Angel Warriors

by Stephani Hecht

  As Cam laughed, Gabi marveled at the way Abdiel had been able to put the empath at ease. For the first time ever in the training room, the young angel was able to relax and actually get something good out of a lesson. She sat in the corner and watched the two, not wanting to interfere.

  Abdiel was patient with Cam, never once ridiculing or getting angry with him. He was so kind and caring she did not know how anyone could have ever thought he was anything but good.

  Then it hit her. She had never stopped loving him. In fact, since she had spent the last day with him she had grown to love him even more. She felt as if someone had punched her in the stomach. Oh heaven help her, she couldn’t let herself be hurt again. What was she going to do?

  Gabi bolted upright in her bed as she tore herself out of her nightmare. Her breath came out in raspy, fast drags, her lungs burned from the mere effort of bringing in air. The smell of her fear and sweat clung in the air.

  Brushing a piece of damp hair out of her face, she got out of bed. She was only wearing a pair of boxer shorts and a white tank top so the night air was cold on her skin. As soon as her bare feet touched the cool, smooth wood floor, goose bumps formed on her arms.

  She went into her private bathroom and got a glass of water from the sink. After she was done drinking, she looked at herself in the mirror. Her face was pale, and she had dark circles under her eyes. The nightmares always took a big toll on her body. The bad dreams always surfaced whenever she allowed herself to feel too much.

  They were always about the same thing, her mission in Sodom and Gomorrah. She had been called to the cities right before their destruction. The demons had released a horrible plague that was turning humans into demons. The mortals would go insane, then morph and kill other innocent people. Her job was to heal as many as possible. However, when she had gotten there, she realized that not only was there no cure for the plague, but it was about ready to spread to other cities. Scores of humans would have perished if that had happened.

  The council’s order had been swift and quick. She was to lead a battalion of archangels and decimate both Sodom and Gomorrah. They had to make sure nothing was left behind so that they were sure that every last bit of the disease was eradicated.

  She could still remember the screams of the dying. She was a healer. It was in her nature to save lives not take them. Deep down she had known it was the only way to save humanity, but it had still felt so wrong.

  For centuries she had carried the pain deep inside her. She had never had anyone to turn to for comfort. Since both of her parents had been seraphim’s, they had resided in the highest realm of Heaven protecting human souls. Once her parents taken their throne they had left forever. Gabi and Raphael had been raised by a slew of nannies that seemed to change on a daily bases. They had never been loved and coddled like other children.

  As a result, both of them had grown up to be cool and aloof. Gabi knew that for years her name had been the Ice Queen and she carried it proudly. After being hurt by Abdiel she did not want to even think about letting anyone else in her heart. Her life was healing and that was it.

  Then she met the Lehor family and everything had changed. They had taken her into their fold and taught her how a real family was. If not for Ana and the boys, Gabi would still have an empty shell of a life. After she had met the Lehors and started her work as an angel warrior, her nightmares had all but faded. Until tonight.

  She blamed Abdiel. If he had not come and brought up old memories, she would not have the dreams. Well, if Michael wanted the two of them to work together then Abdiel was going to have to learn to keep his hands to himself. She would just go and tell Mr. Dark Angel that right now.

  She marched down to his room and crashed through the door without even bothering to knock. He bolted up the instant she entered, but she still kicked the bed anyways. They looked into each other’s eyes as she tried to think of something clever to say.

  He finally got sick of waiting. “You wanted something, princess?”

  “I would appreciate it if you kept you hands to yourself in the future.” She put her hands on her hips and tried to strike her best royal pose. “It is very distracting, and I don’t like it.”

  She spun around and flounced out of his room. She had just made it into her own room when her door opened, slamming against the wall. She turned around with her hands balled up ready for a yelling match. Abdiel was about ready to find out that she was no weak simpering female that backed down.

  “Get out,” she snarled.

  He ignored her and walked a slow circle around her, looking at her P.J.s. “If you want me to keep my hands to myself, little mouse, then I would suggest that you don’t come to my bed wearing next to nothing.”

  She let out a loud gasp as she realized he was right. She was barely wearing any clothes. She crossed her arms over her chest when she realized that the white tank top left little to the imagination. Even worse yet, he was half-naked too. His dark blue flannel sleep pants hung low on his lean hips. He wore no top, so she had a great view of his muscular, tan chest.

  He opened his mouth to say something but stopped and started looking around her room. She winced, realizing what was coming next. She was an avid collector of angel memorabilia made by humans. If it had wings and a halo, she had to have it. There were bears, dolls, posters, blankets and countless figurines littering her room. Abdiel picked up a big, pink, stuffed bear. It had a golden halo and wings.

  “I see that humans still think we have wings.” He shook his head and put the bear back. “Interesting collection you’ve got there.”

  “Thank you ve…” She let out a small growl. “Don’t change the subject. I meant what I said. I don’t want you touching me anymore.”

  Moving like a lion he stalked forward causing her to back pedal until her back was flush against the wall. He put his hands on either side of her head and slowly leaned forward and breathed on her neck. She shivered with desire when his hot breath hit her, despite her best efforts to stay angry.

  “I’ll make a deal with you,” he whispered in her ear. “I’ll stop touching you, if you stop touching me.”

  “I’m not touching you now,” she argued breathlessly.

  “Could have fooled me, princess.”

  She was shocked to find that her hands were buried in his hair. The only thing separating their bodies was the thin material of her top. When her hardened nipples felt the heat and the strength of his chest, her knees nearly buckled. She had never before felt pure, raw desire like she was now, and it terrified her.

  “I can’t do this again, Abdiel.” She was appalled to realize that she was crying. “I won’t allow myself to fall for you again.”

  He immediately dropped his hands and went to the other side of the room. “Look, I didn’t mean to upset you. I’ll promise to keep everything professional from now on. I’m sorry. I forgot that my duty is to be your archangel, and that I’m not here to romance my healer. I’ll keep my hands to myself. Just don’t cry anymore.”

  He walked out of the room, his hand crossed over his chest. Gabi knew that she had hurt him.

  Way to go, Gabi. You just dissed the Dark Angel, again. A little sarcastic voice taunted in her head. She let out a small scream of frustration before she threw herself face down on her bed.

  Chapter Four

  Over the next three weeks, the three of them settled into a regular schedule. They ate, slept and trained. Abdiel spent every spare moment working with Cam. Before long he had formed a genuine friendship with the empath. He like the kid so much that he even found himself willing to trust someone with his back besides Michael.

  He really enjoyed Gabi’s company as well. Her quick wit and gentle ways made it easy for him to let his guard down. Although, he still had to fight the urge to take her in his arms and claim her as his. He had given her his word that he would keep his hands to himself, and he would stand by it, even if it killed him. In order to take his mind off of his feelings for her, he conce
ntrated on his job. Every night he took out his crew to hunt demons. There was definitely no shortage of evil in Detroit, so it was easy to keep busy.

  At first, when they would have to fight demons, Abdiel would always keep Cam close to protect him. However, Cam quickly improved under Abdiel’s tutelage, and the archangel let him loose. What the empath lacked in strength he made up in quickness and agility. Abdiel was surprised at how fast the young angel caught on. Soon, he was standing shoulder to shoulder with Abdiel, more than holding his own.

  When Cam would go to school, Abdiel would watch TV and read any book he could get his hands on. Now that he was living among humans he wanted to learn everything about them that he could.

  It was easy for Abdiel to see Cam’s fascination with the human race. They were diverse and very interesting. He even became a hockey geek like his empath.

  He loved to watch TV. Nick at Night was his favorite followed by reality shows. Finally, when he asked Gabi for pork chops and applesauce for dinner ala Brady, she threatened to cut him off.

  Abdiel got used to not living alone and being around them. In fact, one day Cam was at the movies and Gabi was nowhere to be found. He actually found himself searching the house for her, wanting her company.

  He found her in the gym, working out with a punching bag. He watched her for several minutes, admiring her skill.

  “You want to spar?” he finally asked her.

  She jumped, obviously surprised that he had been watching.

  “Ya think you can handle it?” She recovered quickly and flashed him a saucy smile.

  “It’s a risk I’m willing to take.”

  They went to the center of the gym and faced off. They opted to use no weapons and fight with their fists instead. At first, they only hit each other lightly, playfully. Soon the competitive side got the better of them and they were full out fighting. He had to admit she was good.

  She lunged at him, and he grabbed her wrist. Spinning her around. he pinned her against him. They both froze the instant their bodies touched. His arm was pressed against her chest. Her full breasts heaved against him as she breathed hard from exertion. He felt himself go hard as he fantasized about cupping them in his hands and teasing the nipples to full points.

  After a moment, she got a hold of herself and tried to take him down. Their legs tangled up and they both fell to the mat. He landed on top of her, both of them still panting from the workout.

  Her soft curves felt so good under him. Their bodies molded together as if they had been custom made for one another. His erection was pressing against her thigh and he made no move to hide it. He wanted to let her know how much she turned him on. Damn, even though I have no right, I want her so bad it hurts.

  “Abdiel, let me up,” she whispered.

  “Just give me one kiss, Gabi. That’s all I ask for,” even as he said the words, he knew he was lying. He wanted a lot more from her.

  They both knew it.

  When she did not argue, he leaned down and captured her full mouth with his. As soon as they met, he was lost. It was the most passionate and beautiful kiss he had ever experienced. He used his thumb to nudge her chin down so that she fully parted her lips. As soon as she did, he invaded her mouth with his tongue. He explored the inside, reveling the sweet taste that she offered. He almost came on the spot when her small tongue started to dart around too. The velvet heat from it almost drove him crazy.

  He left her mouth in order to taste her neck. When she moaned, he laughed. He’d have to remember that little princess liked that. Moving down a little lower, he alternated bites and sucks on her collar-bone. He knew it was childish, giving her a hickey, but he wanted to mark her as his.

  All of the sudden, she stiffened up underneath him. He almost let out a curse. She was pulling away from him again. He rolled off of her and got to his feet.

  “I’m sorry, I should have remembered my place,” he said as he helped her up.

  Gabi gaped at him, her mouth opened, like she was about to speak. She must have changed her mind because she clamped it shut and nearly ran out of the room. He stopped himself from following her.

  A few nights later, Gabi sat in the kitchen reading while Abdiel and Cam practiced, yet again, in the gym. All was right in the world; she had her coffee, cookies and a steamy romance. Her moment of peace was interrupted when an angel flashed into the house.

  Usually, manners dictated that you just did not flash into someone’s house, unannounced. Just because you could pop into any room at will did not mean that you should not respect other’s privacy. You knocked on the door. Obviously, this angel was too angry to follow protocol.

  The tall, willowy female’s hair was pulled tight into its usual bun. She was dressed as all female angels dressed when they were in Heaven, in a long white dress that gracefully flowed around her body. Her usually cold blue eyes now flashed fire.

  “Where is my little brother?” Ana spat out.

  “What did he do now?” Gabi barely looked up from her book. This wasn’t the first time Cam’s sister had come for his hide, and it would probably not be the last time either.

  “He flunked religious studies.” Ana held up a letter that had come from the school

  Gabi quickly ducked her head behind her book before Ana saw her smile. She gave out a snort as she tried to suppress her laughter. How could he flunk religious studies?

  “It’s not funny, Gabi. He never takes anything seriously. None of my brothers do.” Ana sat down at the table.

  “Come on, Ana, it can’t be that bad. I would love to have a little brother.”

  “You wouldn’t if you had to deal with what I do. Imagine having to live with eight Cams.”

  “Wow, I never thought of it that way. I am so sorry.” Gabi almost felt bad for her.

  “So where is my brother?” she asked, reaching over for a cookie.

  “He’s in the gym with Abdiel.”

  “So, how is it living with the Dark Angel?”

  Ana was a justice angel. They were the ones who could look into another angel’s soul and see if it was pure or not. Justice angels were just a little more sensitive than empaths.

  They were, also, the ones that condemned the guilty to Hell. Once a justice angel had announced their verdict the chosen archangels would swiftly and mercilessly follow their orders. There were no appeals in Heaven.

  While a lot of angels gave Ana a wide berth out of fear, there were a few chosen that found she was good to talk to. Cam had dubbed her the Dr. Phil of Heaven, and he was right. Gabi had spent many nights on the phone with Ana, talking about her problems. She was one of the few close friends Gabi had.

  Ana was the only one that Gabi had confided her secrets to. She knew that Gabi had carried a torch for Abdiel all these years. She darn well knew what Gabi thought of him, but she was not going to give her the satisfaction of admitting it.

  “Your brother worships him,” Gabi replied, deliberately avoiding the true meaning of her question.

  “Why would my brother admire him so much? Cam usually enjoys tormenting archangels.”

  “Abdiel’s different, Ana. He is so patient and kind. He always puts others needs before his own. You should see him fight. I have never seen anyone that could come close to matching his skills. Just the other day…” She stopped. Ana had tricked her into admitting too much.

  “Everybody deserves a second chance, Gabi.” Ana reached over and grabbed her hand.

  “I can’t stand to have my heart broken again.”

  “What do you think will hurt worse, taking a chance and failing, or not trying at all and never knowing if it could have been?” Ana bit into another cookie, rolling her eyes up in pleasure.

  “It’s not that simple, Ana.”

  “Sure it is. He’s a gorgeous male specimen, and you love him. Any normal female would already have him wedded and bedded. Now go get him already.”

  “What if he doesn’t want a real relationship with me?”

  “Have y
ou looked in a mirror lately? You are beautiful. Besides, I happen to know for a fact he won’t turn you down.”

  “How can you be so sure?” Gabi asked with a little frown.

  “Let’s just say you’re not the only one who calls me with your problems.”

  “Abdiel called you?” Gabi shook her head. “Should I be jealous?”

  “Please.” Ana rolled her eyes. “With eight brothers I have enough males in my life.”

  “Let’s go find Cam so you can beat him,” Gabi said, changing the subject.

  “Don’t think we are done with this conversation. When I said everybody deserves a second chance, Gabi, I meant you too.”

  Gabi felt her heart skip a beat. What if Ana was right? Did she dare hope that she could have a future with Abdiel? Totally confused, she left the kitchen. After grabbing a big handful of cookies, Ana followed.

  Abdiel and Cam were sparring with six-foot long bo staffs. The two females watched as Abdiel attacked the younger angel. Even though the archangel held nothing back, Cam was able to match his skills for several minutes before Abdiel disarmed him and knocked him to the ground. It was obvious that Cam was no longer some weakling that could be pushed around.

  “How? When?” Ana asked Gabi, her eyes wide with shock.

  “He’s got a great teacher,” she replied proudly.

  “But it’s only been three weeks, and Cam actually seems to know what he is doing?”

  Before Gabi could respond Abdiel and Cam noticed them.

  “Hey Ana,” Cam said, giving her his cutest grin while he tugged nervously at his shirt.

  “Don’t ‘hey Ana’ me, and you can get that puppy dog smile off you face too. I just got your grades.”

  Before she could continue her tirade further, however, another angel flashed into the room. The male angel looked a lot like Cam, but he was older and taller. This new male had the muscular build of a warrior. An archangel sword was strapped to his back. His blond hair was cut in a short, military style. Abdiel acted annoyed with all the unwelcome guests.

  “What was going to happen next? A big clown car rolling up with the rest of Cam’s family tumbling out?” Gabi heard him mutter to himself.