by G. K. DeRosa
“Did my nephew help you?”
“No.” I shook my head adamantly. “He had no part in that.”
He folded his arms over his chest and leaned in closer. “You expect me to believe that an ordinary human overpowered one of my most fearsome vampires?”
“All of you vampires and angels are the same. You underestimate us ordinary humans.” Not to mention Sammarah’s not-so-ordinary dagger.
“Perhaps you’re right, and it seems I misspoke. You are far from ordinary, Ms. Graciene.”
I swallowed hard and hoped he hadn’t noticed. Zeke had to know the truth about my bloodline by now, but he was still playing it cool. Why hadn’t he killed me already?
Chapter 18
The hushed conversations whirling around us came to an abrupt halt. Zeke whirled toward the entrance, and I followed his gaze. Azazel strode through the archway, his arms stiff at his sides.
The vampire king leapt up and met his brother halfway down the passage. “Welcome, brother. Where have you been? I was beginning to worry.”
Azazel gave him a lazy smile. “I had some personal matters to attend to.” He turned toward Nathanael and bowed his head. “But I would of course never miss the summit.”
Nathanael nodded in return before resuming his whispered conversation with the general to his left.
Remus procured another chair and placed it opposite mine, beside Zekiel. As soon as the brothers sat down, I lowered my gaze to my plate of untouched food. One of the human servant girls must have brought it during our conversation, but I’d been too flustered to notice.
The savory scent of eggs and bacon swirled in the air, and I couldn’t resist it any longer. Digging my fork in, I shoved a big forkful of greasy deliciousness into my mouth. I groaned as the salty buttery flavors burst on my tongue. Oh yeah, this was much better than dealing with all the family drama.
Of course my moment of foodie bliss was short-lived. The tension between Zekiel and Azazel clogged the air, making it impossible for me to enjoy my meal. I glanced up as Zeke’s black eyes pierced his brother’s.
“You’re not going to tell me where you’ve been for three days?”
“It’s not something I wish to discuss in front of them.” He ticked his head toward the angel side.
Zekiel’s dark gaze darted to me then back to his sibling. “Then answer me this: did it have anything to with her?”
Azazel arched a brow. “With my nephew’s human? No, of course not.”
Great. I really hope that nickname doesn’t stick.
“My men followed your scent after you mysteriously evaded them, and it led us right to her and her stryx friend.”
He shrugged. “Odd coincidence I suppose. I went for a long walk to clear my mind before reaching my final destination. Perhaps our paths intercepted?”
“It was Rockefeller Center,” I interrupted. “It’s a pretty popular place—or at least it used to be before you all ruined it.” I shot Zeke my dirtiest glare.
Nathanael rose across the table garnering everyone’s attention. “As lovely as this breakfast has been, I’d like to get the summit started as soon as possible. I have matters to attend to as I’m sure you do.”
Zekiel stood, squaring off with his brother. I stole a quick glance at all three siblings and wondered how they were related. Besides all being equal parts intimidating and good looking, they didn’t share any physical resemblance.
“As you wish, Archangel.” Zeke inclined his head ever so slightly. “We shall reconvene in an hour in the grand hall.”
“Very well.” Nathanael’s men rose as one and followed. Before he got far, Declan stopped him and whispered something in his ear. Nathanael gave him a stern nod and continued out of the dining area and up the marble stairs.
My body relaxed at Declan’s approach, and I willed my heart to stop its frantic beating as he neared. I was sure Zekiel could hear it; the twist of his lips confirmed my suspicion.
Declan stood behind me, placing his hands on my shoulders. My body immediately leaned into him. “Uncles.” Declan tipped his head to the brooding siblings. “I’d like to speak with Liv before the summit begins.”
Zekiel held his hand up. “Not so fast, nephew. First, I’d like for Azazel to tell us where he’s been, and I want you both to be here to witness it.”
Or be caught in a lie.
A moment of panic churned in my chest as I tried to remember if vampire compulsion worked on Azazel. I knew it didn’t work on angels, but what about a fallen one?
Azazel scanned the room of remaining vampires and arched his brow at his brother.
Zeke grunted. “All of you, out.” He motioned to the lot of them and in a shadowy blur, the room cleared. “Now that we are alone,” he huffed, “kindly tell us where you’ve been.”
Azazel let out a long sigh and raked his hands over his face. He’d kept the scraggly look he’d been sporting since his return from hell, and I wondered if it was all part of the plan. “As I said before, I needed to clear my head. I found myself wandering the city, lost in my thoughts. After a few hours, I’d arrived at Sammarah’s grave.”
Declan’s fingers twitched on my shoulders, but his face remained expressionless. Azazel was really going to do it. He was using Declan’s story.
“Zekiel, what I’m about to tell you must remain between us. Nathanael must never know.”
A lopsided smile curled Zeke’s lips. “That you were in love with our brother’s human wife?”
I clapped my hand over my mouth, suppressing a gasp. How did he know?
“Yes,” he admitted.
Declan’s hands moved from my shoulders to the back of the chair. His fingers clenched, and I was afraid he’d turn it into kindling.
“So you spent three days at her grave wallowing?” Sarcasm laced Zeke’s tone, and a flash of fury crossed Azazel’s mismatched irises.
He leapt up and smashed his fist against the table, upending a couple of golden goblets and breaking a fancy plate in half. “You know nothing of love or what her loss cost me. I won’t stand here and allow you to belittle her memory.”
Whoa. That was unexpected. Either Azazel was one amazing actor, or he really did love Sammarah and truly felt guilty.
The mirth evaporated from Zekiel’s eyes. He stood and placed his hand on Azazel’s shoulder. “I apologize, brother. I did not understand the depth of your feelings. I hope you’ve had the necessary time to grieve and are prepared to move forward. I need you by my side for what is to come.”
Azazel nodded, his lips pressed in a grim line.
Zeke inclined his head to Declan and me. “I’ll see you both at the summit.”
“Me?” I squeaked.
“Of course, Ms. Graciene. You are my most honored guest. You’ll find more appropriate attire has been left in your room.” His lip curled as he eyed my ratty old jeans and then dismissed us.
Chapter 19
A marble banquet table stretched across the center of Grand Central’s massive hall. Zekiel was already seated in his gaudy throne, which apparently had been moved for the special occasion. Azazel sat at his left and Remus to his right. A handful of other senior-looking vampires filled the remaining seats on the vampire side.
I strode in with the angel delegation, fingers firmly intertwined with Declan’s. The angels looked impeccable as always in their gleaming golden armor and brilliant white capes. After a quick scan of the room, I was suddenly thankful for the little black cocktail dress Zeke had gifted me. Even the vampires were in dark tailored suits. As soon as we appeared, the vampires stood, each bowing their heads.
Zekiel spread his arms, raising his hands up. “Welcome to the first annual summit, sons of heaven.” His voice boomed across the vast chamber.
“Thank you.” Nathanael took the seat across from Zeke and signaled to his generals and the nephilim. “Raziel, Cassiel, make room for my son.”
One of the generals, Raziel, moved over a chair, vacating the spot to Nathanael’s right. We
ll, this was awkward. Where was I supposed to sit?
Zekiel motioned to Remus and in a blur he returned with another chair, which he placed at the short end of the table. “Ms. Graciene, if you please?”
Before Declan made a scene, I released his hand and scurried to my assigned neutral seat. At least I hadn’t been forced to sit beside Zeke again.
Once everyone was settled, the king of the vampires began his speech. Remus passed out a thick stack of papers, and the delegates leafed through them, murmuring to themselves. I didn’t get one. I tried to catch a glimpse over the arm of the beautiful nephilim to my left, but he caught me snooping and covered the page. Jerk.
I really didn’t care about their stupid summit. All I wanted to know was what their plans meant for the humans. I should’ve known Zeke would’ve never invited me if that were on the discussion block.
I zoned out about half way through his monologue somewhere between longitudinal lines and crop dusting. Hazarding a glance across the table at Declan, he gave me a reassuring nod. I assumed that meant everything was kosher with the vamp king’s discourse.
“And lastly, my final point involves the border.”
Nathanael’s head shot up. He must have zoned out like I had. “What about the border?”
“Remus recently completed a scouting mission north. It seems that the remaining humans are far fewer than we’d initially estimated.”
So that’s why I’d never met this guy before. I hoped the reason he hadn’t found many survivors were that the renegades had gotten to them first.
“And what is your point?” Nathanael gritted out.
“As you know, we rely on humans as a food source. You only require them for labor. We feel that it’s only fair we move the border further south to allow for a more adequate blood supply.”
No. I bit down on my tongue to keep from shouting out. The angels couldn’t let those monsters enslave more humans like that horrible camp I’d seen in the suburbs. My frantic gaze sought out Declan’s. He replied with a reassuring nod, but nothing else.
Nathanael cleared his throat. “As you well know, our headquarters is located in Washington, D.C. Relocating at this point would be cumbersome. And completely out of the question.”
I exhaled a breath, restraining myself from jumping out of my seat and hugging the imposing Archangel.
“With that said,” he continued, “I understand the west has been largely unexplored. I don’t doubt that you’ll find all the humans you need there.”
Bastard. The west was supposed to be our future hope for salvation.
“Hmm,” Zeke grunted. “I don’t believe that will be acceptable. Is the tower really that important to you, brother?”
And then it hit me. That was why the vampires were attacking the tower. They hoped that by taking it, they could expand their territory and force the angels back.
My eyes locked onto Declan’s, and a surge of understanding passed between us.
A loud scuffle at the main entrance pulled everyone’s attention toward the doors. A vampire soared through the air, landing with a crash about three inches from my chair. I jumped up, stifling the girly scream from exploding out of my mouth.
“What is the meaning of this?” Zekiel roared, leaping up from his seat.
A pair of nephilim strode in, their wings still extended. “Apologies for the disruption,” said the blonde one, lowering his head. “It’s urgent that we speak to the Archangel.”
My heart fluttered, skipping too many beats to be healthy. Declan’s anxious gaze shot to mine, and I clasped my fingers in my lap to keep them from shaking.
Nathanael waved the nephilim soldiers over, and the blonde one bent to whisper in his ear. The Archangel’s eyes turned a frosty blue, his lips twisting into a frightening scowl.
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a quick exchange between Zeke and Remus. His second rose and darted out of the room in a hazy blur.
“Is everything all right, brother?” Zekiel asked, the perfect model of composure.
Nathanael schooled his features to impassivity and met the king’s gaze straight on. “Nothing of major concern. A small human uprising at the tower. You’ll have to excuse Cassiel as I will send him to attend to it.”
“Of course.” Zeke grinned. “Always a pleasure, general.” He inclined his head ever so slightly.
Cassiel stood and motioned to three more nephilim. The angel entourage rose and departed without another word. Nathanael shifted in his seat uncomfortably.
What happened? Was the uprising really under control or had the humans broken out? It had to be bad or else the nephilim wouldn’t have flown all this way to alert Nathanael.
I held onto that sliver of hope. Please let Asher, Parker and the guys be okay.
“On second thought,” said Zeke, interrupting my thoughts, “would you prefer to suspend the summit for the day in light of events?”
Nathanael’s jaw ticked, the vein in his forehead popping. “Yes, perhaps it would be for the best. I’d like to confer with Raziel on the issue.”
“As you wish, dear brother.” Zekiel rose and excused himself with an elaborate bow.
It was only then I’d noticed Remus still hadn’t returned. Where did that slimy guy go?
Declan pulled me to my feet before I could think on it any further. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”
“Where are we going?” I glanced back at the retreating angels before he hauled me away from the table.
“Away from prying eyes.”
I practically had to run to keep up with Declan’s long stride as he led me out of Grand Central and into the quiet streets. He must have overheard whatever news the nephilim had brought.
I quickened my pace to a jog as adrenaline pumped through my veins. I needed to know what was going on ASAP. Declan finally slowed when we reached Bryant Park. I sucked in a breath and braced my hands on my knees as I panted. I really needed to work out more after this whole apocalypse had been dealt with.
“So what happened?” I rasped out.
“Sit, before you pass out.”
I shot him the evil eye, and then sank down to the brittle, yellowed grass. “Tell me.”
“I couldn’t hear everything Linus said, but it sounded good—for us.”
My heart did a little somersault, and my breath evened out. “Really?”
“He told my father about the daggers, and apparently, the humans killed quite a few nephilim. They also managed to bring a portion of the fence down, and the slaves were fleeing by the hundreds.”
“That’s incredible!” I clapped my hands, unable to contain the joy bubbling up in my chest. “We should probably tell Azazel about the daggers so he’s prepared for your father’s wrath.”
Declan arched a brow and snorted. “Maybe later.”
I reached my hand out and clasped his in mine. “Come on, Dec. He really came through for us.”
“Dec?” A smirk crossed his lips.
“Yeah, I heard Azazel call you that awhile back. I kinda like it.”
“I don’t know if I want my girlfriend calling me the same nickname as my most-hated uncle.”
Two things stood out in that sentence: girlfriend and most-hated uncle. I decided to tackle the easier one first. “Most-hated—really? You don’t think Zeke deserves that title?”
“Fine, it’s a tie,” he growled.
I picked at a shriveled blade of grass and kept my gaze on it. “So girlfriend, huh?” It seemed like a really stupid conversation after everything we’d been through, but that tiny insecure voice in my head couldn’t let it go.
He chuckled and picked up his own foliage to fiddle with. “Somehow I feel like the word doesn’t quite encompass what you mean to me. There isn’t a word that exists in the human language that could explain it.”
His uncharacteristic shy gaze coupled with the sweet sentiment had my insides reduced to a puddle of goo. “I get it,” I mumbled. “And I like it just fine.”
He smil
ed and drew me into his chest with a gentle tug. “I love you, Liv,” he exhaled, blowing his warm breath into my hair.
Closing my eyes, I enjoyed the idyllic moment with my ear pressed against his chest. The steady pitter-patter of his heartbeat soothed the inner turmoil of the last few days. Whatever was happening at Arx was good. The humans had finally taken a stand, and we were winning.
Chapter 20
“Wake up! Declan, Liv. Get up now!”
The whispered shouts through the door snapped my eyes open. The room was still dark, and I couldn’t make out the time on my watch.
I elbowed Declan, and he finally stirred. “I think Azazel’s at the door.”
He rolled his eyes and grunted.
“Declan!” The yelling continued.
“Go see what he wants.” Why couldn’t we get a single night of peaceful sleep?
Declan stumbled out of bed and yanked the door open, glaring at his uncle. “What do you want?”
Azazel barreled past him, his mismatched eyes crazed. “The vampires moved on the tower. Zekiel’s gone.” His words came out in a rushed frenzy. “It won’t be long till Nathanael is alerted. I’m leaving now, and I suggest you two do the same.”
I shot straight up and turned on the bedside lamp. “It’s not even eleven yet.” Bedtime got much earlier when you were used to no electricity. I rubbed my eyes and leaned against the headboard. “They weren’t supposed to go in until midnight.”
“The vampires deployed ahead of schedule when they heard about the human uprising.”
Crap. We’d planned on sneaking out in the morning, hoping to take advantage of the distraction of the summit. What if the renegades didn’t get everyone out in time?
“We have to go.” Declan hurried around the room, throwing items in his backpack. “Once word gets out, you won’t be safe here. No human will.”
“Okay.” I pushed the covers back, not even caring I was only in a flimsy tank and short shorts in front of Azazel. “We have to get Trinity and Duke.”