Fate's Consort

by Elysabeth Grace

  As the angels and humans headed into the elevator, Analise could feel Richard and Tess’s questions metaphorically burning a hole in her back.

  I don’t suppose you’d consider a lecture in ceremonial practices? There’s seems to be some similarity between what your archangels and the warriors do.

  Lucifer rubbed his fingers along her arm. Nope, they’re yours. You’re on your own, Empress.

  Deep-throated angelic laughter echoed in her mind. Her glower swept the archangels in the elevator. The doors opened and everyone trooped out. Analise speared the angels with a look. “None of you are safe from retribution, Angel boys.”

  Chapter 26

  Analise walked into the living room and immediately froze. Lucifer came up behind her. Please tell me I’m not seeing your mum and dad, Seraphim.

  Unfortunately, I cannot, Consort.

  Um Lucifer, don’t angels usually wear some clothing when visiting humans?

  As soon as the thought crossed her mind, the pair in question were fully clothed. The male stared at her, his unsmiling face haughty. Clear, turquoise eyes swept her from head to toe with an assessing look that seemed, to Analise’s mind, find her sadly unworthy of his son. The woman standing next to the Seraphim examined her just as thoroughly. There was a difference, however, in the way she studied her. Tenderness gentled the woman’s cobalt eyes when she glanced at Lucifer. When the woman’s gaze returned to Analise, a faint smile hovered on her mouth.

  Okay, time to meet the parents.

  Analise watched the archangels greet the couple. Lucifer’s guardians dropped to one knee, heads bowed, and right fist pressed against their hearts. Angelic swords were visible in halters strapped across suddenly naked backs. They remained in the position for fifteen seconds then rose as a unit.

  “Sire. Consort,” Lucifer said, inclining his head as he walked to his parents. “We expected you later today.”

  “Your mother was rather eager to see you,” his father stated. He stepped past his son to stroll up to Analise and his gaze raked her before he said, “Who is your Consort, Lucifer?”

  “Analise Saria Willoughby, Sire.” Lucifer returned to her side. He touched her hand. “Consort, this is Ser. First Seraphim of the Hierarchy and my father.”

  He drew her to where his mother remained standing. “Consort, Analise Saria Willoughby. Consort, this is Rapha, my mother and keeper of the archives.”

  While Lucifer performed the introductions, Analise licked the right corner of her bottom lip. When he finished, she glanced between the two angels and spoke the first word to enter her mind. “Coffee?”

  A soft titter rippled behind her before it erupted into a chorus of male laughter. She whirled about and glared at Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Richard. “I’m already on edge, Angel boys and human Neanderthal who works for me. I’ve got one nerve left.”

  She turned back to Lucifer’s parents. “Sorry, it’s been a month. Let me try this again. Is there anything I can get either of you?”

  Ser’s face remained impassively immobile. Rapha struggled to hide her amusement. She reached for Analise’s hand. “I have not tasted coffee but I’m willing to try.”

  “Joining us, Tess?”

  Tess glared at her husband before she answered. “Of course.”

  The three women left the living room and went into the kitchen. Within minutes, laughter floated out.

  Seraphim, your mother, Tess, and I will be in my office. No Seraphim or archangels or Richards allowed.

  My mother is a Seraphim, Consort.

  No male ones then.

  ***

  It is time to leave, Consort.

  “Go ahead,” Analise said. “I’m not ready. Who’s my driver?”

  Will. What is keeping you? We are to meet with the mayor before the ceremony.

  “Hey, this is my day. The mayor and everybody else can wait for me.”

  What is wrong, Analise Saria?

  Analise flashed an apologetic look at Lucifer’s mother. Since his parents arrived, her usual reserve was nonexistent and she was finding it difficult to shield her thoughts.

  Lucifer’s mother gave her a sympathetic smile. “Go ahead, son. I will escort your Consort. Inform your father and the mayor we will arrive shortly.”

  “Yes, Mother.”

  Analise looked at Rapha with increased respect. “I need you to teach me that trick. I usually get an argument or silence, and he does whatever he wants.”

  Rapha reached up to stroke Analise’s cheek. “It’s all in the voice, Consort. As you will learn when you have children.”

  “We should go before his Bossiness teleports us and spoils our entrance.”

  There is a punishment for insolence, Consort.

  “I’m so scared, Dream Candy,” she retorted as she left the bedroom.

  Rapha gave Analise a puzzled look. “Dream Candy?”

  Lucifer’s warning flitted across her mind. She mentally stuck her tongue out at him. “So don’t care, Seraphim.”

  Her arms linked with Tess and Rapha’s, Analise said, “I’ll explain on our way to the car.”

  Will stood beside the car, the door open, as Analise, Rapha, and Tess exited the building. Two angels hovered above the car. Analise wondered if Lucifer was expecting trouble. Since his parents’ arrival, the days had passed in relative quiet. No Satan. No drama.

  As they approached the car, Will bowed to Rapha then to Analise. “Consort. Consort.” He then looked at Tess and inclined his head. “Dr. Huston.”

  “Good afternoon, Saraquel,” Rapha said before entering the car.

  Analise and Tess settled themselves beside her. Analise leaned back against the seat. “Is it always like this? The formality is a bit nerve-wracking.”

  “You will become accustomed to it when you visit our home, Analise Saria,” Rapha said, reaching for her hand.

  Analise loved that Lucifer’s mother had adopted her son’s habit of using her full name, which created a bond she hadn’t expected. Rapha’s love of Jamaican Blue Mountain didn’t hurt either.

  “In the privacy of our homes we are more informal, although when Ser forgets I’m a member of the Hierarchy and his life mate, I occasionally must teach him a lesson,” Rapha continued. “He can be old-fashioned, obstinate and—”

  “Bossy.”

  Rapha glanced between Analise and Tess as the pair broken into laughter then smiled her understanding. “Yes, very bossy.”

  The car turned into Presidio Park and headed north toward Fort Point. Built as a military fortification, yet never seeing a day of battle, the fort was a popular tourist spot nestled at the southern tip of the Golden Gate. It was also an ideal, strategic choice for the bonding ceremony. The fort’s limited space, its proximity to the Golden Gate, and the combined angelic and human security forces, meant Fort Point was nearly impregnable. Any threat would come on angelic wings.

  “Is the courtyard fully secure, Saraquel?” Rapha asked.

  “Yes, Consort. The alcoves provide excellent views and will not impair launch. Our warriors stand ready for any eventuality given the recent attempts to kidnap the Seraphim’s Consort. The only problem we might face will come from the Consort herself. She has, occasionally, done what’s called a runner.”

  Rapha glanced at Analise. “A runner?”

  “You used to be my favorite, Will, but not anymore,” Analise grumbled before she explained his joke to Rapha. “A runner is someone who abruptly leaves or flees an uncomfortable situation. The term also refers to a person who has committed a crime or something illegal.”

  “I assume the first explanation is what Saraquel refers to since I cannot imagine you would engage in a criminal act,” Rapha said.

  “It does.” She glared at Will. “You can blame your boss.”

  “Gabriel thinks we should rename you Frodo,” he stated breezily.

  Silence blanketed the car’s back seat as Will turned onto the paved road leading into the fort. Analise’s breath hung in her throa
t at the spectacle before her. Angels lined both sides of the drive leading into the fort. Sunlight framed the rows, illuminating the tiniest distinction in the color in their wings. The range was startling. She suspected there wasn’t a name for some colors.

  She heard Tess’s soft inhalation, knowing what provoked it. The angels were bare-chested, sword halters strapped across muscled shoulders and backs. The halters’ insignias varied in design and color. As a courtesy to human sensibilities, the angels wore pants or jeans despite their preference for nudity.

  “Impressive aren’t they?” she whispered to Tess. “Angels usually don’t wear any clothing.”

  “No lie there,” Tess murmured. “What?” Her head whipped in Analise’s direction. “None?”

  Analise stared back at her friend. “None.“

  “Damn, and they’re hot with pants on. Just imagine. . .Think I can get Richard to do whatever training they do?”

  Analise raised an eyebrow and they both started laughing.

  You know I share your thoughts, Analise Saria.

  Another reason for you to adhere to rule number one, Seraphim.

  The angels stationed along the road saluted the car as it passed.

  “They are breathtaking,” Tess breathed. “No wonder we’re so enamored.”

  “They are here to greet their Sire’s Consort,” Rapha explained. “These are my son’s warriors. Study the tips of their wings carefully. The colored edges identify our lineage.”

  The car stopped. Will got out to open the door for Rapha. After her exit, he offered his hand to Analise. When Tess stood beside them, Will beckoned to an angel who trotted over to take the car keys.

  Six angels walked up to form an impenetrable ring around Rapha, Analise, and Tess. Rapha inclined her head while Analise and Tess peeked at the angels’ wings. Turquoise striated the pristine whiteness of the feathers.

  “These are Ser’s personal guardians. My Consort is flexing his. . .how do you humans say it?”

  “His muscles. You mean he’s showing off,” Tess offered.

  “Thank you, Tess. Ser is showing off. By tradition, the only guard to escort a female Consort belongs to her family or her bond mate. Those angels there should be Analise Saria’s escort,” Rapha said and tilted her head toward a group of approaching angels.

  “Those are my son’s escorts. Both Ser and Lucifer’s warriors have identical insignias on their halters. The only way to distinguish them is to note the colors of their feathers. My son’s guardians are also showing off. Males.”

  One of Lucifer’s angels flashed a quick grin and shrugged. Rapha glowered at him. “Do not bother, Amaser. You know Ser indulges your foolishness. Come, greet my son’s Consort and her friend Tess.”

  Amaser bowed. “Consort. Consort. Dr. Huston.”

  He stepped in front of Rapha. “Consort, your son and your life mate are impatient to conclude the bonding. Given the beauty of his bond mate, I understand Lucifer’s haste. If you will follow me, I will escort you to where they wait.”

  Rapha motioned for Analise and Tess to join her. It was just like a wedding procession, Analise discovered, as they walked beneath the archway. Except instead of the father of the bride walking her, Ser’s guard flanked her right side while Lucifer’s angels were on her left side. She knew the guards were as much about status as protection. Even so, trepidation crept down her spine. The past few days had been way too quiet. Too bad Fate hadn’t thought to give herself the ability to see into the future.

  As the group entered the courtyard, Analise overheard a television reporter excitedly describing her gown. Great. She was going to end up on every celebrity fashion news segment around the globe. The angels halted, their wings expanding to their full length. Whispered thoughts and the click of cameras became audible reactions to the sight. Abruptly, Ser’s angels took to the air amid the collective gasp of the humans in the courtyard.

  Angels really did like to show off.

  The mayor wishes to escort you to me, Consort.

  He’s a publicity hound, and that’s me being nice, Seraphim. I want Michael.

  Lucifer sent her a mental hug. Perhaps a compromise since we angels are seeking the goodwill of humans. Allow the mayor to escort you to Michael then it will be as you wish.

  Analise peeked at the mayor, despising the slick smile plastered on his face.

  This one time, Seraphim. And thanks for the hug.

  She pushed the corners of her mouth up and acknowledged the mayor’s greeting. When he dramatically placed her hand on his arm, she discretely peeked at Lucifer. You owe me so much, Dream Candy.

  A fleeting shadow flickered at the edge of her peripheral vision. Analise glanced to her left. All she saw were humans and angels before a sensation raced from her neck to her spine. Her cheetah growled and Analise felt the sudden weight of her sword against her back. She focused inward. Supernatural life threads twinkled into existence. Izem, are the warriors present?

  Yes, Tamahaq. Shifters have also come to offer their allegiance. Are you concerned?

  Does my Consort know?

  He is aware of the warriors. I do not think he knows of the shifters. I have only discovered them. They are here because you are Tamahaq.

  She relayed Izem’s words to Lucifer, knowing he would reassure the angels. Analise wasn’t sure the shifters caused her unease but, until something happened, there was no use inviting trouble.

  I’m seriously not liking all this, Dream Candy. I didn’t even attend my graduation ceremonies. I’d do a run but I like your mum, and she’s already lost several pairs of panties since meeting me.

  The corner of Lucifer’s mouth twitched before his gaze whipped to his mother’s confused facial expression. Analise glanced at Rapha. Damn. These leaks were becoming a problem.

  Analise’s gaze returned to Lucifer who struggled to maintain an impassive face. Finally, he sent his mother a telepathic message. I will leave my Consort to explain her words, Mother.

  Analise and the mayor reached Michael. The mayor planted a ceremonial kiss on each of her cheeks before he went to his seat. Ser approached Rapha and offered her his forearm, escorting her to where their eldest son stood. They moved to Lucifer’s right side while Gabriel and Raphael flanked him on the left.

  It is time, Analise Saria.

  She took a deep breath and slowly released it before placing her right hand on Michael’s left arm. They walked the short distance to Lucifer, stopping about four feet from him. Michael dropped to one knee, lowered his chin, and his fist tapped his chest. Analise’s eyes met Lucifer’s gaze and held it for several long seconds before she slowly bowed her head. She waited until Michael rose to his feet. In an uncharacteristic gesture, he kissed her forehead.

  “I have guarded you since your adoptive parents’ death, Empress,” Michael said. “I regret not being there to protect them. I have shared your life and your sadness. Now I share your happiness. Thank you.”

  She looked up at him. Her eyes became teary. “I love you, Marcus.”

  “I told you, Marcus is my uncle,” he growled affectionately. He tilted his head toward a taciturn angel standing behind Ser. “Uncle Marcus.”

  Analise contained her amusement as her best friend joined Gabriel and Raphael. Her eyes met Lucifer’s gaze and she blushed as his dark blue eyes slowly took in every detail of her dress. It was her mother’s wedding gown. She retrieved it from AnthroGen’s hidden vault the day Lucifer agreed to become Fate’s Consort.

  The gown and color become you, Consort. Your beauty outshines any I have seen. I am pleased you honor your mother’s people. I also cannot wait to remove it from your body.

  Her cheeks flushed as Lucifer took her hand then turned to face his father and mother. He drew her down beside him as he kneeled. This is the moment where you must present a humble face to Ser and Rapha.

  Why?

  Ser has the power to approve or prohibit an angel’s bond with another. He is here to make certain a Seraphim’s Consort is wo
rthy. Should he decide not to sanction our bond, this ceremony is over.

  Now you tell me. Analise flashed Lucifer a quelling look. You mean I could have acted out royally and your dad would have canceled the wedding? You will pay.

  She glanced up when several sniggers floated down. Ser’s eyes were on her, and Analise swore she saw laughter in the turquoise irises. His expression, however, remained grave and forbidding.

  She inhaled and released the air. Okay, Seraphim, what do I have to do?

  Genuflect.

  At her glare, Lucifer shrugged. My sire will ask about your lineage. He will also wish to examine your thoughts. It is your decision to reveal as much or as little as you like, Analise Saria.

  Ser’s voice brought all conversation to an abrupt halt. The quiet was oddly comforting to Analise.

  “My son wishes to take you as his Consort. Who are you?”

  Lifting her head, Analise gazed into his eyes. “Analise Saria Willoughby, daughter to Kella, daughter to Asiya, daughter to Amina, daughter to Dassin, daughter to Anne, daughter to Elizabeth, granddaughter to Amina who was daughter to the fourth Saria born. I am Tamahaq, a descendant of Lilith.”

  Ser didn’t hide his surprise and Analise kept her satisfaction from her face. One for me, father of Lucifer with no surname.

  Rapha sent her a quick thought. Well done, Analise Saria.

  “Analise Saria. Will you permit an examination to judge your worthiness to become the Seraphim’s Consort?”

  Analise closed her eyes and weighed the significance of Ser’s question. Lucifer said it was up to her how much she wanted to reveal. Fate had created layers of mental safeguards to protect herself. Now, it was time to assume her role in angelic history.

  “I will.”

  Lucifer’s fingers held hers firmly. She tilted her head and smiled at him. It is time, Consort.

  She created a mental door for Ser. You may enter, father of Lucifer without a surname.

  Lucifer’s silent laughter faded as his father’s life thread materialize inside her mind. Like all angelic life threads, it was strikingly beautiful. Turquoise was the predominant color, although not the only one. Silver, emerald green, and dark red interlaced with the vibrant blue-green. As the thread reformed into a semblance of Ser, she noted the latent power thrumming inside the thread.