Ayil

by Brenda Trim

  The pain from that fact hurt more than anything. Jared could shatter a thousand bones and it wouldn’t come close to what she suffered from letting Ayil down and tarnishing the love she felt for him.

  Unable to look at the Angels, Kennex glanced down at her feet as she waited to hear her fate. It wasn’t fair that she went through so much in life and was now likely going to be put to death, but she made her choice.

  There was no one else to blame for her current predicament but herself.

  “I think we know what we have to do,” Raphael announced, breaking the silence.

  “Wait. Before you sentence me, can I see Ayil?” she asked. “Please. Not for me. For him. I can’t die before letting him know how much he changed my life.”

  “Where is Ayil?” Raphael asked Michael.

  “Right here,” Ayil replied before Michael said anything. Kennex gasped when he rounded a large column.

  Unable to stop herself, she ran to him. “Oh, my Gods. What happened? Are you okay?”

  He put up his hands stopping her before she could touch him. “I’m fine, but I’m filthy and I don’t want this on you, love. Is she free to go?”

  Kennex followed Ayil’s gaze to Raphael who was looking at him through narrowed eyes. Ayil’s brothers, Abraxos and Araton entered the hall a second later.

  “There are no words for what you have experienced,” Raphael told Kennex, making her eyes tear up again. “We should have seen Jared’s true intent thousands of years ago, but he hid it well. I promise he will never harm anyone ever again.”

  “You’re right about that. You might want to send someone—” Ayil trailed off when the doors banged open and a couple walked through the opening.

  The male had black as night wings tipped with razors while the female had purple wings studded with diamonds and barbels. And, horns! What kind of Angel had horns? That was a new one for sure.

  “Who killed Jared?” the male demanded.

  Ayil stepped forward. “I did. The fucker dared to hurt my mate.”

  Kennex gasped and looked from Ayil to the new male to Raphael, afraid Ayil was going to be put to death. So many emotions ran through her at once. Elation that Jared was dead, worry for Ayil, and surprise over his declaration.

  “Mate?” she blurted at the same time Raphael snarled “What?”

  Ayil held her gaze for several seconds showing her the promise and future she could have with him if she gave him the chance. Suddenly, a life she rarely allowed herself to dream about opened up before her and nearly brought tears to her eyes.

  “I killed Jared after he admitted torturing my mate for years. He left me no choice,” Ayil replied. Kennex’s knees threatened to give out. She stood there trembling as her fear for Ayil choked her.

  “He’s right,” Abraxos added. “Jared had no remorse for what he did to Kennex. Felt she deserved what she got. He would have harmed others if you’d banned him.”

  The horned-female approached Kennex and wrapped her arms around her. “I am so sorry. If I had spoken up all those years ago, he wouldn’t have harmed you.”

  The intimidating male Angel touched the female’s shoulder, offering reassurance. “This isn’t your fault, Salsa. You can’t blame yourself.”

  “This is Zakara and her mate Ramiel,” Ayil explained to Kennex then focused back on the Archangels. “Are you going to punish me for what I’ve done?”

  “No. You can’t,” Kennex objected without thought. She had to believe the Gods wouldn’t show her what her life could entail only to take it away moments later.

  “Silence,” Raphael boomed as he stood up and paced the room. “We’ve never encountered a mess like this before. Neither of you are to blame. Jared made his choices and they were the wrong ones.”

  “God gives us free will and Jared paid the price for allowing evil to taint his being,” Michael added. “The events today prove how badly changes need to be made in Heaven, but neither of you will be held accountable for what Jared set into motion.”

  “Take your mate home, Ayil. We have business to discuss,” Raphael ordered.

  Ayil nodded to Raphael and started walking toward the massive double doors. “What do you say, Candle? Will you be my mate?” His question made warmth spread through her chest. Without hesitation, she jumped into Ayil’s arms forgetting about the blood and gore that covered him and wrapped her arms around his neck.

  “Yes! I’ve always believed I was cursed, but I see it was all leading me to you. And, for the record, I am done paying for my happily ever after,” she called out to the heavens around her. She didn’t know if the Gods could hear her or not. She wouldn’t change a minute of what she’d gone through if it meant losing her angel, but she was no masochist and wanted to enjoy life again.

  * * *

  Chapter 21

  Tears misted Kennex’s eyes as her mother hugged her for the hundredth time. After watching Ramiel and Zakara cart off Jared’s remains, Ayil took her to his house and showed her why he loved caramel. Since that afternoon she’d been craving caramel more than she ever believed possible. Okay, so it was really her sexy angel’s body she wanted.

  “Mom, I’m not going anywhere,” Kennex promised.

  Her mother sniffed and pulled back. “I know. It’s just that your father and I believed you were dead for so long that I’m afraid you will disappear again.”

  “I won’t. I regret doing that, but I didn’t believe I had any choice.”

  “Your Angel told us how you were protecting us. Now, let’s get you ready for your mating ceremony,” her mother stated.

  Butterflies swarmed in her stomach. She never allowed herself to dream of finding a mate or reuniting with her family, yet she here she was getting that and so much more. And being mated by an archAngel for craps sake. It was going to be a fairytale ceremony.

  “You are so beautiful, sweetie. Are you ready? I know your dad is waiting to walk you out.”

  The last few weeks were a blur of reuniting with her parents, cleansing the San Diego clan and planning the mating ceremony. She was open to having the mating anywhere so long as Lexi and her parents could be there. Part of the devastation Jared wreaked on her life was that she cut all ties and didn’t get close to anyone else. It had only been the past couple months she really got close to Lexi.

  “More than ready,” Kennex replied as she checked her reflection in the mirror. The green dress was strapless mesh with lace that matched her angel’s stunning eyes. It was her new favorite color and Lexi assured her complimented her pale skin perfectly. Kennex knew next to nothing about fashion, let alone how to pick a dress. She preferred jeans and t-shirts over fancy clothes.

  After applying another coat of lip gloss, Kennex walked arm in arm with her mother out the door.

  Her dad kissed her cheek and ran his hand across her bare shoulder. “You look beautiful, Nexie.”

  The walk from Ayil’s home to Sweet Indulgence wasn’t far and her parents weren’t the only ones there to escort her to Ayil. Angels surrounded the three of them with smiles and cheers. So many showed up that there was a constant stream following the procession.

  Lexi winked at her from her spot next to Ayil’s sister, Illianna, and her mate, Rhys. Raphael offered the park for their ceremony, despite the fact she destroyed a lot of it. She was still stunned to be accepted with open arms.

  The effort everyone went to for his mating ceremony touched her beyond words. It made her nerves heighten. Part of her didn’t feel like she was worthy. It was next to impossible to banish the doubt she lived with for so long.

  Ayil exited the bakery and crossed the lawn to meet her, distracting her from her negative talk going through her head. That was in her past and not a part of her future. Joy unlike anything she’d ever experienced washed through her as she watching her Angel greet her parents and kiss her mom’s cheek.

  She needed the time to compose herself as she was stunned speechless by how good he looked in a tuxedo. She’d only seen him in leather pants
and t-shirts and didn’t think he could look any sexier. She was proved wrong about that. Her lips tingled and her core clenched with need.

  His bright green eyes met hers and her nerves settled. She was exactly where she was meant to be with the male she loved.

  Kennex wondered if the Angels wrapped the trunks of the trees with the thousands of twinkling lights decorating them. The pile of wood near the center of the gathering made her smile. This was the first-time Angels and Phoenixes were being joined, and between the bright stars overhead and the illuminated trees, the area was the perfect romantic setting for the biggest day of her life.

  Movement caught Kennex’s eyes and she was surprised to see Ramiel and his mate, Zakara, approaching their group. She’d spoken several times about what Zakara suffered at Jared’s hands, but she didn’t expect her to be so involved with the mating. She’d already created the food for the party afterward and offered up her bakery. She turned in a circle to take in her inner circle and what she thought was only three people had become easily a dozen in mere days.

  With a full heart, Kennex turned and took Ayil’s hand. The instant they touched Raphael stepped forward and lifted his hands gaining everyone’s attention. Ayil explained the circle Angels form in their ceremonies. The Phoenix employ fire to cement the union of two individuals, by combining flame from each one’s respective Phoenixes. In the event one partner isn’t a Phoenix, other fire sources were used.

  Ramiel clapped the archAngel on the back. “I’m beginning to think you have a thing for mating ceremonies Raphael.”

  “Uniting a couple in love is one of the blessings in life and I wanted to see this one through to the end,” Raphael replied. “Too much slipped by our notice after Lucifer was freed from the lake. Heaven has needed the joy and love Kennex brought with that bomb of hers.”

  Kennex’s eyes widened at being called out and she cringed, expecting Angels to stalk off. She didn’t expect the laughter and teasing. The archAngel Michael was the worst of them all as he goaded Ayil. “You can’t blame her for resorting to such lengths. It took an explosive for Ayil to realize the priceless gift he had.”

  “Let’s get my brother joined,” Abraxos murmured.

  Ramiel kissed Zakara and approached the inner circle. He stopped to her right while Ayil’s brothers took up positions above her and to the left. The two Archangels, Michael and Raphael, took positions below her. From Ayil’s description she knew they formed the five points of a star with her and Ayil in the center. The Angels spread their wings, so their tips touched, enclosing them in a colored cocoon of red, black, and white.

  The second the multicolored wings joined, Kennex felt energy flow through her, but she couldn’t see the veil that snapped into place. Ayil grabbed one of her hands anchoring her in the moment as the energy built around them. And then each of the Angels surrounding them held out a hand and called a weapon of Light to their palm. Kennex’s heart filled with anticipation. This was really happening. She had the urge to pinch herself to make sure it wasn’t a dream.

  Raphael extended his weapon above their heads and each Angel touched their Light to his. A flash of white light blasted throughout the sky, proving beyond a doubt that she was wide awake.

  Holding Kennex’s gaze, Ayil let all the love he felt for her show as he murmured, “Fate brought you to me again and again when I refused to listen. From day one you became my choice. Michael had one thing right. It took a bomb to make me realize I love you and wanted to make you mine. You have me, heart and soul.”

  Kennex blinked and willed away the tears blurring her vision. Having a male as strong and powerful as Ayil love her made her feel precious and cherished. “My life was fraught with pain and fear for so long that I gave up hoping for more. The Gods brought you to me, and I wouldn’t change a moment of my pain if it meant finding you. I love you, Ayil. You are my choice.”

  Kennex turned to the triangle of wood and called her Phoenix. Her wings of fire spread from her back and flames sizzled under her skin. Having made her choice, she sent a burst of flames to the wood at the same moment Ayil called his sword of light and touched her fire. The logs ignited, sending fire shooting ten feet into the sky.

  Their connection became a thick, gold ribbon that wrapped around her heart and ran to his, bonding them together. Their souls touched, and her body ignited with need. She wanted to strip the tux from his muscular body and take him right there in the park. It took more effort than it should, given that they were surrounded by friends and family. She wanted her angel. The party could wait.

  Ayil had never been happier in his life. His heart now beat for Kennex and it hadn’t stopped pounding for the past few hours. He’d heard stories about what it was like when you mated, but words couldn’t express the depth of the love and need that sparked to life the instant that connection formed. From the moment that gold ribbon bound them together, he went from attraction to an intense need for his mate.

  Ayil kissed the back of her neck and unzipped the sexy green dress. It fell to the ground leaving her in a strapless bra and barely-there silk panties. He palmed her breast and kissed her neck as he kicked the door shut.

  His brothers helped set the mood in their angelic home. Kennex was the first and last female he would ever bring to the celestial plane and it had to be perfect for her. Rose petals littered the floor and candles were spread throughout the room, emitting a soft glow. Life was a wild ride and he was glad this female was joining him on it.

  Ayil threw her onto the bed and leaned over her. “You drove me crazy all night with that dress and your arousal teasing me. I couldn’t wait to get you back here,” he whispered as he kissed her shoulder.

  The way her eyes sparkled at that moment entranced him as much as her body. He’d never seen her so happy and knew at that moment his highest priority was to make sure she smiled at him like that always. The lust in her eyes confirmed she stoked her desire purposely to make his body burn with desire.

  “I wondered how long it would take you to stop the festivities. I was ready to attack you before the party started.”

  Ayil’s chuckle died when he watched her writhe on the bed. Stretching her legs, Kennex lifted her hands and ran them up his sides then lifted her lips. His mouth was lowering to meet hers in an instant.

  The energy between them fed the fervor of their need. Ayil’s lips zinged, making him groan. Taking one of his favorite moves, she took the opportunity to slide her tongue inside his mouth. The way their tongues danced in an erotic rhythm made his cock hard as stone.

  His mouth devoured hers, and her back arched, making her bra lower over her flesh. Every movement she made pushed her breasts to the edge of the fabric, teasing them both. He needed to taste her hard nipples.

  Ayil broke the kiss and rolled her over, slowly unbuttoning the bra, pulling it from underneath her and tossing it aside. “Call your wings, Candle,” he encouraged, wanting to test a theory.

  “Can you handle the heat?”

  “Baby, I crave your heat,” he whispered in her ear before licking the shell. She cried out and released her wings of fire. He ran his hands over the flesh between her wings then teased the insertion where her wings left her body. This close he saw they were thin skin with tiny bones underneath that caught fire. So fucking sexy. His fingers played with the sensitive skin, making her ravenous.

  “Holy shit that feels good. I had no idea that felt so good.”

  “You like that, love?”

  “Gods, yes. I need you, Ayil. Stop torturing me,” Kennex panted and arched her ass. He couldn’t help but squeeze those plush globes and plant a kiss on each cheek.

  Ayil pushed the slinky, silky fabric down and tugged them off her legs. Her spicy scent intensified, filling the air. His fingers roamed between her legs and slid through her arousal.

  “Torture is trying to talk to your brother while your dick is hard and aching to sink into your mate. I’m paying homage to your perfection.”

  She rolled over and
spread her legs, putting her wet slit on display. That was all it took to make him lose all semblance of going slow. “Mmmm, yes. More.”

  Transfixed, Ayil ran his finger up one leg until he reached her core. Her heat scalded his flesh. His finger rubbed her clit and his mouth lowered to her nipple. He needed her ready for his possession.

  “That’s it,” she encouraged. Her hips lifted and moved, as she rode his hand, taking what she needed. He loved when she took her pleasure. Her arousal flooded his hand and her core clenched around his finger as she got close to the edge.

  Sucking a nipple into his mouth, he pumped his fingers in and out of her as he pressed the heel of his hand against her clit. Her chest arched off the bed and she cried out his name as she detonated.

  “Not enough,” she panted.

  “It’ll never be enough.”

  He kissed his way down her abdomen, teasing her with his tongue and lips. Suddenly, the skin around his cock heated and he felt her fingers unclasp his pants. He ditched his suit jacket earlier and paused to pull off his tie then tear his shirt open. Buttons went flying in every direction.

  Kennex had his shaft out in the next breath and wrapped her fingers around his length. The sight of her licking her lips had him envisioning her on her knees before him. Another time, he told himself. It jerked in her grip despite the fact her fingers didn’t meet when she wrapped them around the base.

  He nudged her torso to the bed and lost his breath at the heat in her eyes. Liquid pooled between her legs, evidence to how turned on she was. He gripped his cock and slid it through her folds, coating his length in her arousal. The contact made her hips surge upward, urging him to sink into her heat.

  “Damn, Candle. I wanted to take it slow tonight.”

  “Fast now. Slow next time. I need you now,” Kennex demanded. Ayil pressed his lips to hers as he thrust balls deep into her core in one stroke. He nearly lost his seed when the head of his shaft pounded her cervix, making her cry out.