Earning His Wings

Here are the first two chapters of GUARDIANS Mission to Rescue Innocence. I am still hard at work on the seventh book ... sorry don't have a release date yet, but I do now have a Facebook page where I will announce the book release date when I get closer. I may post other little tidbits there too. You can find my page on facebook by searching for AuthorLauraActon. The first six books are all available on Amazon, just search Laura Acton.

Summary: Matt's POV of his death and other things. For those that have read my published work, you will know who Pletcher is ... for the others ... hmmm I'm tempted to say buy the books and find out ... but I'm nice so ... he is another bad guy.

Names have been changed to reflect FP names.

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December 25
General Braddock's Home – Library – 11:59 p.m.

Matt Hunter folded his wings and crouched before Sam Braddock who slept peacefully on the couch. Sam's parents left a few moments ago after General Braddock slipped a pillow under his son's head, lightly stroked Sammy's blond hair, and whispered goodnight. His mother adjusted the blanket and kissed his cheek as she told him she loved him. A scene which warmed Matt's heart.

"Merry Christmas, Sammy. I'm happy you found your way home, but my wish is for you to heal completely. I'm begging you to forgive yourself for my death. It. Was. Not. Your. Fault." Tears welled in Matt's eyes as he lay a hand over his dog tags which nestled near Sam's heart. A golden light began to glow. "Please heal, brother."

Sammy's soul-deep remorse remained as palpable and intense a year and a half later as on the day Matt died. Matt worried he might never be able to assuage Sam's agony so his heart would become whole. Nothing Matt did replaced the missing pieces. As his brother slept, Matt sank to the floor and stared at him. "I'm supposed to protect you. Lord knows I try. How do I safeguard you from yourself, from your own demons?"

A light glowed next to him, and a wan smile appeared regardless of the distress he felt. "Hello, Mom."

"Hello, my sweet boy." Louise Hunter wrapped her arms and wings around her son and held him. Softly she sang 'Amazing Grace,' to ease his burdens. When she finished, she said, "Do not give up hope. One day Samuel will heal. Trust that his path must be what it is for the greater good."

Matt wiped his eyes as he gazed upon his beautiful mother. "I understand. Doesn't make it any easier to accept. Though, I'm glad I was chosen to be his guardian angel." Turning back to Sammy, a bittersweet memory filtered in.

Matt's Memory – Nineteen Months Ago – May 26
Kandahar – Terrorist Stronghold

Master Corporal Matt Hunter crouched down behind the low wall where Major Plouffe directed him to stay. A last-minute order he disagreed with but kept his mouth shut because the major was a legendary pain in the ass if anyone so much as hinted at questioning his commands. This was a rotten position regardless of the major's desire to ensure eyes on the primary target.

Plouffe's tactical abilities were abysmal. He wished his CO had been there to countermand the idiot, but with a still mending ankle, Blaze was spotting for Sammy and Watchdog today, and they had already moved into position. Matt blew out a breath and switched to the frequency Plouffe ordered so he could provide an ongoing sitrep to the damned major.

This is not the way I expected to spend my thirty-first birthday. Damn Plouffe for cutting our leave short for this mission. What the hell is Plouffe even doing leading this one? Glory Hog. Yeah, this is a big-time player and a feather in someone's cap, but couldn't he just send us and take credit after like always?

Matt hated this exposed position. He scanned, hoping if he remained still none of the targets would notice him. His eyes landed on the main target. The covert operative, Pletcher, identified this cell as being involved in the ongoing arms thefts. When Pletcher received intel the cell would be moving, a joint op with Blaze's and Hammer's units was hastily cobbled together. Pletcher insisted they must strike now or chance losing them to the wind again.

Staring at the man, Matt knew Sam wouldn't miss his target. He's the best sniper in the world. That thought brought to mind Plouffe's dress down of Sammy last night as they prepped for the mission. Major Plouffe laid into him with gusto when Sam suggested a sniper perch with better visibility.

I swear, the major has it out for Sam. If Blaze had been there, instead of the medical tent with Patch getting a brace for his ankle, Plouffe's tirade wouldn't have been as full of acid. The corners of his mouth lift as he thought, Papa Bear watches over Goldilocks.

Matt's mind turned to the private conversations he and Baboon had over the past couple of weeks. Amazing what fresh eyes see. Nils opinions are logical. We've all been so focused on the general screwing with Sammy. He's right … we've had blinders on. No way a man in his position could … well, yeah, General Braddock could, but it no longer jibes he would do these things to his only son. Could Plouffe be the one behind everything? If so why and how?

Plouffe called out, "Hunter, sitrep," interrupting Matt's thoughts.

"No movement. Eyes still on the principal target," Matt reported. He scanned the area again and spotted someone unexpected. "Wait. Christ! What the hell is he doing here?"

Sitting alone in a Humvee, far from the action, Plouffe smirked. "Hold." He switched channels and depressed the button to speak. "Cleared to fire." Releasing the switch, he listened to Lieutenant Blain relaying his order to both snipers. The reports of the rifle fire caused him to laugh. Returning to the previous frequency, he ordered, "Bug out, now."

"Sir?" Matt asked confused by the change in orders.

"Move your ass. Get out of there now!" Plouffe had to cover his glee with a cough. This would work exactly as he planned. He changed channels again. "He's where we agreed. Take him out."

Matt shifted. How the fuck does he expect me exfil now? Sam and Watchdog have orders to shoot anything that moves—our recon identified only hostiles in the village. He duck-waddled a few paces to the left searching for an option. A searing pain ripped through his abdomen knocking him against the wall. He sucked in a breath as he glanced to the right. Fuck! He shot me! Why? Nowhere to go, he raised his weapon, aiming for a traitor as he rose slightly.

They fired simultaneously as the traitor dove for cover. Another bullet tore through Matt's vest, the pain agonizing. My only chance is to run for it. Matt started to rise as he glimpsed the prime target blown away by a .50 cal.

Sammy! "Oh shit, he never misses!" Matt mouthed quietly as he finished rising as if in slow motion. Unable to change the course of events, knowing his death at the hand of his brother was imminent, Matt's last living thought was one of despair. This is not only going to kill me, it will kill my brother too.

Matt blinked. He felt no pain, none whatsoever. Everything burst into bright, white light with a golden hue. He stood viewing his earthly remains in the dirt. Where his upper torso had been, now a gaping hole, nothing left. Matt then witnessed the strangest thing.

Tiny flecks of gold began rising from all over the dry desert ground. The shimmering speckles formed a stream which headed straight for him. Rooted in place, fascinated as the golden stream entered his chest, understanding dawned in Matt. Fragments of my heart. As the last speck settled into place, a sense of warmth, tranquility, and beauty infused him.

Turning away from the vision of his destroyed body, Matt observed a group of people waiting to greet him. His eyes focused on his beloved mother. She's so radiant.

"Matt, my beloved gift from God, Louise's melodious voice said as she opened her arms to receive him. Pulling him close, she enfolded him with her love and sighed as her son lay his head on her shoulder.

His arms went around his mother automatically and held tightly. She is much smaller than I recall. Happy tears flowed, soaking in the love he sensed as she hugged him. Time held no meaning for him, and he was unsure how long they embraced—he never wanted to let go.

Eventually, she stepped back, and he gazed into her glowing face. Not a single mark on her. With a feather light touch, he brushed his fingers around her eye. The one which had been blackened in the only picture of her he possessed. "So beautiful. Thank you for the music. I missed you, Mom."

Louise caressed Matt's face. "I've always been with you, my sweet boy. Always. There has not been a day I have not whispered to you, Matt."

Matt blinked. "You called me Matt. Twice."

"Yes love, that's your name, isn't it?" Louise responded.

Grinning Matt replied, "Yes. Yes, it is."

Louise smiled sweetly. "You picked a perfect name." Her smile faded a little. "It was my job to prepare you for your life. For your destiny. I'm sorry you experienced so much sorrow and pain. It was necessary."

Matt became confused. Destiny? What destiny? Is pain necessary? What is she talking about? Before he could ask, he was nearly bowled over as a smaller man engulfed him.

When he pulled back, surprise lit his features. "Ripsaw?!"

Beaming brightly, Ripsaw said, "Hey, Matt. Been waiting for you. Would've liked to wait a whole hell … heck of a lot longer, though."

The change of words is what Matt picked up on. Ripsaw's cleaned up his language. He spotted a man and a woman standing behind Ripsaw. Matt wondered who they were.

Noting the direction of Matt's gaze, Ripsaw grinned. "I'd like to introduce you to my parents. Charlotte and Richard Preston, senior."

Charlotte Preston came forward and hugged her son's friend. "What a beautiful idea you had to start the scholarship. The three of you are helping so many with your generosity." She placed her hand over his heart. "You truly have a heart of gold."

A familiar voice boomed behind him, and Matt swiftly pivoted, ending up in another bearhug. Totally overwhelmed, Matt only stared as Yankee said, "Matt! It's been too long, but not long enough."

Bewildered, Matt only nodded.

Yankee released Matt and stepped back. His face shone with a brilliant smile as he spread his wings. "I have someone I want you to meet. Someone extremely special."

A sweet little girl, with waist-length, golden blonde hair, sparkling emerald eyes, and the brightest smile Matt had ever seen approached him. He knelt on one knee to be eye level with her. "Who are you?"

"Who do you think?" A tinkle of a giggle bubbled out as her eyes danced.

Matt's eyes opened wide. "Sara? Sammy's Sara?"

With a nod, Sara wrapped her arms around his neck. "Thank you for taking care of my Sammy."

Matt fell, ending up on his rear as her words slammed into him. Who will care for Sammy now that I'm dead? Tears welled in his eyes as he peered up at Ripsaw and Yankee. He choked out, "Sammy. Oh, dear God, Sammy. This is gonna kill him."

Louise knelt and brushed at the tears streaming down his face. "Hush, all will be alright. Hush. Hamon will protect Sam."

Blinking to clear his eyes, Matt focused on his mom. "Who is Hamon?"

"Sam's guardian angel. At least for now."

"What do you mean? Is Sammy going to die?" Matt asked in a panicked voice.

No one answered Matt They only beamed as a glorious golden-haired angel with broad shoulders and enormous, pure white wings appeared. Matt gaped up at him, drawn to the angel's eyes. They are the same piercing shade of sapphire blue as Sammy's. The lopsided grin on his face so familiar, Matt could've sworn the smile was Sammy's too.

Matt's keen eyes moved from the angel back to his mother, noting her wings for the first time. His gaze shifted to Yankee and Ripsaw, seeing wings. Turning to little Sara, he became confused. She didn't possess wings.

Sara lay a small delicate hand on Matt's cheek, her warmth leaving a pleasant, calming tingling sensation. "I'm not a guardian angel. I don't protect him. We play in his dreams. I try to make him happy when he is sad."

Yankee's face clouded and took on a sorrowful expression. He knelt near Sara as he gently rubbed her back. Tenderly he said, "Poppet, time for you to go now. Your grandmothers are waiting for you."

Tears shimmered in Sara's eyes, and her voice came out plaintive, "My Sammy's not going to die, is he?"

Three more angels appeared, two older ladies Matt didn't recognize and one male he did. Gambit?

Gambit directed a wobbly smile at little Sara. She was so precious, and they all adored her. "Not if I can get Baboon to him quickly, Sara." Redirecting his gaze to Hamon, he said, "They're on their way."

"Okay, Gambit. Thanks."

Gambit spread his wings and headed for his charge, Master Corporal Nils Carsten, code name Baboon.

Ripsaw shifted and Matt noticed he appeared uncomfortable. His gut twisted when he recalled the expression. It was the countenance Ripsaw honed and used every time they dealt with Sammy when he was hurt or came back from being with another unit—one devoid of any emotional triggers.

Hamon reached out and tucked Sara's golden locks behind her ear. His tone soft and gentle he urged her, "Poppet, go with Rosemary and Gwyneth now. I will protect your Sammy as I always do. You will be able to play with him soon."

"Promise?" Sara's said as crocodile tears began to roll down her alabaster cheeks.

"I promise."

Sara gazed at Matt and bravely tried to smile, but sadness permeated her eyes. "Take good care of my Sammy." A small sob emerged as she turned and ran to the two ladies. The one with blue eyes bent down and embraced her before all three faded as if never there.

Confused, Matt watched Sara disappear. What is going on? The most heart-wrenching cry he had ever heard rent the air around him. He whipped his head towards the sound. Matt's jaw dropped and eyes rounded, aghast seeing Sammy on his knees near his earthly body. Sam's head was thrown back as the primal scream of a wounded animal forcefully erupted from him.

Matt yelled, "Nooooooooooo. Sammy, noooo!" His bewildered and agony filled jade eyes turned to his mother. He choked out, "Why did he have to find me? Why?"

May 26
Kandahar – Terrorist Stronghold

Louise wrapped her arms around her son, enclosing him in her wings, consoling and shielding him from viewing the brother of his heart and soul. She held Matt while he wept for Sam.

When the screaming ceased, Matt pulled away. He witnessed Sammy cradled in the arms of his angel. Gambit knelt next to Nils Carsten, whispering in Baboon's ear as their unit mate performed CPR on Sammy. His hair ruffled with a strong gust of wind and Matt's gaze traveled in the direction from whence it blew. He gasped as he beheld Yankee and Ripsaw flapping their wings furiously as their hands gripped the shoulders of Blaze and Patch, propelling both men toward Sammy.

Terror raced through Matt as a translucent likeness of Sammy appeared and gazed down at his earthly body. Matt surged to his feet and stormed over to the barely formed ethereal mist. His voice boomed with fury, "It isn't your time! Don't die!"

Sam's head turned to Matt, his disembodied voice dull, "I want to die. I killed you. I blew your heart into a million pieces. I deserve death. I can't live without you."

"No! You didn't kill me! I was already dead." Matt's voice shook with fear. Sammy was not responsible. He had to make him understand.

"I know what I did." Sam pointed to Matt's destroyed body, a gaping hole where his heart should've been. "I did that. I should've realized it was you. I'm sorry. I want to be with you," Sam said lifelessly.

"You can't die. Not now. You need to find the beauty of life. You must live. For me. Please, Sammy, live. Do this for me. Go back. Now! Before it is too late," Matt begged.

"It's peaceful here, Matt. I don't hurt here." Sam sagged and fell to his knees, numb and weary. "No pain."

Matt dropped to his knee, wrapping both arms around Sam's ethereal mist as something strange happened. After his arms enfolded Sammy, so did a pair of pristine wings. Matt held on to Sam, his voice pleading, "Please return. You gotta walk your path. My hand will always be on your back. I'll be here for you, brother. You'll never be alone. I promise. Please, go now."

One moment he embraced Sam and the next he held nothing. Matt gazed down at the ground. Patch pounded on Sammy's chest—once, twice, three times. "I found a pulse. We need air evac now!"

He witnessed Blaze radio for evac, take a knee between his earthly body and Sammy's, and place a hand on their heads. Blaze choked out, "I'm sorry. Oh, God, I gave the all clear. Matt, I'm so sorry. Blondie! Hang on Blondie. Don't die. Please, God, don't take my son from me too."

Time passed, as Matt stared through a fog. His vision blurred and his soul cried out for his brothers' anguish as they knelt, said a final goodbye to him, then lay a hand on Sammy as they waited for the medical evacuation.

When the helicopter landed, Matt observed as Hammer lifted Sammy and carried him as Patch rushed alongside calling out instructions to the crew of medics. Hamon stayed with Sam, holding him and whispering in his ear. Ripsaw floated next to Patch with a hand on his shoulder. Matt's gaze returned to Winds just as his friend pulled Blaze upright and urged him towards the bird. Their angels stayed close to them with supportive hands on their backs as they whispered in their ears.

After the evac helicopter took flight, his mother appeared beside him. Matt turned to her with confusion and tears in his eyes. "What just happened?"

Louise folded her wings, and her hand caressed his cheek. "You earned your wings my son. You passed the first of many tests you must go through to become Sam's guardian angel. I will guide and train you now. When you are ready, you will take over from Hamon."

Incredulous, Matt asked, "What test did I pass?"

"Sam heard you. Your charge must be able to hear you. You spoke to him, and he listened."

"He heard me?" Matt gaped at his mom.

Louise smiled. "In a way. He will not remember it as such. Sam may or may not recall what occurred. Most times our charges do not. Many charges believe we are hallucinations or images created from memories. They dismiss the visions and our guidance as wishful thinking, memories, and such."

Dawning hit Matt. "Like when you sang to me. When the music came to me but there was no music around."

"Yes, my love. Exactly like that."

Matt glanced at the shell of his old body once more. Several unit soldiers reverently placed him into a black bag as Nils stood off to the side crying. Matt wished he could tell him and all the guys he was okay.

Putting her arm around Matt's waist, Louise said, "They will grieve for you, my sweet boy. You had a positive impact on so many people and were so loved. In time, their grief will lessen, but they will never forget you. You made a real difference in the world. It's a better place because you lived."

He studied his mother. "You said you watched over me. Were you my guardian angel?"

"Not at first but when you met Sam, I took over. My job was to prepare you for this. To help you establish the deep connection with him you needed to become his protector and keep him in the light."

Still confused Matt asked, "Is that how guardian angels are selected? They need a personal connection?"

Louise shook her head. "No, not usually, but when it exists it helps. Like with Ripsaw and Patch and with Yankee and Blaze. But no. The link you and Sam share is rare. Extraordinarily rare. In fact, there has not been a pair like the two of you for a millennium."

"Really? Why?"

A beautiful smile graced Louise's face. "Because you are Sam's gift from God, Sam is fated to lead a life filled with many trials and much pain. He is a favored son of God, as you are. His life will positively impact millions. For every life Sam saves from harm, for each person he stops from committing a heinous crime, there are a multitude of souls he touches. By protecting one little girl in an alleyway and killing the man who holds her, Sam will safeguard so many he will never know about."

Intrigued, Matt listened but didn't quite understand. "How?"

Louise thought a moment, trying to determine how best to enlighten her son. "Let's take the young girl I mentioned. If Sara Clarry is saved by Sam, he sustains the life of the woman who is in charge of caring for her. If Sam doesn't protect the lass, her caretaker will be so consumed by guilt, and she will commit suicide. If she does all who love and care about her will be affected.

"His act will preserve the girl's family too because if she dies, her family will shatter to pieces. Her grandmother, Lois Clarry, a nurse, will be devastated and stop tending to others. She won't be around to care for many patients, and consequently, their families will be negatively impacted. It goes on and on to touch hundreds of lives.

"And if we look at the man he needs to kill to save the child. As difficult as that will be for Sam, the result is a corrupted soul will be gone and can no long wreak havoc in more lives. If Ted Jitters lives, he will go on a drug-induced killing spree killing a dozen more innocents."

Louise grasped her son's hand. "What I'm endeavoring to explain is things are interconnected. Sam's destiny is to directly protect thousands of innocent souls and indirectly safeguard millions."

Matt nodded starting to understand. "You said Sammy is favored. Me too. If we are so favored why did we experience so much pain? Mom, you were murdered before my very eyes. My father strangled the life out of you, and all I could do was watch. Sara died right in front of Sammy, and his family essentially disowned him. Why?"

A male voice spoke from behind Matt. "Samuel's family didn't disown him. Your heart knows the truth. You've known for a while, yet your mind had not accepted the reality. The same is true for Samuel. We can't control humanity, only attempt to guide them. There is both good and evil in this world. We do our best to help fight evil and keep our charges safe and in the light, but we cannot make them do anything. They possess free will."

Matt turned to the new voice. "Who are you?"

"I'm Patrick Ferguson, William Braddock's guardian angel."

"General Braddock's?" Matt stared struggling to process everything.

Patrick nodded.

Louise said, "People have the freedom to choose, and their decisions take them down either light or dark paths. True evil exists and is strongest in the dark." She squeezed his hand and gazed into Matt's eyes. "Sam is from a family of protectors. They have been guardians for a more than a millennium and are descendants of Hamon. You too are Hamon's descendant but from a different branch of the family tree. Our branch are bringers of light. We shield and defend their souls as they walk the earth."

Matt reeled. Me and Sammy descended from the glorious angel?

Louise sighed and smiled. "You have much to learn. I will teach you and continue to prepare you to take over from Hamon soon. Sam will be entering an extremely dark period, and you and Hamon are going to have to work tirelessly to save his soul."

Matt turned to Patrick. "So, Sam's mom and dad truly don't hate him or blame him for Sara's death?"

Patrick shook his head sadly. "No, they never hated him. They love him unconditionally. They always have and always will. I tried to whisper to William how to reach Samuel, but he's stubborn and asserts his self-determination often. William has done many things to try to help his son, but most interactions with Samuel tend to backfire. A stubborn but not a stupid man, he now remains and acts in the background, facilitating others to aid Samuel."

"Let me show you." Patrick touched his fingertips to Matt's forehead, and they radiated a luminous golden light as he transferred images and memories of Samuel's life from William's perspective.

Matt blew out a breath. "Poor, Sammy. How can I help him?"

Louise warmly smiled. "You started on earth. You shared the gift of music. You spoke to him often about the beauty of life. You taught him tools he uses to cope. You will continue to protect Sam's innocence, and prevent his soul from falling into the precipice of darkness." She kissed his cheek. "I love you, son. Your purpose is to keep Sam in the light so he can travel his path."

Warmth and serenity settled around Matt. I'm Sammy's guardian angel. A nervous expression covered his face as he spread his wings for the first time and tried flapping them. Wings for someone that hates to fly … of all the ironies of life.

"You'll get the hang of it soon." A mother's grin broke out as her son wobbled as he attempted to hover, almost like a drunk trying to walk.

This isn't so bad … not as scary as flying in a metal tube. He listed to the left and dropped when he didn't flap properly. An old memory popped into Matt's head causing him to burst into joyful laughter. "Oh boy, hope I learn to fly better than Sammy drives tanks."

Louise's melodious giggle joined her son's hearty laughter. "Come, my sweet boy. I have much to teach you before you can assist Sam."

Present – December 26
General Braddock's Home – Library – 1:10 a.m.

Matt's thoughts faded as he gazed at his brother. "Someday you will learn the truth. Until then, be brave and remember I am here for you." He stopped speaking when Natalie entered the room.

A mischievous smile on her face, Natalie lightly padded across the carpet to the sofa. In her hand, she clutched a plush animal. Crouching down in front of Sam, she stifled a giggle. She and cohorts, Vicky, Ashely, and Amelia, found the perfect thing while the boys were out yesterday afternoon. They searched through several boxes in the attic after talking to Mom.

After hearing about all Sam's mishaps with SRU in the days leading up to Christmas, the girls couldn't resist. She carefully lifted the blanket and tucked the animal into Sam's arms. This will be a hoot when he wakes up and finds this in his arms. Lowering the covers and tucking them in, Natalie brushed a slight kiss on her brother's cheek. "Sweet dreams. Love ya, Sammy."

Matt chuckled as Natalie left the room. The stuffed animal is absolutely perfect. "Well, Sammy boy, you certainly lucked out with sisters. Both have hearts of gold and love you dearly, as you deserve. Can't wait to see your reaction."

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Hope you enjoyed a little sneak peek. Now I'm going back to writing chapter 12. Oh one note, if you purchased FORSAKEN, I re-edited it and you can download an updated cope in Manage your Devices on Amazon.