Raven's Breath (The Women of Purgatory)

by Tish Thawer

  I was flat on my ass, encased in ice, yet fully aware. Well, shit.

  All I could do was wait for my demise. Oddly enough, the shadow-beast turned and strolled away, apparently satisfied he'd done his job. However, I quickly realized I wasn't out of the woods. I was immobilized, stuck here until Death found me. It was brilliant, really; a guardian that could freeze anyone in place, leaving them to await their punishment...now that was true torture.

  I tried to move, shifting my shoulders in an attempt to flare my wings and burst free.

  Nothing. Not even an inch.

  I stared through the granulated layer and took in the room through my distorted view. Maybe if there was a sturdy piece of furniture nearby, I could rock myself in its direction and use it to shatter my glacial prison.

  Again, no such luck.

  I was in the middle of the room with nothing close enough to work. Resolved to the situation, I simply shut my eyes.

  Being frozen didn't feel anything like I'd expect. It hurt at first, like needles penetrating deep into your skin, but I think the magic which laced the cold numbed everything so fast, it preserved your body before it had a chance to recognize the pain.

  I had no idea how much time had passed, when I heard a faint tink, tink, tink.

  I opened my eyes, fighting against the tiny crystals stuck to my lashes, to find Holli tapping a nail on the ice surrounding my face.

  "I see you met Svell," Holli stated.

  I rolled my eyes, seeing as they were the only things I could move. Holli smiled and took two steps back.

  She took a deep breath and flung out her wings in a violent snap. Her feathers turned to sharp, metal blades, ending in points that could pierce a man clean through.

  My mind reeled. Another perk?

  Obviously.

  She walked towards me and said, "Stay very still."

  Ha! As if I could go anywhere.

  She brought the tips of her deadly wings down on each side of the ice dome, shattering it with one strike.

  I shook off the chilly debris. "Thanks."

  "You're welcome."

  "Anything you want to tell me?" I asked, hoping she'd elaborate on her and Svell's powers.

  "Yes." Her cheeks started to redden. She clapped her wings together, returning them to their softened state, then said, "Garrett is amazing!"

  It wasn't the information I was looking for, but it did give me the opportunity to cover my ass.

  "Great! That's what I was hoping to hear. I came here to wait for you, to see how your date went. Needless to say, my arrival wasn't met with the warmest welcome."

  Holli giggled. "Yeah, Svell was a gift from Death. He protects me and my space whenever I'm not here. Sorry about that."

  She opened the door, and whistled loudly.

  Oh shit!

  Svell came bounding around the corner in a matter of seconds. Panic rose and I edged closer to the balcony. Fuck this. There was no way I was sticking around to let this ice-beast freeze me again.

  The beast phased to shadow, entering the room fully, then shifted back. "Svell, this is Raven. She's my friend. No more freezing her, okay? And she can come visit me whenever she wants."

  The beast huffed a hard breath, but nudged its head into Holli's shoulder. "See. He's just a big baby!" Svell nipped at the tip of her feathers and sneezed out an icy plume. Holli laughed.

  I couldn't help but smile at the interaction, however, it was the fact that Holli had just given me access to her room whenever I needed it, that warmed me thoroughly.

  I shook my head as my heart grew heavy. I'm a horrible friend.

  I spent the next few hours trying to make up for using her kindness to my advantage, by listening to her discuss her feelings and thoughts about Garrett and Death.

  She was definitely torn as to what she should do, but as much as I wanted to help, I couldn't seem to come up with anything constructive to offer. "I'm probably not the best person to ask, Holli. I mean, while Death has been okay as a boss, he does tend to rub people the wrong way. So honestly, I just can't wrap my head around what it is you see in him. Garrett on the other hand, has been my best friend for eons. He's smart, funny, caring and definitely not bad to look at, so yeah...he'd always be my choice."

  Holli sat, nibbling on her bottom lip. "Well, I can't explain how different Death has been with me than apparently he's been with all of you, but he's treated me with nothing but kindness and personally, I can't understand why you don't find him attractive." She smiled. "He's gorgeous. Blonde hair, broad shoulders, and eyes the color of a Caribbean sea." She fanned herself. "The day he appeared outside my doctor's office, I thought he'd stepped straight out of my dreams."

  What the fuck? Death blonde and gorgeous? Um. NO! I had to talk to Garrett, but I think I just figured out how Death convinced Holli to become his lover––he cast an illusion and literally became the man of her dreams. I shook my head and tried to focus while Holli continued to make her comparisons.

  "But I can totally see what you mean about Garrett. He is gorgeous, and sweet, and funny, and really seems to want to get to know me. I really like him." She flopped down on her bed, her head hanging over the end. "I don't know what to do. Things with Death started out great, but it's obvious he has other plans that don't include me now." She flipped her head up, sending her platinum hair flying. "Do you think Death will punish me if I start dating Garrett?"

  It was a valid question and one I didn't think she'd like the answer to.

  "Probably," I said. "But, that's if he returns and chooses to pick things up where the two of you left off. Maybe, like you said, he's moved on and therefore wouldn't care," I amended.

  "Maybe."

  I could only hope what I said was true. I wouldn't want Holli punished for falling for a great guy like Garrett. Besides, it was Death's fault she was even in this position; he's the one who left her behind so he could plot and plan.

  "Well, hey. It's getting late. I think I'll head home and get some sleep. If you'd like to come over tomorrow, feel free. I don't have any plans, and there's something I'd like to talk to you about," I offered.

  "Really? That sounds great! Do you think we could go shopping? After trying on the few dresses I have, I realized I could really use some more clothes."

  "Sure. We'll head to Drey's as soon as he opens. I know he'd love to meet you."

  Holli beamed, obviously excited to begin her life as a fully-integrated Reaper. I tried to put all the sincerity I could behind my smile but it was hard when all I could think about was Death returning and taking my head off for introducing her to everyone without his permission.

  30

  I'd lied to Holli again. I wasn't headed home to sleep, but instead to Garrett's to get the scoop.

  "Did you have any problems with the other Reapers when you and Holli got to Digger's?"

  "Not really. I mean, obviously everyone was shocked at seeing a new female Reaper who they'd never met, but they all kept their distance. I figured it was because they assumed the same rules applied to her as they do to you. Touch her and die."

  "Yeah, you're probably right."

  "So, what did you find out at the castle? Did you make it to the Phenom Room?"

  "No. The entrance was completely gone. I searched Holli's entire room but didn't find it anywhere." I cocked my head and raised my eyebrows. "I did however meet Svell."

  "Who?"

  I wasn't sure if Garrett would have known about him or not. I always thought he was aware of all of Death's secrets, but obviously with recent events coming to light, that wasn't exactly the case.

  "Svell. Holli's massive ice-breathing guard-horse/beast thing."

  Garrett's tone grew serious. "What are you talking about?"

  "Death gave Holli a shadow-beast to protect her and her space whenever she isn't there. It's like her pet or something. It roams the hallway that leads to her room from the main castle and breathes ice that can freeze you solid." I squinted, pulling my features tight. "T
rust me...I know."

  Garrett blew out a breath. "I can't believe this. Death actually gave Holli an ice-hellion as a pet?"

  "You've heard of them?"

  "Yeah. But not for a very long time. They reside in the frozen depth of Hell known as Cocytus, or in Norse mythology, Jotunheim. They haven't been seen in centuries."

  "You were obviously right about Death visiting Hell already. If he was allowed to leave with the hellion, I wonder what deal he had to make to do so and how it plays into getting a piece of a demon's soul for him to use? And what's with all the Norse references? First with Death 'borrowing' their concept of the Valkyries and now with Svell from Yotunheim, what's up with that?"

  "That's a good question," Garrett replied, then fell silent.

  "Well, speaking of Svell. Holli gave me permission to visit the castle whenever I wanted without him turning me into a popsicle again. I'll try to get back in there as soon as I can to continue my search for the entrance. It has to still be there somewhere."

  "Do you think Holli would tell you if you simply asked about it?"

  "I don't know. Maybe. But I'd hate for her to figure out something's wrong. Michael said she couldn't know what was going on, and I for one don't want to be the one to tell her. Did you know that her wings can turn to metal blades and that she can kick some serious ass?"

  Garrett smiled. "Yes, we talked about all of her perks over dinner. She, too, has an affinity for ice and can freeze a room as effectively as Svell can if she chooses to."

  "Wow. Three perks. That's...great." I tried not to be jealous.

  "Four, actually."

  Fuck me.

  "Her sword, the ice, her metal wings, and the ability to melt people's hearts."

  I flinched back. "Why the hell would she need a perk as violent as that?"

  Garrett laughed, filling his apartment with loud guffaws. Jerk. He was kidding, or at least meant something different than what I'd interpreted.

  "Melt people's hearts, huh?" I asked, punching him in the shoulder.

  "Yes, it seems so. And don't try to deny it, Raven...you like her. I know I've certainly fallen for her, hook, line, and sinker."

  "That's because she's the only other woman you've been able to talk to in, oh, I don't know, forever."

  "Whatever, Raven. You know I've had my fair share of women over the years. And yes, because we can only date immortals they were mostly angels––don't laugh, I know it's ironic, but Holli is different. She's innocent in all this, and that makes her sexy as hell to me."

  "Well, I agree with the innocent part, and yes, she is beautiful. And fine...you're right, I do like her." I shifted on my feet. "As a matter of fact, I was thinking about asking her to move in with me. I hate the idea of her being alone in that castle. But what are we going to do if, in fact, she does end up on Death's side when this is all over?"

  "I'm not sure. I guess we'll just have to hope that's not how things play out."

  I nodded. I doubt we'll be that lucky.

  After leaving Garrett's I headed home, worn out from the day's events, and still not warm after my encounter with Svell.

  An ice-hellion. Who'd have thought?

  Shaking my head at all the exhausting impossibilities I'd faced in one day, I hopped through my window and dove straight into bed.

  31

  I hadn't seen a light, or felt the presence of anyone in my room, so when I opened my eyes and found Michael standing over me with a sexy smile pulling at his lips, I was immediately jolted awake.

  "Good morning, beautiful."

  He was dressed in jeans again, and nothing else. I struggled to sit up, grasping the sheets and trying not to worry about how bad my hair probably looked.

  "What are you doing here? Did you find Death? Were you able to stop him?"

  Michael eased down to sit on the edge of the bed. "No. But every angel in Heaven has been notified of his plan and all remain on high alert."

  "Good." I breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good."

  Michael nodded and continued to stare. I'd fallen asleep in my clothes, but the heat in his eyes left me feeling exposed nonetheless.

  "So. Why exactly are you here, then?" The question came from my heart and therefore slipped right past the filters in my brain.

  "I wanted to see you and make sure you were all right." He reached for my hand.

  I didn't buy his excuse, as he could have easily seen whether I was all right or not as he done in the past by "constantly monitoring the situation." Obviously, he had another reason for being here, and by the look on his face, I had a pretty clear idea of what it was.

  He started to speak, but before he could utter another word I leaned forward, entwining my fingers in his hair once more.

  Our lips met with soft glances, again and again. I scooted closer until I was practically sitting in his lap. His hands roamed by back, skillfully avoiding the sensitive spots under my wings. The feel of his fingers sliding down my curves and squeezing my hips had me clinging to him as our kisses grew frenzied. He pushed me onto my back, repositioning himself until he was leaning over me, his broad shoulders filling my view.

  "I want you, Raven, and I cannot wait any longer."

  "Who's asking you to wait?"

  "I just want to make sure you feel the same before I claim what's mine."

  Dammit. Why did he have to use those words? I pushed him back and leaned up on my elbows. "Claim what's yours?"

  "Yes. As I told you, you are to be mine, Raven. And though I'll give you the choice to join me in Heaven or not, that doesn't change the fact that we are meant to be."

  "Oh my God! How can you talk like that? Just because I was created to be a pawn for Death, it doesn't mean I'm meant to be a pawn for Heaven, too. I don't care that you've 'blessed me' with the gift of life and intuitive dreams; that doesn't mean I'm yours to do with as you please. You can't treat people that way, whether you're an Archangel or not."

  He sat back, his jaw clenched and eyes trained directly on mine. "Is that what you think? That I'm choosing to 'do with you as I please' simply because you've been marked?"

  "Well, yes. That's how you're acting. That just because of this," I pointed behind my ear, "I'm now a piece of property that you can 'claim'." I shimmied up until my back hit the headboard. "Well, let me tell you something...I'm no one's property!"

  If Michael hadn't been sitting on top of the covers, I would have stomped across the room and slammed the door to emphasize my point. But, since I was effectively pinned in place, I simply crossed my arms instead. I realized that I was sending mixed signals by initiating our kiss and then putting on the breaks thirty seconds later. But damn it, there was no way I would let my libido override my self-respect.

  The lazy smile that spread across his face had me squirming in my cocoon of blankets. "What?" I demanded.

  "You are very attractive when you're being stern."

  I leaned forward, bringing our faces within inches of each other. "You haven't begun to see me get stern." I was trying for intimidating, but instead, all I did was sabotage myself into becoming more turned on. This is ridiculous.

  Michael smiled and grabbed me once more, stood, and lifted me straight out of bed. He cradled me in his arms and mumbled something under his breath. In a flash we appeared in Heaven, the bright light fading around us.

  "Why did you bring me here? I thought you said you'd give me a choice?" I exclaimed.

  "I want to show you something."

  He set me on my feet and gently took my hand. We walked away from the pearly gates and headed into what looked like a massive cloud bank off to the left. As the thick air dissipated I saw another set of gates. They were huge and stunning blue, sparkling like a tropical sea.

  "I want you to see my home," Michael announced.

  Oh my God!

  32

  As we walked through the sparkling gates, I felt like a teenager on my first date. I knew other Reapers had been here before, as Garrett had explained during his s
exual proclamation where he shared with me his affinity for angels. But I, personally, had never considered that at any point in my afterlife I'd be strolling down the glistening halls and gawking at the white dolomite structures that made up the Archangel's quarters.

  "This is lovely," I said, trying hard not to stutter.

  "Thank you." He gestured to a large building on the right. "This is me."

  The edifice had massive marble columns and a gorgeous, ornate golden door. "As in, your room is inside this building, or the entire place is yours?"

  Michael simply smiled and led me inside.

  The domed ceiling rivaled the Sistine Chapel with its impressive frescos––most, but not all, featuring Michael and his numerous victories. The high, arched walls and stained glass windows took me back to my time as a child when I worshipped every Sunday with my grandmother at St. Peter's.

  I was awestruck. "This is absolutely breathtaking."

  Michael continued to guide me through his home, from the elaborate entrance, to the more humble kitchen and living areas, and finally to the bedroom. "Um...I thought I made myself clear before." I pulled my hand from his and stopped where I stood.

  "You did. I just need to show you something that resides here in my room."

  He walked to the far side of his luxurious Greek-inspired, four-poster bed and picked up what looked like a small crystal from the side table. "This is an angelic seeing stone," he explained, holding it up between his fingers for me to see. "It's how I'm able to see topside and into Purgatory. I want to let you see the history of all that's been recorded within."

  Before I could respond, he closed his fist around the stone and mumbled a few words under his breath. Upon opening his hand, the crystal floated into the air and began to project holographic images right before my eyes.

  I gasped.