by V L Moon
The door immediately swung back open. Arial plowed into the room wearing a scowl. Malachi stood his ground as the male stomped over to the desk and gave a curt nod just short of disrespect. A smile tugged at the edge of Malachi’s lips. The male was pissed and trying desperately to hold his tongue.
“Something on your mind?”
Flashing eyes snapped to his face. “I want leave to hunt the Nephilim queen.”
“Denied. I have other plans for you.”
“She’s my mother. I want her dead for what she’s done to them.”
“And for what she’s done to you?”
Arial whirled away. The ragged remains of his wings rattled stiffly against his back. “That’s none of your business.”
“The fuck it’s not. You are one of my most trusted warriors. More than that, you are a friend.”
Once again, surprise had a male looking at him strangely. He wondered briefly what would happen if he attempted to hug the Fallen. The smile finally broke through. Arial’s face darkened.
“Your angel buddy is adamant that I need to voice my emotions. I think he should have warned the lot of you as you’re the second in less than ten minutes to be flabbergasted.” Malachi waved his hand as if brushing away the explanation. “Anyway, the Nephilim Queen will be dealt with in due time as will her cohorts. I understand your hatred and identify with it more than you know. However, I need your focus elsewhere.”
Arial continued to glare.
“Something else?”
“Why him? Why the fuck would you choose him? There has to be someone else.”
A black eyebrow lifted. “You question me? You dare much, Fallen.”
“You fucking asked. I answered.”
“Friendship will only save so much of your ass,” Malachi growled.
“I don’t want him here.” Pain laced the words. Misery swirled in Arial’s dark eyes.
“Sometimes what you want and what you need are not the same thing. I need the two of you working together. I’m appointing you liaison to the refugee Nephilim. Fuck that, I’m appointing you as their Regent. You’ll need to establish some sort of hierarchy and have them report to you, much the same way we have the Elders for my council. You will report to me.”
“I can’t.”
“You will.” Malachi returned to the chair behind his desk. “You want to thwart your mother? This is the best way. Organize the rebels, give them a purpose. Lead them.”
“I can do that without Rhys.”
“You will do it with him. I will not tolerate dissent, especially in my closest ranks. DeRhys will be playing double agent in Hell. His task is far more dangerous and he’ll need your support. He’ll need information you can glean from the rebels. The two of you must find Onoskelis’s headquarters. Lucifer appears to be her ally. DeRhys is our best bet at finding out his plans.”
“I could refuse the appointment.”
“But, you won’t.” Malachi held Arial’s furious gaze. “You have too much honor and a strong sense of duty. You want to avenge Celix’s and Clariel’s deaths? You want to honor their memories and make sure they didn’t die in vain? This is your chance. Their deaths are not DeRhys’ fault. Your Creator supposedly believes in free will.” Malachi sneered as the words left his lips.
“Clariel chose to give his life to save DeRhys. He knew full well what he was doing when he took that hit. He saved DeRhys. Doesn’t that mean something?”
The buzzer on his phone interrupted him again. “Sire, you wanted to know when Dr. DeRhys arrived.”
“Send him in.”
“Fuck you, Denali. I’m out of here,” Arial growled.
Malachi vaulted his desk and ported straight into Arial’s personal space. Fangs spiked right along with his temper. “You swore your allegiance to me, Fallen. Are you now rescinding your vow? Do you have so little honor left in you?”
Arial roared and struck out. Malachi caught his fist and yanked the angel closer. They struggled for a brief few seconds before Malachi swept Arial’s feet from beneath him. They went down with Malachi retaining his hold on Arial’s wrist. He twisted the fallen angel’s arm behind his back and applied pressure to the shoulder joint. He planted a knee in the middle of the male’s back to hold him still. Curses and grunts accompanied their harsh breathing.
“Your Majesty, I would hate for our first private meeting to end in bloodshed. Might I politely request that you release Arial before my demon takes offense to you manhandling my mate?”
“I am not your fucking mate, demon spawn. And, I don’t need your fucking help.” Arial bucked against Malachi’s hold.
“Nonetheless, I would hate to cause a holy war if I’m required to make him release you.” The rising scent of sulphur accompanied the growled reply.
“Cocky motherfucker, aren’t you?” Malachi asked.
“You have no idea,” Arial grunted. “Get off me, damn it. He’s not kidding. The bastard has delusions that I belong to him and brawling is an aphrodisiac.”
“How sweet, you remembered.” Bastian edged closer, his eyes locked on the point of contact between Arial and Malachi.
“You and I are going to get along splendidly,” Malachi said and released Arial. “Except, you have to stop with the threats to my person. I have my own guardian angel, as it were, and he seriously takes offense to them. Besides, I wasn’t going to hurt him, just keep him from leaving before I was finished with him.”
“He does tend to dash out before things reach…completion.”
“Fuck off, both of you just fuck off.” Arial shoved up from the floor and paced away from them. Malachi noted the way the demon’s eyes followed the fallen angel.
“I’ve just appointed him as Regent of the Nephilim. In that position, he will be working closely with you as you investigate the climate in Hell.”
“Smokey with a good chance of hell’s fire, if you’re asking,” Bastian quipped.
“Enough with the smartass, demon. I’m serious. I need to know what rumors are floating around down there. Any plans or schemes, I want to know about them especially as they concern the Nephilim. Arial will be doing the same from this side. The two of you will have to coordinate. Any overlap will be investigated by the pair of you. You are both going to be responsible for liberating any Nephilim that seeks freedom. If you require assistance, notify Saul.”
“You do get right down to business don’t you?” Bastian spoke up.
“Saves time and lives. Patience is not a virtue I possess, but temper is a favorite vice. You have any objections to what I’ve outlined?”
“No objections, but one demand. I take my work seriously. I am a doctor first.” He ignored Arial’s snort though flames flickered briefly in his eyes. “If I have a medical call, I will take it.”
“Understood. Anything else?”
“If there’s a rule against fraternizing with our co-workers, I must respectfully decline. I will have that angel in my bed.”
“In your dreams, demon,” Arial snarled.
“And, in yours, angel,” Bastian shot back.
Malachi scrubbed a hand down his face. “Enough! Fucking Christ you two are worse than wolves in heat. You,” he pointed at Bastian. “We still need to swear you in as an Elder. Have you given thought to your second or witness?”
“Arial.”
“What? No.” Arial sputtered.
“Good choice. He was Roman’s witness so he knows the process.”
“Am I fucking mute over here? I said no.”
“Ms. Stroner will be planning the ceremony so you’ll need to coordinate with her on dates. No offense, but your siblings are most definitely not invited.”
Bastian smirked. “I’m sure they’d be quite bored with your little vampire soiree. Am I allowed a plus one?”
Malachi bit back a chuckle when Arial growled. He doubted the fallen angel realized he’d voiced an objection.
“Of course, as long it’s not a demon.”
“Tell me. Is a fallen ange
l considered a demon?”
“I am not going as your fucking date, Rhys.” Arial turned to glare at Malachi. “If it pleases your Royal HighAss, I’d like to leave now.”
Malachi’s answer was interrupted by a flash and plume of sulphur scented smoke. Shouts echoed in Malachi’s ears. Fists drummed on doors that wouldn’t open. Alarms sounded. Malachi dropped into a fighting stance.
Arial’s ragged appendages appeared in front of him. Twin swords sparkled with electricity, one clasped in each of the Fallen’s fists. Another deafening pop and a tremendous growl vibrated the windows. The smoke thinned. The wisecracking doctor had morphed into his demon form. Rhys, red-skinned and easily eight foot tall, stood in front of Arial. Balls of fire spiraled on each of his palms.
“You were not invited here.” Guttural and deep, the voice in no way matched the good doctor. Danger whipped along Malachi’s spine.
“You think having my son allied with my enemies would escape my notice? I want to see Denali.”
Although he couldn’t see around the angel and demon in front of him, Malachi felt the evil permeating the room. And, given the levels of aggression and hatred leaking from Arial and Rhys, it was easy to deduce his visitor was the fabled Lucifer, Lord of Hell.
“Stand aside.”
Arial glanced back over his shoulder with a ‘what the fuck’ glare. “Not a fucking chance. I won’t have Laziel flambé my balls for leaving you unprotected.”
“I’m ordering you to stand aside.” The words barely left his mouth before Arial and Rhys went flying. They crashed into opposite walls leaving nothing but empty space between Malachi and the Demon King. Malachi watched through hooded eyes as the male approached.
“At last we meet, Malachi Denali, King of the Vampires. It’s a wonder it’s taken so long given your reputation for killing and taste for blood and violence. We actually have a lot in common.”
“Debatable,” Malachi answered. He studied the villain of human evil. A handsome bloke, blonde and blue combination with the classic Greek jawline. Well-toned body, not overly muscular but enough tone and delineation to whet the sexual appetite. He could see where humans and angels could be tempted.
“You invade my home. Again. For what reason?” A definite challenge rang in his words.
“Rhys will not be joining your vampire council. He belongs to me.” Satan drew closer and with him came the sting of Hell’s flames. Malachi’s eyes narrowed.
“And you dare threaten me? In my office? After killing two beings I had given sanctuary?”
“You aren’t afraid of me?” Lucifer edged even closer. His feline-slitted eyes widened. “How very interesting.” The Demon King tilted his head and sniffed the air. His eyes closed. Malachi felt the probes at the edges of his mind. The sudden scent of lust spiked in his nostrils. Lucifer’s eyes flipped open.
“Come with me to the dark side, vampire. Come and play where I can indulge your need for pain. I sense the violence in you, the perfect rage.” Lucifer was almost panting as he inched just that bit closer. He extended a hand; his fingers mere inches from Malachi’s cheek.
“You touch him motherfucker, and the Creator himself won’t be able to find enough cellular material to put you back together.” Laziel materialized into the room directly at Malachi’s back. So close, Malachi felt Destahny’s small body nested between his shoulder blades. Laziel’s wings fanned out eradicating the smoke. The lowest feathers wrapped around Malachi’s body shielding him from the middle of his chest down.
“Laziel. I can’t say it’s a pleasure,” Lucifer sneered.
“A second visit in as many days, Lucy. I’m beginning to think you might like me, or is it something else of mine that’s tickled your taste buds?” Laziel’s voice was dangerously soft. “A word of warning, demon; get out and stay away from what’s mine, or news of your death will rock the depths of Hell.”
“I came for my son and I will not leave without him.”
“Even demons are granted the right of free will, and Rhys has made his choice. Do not venture into our home again. You will not be given any further warnings, Morningstar. Malachi Denali belongs to me and will not succumb to your temptations.”
“We shall see, Seraphim. Until next time.” In a whirl of flames, Lucifer disappeared. Arial and Bastian peeled themselves from the walls. The double doors crashed open spilling guards into the room. Saul and Jaku led the charge.
Rhys caught and held his gaze. “He will not give up. Not now that he’s had a taste of you.”
“Let him come.” Malachi turned and took his daughter from Laziel’s arms. “He has nothing to tempt me that I do not already possess.” He slipped an arm around Laziel’s waist. “We can use his lust against him.”
Rhys nodded but the demon looked doubtful as he exchanged a look with Arial. Malachi shrugged away their concern and turned to Laziel. “Let’s get our precious girl fed and you can tell me how she liked her flight.”
~*~*~*~
Chapter Thirty-Five
~*~*~*~
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Hesitation wasn’t a feeling Copi experienced very often. As a human cop, hesitation cost lives. As a hybrid, it could be the difference between being the hunter or the hunted. Neither, was an option he was willing to accept. But, the new reality surrounding him was a maze of craziness without Vischeral there to guide him. He’d never imagined it was possible to miss someone or want something as badly as he wanted Vish.
An intolerable ache filled his chest. The constant sense of being incomplete tore at his insides. But, instead of weakening him, it strengthened his resolve to find his mate. Before he could do that, he needed to help Sage. God, she was so pale and obviously in a great deal of pain. As much as she’d tried to block him from seeing the nightmare she’d lived through, he’d caught flashes, brief images of the brutality she’d suffered under the hands, paws and teeth of the males in her mate’s savage pack.
Determined to help her, Copi made sure to conceal her hideout before backtracking to the lake. The wind whipped across the water, lashing its bitterness across Copi’s face. Closing his eyes, he drew in the air that swirled around him. The acrid scent from earlier in the evening had faded away, carried off by the winter winds. Yet, the remnants of a different scent tickled his nose. The heavy aroma of female pheromones and the musky scent of a male enticed Copi to follow his nose.
~*~*~*~
Banking the rage boiling lava hot in her abdomen, Alexa watched Trenton stride from Iniquity toting a fair amount of the last month's profits. Her anger was superseded by something stronger. Fear. The little she wolf's terror burned her nose. When the outer door slammed closed, Alexa tossed her mane of scarlet hair over her shoulder and spun to find Damian's wild eyes locked on the darkened hallway. Fury that matched her own cloaked the male.
With her own wolf pacing just beneath the surface, Alexa well understood the anger seething in the beautiful depths of his dark eyes. Her body responded to him; the dominance in him catching her completely by surprise. She had never been attracted to a male, but she couldn’t deny the heat pooling between her thighs as his aggression washed over her. She saw, again, Damian flying over the bar and going chest to chest with Trenton to protect her. He'd claimed her. Warmth spread, making her muscles weak. Uncomfortable with her body's and her wolf's response, Alexa shoved the image away.
“Now's not the time to take him down, Dame. We have to find her.” She laid a placating hand on Damian's heaving chest. She only meant to rub soothingly and gasped aloud at the spark of electricity that leaped up her arm. She snatched her hand back, cradling it against her chest. Her mind struggled to remember what she'd been going to say.
~*~*~*~
He didn’t have much time. No doubt the club would open soon. The last thing he needed was to have to fight his way through a barrage of drunken clubbers. A spike of anger mixed with the array of odors coming from inside the club. It swirled in a heavy haze as the voices inside started to rise. Slippin
g quietly through the partially opened door, Copi assessed the redheaded female and the brooding dark male as they faced off with each other. Wolves. Copi felt the rise of their inner beasts stroking over his skin. He needed to leave. He couldn’t chance them drawing out the part of him that stirred to answer their primal call.
He scanned the bar as he listened to the two wolves skirt the obvious flare of desire building between them. The female was ripe, wanton and aroused. The male was obviously in love with her. They were either going to mate or rip each other to shreds. Either way, Copi wasn’t going to wait around to find out.
Three seconds…four…the room swirled around him as he flitted across the bar, sped between tables and snatched the purse. He didn’t bother to look inside; he just grabbed the bag and vaulted through the air to slip out as quickly and as quietly as he’d entered. They would feel his presence soon enough, but by then he’d be back with Sage. The danger lay in them realizing what he’d done and following them back to the boat before he could get Sage safely tucked away and on the water. He had to protect her, at least, until she was well enough to call her cousin. Copi prayed the male would be willing to help.
~*~*~*~
A gentle bobbing motion roused Sage from a nightmare where the grip of teeth threatened to tear her limb from limb. She flailed in panic, lashing out blindly in a bid to get away.
“Hey, c’mon, little wolf, easy. That’s no way to say thank you after I risked my neck to get those keys.” Copi’s voice broke through the haze of her nightmare. She looked up to find him smiling down at her. The concern in his eyes was evident as he eased her up to a sitting position and covered her with his coat.
“Oh my God, Copi. How? You could have been hurt or worse.” Sage couldn’t believe he’d risked himself to get her to safety.
“Take it easy there, female. You’re really pale. I can’t remember the last time I saw you eat more than a few mouthfuls of food. I’ll take you to this island like I promised, but if you’re no better in a day or two, then I’m bringing you back and finding you a doc that can help. Deal?” Copi wasn’t asking; he was telling her that if she wanted his help she would have to take the deal and agree to his terms.