Protected in Darkness (Misplaced Halos, 1)

by Nicole Edwards

  Reidar’s voice was smooth and even when he said, “Because of the situation with the demons, I figured it was in the fiestreigh’s best interest if I return. Because Winnie’s my amsouelot, I wasn’t comfortable leaving her behind.”

  “But you didn’t notify him? Is there a problem with your leader that you’re not comfortable informing him?”

  “No, sire. Not at all. I…” Reidar squared his shoulders again. “Obsidian has enough on his plate at the moment. I didn’t want to give him more to worry about.”

  Michael seemed to process that information, but his expression remained passive. “What are your intentions with the human?”

  “I plan to mate her, if she’ll have me.”

  Obsidian watched the pair.

  Michael moved to stand in front of Reidar, his wings flush against his back. “What makes you think your presence is needed here?”

  “Because I’m Obsidian’s ladeare, sire. I serve the warriors and this mission. It’s both my honor and my pleasure to remain within the fiestreigh for as long as you’ll allow me.”

  Tapping a finger on his chin, Michael seemed to consider the request, because it was most definitely a request.

  “Do you understand the complications that come with doing your job while being mated?”

  “I do, sire.”

  “And you can vow to put the mission before your amsouelot?”

  Reidar swallowed, his gaze never wavering from Michael’s face. “I vow to give the warriors and the mission my undivided attention, sire. As for my amsouelot, she will always be my highest priority.”

  Obsidian felt a sense of pride that the ladeare hadn’t lied. No male worth his salt would put anyone or anything above his amsouelot.

  “You’ve taught him well, warrior.” Michael glanced his way briefly before looking at Reidar once more. “You’re dismissed.”

  “Thank you, sire.” Reidar shot a quick look his way before disappearing.

  “I assume it’s your preference to keep the male within the ranks.”

  Obsidian nodded. “Yes.”

  Once again, Michael paced, as though standing still was too difficult for him.

  Knowing better than to speak when not spoken to, Obsidian waited him out.

  “I’ll concede your request, under one condition.”

  “Anything.”

  “You are to undergo the lintamair with your female this fortnight.”

  Obsidian knew that fourteen days from now was the next full moon.

  “Provided my female’s ready,” he stated, unable to commit unless Penelope was onboard.

  Michael’s gaze bounced over his face. “Are you telling me you’ll put your amsouelot’s desires over the livelihood of your soldier?”

  Obsidian didn’t look away. “I’m telling you I’ll put my amsouelot over anyone and anything.”

  “And if I command it?”

  “I hope it doesn’t come to that,” Obsidian told him. “Because yes, I will put her needs above your command.”

  For a moment, he expected Michael to strike him down. Instead, the archangel surprised him with a knowing smile.

  “She’ll be ready, warrior. Of that, I am positive.” Michael relaxed somewhat. “I do not envy what you must do, but I know it’s what’s best for this mission.”

  Obsidian nodded. “And Reidar?”

  The archangel sighed. “I’ll grant him his request. He may remain within the fiestreigh for as long as he proves his worth. I’ll look to you to decide otherwise.”

  “Thank you.”

  With a quick nod, Michael disappeared.

  For several long minutes, Obsidian remained where he was, staring at the empty space and wondering what Michael had meant when he’d said Penelope would be ready. He got the distinct feeling the archangel was going to have a hand in how this played out.

  “OH, MY GOD!” PENELOPE SQUEALED WHEN SHE found Winnie sitting in the second floor game room. “You’re really here!”

  Winnie shot to her feet and rushed over, embracing Penelope in a welcoming hug. “I’m here! And you’re here!”

  Her friend looked the same as always, although she’d go so far as to say the woman was glowing. Her shoulder-length brown hair was pulled back at the crown of her head, green eyes glittering almost as much as the tiny diamond chips in her ears.

  Penelope had to admit, there was a tremendous relief seeing her friend. Not only because they’d been apart for so long but because she’d been worried about her. Not to mention, she’d been in need of a friend. Someone she could talk to about what was going on with Obsidian. It wasn’t that the angels and the Fae weren’t welcoming, because they were. But to be fair, she had little in common with them.

  “This place is amazing,” Winnie said, glancing around when they stepped apart. “And it’s massive. I mean…” Winnie motioned toward the high ceilings.

  “You haven’t seen anything yet.” Penelope directed Winnie toward the sofa with a wave of her hand. “Sit. Tell me everything that’s happened.”

  “Well, I met this amazing guy,” Winnie said, her face beaming.

  “Reidar?”

  Winnie nodded. “He’s… Oh, God, Penelope. I don’t even know how to explain it. I’ve known him for only a few days and yet…”

  Penelope chuckled. “You don’t have to explain it. I totally get it.”

  And she really did.

  However, she wasn’t sure how to broach the subject because Obsidian had told her she couldn’t tell Winnie anything. Granted, Penelope wasn’t sure how you casually mentioned that the man you were in love with was an angel, even had the wings to prove it, and that your relationship had somehow been set in motion by the Fates.

  Yeah, perhaps she should hold off because it sounded ludicrous, even to her.

  “I was surprised when Reidar told me you were here,” Winnie said. “I’ve never known you to be the jump-into-love sort, yet here you are, shacking up with a guy.”

  Technically, she wasn’t shacking up. While they’d talked about plenty, she hadn’t had the whole long-term commitment convo with Obsidian. He’d brought her here as a means of protecting her from the demons. Didn’t mean she’d been invited to move in.

  Not that she could tell Winnie that.

  “Where is Reidar, anyway?” she asked, looking around.

  “He said he had to talk to someone.” Winnie’s voice lowered. “I met his boss. Man, he was intimidating.”

  Penelope smiled. “You met Obsidian?”

  Winnie’s pale green eyes settled on her face, and a second later, a smile formed. “He’s your man, isn’t he?”

  Unable to deny it, she nodded.

  “Holy crap, he’s tall.” Winnie chuckled. “Probably doesn’t help that you’re teeny tiny.”

  “Hey!” she replied in mock irritation. “I’m five four.”

  “Five three and a half,” Winnie countered. “On a good day.”

  “Whatever.” She laughed, relaxing more. “Do you know if—”

  “Excuse me, ladies. Don’t mean to interrupt.”

  Penelope was looking at Winnie as Reidar stepped into the room, which was why she noticed the way her friend’s face smoothed out, her eyes twinkling. Yeah, she was a goner.

  “Hey,” Winnie stood, her grin widening.

  Reidar didn’t hesitate, stepping up to Winnie and pulling her into his arms. It was a move that surprised Penelope, honestly. While Winnie liked to poke fun at her for not being the type to fall in love quickly, the same could be said about her friend. However, Winnie had always been the sort to run from relationships while Penelope simply never found them.

  But as long as she was happy, Penelope figured it was none of her business.

  The sound of footsteps drew her attention to the hallway. When Obsidian appeared, she scanned his face, attempted to read his expression. He instantly looked at Reidar and gave a barely discernible nod. Had Reidar not exhaled heavily, she wouldn’t have known what message Obsidian had been passin
g on.

  “The morning meal’s about to be served,” Obsidian announced, then held out his hand for Penelope to join him.

  Fifteen minutes later, everyone was piling into the dining room.

  Reidar took the time to introduce Winnie to everyone who was there, while Penelope took her seat beside Obsidian and watched the pair.

  “I can assume Michael approved?” she asked, leaning her shoulder against Obsidian’s arm.

  “For now,” he said softly.

  “Does that mean we can speak candidly?”

  “I’d prefer you not share too much too soon.”

  “So I guess you shouldn’t sprout those wings, huh?” she teased.

  He barked a laugh, evidently surprised by her comment. It was then Obsidian’s shoulders seemed to relax.

  “Well, if it’s any consolation, I’m really glad she’s here,” she told him. “I’ve missed her.”

  “I know you have.”

  Penelope figured he wasn’t simply saying that. If she had to guess, he knew every single thought in her head. Not that she minded. She didn’t have anything to hide from him.

  The heurosp began marching in, some carrying plates, others a variety of drinks. It only took a minute for them to get everyone’s food set up before they were slipping out again.

  “Reidar?” Obsidian called out, catching the man’s attention.

  “Yes, I’m sorry.” He motioned Winnie to her seat with a smile on his face. “Let’s eat.”

  Penelope didn’t have to be told twice. As soon as everyone was seated, she dug in.

  As everyone chowed down, conversations picked up. She caught bits and pieces of a few but didn’t contribute. It wasn’t until she heard a noise in the kitchen that she looked around and noticed Oliver wasn’t there. Not unusual because her brother did his best to avoid everyone, especially her. For the past few days, the only time he’d ventured out was when he wanted to bitch and moan, insist that he be let go. More often than not, he ended up storming out and sealing himself off in his room.

  All eyes shifted to the doorway when Oliver came stumbling inside, Eclipse directly behind him. “Someone might want to get a leash. Caught this one trying to make a run for it.”

  Of course he had. That was what? The fourth time? Maybe the fifth.

  As though he sensed her, Oliver’s eyes shot right to Winnie, then slid to Eclipse. “What? Are you starting a collection? See how many humans you can accumulate?” His eyes darted back to Winnie. “Did you get hog-tied on the way here, too? Or was I the lucky one?”

  Penelope glanced at Winnie, noticed her friend’s confusion.

  Figuring now was not the time to have the whole angels are real conversation, Penelope got to her feet and headed toward Oliver. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”

  “Oh, look at that. My sister wants to chat. Maybe she can explain why the hell I can’t leave.”

  She motioned him toward the kitchen, careful not to make contact. He was reluctant, but she finally managed to get him out of view of the door. The last thing she wanted was an audience.

  “Will you stop it, Oliver?”

  “Stop what?” he snapped, stepping toward her. “Stop being pissed off that you kidnapped me? That I’m being held hostage? That my entire life is going to shit because my sister’s shacking up with some crazy fuck?”

  Feeling her brother’s wrath, Penelope took a step back, but Oliver continued to crowd her until she was backed up against the counter, nowhere to go.

  “I’m sick of this shit, Penelope.” He stuck his face right in hers. “I know you don’t give a shit about me or my happiness, but the least you could do is stop being a bitch. Tell your boy in there to let me go and I promise, you’ll never have to see me again.”

  Penelope inhaled sharply. Her brother had always been angry, but never had he told her how he really felt about her.

  “I’m sorry, Oliver. It really is for your own good.”

  Her brother’s hand curled around her arm and he roughly jerked her toward him. “Sister or not, I’m not going to put up with this shit anymore.”

  She hissed as pain lanced every nerve ending, his touch as painful as the grip he had on her.

  “I’ll give you one second to release her,” Obsidian growled from behind Oliver.

  “Or what?” Her brother spun around, his hand still roughly gripping her arm. “Are you going to beat me to a pulp? Or seal my mouth shut? Huh? You’re lucky I don’t call the police.”

  Penelope inhaled sharply, tried to ignore the sharp stabs of pain even as she attempted to pretend she couldn’t feel it. No sense inciting Obsidian further.

  Obsidian eyes dropped to where Oliver was holding her. “Off. Now.”

  Not kindly, Oliver released her before standing tall and facing off with Obsidian.

  Penelope rubbed away the ache, regulated her breathing. For a fraction of a second, she considered getting between them, then thought better of it.

  Obsidian stepped forward, then leaned down until he was nose to nose with Oliver. “You’re lucky I don’t send you back to the demon.”

  Oliver laughed, but Penelope heard the hint of fear. “No, you’d be doing me a favor.”

  “Is that what you want?” Obsidian stood tall, crossed his arms over his chest. “You want me to send you back?”

  Penelope expected Oliver to jump at the opportunity, but her brother didn’t say a word. He simply stood there, staring.

  “I’ll let you think on that for a little while,” Obsidian told him, holding out his hand for Penelope to join him. “But I’m only going to say this one more time. You disrespect my amsouelot one more time, your new residence will be the dungeon. Understood?”

  She probably should’ve appreciated Obsidian coming to her rescue, but Penelope felt sorry for her brother. For whatever reason, he’d never liked her, and she honestly had no idea why that was. Any time she tried to broach the subject, he waved her off and called her crazy. Yet he never denied it.

  “Let’s eat,” Obsidian stated, taking her hand and leading her back into the dining room.

  All eyes were averted when she came in, but despite her efforts, she knew they’d all heard what had happened.

  And she didn’t want to know what they thought of her now.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Monday, August 5, 2019

  They’d made it through the weekend without any major incidents, so Obsidian considered it a success. While he was still waiting for the demons to make a move, Penelope was proving to be a wonderful distraction. She seemed to have settled in nicely and he couldn’t deny waking up every night to her in his bed was quickly becoming the highlight of his existence.

  While he attempted to be of help to his brothers, Penelope had spent time with Winnie while Oliver had kept his distance. As far as Obsidian could tell, the male had gotten the message and he valued his life.

  Not that he would kill the human, but he definitely wasn’t above locking him in one of the rooms below ground. He couldn’t fathom what Penelope could’ve done to make her brother so angry, so Obsidian figured it was no fault of hers. If he was right, the male was fighting his own demons, whatever those may be, and rather than owning up to his mistakes, he preferred to lay blame. Since his sister was the closest to him, she suffered.

  One thing he did notice was that Penelope kept her distance. He had to wonder if that was due to the empathy she was plagued with or something else. Obsidian didn’t even need to be an empath to feel the waves of anger that rolled off the human. For Penelope, putting space between them was likely a coping mechanism.

  Obsidian headed toward the sunroom at the back of the house. He found Stygian and Eclipse reclined on the sofa, feet up on the coffee table as they stared at the television above them.

  “Where is everyone?” he asked his brothers.

  “Penelope and Winnie talked them into a movie. They’re up in the theater,” Stygian said.

  “Watching End Game,” Eclipse added. “I�
�ve seen it a dozen times. Opted out this go-round.”

  Obsidian grinned. Aphotic would be proud to know Obsidian had mated with a Marvel fan.

  He dropped onto the empty sofa. “Any news?”

  “On Perfidious?” Stygian’s gaze never left the television. “Nope.”

  Glancing up, Obsidian watched the cars speeding along the track. Formula One was Stygian’s jam. The male would watch the race live on Sunday and again on Monday, as though he’d possibly missed something.

  Eclipse looked over. “However, there was a tip on the message board. It sounds like the vampires are seeing an influx of Shadow Beasts. Word is they took out the alpha.”

  Obsidian sat up, stared at his brother. “And Kaj?”

  “I had Miklós do some digging. He’s alive. Sounds like he’s reluctant, but he’s taking on the role of alpha.”

  Obsidian breathed a sigh of relief. He hadn’t seen Kaj in a couple of years, not since they’d taken the male in when he’d been injured.

  “Is there anything we can do to help?” Obsidian inquired.

  “Miklós left a message for him. Told him we’re here if he needs us. No response yet.”

  Good. The vampires had always stepped in when they’d needed them, and Obsidian would do the same. Considering they were the only ally with enough manpower to be of help, he figured the give-and-take was a beneficial arrangement.

  Staring at the screen, Obsidian tried to relax, but it was futile. He couldn’t fight the heat consuming him, though he’d spent the better part of the night attempting to. As it was, Penelope was enduring the amnigh relatively well. On a scale of one to ten, he figured they were skating somewhere in the middle at this point, but it was amping up in intensity with every passing day.

  A good half hour passed before Obsidian could no longer take it anymore.

  Completely overwhelmed with the need for his amsouelot, Obsidian pushed to his feet, strolled out of the room, leaving his brothers to chat amongst themselves.

  “Sire, may I get you anything?” Phillip offered when he made his way through the kitchen.