sign- that your pregnancy is a strong one. He assisted her to her feet, wrapping an arm around her waist. She shrugged him aside impatiently.

I'm not crippled, Paul. I can walk.

He stepped aside, unfazed by her crankiness. His beautiful face remained gently compassionate. If he weren't an angel, he'd be a saint, Beth thought, reaching out to him apologetically.

I'm sorry, Paul. I'm a bear this morning. I'm missing Sam.

Only Sam? she detected the probing nature of his tone, which caused her to look at him directly. There was no mistaking that he didn't intend to let this slide anymore. He'd been her guardian all her life; it was useless to hide anything from him. Since she'd run to this bathroom, he knew she had come from the other bedroom. Her own room had a bathroom attached. She had dashed from the room that belonged to Uriel, the father of her expected child.

She played for time, but realized it wouldn't help her in the long run to bottle this up. She had put off discussing any of it for weeks, because it was too fresh. Normally, she'd take something this serious to her therapist, Rob, but how did one explain the complicated events of the last couple months? How to tell a psychologist that her guardian angel lived with her, she carried an archangel's baby, intended to marry a fallen angel, and was trying to evade Lucifer in the bargain? How about testing his credulity a bit further and throw a savior baby into the equation? This was the stuff of delusions and Rob would be correct to hospitalize her immediately. It would test the belief of the religious as well, she thought ironically. She'd been avoiding him lately for these very reasons. Beth had difficulty believing most of it herself, half expecting to wake up from a dream.

Another wave of nausea enveloped her, propelling her back to the toilet. She hadn't even eaten anything yet, she thought ruefully as she rinsed her mouth and washed her hands after bringing up nothing but bile.

Maybe it will be better if we get something into you, Beth, Paul suggested. It hung between them, unspoken, that it was Uriel who cooked, not Paul.

An emptiness that was increasingly familiar engulfed her, making her feel as if she were isolated on her own planet. There was no denying that it was worse when Sam was gone, but he didn't have the type of job where he could attend to her. Besides, how do you tell the man you love that you need him to be with you so you don't miss the other man who left? Hot tears of self- pity sprang to her eyes and Paul, sensing her fragile emotional state when she was feeling so poorly, stepped into the breach between them.

These pregnancy hormones are getting to me, she told him shakily, this time accepting his supportive hand under her elbow as they went downstairs.

Undoubtedly, he reassured her. However, we need to talk about Uriel. You are grieving, Beth. I understand why you want to shield Sam from that, but I don't think it's helping either of you. It's causing too much stress for you.

He settled her into the breakfast nook while he took the Cheerios down from the cupboard along with a bowl and spoon. He went for the milk in the refrigerator, but Beth stopped him. No milk. I'll take them dry today. I think I have to take those prenatal vitamins at night- they upset my stomach too.

He put the vitamin he'd just emptied into his hand back in the bottle, nodding. He poured two glasses of ice water and brought them to the table. The day her pregnancy was confirmed, Beth had given up caffeine; neither Paul nor Sam drank coffee in her presence to make it easier.

She crunched her Cheerios miserably, her head in her hand. Paul buttered English muffins and slathered them with peanut butter. He held one out to Beth, who winced at the thought of choking down anything so rich when her stomach was performing back flips. But it was hard to know. On another morning, it would be appetizing.

Obviously, Paul had set a mental health agenda for her today, because he returned to the subject dear to his heart, albeit indirectly.

Maybe sitting in the chapel would help this morning, he suggested.

The chapel. There was no way Beth could associate the chapel with anyone other than Uriel. Paul understood they had spent many hours together in that room, processing nightmares that drove Beth from her bed. She hadn't set foot in it since he'd left.

It's like a death, he began gently, but Beth angrily interjected,

No. It isn't. She felt her face harden implacably. Unless it's suicide, death isn't a choice. He chose to walk out on both me and his child. He's reduced me to a one night stand. I never had a one night stand until this supposedly spiritual experience with Uriel. Her voice was thick with shame and hurt.

When he first left, Beth thought she could be philosophical about it, but that was proving to be untrue the more time passed. Despite understanding the inherent difficulty his staying would present, she found herself feeling rejected and abandoned. Although she felt loved at the time their child was conceived, his absence persuaded her it was unlikely.

Paul reached for her hands, rubbing them soothingly with his thumbs, searching for words of comfort. Rest assured, he is working even now to ensure your safety and that of the child.

His blue eyes reflected concern as he watched her angrily swipe a tear away with the back of her hand. Maybe he was wrong. Maybe it wasn't helping to talk about it. He sighed and wished Sam were here. Sam knew exactly how to distract Beth and help her relax. He decided to drop the subject, shelve it for another time. He cleared the table, noting that she'd only eaten about half of the cereal.

We have to get going by eight, he reminded her. We have the clinic today.

She pressed the heels of her hands into her eyes, sniffing and nodding at the same time. They had gone forward with the in vitro ruse at a top notch fertility clinic in New York. They'd really only had a consultation and then transferred regular visits to Hartford, to reduce the travelling. Beth had been car sick the entire trip to New York; they didn't want to repeat that miserable experience on a weekly basis.

They had devised a plan to distract Lucifer from her pregnancy. He knew that the fallen Watcher angels were infertile- many of them remained celibate as well, as a form of repentance. It was part of their binding within repeated human incarnations.

Now, she was pregnant with the future savior of the angels from the first and second fall, which certainly didn't align with Lucifer's agenda of total dominion. The longer they could keep this crucial detail from him, the better for all concerned. There was no telling what he would do.

Hence, they opted to hide in plain sight. Nearly overnight, Sam and Beth announced their engagement and intention to have children given that they were already in their late twenties. Sam shared in an exclusive interview with People magazine that he was incapable of fathering children due to infertility issues. He'd become the ultra-cool poster child for men having similar difficulties, given his status as an international rock star. Lately, he'd been receiving almost as much fan support for infertility as he did for his music, which made them glad they could help people while they shielded the baby.

There was no end of admiration for his courage in going public in an area of insecurity for many men. Their fertility specialist said they'd had a surge in visits since Beth and Sam had been photographed multiple times entering the clinic. Of course, no one had any idea she was already pregnant at the first visit. People just assumed they'd been successful on the first try. But it served their purposes, brought attention to an important issue for couples, and bought them time.

The side door opened, revealing her brother Travis' broad back as he braced the door with his rump and struggled to enter with a bulky box he carried. Paul rushed over to relieve him of his burden, placing it on the counter while Travis removed his coat.

What's in the box? Beth wondered idly. Her brother grinned and brought it over to where she sat at the table.

Check it out. He eyed her up and down critically. Geez, Beth. You look like hell. Rough morning?

She returned his stare grumpily, electing not to respond, as she attempted to untie the twine around the box. Paul flipped open his pocket knife to smoothly cut it away when the knot proved difficult. A faint aroma of cedar teased her nostrils when she pulled back the interlocked flaps.

Items were wrapped in newspaper and bound with more knotted twine. Paul removed the parcels and methodically slit the twine on each of them, arranging them on the table for Beth to open. Her cell phone buzzed on the table. It was Sam. She set it on speaker, already feeling her mood lighten just hearing his voice.

Hey there, he greeted cheerfully. Everybody up?

Hi yourself- you're on speaker. We're all up. Travis just brought a mystery box over and I'm checking out what's in it.

Oh? Beth could hear the smile in his voice. Keep me on while you open it; I love surprises.

The newspaper is from the 1980's, so whatever it is, it's been put away for a while. She set about unfolding the wrap.

Save the paper, he told her. It'll be fun to read.

An inner layer of tissue surrounded soft contents. Travis reached over to unwrap it faster but Beth smacked his hand away. Inside was a hand knit baby sweater, booties and cap. Beth ran her hand over the soft yellow yarn, and held up a tiny bootie, smiling in delight at its dainty workmanship. She placed it in Paul's large palm, enjoying the expression on his face.

Well? Sam prompted from the phone.

It's hand knit infant clothes- I think Trav found Gram's stash from when we were babies. Remember the old ladies at the Vasa Club, Sam? They used to crochet and knit up a storm. There's probably a wardrobe in this box.

Warm laughter emitted from her phone causing her to crave his physical presence. She wished he was sitting here with them, but this was nice having him to talk to. She described each package in detail for him as she unwrapped a seemingly endless amount of burp cloths, blankets and even a tiny silverware set with a rattle. At this point, she allowed the men's help, since they did have to get on the road soon.

What are you doing? she asked Sam.

I'm at the end of a lunch break; we wrapped up rehearsal for the show tonight. I'm sitting in a cafe facing a plaza with a fountain. He was six hours ahead in Berlin.

And how is the concert run going?

It's great, Beth. A packed house every night so far. The conductor is having fun by bringing me on for an encore at the end to ruffle the feathers of the classical crowd. I play a metal selection.

They all laughed, picturing the faces of a stuffy classical audience hearing riffs from a cello. What's the reaction? Travis inquired.

Sam's voice lifted in pleasure, Surprisingly good. People come up to me afterwards and marvel at the sounds I'm able to get out of a cello. I love it when people discover cello-metal. The CD's are flying off the table at the end of the concerts.

They heard another man's voice in the background, speaking to Sam in German. Hang on, Beth, Sam told her. He responded to the person in German as well and then said, I have to go. I have two interviews and a photo shoot with the orchestra for the local paper. Catch up with you after the doctor visit?

They all said goodbye to Sam and flattened the newspaper sheets on the counter. Beth pushed the box with the baby clothes towards Travis to bring to the laundry room. Rising off the nook bench, she halted abruptly as the doorbell chimed, all three of them locking eyes, silently paranoid since they weren't expecting anyone. For a painful second, Beth hoped it was Uriel, but dismissed the notion since he would have used the side door, and he would have walked right in.

By tacit agreement, Paul placed himself directly in front of Beth while Travis put the box down on the floor to get the front door. She saw him reach behind his flank to put his hand on the grip of the handgun he had tucked in his jeans waistband.

Initially, when they'd talked to Travis about the real situation they were dealing with, it took days to persuade him they were serious. Now, he was entirely convinced and was dedicated to keeping both Beth and the baby safe, within the limits of his human power. He glanced over his shoulder at Paul, who nodded that it was okay to get the door.

He pulled the door open just as the doorbell rang insistently for the second time.

Chapter 2

Travis was riveted at the sight before him on the front porch. The woman standing on the welcome mat could only be described as magnificent.

She must have been six feet three inches in stocking feet. Her ebony skin gleamed in the morning light, a startling contrast to her vivid blue eyes, which sparkled with ready laughter but didn't render her any less intimidating. The bone structure of her face was angular and regally beautiful, her plump lips stretched in a friendly smile. Her braided hair was collected into a graceful upsweep that formed a natural crown which probably placed this woman just under seven feet. A lined leather trench coat wrapped her form with jeans covering her legs, which of course, ended in the heels that elevated her many inches above Travis' own five feet ten frame.

Beside her was the largest dog Travis had ever seen, a Great Dane he thought dimly, standing docilely under the woman's large, slender fingered hand, which rested comfortably on its thick neck. He noted nervously that it had no collar. Its curious blue eyes were trained on Travis, as if it too waited for an invitation to enter.

Who is it, Travis? came Beth's terse inquiry from within the kitchen, since he stood frozen in the doorway and hadn't yet managed to get a word out. The open door obscured their view.

His voice came out raspy, his eyes darting to the Great Dane, which remained unfazed by his stares. An Amazon and her giant dog, he quipped, causing the stranger's smile to broaden appreciatively. Even her brilliantly white teeth were large. To the Amazon in question, he said, Yes? his voice lilting upward in awestruck confusion, which appeared to delight her further still.

A honeyed laugh with husky undertones escaped her lips and the massive dog sat back on its haunches as if expecting this to take a while. It swung its huge head in its mistress' direction, awaiting its cue. She patted its head gently while she turned her amused gaze back to Travis.

I am Gabriella, and this, she indicated the dog with a graceful sweep of her long arm, is Prince. Prince returned to his previous stance, apparently aware he was being introduced. Her voice was smooth and mellow, like a jazz singer.

Since Travis didn't appear to be any more enlightened than he had before she'd stated her name, his eyebrows lifted in mute inquiry, hoping she'd explain herself further.

I am sent by Uriel, my archangel brother, she obliged. I would like to speak with Poiel and Beth- but I understand we have an appointment to get to? We can speak in the car.

Travis heard an unintelligible noise from Paul and he bent slightly backwards to look beyond the door. He was confused to see Paul kneeling in the kitchen and Beth straining to see around the door and Travis. Paul said urgently, Let them in.

Travis stepped back to let Gabriella and Prince into the foyer. The dog seemed to pause to look around, while the woman moved gracefully towards Paul to greet him with an extended forearm, pulling him to his feet at the same time. Poiel, she greeted in that torch singer voice, I have been anxious to meet you. Paul kept his eyes glued to the floor and seemed to have misplaced his voice.

Travis noted Beth's amazed expression as she took in Gabriella's stature and appearance. Gabriella turned to Beth and smiled warmly, simultaneously holding out her hand to encompass Beth's small one in a handshake. Beth, I am Gabriella, she turned slightly towards the alarmingly large animal, somehow signaling it to come to her side, and this is Prince.

Beth wasn't afraid of dogs in general, but this dog's head was even with her chest. She stifled a surprised sound when the animal gracefully bowed its head, quietly offering itself for petting. She placed her hand tentatively on its broad head, which was warm and soft. She felt the dog's entire body sigh at her touch and smiled.

Gabriella gave a soft laugh and asserted, He likes you. He doesn't often allow anyone to touch him.

Prince remained still while Beth grew bolder with her caresses, scratching behind his silky ears and running her hand smoothly down its back. Petting this dog was having a relaxing effect on her and her stomach didn't feel as quivery as it had only moments before.

Paul remained frozen in position and Beth's brow furrowed as she wondered aloud, Paul, is something wrong? He did not respond; he didn't even appear to register that she had spoken to him.

Gabriella's attention was drawn to Paul as well, and she clucked her tongue, It's me. I'm being so stupid while I am excited to meet all these people important to Uriel. Be at ease, Watcher. Paul finally relaxed his pose but looked slightly ill. Beth wondered if he'd still be kneeling if Gabriella hadn't helped him rise from the floor.

Did you just say that you're coming to this appointment with us? Travis asked, looking justifiably confused. The dog too?

Gabriella's merry blue eyes twinkled at Travis' question, nodding affirmatively. This is not an ordinary dog, he is sent directly by Uriel as a companion to Beth. Humans will understand him as a working dog, but he is specifically a protector- he is highly trained and very good at what he does. Prince regarded her while she spoke, seeming to understand exactly what was said, looking directly at either of them when they spoke as if he followed the conversation.

An angel dog? Travis ventured, and Gabriella confirmed it with a nod.

Beth absorbed the fact that Uriel had sent her a dog. She wasn't sure if she was pleased or insulted. It was reassuring that here was tangible evidence that he cared how she was doing, but obviously not enough to return here himself.

I didn't hear you drive up, Travis challenged, and leaned to look out the window to see if there was a vehicle he'd missed.

No, you didn't, she confirmed. We travel fast and light. No car yet. I'll obtain one if I need to. Gabriella shrugged as if it were of no consequence.

Beth could see Travis attempting to get his bearings in this odd turn of events. His hand wandered to the back of his neck, his head cocked to the side and his eyes narrowed as he concentrated. It was a nervous gesture he'd had since they were children and she knew that it signified he was slightly overwhelmed. He had to take in a lot of improbable information in the last couple of weeks and Beth worried the strain of it might aggravate the PTSD he struggled with since he'd returned from serving in the Army in the Middle East. She decided to keep further questions for the ride so they could leave on time and Trav could acclimate to this latest development.

Well, Beth told Gabriella, changing the subject, We try to create a bit of a stir every time we visit the clinic to draw some attention from photographers. Usually, Sam is with us and that does the trick, but he's away for a few more days.

The giant woman nodded pleasantly. Good, she purred. There's nothing I like better than making a dramatic entrance. I'll introduce myself today as your midwife. Prince will also get his share of attention. She clapped her hands imperiously, waving them out the door as if she hadn't just dropped a bomb in their midst. Let's go my dears, we can't be late. I've ordered a limo to keep things comfortable. Don't worry about the driver, he's one of ours.

As if on cue, they heard a car's tires on the gravel drive and could see a Hummer limo pulling in to the end of the driveway. Gabriella ushered them outside and settled them into the plush interior. Prince entered gracefully and folded his large body on the floor near Beth's feet. The window between them and the driver lowered and Beth immediately recognized the driver, her quick intake of breath drawing the others' attention.

Dave! she spluttered.

His friendly face split into a grin, and he turned to offer his hand to her, which she shook, slightly dazed. I thought you were an insurance agent..., her voice trailed off lamely, as she recalled the business card he'd given her at Sam's concert.

Sometimes I am. Today, Gabriella tells me I am a limo driver. He doffed his chauffeur cap. This job requires a certain measure of flexibility.

Paul emitted a disgruntled snort, one of the few sounds he'd made since Gabriella appeared. At