[Starcrossed 3.50] • Angel Tears

Note: This story is now out of print, and has been incorporated into the the Second Edition of *StarCrossed 3: Objects in the Mirror*.

StarCrossed 3 1/2: Angel Tears is a lengthy "deleted scene" written for the novel StarCrossed 3: Objects in the Mirror. In the cemetery scene in StarCrossed 3: Objects in the Mirror, did you wonder how the injured angel Sariel came to be in John Banks' possession? Angel Tears answers that question while offering a deeper look at these two important characters from the StarCrossed universe.

Content Warning: This title contains adult language, graphic violence, coerced sex with dubious consent, and generally dark themes.

Excerpt:

Angels had very little need for cars, and Sariel's nature didn’t allow him to have things in his possession just for the thrill of having. He walked or flew or simply materialized wherever he needed to be, and he knew enough people who owned cars that if one were necessary, they were at his disposal. Had the weather been better, Sariel would've insisted on walking, but John seemed quite eager to get somewhere sheltered. "I'll ride with you."

As the family and friends of Marlene Watson pulled their cars away from the cemetery, John walked beside Sariel silently until they reached the green SUV. "It's unlocked. Hop right on in."

"Nice ride. I like the color." Sariel slipped into the front passenger seat and buckled himself in just as the skies opened up. Rain hit the windshield in quarter-sized droplets.

"Thanks. I'm kind of fond of it myself." John slid behind the wheel, shut the door, and started the engine. He flipped on the lights and the windshield wipers, and pulled the car onto the gravel road. The last of the few remaining mourners had already pulled out onto the main street. The SUV sat still at the gate, John looking both ways before pulling out. He made a right-hand turn—heading in the opposite direction of the coffee shop. The sound of the car doors automatically locking interrupted the patter of rain on the roof.

John's gaze slid to Sariel along with a smile looking not so pleasant as before. "Sorry," John said. "Not much of a cinnamon roll fan, and my soul's in no need of warming."

Surprised, it took a moment for Sariel to comprehend the situation. The space between his shoulder blades began to tingle with warning. "Did I miss something? John, maybe you should just pull over and I'll be on my way."

"I don't think so, Sariel." John's eyes flicked up to check the rear-view mirror, and then re-focused on the road. "And before you think about pullin' any sort of hocus pocus, I got three words for you: Detective Samantha Wright."