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the last time he caused trouble. She was sure of that. They needed to be smarter when dealing with him. Deep inside, she realized her purpose now. Not even some over-sized minion from hell would get in her way. Those girls back in Kemp needed protection. She’d figure a way to help without starting a war between them.
    Sammy pulled Alex’s hands down from his face. There was nothing in his eyes. A vacant body with no visible soul. “Why do they keep punishing us?”
    Grace patted her head. “It’s not a punishment, dear. Only a reaction to his choices. We are left to live the way we choose. However, there is always a price for our decisions, good or bad.”
    The snow stung her bare legs. She released Alex. Bumps covered her skin and she couldn’t stop shaking. “What do we do?”
    “Pray.” Grace offered.
    “For what?”
    “For him not to fall the rest of the way to hell.”

Chapter Eight

    The waves lapped, cooling Sammy’s toes as she rested in the crook of Boon’s arm. The sun dipped lower in the horizon. Her human form grew accustomed to the elements and constant stimuli. Even the sand no longer pricked her skin like needles.
    Boon raked his fingers through her hair and kissed the top of her head, sending warm shivers down her arms and legs. So much joy from a simple touch, being human wasn’t so bad after all.
    She ran her nails down his arm and laced her fingers in his “I remember bits and pieces now of how much I loved you, but I can’t see the specifics.”
    “It doesn’t matter. We’re together, at least for the moment. I’ll take any second, no matter how fleeting, with you in my arms.” Boon pressed his lips to the back of her hand.
    “When darkness creeps in during the night, I see outlines of you walking away. I cry out, then you’re gone.” Sammy shuddered. “Why did you leave? Did I do something in Heaven and they sent you away or did you want to leave—”
    Boon squeezed her tight. “Don’t ever think I’d leave you, for any reason. It took two worlds and a direct order to tear me from your embrace. Even then it was only with a promise that we would be reunited. I’m here now and I’ll never leave you again.”
    A growl rumbled deep in his chest - evidence there was something different about him, something not angelic or human. His words frightened her. She’d learned one thing during her short life on Earth, nothing was a guarantee. “We have now.”
    He traced her jaw with his lips and kissed her chin. “Yes.”
    His soft touch and strong kisses enveloped her in warm bliss. “I heard you tell Grace that this physical contact is pleasing, but nothing like what we once had.”
    Boon pulled her away with brows furrowed teasingly. “How do you sneak up on us? Why don’t I hear you?”
    “Grace said you’re usually distracted with too many thoughts of me.” A giggle escaped her lips and she pressed her palm to them.
    A chill filled the air, warning of a coming storm. One she hoped they were prepared for. “How long do we have?”
    “’til what?”
    “Until the next…challenge.”
    Boon propped up on his elbows and looked out at over the ocean. “You feel it too?”
    “Yes. Why does Heaven continue to test us? Am I still being punished?”
    “No.” Boon pulled her face up to his. “Heaven isn’t punishing us. We have a purpose here. Don’t ever think otherwise. You were chosen because you’re special.”
    “I don’t feel special.” She felt lost and abandoned by a former home she didn’t even remember. “What kind of purpose?”
    “I’m not sure. Not yet.”
    “Well, I’m going to be a cheerleader next year. Those girls Forras is messing with, I’m going to straighten them out.”
    Boon chuckled. “I’m sure you will. You’ll make a great cheerleader.”
    “You’re teasing me.”
    “Maybe a little. You do have the peppy thing down. It’s one more thing to love.”
    He moved his arm with a mock cheer motion and she slugged his