Page 63 of Urzra

Chapter Thirty-Nine

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PASTOR HOGAN CHECKEDhis watch when his latest sermon came to an end.He was expecting visitors soon, but some members of his flock wanted to talk to him.While he didn’t have a church to hold his meetings in, the room they were using was large enough.It was an event room in a nearby hotel that had previously been used for weddings and other parties.

“Do you need anything, Pastor?”one of the newest arrivals asked.

“I’m fine, son,” Larry said with a smile.“Our allies make sure we have everything we need.”

“Where do they keep finding these supplies?”a woman asked.She was in her sixties and had been through a lot since the Rapture, just like the rest of them.

“God provides,” the preacher said vaguely.He was aware Sinai could duplicate food, beverages and many other items.While his congregation knew Amaros and the knights weren’t from their world now, they didn’t know the cambions all had talents.Qiana was the only one they knew of who had the ability to heal.They figured she’d been given the talent by God and he hadn’t corrected their assumption.

Once he’d spoken to his parishioners, the priest left the hotel.He scheduled several sermons a week so everyone could hear him speak.People waved as he made his way to the block of apartment buildings.He waved back, amazed all over again to see so many people gathered together.

The midday sun blazed down on him and he picked up his pace.Gardens full of vegetables were growing in the common area now.A few people tended to them, diligently watering the plants and weeding the soil.Sinai provided everything they needed, but it helped the community bond when they worked on projects together.

Speaking of which, Xanthia had set up a huge projector that movies could be played on at night.The picture was displayed on the wall of one of the apartment buildings.She’d set up speakers as well, so everyone could sit on the grass and watch.The knights had raided movie theatres and had stolen hundreds of movies.

Several people were waiting for him in the lobby of his building.A wide grin appeared on Larry’s face.“Hey there, Dalt!”he said in greeting, holding out his hand.

“How are you, sir?”Dalton said, crossing to shake his best friend’s hand, then give him a brief one-armed man-hug.

“I’m just fine.How are you, GG?”the preacher asked next.

“I’m awesome, Pastor Hogan,” the beautiful blonde ex-wrestler said.She was seated next to her heavily pregnant red-headed friend.Wynter McBaird nodded at him and gave him a tired smile.Her mate, Tolas, crossed to shake his hand next.

“It’s good to see you all,” Larry said.“Let’s go into my apartment where it’s cooler.”

“Thank God,” Wyn said as GG helped her to her feet.“I feel like I’m about to burst into fire,” she complained.

“I’m pretty sure that isn’t normal, kiddo,” GG said in concern.

“Qi scans me every day and she says everything is fine,” her bestie said as she waddled over to the elevator.“Zoe was the same.She went back to normal after she had little Arakiel.”

“You must be looking forward to giving birth,” the pastor said in sympathy as he pushed the button for the second floor.Xanthia had chosen an apartment close to the ground on purpose.He would be able to flee from the building quickly if something ever went horribly wrong.

“We’re all looking forward to it,” Tol said wryly.“Our family can’t wait for our daughter to be born.”

“You’ll have to bring the little tyke to visit us at the skating rink,” Dalt said with a grin.They’d seen Arak a few times.He was growing quickly and was already as cute as a button.

“I will,” Wynter promised.“Sin will have to create some tiny skates for the kids when they get old enough to learn how to use them.”

“I bet Grace will have a field day teaching them all of her tricks,” GG predicted.

The elevator door opened and Larry led them to his home.He made coffee for them all and prepared snacks as well.They sat down on the comfortable furniture in the living room to chat.

“We have some news,” Tolas said.“We found out why the Mad Prophet has been off the radio for so long.”

“He’s okay, isn’t he?”GG said in alarm.“Did Zoe have a vision about him?”