I prop my hands on my hips as I face my father. “I’ve been on my own since I was eighteen years old. Longer than that, really. Most of my foster parents didn’t do squat to help me, growing up. It’s not easy for me to bend to your rules, but all winter, I’ve done it.” Gabriel opens his mouth, but enough is enough, and I hold up my hand to stop him. “No. You’re my father, and I respect that. I respect why you left me as a kid. You believed you were doing what was right.” Pain and regret flashes across his face, and I soften my voice. “I forgave you for that. But being on my own made me into a strong, independent woman. I’m not a child. I’m not even a teenager. You can’t stop me if I choose to go help with a lead.”
“I know you’re an adult.” Even though he looks only a decade or so older than me and Jonah, suddenly I see every year of his age on Gabriel’s handsome face. “You’re my only daughter, and your life is at risk, now more than ever. All I ask is that you stay out of the action when it comes to the Order.”
“I can’t promise that.”
Gabriel raises his eyes to the ceiling and sighs, then turns to my brother. “You were supposed to be keeping her safe.”
“She looks okay to me,” Jonah says, with a shrug. With light brown hair, bright blue eyes, and a friendly smile, he looks so much like Gabriel you might think they were brothers instead of father and son.
Dad presses a hand to his forehead, but whatever he’s about to say is interrupted by a sharp knock at the front door. Jonah gives me a blank look when I turn to him with eyebrows raised. With everything that’s gone on, an unexpected visitor isn’t exactly welcome here.
Before any of us can move, the front door flies open and an angel swoops inside the living room. His long, white hair is like nothing I’ve ever seen, as pale and shining as fresh snow under the sunlight. His wings are the same color but covered in long black gashes, as if someone took an angry paintbrush to them. They remind me uncomfortably of when Gabriel had his wings slashed by a dark-infused blade. But the worst part are his eyes. They’re pitch black, as black as my wings, as black as Lucifer’s feather, which I have tucked away in my bedroom.
“Azrael,” Dad says under his breath.
My eyes widen, but of course this is Azrael. Who else could it be? He’s even wearing a long black robe and carrying a freaking scythe. No wonder they call him the Angel of Death.
My hands immediately rest on the daggers on my hips and I take a step back. Azrael hates my father and destroyed his wings as punishment for siring me. He hates demons even more and likely wants me dead. Worst of all, he’s the leader of the Archangels. His presence here can’t be good.
Azrael’s nightmare eyes land on me and send a shiver down my spine. “So this is the hybrid child everyone is talking about.”
“I’m very popular at the moment,” I manage to say, before I can think better of it.
He studies me with a cold expression and his fingers tighten around his scythe. Oh shit, I should not have said that. Jonah moves to stand in front of me protectively, and Dad looks like he’s ready to jump into action too, should Azrael make a move. But then Azrael throws his head back and laughs.
It’s not a nice laugh. It’s the laugh of a villain about to tell you their diabolical plan. I swallow hard.
“What brings you here?” Gabriel asks.
Azrael’s eyes snap to my father. “I need a word with you in private.”
Dad lets out a long breath. I know what he’s thinking—Azrael isn’t here for me after all. It’s obvious from the relief on his face. “Of course. Let’s go into my office.”
He leads Azrael into the other room and shuts the door. My shoulders slump as soon as Azrael is out of sight. The man is terrifying, and powerful too. As soon as he’s gone it’s like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I’m used to being around Dad and his power, but Azrael’s is even stronger and more oppressive—like trying to walk through tar.
Jonah gestures for me to follow him into the kitchen, where our voices won’t carry as much, but we can still see the front door. As soon as we’re in there, he asks, “What do you think that’s about?”
I lean on the island and wrap my arms around myself. “I don’t know, but whatever it is, it can’t be good. I’m just glad I don’t have to look at those creepy eyes anymore.”
“Seriously.” Jonah runs a hand through his short hair. “When he flew in, I thought he was here for you. Scared the shit out of me.”
“Me too.” I shudder a little and Jonah wraps his arm around my shoulder.
“Don’t worry. Dad and I won’t let anything happen to you.”
I roll my eyes and punch him in the arm with a smile. “My heroes.”
While we wait for Dad and Azrael to come out, I empty the dishwasher and Jonah wipes down the already-clean counters and table, and as the minutes tick by we exchange several long, worried looks. What could they be talking about? Is Dad in trouble again?
After an eternity they come out of the office, and Gabriel leads Azrael back into the living room toward the front door. The black-eyed angel shoots me one last soul-chilling gaze before turning to Dad with a pointed look. Gabriel meets his eyes without backing down, and the leader of the Archangels finally steps outside.
As soon as Gabriel shuts the door behind Azrael, he turns back to us with a creased brow. We stare at him and wait for him to tell us what that was about. Instead he says, “It’s late. We should all head to bed.”
“What the hell?” Jonah asks. “What did Azrael want to talk about?”
Even though Dad looks distinctly frazzled, he waves off Jonah’s question. “He was just making sure I understand I’m not to leave Angel Peak.”
“That’s it?” I ask. There must be more to it than that.
“That’s it.” But then Gabriel walks over and gives me a hug, and waves Jonah over too. My brother and I share a wtf-is-happening look over Dad’s shoulder as we all have a family group hug. Our second one ever. The first one was on the night I brought Jonah back from Faerie.
“Um, Dad? Everything okay?” I ask.
“I’m just glad you’re both home safely.” Gabriel straightens up and pats my hair, then smiles at Jonah. “Good night.”
Jonah and I exchange another long look as our father heads off to his bedroom and shuts the door behind him.
“Well, that was bullshit,” Jonah mutters.
“Agreed.” There’s no way I’m going to be able to sleep now. Not after that.
Maybe some fresh air will help clear my head.
Chapter Three
Callan
I slip behind a tree and narrowly escape being seen by Azrael when he leaves Gabriel’s house. I’ve met Azrael many times and he’s one scary bastard. I have no idea how my mom had a kid with him, but Jophiel has always been his most loyal ally, even after my half-brother Ekariel was killed. Azrael even put her in charge of Aerie Industries when he took my father’s place as leader of the Archangels.
I relax a little once he’s gone. Or at least, I assume he’s gone. Damn Ishim and their invisibility. I better stick around a while longer, just to be sure. Azrael’s hatred of demons is well-known, and I was worried he might have come here for Liv. If he’d tried to hurt her, I’d have been in that door in an instant ready to defend her. Even though she hates my guts.
I do a quick patrol of the outside of Gabriel’s house, and the door opens again while I’m in the front yard. I consider hiding, but I’m no Ishim and it’s too late anyway. The second the door shuts, Liv sees me standing there among the trees. The porch light above her illuminates her dark wavy hair, seductive red lips, and amazing curves, along with the twin daggers on her hips. At least she always wears those now.
She narrows her green eyes at me. “What are you doing out here?”
Shit. I’m too damn honorable to lie. “I’m patrolling the grounds to make sure you’re safe.”
She rolls her eyes so hard it looks uncomfortable. “You really don’t need to do that.”
I cross my arms. “You’re in more danger now than ever before. Especially if Azrael is showing up in the middle of the night.”
She frowns a little at that, but then glares at me even harder. “First of all, I can take care of myself. I’ve had years of combat training now, and thanks to you, Hilda, and Tanwen, I’ve gotten damn good. Not to mention, I have both angel and demon tricks up my sleeve. Second, I’m living with a former Archangel and an overprotective brother, so I’m more than safe here. And third, your promises to Gabriel and Jonah to protect me don’t apply anymore. So I ask again, why are you really here?”
“It’s my duty. If the Order came for you, all your training, your powers, and your family wouldn’t be enough.”
“But you would be?”
I lift my chin. “Maybe.”
“Your arrogance is truly astounding.” She shakes her head and sits on the porch step. I’m surprised she hasn’t left yet. Something must be bothering her more than my presence here. “What are you going to do when I go back to school? Follow me to every class? Sleep in the hallway outside my dorm room?”
I lean against the nearest tree since it seems like she wants to chat a while. “You should be fairly safe there. Uriel has the school locked down. Bastien will be teaching this year. And I’ll be around too.”
Her eyebrows dart up. “You will?”
“Yeah, I’m still working as Hilda’s assistant in Combat Training classes.”
“Really? I thought you were done with that and off to some big job in the angelic army. What does your mom think about this?”
I can’t hide a scowl. “She’s not thrilled.”
This is an understatement. Jophiel practically demanded I leave Angel Peak and follow in my father’s footsteps as a warrior. And it’s not like I don’t want that, but I have other things to do first. Like make sure Olivia is safe, find the Staff, and stop the Order. Mother doesn’t understand any of that. But then again, she hates demons as much as Azrael does.
“I bet.” Liv lets out a dramatic sigh. “And here I thought I’d finally be free of you.”
“Someone has to make sure you learn to defend yourself.”
“Tanwen’s been helping me a lot this winter.”
“Tanwen is good, sure. Hilda is better. I’m the best.”
“Angels and their damn pride,” Liv mutters, shaking her head.
“What are you doing out here anyway? You should be asleep.”
“You’re one to talk.” She shrugs and gazes up at the moon. “I needed some fresh air.”
I don’t blame her. “What did Azrael want?”
“I don’t know. He spoke to Gabriel alone. Dad wouldn’t tell us anything, but he seemed shaken by the meeting.” She blows out a long breath. “Go home, Callan.”
I grit my teeth, annoyed she won’t take this threat seriously. “I will when I’m sure you’re safe. For all I know, you’re sneaking out to see Kassiel tonight.”
Her face pales. “Have you been following me?”
“No, but it’s not hard to figure out,” I snarl. Just the thought of her sleeping with that Fallen makes my blood boil.
“I wouldn’t have to sneak around if you hadn’t betrayed him!”
“I didn’t betray him. I did what I thought was best for you and for the school. We can’t have the son of Lucifer teaching Angelic History, for fuck’s sake! And have you forgotten that Lucifer killed my father?” I let out a long breath and try to compose myself. “I know exposing the truth about Kassiel brought you pain. But it had to be done.”
She jumps to her feet and points at the road. “Leave. Now. And don’t come back.”
“I can’t. Hate me as much as you want, but I’m still going to protect you.”
“Go home!” With a huff, Olivia heads back into the house, slamming the door behind her.
“Not a chance,” I mutter. I’ll sit out here until I’m sure Azrael isn’t coming back. Maybe longer.
It’s the right thing to do.
Chapter Four
Olivia
After months of living with Jonah and Dad, it’s a relief to move back into my dorm at Seraphim Academy, and not just because it means I’ll see Araceli again—although that’s a big plus.
“Hey!” she calls as I open our dorm’s front door. “You’re finally here!”
I drop my bag and rush over to give her a hug. “I’m here!”
“Our final year, can you believe it?” she laughs and flips back her dark brown hair streaked with purple, a sign of her fae blood.
“Nope. The last two years have gone by so quickly, but also feel like an eternity. How’s that possible?”
Araceli crashes on the couch with a grin. “That’s just life, I guess. Whatever, we’re seniors now. We get to rule the school. Especially now that the Princes are gone.”
I sink into the couch beside her and prop my feet up on the coffee table. “Well, most of the Princes. My brother’s going to be here this year.”
Her voice softens. “How’s he doing after everything that happened?”
“I think he’s okay, but it’s hard to tell. He gets upset whenever we mention Grace, and he spends a lot of time by himself.” I shrug. “School will be a good distraction for him.”
Since Jonah missed two years of school, he couldn’t graduate with the other Princes. Uriel allowed him to test out of some of the second year classes and to double up on the other classes so that he can graduate with me this year. Jonah’s going to be extra busy with all those classes, but maybe it’ll keep him out of my hair a bit.
She nudges me. “And how are you doing? Glad to get out of that house?”
“You have no idea. At first it was great to spend so much time with Dad and Jonah, but I need my space too. My succubus side really likes her privacy.”
“I bet.” She gives me a knowing grin. “How’s it going with all your guys?”
“Things with Bastien and Marcus are good, and I see them multiple times a week. Jonah is grumpy about it, but he’s just going to have to get over it. I see Kassiel a lot less, maybe once a month, which sucks. He’s out there searching for the Staff and I worry about him. If only Callan hadn’t exposed his secret…”
“Callan’s such a dick.”
“He is.” I smirk and can’t resist adding, “He also has a very nice one.”
Araceli cackles and throws a pillow at me. “I’m sure you miss that about him.”
“Sometimes, yeah. But that’s all I miss.” I clutch the pillow to my chest and try to pretend I don’t care at all. “Besides, three guys is plenty.”
“I can’t believe you have three boyfriends. Lucky girl.”
“Ugh, ‘boyfriend’ sounds so juvenile.”
“Yeah, but lovers sound ridiculous too. Even Taylor Swift can’t make that one cool.”
“True. I’ll just call them my men.” I throw the pillow back at her. “What about you? It’s about time we got you a guy.”
She frowns and looks down at her lap. “Yeah, maybe.”
Uh oh. I probably shouldn’t have said that. It’s been almost two years since her boyfriend’s death at the hands of the Order, and maybe she’s still not ready. I just know how amazing she is and wish some great guy would see that too.
Time for a quick subject change. “Tell me all about your break. How are your parents?”
Araceli’s face cheers instantly. “They’re back together and seem happier, but it’s been slow progress. Dad still isn’t sure about having another kid with fae blood, and Mom isn’t sure she can forgive him for leaving. I’ve been trying to get them to make up all winter. It’s so obvious they love each other and won’t be happy with anyone else.”
“They’ll get there. They just need time.”
“Good thing angels have a lot of that,” Araceli says. “And fae too. Speaking of, Dad’s been teaching me some new tricks. Check this out.”
She holds up her hand and traces letters in the air. Flame bursts from her fingertips and s
pells out her name in fire. It hovers there for a second, and then she waves it away, making the flames vanish.
I clap my hands. “Impressive. You’ve improved so much.”
“Thanks. I’m hoping Eveanna can help me too. Even though I’m Summer Court and she’s Autumn, I think she can teach me some new tricks.”
“No doubt.” I glance at the clock and sit up quickly. “Shit, it’s almost time for Uriel’s annual orientation. We better get going.”
Araceli groans but stands up, and we head out the door a few minutes later. When we step into the elevator, we run into my brother and squeeze in beside him.
“Hey.” He shoves his hands in his jeans and grins at us. “All moved in?”
“Yep,” I say. “How about you?”
“Yeah, although it’s weird being back there. They kept my dorm room the same the last two years, so some of my stuff was already there. Now Marcus has graduated, and they didn’t want to give me a first year roommate, so I have the place to myself.”
“That sounds lonely,” Araceli says, her eyes sympathetic. “You can come to our dorm anytime you want to hang out.”
“Thanks,” he says, and the two of them smile at each other.
We head across the lawn toward the auditorium, and Tanwen catches up with us. “Hey. Any new leads on the Staff?”
“Nothing,” Jonah says.
“Damn.” She tugs on her straw-colored ponytail. “Don’t worry. Grace won’t be able to hide forever. We’ll find her soon, and the Staff too.”
“I hope so,” I say. It’s weird having Tanwen walk with us and not with her usual group of Valkyries, but we’ve grown close over the break during the endless hours we spent sparring together. Plus she helped us stop the Order last year. She’s one of us now.
As we walk across campus, I soak up the sunlight and marvel at how things have changed over the last two years, while trying to imagine what things will be like when this year is over. I came here on a mission to find my brother, but now it feels like my second home. I’ll be a sad to leave when we graduate.
Seraphim Academy 3: Fallen Kings Page 2