Archangel's Kiss

by Santos, Anna

  “What’s amusing?”

  “I understand your annoyance and your wish to claim your mate back. It’s a low blow to Cedric's intentions if you steal from him his chance of becoming an angel and ascending,” the creature said.

  I became pale.

  The necromancer added, “It’s a good plan. Even if you had no idea of how good it was. You just didn't want him to have what was yours. I can relate to that.”

  “I said nothing about Cedric. How do you know that?”

  “Rumors of the gargoyle prince finding his mate have been circling around. Now, you come here saying you have rejected your soul-mate and wanted her back. It must have been nerve-wracking to see her with your worst enemy. Do you want my advice? Let him think you don't want the girl back and seduce her behind his back. Make her fall hard for you. Then, when the trial comes, we can get rid of Cedric once and for all.”

  I became even more intrigued by his words.

  How could I possibly get rid of Cedric by making Aria love me? What kind of trial is that?

  I smiled, pretending that I liked the idea. But I just wanted Aria back. I couldn’t care less about Cedric. I needed to save her soul.

  “If I get our bond restored, do I save her soul from Hell?” I asked, revealing my real purpose there.

  “So, you know about that,” the necromancer said with surprise in his voice.

  I nodded.

  “The answer is no since you’ll turn her into a vampire. Being a vampire is a real step back to be good and go to Heaven after the real death.”

  “And if I don't turn her into a vampire,” I probed further, staring at him with hopeful eyes.

  “You wouldn't be able to resist. Love is a powerful drug. If you are concerned with saving her a soul, then just let her mate with Cedric. Let her become his queen. Angels don't go to Hell, Philippe,” Kayden reminded me.

  I stared at the ground, putting my hands in my pockets.

  “Who would have thought that Philippe, the ruthless bastard who rules over vampires in Paris, was being defeated because of some stupid girl?”

  Before I could think about what I was doing, I was grabbing his neck and lifting his body into the air. The creature didn't even choke since he didn't need to breathe. He just put a hand on mine, and I felt his coldness. My body tensed, and my insides burned. It hurt like hell, but I wasn't going to let him go. He had insulted Aria and me. He had assumed she was making me weak. That creature hadn’t seen me mad, and he hadn't seen what I was capable of doing to protect the people I loved.

  “Do not make me your enemy, Philippe,” he hissed.

  I hissed back, black eyes and extended fangs. “That little bitch is mine, and I have no intentions of letting Cedric bang her and be happy ever after,” I declared, making sure my words sounded angry and believable enough to wipe the creepy smile off the creature's face. It had a face—red eyes and a distorted and pale complexion.

  He chuckled, and I let him go, removing my hand from his neck and stepping back as I fixed my jacket.

  “Is that what’s bothering you? You are upset because Cedric is going to be happy because you rejected the girl and gave him the opportunity of claiming her. I see… It would also annoy me a lot. But saving her soul? Really? Who fucking cares! Just let her soul burn next to yours in Hell. At least, you will have some company.”

  I glared at the creature, plotting a way to end his existence. None of my plans were feasible since it was hard to get rid of a specter. Even with the right tool, they would come back when they gathered enough energy to materialize their corporeal form. They were nasty creatures. Specters were spirits, evil energy, and millennial monstrosities which were trying to stay away from Hell.

  “Now that you know what you wanted to know, what will you do?” he asked.

  “I’ll make the girl fall for me and steal her from Cedric.”

  “Then you will need my help.”

  “I don't need anyone's help.”

  “You have everything to gain by being my friend. I doubt the girl is happy about the rejection and being almost killed by you. Cedric is charming enough, and angels are rather enticing creatures. The males are quite beautiful. Plus, the powers she’ll have are enough to make her want to stay with him. You will have a serious competition and could use some advice.”

  “I think I'm quite capable of seducing a girl.”

  “Well, I doubt Cedric will let her get near you if he discovers that you are her former mate. All I have to say is watch your back and try to keep your head because he will try to kill you.”

  “I’ve found a way to get close to Aria,” I mumbled, thinking about what he was saying. He was a smart creature, and he wasn’t entirely wrong. Cedric had already threatened me. I knew he wouldn't think twice if he had the opportunity to kill me.

  “Cedric will be stronger once he turns into an angel. His people will be more united, and they will increase the hunting. It’s in our interests that the girl rejects him. So, think about it. If you decide to accept my help, you know where to find me.”

  I was surprised by the necromancer interest. “How much do I owe you?”

  “A favor in return for this favor. I will collect it when I need it.”

  I shifted uncomfortably on my feet. That was the worst thing the specter could ask of me. Owing favors is never a good thing.

  “Don't look so disturbed, Philippe. We want the same thing.”

  “And what is that?”

  “To close the veil and keep all gargoyles away from here.”

  “Well, as much as I wish that, I have never found a way to achieve it.”

  “That’s because you have never wanted to talk to me before. I found a way that may interest you, but I will talk to you when I need to. I have other people to see now, and the sun comes up in an hour.”

  “Thank you for your help,” I said before leaving.

  Being polite was always a good thing, even though I wanted never to go back there again. Kayden was a distasteful creature. Knowing he knew a lot about me and my soul-mate was enough to leave me apprehensive. I hoped he wouldn't use that information to do harm or undermine my power. He was a sick being. But one thing was clear: my mate was saved. Aria wasn't going to Hell.

  That was a relief. However, I didn't know if I would be comfortable with my worst enemy being the one who saved my soul-mate. Cedric would also be the one keeping her for eternity. I was jealous of him. She’s mine. She should have been mine. I never knew how much I needed her until I realized that I couldn't have her anymore.

  I should forget the whole thing and focus on my future. I should let Aria be happy. There were no good things about being a vampire. There was no real future for us. She was innocent and kind. The more I knew about her and spent time with her, the more I was convinced that she was meant to be an angel. I was everything she didn't need in her life.

  Can I do it? Can I give up and let Aria be happy? I was craving her with every cell in my body and every particle of my soul. But I knew she was too good for me. I should let her be happy if I truly cared about her.

  END OF THE FIRST BOOK

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  More About The Author

  Anna Santos is a Bestselling Author of Paranormal and Fantasy Romance.

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