Sneak Peek: "The Fallen: Second Chances" by E.R. Mitchell

Here's a teaser of Eden's upcoming paranormal inspirational manuscript that is still in the works. Enjoy!

He was as good as dead.

As the bullets ripped into him, their impact jerking him around like a puppet on a string, mercenary Talon McNeal had only one last dying regret.

He’d never get to exact revenge on the bastard that did this to him.

Damn, he hated when that happened.

As he fell to the ground, the world turned dim and slowly faded away. Utter and complete blackness engulfed him for just a moment before a pinpoint of light caught his attention. It looked far away and unreachable, but the overwhelming urge to get closer took control. He strained toward it, and as he did, the small circle of light grew, widening outward, little by little.

Almost there. Talon could feel the warmth, feel the comfort and sense of belonging that lay ahead. It was a place he yearned for, a place of forgiveness, peace and acceptance. Finally, no more violence, bitterness or killing. No more pain. At last, somewhere he could call home.

He wanted that.

He needed it.

Desperately.

But it wasn’t meant to be. Just as he was about to reach the light, hands bit painfully into each arm, dragging him away. He saw no one, yet he struggled against a power beyond his control. It was useless. He was being pulled back, back to the other side, to darkness, chaos and pain. To the place where he would pay for all the wrongs he had done. He didn’t want to go there. Everything in him screamed to move forward, toward the light, but he knew he didn’t deserve it. The light was for the good, only the good, and he was oh so bad.

“You may not take him.”

The voice that rang out was pure and strong and filled with warmth and comfort. Talon yearned to hear it’s absolute goodness again, but instead a maniacal laugh was what he heard. The evil twisted sound of it slithered through him, invading his senses in a way that left him shaking.

“He’s mine. We both know that.”

“I disagree.”

“Why would you deny me this one? He’s murdered so many. He’s nothing more than a killer, and for what? Greed. He did it for the money. How can he belong to you?”

“He just does, for now.”

“For now?”

“Yes. Time will tell who he really belongs to. And if it’s shown that he is nothing more than you what you say, then, and only then, can you take him.”

Silence.

Talon waited, hoped and feared, all at the same time.

The hands around his arms slowly released.

“Agreed.”

Relief flooded through him. He struggled toward the light again, needing to get to it. Needing all that it offered. A hand grasped his arm, once more holding him back. But this time it was gentle.

“You may not enter. It’s not your time, yet.”

“What do you mean?” he asked, looking around him in confusion. Although he saw no one, he felt the power of the voice in its touch, and in its energy all around him.

“You need to prove yourself, Talon. I know the kind of life you’ve lived. I know all that you have done. There are no secrets from me.”

Talon felt shame. He felt like nothing more than the low life killer he was.

“But I also know the man you are inside. I’m aware of your code of honor, and the boundaries you set in what you do. It’s because of that, and only bwcause of that I am giving you a second chance.”

“A second chance for what?”

“A second chance to do things right. To show me that the man I see inside can make a difference in the world, not by killing, but by saving lives.”

“But-I don’t’ understand. How-”

“Enough. You will go back as one of my angels. I’ll send someone to guide you in this journey, but remember this, he can not help you and he can not tell you what the right choices are. Only you can do that. He is there merely to show you what you face and give you as much information as possible to aid your cause. Never forget that the decisions you make will determine exactly who you belong to.”

Talon couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

Him? An angel?

He wanted to argue, but felt himself being gently pushed backwards, away from the light. He still strained toward it, but its circle grew smaller and smaller and was just about to disappear when the voice spoke one last time.

“I believe in you, Talon. Don’t let me down. Don’t let yourself down.”

After that, everything went black once more.

© Copyright 2009 Eden Robins