Fate's Consort

by Elysabeth Grace

  “Richard? What’s wrong?”

  “The lab’s gone, destroyed. An explosion.” He inhaled to steady his nerves. “No major injuries, mostly cuts and bruises although Amy’s in the hospital, she fell and hit her head. Paramedics said she’ll probably have a mild concussion but wanted her checked. Lise, the entire building is nothing but melted iron and stone.”

  He heard Analise’s gasp then a deep male voice ask what was wrong. A slow grin creased Richard’s face. In the years he’d worked for Analise, no matter what time he called, he hadn’t heard a man’s voice in her apartment. His grin widen. The voice he heard sounded very possessive.

  Richard listened to her muffled words. He couldn’t wait to tell Tess and find out who this mysterious man was. He’d make Mark spill the beans. Anyway, excavation could wait until tomorrow, Richard decided, before clearing his throat.

  “I need to get home, Lise. Tess is probably frantic.”

  He heard Analise’s laugh before she said, “Tess is never frantic, Richard. Bossy, caring, fierce Black woman, never frantic. She is the calmest person I’ve ever met.”

  He chuckled. “I was trying to find a polite way to let you return to your evening. Everyone is safe. I’ll pick up Tess and head to the hospital to check on Amy. I’ll call you in the morning.”

  “Richard, we will rebuild. Keep everyone on payroll and tell them they’ve earned a much-needed vacation. I’ll be in Santa Cruz in the morning unless you need me tonight.”

  “There’s nothing you can do here tonight. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Richard hesitated for a moment. “Be safe, Analise. This blast wasn’t random.”

  “I will.”

  His cell phone went silent. He stared at it for a second before slipping it into his pocket and glancing up at the sky. Although the lab was within the city limits, there wasn’t much surrounding it except a natural preserve. The sky was eerily gray as a result of the fire but it shadowed something in flight. Richard blinked and tried to focus on whatever was in the air. It hovered for a few seconds then disappeared. A shiver went through him as he turned to go to his car. Two motorcycle police officers waved at him and he waved back. Once he reached the car, he fished inside his pocket for his keys.

  “Fuck.”

  They had been in the lab. Richard walked back to the officers who radioed for a university patrol car.

  ***

  Analise stood on the open patio leading into the AnthroGen lab. Her arms hugged her chest as if the extra weight could ease the ache in her soul. The blast had been thorough, nothing of the lab could be reclaimed. The burnt-out husk of Martine’s dream lay fractured before her, early morning sunlight glistening on a twisted collage of steel, cement, and glass. Her eyes searched the rubble for broken shards of glass, chunks of masonry, shattered metal, and charred wood. Nothing. Not even the steel casing of the bank of computers remained. Everything had fused into one horrific sculpture, yet from the violent act something eerily beautiful emerged in the way the molecules had disintegrated and reformed.

  Analise’s anger lessened. It was a dream not destroyed but deferred.

  “The one trait that distinguishes humans from angels, Consort.”

  She turned her head and peered at Lucifer. “What?”

  “The ability to see beauty in destruction. To move beyond what is before your eyes and see other possibilities.”

  He wrapped his arms around her and she rested her head against his solid chest. “It serves to deflect the fury. To keep my rage at bay because there are more important things I need to do.”

  “Then to grieve your loss?”

  “Human lives are more important than this building,” she said. “The destruction traumatized my employees, even the ones who weren’t in the building last night. Half of my employees are students, struggling to pay for their education. Their jobs with AnthroGen made it easier.”

  Analise reluctantly eased herself from his arms. “I’ve scheduled a meeting in an hour.”

  “This is your family, Analise Saria. I will wait for you to finish. I’ve only seen Monterey Bay at night. I shall spend time near the hotel where we stayed.”

  She flashed him a quick smile. “You mean where you seduced me.”

  “If I do not mistake, it was you who took a shower and came out attired in little more than a shirt and a pair of thin trousers no angel would wear. I fought bravely but was no match for the cloth, nor the wet hair.”

  “The big bad angel defeated by a thin strip of cloth and black woman curls.” Analise brushed her lips against his chin. “Will you join me at Stagnaro’s? Richard and Tess will be there. I would like them to meet you.”

  “I am honored, Consort.”

  “You can’t use that word in front of my friends, Lucifer.”

  “Will beloved do? Or bride-to-be? Or life mate? Cutie pie? My Boo?”

  Analise pushed against his chest, a grin on her face. “Cutie pie? My Boo? Who’s teaching you this stuff? I don’t think so, Dream Candy.” He shrugged and she poked him. “How should I intro you to my friends? Luc or Lucifer?”

  “Lucifer. It is who I am. Do not worry. I will explain so the humans are not troubled or believe you are Consort to a fallen angel.”

  “I have not yet accepted the administrative position of Consort, Sire,” she said cheekily. “Until I do, you will refer to me as Ms. Drake, your sex instructor.”

  Lucifer’s laughter touched every part of her. It was a comforting, sensual feeling and she felt an urge to taste the mouth behind it.

  A dark shadow fell over them. Analise glanced at the sky, a smile forming on her lips. “I think it’s a California condor.”

  No, Consort. It is an angel, and not one of mine.

  A shudder went through her, and she stared for a long time at the receding shape. When it disappeared from view, she leaned against Lucifer. “We’re in trouble, aren’t we?”

  “No,” he said, his steely gaze dropping to her worried face. “The expelled are the ones in trouble.”

  Analise and Lucifer walked into Stagnaro’s restaurant and heads turned in their direction. The hostess scurried up to them, her hips swinging seductively, her eyes fixated on Lucifer. A quick scan of the room revealed the hostess was not the only one staring at him. Analise side-eyed Lucifer and admitted he was rocking the hell out of a black shirt and a pair of jeans. Her eyelashes lowered and she stared at his crotch, deciding to get him a pair of button-fly 501s.

  Cease, Analise. I refuse to meet your friends with an erection.

  She lifted her eyes to his face and grinned before she said to the hostess, “We’re meeting Richard Houston.”

  The hostess blinked and looked at Analise. “Yes.” She flashed Lucifer a flirtatious smile. “This way.”

  Stop it!

  Stop what?

  The charm show. Turn it off, or I’ll make you so hard you won’t be able to walk.

  Two can play this game, Analise Saria. Do you wish to try?

  Before she could reply, a sizzling line of heat raced down Analise’s belly to lodge dead center at the core of her sex. She pressed her thighs together to stem the tide of pleasure swirling inside her.

  She looked at him. You don’t play fair.

  Neither do you.

  The sensation ended as quickly as it came, leaving in its wake the promise of unfinished business. Analise sucked in air. She was fast becoming addicted to what he did to her body, even when they played.

  This addiction works both ways, Consort. We will continue our discussion later.

  “Lise.”

  Analise smiled at the woman who rose to embrace her. She briefly laid her head on Tess’ shoulder before kissing her cheek. “Hi, Tess, Richard. This is Lucifer.”

  The couple barely hid their shock, though the glance they exchanged was revealing.

  “My mother,” Lucifer said, an amused smile on his lips. “She claimed I brought light into her life. My twin wasn’t as fortunate. He changed his name when he became an adult. It is m
uch easier for me if you call me Luc.”

  Richard looked at Analise. “I like him for his name alone, though it must have been hell getting a driver’s license. Is his brother’s name Satan?”

  Tess thumped his arm. “Don’t be rude, Richard. Come sit down, and ignore the witless wonder I married, Luc.”

  Lucifer pulled out Analise’s chair, waited until she sat before he took his seat. His thigh brushed hers and she felt instant heat. She was about to say something when the server appeared. They handed Lucifer a menu. “I’m Terri. I’ll be your server. Is there anything I can get you? To drink.”

  You’re dead meat if you so much as smile.

  Jealous, Consort?

  “Water, please, Terri,” Lucifer said.

  “How do you and Analise know each other, Luc?” Richard asked once the server walked away after taking everyone’s order.

  Lucifer gazed at Richard. “Chaco Canyon, New Mexico. We have a mutual friend, Sani Hayoi, who introduced us.”

  “Are you living in New Mexico? What do you do, Luc?” Richard pressed.

  “Richard,” Tess snapped. “Give the man a few minutes to look at the menu before you start the inquisition.”

  “It’s fine, Tess,” Lucifer said. “I would be the same if some guy named Lucifer showed up with my employer and friend. My residence is in San Francisco, although I’ve spent time in New Mexico. So you know I’m not after Analise Saria’s trust fund, I own several companies, mostly high-tech, but I have investments in several biotech and environmental startups and construction firms.”

  Terri appeared with Lucifer’s water and took their food orders. They didn’t even flinch when Analise reminded them of the drink orders. The server dragged their gaze from Lucifer and nodded before leaving. Analise shook her head and looked at Richard.

  “Amy’s being released tomorrow. The doctors want to make sure there was nothing worse than a mild concussion. Evan says he’ll pick her up and nurse her back to health.”

  “It will make him happy,” Richard said. “Although, I’m not certain Amy is ready for lover boy’s care.”

  Tess laughed. “Don’t let her scatterbrain genius fool you. I think she can handle him.”

  Terri returned, set their orders on the table, and, with a wistful look at Lucifer, left them to their meal. Analise sent a playful huff to Lucifer’s mind. I will leave you home next time.

  They ate in silence for a couple of minutes before Analise set her fork on her plate. Turning to Richard, she said, “I want to get the lab back up as soon as possible. Mark has scheduled a meeting with an architect for tomorrow. After that meeting, we’ll set up appointments to interview local builders.”

  “May I recommend A. J. Barry?” Lucifer offered. When three pairs of eyes turned his way, he grinned. “I’ve used him on a few construction projects before. He’s thorough and does excellent work.”

  Full of surprises, Seraphim.

  “I’ve heard good things about Barry,” Richard offered. “He hires locally, especially those who need help or a second chance. I’ll give him a call tomorrow.”

  “What do you want to do in the meantime, Richard? Will the rebuilding hurt your research?”

  “Hell, yeah, it will hurt,” he said

  “Richard Houston.”

  “Sorry, Tess,” he said unapologetically and waited for Analise’s laughter to fade. “Lise, I think we found a possible explanation for the anomaly, but I need to make sure. I don’t want to get everybody’s hopes up since glitches can pop up all over the place. I really need to test my hypothesis.”

  “Do you want to use the lab in the city?”

  Richard’s eyes lit up. “Are you serious? I’d love to except your man Robbie gets weirded-out over strangers in his lab.”

  “Come on,” Analise laughed. “You’ve got Robert wrapped around your fingers. He’ll be thrilled to show you what he’s done with the lab. ‘Look Richard, state-of-the-art equipment, blah blah blah. New ice cream flavors, blah, blah, and blah’.”

  When everyone’s laughter faded, she looked at Tess. “Come up with Richard and we’ll go shopping.”

  “Oh no you don’t, Analise Drake,” Richard yelped. “The last time Tess went shopping with you the results of said shopping trip were. . .unexpected.”

  “And you adored each one,” Tess replied. “I’d love a shopping day, Lise.”

  “It’s settled,” Analise said. “You and Richard come up when you’re ready. Let me know how frequently you’ll need the lab, Richard, and I’ll arrange it.”

  “Are you a scientist, Tess?” Lucifer asked.

  She shook her head. “One in the house is bad enough. I’m an economist.”

  “Not much difference,” Richard mumbled.

  Tess glared at him. “Mostly political economics, but lately I’ve been doing a lot of consulting on environmental issues.”

  “Forcing me to spend lonely nights in my lab,” Richard whimpered, his eyes reminding Analise of a puppy in trouble.

  “Yeah right, Huston.”

  While Lucifer and Tess talked about her work, Richard turned to Analise.

  “I like him, even though he reminds me of Nathanson. Could be twins except for little differences like his eyes and hair, facial bone structure, and the scar. Luc seems down to earth, and he’s seriously into you.”

  Analise flushed. “What makes you think so?”

  Richard snorted. “He’s oblivious to the looks, winks, and smiles thrown his way.” He reached for her hand. “Give it a chance, Lise.”

  She opened her mouth and he shook his head. “Stop. You can give master classes in avoidance. Something about Luc tells me he might be good for you.”

  “I don’t know, Richard. There are things—”

  “Lise, at some point you need to stop making excuses and start living. If you’re waiting for an angel to fall at your feet, forget it. It won’t happen.”

  Analise struggled to maintain her composure.

  I did not fall at your feet, Analise Saria. Truthfully, you were at mine.

  “Thanks for the pep talk, Richard. Promise you and Tess will come to the city this week. We’ll have dinner and you can stay overnight. I’ll ask Mark to plan your visit.”

  Richard shook his head. “Ignore me if you want. Tell him to book us into the Francis Drake for Wednesday and Thursday and make sure Robbie knows I’m coming to visit.”

  Once they paid the bill, the couples walked out and onto the pier. Analise hugged Richard and Tess before allowing Lucifer to lead her toward the car. Lost in thought, she hadn’t noticed her fingers laced with his until he gently squeezed.

  “You are troubled, Consort. Did your meeting with your employees not go well?”

  “The meeting was fine,” she said, her voice stiff. “I don’t understand all of this. Am I a magnet for death? Is that why people I love or care about die or find their lives endangered? What have I done to cause this?”

  She started to pull her fingers from his but Lucifer held on tightly until they reached the car. He guided her inside. Once the door closed, he pulled her into his arms. She turned her face into his chest, letting him hold her when she could no longer stop her tears. Grief, so long suppressed, breached the distance she put between her emotions and herself. Lucifer’s fingers meshed in her hair, gently kneading, and she leaned into the calming effect. His fingers cupped her chin and lifted her head.

  “You have been through so much, Analise Saria.” His lips caressed hers. “Forgive me. I am the cause. You were born to be my Consort, my life mate. You will hold my heart and soul for all time and for this reason, my brother’s enmity. He will seek to destroy me through you.”

  Feathery strokes across Lucifer’s lips silenced him. “Well, I won’t let him,” Analise declared.

  She stared into tanzanite blue eyes. “Love me, Lucifer. Make me forget everything, at least for today.”

  “Will you come home with me, Analise Saria?”

  “I thought you’d never ask.
If I’m called Consort, what do I call you?

  “Sire,” he murmured near her ear. “Or master.”

  “Don’t think so, Dream Candy.”

  Chapter 19

  The elevator doors opened and Analise stepped into the foyer of Lucifer’s living room. Lucifer’s hand stroked the small of her back, encouraging her to move forward. She loved the feel of his living room. It was an open inviting space yet contemporary in its furnishings. Opaque windows filtered the sun’s light, creating shadows, which suddenly came to life.

  “I suppose there’s a reason for this gathering?”

  Brightness flooded the living room. Analise gasped when she saw several angels turn to face them. “Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.”

  Lucifer chuckled when each angel preened. “Enough. My Consort need not witness your peacock vanity.”

  Laughter flowed from a chair partially turned away from the entrance. Gabriel Angelis strolled into the brightness and Analise realized the light wasn’t artificial. It came from the angels themselves. Thinking of the wealth of information walking toward her, Analise wondered if the angels would provide DNA for Richard.

  Gabriel glanced at her before his gray eyes focused on Lucifer. “There has been a partially successful modification of a non-shifter female human into a shifter.”

  Analise took a step toward Gabriel, her hand instinctively brushing her right hip for her dagger. When had that gesture become instinct? Her eyes met Gabriel’s.

  “I’d say that’s impossible. However, since I’m standing in a room full angels, I won’t,” she said. “What I will say is the shifter code can’t be artificially introduced into a non-shifter. Transmission is ambiguous but always through the maternal line. It’s the only way a true shifter is born. Are you certain the subject wasn’t recessive?”

  “I’m certain the shifter is GMO.”

  “What fool would do such a thing?” she demanded angrily. “How did they get the genomic map? Shifters are wary of any medical personnel or researchers. Where is the lab?”