“Get your brothers in here. Now!”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“I JUST THOUGHT THE gates would be more, well, pearly,” Regina said, her head tilted as she examined them.
Michael ran a hand over his face. “Okay, well, if we can discuss Heaven’s architecture and design at a later date, that would be great. Right now, we have a battle to prepare for.”
She stepped into his space and ran a hand over one of his pecs. “And we are. The angels are all safe, and Chamuel has appointed a dozen warriors to guard them. I came to ask how I may be of help.”
He looked down at her, unable to ignore the sultry nature of this female. She was both sensual and assertive in a way he found hard to ignore. He held her wrist and wished he had time to press her up against a wall—any wall—and thrust into her.
“Not in that way, archangel. Unless...” Her hand snaked its way down across his stomach, going south, fast.
He hissed at her. “You distract me, female.”
“It hasn’t gone unnoticed.” She grinned slyly.
He narrowed his eyes.
What?
“Don’t get upset. The angels were just asking if we were an item. That’s all.” She pressed her body into his, and his already hard cock reacted eagerly.
This female was far too pushy for her own good. She would need boundaries; the angels would never ask such a question unless she had planted a seed. Many of them he had bedded over time and would again.
He gripped her chin. “Then I will make it clear we are not by taking one of them to my bed this evening.”
She glowered at him.
He grinned. Then he slapped her on the ass and walked off.
“Don’t need your help, queen, but you should return to the angels during the battle. I will see you afterward.”
He heard her strut off and smiled some more. Taming her would be so much fun.
Jophiel and Raphael landed just ahead of him. “News?”
“The gods approach,” Raphael said.
Showtime!
Battle stations ready, boys, he broadcast to all the archangels.
Gabriel landed. “All the warriors are in position.”
“Witches have checked all the wards and strengthened them, if that’s even possible,” Zadkiel informed as he joined them, his red wings closing around him.
“Ask them to put up additional protection around the angels,” Michael ordered and glanced up as Uriel flew above them in a turquoise flash.
I’ll meet you on the other side.
By that he meant outside the wards, where they would do what they had been created to do. Protect Heaven.
He nodded to his brothers, a sign it was time to split up as planned. Gabriel, in a stunning display of blue and silver, let out a whoop of excitement and lifted off the ground.
The entrance to Heaven was an ethereal one, with the physical gates inside the wards. Heaven’s location was no secret; however, getting through the layers of energy and magic was something no one had attempted before now. A sad and historic day.
As Michael soared through the sky, he remained focused on one point. God may have been clear that they could not interfere with free will, but there was one rule greater than all others: protect Heaven.
If the wards were breached, the archangels would intervene and take the necessary action. God had gifted him and his brothers with these powers the moment of their creation. He didn’t need permission or a reminder of what his eternal life purpose was.
A flash of the human passed through his mind.
What the actual fuck. Why was he thinking of her right now? He shook his head.
Turning in the sky, he pressed forward and felt the rest of his brothers follow. They flew through the blue-tinged fog and out into the dark, inky universe. In all directions, there were stars, planets, moons, and clusters of matter creating more of the same.
And there, approaching fast, was an army of Olympians.
“I see Ares, Apollo, and Hermes. Oh, and there’s young Dionysus. He’s mine,” Raphael said, his emerald-green wings shimmering as he held in place.
“I didn’t know we had to put dibs on them. I want Hephaestus,” Chamuel declared. “That fucker has always thought he was faster than me.”
“No one is faster than you, big guy,” Gabriel reassured, tapping him with his wing.
Michael glanced at Raphael’s grinning face and smiled. They’d put up with these gods for many thousands of years, so this was a rare opportunity to release some frustration.
“Defensive action unless we see a breach,” Michael reminded them. “Then, we play by my rules.”
Amen! They all chorused.
The first energy ball flew toward them.
“Here we go!” Jophiel yelled.
Behind the gods were a hundred or so minor gods, all with different levels of power. He recognized some of them as Joph thrust out his arm, neutralizing the bolt of power.
“Get our senior warrior angels out here, Gabriel,” Michael ordered.
They hadn’t known what kind of force the Olympians would bring, so had left their army inside Heaven awaiting orders. A moment later, the warriors flew through the astral barrier and got into formation as they’d been trained. While they didn’t have the powers of the archangels, they were still strong and had shields infused with the strength to protect and reflect the thunderbolts.
“Let’s go, boys,” Uriel said.
Soon, hundreds of bolts were thrust at them, the warriors clashing their shields as the archangels danced in the sky, catching as many as they could.
Where’s Zeus?
Painting his nails?
He probably slept in.
Ares swept in close and aimed a big red ball of flames his way, his signature move. Michael rolled his eyes at the guy and waved his hand as it got close, totally obliterating it, before he reflected the debris back at the god of war.
“Where’s your father?” he yelled as Ares dived out of the way.
“He has more important things to do.”
“So, he realizes this is a fool’s mission,” Michael said.
Another ball came his way, bigger and faster. With two hands, he reflected it back again, and two of the minor gods were flung into space. They’d be back, but not without a few eyebrows missing.
“He can take his rightful place in Heaven when we burst open these gates.”
Raphael hovered beside him, laughing bitterly. “Yeah, he probably doesn’t want to do that.”
Ares grimaced at them, throwing not one, not two, but three large red bolts. “What is it you hide in this fucking place? Why the big secret?”
“You know what, Ares, bend the fuck over and we’ll show you,” Raphael said.
The Olympian twirled, shoving a fireball their way. He was joined by two of his brothers, and the gods proceeded to throw bolts rapid-fire style at them. Then Ares flipped and flashed his ass at them.
He’s distracting us.
I’m well aware.
“Supreme!” a warrior yelled as if on cue.
Motherfucker! Gabriel cursed. Michael, we have a crack.
What? Where?
“Go. I’ve got this,” Raphael said, lifting his wings and pursuing Ares.
Michael flew to Gabriel, who was battling Apollo.
“Heard you had your dirty paws on my sister, Michael,” the god spat out.
He ignored the taunt and dodged an oncoming fireball. Apollo and Artemis were twins and known to be close. Her brother was protective of her, and Michael couldn’t help but respect that quality in a male. Still. He was an Olympian, so it didn’t mean he liked him.
“So did I. Well, different sister.” Gabe shrugged and caught a blast in one hand, dissolving it into source energy.
“Same!” Uriel yelled from a distance away.
“Little fuckers,” Apollo growled, thrusting another fireball. This time, it got through. Whatever he was doing, it was breaking down the wards.
&nb
sp; Why his were but not the others’ was an interesting question, and one they’d look at another day. Michael flew into the astral barrier that made up the wards and watched as lightning crackled around him. There, in a shade of purple, was the weakness, and it was growing.
Motherfucker.
He glanced around, taking in their situation. Most of the minor gods were battling with their warriors, swords clashing.
“Whatever it is you’re hiding in there, we’re about to find out. This bullshit God you speak of...it’s time we all knew the truth,” Ares said, joining Apollo.
A moment later, Hermes and Dionysus joined them, tossing ball after ball at the weakening spot. When Hephaestus arrived, all five of the gods were side by side, plummeting the wards protecting Heaven.
Michael growled. It was time to shift into offensive mode.
Archangels.
To his left, Raphael, Cham, and Jophiel lined up. On his right, Gabriel, Uriel, and Zadkiel.
“Enough,” Michael roared.
Maybe he’d been wrong. Perhaps they did have the power to weaken the wards, and with force and persistence, eventually get through. Perhaps. It didn’t mean he was going to let them.
Warriors, get behind us.
As the angel warriors flew around and lined up behind the archangels, the gods began forming large balls of energy in their hands, swirling and rolling them around like cotton candy.
Full blast, boys. Full blast.
Yeeehaaaw.
About time.
As the balls were released one by one and flew toward their beloved Heaven, the archangels spread their enormous wings out to create a powerful protective barrier, their bright colors of green, black, red, white, turquoise, silver, and blue a stunning display. Then as their energies combined, they pushed out a celestial power only available to an archangel. The most powerful force in the universe.
Michael controlled the energy, knowing it had destructive powers beyond the Olympians’ comprehension, and let them have what they could withstand.
Okay, and maybe he gave them a tad bit more.
The blast hit them with the force of ten thousand hurricanes. They barreled into the blackness, bashing into each other as swords and weapons were flung away.
“That went well.” Raphael grinned.
“Get one of the witches on this crack immediately,” he ordered.
“I’m on it,” Cham replied, flying into Heaven.
“Everyone else, with me.”
The archangels flew forward, and Michael grabbed a dazed Ares around his neck, shaking the god until he could focus on him. “Go home. Tell your father the game is over. Next time, we will not play as nicely.”
He shoved the guy off, essentially sending him back out into space again. He then crossed his arms as his brothers returned to his side in a show of impenetrable force.
“This isn’t over, Michael,” Ares yelled, fury in his eyes. “You do not know what else we have at our disposal. Your time will come.”
Raphael waved. “Send my love to your sisters.”
Jophiel coughed, covering a laugh.
“Why do they always single me out? There’s seven of us.”
“You’re the bossy one,” Gabriel replied, nodding as if it was a fact.
“Truth,” Uriel agreed.
Michael gave his brothers a sideways glance and then continued to watch the departing Olympians. Soon they were out of sight. He had no reason to suspect they would return, but as he always said, you could never trust an Olympic god, and he would not start now.
“Set up a patrol of warriors out here for the next few days, and I want each of you to check in with them regularly.”
As Zadkiel took on the task, the rest of them flew back into Heaven.
“See, bossy,” Uriel repeated, and Michael shoved him on the shoulder playfully.
“Looks like you might have to find a new sex toy, Uri,” he teased. “I don’t think we’ll be welcome on Olympus for a little while.”
When he glanced at his brother, he was greeted with dark eyes. He crossed his arms. “Really?”
“Drop it.”
With a glance at Raphael, who shrugged, Michael shook his head and walked off.
“I’m off to see Father.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
MICHAEL STOOD ON THE surface of a moon. He had no idea which moon it was, but it was stunning.
“Like it?”
“I do.”
The surface was a mix of pinks, oranges, and reds all swirling in what looked like liquid but was in fact some type of sand.
“I’m not sure what to do with it yet, but it’s pretty.”
What did one do with moons? Michael mentally shook his head and focused again on his reason for being here. “I’m sure you will find a place for your new, ah, toy,” Michael said. “So, the battle.”
God waved His hand, and a mountain range appeared in the distance.
“Do moons have mountains?” He couldn’t help himself.
God shrugged. “They do now.”
Touché.
“The Olympians were able to make a dent in our wards.”
“I never doubted it.”
Michael frowned. “You didn’t think it worth mentioning?”
“No. I knew you could protect Heaven.” He smirked. “I created you, after all.”
“So this is a game for you?”
God turned and gave him the international glare of all parents across the universe. “No, Michael. It’s not a game. Life is about letting things unfold and allowing things to be as they wish to be.”
“What does that even mean?”
“Existence is ever expanding and evolving, son. That includes me, you, the Olympians, and the cows.”
“The cows?” he asked, his voice a little pitchy as he rubbed his forehead with pinched fingers.
“On Earth. You know, cows. Four legs, they go moo.”
Jesus Christ, give me patience.
“I know...good Lord. I know what cows are, Father. What do they have to do with the Olympic gods attempting to burst through Heaven’s gates?”
God waved His hand around at the open space, a proud smile on His face. “Look around you, my son. Everything has its place and works in conjunction with one another. There is no grand plan. This is simply life being whatever one chooses it to be. This is why free will is so important. You also have free will.”
He blinked.
“You chose not to let them into Heaven. And for that, I am grateful. You used your intelligence, your immense power, and your desire to protect us. You and your brothers continue to do as you were created to do. Each and every day.”
Michael felt his chest fill with pride. But there was something else. A missing piece.
“It is my joy and purpose to do what I do. But Father, is that all there is?” As the words fell out, his eyes bulged open. He’d never entertained the thought before nor felt unfulfilled with his life or purpose. “I’m sorry, my Lord.”
God smiled and walked up to him. The deity was smaller in stature than he was by a few inches, but His presence and energy was far, far greater. He lay a fatherly hand on his arm and squeezed.
“Oh, my boy, there is much more ahead of you. So much more.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
MICHAEL LEANED BACK and linked his fingers behind his head.
“A good day’s work, brother,” Raphael said.
“Indeed.”
“And Father?”
He shook his head. “He made a pink moon.”
They glanced at each other knowingly. While on one level they never questioned their Father, on the other they thought He was a complete nutcase.
“Could come in handy one day, I guess.”
“For?”
“A pink themed party? Fuck if I know.”
Michael snorted.
“He knew the Olympians could get through. And now Zeus knows. We’ll have to have a constant patrol out there from now on and create a commun
ication link with the warriors so they can reach us,” he said. Only the archangels could communicate telepathically with one another.
“You think they’ll try again?” Raphael asked.
“Without a doubt,” he answered as Regina slid into the seat next to him. Her gown draped open across her legs as she crossed them. He ran his eyes over them before his hand followed, and she leaned into him. Not messing about, he lifted her onto his lap and ran his tongue up her neck.
“I’m out,” Raphael said, standing and making a beeline for the bar.
He laughed into the queen’s silky skin and bit her earlobe as she wriggled. “Shall we take this somewhere more private?”
“Only if you’re feeling shy,” she purred.
He withheld a growl at her challenge. Instead, he pushed one of her legs aside and slid his hand up to her core. She was wet. He wasn’t surprised. With two fingers, he entered her, lifting his head to watch her face as he did.
She drew in a sharp breath and her mouth fell open. That would teach her for testing him.
He bit her lower lip, holding her stare as his fingers moved in and out of her. After a moment, he lifted them to his mouth and sucked them.
“Fuuuck,” she groaned quietly.
“Let’s go.” He stood and flashed them back to his chambers without warning.
“Presumptuous much, archangel,” she drawled as he ripped her dress off.
“On your knees,” he ordered, ignoring her. She smiled and dropped to the floor, then took his large member in her hand, stroking it.
“And in your mouth,” he continued, his voice low. “I’m hoping I don’t have to give you step-by-step instructions, female.”
She licked him.
Gah. She was good.
In one movement, she took him deep into her throat.
Oh, so good.
He didn’t last long, coming in her mouth quickly and not giving a damn. Not letting her finish lapping at the cream on his cock, he lifted her and flipped her over the back of the sofa. He ran his finger through her wet folds and over her ass.
“I want you in both tonight,” she said over her shoulder.
The Archangels Battle Page 6