Zakai

Contents Introduction Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Epilogue Also by Eve Langlais Copyright Zakai © Eve Langlais Cover Art © Covers by Julie Produced in Canada Published by Eve Langlais http://www.EveLanglais.com eBook: ISBN: 978 177 384 4176 Print ISBN: 978 177 384 4183 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This book is a work of fiction and the characters, events and dialogue found within the story are of the author's imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, either living or deceased, is completely coincidental. No part of this book may be reproduced or shared in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including but not limited to digital copying, file sharing, audio recording, email and printing without permission in writing from the author. Introduction I FOUND MORE THAN RELIGION IN AN ANGEL’S KISS. My studies in theology didn’t prepare me to deal with angels from outer space. They’re real. They fly. And in their elevated arrogance, they don’t think they need anyone’s help. So, imagine my surprise when the shy but hunky Zakai asks for my assistance in locating Noah’s ark. Apparently, it’s not just a religious myth. The massive ship did exist, and it looks like humanity might need it if they’re going to survive an incoming invasion. As we work to uncover the mystery, we’re stymied by opposing forces doing everything they can to stop us. I’ll admit, I never thought I’d end up fighting demons, just like I never expected to fall in love with an angel. But when given a choice, will he choose me or God? Elyon’s Warriors will steal your hearts. Be sure to check out all four books featuring celestial aliens. More books at EveLanglais.com Prologue “We need someone willing to pretend to be fallen from Elyon’s grace to infiltrate the sinful planet of Ghezabella.” Archangel Remiel, in charge of the recently graduated angelic warriors, sought a volunteer for a dangerous mission. Decadence could sway even those pure of intent, or so Zakai had learned in his lessons. Always be on guard because sinful seduction is everywhere outside of Heaven. Seduction made no sense to Zakai. It meant to entice sexually. Who needed a partner when a hand could satisfy? A righteous angel like him had nothing to fear. “I’ll do it.” Zakai offered his services, as did a few others. They undertook some tests to ensure they were strong-minded enough to resist temptation: Making them suffer from thirst and hunger and then offering sustenance. Zakai gave his portion to the weakest of them and passed to the next trial with less than they started—a trickier test as it involved the long-term companion of a superior offering to service him sexually while asking him not to tell. He refused and reported her—the right thing to do. His final assessment involved dying his pristine white wings a mottled gray and God ordering the removal of Heaven’s Astral Linguistic Ordinance. The HALO was his connection to Heaven, his angel brothers, God, and more. The shock of losing it almost had him begging to quit. He’d always been proud of his plumage, and without his HALO, he felt exposed. Alone. But everyone knew a fallen angel didn’t keep God’s blessing. When the time came for him to set out, they offered him a rickety vessel confiscated for trespasses against God instead of equipping him with a slick cantorii or even a rapid skiff. They dressed him in rough fabrics. Took his divinii blade and replaced it with dull metal. He regretted offering his services. As he undertook his lonely voyage, he prayed for the strength not to falter. God didn’t answer. God couldn’t hear him. Zakai had never felt so alone. The appearance of Ghezabella, a planet of water with floating islands and perpetual sunny days because of its three suns, proved a relief. Once he completed his mission, he could return to Heaven and his brethren. They’d give him back his HALO and his special blade. So long as he resisted seduction. The skiff he limped to the so-called pleasure planet had an archaic communication system that required manual manipulation. He flicked a switch and replied to a gruff query of, “Name and business.” He used an assumed name. “Zeke. Here to have fun.” An answer given to him ahead of time. Stating he was here to evaluate the level of sinning would have had him blasted out of the sky. “Origin planet?” “Cast out of Heaven.” The lie actually hurt him and left a sour taste in his mouth. He had permission to do and say whatever he needed, but that didn’t mean he derived any pleasure from the subterfuge. Apparently, he’d said something amusing, for the person on the other end of the communicator chuckled. “Another one, eh? Seems we’re seeing your kind more and more often.” The fact that Ghezabella had any shocked. The implication that the number was increasing? More shocking. He’d never known a fallen angel. Everyone loved Heaven and Elyon. No one ever wanted to blaspheme him. “May I dock?” He bit off the please. Being too polite would get him caught, at least according to Archangel Uri, who’d briefed him on the mission. One that made little sense. If Ghezabella was sinning, why not just cleanse it? “Hold on to your halo. Sending you the docking details.” The rude remark might have disgruntled more if he’d not gotten in. Easier than expected, too. The archangel had explained that he might have to bribe the officials if they posed a problem. Zakai parked his rickety ship among a multitude of vessels, so many in varied models, their shapes strange, and in some cases, completely unharmonious. Almost all were mechanical, like the one he drove, and