by Brenda Trim
“I do. The only way to top this experience is to literally take you into the clouds,” he said with a chuckle.
Many Angels brought partners with them to Heaven, but Ayil never had. It might be the post-orgasm bliss, but he wanted to show Kennex what she was coming to mean to him.
* * *
Chapter 17
Kennex pulled back from the kiss Ayil greeted her with and had the urge to cancel their trip to his home in Heaven. This was the key to her vengeance against Jared, yet she didn’t want to hurt Ayil. Inexplicably she was falling for the sexy angel, but she couldn’t allow that to interfere with her plan.
Jared believed she belonged to him and wouldn’t hesitate to hurt Ayil for daring to show her love and compassion. She knew what he was trying to tell her when he asked her. Bringing someone to Heaven was a first for Ayil and he’d said he wouldn’t take that step unless he cared deeply for that person.
Running her hand over his chest, she was going to follow through with her plan, but would make sure he didn’t get hurt in the process. “How do we get there?”
“I’ll teleport us. Just wrap your arms around me and hold on tight.”
Kennex wrapped her arms around his neck and stood on tiptoe. The second his mouth covered hers the world dropped away, and a scream caught in her throat. The tether that kept her connected to Earth disappeared and she swore her body disintegrated. She clung to Ayil as much as she could, not wanting to get lost between realms. There was no way to survive in the nothingness that surrounded them.
Before panic stole all her ability to think straight, bright light blinded her and Kennex buried her head into Ayil’s chest. His large palm ran up and down her back, easing the distress.
“It’s over and you’re not throwing up. I’m impressed,” he murmured against her forehead.
Putting space between them after several deep breaths she glanced around. “Wait for it. This pristine white rug isn’t out of the woods yet.”
His laugh was carefree and completely open, making the weight in her pocket even heavier. “My sister’s mate, Rhys, threw up all over the place the first time Illianna brought him to Heaven.”
As soon as she felt steady, Kennex let go of Ayil and turned in a circle. Warmth encompassed her. And, it wasn’t from the sun. She couldn’t see it from the middle of Ayil’s living room. Soft blue walls surrounded them in an open floor plan. The construction looked like anything she’d find on Earth, down to the fridge in the kitchen and the large picture window to her left.
The furniture matched the brown leather and rustic décor he had in his home in San Diego. Her mouth dropped at the large flat-screen. “Do you get cable here?”
Ayil followed her gaze and chuckled. “Not exactly, but with a bit of finagling, some of the Angels figured out how to harness energy and we can watch DVDs. I’m a huge Gotham fan and watch the new seasons as soon as they come out.”
Her mind spun with that information. She needed to get a console up here so she had games to play when he went out to a meeting or whatever warrior Angels did so she wasn’t bored. That thought stopped her in her tracks.
She would not be spending much time here after she followed through with her plan. Hell, she’d be lucky to live after she killed Jared, but that wasn’t going to stop her. That evil Angel needed to die to keep all females safe from his terror. She imagined the other Angels wouldn’t believe her if she told them there was a sociopath living amongst them.
“Are you hungry?”
She glanced away from the window and looked back at her angel. “Starving. Damn, I meant to grab the Greek food I picked up before we left. You sidetracked me with your kisses.”
Heat entered Ayil’s green eyes and he stalked toward her. With the window at his back, she could almost see the outline of his red wings, as if it was impossible for him to completely conceal them when he was on the celestial plane.
His hands landed on her hips and he stood close to her body, sending a different kind of heat through her veins. “We don’t have Greek here, but we have a café and bakery. Our bar, Bladz doesn’t serve food.”
His body called to her and had her aching for more contact. Shaking her head, she forced her mind to stay on track. It was physically painful to take a step away and put space between them. “A bar in Heaven,” she shook her head. “Now, I’ve heard of everything. Somehow the bakery and café aren’t as surprising as the bar.”
Ayil grabbed her hand and headed to the door. It all looked so familiar. She never would have guessed they weren’t on Earth. “The bar’s been here longest. The bakery just opened when Zakara returned to us. She’s the first Fallen Angel to be accepted back into the fold, so to speak.”
Kennex gasped from shock at what he said, as well as what she saw outside. “I didn’t know a Fallen Angel could earn their spot again.”
Ayil led her down a stone path that was surrounded by green grass and flowered shrubs. One incongruity she noticed as she glanced down was that there was no dirt visible anywhere. She prayed they weren’t actually standing on clouds.
“Before a year ago, neither did I. Zakara is the first. And, she has brought new hope with her. Families separated in the Great War no longer mourn the loss of their loved ones but pray for their happy return.”
“Plus, she brought cupcakes,” Kennex teased. “Hard not to be happy and hope for more when eating cake.”
Ayil wrapped an arm around her and tickled her side, making her laugh. “You’ve got that right. And, Zakara’s treats are better than sex. Unless it’s with you.”
Ayil led her to a tree in his front yard and continued torturing her, placing kisses along her jaw while tickling her for several seconds. The atmosphere shifted from playful to intense in one rapid heartbeat. This male was challenging every preconceived notion she had about relationships. The easy interaction developing between them reminded her of her parents.
With a groan, she turned her head and her lips claimed his. She moved her mouth over his and licked at the seam, seeking entrance. A rumble built in his chest and the moment Ayil’s lips parted, Kennex’s tongue darted in to tangle with his. A firm hand grasped her ass and pulled her flush against his hard cock.
Laughter interrupted their intimate embrace and reminded her they were standing out in the open in Heaven where anyone could stumble upon them.
Breaking the kiss, Kennex licked her lips and twined her fingers with his while she tried to calm her breathing. “Where are we going?” she asked.
“I thought we’d get a sandwich and take it to the park,” Ayil replied as they headed out.
“Is it always sunny here? Or is there nighttime, too?”
Ayil squeezed her fingers when she tried to dislodge her hold on him as they passed Angels with various colored wings. She recognized the blue, red and gold, but had no idea what the green or silver meant. The Angels with the black wings made her shiver because it reminded her of Lucifer in the flames. Although his weren’t a true black like these. Looking back now, she realized the Lord of the Underworld wore wings of black, white and grey.
“We have a natural cycle of night and day, but our weather is always the same. We don’t have storms of any kind and no rain or snow. This is a typical day here.”
“I like more heat, but I’m not as cold here as I am in San Diego.”
They approached a bustling café and Kennex wanted to go back to Ayil’s house, or better yet her place. She was far more comfortable on her couch with a controller in her hand than among so many Angels. When a female Angel with massive blue wings smiled at her, Kennex instinctively smiled back and it dawned on her. Ayil had changed her completely.
Before her hatred for all Angels was all she thought about when she encountered one. She wanted all Angels to die, and now with the orb in her pocket, she questioned her plan. And then an image of Jared kicking her while tearing her pants open as she lay there screaming flashed through her mind. Jared needed to die.
“Ayil. It’s good to
see you,” a female Angel with gold wings said as she greeted him. “What can I get for you and your guest?”
“I’ll take a turkey and avocado on rye with lettuce and pickles,” Ayil ordered and tugged on her hand. The café reminded her of an open-air market. There were no walls and the tables were spaced enough apart that Angels could eat with their wings out. “What would you like, Kennex?”
“Um, do you have a Philly cheesesteak with hot peppers?”
“We sure do,” the female said with a smile. “Do you want chips or anything else with that?”
“If you have Taki’s I’ll take those and a Mountain Dew.” Kennex had no idea what came over her when ordering. Not many knew about the deliciously spicy chips, but she loved them.
“We sure do. It’ll be right out.”
Ayil steered her to the side and sat on a stool. She nearly fell on her ass as she tried to take the seat next to him because his strong hands wrapped around her biceps and pulled her between his legs. From this vantage point she was taller than him.
She laughed and liked seeing the amusement in his eyes. “I like hovering above you.”
“Love, you can be on top anytime,” he whispered in her ear.
“Your order’s ready, Ayil.” Kennex jumped and turned to see the female watching them. Unable to hide her mortification at being overheard, Kennex wanted to crawl in a hole and hide while her face tinged pink.
Ayil set her aside and grabbed their lunch then pulled Kennex away from the café. Handing her the Mountain Dew, he started walking away from the tables taking her with him. “There’s no reason to be embarrassed.”
Tilting her head back, she couldn’t help but smile back. She’d never been so open about a relationship before. Granted, she’d never been in a relationship, but she’d been with a male or two. Being so obvious about her feeling didn’t come naturally.
Bringing her to a stop, he sat down and pulled her hand, so she joined him. Kennex positioned herself next to him and crossed her legs. While Ayil removed their sandwiches, she took in her surroundings. It was a peaceful setting in the lush, green area.
The vegetation, animals and fish were similar to Earth, but at the same time, better. The songbirds were peaceful and serene. Typically, she found their screeches annoying. The nearby stream was filled with massive catfish that swam playfully, and the fragrant flowers left a pleasant scent in the air.
“I’m not like you, Ayil. I’m not used to public displays of affection. I’m going to need time to adjust,” she told him honestly.
“There’s no pressure here, Candle. I care for you and, for the first time in my life, don’t want to move on and forget about a female. I’ve probably been overzealous in my desire to show my friends and family. We’re taking this at your pace, but I needed you to know that I…l…like you. A lot.”
Heat unfurled in her chest and warmed her from her inner Phoenix out. No one aside from her parents have ever made her feel loved and accepted like Ayil. “I like you too, Tiger. You have wormed your way under my skin. But, I can’t help but wonder if you’ll feel the same after––” she paused and took a drink of her soda while she came up with something to say, “you get to know me,” she said in a rush.
Ayil unwrapped his sandwich with a big smile on his face then took a massive bite. “I know your heart, Kennex, and that’s all that matters,” he said with his mouthful.
She wanted to blurt out her plan to kill Jared but was stopped when the devil himself walked along the path. He was with a female, and paused by a tree downstream about fifteen feet. He hadn’t seen her. This was her chance. The park was empty except for her, Ayil, Jared and the female.
“You don’t know as much as you think you do,” she muttered and took a bite of her sandwich. She was certain the food was delicious and full of flavor but all she tasted was cardboard.
She wanted to claw Jared’s eyes out as he stood there laughing with the female. Kennex noticed the Angel didn’t seem too excited to chat with Jared as she backed away and glanced around. Kennex needed to think of something fast or she was going to lose the opportunity.
Hunching over, she ate another bite and looked for the perfect place to set the bomb. She’d have to be close to detonate it. Perhaps she wouldn’t try and run away as previously planned.
Ayil cocked his head and was watching her with narrowed eyes. “What does that mean? Have I done something to upset you?”
Kennex shook her head rapidly and noticed a sign in the distance. Sweet Indulgence. Had to be the bakery. Heart hammering in her chest, she fought the urge to wipe the sweat off her forehead. “Sorry. I was just thinking I’d love to try those cakes you’ve talked about. Is that Zakara’s bakery? The one you told me made treats better than sex?”
Ayil’s eyes heated and his gaze dipped to her lips. “They aren’t better than sex with you.”
Kennex found herself smiling at him despite the plan she was on the verge of carrying out. “We haven’t actually had sex yet.”
“Love, sex is more than fucking and what we share is far better than anything Kara makes. Yes, that is Kara’s shop.”
“Can you get us something to share? Preferably caramel?” she asked and batted her lashes at him, hoping it got him moving.
“Mmmm. Caramel has become my new favorite,” he said in a voice gone husky. “Do you want to come with me and pick it out?”
“I’d like to stay here and enjoy this perfect park if you don’t mind.” Guilt swamped her over the destruction she was about to cause to such a beautiful setting.
“No problem. I’ll be right back,” he murmured against her mouth. After a quick kiss, Ayil was up and heading toward Sweet Indulgence.
Kennex climbed to her feet and hurried to hide behind a tree so Jared didn’t see her. The female laughed suddenly making Kennex think she misjudged her reaction to Jared. Of course, Kennex was biased against the angel.
Using the trees. Kennex made her way closer to the couple and when she was close to them, she ducked below the hedges and crawled closer. Jared’s voice was like nails on a chalkboard to her. The way he flirted and charmed the female reminded her of the night she met him. Any reservations she had about killing him vanished as the months and months of violence she suffered at his hands played through her mind.
Reaching in her pocket, Kennex pulled out the sphere promised to kill a supernatural. Lying flat on her stomach, she pushed her arm through the branches and set the device on the ground not far from where Jared stood.
“What was that?” Jared asked suddenly. Before he caught her, Kennex stood up and took off running to the nearest tree.
Breathing heavily, she managed to jump behind a trunk, so she wasn’t seen. She needed a better hiding place, but not one far away so she could detonate the bomb before Jared got away. A large white building was a few feet from her current location. As soon as she heard Jared turn the flirty tone back to the female, Kennex risked discovery and headed for the large double doors. Surely, that was a safe place to hide. It looked empty and all the Angels seemed to steer clear of the place.
Kennex slammed the door shut behind her and leaned her head against the white marble. Moving her gaze across the room, she took in the marble columns, sconces with flames, and white, marble dais in the center. It seemed empty and was devoid of color except for the paintings and sculptures throughout.
The detonator in hand, Kennex tried to calm her breathing and cracked the door. She couldn’t set anything off until she was certain Ayil hadn’t returned. No way would she cause him harm.
Before she could peek outside, a large hand landed heavily on her shoulder. A scream left her throat and her finger accidentally pressed the button.
“What are you doing in here?” asked an Angel with massive white wings.
Kennex flinched then turned and her eyes widened right before an explosion rattled the building. Dammit, she thought as angry green eyes nothing like Ayil’s rooted her to the spot. She was well and truly fucked now. H
er eyes closed as bile rose in her throat and worry for Ayil overcame her. And, then she started cursing herself for risking what she’d started with Ayil on such a stupid vendetta.
Suddenly, Jared’s death wasn’t worth losing her angel. Ayil made her feel beautiful and loved for the first time in her life and his friendship was priceless. Too bad she couldn’t take it back now.
* * *
Chapter 18
Disbelief swamped Ayil as his brother approached him in the park. He was chatting with Zakara in her bakery when the explosion made him drop his cake and run. He frantically searched the area but didn’t see Kennex. He cursed when he realized she was gone, and warriors were combing the area.
“Where’s Kennex? What the fuck happened?” Ayil barked at Araton.
Araton crossed large arms over his chest, a scowl on his face. The expression told Ayil nothing since his brother often wore a scowl, but it made him want to shake his brother to get an answer out of him. “Your female happened?”
Ayil’s head reared back as fast as if his brother slapped him. “What are you talking about? Where is Kennex? Is she okay?”
“In custody where she belongs,” Araton replied.
Ayil almost fell over from shock. “What the hell are you talking about?”
“She set a bomb in the park,” Abraxos added as he approached, holding a charred piece of a small sphere. There was no mistaking this was what detonated in the park and destroyed vegetation.
The power that radiated from the device told Ayil this was no ordinary explosive. It was magically enhanced to cause maximum damage to supernaturals, and even death. “Not sure who her target was. There were a few here, but it was set close to Felicia and Jared. Thankfully, they both escaped without injury. The trees and bushes in that area didn’t fare so well.”
Ayil’s mind was spinning. The female he’d fallen in love with couldn’t have possibly planted a bomb. She was shy and fun and had opened up to him. Trusted him when she was in danger. Why would she want to destroy his home?