by Janie Marie
David’s speed and ferocity made him frightening. Instead of the daunting calm that Death showed, he delivered brutal and forceful strikes.
They were both beautiful displays of power and skill. Every time one would attack, the other would dodge or block it with impossible speed. They seemed evenly matched. At least, they were pretending to be.
Death’s sword suddenly sliced David across the chest. Jane tightened her grip on Gawain’s hand as she stared at the small drop of blood clinging to Death’s blade.
David’s wound healed instantly, but he didn’t look happy about receiving the injury. Pale blue eyes shone under the moon’s silver glow, and he retaliated with an onslaught of fierce, fast strikes. She smiled. David had been holding back, and his relentless series of attacks finally caught the back of Death’s arm.
Her angel let out a spine-chilling hiss, and Jane watched in horror as Death’s sword lengthened into the enchanted, black scythe he had originally summoned. Its nightmarish appearance radiated unimaginable, magical power.
Death’s eyes illuminated and shifted into a dangerous electric-green color while he twirled the deadly weapon in his hand.
The mayhem unfolding in front of her as they took turns going on the offensive terrified Jane. She wasn’t scared of them, only for each of them.
This couldn’t be happening. She could feel Death’s fury pulsing through her veins. The somewhat harmless sparring match designed for her instruction had just turned into a deadly battle between two giants. Her fierce protectors were ready to destroy each other right before her eyes.
Death swung the scythe with devastating accuracy. His earlier attacks were nothing compared to the masterful assault he unleashed now. David appeared momentarily stunned by the abrupt change in weapon and direction the fight suddenly took, but he showed no fear when he exchanged blows with the powerful being opposite him. Instead of faltering, he became more violent with his attacks.
They were beasts, and yielding wasn’t an option for either male.
A shadow began to form behind Death’s back in the shape of two gigantic, feathered wings. The ghostly wings remained in wraith-like form and stretched out as he delivered blow after blow to David.
David wasn’t backing down and held his own, but neither outperformed the other.
David connected a quick blow from his sword’s hilt to Death’s chest, and just as quickly, Death returned with a devastating punch to David’s face, sending a spray of blood through the air.
Jane panicked at the sight of the full-blown hate that shone in their bloodthirsty glares. They were ready to kill each other.
They swung at the same time, neither would be able to block the other.
Jane screamed, throwing her hands out. “Stop!”
Their strikes didn’t hit, and both men were roughly shoved back by an invisible force. They both looked at each other, shocked, before turning their murderous gazes on her.
She didn’t realize what she had done—or that she was still doing anything. She could barely concentrate on calming her heartbeat, let alone the pain shooting through her outstretched arms.
Both men snarled in her direction but their glares dissolved quickly. Somehow she felt them try to move toward her, but they stayed exactly where they were. She kept them there.
The knights didn’t appear to be restrained but stood paralyzed by the onslaught of events all the same. Arthur, Bedivere, and Kay exited the house together and paused at the patio’s edge.
Understanding and regret seemed to dawn on both Death and David as they stared at her. They looked back at each other and nodded, but she couldn’t stop the fear rushing through her.
“Sweetheart,” David said. “We’re sorry. We got out of control, but we are done now. I promise we will stop fighting.”
She believed him, but she couldn’t stop whatever she was doing.
Death’s soothing voice pulled her from David’s eyes. “He’s telling the truth, Sweet Jane. You need to let us go. Let us help you.”
She didn’t think it possible for her to stop Death. Yet, he was stuck in place, unable to break the hold she had over them. It felt like she was holding a wave of destruction back, and they were in its path.
A deafening roar filled her mind. It wanted to destroy them—destroy her angel and her vampire.
Her vision blurred as she looked back at David. The desire to protect him held against the horrible order. She whimpered as she tried to figure out how to let go and how to stop the rage building inside. A hate like she’d never imagined seemed to be directed at both men while two sides fought for control inside her.
Her mind was the arena, and her body the prize.
Death’s jaw was clenched and his eyes burned brightly, but through all his anger, she could see him. The same man who always came when her world was falling apart, whose touch soothed the pain and loss that would never leave her. His love was so easy to see now.
She needed him. He would quiet the beast snarling for their blood.
The force building threatened to explode. Her arms shook painfully as a ringing sound reverberated in her ears. The edges of her vision darkened while a wicked feeling seemed to laugh at her for thinking Death could save her.
Fire burned her heart when she glanced back at David. A faint glimpse of a sinister smile touched her mind. She’d seen that smile too many sleepless nights before, and now it was there, on her lips.
She saw herself with David’s blood smeared across her mouth. He tasted so sweet. It would be lovely to bleed him dry.
Jane screamed, her cry turning into a roar as her entire body trembled. The force inside her wanted out. It wanted chaos. It wanted to see her men suffer. It wanted her to suffer.
She cried. The power was terrifying but so alluring. It would be so easy to embrace it—to just stop fighting for once.
Let go. It’s easy… Just give up.
That cruel smile stretched wider…
“Baby.” David’s voice halted the tempting thought of surrender.
Jane darted her eyes between her angel and her vampire, hearing a snarl in her mind whenever her gaze settled on David. “I don’t know how to stop it!”
Death shook his head quickly, but he still stayed stuck in place. “It’s all right, baby girl. Let us come to you. We will help you.”
Staring at the way his emerald eyes swirled, she felt warmth surround her chest. When sapphire eyes came into view, heat filled in that warmth. Both of their eyes were so different, yet so similar when they looked into hers. Love. Peace. Home.
The growling quieted. The violent tremors wracking her body weakened, and she felt a sudden disconnect from the two men.
They were beside her before her arms could fall and, surprisingly, Death stepped back, allowing David to lift her in his arms.
“It’s all right, sweetheart.” David kissed her cheek. “I have you.”
Death stood in front of them and caressed her hair, smiling as he did so.
Jane nodded to David, but the pulsing energy inside her continued to look for a way to rest.
She released her grip on his shirt and reached out to where Death stood. He quickly took her hand and lifted it to his lips. “I’m here, Sweet Jane.”
So much heat and peace between them.
Without warning, the surge of energy collapsed on itself. Jane would have collapsed if it weren’t for David holding her.
He pulled her close as her body sagged. “It’s okay.”
She didn’t want to let go of Death, she tried to keep her arm out, but she was so tired. She couldn’t hold on.
“I’m here,” Death whispered, his hand tightening around hers.
David glanced at her and Death’s joined hands before he sighed. “Do you want him to hold you now?”
Death looked just as shocked as she felt, and she couldn’t answer. She couldn’t choose between them.
David wore no look of surrender as he smiled at her torn expression. He leaned down to kiss her c
heek and then her forehead. “It’s all right. Let Death hold you for now. I will still be here. I will always be here.”
With one more quick kiss on her head from David, she was handed over to Death. She quickly sank into his embrace and accepted Death’s innocent kisses to the side of her head. A sad smile touched her lips as he sighed in relief. She had scared him. She could overpower him. She was stronger than Death.
A tear slid down her cheek as she realized this. He had been just as helpless as David. She could have hurt both of them.
Death kissed her tear as he whispered, “I’m sorry, Sweet Jane.”
She smiled and shook her head. It felt heavy, and her eyes were closing on their own as fatigue washed down on her. Still, she managed to catch sight of her angel and vampire as they smirked at each other.
“Boys,” she whispered and held her hand out for David this time. When he took her hand instantly, she sighed in relief. “Behave.”
Death chuckled and nuzzled her head. “But Sweet Jane likes the bad boys.”
Although she smiled, her heart and mind were a disaster. Whatever was in her, wanting to destroy them all, was not going away.
“Don’t worry.” Death brought his lips to her ear. “You have us both, Sweet Jane.”
DAVID SMILED AS HE WATCHED JANE spar with Death. They’d been working with her for three hours and not for a minute had the sparkle in her eyes dimmed. She was glowing.
She squeezed the sword in her hand and swung, her opponent’s eyes sparking with green fire as she did so. Her attack went right for Death’s side, but he blocked it.
David grinned, watching them. He knew what she was going to do.
With their blades still touching, Jane swiftly let go of her sword with one hand and released a burst of energy. It hit Death right in the stomach. He stumbled and missed her second swing that left him sword-less.
David laughed as Death stared at his useless weapon on the ground. Jane visibly shivered, and David smiled when she almost turned in his direction. She’d been trying to hide her reactions to him, but David had caught every blush that stained her cheeks, every gasp, and every time her gaze lingered on him while he trained with her. He definitely hadn’t been knocked out of the game.
She kept her eyes forward this time, though, grinning at Death’s stupefied expression. It truly amazed David to watch Jane and Death together. They were playful and comfortable with each other. Death hadn’t lost the menacing gleam in his eyes whenever he looked at him or anyone else, but his gaze never failed to soften when it returned to Jane. David doubted she even realized how hostile her angel looked to everyone else.
Death narrowed his gaze at her, but there was no true malice in his look. “That was luck.”
She laughed loudly now and received a threatening glare from the Angel of Death, but David saw a twinkle in his eyes that gave Death’s true feelings away. Death was proud of her.
It was hard for David to accept, but watching her so free of sadness and worry, he didn’t care that his rival was a part of her happiness. It also helped that David had his own close contact with her during her training. There was honestly nothing sexier than watching her battle. He knew Death felt the same way, especially when she briefly sparred with Tristan and slammed his friend to the ground, ready to deliver a lethal strike with her sword.
Her fangs were bared, and her eyes bright with gold and green. She was destruction in a beautiful package. He remembered the slaughter she’d been ready to unleash, her gorgeous chest heaving as she bent over in those tiny shorts. He and Death both got a good view, and he smiled thinking of how they both cut their gazes over to the other. They’d both thought the same thing: damn.
He knew it took a lot for Death to stand there while he went to help his comrade. David had pulled her body close to his to help calm her bloodlust, but he knew Death wanted to be the one to calm her. But they each held back their quarrel because they’d seen her falling apart when they had been ready to destroy each other. Neither of them wanted to see that fear and conflict in her eyes again.
She needed them both, and David was ready to try his best to make sure she had that. Her smile and laughter made it easier to put up with Death’s taunts.
David didn’t know the extent of their past together, but if Death had been there for Jane in any way, he deserved respect and gratitude. David may not like him, but he would set aside his feelings and put hers above his.
It was clear to David now; she was setting aside her heart for both of them. She was suffering inside because she did not want to hurt anyone else. His job was to stand by her and help her through it all. If an arrogant angel had to hold her other hand, then so be it.
He smiled again as she giggled with Death. How the Angel of Death could pout like a child with her, David had no idea, but he could only assume it was because she had a bigger heart than anyone he’d ever met. Clearly she had power to take both himself and Death down, but her heart was strong enough to fight the darkness inside her. Their job was to strengthen her abilities and keep her from tearing herself apart.
So that’s what David would do.
Already, they’d managed to guide her on using her basic powers. She wasn’t consistent yet, but when she got it right, the results were devastating. By no means was she on their level, but that was nothing time and experience couldn’t remedy. David had already honed her skill with the sword and some hand to hand combat. Pinning her below him had been the highlight of his day. That is, until she countered him with the aid of her powers and wound up on top of him. He was forever prepared to lose to her if that was the outcome.
David refocused on the pair as Death’s sour look vanished. The angel’s eyes lit neon-green as he grinned at Jane. She noticed, and her laughter came to an abrupt halt.
David knew Death wouldn’t hurt her, but the angel seemed to enjoy defeating her with his more playful side. That smile was her warning, and Jane knew she was going to pay for laughing at him.
Death took a step in her direction, and she took two steps back. Death smirked.
“Oh, fuck,” Jane whispered, nearly making David laugh. She had let out several curse words with Death. The fact Death showed no surprise made it clear that Jane had been hiding her sailor mouth.
Death made the tiniest movement, but she had already darted away by the time he lunged for her.
She screamed and ran over to David’s side. He chuckled as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. She had already used each of them as protection when she felt she was in over her head.
Death’s eyes briefly darted to David’s contact with Jane. “You’re no fun, David.”
David knew that translated to: I hate you. Touch her any more than you are now, and you’re dead.
David kissed the top of her head and smiled, which for him translated: Go fuck yourself. I saw you touch her ass.
The angel’s eyes glinted, but David swore he saw a faint smile as Death turned away.
They watched in awe as Death’s sword ignited in emerald flames before it completely disappeared.
David didn’t have to look down at Jane to know she was smiling and happy. She was clearly amazed by Death’s abilities, but she looked at him with equal appreciation for his strength and skill. It was a boost to his ego to see her smile when he held his own against Death.
“David,” Jane said, tilting her face up.
“Yes, baby?”
She blushed. “Can you show me more grappling moves? I want to pin you again.”
David smiled. He was definitely still in the game.
Lucifer balled his hands into fists at his sides. He’d been watching the trio for some time now, and with every passing minute, his mood toward the playful scene darkened. Death had played him.
Jane’s laugh pulled Lucifer’s attention away from the angel she adored. He studied her face as she smiled with the two men. He watched her laugh uncontrollably as Death snatched her from the vampire and held her upside down.
L
ucifer sneered, hearing Death laugh so comfortably. He didn’t even know the angel was capable of a happy laugh. How had he been deceived so easily?
“The others have arrived, Lucifer.”
He snarled at the intrusion but turned his head to look at the onyx-eyed immortal and nodded. “Good. Death will need to be lured from her side. His control over her is greater than the knight’s. Be mindful of your actions and conceal our goal from your uncle, Hermes. I do not doubt he’s lurking in the shadows for his master.”
Hermes nodded. “Consider it done.”
Another voice joined them. “What would you have me do?”
Lucifer didn’t turn to acknowledge the new arrival. Instead, his gaze zeroed in on Death’s fingers caressing Jane’s arm. “Target the knights after Death leaves her. I’m sure you will enjoy toying with your old brethren, Lancelot.”
Lancelot grinned. “Yes, I have grown tired of leading them on a chase.”
Lucifer kept his eyes on Jane. He had not thought it possible to see so much happiness on her face.
“You let the girl get to you, didn’t you?” asked Hermes.
Lucifer turned and glared at the vampire. “You haven’t the slightest clue what I am thinking.”
Hermes lowered his head. “I only meant to inform you others are aware you sought out her previous tormentors. They are worried about your intentions with the girl.”
Lucifer snarled. “My intentions with her are my own. Now leave. You have your orders. See that your brother carries them out.”
Hermes gave a small bow and sped off into the dark.
“He will be angry if you let this girl ruin his plans,” said Lancelot.
Before Lancelot could blink, Lucifer grabbed him by the throat and lifted him. Lancelot’s eyes bulged in their sockets as he grabbed at Lucifer’s terrible hold.
“When?” Lancelot sputtered before the grip tightened around his throat, cutting off more words. “How?”