by Brenda Trim
“Zakara,” Raphael said as held her gaze. “I had given up hope of any Fallen ever earning redemption. I don’t have words to describe the joy I’m feeling adequately.”
“How the fuck did I earn redemption? Don’t get me wrong. I’ve never been as evil as my colleagues, but I’m not an angel, either. See, no wings,” Kara replied as she turned around and showed her back.
A warm finger ran over the tissue, startling her, and making her jump as Raphael touched her flesh. “This must’ve been so painful. I’m sorry you suffered this loss. Demons are truly vile to make another being endure such torture.”
She recoiled and turned to glare in his direction. “You think this was a demon?” Zakara shook her head as fury took root in her heart.
Fucking asshats never changed. Zakara didn’t want to hear this bullshit. She needed to get out of here and find Ramiel. A small Light flickered deep in her soul, calming the worst of her storm.
“I don’t know why I’m here, but allow me to take the opportunity and educate you, you pompous jackass. No demon did this to me. It was one of your beloved angels before I ever became a Fallen. Jared decided to slice off my wings then poured liquid silver into the wounds.”
The growl that emanated from Raphael’s throat and the menacing step he took in her direction had Zakara stumbling back so fast she fell on her ass. She hated that she flinched when his hand headed her way. This archangel may be powerful, but she refused to cower and take a beating. Rolling to the side, she jumped to her feet and held her fists up.
“Whoa, easy. I mean you no harm,” Raphael replied gently and lowered his hands. She eyed him warily as he stood there in his white toga. “For Jared to have done this during the Great War, he premeditated the attack. We don’t stock liquid silver,” he said and turned his head. She could see his mind reeling and then his face turned bright red. “What he did is reprehensible. I don’t care if millennia have passed, he will pay for what he did to you,” he roared, his eyes blazing with fury.
Kara’s eyes widened. That was the last statement she expected to hear from Raphael. Still, she chose to leave this realm. She turned her back on God and Heaven. “But, I questioned our mission and doubted His path. I sided with Lucifer.”
“We all have free will, Kara. There is no sin in asking questions. Everyone deserves to have their voice and opinions heard. We listened to Lucifer and allowed him to speak which is how he managed to convince half of the Heavenly Host to side with him. But, not every person has a place in Heaven. It must reside within your heart and soul to serve God and His will. What I am offering is yours, but the real question is what is in your heart, Zakara?”
She thought about the Underworld and everything she saw this past time. The suffering and depravity were unbearable to watch. She didn’t want to be a part of that world anymore. It was the reason she stayed in New York. After seeing what Lucifer did to Isobel, she couldn’t imagine going back to that life.
“What exactly are you offering me?” she asked.
Raphael released a heavy sigh. “I have longed to welcome the Fallen back into our arms, and I would be honored if you would be the first.”
“You want to give me my wings back? Why now?” she asked, stunned even more than she was moments ago.
“Yes. You can return to your former position. You proved there is goodness within, Zakara. You sacrificed your life to save a child and, in doing so, saved Earth and Heaven in turn. You prevented an apocalypse. I’d like you to rejoin our ranks and bring joy to those in need. Apparently, I’m not the only one in Heaven that feels that way,” the archangel replied with a lift to his brow.
Zakara was shaking her head before Raphael finished talking. “I don’t want the gold wings. I’m sorry, but I’m no longer that perky little angel filled with warm fuzzies and puppy-love crap. I’ve been through too much to go back to that. What else you got for me?” She wasn’t going to refuse outright because she had a feeling he was referring to Ramiel wanting her near. Truth be told, she wanted to be near him, too.
Raphael ran a hand across his chin and eyed her warily. His scrutiny made her squirm, and she wondered if her comments were too abrasive. Too bad, she thought. He needed to know what he was getting if she returned. Better to know that now instead of later. In fact, maybe this wouldn’t work. She’d go back to Seven Lively Sinz and take her chances with the demons. At least with them, she knew where she stood.
He chuckled, and she remembered he could read her thoughts. “There is a position for everyone in Heaven that wants one,” he said with a low chuckle. “You bake, correct?”
It wasn’t surprising that Raphael knew about her life. Couldn’t keep anything from the higher beings. “Yes. I’ve come to love it. Why?”
“Well, we don’t have a bakery, and I love fresh strudel. There are only so many visits to Earth I can make within a week,” he admitted with a wry grin.
“Are you saying you want me to be, what…Master Baker?” she asked.
Raphael laughed out loud. “Exactly. But only if I can have fresh strudel every morning.”
“I think that can be arranged. I would be honored to open a bakery here. But, only on one condition,” Kara expressed.
He cocked his head. “Oh, and what might that be?” he asked, crossing his thick arms over his chest.
“Promise you’ll leave Jared alone. I don’t want to be responsible for his death or banishment. He will never have that much over me ever again,” Kara declared.
Raphael pulled her into a hug, and she went willingly. She felt his large palms rub across her back as he kissed the top of her head. Her scars stretched painfully before the muscles and tendons twisted and grew. The pressure was unbearable as wings formed then extended. Her breath left her body as the additional weight pulled her shoulders.
Glancing over her shoulder, Zakara laughed. “You left my piercings,” she remarked and wiggled the large wings. The silver barbells that ran down her spine now studded the tops of her soft purple wings. She reached up to her head and was confused when she felt her horns.
“I can repair the damaged one or remove them. It’s your choice,” Raphael offered.
She never imagined being openly accepted back into the fold. Her horns were something she loved. “I’d like to keep them. They’re part of who I am. Now, if it’s okay with you, I’d like to go see a certain Angel.”
He laughed again. “I imagine he wants to see you, too. He’s returning Izzy to her parents. It’s good to have you back, Kara.”
“Thank you. It’s good to be back,” Kara admitted, taking a deep breath and reacquainting herself with Heaven.
For the first time, she felt like she was where she belonged. She might’ve taken several wrong turns and made countless mistakes, but the experiences and lessons learned were worth the hardships she endured. And, it was never too late to change direction.
And right now, that led to Seattle, Washington. Zakara gave Raphael a quick wink before she closed her eyes and teleported to her Virgin.
* * *
Chapter Twenty
A loud shriek echoed as several people swarmed Ramiel. He smiled wide as Elsie came barreling down the massive staircase and grabbed her daughter from his arms. Loud thuds told him Zander and several others were hot on her heels.
“Thank the Goddess! Izzy, you’re home!” Elsie cried as she covered her daughter’s face with kisses.
Pepper and Dipple, along with several other gnomes came rushing toward them, as did Pip and Squeak. Before Ramiel could take a breath, the entire compound surrounded them.
“Izzy,” Zander croaked as he gathered her and Elsie in his arms. He met Ramiel’s gaze with tears brimming in his Sapphire-blue eyes. It brought a lump to Rami’s throat. “I doona know how you did it, but thank you for rescuing my nighean. I canna repay you for what you’ve done.”
“There is no need to repay anything. There was no way I was going to leave Isobel in the Underworld,” Ramiel replied and felt all eyes turn
in his direction.
“How the fuck did you get in?” Kyran blurted.
“Impossible. There’s no way,” Rhys added as he wrapped his arms around his angelic mate. The sight made Ramiel’s heart leap. He missed his Fallen and needed to find her.
“I went there with a Fallen,” Rami shared.
“Where did you find a Fallen? The only one on Earth was Crocell, and I know that evil being didna help you,” Zander asked as he took the Izzy from Elsie and held her close, his free arm tugging his mate close. Ramiel doubted the vampire was going to let either of them out of his sight anytime soon.
“Zakara helped, Daddy. She loves Rami,” Izzy added as she kissed her father’s cheek and placed her hand over his heart. Power filled the entryway, making Rami smile. Izzy was soothing her agitated father.
“Zakara? Love?” Elsie asked with a raised eyebrow.
Ramiel met her gaze, and for the first time, his heart didn’t ache. The past they shared was over. He would always genuinely care for her, but now he saw her through different eyes. He wished her happiness and joy, and a long life filled with love.
Pulling on his ear, Ramiel shrugged his shoulders. “She’s the Fallen Angel I blackmailed into helping me rescue Izzy. I think Izzy might be putting the cart before the horse with her talk of love.”
“Does that mean you don’t want to be my mate, after all?” a female voice intruded.
Ramiel gasped and turned to see Zakara standing at the base of the stairs.
“Kara, you have bootiful wings,” Izzy exclaimed as she bounced on Zander’s hip. “And they have sparklies!”
Isobel was right. Zakara’s stunning purple wings had silver piercings through the tops. Without a thought, Ramiel rushed to her side and grabbed her in a tight hug. His mouth was on hers before he took another breath.
He relished the feel of her soft lips. All the worry and fear over her safety slipped away as she kissed him back with a fervor. Loud noises made him pull away, and Rami flushed to see the entire group nodding and clapping at their public display.
“I take it this is the Fallen that helped you,” Elsie said with a smile.
“Yes. This angel is Zakara. She is the reason you have Isobel back safe and sound,” Ramiel replied as he wrapped his arm around Zakara.
“Wait! If you’re a Fallen, how did you get through our wards?” Zander asked, and Rami could see the concern on the king’s face.
“Oh, I’m no longer Fallen,” Zakara stated and looked to Rami.
“What?” he blurted, squeezing her hip where his hand rested.
“I’ll fill you in later,” Zakara murmured and bumped her hip against his.
“I’m hungry, Mommy,” Izzy mumbled then yawned. Rami could see exhaustion taking over now that she was safe and sound.
“What would you like, sweetie? I can make you a grilled cheese sandwich,” Elsie offered as she headed toward the kitchen. Zander followed, and each of the warriors approached Ramiel and thanked him before following Elsie and her family.
Ramiel stood there wondering if he should take Zakara to his place or stay and celebrate Izzy’s homecoming when Elsie poked her head around the corner. “You guys coming? I want to hear everything.”
“Yeah, but this needs to be fast. We have a mating to plan,” Ramiel replied and kissed Zakara on the forehead.
“She was your wife, wasn’t she?” Kara whispered as they walked toward the kitchen.
“Yep,” Ramiel said and smiled at the jealous note in her voice.
“You were in desperate need of an upgrade if you ask me,” she retorted with a sniff.
“There is no comparison, Salsa. You light me on fire and burn me to ashes with just a look. There is no one for me but you. I had given up on love, and the Gods brought you into my life. Serving them for eternity is a small price for the gift I’ve received,” Ramiel murmured and stopped to kiss her again.
Heat flared between them, and the kiss quickly turned frantic. Kara pulled away, her blue eyes blazing with lust. “Let’s make this quick, Virgin. You’ve got better things to eat than a grilled cheese sandwich,” she declared.
Hell yes, he did.
* * *
Chapter Twenty-One
Ramiel looked around Seven Lively Sinz, shocked at the transformation. He and Zakara both agreed on where they wanted to be mated. The place where it all began. The bar was unrecognizable, courtesy of Elsie and the other women at Zeum.
The effort everyone went to for his mating ceremony touched him. He was genuinely thankful for the friendships he’d made. Hell, even Zander had come around over the past few weeks. He imagined it was because the Vampire King knew he was no longer pining for his mate.
Taking in the room, he was happy to see Joe polishing the tables and chairs Zakara had lovingly arranged. Those were her pride, and joy and she’d be taking them to Heaven to fill her bakery after the ceremony.
Zakara signed the bar over to Joe, happy to leave it behind. He doubted the burly male would leave the thousands of twinkling lights decorating the ceiling. Or the hundreds of candles Breslin placed around the bar for extra lighting. The Vampire Princess lectured them about proper lighting creating the right ambiance for their ceremony. He didn’t see why it mattered, but as Breslin waved her hand and the candles flared to life, his breath caught. She was right.
Surprisingly, everyone pitched in to ensure their day was perfect. “‘Tis time, my friend. You ready?” Zander said as he clapped him on the shoulder.
“Did you ever think you’d call me friend?” Ramiel asked. That was the last word he ever expected to come out of Zander’s mouth. It was the biggest sign of how much their relationship changed over the past month.
“Nay,” Zander chuckled, “but you saved Isobel and Elsie, too. She wouldna have survived losing Izzy. I see the way you look at Zakara, and I know the depth of that devotion.”
“Kara’s perfect,” Rami muttered and couldn’t stop the smile that formed. “And, she’s brought hope back to the archangels. Camael smiled the other day, and I nearly passed out. It’s a great time to be an angel, and I’m the luckiest son of a bitch alive,” he admitted.
Zander chuckled. “Aye, you are. I doona have any idea what the Goddess’ master plan is, but I am honored to be a part of this day,” Zander relayed and looked over Ramiel’s shoulder.
Rami turned, and his breath left him in a rush. His heart stuttered to a stop when he saw Zakara standing in the doorway. The ambient lighting cast a soft glow around her picture-perfect frame. Her purple wings stood high at her back while the silver studs sparkled above her head.
Ramiel almost laughed when he saw her glitter-covered horns. No doubt that was Izzy’s doing. Zakara’s short, purple hair was styled in loose curls, giving her a softer look. But his angel was far from demure. She had a darkness that brought him to life, and he didn’t want her ever to change. He’d seen her angelic side, as well, even before she got her wings backs. It shined brighter now as she allowed joy to spread across her face.
Kara met his gaze and her widened, making his heart clench. He loved her beyond what he thought possible. And, she was sex personified in her gown. The cream-colored silk complimented her pale complexion. He swallowed his tongue when she turned slightly to smile at Izzy. The entire side was open, held together by diamond-studded chains.
Holy fuck, that was a sexy wedding dress. Rami’s cock hardened at the realization that Zakara couldn’t be wearing a bra or panties with the design of her dress. Rami couldn’t wait until the formalities were over with so he could claim her in every way. She strode toward his side with a sway to her hips that emphasized her exposed skin.
As Zakara took his hand, the air shimmered seconds before power filled the room. He and every warrior went into a battle stance, fearing the demons were coming for Isobel again. The Rowan sisters placed protections around the bar and Izzy, but he knew demons could break through any spell when it came to finding the child.
Beside him, Zakara mutt
ered, “Raphael.”
What was the archangel doing there? Rami knew he attended Rhys and Illianna’s mating and wondered if the archangel had a thing for ceremonies.
“Zakara,” Raphael replied. “I would like the honor of blessing your ceremony.”
Camael had asked the same thing, and the way Ramiel saw it, they could use all the angelic blessings they could get. The world was a far scarier place than it had been. While Lucifer couldn’t leave Hell, he had more power now that he was free of the lake. The fucking devil forced his demons through additional rifts he tore open.
Abraxos, Ayil, and Araton were busier than ever, and Raphael was sealing the openings as fast as he could. Everyone needed some good in their lives. He sensed these mighty angels envied what he had and wanted to be as close to it as possible.
“We would be thrilled, but don’t expect free pie for this,” she said with a smile.
The two archangels, along with Illianna’s brothers, took the five points of a star with Ramiel and Zakara at the center. The angels spread their wings, so their tips touched, enclosing them in a colored cocoon of red and white. The second the multicolored wings joined, Ramiel detected the familiar shimmer of a veil snap into place. Each male held out a hand and called a weapon of Light to his palm.
Ramiel met Zakara’s gaze and noticed tears shimmering in her eyes. He squeezed her waist in reassurance, recalling what she shared with him. Zakara never believed she would be mated and he understood her sentiment. Rami thought his world ended when he lost Elsie, but he was wrong. Despite their hurt and pain, they took a chance and opened their hearts to another. He and Zakara received the best blessing when they met. Not only did they get a second chance at love, but they found their true love in each other.