Page 34 of Shifting Hearts
“I know you do. The pain of losing my virginity was over in a moment, but losing my wings has been agony. I’m no longer immortal, and I can die. Brock brought me home and has been helping me through this transition.”
“What happened to Shane?” she asked.
“I don’t know. He just disappeared.”
“Can’t Brock find him?”
Mara shook her head. “Believe me, he’s tried.”
There were only two explanations for Brock being unable to find an energy signature. Either he was a strong inhuman entity who could mask his energy signature or he died and his soul was claimed by the bad place.
“Was he human?”
Mara shrugged as though to say it no longer mattered. Seraphina pulled her sister into her arms. She radiated love and healing energy into her. Sorrow, pain, sadness, and depression, were emotions her sister only knew as a mortal.
“If there’s anything you ever need. Please let me know.”
“Thank you, little sis.” Her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Now, no more sad talk! We need to go shopping and pick the perfect first day of work outfit before my date tonight.”
“You have a date?”
“Yeah. I’m not going to find my soulmate sitting at home and twiddling my thumbs.”
The women arrived at a boutique that was within walking distance from their apartment. “Parking in the city is a bitch. It’s better to find alternate ways to go places. And don’t get me started on rush hour traffic.”
When they entered the store, an over-made sales assistant approached them.
“Hello, ladies. How can I help you today?” she asked nasally.
“I’m starting a new job and need some clothes.”
“What kind of job is it?” the saleswoman asked with a grimace.
“I’m the personal assistant for the CEO of Conramor Liquors.”
“Shut up! Jas Conrad is so sexy! I would kill for a job with a man like him,” she gushed.
“Why?” Seraphina stared wide-eyed at the saleswoman.
“It’s an expression,” Mara whispered.
“You’re so lucky.” The saleswoman sighed while measuring Seraphina’s waist. “I mean look at you, you’re gorgeous. Don’t you ever wonder what it would be like to be with a man like that?”
“I haven’t met him yet.”
The saleswoman came alive pulling pieces off the racks. “I’d fuck that man in a heartbeat!”
Seraphina gasped at the woman’s brazen language.
Mara laughed. “Don’t look so scandalized, Sera. This is how most mortals act.”
Mara pulled her phone from her back pocket and tapped the screen a few times before thrusting it in Seraphina’s face. She grabbed the phone and studied the magical device. Everyone stared at them as though they were a lifeline and she was the only one without a glowing screen.
It wasn’t the screen that took her breath away, but the dark pools staring into her soul.
Her grip on the device tightened while fire licked in her lower belly.
Frown lines marred his face as his brow furrowed.
She longed to touch the dark beard hiding his chiseled jaw.
He was classically handsome while dressed in a tailored suit.
She shook her head, breaking the spell he’d cast over her and shoved the phone back at Mara as though it burned her.
Jas’s eyes were seared in her mind, causing her stomach to flip once more.
For the first time, her soul burned. Was it longing?
Desire? Surely, it was nothing more than a desire to save him as it was her mission.
“Tomorrow can’t come soon enough.” The saleswoman giggled.
He’s a demon! Seraphina chastised herself after getting lost in his looks.
“It’s just a job,” she grunted.
“Calm down, Seraphina. It’s okay.” Mara placed a hand on her sister’s arm.
The angel flushed in embarrassment as Mara’s touch was a comforting anchor to bring her back to herself.
She met her honeyed gaze for a moment and smiled softly.
The saleswoman, oblivious to their exchange, droned on about her fantasies.
Seraphina wondered how many new emotions she had yet to experience as she had much to learn.
The saleswoman led them to a changing area in the rear of the store. She pulled a full rack of clothing with her and handed Seraphina three outfits to start with.
She turned away from the mirror as she slowly peeled off her clothing.
Seraphina quickly spun around as she felt Jas’s eyes on her, except there was no one there.
She was alone in the dressing room and caught a glimpse of her naked body in the mirror.
Her pale skin was blemished by too many freckles to count.
Her shiny hair was mused by changing, but quickly settled into flawless waves once more.
Vanity was a sin, but she lost to the temptation. She brushed her fingertips across her collarbone, causing goosebumps to rise. Her nipples puckered as she caressed her breasts. As she turned sideways, the definition of her waist to hips and rounded ass became sharp.
Was she gorgeous like the saleswoman said? All celestials were beautiful in their own way. They didn’t compete or comment on each other's outer looks. Inner beauty was deemed the most important trait.
She forced herself away from the mirror and chose the first outfit on the hanger. The sheer low cut blouse showed ample cleavage despite the slip beneath, while the short pencil skirt clung to her hips and curve of her ass.
“Oh my,” she gasped.
“I want to see Seraphina!” Mara called through the door. “If it got that kind of reaction out of you, I bet it’s the one to make an impression.”
Seraphina cautiously stepped out of the changing room. Mara whistled and held up a finger, twisting it, indicating she should turn. She obliged.
“That’s perfect. Here slip these on.”
Mara handed her a pair of shiny black pumps. Seraphina was a little wobbly on them as she’d never worn heels before. The saleswoman nodded in approval.
“You look stunning.”
“Shouldn’t I dress modestly?”
“Don’t be silly,” Mara cajoled. “You’ll drive Jas Conrad mad knowing he can look but not touch.”
The saleswoman nodded. “Any man will be eating out of your palm and falling to his knees in no time.”
“Doesn’t this send the wrong message?”
“You have much to learn, little angel.” Mara sighed.