by ML Guida
Drops of water sprinkled onto him. He glared. “Are you daft? You’d rather be an Angel of Love, tempting Balthazar than being safe in heaven?”
“So, you asked Saint Peter to re-assign me?”
“You’re my angel-mate. It’s my job to keep you safe.”
“Your job is not to hold me prisoner and keep me from what I love to do.”
“Heaven is not a prison.”
She took both her palms and shoved water onto him. “Tell me how would you feel if someone told you that you could no longer be an Angel of Death and had to be an Angel of Love?”
He wiped the water off his stoic face. “That’s different.”
“No, it’s not. I believe in what I do just as much as you believe in what you do.”
His face darkened, and he cast her a nasty scowl. “You’re my mate, and you’ll do as I say.”
Cupid froze. For the first time, fear descended upon her heart. What had she done?
But she refused to be a frail flower. “We will see about this. I’m going to talk with Gabriel. You can’t keep me chained here.”
“I will if I have to.” He approached her.
Not caring she was butt naked, she flipped out her wings and flew toward the castle with a pissed off Angel of Death on her tail.
Chapter Six
Lethal chased after Cupid, admiring her delectable naked flesh. Mother of Mercy, she was beautiful. He’d have to make love to her on the clouds. Where did she think she was going? It wasn’t like she could hide from him. He was an Angel of Death, and unbeknownst to her, an assassin.
Cupid disappeared into a cloud, and when he flew in behind her, she was gone. Where was she? How could this be? Gabriel had said she had a hidden power. What? Turning invisible?
He sped back to the castle to find Gabriel before his foolish angel did something really stupid—like get her job back. Before he landed, he waved his hand, and his dark blue suit appeared. He landed in front of the double doors and straightened his tie.
Frowning, Michael walked down the hallway, his massive shoulders nearly filling the hallway. Fully dressed in her normal white gown, Cupid pressed her body against the wall as she passed him.
He ignored her and motioned to Lethal. “I need to talk you.”
Lethal groaned inside. He wanted to catch up with Cupid, but ignoring the boss could result in having his sword up your ass. He forced back his frustration and met his boss in the hall. “About what, sir?”
“About Cupid.”
Lethal stiffened. “What about her?”
Michael flashed his gaze over him. “You’ve mated?”
“Obviously. She healed me.”
“Good. You’re at full strength. And you tried to reassign her to another division?”
Tension rippled through Lethal. “What do you mean ‘tried?’ I received special permission from Saint Peter.”
Michael’s eyes darkened. “Without consulting me.”
“I didn’t think—”
“That’s right.” Michael grabbed Lethal’s tie and pulled him toward him, forcing Lethal to look up. “You never go over my head. Your request has been denied.”
His heart squeezed tight. “Denied why?”
Michael easily lifted him off the ground by his tie. “You’re not privileged to that information.”
The tie choking him, Lethal beat on Michael’s hand and gasped for breath, spit flying from his mouth. “When it comes to my angel-mate, I do.”
Michael released him.
Lethal fell and staggered into a wall. He spat on the floor. “You realize Balthazar wants her?”
“I have another mission for you.”
“I just returned from a bloody mission.”
Michael lifted his eyebrow, and his lips turned up into a sneer. The message was loud and clear: disobey, and you’ll regret it.
Lethal shoved down the desire to walk away from Michael and chase after Cupid. “What is it?”
“I want you to follow Cupid.”
Lethal took a deep breath. She’d be safe with him as her number one bodyguard. “That—”
Michael held up his hand. “Without her knowing it.” He lowered his arm. “She’ll undoubtedly go on another mission.”
Anger surged through Lethal. “You want to use her as bait, don’t you?”
“Balthazar will attack. I suspect he is the key in unlocking her hidden power.”
He didn’t like this deadly plan. Something could go terribly wrong. “Why?”
“Evil unleashes the good. Whatever her power is, it will not let evil harm her. That, I’m sure of.”
“In this business, nothing is for sure. You know that, Michael.”
“If you don’t do this, I’ll assign somebody else to watch over your mate.”
Archangels never played fair. “No. She’s my mate. It’s my job to protect her. And no one else’s.”
“Then you better follow my orders without question.”
Somehow, he suspected spying on Cupid wouldn’t earn him any kisses with her. She’d think of it as a betrayal.
Michael leaned close, as if he were afraid the walls had microphones. “Gabriel let something slip that I’ve not been able to prove. I believe some of her unveiled power comes from one of her weapons.”
“You can’t detect which arrow?” He was able to conceal his smirk, but he couldn’t hide the sarcasm out of his voice.
“No, I can’t.” He patted Lethal on the chest. “But you, as her angel-mate, can.”
“This is why you wanted me to mate with her, isn’t it?”
Michael shrugged.
“And here I thought you cared about whether or not I could go on your missions.”
“You’re one of my most valuable assassins, but don’t think you can’t be replaced.” He stabbed him in the chest with a finger, forcing Lethal backward. “I don’t like sarcasm.”
Lethal grimaced. Shocking tingles shot through his body. It was a warning, a very personal warning. Michael’s biggest flaw was his pride, and if anyone made him look bad, they lived to regret it.
“Fine.”
A smug smile fell across Michael’s face. Lethal didn’t like it, not one fragment. He was hiding something. Not caring if he got locked up in a heaven cell for a zillion and one years, he gripped Judgment’s hilt tight. “Don’t double cross me, Michael.”
“Or what?”
“I’ll tell Saint Peter every one of your infractions.”
Michael snorted. “Go ahead. You’re part of those infractions. Don’t think he’ll let you escape punishment.”
“As long as you’re there with me, it would be worth it.”
Michael looked at his fingernails. “The last person who threatened me ended up with his wings torn off and transformed into a human.”
A shudder wiggled down Lethal’s spine. He knew that angel—Sledge, another assassin. He’d tried to blackmail Michael into giving him what he wanted or else he’d go tattling to St. Peter. It was the last thing the angel ever did.
Lethal walked away from Michael to find Cupid. Playing the one-up game with Michael wasn’t the smartest thing to do. At least, Michael let him walk away, but Lethal could feel his steely gaze on him. It took all Lethal’s determination not to run and show fear. He’d never challenged his boss before. Other angels had told them that once mated, things changed. His friend, Blade, had once told him, “You’d do things you never thought you’d do just to please or protect your mate.” The dude had gone to hell and back to win his mate.
Lethal headed toward the Love Angels’ wing to find Cupid or Gabriel. Maybe he could get Gabriel to delay sending Cupid on a love mission until he could figure out this so-called power. Gabriel had to know more than what he was sharing with Michael.
He opened the door to go down the pink hall, and Venus stepped in front of him. It was amazing these two were sisters; they were so opposite in looks. One curvy, the other muscular and tall. He preferred his curvy mate.
Ven
us blocked him. “Where are you going, Lethal?”
“That’s my business. Out of my way, Venus.”
“I won’t let you hurt or stain her.”
“Stain her? What the hell are you talking about?” He went to move past her, but she blocked his path.
“Cupid doesn’t understand darkness or evil. She only sees the good things. I don’t want to see the purity leave her.”
He thought about grabbing Venus by her stubborn neck and dangling her off the floor but it wouldn’t win any love points from Cupid. He edged away to keep from flinging the annoying wench behind him. This wasn’t the time to press him. “You’re too late. We’ve mated. Now, move.”
“If you love her so much, why are you trying to keep her from doing what she desires most?”
“I see she didn’t tell you about Balthazar.”
“No, she did. She’s not afraid and wants to keep doing her job.”
“Then she’s a fool.”
Venus shoved his chest. “No, she’s not. She has a power you’ll never understand.”
He grabbed her arm. “What power?”
Surprisingly, she shook free. “I don’t know. She’s such a goody two shoes she doesn’t even know she possesses it. How dumb can you get?”
“Your love for your sister is overwhelming.”
“You don’t know what it’s like to live under her shadow. She’s Gabriel’s favorite slice of cherry pie.” Bitterness dripped from her voice.
He was done. He clasped her arms and moved her out of his way. “Sisterly compassion knows no bounds, but yours is questionable.”
“Whether you believe it or not, I care about my sister. Even if she has never fought one, I happen to know she has the strength to stop a demon.”
Lethal whirled around and pressed her against the wall hard, putting his forearm underneath her chin.
Her face turned pink, and her eyes grew two sizes, filling with tears. She gasped for breath. He didn’t care.
“Listen, and listen carefully, dearie. Balthazar is not any ordinary demon. He’s the duke of demons, one under Lucifer. What makes you think your sister can face him and survive?”
“Let me go.” She struggled.
“No, tell me why you think she’s strong enough to go up against Balthazar?”
“Release me, and I’ll show you,” she choked.
He narrowed his eyes. “Or, are you hoping she doesn’t survive?”
“Lethal! What are you doing?”
He looked over his shoulder to see his angry angel storming toward him.
He released Venus. Her face red, she coughed and massaged her arms.
“We’re not done yet,” he said, as he turned around to face his pissed off mate.
Cupid hurried over to her sister, who was rubbing her throat. She put her arm around Venus’ waist. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”
“Please,” Lethal mumbled, drawing out the word.
Cupid cast him a ‘you’re-so-in-trouble’ glare. He leaned against the wall.
“I don’t know why he attacked me,” Venus said as her lower lip trembled.
The little two-faced bitch. “Liar.”
“Don’t you ever threaten my sister again,” Cupid said, as she escorted Venus down the hallway.
Venus flashed him a triumphant look. What was her game? Why did she play all these mean tricks on Cupid? Not exactly sisterly love. He wanted to shake Cupid until she saw her sister’s faults. Something wasn’t right. He needed help, and knew the one person he trusted—his brother, Arrow.
He’d catch up with Cupid later. Right now, he had a favor to ask of his brother.
***
Lethal walked into the Seraph’s Bar and Grill. Angels were drinking and talking quietly. He made his way through the crowded room until he reached the far corner where the assassins gathered—not that anyone knew they were assassins. The corner was darker than the rest of the lighted bar, and his comrades talked in whispers. Strangers were not welcomed, not even other Angels of Death. Secretive was their middle name.
Away from the other assassins sat his brother, Arrow. His long dark hair shadowed his face, and only a little candle offered any light. His precious bow and arrows leaned against his thigh. He never kept them far from reach. He was even more secretive, than most and Lethal couldn’t remember the last time Arrow smiled. Different than any other Angels of Death or assassins, he sported a bow rather than a sword. Not that he couldn’t wield a sword, but no one was as deadly or fast as Arrow with his chosen weapon.
He nodded to Lethal as he approached. “Brother.”
Lethal slid onto the stool. “Back from a mission?”
“Yeah.” He circled the top of his mug with his finger but didn’t offer any further explanation. Lethal had learned long ago that Arrow wouldn’t divulge his assignments. Lethal never understood why but suspected they were far more dangerous than the rest.
“Has Michael summoned you to go on another one?”
Arrow’s silver eyes darkened. “No.” He took a sip of his ale.
“I have a favor to ask.” He motioned to the waitress. “Bring me a shot of whiskey.”
Arrow lifted his eyebrow and placed his mug gently on the table. “A shot? This wouldn’t have anything to do with your new mate, would it?”
The waitress brought Lethal his shot. “How’d you know?”
“News travels fast.”
“Michael?”
Arrow fingered his bow. “His nosiness has no bounds.”
“It’s about my mate. More to the point. Her sister.”
“Venus, isn’t it?”
Lethal nodded.
“What about her?”
“She wants Cupid to face Balthazar.”
“An Angel of Love? She’d be dead in a millisecond.”
He leaned close. “Cupid’s supposed to have some kind of hidden power.”
“You’re joking.”
“I wish I was. I want to find out what.”
“What does this have to do with Venus?”
“She hinted that she knew what it was, but before she could tell me, Cupid arrived.”
A knowing smirk spread across his brother’s face. “I take it you were using your normal inquisition techniques.”
Lethal tossed the whiskey back. It warmed his innards and took away some of the edge. “Works on demons.”
Arrow flicked his gaze over him. “Why can’t you follow Venus?”
Lethal bristled at his not-interested drawl. “Because his Royal Highness has sent me on another errand.” He clasped his brother’s forearm. “Will you do it?”
Arrow glanced at Lethal’s hand on his arm, but then stared straight ahead. “Are you going to tell me why I’m so supposed to do this spy dance?”
“I believe it has something to do with Balthazar.”
He jerked his head around. “Balthazar? What do two love angels have to do with him?”
“That’s what we both need to find out. Michael’s involved, and you know if he’s involved...”
“It’s even bigger than he is telling.” Arrow shoved his mug away. “I take it the Royal Inquisitor doesn’t know about this meeting?”
“Yes. He’ll probably not be happy if he finds out.”
“Exactly when is he happy?”
His brother’s face was stone dead. No emotion flickered in his eyes. Lethal held his breath. “Are you in?”
“Relax. Yeah, I’m in. I’ll keep an eye on Miss Happy Pants. We’ll meet back here—”
“In a few days. I’ll contact you.”
“Fine.” He took another swig from his beer.
Lethal stood and turned to walk away.
“But don’t take too long,” Arrow said, as he put his drink down. “Michael doesn’t like me to be idle.”
Lethal glanced over his shoulder. “I won’t.”
Chapter Seven
Cupid brought a glass of water to Venus. She still couldn’t believe Lethal had threatened her sister.
He was supposed to be her mate. How would he like it if she threatened Arrow? She almost burst out laughing. Like that was possible. Arrow scared the hell out of her. The man never smiled. He was an angel the verge of going dark side.
Venus took the water, her hand shaking. “Are you sure you can trust Lethal?”
To sit on the couch, she took off her bow and quiver and placed them in between her and her sister. “I’m mated to him, Venus.” She got up and moved to the other side of Venus, forcing her to move and put the glass down on the end table.
“That doesn’t mean you have to trust him. If he loved you, he wouldn’t stop you from doing your job.”
“Obviously.”
“He’s an Angel of Death.” Her voice was so low and full of contempt.
“That doesn’t make him a bad angel.”
“Name an Angel of Death who isn’t dark.”
Cupid’s spine went rigid. “They’re mysterious, not dark.”
“Really? Look what happened to Blade.”
“That’s different. He was upset about his angel-mate, but he’s redeemed himself. Plus, what does this have to do with Lethal?”
Venus cupped her face with her gloved hands, the diamonds scratching Cupid’s face. “Why do you always see the good in everyone? Not everything smells like a bouquet of daisies.” She pressed her hands tighter. “Underneath the daisies lurk stinging killer bees.”
Cupid clasped Venus’ wrists and gently pulled them apart as to not scratch her face. “You didn’t use to feel this way. What’s happened to you?”
“You’re imagining things. I’m the same.”
But something flickered in her eyes for a brief minute, and Cupid thought it was pure hate. She must be imagining it. Her sister was an Angel of Love, not a demon. Hate led to the dark side.
“You’re so pure,” Venus said, as she pulled her glove down tighter on her right hand. “I don’t want him to stain you. Maybe the arrow is what caused the mating. Maybe—”
“No, Venus. Even Michael said our names were written in the Book of Love. He might be many things, but a liar isn’t one of them.”
“That’s for sure. I swear the great archangel only see things in white and black. He’s the one who should be color blind. I bet he doesn’t have one ounce of color in his closet. I’d love to do his laundry and turn all of his tighty-whities bright pink.”