Angel in the Ice, Book 3 by Lisa Grace (Angel Series)

The Angel Series

****

Angel in the Ice

Book 3

By

Lisa Grace

The difference between vampires and angels? Angels are real. ™ ®

Back Cover:

Megan Laughlin has a gift, or what seems like a curse at times—to see angels. Judas, an evil angel enrolled in her high school, tags along with her youth group on their winter-break ski trip.

While in the mountains of North Carolina, an approaching blizzard provides Judas the perfect cover— to up the death count and gather more souls. Meanwhile, Sam fights his drug addiction, Seth discovers his gift, and Megan is confronted by Judas to deliver on her promise. Seemingly harmless temptations have life-changing consequences for the survivors at the resort.

Angel in the Ice, Book 3; Part of the Angel series by Lisa Grace Copyright© 2012

Copyright© 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

On file at the Library of Congress

Smashwords Edition, 2012

License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Angel Series:

Angel in the Shadows, Book 1 by Lisa Grace

Angel in the Storm, Book 2 by Lisa Grace

Angel in the Ice, Book 3 by Lisa Grace

All rights reserved by the author—Lisa Grace

The difference between vampires and angels? Angels are real.™ ®

You can reach me at:

http://www.lisagracebooks.com sign up as an angel friend and receive news on the latest book releases and the movie.

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Scripture quotes and footnotes are from the King James Version of the Bible, unless otherwise indicated.

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

The NIV and New International Version trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by International Bible Society. Use of either trademark requires the permission of the International Bible Society.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any means, or by any information storage retrieval system without the permission, in writing, from the author.

Cover Art© Copyright all rights to cover design reserved by the author, Lisa Grace.

Many thanks to my cover design artist Dusty Catlett. He can be reached at: http://www.evercross.com

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The difference between vampires and angels? Angels are real. I know the invisible world that is all around us. My name is Megan Laughlin. I live in Clearwater, Florida. I’m fifteen, and I see angels.

***

Chapter 1 - Megan

The last bell rings before the Christmas break and I wonder how many people Judas will kill before the next one rings.

What’s the rush? Judas asks as he comes up behind me. With his longer stride he easily keeps pace. He casually places his arm around my shoulder acting like any boyfriend would. I’m used to this evil angel now. If I keep an even temper and ignore him, he does less damage. The more I beg him to leave me alone or show that he’s upset me, the more pleasure he gets. I try to pray whenever he is around. I ask for strength and not to let him get my goat.

I can’t wait to spend time with you alone in the mountains on our ski trip, Judas says. He leans closer and whispers, I can be whatever you like. I can even be Seth for you. I don’t bother to look at Judas. Seth is my boyfriend. He lives in Jacksonville about four hours away. He knows what Judas is.

Judas draws me in for a hug and I let him. Resisting makes it worse. I see a couple of cute girls casting me envious glances. Judas is so handsome and magnetic they would do anything to trade places with me—and that’s the problem. He would destroy them without a second thought.

Yes, I’m excited about seeing Seth, I say. I instantly regret my words as I see a look of pure hatred cross his eyes.

Just a few weeks ago, Judas tried to kill Seth and almost succeeded. Sam, a classmate of mine, saved Seth’s life. Earlier that horrible day during a moment of weakness, I made a pact with Judas. I would give him my life and pretend to be his girlfriend if he would refrain from killing Seth and my little brother Max. I know it won’t work for long. He’ll eventually get tired of me. Since angels exist outside time, I don’t know how long it will take. I guess he could choose to keep Seth and me apart for the rest of our lives or until Seth gets tired of waiting for me and falls in love with someone else. Either way, I’m trying to salvage what’s left of my life. I love Seth and want to have a life with him.

Judas wants to wear me down. Most of the time he is very charming and at those times I can almost see him the way he wants me to. He wants me to fall in love with him and then he will destroy me.

Judas wants me because I’ve given my life and soul to God, his sworn enemy, and for whatever reason, God is letting me be tested. Normally I don’t mind tests, but this one, if I fail, could cost me my soul. That is what Judas is counting on.

***

I see Johnny and Vania waiting next to his car in the parking lot. Judas and I both wave, but we are waving for very different reasons.

Judas says, This is going to be fun! I can’t wait. He puts on a dazzling smile, and some of the girls walking to their cars yell out, Bye Jude! Have a great vacation! He smiles and waves, thrilling his fans.

The aura Johnny casts as a good angel is hidden to most. He is here to do God’s will and hold Jude in check. However, there are limits to what he can do. Demons can possess living animals and unsaved people. Humans have freewill, which Johnny can’t always thwart. Bottom line—he is not always able to save us. We can still all die, for it is appointed once for man to die. At least we know where we are going. Jude has no desire to kill those who are saved. He’d rather tempt or torture us, waiting for our moment of weakness and use it to drive a wedge between us and God. He wants us dead, but only if we are unsaved. His ultimate goal is to bring us to that point, which is the only reason we can be around him and live.

Damon, wait up, Damon! We all turn to the voice. It’s Mrs. Garret one of the schoolteachers who also attends my church. The name they have in the school records for Judas/Jude is Damon Vincent Lawless, and the teachers who don’t know him well call him by that name. Most of the kids call him Jude. I can’t think of him as anything else but Judas, the betrayer.

Mrs. Garret is pretty and young for a teacher, maybe only twenty-five or so. This is her first year teaching, and if she didn’t dress up so much you might actually mistake her for a student.

She looks at Judas. Her eyes are sparkling with excitement. Good news everyone. They’re expecting record snowfall this year and the skiing and snowboarding are going to be great!

My heart sinks. She may be talking to all of us, but she only has eyes for Judas. The worst part is she’s married. She reaches out and almost touches Judas. He smiles down at her as she asks, You’ll meet me here in the morning to pack up the equipment? I could use the extra muscle. She breaks her gaze away from Judas and looks at all of us. She finally realizes we are watching. She blushes and withdraws her hand. Please be here at six. We’re leaving by six-fifteen and we aren’t waiting for stragglers.

Is Mr. Chuck coming? I ask. That’s her husband. He helps out at our church.

She smiles at me then looks back at Judas, No, he can’t get off that long from work. I just don’t know how I’ll manage without him.

Judas smiles sensuously at her, I think you’ll manage just fine without him.

I instinctively reach out and punch him in the ribs to get his attention, Cut it out.

He looks at me, and says to Mrs. Garret, Owww, jealous girlfriend.

Vania says, Please, cut it out.

He winks at Mrs. Garret who looks embarrassed. See you bright and early in the morning, She waves and walks away. I’ll have to talk to her later and get her to stop playing with fire. Then I think, You’re a great one to talk. You’re with him everyday. Then my mind tries to defend itself, I have to! I know what he is and I’m trying to stop him from taking others to their damnation. My mental argument continues, Is that really your job? Why are you playing with fire?

Shut up, I say out loud. Everyone looks at me, Sorry, I was talking to myself.

Megan!

I turn. It’s Mandy walking arm and arm with Alex. Mandy has been my best friend forever. We’re going on the trip too! Alex’s parents are paying for the both of us! I think they’re finally coming around. Mandy is pregnant with Alex’s baby. She hasn’t started to show yet. Alex and his parents wanted Mandy to have an abortion, but she’s decided not to.

I’m glad, I smile, hoping the trip will give us the opportunity to talk.

Yeah, this could be Mandy’s last time to be a snow bunny on the slopes, Alex says. He’s smiling at Mandy. I can’t figure him out. The last time I spoke to him he was so angry over her pregnancy. I’m having a hard time seeing him as a loving boyfriend who is excited about the baby on the way.

Hey, Megan!

Carrie comes running over from the soccer field, her blonde pigtails swinging and making her look like an overgrown gangly kid. Robby just called. He and Seth are all set. They’re meeting us at the truck stop with the rest of the Jacksonville kids.

I get out my phone and check the screen. No texts from Seth. We haven’t talked much over the last two weeks. He was unconscious when the National Guard moved us from the lighthouse after the hurricane. They took Seth to the hospital and the rest of us to the police station. Judas reaches out and touches my phone. It goes black. I think your battery is dead. You must’ve forgotten to charge it. He smiles at me.

Seth and I text and talk on the phone, but it’s not the same. I know my parents get a transcript of my texts, so talking about angels and demons is out of the question. I still haven’t been able to tell him about the deal I’ve made with Judas.

This ski trip could make or break my relationship with Seth. Judas wants to sever my bond with Seth. He thinks with Seth out of the picture, I’ll be easier to sway his way toward destruction. I love God though and don’t see how Judas thinks I could ever forget that.

Carrie looks at Judas who has put his arm back around my shoulders. She looks down awkwardly at her feet. She knows Judas is an evil angel. Everyone in our little circle does, except Mandy and Alex.

"I’m really looking forward to this trip. I plan to make this vacation one no one will forget." Judas’ eyes are sparkling.

Me too! Mandy pipes up looking adoringly at Alex. She is so excited to be back in favor with him again.

Me three, Alex says with a half-smile almost a smirk on his face.

I get the feeling he has a hidden agenda, one Mandy may not like. I hope I’m wrong.

Judas looks at the couple, You two will make the cutest parents. Nothing like the responsibility of a baby to bring you back to what’s really important in life. He winks at Alex.

Come on Megan, I’ve got things to do. Judas grabs my hand and half drags me to his car. Normally I ride home with Johnny or my Dad, but Judas is putting more claims on my time the closer the trip comes and I get to see Seth.

Once we’re in the car Judas turns to me, What about that Mrs. Garret? She’s hot for me.

Leave her alone. He starts his Corvette and pulls up to the line of cars waiting to exit the parking lot.

"I will, but will she leave me alone? I don’t think so. You should see the emails she’s been sending me. He smiles and raises his eyebrows. I could end her career and her marriage tomorrow if I wanted to."

Why don’t you then?

It’s fun playing her. Seeing how low she can sink. She’s only halfway to bottoming out, Judas looks at me, She’s doing it to herself you know. She has a husband. She shouldn’t be looking at other men. I’m completely innocent in this one.

You encourage her.

Not anymore than any teenage guy would. Face it, Mouse. Not all people do the right thing. Not even teachers.

I know he’s right. Mrs. Garret needs to stop what she is doing. She could lose her marriage, her job, and possibly her soul. I have to think of a way to stop her and make her realize what she is doing.

***

Judas drops me off at home and I go inside to pack. My mom appears in the laundry room doorway as I pick up my folded clothes that are lying on the counter.

Honey, I really wish you’d reconsider going on this trip. Mom’s face is red, like she’s been crying. I walk over and give her a hug. Mom, you can’t worry about me forever.

She laughs into my hair, Yes, I can. I’m your mom.

You can spend the time I’m gone bonding with Max and Dad. I’ve got to go. I haven’t had a chance to talk to Seth. His parents are letting him go. We’ll have chaperones, and besides, even you and Dad used to go skiing with your youth group when you were our age.

I know. I feel her kiss the top of my head.

My parents don’t know I can see angels, demons, and other supernatural creatures. I can’t tell them because I don’t want to scare them or have them think I’m nuts. The last few months have been scary enough for them. In some ways, I feel like I’m the parent protecting them from the realities of the world. If they had any idea of what was really going on—the spiritual battle where angels are fighting for peoples’ souls, they’d freak. I mean they know about it hypothetically, like when the pastor discusses it in church, but they can’t really imagine it going on in their own house, threatening their own children.

I’m better off taking Judas away to the mountains, trying to keep him surrounded by believers, my friends, who know what he is and how dangerous he can be. I’ll try to keep him isolated, as far away from as many unsaved people as I can. At least if God lets him take one of our lives, we know where we are going.

Everyday when I wake up I wonder if it’s my last, and if it is—I’m okay with that.

***

I carry my clothes to my bedroom then get the rolling bag out of the hall closet. I’m a light packer. I throw in two pairs of cuddle duds to wear under my long sleeve shirts and jeans. Socks and underwear. I pack two sweaters, gloves, goggles, a scarf, and a gator. I finish by laying out my clothes for the bus ride tomorrow including a ski jacket. I go in the bathroom and set out my toiletries. I’m all set. Back in my room, there’s a knock at the door.

Megs?

It’s my little brother, Max’ voice. I open it to let him in and give him a hug.

How was school today?

Great. We baked some cookies. Here, these are for you. For the trip. You can share one with Johnny if you like. He thrusts out his hand and in it is one of those holiday plastic baggies. Inside are two cookies shaped like candy canes covered in red and white frosting. I take the baggie, reach out, and give him a quick hug. Thanks, I will. I’ll let Johnny know you made it for him, and I’ll bring you back something from the trip, like a snowball.

Very funny, he says as he bounces down onto the edge of my bed. It would melt.

Don’t worry. I’m sure I’ll find something you’ll like that won’t melt.

I smile at him and finish zipping up my bag. I put the cookies in a front pocket so he can see I’m taking them with me. I wonder what’s bothering