That sends a chill up my spine. If I’d been even a minute later, things would be very different. If Lucifer had claimed her… I shake my head against that thought. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“It definitely was.”
A lock of her hair has fallen forward, obscuring my view of her loveliness, and before I can stop myself, I brush the stray strands aside and tuck them behind her ear. “This can never work.”
Her expression falters, but she nods. “I know. Choosing the greater good is always a sacrifice.”
I drag a hand through my hair. “Why would Michael send me to do this if he knew?” I direct the question to myself more than to her.
“Michael?”
“My brother. He showed you to me, told me to go to you and bring you to the coven. He even said Gwen shared a vision with him about me.”
“Gwen has visions?”
“She does. Sariel gave her the gift of foresight before the fall. It was his payment for the spell the three of them gave him.”
“What did she see?”
Now I want to kick myself for choosing to do this without learning my fate. “I don’t know. I opted to learn my future as I lived it.”
“Do you think it had something to do with us?”
“It’s probable. But what I don’t understand is why Michael would be fine with putting us together if he knew my future.”
“He must see that you do the right thing in the end.”
Anxiety claws at my chest, a beast of unfamiliar feeling. “And what is that?”
She shrugs. “I can’t tell you what is right or wrong. All I know is how I feel.”
“And how do you feel, Ruby?”
“I don’t want to tell you. My feelings shouldn’t color your choice.”
That’s ridiculous. She’s the other half of this…connection. Every moment I spend in her company tells me with more certainty that she’s my soul mate. Michael put me with her for that very reason, but which choice is the right one?
Staring at her now, lips swollen from my kiss, eyes wide and open to her soul, I know what my choice has to be. I take her face between my palms and lock eyes with her.
“I want you. I want to know you in every way. I want to feel our souls joined and know the beat of your heart is linked with mine.”
“I want you too, Gabriel. So badly it hurts to think of being separated.” She opens the towel and bares her gorgeous body to me. It’s so different to see her like this, offering herself.
I crush my lips to hers and claim her mouth again, needing to take in as much of this as possible because the consequences of keeping her for myself will be dire. My life will change irrevocably. For her, I will fall.
I expect the earth to shake, my wings to be ripped from me, something monumental and foreboding to happen, but nothing comes. The sky doesn’t come crashing to the ground, lightning doesn’t strike me down, and I wonder if my Father has changed his mind. Do the angels have to fall if they want their soul mates?
I press her back onto the bed and stand, staring at the one woman meant for me. “You are my Father’s greatest gift to me. You have to be. That’s the only explanation for what is happening between us. I can’t believe He would send me to you, knowing our souls are linked, and expect me to…pass you over.”
She blinks those deep brown eyes at me and her brow furrows. “You really think I’m your soul mate?” When I don’t answer, she sits up and pulls the towel over her body. “Gabriel?”
I drag my fingers through my hair and fight the urge to push her back on the bed and show her the truth. That she’s mine. “I know you are. I knew it when Michael showed you to me. I knew it when I put your soul back into your body. And I know it now. I just don’t know where we go from here.”
Ruby purses her lips and sighs before standing. She pulls the towel tighter and walks into the bathroom.
“Where are you going?” I ask, not sure how to handle this.
When she returns, she’s wearing a robe, tied at the waist and covering her from neck to ankles. “I’m not going to let you make this choice. I can see exactly who you are, and it’s not the selfish man who will choose what he wants over what God needs.”
She rubs her hands over her arms, shivering. “Are you cold?” I ask, crossing the room and pulling her against me without thought.
She nods but pulls herself out of my embrace. “I’m just going to go to bed. Maybe by morning we’ll have a way out of here, and you can take me to my coven.”
I watch her pull back the covers and burrow under the blankets. What I want more than anything is to join her, to be the man who warms her and makes her feel safe. Instead, I nod and walk away. It goes against everything in me to leave her there, but she’s right. I am not the selfish man. I am an archangel. I won’t let her or my Father down.
Chapter 5
Ruby
Gabriel is the first thing on my mind when I wake. There’s a fire in the hearth, and I expect to see him sitting in the corner, reading or doing whatever it is that angels do while the humans sleep. But he’s not there. My heart sinks, but I know it’s the right thing. We need to put space between us.
My clothes are folded neatly and sitting on the end of the bed. I smile. At least he was thinking of me. After dressing, I head down the stairs and make my way to the kitchen. I’m hungry and I need coffee…or at least some tea. But as I pass the room we spent so much time in last night, I hear his rich baritone, and I can’t help but stop and listen.
“I need guidance. I’m losing my grasp on what’s right. Please show me where to go.”
My heart clenches at the desperation in his voice, and I realize, he’s not talking to another person. He’s praying.
I walk as silently as possible, not wanting to disturb him. He’s struggling, and so am I, but maybe we can move beyond the lust. Maybe we can build a friendship that keeps us together without the need for him to give up everything else.
From the window in the kitchen, I can see the snow is still falling. The world outside is a white winter wonderland, and it would be beautiful if we didn’t have Lucifer to worry about. But right now, I’m safe. Gabriel won’t let anything happen to me.
I search the cupboards and begin pulling out all the necessary ingredients for French toast. It is Christmas morning after all. I’m not going to waste Christmas in a Scottish castle just because I’m a witch, and Lucifer is trying to steal my power.
I hum my favorite Christmas carol until I can’t contain myself and start singing “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” as I whisk the eggs and milk together with cinnamon and vanilla.
“You know, most of us don’t really sing.” Gabriel’s voice sends shivers down my spine.
“Yet another thing my priest neglected to tell me.”
He chuckles, his presence calming me and making me ache all at once. “What are you doing?”
“Making Christmas breakfast.” I look up from my bowl and my heart flips at the soft smile on his face.
“Merry Christmas, Ruby.” He holds out a small package tied with a emerald green ribbon.
“How did you get me a present? Did you steal something from this castle?”
His eyes go serious, and he shakes his head. “No. But I did make it for you.”
I unwrap the gift and open the box, smiling when I see the small glowing jewel set into a ring. “How did you make this?”
He cocks an eyebrow. “Angel magic.”
I slide the ring on the middle finger of my right hand and stare down at the beautiful stone. It moves and shines as though it’s alive. “I’ve never seen a stone like this before.”
“It’s not a stone. It’s a small bit of my grace. This way, no matter where we are, part of me will always be with you.”
Tears prick at my eyes, and I have to take a deep breath to steady myself. “Well, I got you French toast with a side of temptation.” Then my eyes widen. “Do angels even eat?”
He smiles. “We can. We don’
t have to.” Then he grabs the loaf of bread and pulls a knife off the magnetic mount on the wall. “I’ll slice, you cook?”
I nod. “Sounds good to me.”
We work side-by-side, his big body such a contrast to my small frame. Occasionally his elbow brushes mine, and I wonder what life would’ve been like if our situation was different. Would we be married? Have children? Or, would we never have found each other?
“I heard you,” I blurt, not able to keep my eavesdropping secret from him.
“I know.”
“What?”
“Angel. I heard you coming down the stairs. I don’t need to keep my prayers secret. That’s why I spoke them aloud.”
“Did you get an answer?”
He shakes his head and sighs. “I don’t think He is going to answer me. But, the good news is, my power is fully restored, and that means I can get us out of here as soon as you’re ready to go. We can deliver you unto your coven.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever be ready if it means I won’t be able to be with you.”
A tear escapes and trails down my cheek, but Gabriel wipes it away with his thumb. “None of that. Besides, once you recover your magic and your memories, you’ll probably come to realize you don’t even like me.”
I laugh. “That’s not likely. Even when I try to distance myself, I think about you.”
Placing the egg-soaked bread slices on the large griddle, I watch them cook and try to keep from touching Gabriel. But he looks like a rock star in his leather pants and tight white T-shirt. A far cry from the unassuming, but still gorgeous, man in jeans and flannel from last night.
“You look dangerous,” I murmur.
“What was that?”
“You look like every daddy’s nightmare. Leather and sex. Is that how you normally appear to deliver your heavenly messages?”
He glances down his long frame. “Yes.”
“It’s not exactly the angel costume we’ve all come to expect.”
“Oh, you mean the bedsheet toga, sandals, and harp?” He rolls his eyes.
“Exactly. Does anyone ever believe your messages?”
“They do when I show them these.” A golden glow builds around him and brilliant white wings spread from behind his back.
I swear to God, I nearly swoon, but not from the wings. It’s the sight of him in his true form. He’s fucking magnificent.
The scent of burned bread fills the air, and I curse as I rush over save what I can of our meal. Damn. Using my fingers, I gingerly place the hot bread on a plate, but burn myself in the process. “Ouch, that’s hot!”
Gabriel is there, his hands wrapping around mine, lips on my stinging fingertips before I can stop him. The burning instantly stops and before my eyes, my fingers heal. “There. All better. Don’t tell anyone I kissed you again.”
I shake my head and glance down at the burned breakfast. “I ruined our meal.”
“I’m not hungry. I need something different before I lose you.”
My nipples tighten and ache for his touch. “What is that?”
“I need one time. Just one to get me past this incredible pain of wanting you.”
“You want to work me out of your system?”
He nods, eyes darkened with need. “Exactly.”
“Won’t you lose your wings?”
“It’s a risk.”
“But is it one you’re willing to take?”
A slight grin turns up his mouth. “It is.” Then he drops his lips to mine, and I lose all hold on my control. Who am I to deny the messenger of God?
Chapter 6
Gabriel
I knew I wouldn’t make it much longer. I should’ve told Ruby we were leaving, that I was taking her to her coven and to abandon the breakfast. But I couldn’t let her go. I owe my brothers an apology for every moment I chastised them over their love of their humans.
“Gabriel, I—” she starts, but I silence her with a fierce kiss.
I pour every ounce of truth into her with that melding of our lips. She has to understand my need for her. I’ll go mad with wanting if I don’t sate my desire at least once. Then I’ll be no good to anyone. I’ll become obsessed and fall anyway in search of her acceptance.
My fingers thread in her hair, the scent of her arousal driving me crazy. She’s fully clothed, and yet I know I’ll find her wet and wanting. I slide my hands down her neck and shoulders, moving slowly until I find her waist. Lifting her, I settle her on the counter and fit my hips between her thighs. My body is on fire for her. Hard and straining, my length is practically begging for her touch.
I break our kiss, but only so I can trail lighter kisses down her throat. I’m done being hesitant and fearful. I need her. My breaths are harsh, the taste of her skin like a drug addling my brain.
“Wait,” she whispers. “Think about this. Think about the consequences of our actions. It’s not just you and me and this one moment. If we do this, if you risk losing your wings, what will that do to the fight for good over evil?”
I rest my forehead on her shoulder and take a long, shuddering breath. She’s right. But my chest is tight with the need to take her as mine, to join our hearts, to ensure we won’t be parted. I won’t be sated after having her. I’ll want more of her—forever.
“I can’t let you go,” I murmur into her soft hair.
“You have to.” I pull her tight and want to give in to my selfish desire. “Take me to my coven. I’ll wait for you to come back to me. You said it yourself. You gave me a piece of your grace. We’re connected. You’ll always be able to find me.”
I will. I will know where she is as long as she’s got my ring. No matter what magic might be in play, what forces try to take her. Ruby is mine, and I will always protect her. The best way for me to do that is to be at full strength, not as a fallen angel, but as the archangel I am.
Pulling every ounce of power I have into my center, I open my wings and wrap them around both of us as golden light fills the room. The world around us swirls, and my heart breaks as I deliver Ruby to the coven of witches who will bring her back to her true self.
“What the bloody hell are you doing here, Gabriel?” The witch Helena stares at me, eyes narrowed, hands on her hips. “We didn’t call you.”
My wings open and reveal Ruby. “I’ve been sent to return the fourth member of your coven.”
“Fourth? We don’t have a fourth.”
Ruby stays silent, but I can feel the nervous energy rolling off her. “You do. Trust me, Helena. You know as well as I, curses work in nefarious ways. She’s been under one that hides her from us and herself. Unlocking her power will change everything about your coven for the better.”
Ruby laces our fingers together, and Helena’s shoulders stiffen.
“Gabriel?” she asks, her gaze never leaving our joined hands.
“She’s mine,” I say, the tone of my voice harsh and possessive.
“Oh…well…I didn’t expect…” It’s rare to see Helena flustered, but her cheeks are pink, and I can tell she wants to ask questions.
“I’m Ruby.” Ruby holds out her free hand, nerves getting the better of her and making her shake slightly.
Helena nods but doesn’t take her hand. “I’m Helena. I suppose you’d better come along with me.”
Ruby walks toward her sister witch, but I stay put, not letting her move me from my spot even though it hurts to know I’ll be separated from her.
“Gabriel?” she asks.
I shake my head. “No, my beautiful witch. I can’t come with you.”
“Please don’t leave me yet. I don’t know her.”
Helena watches us with a curious pain in her eyes. I lock gazes with the woman. “Lucifer is after her. Keep her safe. I may not be able to love her as I would like, but there will be hell to pay if anything happens to her.”
She nods, and I pull my hand free of Ruby’s grasp. I’ve done the right thing. I’ve given her up for the greater good. But I’m broken all the s
ame. Closing my eyes against the burn of emotion coursing through me, I extend my wings and fly away as fast and hard as I can.
I don’t stop until I’ve reached the top of Arthur’s Seat in Edinburg. The snow is lighter here, only a faint trace, and I stand still as a statue and watch the city for hours until the sun begins to set, and lights blink on in homes and businesses. Christmas is almost over; the people of the world will return to their regular lives.
I reach into the pocket of my jacket and pull out the paperback Ruby and I had shared. I stare down at the two people on the cover, angry that they get to love one another while I have to live on without my soul mate.
The air behind me shifts, and I immediately recognize Michael’s presence. The commander of our Father’s army demands attention without uttering a single word.
“Brother,” I mutter.
“Gabriel,” he says, sadness in that one word.
I turn on him, hurt burning in my blood. “Why would you send me to her if you knew?”
“Because I also knew you’d make the right choice.”
“I am lost. I almost fell.”
“You chose not to.”
“Because she wouldn’t let me.”
I sink to the ground and stare out at the darkened streets of Edinburg. My brother joins me. “Have faith, brother. It can’t happen now, but I promise, she will be yours.”
Hope takes hold, and I bring my gaze to his. “What are you saying?”
“Our Father hasn’t let your strength and devotion go unnoticed, Gabriel. Ruby has a path to walk before she’s ready, but soon the two of you will be reunited.”
“Will I have to lose my wings?”
He shakes his head. “Not unless you choose to give them up and live as a human.”
I clench my hands, balling them into fists as I fight the urge to go back to her right now. No. Now isn’t the time. I’ll know when she’s ready. I’ll know, and I’ll make her mine.
The End
About Kim Loraine
Such Violent Delights: A Holiday Paranormal Romance Anthology Page 38