by Susan Reid
“I came back to check on you,” She chuckled sarcastically, “I guess I should have known better.” She said flatly.
I sighed and slowly sat back down, rubbing a hand across my cheek and chin.
“Beings getting tortured don’t scream that damned much or that damned loud.” She then said.
I smiled to myself. I knew it. She evidently heard my and Starling’s lovemaking, as if I had any control over or fault in that. Some women remain silent, some moan, some simply pant, and some curse and talk dirty. Then there are those that scream and squeal.
That was Starling.
Edanai shoved the newspaper across the table and then folded her arms beneath her breasts. “I know you can be smooth Cam, but smooth enough to get a divine warrior to lay down her weapons and spread her legs that quickly? I’ve got to hand it to you, you’ve definitely got crazy mad skills.” Her words dripped with sardonic contempt.
“I know that you aren’t jealous.” I stated flatly.
She narrowed her eyes at me. “Jealousy has nothing to do with it. Were you making love to her…physically?” She wanted to know.
I pursed my lips and leaned back in my chair with a slow exhale.
Obviously.
“You did didn’t you? Of course you did. No woman screams like that unless she’s getting…”
“What’s your point Edanai? Is that why you’re upset with me? You already know how I feel about Starling. She remembered me, thankfully, and that’s the only reason that I’m still alive right now. For all I know, it could have been the only moment that I’ll ever get to have with her.” I cut her off. Saying the words, even though I knew that there was no way I’d ever allow that, cut me deeply to hear.
What if that had truly been the only time that we would ever have together?
No. It wouldn’t be. Not as long as I existed. Even Elohim wouldn’t be able to keep me away from her, let alone the divine warriors. She was carrying my child and I would kill any being to protect the both of them.
I was growing annoyed with this conversation already. She had completely doused my good mood since returning from my swim.
Her brows knitted together in confusion and chagrin.
“She remembered you?” Her tone had simmered down considerably. “How?” She shook her head in disbelief.
“I don’t know. It was way more than I could ever hope or wish for though, so I’m not going to dare wonder how or why.”
“Does she remember us too?” She wanted to know.
“Given time, I’m sure she will. She remembers Rahab.”
I shut her up for the moment. Her mind was working and I think I know what she was thinking.
“Cam`ael—did you impregnate her?” her jeweled eyes pierced me with the question.
I hesitated, biting my bottom lip as my eyes flicked away from hers briefly.
“Oh shit.” She exaggerated each word. Her eyes widened and then she exhaled in exasperation.
It hadn’t really dawned on me why Edanai was this upset over my encounter with Starling but now I was finally getting it.
She already knew that was inevitable. I’ve wanted Starling for so long. We had been granted the opportunity and I took it. She was mine now— in more ways than one.
Demons and fallen were incredibly virile and potent. Pregnancy was nearly one hundred percent, which was why I steered clear of actual vaginal contact with women, until Starling. Edanai was both hurt and upset because it was the one thing that she had always wanted and tried to have. It was part of the sin that had gotten her cast out. I would not allow her to have it with me either, which both hurt and infuriated her but I had my reasons. It took her a long time to accept it though and I know that this news definitely doesn’t help.
She slowly stood up, a hand covering her mouth in thought as she paced the length of the table, her other hand fisted against her hip.
I let the silence remain in between us while wondering how Starling was faring right now. I had no choice but to trust the angels. They couldn’t lie and I knew that they wouldn’t let anything happen to her.
“No pun intended but you’ve really screwed her now, Cam.” Edanai suddenly spoke. She turned her head and her eyes narrowed in accusation, “You did it on purpose, didn’t you?” She finally whispered.
Did I? Maybe I did. Was it wrong? Very. Would it end up badly? More than likely. I averted my gaze from hers.
A sharp breath of annoyance seeped out of her lips as she turned her back to me once again and shook her head.
I could tell that she didn’t want to face me on purpose. I had nothing else to say in regard to her question. I didn’t have to say anything.
“Where is she now?” She asked. Her back still facing me.
“The hall.”
Her head shifted and cocked slightly, “How was she able to return?” She inquired with surprise.
“I’m not entirely sure.”
“Sadly, she’s going to be the last to know. She’ll be kicked out of the divine hall and shunned eventually. And you’ve finally given Morning Star every reason to pursue her now that you’ve given him exactly what he’s been wanting from you. He will find out eventually.” Edanai warned.
I took a tentative pause. “She’s being guarded and protected.”
Edanai raised a brow. “Oh? By who?”
“Aon and Aliks. They met up with us as I was showing her around the neutral area. They were sent by Elohim.”
That silenced and shocked Edanai.
She was gauging my expression. I had no reason to lie to her about that. I was just as shocked as she was when they relayed that message to me in Angelic.
“Sent by Elohim? So…this is already known and allowed?” She asked softly. An incredulous and confused expression masked her face.
I nodded.
Bewilderment now contrasted her initial confusion.
“That…isn’t the only thing.” I slowly said.
Her eyes snapped up to mine waiting for me to unleash another bomb.
I shifted and sighed, unsure at first if I should even tell her.
“Since we were together,” I started carefully, “We’ve developed the ability to communicate telepathically too.”
I expected the look on Edanai’s face to shift into further disbelief but her expression remained cool.
“What else did you expect?” She mocked.
I looked at her irreverently. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
She shook her head as she strode alongside the table, ending up behind me.
She leaned in over my shoulder and spoke softly, “The conduit that established the link between you two is the child growing in her right now. At this rate, it won’t be long before she gives birth. I’m a little curious as to how all of this will play out but I suppose if the angels are aware of it and you’re still alive…” She trailed off.
It was quiet.
Of course. That made sense.
I didn’t know how this was all going to work out either because it wouldn’t be long before someone there would pick up on it, like that damned seraphim.
“Would you please keep this to yourself? I don’t want anyone else to know right now, not even Rahab.” I told her.
She gave a soft snort of disbelief. “I don’t know how long you think it will go unnoticed but sure, I won’t breathe a word of it. I’m going to go. I’ve got plans with friends.” She added abruptly.
Edanai didn’t need to leave like this not when other dangerous threats still loomed.
I stood up. “Edanai, please be careful. I’d much rather you keep Rahab with you.”
She pressed her lips in annoyance, “I think Rahab has better things to do than to shadow me around as a bodyguard. I’ll be fine. I can take care of myself, no need to worry.”
“Rahab cares deeply for you, like I do. That means that I’m not going to let you get away with worrying about me if I can’t worry about you. I would feel better if you had others with you, and that you at least make
sure that you keep in touch with me often.”
I wasn’t going to breathe a word of Morning Star’s threat to Edanai. I know her.
It would just make her that more militant in daring him to do something or make a move against her.
She lifted her chin and pierced me with a hard stare, “No. Your plate is beyond full right now. I can promise the first part but the second is a no go.”
“That’s not fair, Edanai.”
“Fair, is a not a term that we as Fallen are familiar with anymore. It’s a good thing that you waited, I suppose. If she were still a simple human rather than super, she wouldn’t survive giving birth— let alone physical sex with you. You’re an absolute demon in bed.” She winked and then she began to ghost away.
I stared at the blank space where she stood a moment ago, cringing at her words and the thought. My child would possess half of what I am. Darkness by virtue of being a Fallen. I’ve already doomed this child to a lifetime of having to fight and resist the permanent cursed wickedness that he or she would inherit.
I was suddenly overcome with a feeling that this would be the last time that I ever saw Edanai. I had been helpless to make her stay.
“Rahab.” I called out telepathically.
“You don’t even have to ask, my friend. I will never be too far behind her. I promise that I will not let her out of my sight.” Rahab answered back right away.
“Thanks. Your safety is just as important to me too”
Rahab laughed heartily. “I appreciate that, my lord.”
I mumbled my annoyance verbally with a shake of my head. I know that Rahab would undoubtedly protect her, but his assurance failed to make me feel any better about Edanai being away from me right now.
III. Starling
I’m not sure how long I simply just stood there, staring at the panel of elders, speechless. What else could I say or do that wouldn’t appear…questionable?
Spencer, Brynn, and Kaia headed over to the double doors once the elders all stood to signal the end of this inquisition. My pulse raced with chilling dread.
It wasn’t so much over what they might discover, I just didn’t want to have to think about skirting and reassembling the truth to keep my actions and Cam’s name out of any explanation.
I wanted to be a warrior.
I meant every word of the oath that I took but I’d be a fool to think they wouldn’t know or eventually find out.
What did Aon and Aliks want or expect for me to do now? Why had I been the only one to see them, and where were they now?
“How is everything going?” Cam’s voice suddenly entered my head.
“Not good.” I replied.
There was brief pause on his end. I shouldn’t have said that. I should’ve told him that everything was fine.
“Why?” He asked. I could hear the anger building in his tone.
“They want me to get examined by the succor here.”
“Did they explain why?” he wanted to know.
“They don’t have to. I already know what they’re looking for and it wasn’t their suggestion, it was Spencer’s.”
“Who the hell is Spencer, so I’ll know who to hurt when I see him?”
I wanted to laugh at Cam’s humor but somehow I don’t think he was joking about that. “He’s one of the earthbound Seraphim.”
There was another long pause on his end.
“I’ve seen him.” Those three words sounded so powerful, I swear I could already feel the heat of his mounting anger swirling around inside my brain.
“Something wrong, Starling?” Spencer’s voice cut into our personal mental conversation just then.
I snapped my head up and turned to look at the three of them standing at the double-doors, waiting for me.
The elders had already cleared the room and only two warrior guards remained. I bit my lip, suppressing an urge to say something smart.
I joined them at the door, not venturing to meet either one of their eyes as I walked past them and out into the corridor.
“Cam, don’t do anything, please.”
“I didn’t promise you that. This is different.” He replied.
“I’ve got this. I’ll keep you posted, don’t worry.”
“Can you get away afterwards? Even if you have to meet me at the very edge of the Divine Hall grounds where it meets neutral land?”
“I’ll try but I don’t know how long this may take.”
“I don’t mind waiting. I’ll be watching in the meantime.”
Brynn, the seraphim with light, faintly glittering, gold-colored skin asked softly, “Why do you seem so distraught?”
Kaia, the sienna colored seraphim flanked my other side, and Spencer remained behind us.
The sound of her voice was soothing, kind of reminding me of a relaxing lullaby, and she actually sounded genuinely concerned.
I cast a sideways glance at her with just my eyes. “I’m not distraught. I’m tired and I’m not really enthused about being poked and prodded.” I answered.
Remaining just a step or two behind them, I let the both of them lead the way down the corridor, up a small flight of steps, and then hooking another right into a wide, arched breezeway.
I wasn’t sure what kind of examination this was going to be but I’ll be damned if I was asked to put my feet up into any stirrups.
“Poked and prodded?” Kaia intruded.
“She’s new. She doesn’t know how the succors work.” Spencer added in his two cents from behind us.
I didn’t even turn around to address or acknowledge him. I would have cursed him out if I did.
“Ah, I almost forgot. Don’t worry Starling, you’ll be fine. This is standard practice for any warrior who’s been either badly wounded or…”
“Tainted?” I cut her off brashly. I didn’t mean to snap and sound bitchy but it couldn’t be helped.
She didn’t seem surprised or affronted by my outburst or choice of a word but it did silence her for the moment.
“What’s happening?” Cam’s voice was insistent.
“Nothing yet.” I replied.
Two warriors were emerging out of a set of wooden doors that loomed ahead on the left. The placard set in the stone wall above the doors read:
Medical Aid and Examination. All Weapons Prohibited. Please Retract Before Entering.
The female wore a bandage around her neck and the male with her held her steady for support as they walked together past us.
“Why is she wearing a bandage? Don’t we heal on our own—and fast?” I asked all of them as Spencer moved ahead to open the doors for us.
Kaia answered, “She was probably poisoned by a hell thorn.”
“What’s a hell thorn?” I followed behind her and Brynn into the medical quarters.
“They’re a poisonous and dangerous annoyance because the thorns are small but they contain a large dose of both paralytic and hallucinogenic properties. Once its venom enters your system, it’s almost impossible to dispel.” She explained.
“I’ll see if Ilka or Rubie are available.” Spencer spoke as I continued to follow behind Brynn and Kaia into an octagon shaped sitting area. Nothing but several wooden chairs, a few books, and three potted plants adorned the room. The light sources came from bowl shaped sconces lining the walls, and they were filled with bright yellow and orange illuminated rocks, which I found unique and interesting.
I sighed and remained standing, fidgeting with anxious impatience as they both took a seat.
“So, where do hell thorns grow? The Darklands?” I asked.
“A hell thorn is a vine-like creature not a plant, and they thrive in sludge pools and underground caves over there. They’re very hard to see until it’s too late, especially in the dark. That’s why you should never venture anywhere near the Darklands on your own. Many of the demons and the fallen like to use hell thorns to coat their weapons.” Kaia answered.
I raised my brows in alarm. “Like they need anything else to use agains
t us. Most of them have magic and that’s an unfair advantage as it is.” I commented.
“Their magic isn’t always fully effective against you guys, depending on what it is and where it hits you first. But you’ll be learning all about that in your classes.” Brynn answered.
“I admire you, Starling. You’re a lot tougher than you look.” Kaia then said.
I glanced at her in surprise. “Why do you say that?” I asked her. She simply smiled.
I wasn’t sure how to take her words or her smile but before I could say anything else, Spencer peered around the corner and beckoned me forward with his index finger.
I sighed internally and trudged over towards him.
“Last room on the right down that way.” He pointed.
Without a word, I followed his direction not bothering to wait for him if he decided to follow me.
The heavy wooden door was propped open. I stopped just inside of it to take in the examination room. I was surprised to see a simple long slab of stone covered in a soft pallet of blankets sitting in the middle of the room. It was much like the one I had been placed on when I first awoke here. There was a wall of small, square shelves that were full of all sorts of liquids, powders, and bandages.
A petite, young woman sat at a long, wooden table. She was clearing away some items that she had been using before turning her attention to me with a warm, friendly smile.
“Hello Starling, come on in.” She waved me forward as she stood up and walked over to greet me. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting her to look like, and I wondered if she were of the human species at all or if she was like Spencer.
She wore a long, white kimono-style top. Though her face was smooth and young, her hair was completely white and cropped with short- peaked spikes all over. She didn’t have any brandings either, like Lira and Diana.
“You needn’t stay, Spencer. Thanks.” She smiled pleasantly, meeting and blocking Spencer from entering into the room.
He grinned sheepishly. “Right. I think I’ll wait though. I want to make sure she’s alright.”
“You can leave now.” I snapped with agitation.
He seemed injured by my sharp words.