He’d spend the rest of his life showing her how much she meant to him. He’d do everything in his power to make sure that he’d never break her he...rt again—she deserved that much. ******************* Raleigh, North Carolina— July 1, 1941 After Lula and Daniel’s confrontation at the smokehouse earlier that morning, breakfast at the Carven house had been a sullen and disconcerting affair and Emma had a good idea as to the reason. Earlier that morning, she’d watched from her bedroom window as Lula. She was surprised but did not pull back. Our tongues touched lightly and playfully. “Yes, my darling Jackie. Your Steve does have a big cock,” I whispered in her ear. She pulled back and playfully punched my arm.“And he’s all mine!” she smiled.Right, I thought, but smiled back.When I got home, Liam was sitting on the sofa watching TV. “So, how is Jackie?” he asked.“Fantastic”, I said. “She told me all about her losing her virginity this past weekend.” He smiled. “You’ll never guess who her. Mom assured methat the dress would be ready for my wedding a week from Sunday. She hadanother surprise for me. It seemed the mayor, Marcia White, had stoppedin the library during the afternoon and Mom asked her if she wouldpreside over the ceremonies. This was all happening so fast!The three of us gathered round the kitchen table. I served coffee andcake and sat down to join in on the planning. "Mom, I've got a questionfor you?" I began. She waited expectantly. "How come Grandma and. Liquid X. Ashriel’s mind had already been running rampant with desire for Anniel. The Liquid X had been like tossing a spark on rocket fuel. After falling from grace, he’d returned, shamed to Angeloria, home of all holy warriors. He withstood being deplumed and cast out. He never realized how devastating being deplumed was. So when he finally opened his eyes and found himself lying face down upon an angel-sized bed in what looked like Alpha 7, surrounded by a large group of outcast reapers,.