Hammer's Thief: A MM Paranormal Holiday Romance (Chosen Angels Book 2), page 1
Hammer's Thief
Chosen Angels #2
Alexis Woods
Woods End Publishing
Copyright © 2018, 2022 Alexis Woods
All rights reserved
The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.
Cover Design by: Covers by Jo
Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Hammer’s Thief
Many Thanks to…
Glossary:
Prologue
On the First Night of Chanukah
On the Second Night of Chanukah
On the Third Night of Chanukah
On the Fourth Night of Chanukah
On the Fifth Night of Chanukah
On the Sixth Night of Chanukah
On the Seventh Night of Chanukah
On the Eighth Night of Chanukah
March
Mid-May
Thank You!
Interested in reading more of my stories?
Additional Titles
About The Author
Where to Connect with Alexis
Hammer’s Thief
Eight nights to fall in love.
Running from his foster home at eighteen, Locke struggles to survive the brutal winter streets in Atlantic City. Trust is a fickle thing, and Locke has had little of it. He's worked hard for everything he has. When a helpful security guard takes him in during a Code Blue, Locke discovers some things are more than they seem. His fantasy becomes reality, but sometimes reality is too good to be true.
Graced by God, Judah Maccabee has dwelt in Yahweh's kingdom for nigh on two thousand years, rising through His ranks to become a leader among the warrior angels. A blessing bestowed, Yahweh has found the one for him. Now Judah has only the eight nights of Chanukah to fall in love with the one who will complete him. The only catch - his other half must love him in return if he is to stay earthbound. But expecting Locke to fall just as hard and fast as he does rebounds in a devastating way.
When egos rule and demons lurk, can these two men pull together, trust in family and faith, and earn love? And can they do it in a single week?
Many Thanks to…
Heather Brilla for your help in answering my multiple questions about the foster system in New Jersey.
Glossary:
Abba - Hebrew for “father”
Aluf - Commander
Bema - raised platform or “stage” used at the front of a synagogue
Boker tov - Hebrew for "good morning"
HaMakabi - Hebrew for “Hammer”
Ken - Hebrew for “yes”
Lilah tov - Hebrew for “Good night”
Lo - Hebrew for “no”
Mazel tov - Hebrew for “Congratulations”
Mikvah - bath or body of water used for ritual immersion in Judaism. A symbol of ritual purity, the mikvah, or mikveh, is utilized during conversions to Judaism.
Nes gadol hayah sham - A Great Miracle Happened There. The first letter of each word (Nun, Gimel, Hay, and Shin) are on a dreidel (a top used to playfully gamble during the Chanukah celebration).
Synagogue - While often used synonymously for a temple, it is also used to specify the room inside a temple used for prayer.
Tallit(s) - prayer shawl
Todah - Hebrew for “Thank you”
Tzedakah - Hebrew for “justice” but is usually associated with philanthropy and charity. It is a form of social justice in which donors benefit from giving as much or more than the recipients. Doing a mitzvah (a good deed) is a subset of tzedakah.
Yahweh (Ya-way) - One of God’s many names.
Y’hudhah (Ya-who-da) - Hebrew pronunciation of Judah
Prologue
“Come on, Nate. I’m sure you can beat me if you really try,” Judah cajoled, egging the youngest of his four siblings on. Nate repositioned his sword, set his feet, and raised his shield. Judah could almost see the strategies running thru Nate’s head, so he wasn’t surprised when his brother tossed the shield to the side.
Judah laughed at the audacity. “That’s how you want this to go down? All right, little bro.” He tossed his own shield away and took up a two-handed grip on his longer weapon. “Bring it.”
A slow, sly smile formed on Nate’s lips as he drew a second shorter sword from his belt and moved into position.
Judah grimaced. Fighting with two swords was his preferred form, but he’d opted for the sword and shield to even things up, and now he was stuck with just a single blade. Figures the darn sneak would try to one-up me.
He eyed Nate cautiously. With barely a chance of them hurting each other but both wanting to win this round, Judah sized up Nate’s attributes and weighed his odds. He considered Nate’s stature, broad, muscular shoulders, and sturdy thighs, and his skills with a sword weren’t bad either. Jonathan—or Nate as they affectionately called him—was quite the angel to behold.
Then again, so am I. Judah snickered, drawing Nate’s ire. His brother’s pupils dilated as he shifted his stance, his fluttering wings aiding his balance.
Judah straightened as he stepped backward. He spun his sword lazily, trying to affect a false sense of indifference. “Lay on, brother mine,” he prodded, resting his weapon on his shoulder and retreating another step. He watched warily for Nate’s tell, waiting to see his brother’s muscles tense.
All movement ceased when the air pressure increased around them. It pushed on Judah’s shoulders as if commanding he drop to his knees. He held firm, though, even as Nate fell.
A bright, golden light filled the room. “Y’hudhah.”
Judah bowed his head and slowly took a knee as He approached.
“I need you to return.”
“Return where, Yahweh?” Judah wished to gaze upon his king, but he kept his sight focused on the floor.
“To Atlantic City.”
“Now? Why?” A rush of adrenaline surged through him. Almost two years ago, Judah had assisted their previous Commander—his predecessor—on his final mission. He fisted his hands, remembering how he and his brothers had helped Ari destroy a band of demons intent on harming an innocent teenager. Then Ari had been granted the gift they all dreamed of. The match for his soul. “Does Ari need our help again?”
Feather-like strokes caressed the top of Judah’s head, instantly easing his worries. The strokes traveled across his nape and out over his right shoulder. “Such insolence,” Yahweh muttered, but He spoke with tenderness instead of sternness. Fingertips traced the top of Judah’s wing, and he shuddered with the pulse of warmth it sent coursing along his nerves, calming them. It wasn’t often He touched any of them, each one a blessing in itself.
“There is someone there who needs you.”
Judah bit his tongue this time, desperate to ask, “Who?” Who could need him? Who couldn’t be helped by those of his brethren already there? Ari, Leo, and Malachi, and all their other halves. Oh.
Yahweh chuckled. “Come, Y’hudhah. Your time is limited.”
“How much time do I have?” Judah asked, rising.
“Eight nights.”
Judah grinned. “A gift? For me?”
Yahweh’s responding laughter warmed Judah to his core, the pressure in the room lifting. His brother wore a broad smile, Nate’s gaze full of warm hope for him. Judah’s heart sped in anticipation, his cheeks aching from the grin he couldn’t seem to stop growing.
“Yes, Y’hudhah, it’s time to meet your gift.” Yahweh lifted a hand and light brighter than Judah had ever experienced filled the room, forcing him to cover his eyes.
Judah knew without a doubt when he opened his eyes, he’d no longer be in Heaven. Earth and his other half waited for his arrival.
On the First Night of Chanukah
Monday: Sunset
Locke fought off sleep in the alley, shivering violently. Huddled behind a reeking dumpster, beneath layers of damp, icy cardboard, his hands were stuffed up under his jacket. The frigid temperatures made for an eerie silence since no one braved being outside on foot or by car. Cold, miserable, and utterly alone, he battled the tears threatening to escape. He didn’t think he could get much smaller, tucked into a tight ball of thin, hungry muscles, doubting there was any fat left on his body the way starvation had practically picked him clean. A few French fries here, a half-eaten sandwich there. One hot meal a day from the Rescue Mission and, unless he was scooped up during a Code Blue, there was no way he was staying in a shelter again.
Too much fucking pride, dumbass.
When he took his last shower at the Rescue Mission, he saw how his ribs showed prominently under taut skin. He'd fallen far from his high school days as a lean, athletic swimmer. At five-five there wasn’t a whole lot of him to start with.
He halfheartedly sent a prayer skyward that someone might find him, take him in. What he wouldn't give for a hunky savior right now? He wouldn't voluntarily go to a shelter, but he might be persuaded to go home with the right guy.
Judah sat in his SUV, heat blasting, holding his hands i
In the past, he’d presented himself to the Atlantic City Police Department as an off-duty Security Officer, the false persona working in his favor. Since the city had issued a Code Blue, they swiftly added him to the duty roster when he checked in with the supervisor of the evening shift, offering his help. He glanced at the digital clock on the dashboard. As it neared midnight, they expected him to check in soon with a status report.
Technically, he was only looking for the homeless, thus they’d left him on his own. Atlantic City actually had a half-ass census of the homeless living there, thanks to one officer’s hard work. It wasn't completely accurate, but it at least listed the person's name, sex, age if known, and even their last known sleeping spot. He'd driven around for a while, picking up two middle-aged men and depositing them and their belongings at one of the open shelters.
He’d lucked out when he’d been instructed to drop the two men off at Young Heroes; Gabriel had been called by the city administrators and asked if he could open his doors for the many homeless that needed escape from the harsh temperatures. It was a bittersweet reunion; Judah couldn’t stay long, but it was long enough for Gabriel to wheedle out of him why he was back.
Judah spilled, and then he smirked, witnessing Gabriel’s reaction. He figured if Gabriel wasn’t surrounded by a slew of strangers, he would have danced right there, but he managed to hold himself in check, barely. One year ago, Judah had witnessed Gabriel and Ari, his former angelic commander, declaring their love for each other, right after Judah and his brothers had helped them rescue a young boy. Gabriel had almost died, but Ari’s love—and Yahweh’s gift—had saved him.
"Ari is going to be so excited to hear the news. You'll bring your other half by the house, right? Ari will have my head if you don't visit while you're here," Gabriel babbled. "Wait! Do you know who it is? Did Father give you a hint?"
Judah huffed. "I didn't think to ask. All He told me was that I was needed. I've got eight nights." He paused briefly. "I don't even know if I'm looking for a female or male."
Gabriel's brows drew sharply. He leaned in, keeping his tone hushed. "Would you accept a man? I remember you saying Nate had a preference for men, but you never said anything about yourself."
"Truly, I don't know. When I lived, I had relations with women, but two millennia have since passed. When Father lifted me, those sorts of urges ceased. I never asked Nate how or why he retained the desire while I did not. It wasn't something we brothers discussed." Judah crooked up the corner of his mouth. "I never wanted, needed, or desired companionship once I began in Father's army, but watching you and Ari last year…" He trailed off.
"What?" Gabriel prompted.
"I want what you have." Judah's grin widened. "I'm ready to find my other half, no matter the sex."
Gabriel laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. "Well, you know Ari and I will do whatever we can to help. But first, I need your help."
"If I can, I will."
"Thank you. One of the boys who occasionally drops in at Young Heroes hasn't turned up in any of the shelters. He's young, full of pride, and probably won't check in anywhere unless he's brought in. Do you think you could have a look-see in a few of his usual spots?"
"Of course. Write them down for me, and I'll head out there now."
Gabriel hurried into his office for paper and a pen. He wrote down three places the boy could often be found.
"What's his name?" Judah asked, taking the paper from Gabriel..
"The only name he ever gave us was Locke."
Judah warmed his hands one last time before checking to make sure he was in the right spot for the last location on the list. The first two had been devoid of anyone and anything except empty cardboard boxes. This last spot didn’t seem any different. Still, he zipped his jacket all the way up and pulled on his beanie. Thin gloves next. He never bothered with carrying a weapon while on Earth. Any criminal stupid enough to attack him would find themselves flat on their back with an extremely angry angel in their face and a sword across their throat.
He turned off the engine and pushed open the door, sliding the keys into his right-hand pocket as he exited. The wind kicked up a notch, almost slamming the door back into him, but he caught it before any damage was done. He slipped out and let the wind finish closing it with an echoing slam.
Judah circled to the front of the SUV and peered into the alley. He could see a large dumpster in the yellow-white glow from two security wall lights, could smell its rank odor not entirely suppressed by the icy temps. It sat halfway down the barely truck-wide passageway between a small auto parts shop and a trendy clothing store. He closed his eyes and gave his other senses free reign, but the garbage overpowered any scent, and the wind’s howl covered any sound. Superman, I am not. He blew out a sharp breath before stepping forward into the alley.
X-ray vision? The thought projected into Judah’s head with a ring of laughter.
Sure, Yahweh. Why not? Judah replied.
I’ll think about it. And call me Father.
His presence drew away, and Judah chuckled under his breath. He hadn’t expected Him to be watching. Wait… Did that mean? Judah quickened his pace, rounding the dumpster, and found a large, abstract pile of cardboard boxes. He inspected the stacks, noting how they were pushed out from the wall, with several opened and leaning against the cold bricks.
A whimper and chattering of teeth dropped him into a crouch. Judah cocked his head, listening for a repeat, wanting to be sure it wasn’t his ears playing tricks on him. This time, a rustling of fabrics and growling of words met him.
“Stupid, Locke. Stupid, stupid, stupid.” The dull tone of a slap and a pain-filled groan broke through Judah’s immobility.
“Hello?” Judah whispered, trying not to frighten the boy, but feared he did when Locke remained silent inside his house of cardboard.
“Hello,” he repeated. “Gabriel sent me to find you.” Judah hoped the use of Gabriel’s name would reassure the young man. When the boy remained quiet, he tried again. “Locke, my name is Judah MacCabe. I’m here to help you.”
“I… d-don’t need-d… your help.” Locke’s voice stuttered, tired and sluggish.
“There’s a Code Blue in effect. I’d like to take you to a shelter,” Judah calmly explained. “Gabriel is worried about you. Won’t you come out so I can get you someplace warm?”
“I hate those sh-sh-shelters,” Locke spat back. “It’s not s-s-safe for me th-there.”
“Why?”
“Th-they d-don’t like b-boys like me there.” A loud sigh followed. Judah didn’t have to see Locke’s expression to hear the resignation in the statement. “It’s not s-safe,” he reiterated.
Judah palmed the back of his neck, lips twisting as he debated his options. He rose and said, “I’ll be right back.”
He stepped to the mouth of the alley and looked skyward. I need to speak with Gabriel. A ping sounded from inside his jacket. He unzipped it, reached in, and pulled out a cell phone. Gabriel’s name and phone number shone brightly on the screen. Judah pressed the green call button, pressed it to his ear, and listened to the rings.
“Hello?” Gabriel answered hesitantly.
“It’s Judah.”
“Hey! I didn’t recognize the number, but I should have suspected when it said ‘Hammer.’ Did you find him?”
“Yes, by the auto parts store, but he won’t come out. Says it’s not safe for him at the shelter. What should I do?”
“Fu…ooze.”
Judah barked out a laugh. “Ari trying to keep you from swearing?”
“Something like that,” Gabriel chuckled. “Um… maybe Locke’ll change his mind if I talk to him. Worth a try, right?”
“Let me ask if he’ll talk to you. Hold on.” Judah returned to the ill house of boxes and squatted. “Locke? Gabriel is on the phone. He’d like to talk to you.” There was shuffling from inside, and the cardboard in front of him split open as a pale, filthy hand emerged. Judah placed the phone in Locke’s hand and watched as he pulled it inside. He shifted closer to listen to the conversation.
