by Susan Illene
To her credit, she let it continue for ten minutes before lifting her head and meeting his gaze. “Next question.”
“Have mercy, sensor. Could we not wait a little longer?” In fact, a few centuries more would have been a preferable timeframe.
Melena shook her head, amused. “We both know this little hiatus isn’t going to last long.”
Unfortunately, she had a point. Lucas had every intention of making up for lost time, and he could already feel his body stirring again. It didn’t help that his wife was draped over him. It would require little effort for him to sink inside her once more.
Melena must have come to the same conclusion because she rolled off to the side and leaned up on her elbow. “You were going to tell me about why you took your first job so close to home.”
Lucas sighed. This was absolutely the last thing he wished to discuss. It had been painful enough when Eli forced him to talk about that period of his life when he was last confined in Purgatory.
“Can you not ask a different question?” He knew the answer, but he had to try stalling anyway.
Melena stared at him intently. “Don’t block me out, Lucas. If you ever want to ask me personal questions, I will answer them—even if they are difficult. I can’t help it if you’ve been around for most of my life and I don’t have as many secrets.”
He turned his head and looked up at the ceiling. Whether he liked it or not, he’d have to at least give her some of the story. “Before I answer that, you should first know my father was a cruel man. Gadreel beat Micah and me regularly, though I did my best to take the brunt of it.”
Melena rested her head on his shoulder, giving him her silent support.
“Sometimes days went by where he withheld food, which caused me to heal even slower from the numerous injuries he’d inflicted. I was young and not as resilient back then.” He shuddered. Memories of his youth were mostly vague, but several regarding his father stood the test of time.
“Why did he beat you?” Melena asked, her voice coming out as a whisper.
“The human boys of the village knew about Micah and myself, what we were, and taunted us for it. They believed us to be unnatural and evil. This was before the archangels chose to conceal supernaturals from the world. My father had mine and Micah’s powers bound so that we could not use them, leaving us weaker and more vulnerable. Almost every day I had violent encounters with the village boys. My father punished me for it, regardless that I only defended myself. He claimed humans were the chosen people of God and that we should not harm them for any reason.”
Melena jerked her head up. “But that’s ridiculous. He couldn’t expect you to just let other kids hurt you!”
“That’s exactly what he expected.” Lucas pressed her head back to his chest, preferring to feel her close. He was doing his best to tell the story without allowing his emotions to overwhelm him. “Micah, being the better son, rarely fought back. I eventually took over running all the errands my father required of us so that my brother would not get hurt. It wasn’t that Micah couldn’t fight, but that he preferred to avoid conflict more than me. He claimed our family was torn apart enough without him adding to the problems.”
“So you’d get beat up by the kids, and then again by your father,” Melena said angrily. “Micah just watched that happen?”
Lucas traced his fingers down her arm, wishing to calm her. “It is not as simple as that. If Micah had been harmed as well, he would not have been able to tend my injuries. Every time our father left the house, my brother would sneak bits of food to me, patch my wounds, and set any broken bones. I suspect that is why he eventually developed his healing talent.”
“Whereas you became the stronger fighter,” Melena surmised.
“Though not strong enough.” It was only now that Lucas thought he might be able to battle his father and win, given the opportunity. “We tried to escape Gadreel several times once we neared adulthood, but he found us every time and dragged us back.”
Melena pressed a kiss to his chest. “That must have been frustrating.”
“Yes,” he said, expelling a breath. “One would think I’d have given up, but quitting wasn’t in me. With every year that passed, I grew to hate my father more and more, as well as his favored humans, but I also became stronger. Eventually, the boys left me alone so that I only had my father to contend with.”
“I’d always wondered why you hated humans so much. It would have helped if you’d explained this a long time ago,” Melena said. She wasn’t angry, but he caught a hint of frustration in her voice.
Lucas twined a lock of her hair around his fingers. “Perhaps, but we both know how you would have responded.”
“And how is that?” she asked.
“You would have told me I cannot blame an entire race of people for the actions of my father and some village boys.” He waited until she looked up at him. “But what you must remember is that the entire sum of my experience with humans until I reached well into my adulthood was based on that village. Not only that, but do you think even one villager—to include the adults—ever put a stop to the beatings?”
Her brows drew together. “None of them?”
“None.” He worked his jaw. His most painful memory was of being dragged, bloody and beaten, by his father through the village as the humans stood by—not one showing a sign of pity. “They all watched and sometimes even encouraged the boys. By the time I left home for good, I had it settled in my mind that humans were the truly evil ones.”
Lucas could see the mixture of emotions crossing Melena’s face. “They’re not, though. It was a different time, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Gadreel encouraged their behavior.”
“Perhaps,” Lucas conceded, “but I did not have you around to council me then.”
Melena smiled. “Imagine how much different you would have turned out.”
He pulled her tighter against his side. “But I have still not answered your question.”
“I think this is the first time you’ve ever taken so long to get to the point,” she teased. He knew she only did it to lighten the heavy mood.
“My father did not lose his angelic abilities right away when he was consigned to Earth, but they did fade with every passing year, and he lost his immortality. It was intended that he only live long enough to raise my brother and me before he went on to his true punishment—Hell. By the time I was nearing my mid-twenties, he was nearing death. I wanted to leave him to die alone, but Micah insisted on staying.”
“Which was why you chose a job not far from home,” Melena concluded.
He kissed her forehead. “Yes. I wanted my father to suffer a painful and lonely death, but I did not wish to abandon my brother. Finding work in another village near the sea was my compromise.”
“How did he die?” Melena asked.
This was the part Lucas could smile about. “Gadreel eventually became bed-ridden and impossible for even Micah to please. My brother had enough and began working with me several days a week. Then we received word our father had developed a severe fever. By the time we returned home, he was gone. My father died alone just as I’d hoped.”
“No one in the village came to see him?”
“A neighbor checked on him once a day, but that was it. They did not care for him as much as he did them.” Lucas always found that part ironic. The villagers knew Gadreel was fallen and would eventually be consigned to Hell. They’d only put up with him because he was too strong to resist in those early years. “We found his stiff body lying in his bed. Micah told me Gadreel wished to be buried and a prayer spoken over him.”
Melena gave him a quizzical look. “Did you do it?”
“Absolutely not,” he said, surprised she even had to ask. “I built a large bonfire and tossed his body into it.” Lucas had thought it a rather fitting end.
Melena swallowed. “Remind me never to piss you off.”
He knew she wasn’t serious. Lucas rolled on top of her and settled bet
ween her legs. “Please me well enough and you’ll never have to worry.”
Chapter Thirty
Melena
Lucas and I entered the sitting room and found Nik, Josslyn, and Sayer waiting for us. The male vampire had a knowing look in his dark eyes that made me blush. I avoided his gaze and sat with Lucas on a high-backed settee. If anyone noticed how carefully I took my seat, they didn’t say anything. I’d still been in bed with my husband a mere thirty minutes ago.
We’d spent almost forty-eight hours cloistered in our suite. I hadn’t worn a stitch of clothing during that time, but it had totally been worth it. We’d pretty much ignored the world around us, except to take our meals from the servants who delivered them to our door. It was now Monday, and Lucas had reluctantly decided we should leave soon. My mind and body felt better than ever—aside from some slight soreness—and our bond was stronger than before, too.
Part of me wasn’t ready to leave. It had been great to push away all my worries for a couple of days, but I needed to check on Emily. Though Micah, Patrick, Kerbasi, and Cori had promised to look after her, I still worried. This wasn’t the best time to be leaving her. I could only be grateful Lucas had the foresight to have us stay close to home for our little honeymoon. Otherwise, I might not have been able to relax at all.
“Have you made your decision?” Lucas asked Nik.
“We have considered it,” Nik replied, glancing over at Josslyn, who gave him an encouraging nod. “We would like to take you up on your offer, assuming Sayer will remain here for the time being.”
The vampire in question looked to his master.
“He will stay for as long as you need him,” Lucas said, setting his wine glass down. “But I would suggest you meet with the supernatural leaders as soon as possible and alert them to the impending changes.”
“One of them is on her way here now,” Sayer replied.
It was then that my senses detected the arrival of a witch. I shot a surprised look at the vampire. “You contacted Kristen?”
Sayer kept his face blank. “The master suggested it.”
I turned to Lucas. To say I was suspicious of his motives didn’t cut it. “Why?”
“I thought you might want the opportunity to speak with her before we go. She was most excited to hear the news of our wedding, though a little disappointed that she did not get an invitation.” He had an innocent look on his face, but he didn’t fool me.
I pointed a finger at him. “If you so much as look at her the wrong way…”
“Why would I do that, sensor?” he asked, tone falsely curious.
It was going to be bad if I strangled him this soon in our marriage. “You know why.”
He gave me a chilling smile. “I suggest you tell her she is no longer welcome to offer her services in Fairbanks. Otherwise, we will have problems.”
“You didn’t tell her yourself?”
“No.” He took my hand and kissed it, but there was a lethal look in his eyes. “In deference to you, I shall allow you that honor.”
I decided to test the water. “What if I need her to do a spell in Fairbanks?”
“You will speak to me about it first. We are being more open and honest now, are we not?” Lucas must have planned this days ago, because I’d been with him every moment since we arrived. Not once had he talked to Sayer after that first night.
I lifted his hand and kissed it in the same manner he’d done mine. “As long as you’re available to ask.”
Nik made a tsking sound. “You two are scary to watch. Do you know that?”
“We would hate to disappoint,” Lucas said, keeping his intense gaze on me.
I stood. “I’ll go out and meet Kristen. You all can stay here and finish your discussion.”
“Make certain you give her my message, sensor,” Lucas warned as I walked away.
I paused in the doorway. “Absolutely.”
“Do you think she’ll really obey him?” I heard Josslyn whisper to Nik.
I continued walking, but kept my ears open for his response.
The vampire chuckled. “Yes, but in her own way.”
Kristen was just pulling her car up to the entrance when I came out of the mansion. She quickly parked the vehicle and scrambled out to give me a hug. “It’s so good to see you, Mel.”
“You, too.” I hugged her back.
“Lucas told me about the wedding. I bet it was amazing,” she said, pulling away.
I grinned. “That’s one way of putting it, but I wish you could have been there.”
“Me, too.” She ducked her head. “I wanted to bring a gift, but I didn’t have the slightest clue what to get you. I figured I’d just offer my services in case you ever need them.”
I took her arm and guided her away from the mansion. “Speaking of that. I guess you’ve broadened your customer base recently.”
“Oh, uh.” Her expression turned guarded. “You mean the job in Fairbanks. I let master Derrick know I was there, and he was fine with it.”
I stopped us in the middle of the manicured lawn—as far from anyone as I could get on the estate. “Lucas ran into that ward. He wasn’t very happy about it.”
“What was he doing at the DHS office?” she asked in confusion.
“I work there.”
Kristen blanched. “I’m so sorry. If I’d known, I would have made an exception for him.”
“He’ll get over it,” I said reassuringly. “But you might want to go back and update it so Lucas can get through—and probably Derrick as well.” Better to be safe than sorry on that one. I’d have to let Lucas know she’d be returning to fix it, but I doubted he’d mind her doing that much since it benefited him.
“Of course.” She nodded. “And I’ll still owe you one as well.”
“With the way my life goes, I’m sure I’ll need it at some point,” I said, then jumped when my phone buzzed in my pocket. I dug it out of my jeans and checked the screen. The number wasn’t one I recognized, but it was from Fairbanks.
As soon as I answered, Emily interrupted, “Hey, Mel. You need to get here right away.”
I froze. “Why? What’s going on?”
“Remiel just showed up at the nerou compound with Yerik and Zoe!” she screeched.
“How are you calling from there?”
I overheard the squeaking of a chair in the background. “Micah got a landline and internet hooked up in their office. He said something about getting tired of the lack of communications around here, and that the archangels would just have to get over the fact the compound wouldn’t be off the grid anymore.”
Okay, that made sense, though not the previous thing she’d mentioned. “Why is Zoe there?”
“I didn’t stick around long to listen, but Remiel said something about it wasn’t fair to free Yerik and not Zoe. So he brought them both.” Emily didn’t sound any happier about it than me. She knew very well the female nephilim was dangerous.
“Stay in the office,” I said, hoping the teenager would listen. “We’ll be there soon.”
“Love you, Mel,” Emily said, her voice now calmer.
“Love you, too.” I hung up.
“What’s going on?” Kristen asked, concerned.
“Long story.” I stuffed my phone in my pocket and grimaced apologetically. “But it looks like I gotta go. I’ll catch up with you soon.” I took off running across the lawn, heading for Lucas.
Chapter Thirty-one
Melena
As we waited for the nerou compound gate to open, Lucas drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. He’d flashed to the facility right after I gave him the news, but it was too late. Remiel had left. Yerik and Zoe were already visiting with their nerou children, and Emily had several protectors surrounding her. Unable to confront the archangel, Lucas had returned, and we flew back together to Fairbanks.
In all my wildest imaginings, I had not anticipated the council letting them both go. Remiel had warned me I’d regret my decision, but I’d tho
ught he was referring to my potentially going to Hell—not this. How could they have released Zoe after all she’d done? That woman was like a cat who managed to land on her feet every time.
“Where are they?” Lucas asked as he parked his SUV.
“In the dining facility,” I answered, having deduced that as soon as we got close.
We walked at a brisk pace toward the small building between the two dormitories. My senses told me everyone in the compound had congregated there. It was after nine in the evening and a little late for dinner, but maybe Yerik and Zoe had been hungry after their return.
Lucas opened the door, and we stepped inside. Everyone was seated at the tables, listening to Yerik, who stood in the center talking and gesturing wildly. Just as I remembered him, he wore a Scottish kilt and nothing else. By the looks of it, he hadn’t had a chance to bathe in a very long time. He was covered in dirt with bits of blood caking his arms and furry chest. His brown hair had grown down past his shoulders and hung in loose tangles.
“So there we were, minding our own business, sitting in front of a fire we built and preparing a strange bird I’d caught for dinner when this massive creature came out of nowhere,” he said dramatically. “It looked just like a Tyrannosaurus rex. When it roared and lowered its giant jaws toward us, Zoe nearly pissed herself.”
The female nephilim in question, who didn’t appear to be in any better shape than Yerik, shot him a nasty look. “I did not…urinate on myself, you heathen.”
Yerik snorted. “Ah, but I suspect it was a close thing.”
Zoe’s daughter, Rebecca, raised her hand. “What is a Tyrannosaurus rex?”
Emily, who sat between Micah and Patrick, had her iPad in hand. She pulled up a picture of the creature and showed it to everyone. “They can be forty feet long and fifteen to twenty feet tall.”
