by Lynn Hagen
Olin shouted, and the smell of urine filled the room as he stared wide-eyed at Gavril. “What the hell are you?”
“I’m an angel with a broken halo, and you came to the wrong house.” Gavril grew taller, wider, and his inner light brightened the room.
You’re trying to change. Can you face Ari if you kill this puny human? Do you want to see the disappointment in your mate’s eyes? Do you want to go to the underworld and be taken away from him?
Gavril curled his hand around Olin’s throat and squeezed, lifting him off his feet. “I should rip your spine out and beat you with it,” he snarled. Fuck. Gavril really, really wanted to end this jerk. Nothing would bring him greater pleasure.
Instead of wiping Olin from existence, Gavril slapped his hand against Olin’s forehead. He erased all memory of Ari from Olin’s mind, and his existence as well.
Then he snapped his fingers, and Olin was gone, sent back to his shabby apartment to live out his miserable existence.
Being mated was making him soft.
“I’m impressed.”
Gavril snarled as he tucked his wings and retracted his fangs, shrinking to his normal size. “Just the person I didn’t want to see.”
He turned to face Panahasi.
The guy smirked. “But I thought you wanted me to place protective spells for you.”
Gavril didn’t bother asking how the demon leader knew this. The tall fucker was creepy on good days and downright frightening on bad ones.
Out of habit, Gavril conjured his bottle of whiskey and lit a cigarette. He dropped onto the sofa and exhaled a plume of smoke. “So get on with it.”
Panahasi’s features darkened. “I’ve tolerated a lot of shit from you because of what you’ve suffered through, but my patience is wearing thin. Keep pushing your luck and I’ll erase your mouth.”
Gavril knew when to push and when to back down. Panahasi was one scary motherfucker when pissed. He was Life, but Gavril had a feeling the guy would wipe him away if he kept popping off to him.
He simply nodded.
Panahasi looked appeased. “As I was saying, you handled the situation better than I thought you would.”
“You still spying on me?”
Just then Ari came storming into the room with Rocky at his heels. His mate looked livid. Gavril winced. He’d completely forgotten he’d banished Ari to the bedroom.
“No smoking in my house,” he snapped as his gaze fell to the bottle in Gavril’s hand. “And no drinking.”
Panahasi smirked as the bottle and cigarette vanished. Ari turned and stared wide-eyed at Panahasi. “Are you friend or foe?”
“Friend,” Panahasi said.
“Foe,” Gavril said.
Ari looked between them. “Which is it?”
“Panahasi is an annoying friend,” Gavril groused. “He’s here to put protection spells on your house and the clinic.”
“Really?” Ari’s brows hiked higher. “You can do that?”
Panahasi winked at Ari. “I got some skills.”
Gavril grunted at the understatement of the century. The man had more skills than there were specks of sand on earth.
Ari crinkled his nose then looked at Gavril. “Make that smoke smell disappear while I make our guest some tea.”
As soon as Ari was gone, Panahasi said, “I like him.”
The demon leader closed his eyes and moved his lips, extending his arms. Gavril felt power flow through the house. The hairs along his body stood on end. Even Ari returned, his brows furrowed as he rubbed his arms.
Ancient script appeared in the air like holograms, red and burning bright before the symbols faded then vanished.
Panahasi opened his eyes. “I need to get home. Drake and Casey are taking me to the movies. If I’m not there, they’ll argue until they’re kicked out of the theater.”
Panahasi vanished.
“I guess he didn’t want any tea,” Ari said.
Gavril smiled, got up, and curled his arms around his mate.
Ari glanced up at him. “Did you kill Olin?”
Pressing a kiss to Ari’s temple, Gavril said, “No. I just wiped you from his memory. The shit I do to keep on your good side.”
Ari beamed at him, and that goofy damn smile made Gavril’s stomach do funny flips. “Let’s go have some tea.” He elbowed Gavril. “Don’t you ever send me to my room again.”
Gavril grinned. “No promises.”
Chapter Seven
“So glad to have you here.” Rudy took Ari’s coat and hung it up in the coat closet. That made Gavril wish he’d worn one so he felt a part of this simple ritual.
Rudy looked him over. “Glad to see you’re dressed and not drinking.”
“Could you have delivered that insult any politer?” Gavril watched Ari wipe his feet at the door, so Gavril did the same. He was trying his damnedest to be normal, to experience this giving thanks holiday through Ari’s eyes and excitement. Gavril didn’t see the big deal in it, but Ari had been thrilled all day, talking about how much he would eat and how nice it had been to be invited over. He’d also called Moose and told him he had other plans.
“You guys can settle in the living room. The turkey is almost out of the oven.”
“It smells so wonderful in here.” Ari took Gavril’s hand and pulled him along. It really did smell good, and there was a crackling fire in the fireplace. There were also leaf decorations all around the room.
Gavril had been on earth plenty of times. He knew a lot of the customs, knew every single language and how to speak them, but he must’ve missed this time of year because he had no idea what Thanksgiving was all about.
Rudy hurried to the kitchen as Gavril and Ari sat, and then he returned with two cups of eggnog. “Nonalcoholic,” Rudy said as he looked at Gavril.
“I was drinking that swill for a reason,” Gavril groused. “It kept me off the radar.”
“Well, it didn’t do its job if Preston was able to detect you,” Rudy replied. “But that’s water under the bridge. Let’s enjoy today.” He gave Gavril a pointed stare.
“You have a wonderful home.” Ari took a sip of his eggnog. “Very cozy.”
All Gavril could think about was Rocky. He hadn’t liked leaving the puppy behind. He’d grown rather attached to the small dog. Now he understood the meaning of man’s best friend.
“Thank you.” Rudy’s cheeks turned pink. “To be honest, this is my first Thanksgiving in a long time and the first one I’ve prepared, so go easy on me.”
“You’re the cook at the tavern, right?” Ari asked.
Rudy nodded.
“Then I have no worries.” Ari winked.
Gavril growled.
His mate slapped his arm. “Behave.”
When Aiden strode into the room, Gavril rolled his eyes. Well, it had been a good ten minutes, anyway. Now the barbs would begin.
Aiden Gallius, with his dark hair and light green eyes, was the same height as Gavril’s human form, but the bear shifter was thicker, wider, and, admittedly, good-looking.
But he was a straight-up asshole. Gavril still remembered when the bear shifter had Tasered him with a cattle prod, dumped him into his trunk, and left Gavril in the cold woods. Then he’d tossed Gavril back into his trunk a day later.
Aiden was lucky he still had a car because Gavril had been tempted as hell at the time to crush it into a tiny metal box. He still might.
“I still can’t believe you have a mate,” Aiden said as he dropped onto the love seat and crossed his ankles as he slouched back. “I guess miracles do happen.” He nodded at Ari. “Nice to have you here, Doctor.”
“Thanks.” Ari squeezed Gavril’s hand, probably to tell him to be a good boy and play nice with their hosts.
Gavril felt stiff and awkward. Was this how humans behaved at holidays? Formal and polite? He gritted his teeth and told himself not to flash them back to Ari’s house where they could kick off their shoes and relax. Ari had been excited when Gavril mentioned b
eing invited to their home for a holiday meal. No matter how badly Gavril wanted to get out of there, he would endure this.
He was starting to wish for their usual surly banter, but clearly Rudy had warned Aiden to behave, too.
Gavril and Aiden stared at each other. There was a warning in the bear’s eyes not to ruin Rudy’s first Thanksgiving as a host. Gavril curled his lip and rolled his eyes.
“Do you want to join me in the kitchen, Dr. Bjord?” Rudy asked.
“Call me Ari.” Gavril’s mate got up, and Gavril wanted to beg Ari not to leave him alone with Aiden. No good could come of that.
The mates left the living room, and Gavril looked around, strumming his fingers on the arm of the couch.
“How’re you doing?”
The question took Gavril by surprise. “As in?”
Aiden strummed his fingers, too. “I’m just trying to make polite conversation. Rudy asked me not to get into an argument with you, so I’m doing what he asked.”
“Oh, you want to know if I still want to kill you for using that cattle prod on me like I was a rabid stray animal.” Gavril smirked.
Aiden narrowed his eyes. “You invaded my home and were drunk as hell. I felt the power coming off you. I had my mate here. What was I supposed to do?”
“You didn’t even give me a chance to explain myself,” Gavril said with a tight, irritated tone.
“You were rummaging through my dresser drawers, naked, and smoking a cigarette. You turned those freaky-deaky eyes on me,” Aiden said in an unapologetic voice.
Gavril grew quiet. If he didn’t, they’d start a shouting match, and he didn’t want to get read the riot act from Ari. He needed a fucking medal for his restraint. He’d never tried so hard in his existence to be cordial. This whole mating thing had him twisted inside out.
Gavril wanted Ari to be happy. He’d never wanted anything more than to keep a smile on his mate’s face. But damn, it was hard. Being a hateful bastard had been a lot easier, but that also kept him isolated, and Gavril was sick and tired of being alone. He wanted more than just a mate. Gavril wanted…friends.
The human race had always fascinated him, and that was what got him into trouble to begin with. But he’d rather be around babies and puppies than stuck here, giving Aiden a polite, tight smile.
“Stop looking so constipated,” Aiden said. “We’ll pick up our usual cantankerous relationship after today. Right now, like Rudy said, water under the bridge.”
Gavril had never been happier when Rudy called them to the dining room table. If he’d had to spend one more “civil” moment with Aiden, he just might have killed the bear.
The dining room table was set with mismatched plates, plastic wine glasses, and cheap silverware. The turkey in the center was still in the roasting pan, and the side dishes were in plastic bowls of various sizes, shapes, colors. There were even candles in a variety of colors and length.
Nothing matched, and Gavril absolutely loved it.
“I want to start a tradition,” Rudy said as everyone sat. “I want everyone to tell us at least one thing they’re thankful for.” He cleared his throat. “I’ll start.”
Gavril was gazing at the delicious-looking turkey as Rudy continued.
“I’m thankful for being homeless,” he said, making Gavril look at the small guy. “If I hadn’t been, I would’ve never met Aiden. I’m thankful fate brought us together.”
Aiden grinned like a love-struck fool at his mate. “I guess I’m thankful for the same thing,” Aiden said. “Except the homeless part. I would’ve preferred you hadn’t gone through that.”
“That’s cheating,” Gavril said. “You gotta do your own thing.”
Aiden cut a glare at Gavril. “Fine, I’m thankful I didn’t kill you because Ari would’ve missed out on his surly—”
“Aiden,” Rudy said in warning.
Aiden looked repentant as he tore his gaze away from Gavril and looked at his mate. “I’m thankful for the best thing that’s ever happened to me. You.”
Rudy blushed.
“I thought I was the best thing to ever happen to you.” Gavril grinned.
“The second best thing.” Rudy smiled. “You take getting used to, Gavril, but I’m glad you’re here.”
That touched Gavril deeply. And made him uncomfortable. He bit back a sarcastic reply and looked down at his empty plate.
“I’m thankful for the past several months,” Ari said, gaining Gavril’s attention. “I bought my own practice, love my work, adopted the most adorable puppy, and gained my very own angel.”
Ari squeezed Gavril’s knee under the table as his eyes misted. Gavril looked around and saw everyone was looking at him. What was he thankful for? Everyone else had said they were thankful for their mate, and Gavril didn’t want to ride their coattails.
He racked his brain, trying to come up with something original. He cleared his throat and said, “I’m thankful for the three of you coming into my life, and Rocky. Definitely Rocky…and Ari…always for Ari…and for Aiden not killing me with that damn prod…and for Rudy trying his hardest to be nice to me even after I acted like a rank bastard.”
Aiden looked stunned, and then a warm smile spread across his face. “Let’s get our grub on.”
Gavril was glad the attention was off him as he piled his plate with food. Although angels didn’t have to eat, he thoroughly enjoyed his meal. Rudy had outdone himself.
Conversation ensued, laughter, funny antidotes, and plenty of eggnog. Gavril couldn’t recall having a better time. Except the snowball fight. And mating Ari. And becoming Ari’s assistant.
Damn, he truly was thankful for a lot of things. Grateful for them, too.
Halfway through their meal, Gavril felt immense power pour into the room.
He jumped from his chair just as Hadad appeared, a deep snarl on his face. Gavril threw Ari behind him as he manifested his swords. Aiden grabbed Rudy and moved to get Ari out of the room, but Hadad cut the bear off.
With a snap of his fingers, he had Ari by the back of his collar. “He’ll be returned to his home when you agree to go back to your cell,” Hadad sneered.
Gavril’s heart thumped hard and fast as he looked at the expression of pure terror on Ari’s face. He couldn’t let the angel take Ari. Gavril had to stop him.
He wielded his swords, making Hadad release Ari to defend himself. Ari hit the ground and crawled away as the table was overturned and the food and dishes flew everywhere.
Gavril narrowed his eyes at the ruined dinner that Rudy had worked so hard to prepare. His pulse thundered in his ears as he went after Hadad again, raising his swords for attack.
Just as he reached Hadad, the angel spun and slapped something around Gavril’s neck. Gavril’s swords vanished as his powers drained. The necklace made Gavril as helpless as a human.
Hadad grabbed him around the throat and smiled in triumph. “You’re never getting out of your cell again.”
Gavril heard Ari scream for him as Hadad flashed out of the cabin, taking Gavril with him.
The room faded, and Gavril found himself back in his cell. He threw his head back and shouted until his voice was hoarse. He dropped to his knees, covering his face with his hands, agony ripping through him.
With the thin metal necklace securely in place, Gavril would never be able to escape. He shoved to his feet and slammed his hands against the bars, spewing threats he couldn’t deliver.
Hadad walked down the long, white, windowless hallway and stopped in front of Gavril. In Hadad’s hand was a long, vicious-looking bullwhip. The three-foot thong had tiny metal spikes protruding from the leather. From past experience, Gavril knew the spikes had been dipped in holy water, which meant he wouldn’t be able to fully heal from them.
His body would be littered with even more scars.
“Ready for your punishment, traitor?” Hadad smirked.
He flashed into Gavril’s cell, stripped him of his clothing, and forced Gavril against the wall. With
the first crack of the whip, Gavril wished he was dead. He should have known happiness wasn’t in the cards for him. He’d stupidly thought that he could have his own little slice of heaven with Ari. Gavril should have never mated the human.
He’d sealed his fate when he had, and now Hadad would peel his flesh from his bones to remind him that love was a foolish notion that angels would do well to stay away from.
* * * *
Hadad crouched down next to Gavril. This had been his twelfth…twentieth…fiftieth beating. He wasn’t even sure since he’d lost count. Every nerve in his body was on fire, and Gavril couldn’t see out of his left eye. It felt as though every bone he possessed had been broken with the brutal beatings Hadad had given him.
The floor was ice-cold, which he felt. Normally temperatures weren’t a factor for angels, but with the collar around his neck, Gavril was basically a human. He shivered and huddled in the corner, his arms wrapped around his bent legs, which were shoved against his chest.
“Renounce your mating and your love for humans, and the beatings will stop.” Hadad toyed with a lock of Gavril’s hair, making Gavril flinch. “If you don’t, I’ll put your sweet little human in the cell next to yours so you have a front row seat to his screams.”
Gavril tried to talk, but his jaw was broken. He could only whimper as he closed his right eye. As long as Ari stayed at home or the clinic, Panahasi’s protection spells would keep his mate safe.
He struggled to get two words past his lips. The pain slicing through his face brought tears to his eyes. With his teeth clenched, Gavril forced the words out. “Fuck. You.”
Hadad’s eyes blazed with anger. He slammed a fist into Gavril’s side. Pain exploded as Gavril slid to the floor, nearly passing out. He shivered so badly that his body jerked around.
“I’ll be back,” Hadad said. “Every day I will punish you until you tell me what I want to hear.”
