by T. R. Hamby
The others were talking amongst themselves, reclining on chairs and looking out the window. Forster, Serene’s mate, was standing by the window, an ecstatic grin on his face.
“Here,” she said, and Michael turned to her; she was offering the baby to him.
He stooped and allowed her to place the bundle in his arms. He immediately chuckled--the baby was so very little, resting in his arms. His Presence was small, too.
Then he opened his eyes, snuffling, and looked up at him.
Michael felt a jolt. It was similar to what he had felt when he had first held his own children. He grinned, rocking him. Sydney continued to stare, almost curiously.
After a moment Michael came back to himself, and he looked at Serene while he rocked the baby.
“You’ll leave him here?”
She nodded. “He’ll live with his father. And I’ll visit. Forster already said you can visit too. Whenever you want.”
He felt a surge of relief. “Good.”
He thought for a moment, then said, “You didn’t Call Gabriel.”
Serene’s face darkened. “Let’s not fight, Mica.”
“He’s your brother.”
“I Called him before the labor. To apologize. We argued again.”
“About Barry?”
She gave him a look. “I said some insulting things to his mate,” she said dryly. “He hasn’t forgiven me yet.”
“Barry isn’t his mate, Seri. It’s different.”
“Does it matter?”
Michael took a steadying breath. “I’ll let you two work it out. You’re adults.”
“Don’t be mad.”
Michael looked at her. Her dark eyes, her nose, her cheeks, all resembled his own. He suddenly remembered her as a little one, dashing through the house, shrieking as he chased her, and laughing as he scooped her up and threw her over his shoulder.
Now she would have her own little one to chase.
He settled the baby back into her arms, and kissed her cheek again. “Tell me when you get back to Sydney,” he said.
She nodded, a slight smile on her face now. He gave the baby a final smile before excusing himself, going down the stairs, standing by the door and falling back to Earth.
Gabriel
He landed on the second floor of a house. He saw the lake out the window. There was a bed against the far wall, and several chairs, a table.
And there was Serene, a hand on her middle, which was still rounded into a decently-sized bump.
Gabriel rushed to her, but she held up a hand before he could say anything.
“I’m fine,” she said soothingly. “Everything’s fine.”
“The child?”
“We’re fine. I just, you know….wanted to talk to you.”
She looked a little sheepish, and Gabriel wondered if she was trying to apologize.
Oh, now she wanted to apologize. Perfect timing.
He sighed. “Can we talk later? We’re hunting an Angel. It’s dangerous.”
She looked hurt. “So? It’s always dangerous.”
“Barry’s with me,” he replied, knowing she wouldn’t like hearing it.
She raised an eyebrow. “You took him with you? A human?”
“He’s Immortal now,” Gabriel said, sighing again, “but he can still be killed by a Blade, so leaving him--”
“How is he Immortal?” Serene exclaimed, flabbergasted.
Gabriel tried to stay patient, knowing that the more time he spent with her, the longer Barry was left to fend for himself.
He gave her a rundown of Barry’s death and revival, and she went pale.
“That’s ridiculous,” she breathed. “You don’t really believe that.”
“’Course I do. He wouldn’t lie.”
She looked doubtful, and he felt a surge of anger. “You think he would lie?”
“There’s no way there’s another god, Gabriel; come on,” Serene said, shaking her head, as if he was a foolish child.
“Why would he make it up?” Gabriel said. “What, Father bringing him back to life isn’t a good enough story?”
“Maybe. Maybe he wants to feel special.”
Gabriel laughed in disbelief. This was seriously the conversation they were having.
“Christ, Serene,” he breathed.
She bristled. “You seriously believe him. That a second god just,” and she gestured with her hands, “appeared, and raised him from the dead? Him out of everybody?”
He tutted. “You’re doing a shit job apologizing.”
“He’s--”
But Gabriel was done listening to her. He had to get back to Barry. He stepped away, falling backward until his feet landed on snowy ground.
He was shocked at the sight before him.
Sprays of blood littered the snow around the fire. A particularly large puddle soaked the ground nearby.
He looked around wildly, his heart racing, until he found Barry, crouched by the fire.
He caught sight of him and jumped to his feet.
“The fuck happened?” Gabriel breathed as they embraced.
“Ceres.”
“What?”
Gabriel pulled away. Barry had dried blood on his face, and his shirt was torn at the shoulder. He smelled like blood, but appeared uninjured.
Barry nodded. “Just after you left.”
“What--are you all right? Where are you hurt?”
“I’m fine,” Barry said soothingly. “Got caught in the shoulder, that’s all. Oh, and she kicked me in the face a couple times….nearly knocked my teeth out.”
Gabriel chuckled despite himself. “But you’re all right? You--you really killed her? She’s dead?”
He nodded darkly. “She’s dead.”
Gabriel let out a breath, finally absorbing the news. He felt a surge of guilt--he had left Barry alone, and Ceres had nearly killed him.
Barry took his hand, looking soothing. “It’s all right, Gabe.”
Gabriel paused, before nodding shakily. He studied him, grasping his arms. “You’re really all right?”
Barry chuckled, a slight smile appearing on his face. “Yeah, I’m all right. Just….I don’t know. I’ve never killed before.”
“You had to do it.”
He nodded. “Yeah.”
Gabriel kissed him, and he melted, cupping his face. God, Gabriel had been close to losing him again. He would never get used to it, and it would always be there, that risk.
They broke away, and Barry looked better, flushed and grinning.
Gabriel grinned too, feeling much lighter. “Now we can leave,” he said, glancing around the camp. “Christ, I can’t believe you did it….”
Barry frowned, looking around too.
Gabriel studied him. “You want to stay?”
Barry looked at him, the light from the fire dancing in his eyes. “Maybe. You know….it’s just pretty here. And I like this, you know….rough living. In small doses.”
Gabriel smiled. He liked it too.
“Is the baby all right?” Barry asked as they lay down in the tent, figuring they would let Mel and Nora sleep before telling them about Ceres in the morning.
Gabriel felt his face darken. “Yeah. She wanted to apologize.”
Barry was cautious, catching his tone. “Didn’t go well?”
Gabriel sighed, playing with Barry’s fingers. He traced the thick scars on his index and middle finger, and felt triumphant. Ceres was dead, and the man she had murdered had returned the favor.
“She thinks you’re lying about Them,” he finally replied, tutting.
He waited for the disbelief, the anger, but Barry simply shrugged. “Could be worse,” he said, unimpressed.
“How could it be worse?”
He looked at him. “She could be pissed I’m still alive.”
Gabriel chuckled despite himself. “Wouldn’t put it past her, these days.”
“You know, I don’t know if she really cares all that much about me,” Barry said tho
ughtfully. “I don’t know--maybe she’s projecting.”
“I don’t know what that is.”
Barry propped himself up on his elbow. “It’s when a person is cut up over something, but they get angry over something else instead. Or something like that. I learned it in rehab.”
Gabriel considered this. It made sense, to some degree. He still didn’t think Serene liked Barry that much, but it did seem out of character for her to make such a fuss about things.
They were quiet, staring up at the top of the tent.
“I’m going to hold off on school,” Barry murmured. “Don’t have the time anymore.”
Gabriel felt a pang, and squeezed his hand. “You don’t have to do this.”
“I know. I want to.”
Gabriel looked at him. He was gorgeous, lying there looking upward. He had chosen to come back to life, and had now vanquished Ceres. He was strong, stronger than most Angels, even the ones Gabriel had fought.
He wrapped his arms around him, and they closed their eyes. Barry fell right to sleep, and Gabriel wasn’t far behind, knowing they were safe.
It was a peaceful night.
Nora
Paint swatches, curtains, and mirrors. All were on her list of things to shop for on a brisk November morning.
The sitting room in Judy’s house had finished being remodeled, so now it was up to Nora to finish designing it. The furniture had been picked out, but the paint--and some of the finishing touches--still needed to be chosen.
It had been two weeks since Ceres’ and Palmer’s deaths, and it had been a peaceful time. Barry and Gabriel had stayed in Abisko for another week, enjoying the camping experience, before returning to Westminster. Mel, who was taking another hiatus from his business, had taken to helping Michael fix up cars.
And Nora and Gilla had resumed the remodel on Judy’s house--there was still so much to do.
Michael and Gilla had gone out for the day, so Nora went shopping alone. She decided to check the thrift shops first--they usually had some good pieces.
She found some curtains, passed by a cafe, and went in, craving a coffee.
She was sipping it in the corner when she felt a Presence. She looked out the window, frowning. She could guess who it was, and sure enough, Roone appeared, walking down the pavement. He caught sight of her and halted, looking embarrassed.
Nora hoped he would keep walking, but no luck. He turned into the cafe, stuffing his hands in his pockets sheepishly.
Nora ground her teeth together. She certainly hadn’t forgiven him for taking too long to warn them about Ceres watching the house. And she was annoyed, too; this guy was like a bad penny, always showing up and bothering her.
He finally got to her table. She raised an eyebrow, and he looked down at his shoes, flushing.
“Can I sit?” he asked quietly.
Nora considered sending him away. But he did look guilt-stricken. And, like Mel had said before, Angels tended to avoid each other. It might have been a miracle that Roone had come to warn them in the first place.
She sighed and nodded to the chair opposite her. Roone looked relieved, and sat down.
“You don’t want a coffee?” Nora asked weakly.
He made a face. “I don’t like the taste.”
He studied the table for a moment, before looking at her and saying, “I’m sorry. I fucked up.”
Nora studied him. He was still, awkward and pleading, his pale green eyes shining in the light from the window. She had that pity for him again--he had such a vulnerable, almost innocent demeanor. He clearly hadn’t meant any harm, and his remorse was obvious.
She heaved a sigh. “Okay. I forgive you.”
He brightened, looking relieved. “Thank you. If there’s a next time I’ll do things differently.”
“I might beat you up if you don’t,” Nora replied jokingly.
He looked at her, and smiled. “I had a feeling you wouldn’t stay mad at me.”
“Oh? I’m pretty good at holding grudges.”
He shrugged. “You seem pretty fair. I like that about you.”
Nora couldn’t help but smile. That was sweet of him.
Then she remembered Judy. “It was Judy’s birthday yesterday; did you take her out?”
Roone frowned. “No….we called it off last week. She didn’t tell you?”
“Oh. No. I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. We were getting tired of each other,” he explained, his lips twitching into a smile. “It had never been very serious anyway. Just a distraction for both of us.”
“Oh? And what do you need to be distracted from?” Nora asked, teasing a little.
He chuckled, leaning back in his seat. “Nothing, to be honest. Life. Women.”
Nora rolled her eyes. “Really. You have women hanging all over you?”
Roone smirked, pleased. “I have women lining up for me. All this charm, you know?”
“Oh yes, you ooze charm.”
Roone laughed. He looked at her, and Nora felt herself flush.
Well, this was a twist. She hadn’t expected to suddenly hit it off with Roone--bumbling, blundering Roone. But he flirted well--surprisingly well--and he was attractive, once one saw past the awkwardness.
She bit her lip, and he smiled fondly. “You’re beautiful.”
Nora rolled her eyes, and he grinned. “Very smooth, Casanova.”
“You’re welcome.”
He hesitated, studying her. Then he said, “There’s a reading area upstairs--do you want to see?”
Nora hesitated too. This was such a strange turn to her day that she wasn’t quite sure what she wanted to do.
But she couldn’t resist at least looking, so she followed him up a spiral staircase to the floor above.
It was a quaint area, with overstuffed chairs and sofas to lounge on. Bookshelves covered the walls. There was a room in the back, partitioned from the front room with a heavy blue curtain.
Roone went to the curtain, giving her a mischievous look. Nora rolled her eyes again, and he chuckled.
She hesitated once more, but then followed him past the curtain.
It was similar to the room in front, only smaller.
“What’s so special about this room?” Nora asked, as Roone surveyed the bookshelf.
He frowned. “I think this is a private area. People pay to read here without being disturbed.”
“So we’re not supposed to be in here.”
He chuckled. “Nope.”
“Roone,” Nora teased, “I didn’t know you could be bad.”
Roone blushed. He seemed pleased to hear her say his name. “I can be adventurous here and there.”
Nora smiled at him. He looked at her, caught her smile, and chuckled, turning even redder.
Now she couldn’t resist. His blush was cute, sexy, and he looked at her almost hopefully.
She approached him, and he stood very still. Her heart raced, excitedly. He was Mel’s height; she would have to stand on tiptoe….
He bent his head, and she kissed him. He tasted good, and he smelled good, too, so close to her. He sighed and slipped his arms around her waist, pulling her tight against him.
They were like this for a minute, before Nora let her hands wander. She slipped them beneath his sweater, and he shivered, chuckling. He slipped the sweater off, and Nora frowned, glancing around.
“Should you do that? What if someone comes in?”
“They won’t. I rented this room today. I was coming in to read when I saw you.”
Nora stared at him, surprised. Then she laughed, and he grinned. “Lucky us.”
“Lucky you happened to come in,” he said. “You’re not stalking me, are you?”
She rolled her eyes, and he chuckled.
She smoothed her hands down his chest. He was fit--most Angels were--and very sexy half-naked. But he had scars--too many to count--angry raised lines on his stomach, his sides, his arms….
Nora looked at him, concerned, and he turn
ed red. “I’d rather not.”
“Yeah, of course….”
He kissed her again, and her thoughts returned to him, his kiss, his touch. She slipped her jacket off. She was wearing a knitted dress, and he gently tugged it off. She stood in just her underwear, and he took her in.
He had a strange look on his face--an almost tender one. He smiled at her. “You’re gorgeous. I knew you’d be gorgeous.”
Nora flushed. She shivered as he explored her, brushing his hands on her breasts, touching her waist, her hips. He knelt down and placed kisses along her body.
He stood, and she attacked him, kissing him roughly, unzipping his jeans. He yanked them down, and they fell onto the couch, breathless and moaning quietly. Roone eased inside her, and Nora gasped. He felt amazing, and she had a difficult time keeping quiet as he rocked into her, tugging her legs around his hips.
She reached back and clung to the arm of the sofa as they moved. Roone’s eyes roved over her. He caught her eye, and they grinned, chuckling. He brushed at her hair, kissed her, told her how beautiful she was.
Then he moved harder, faster, and Nora clung to him, breathing his name. She had to clap a hand to her mouth as pleasure exploded within her, leaving her dizzy and breathless. Roone wasn’t far behind, grasping her hips and growling.
They lay there, catching their breath. They caught each other’s eye and laughed. Roone turned to her, brushed at her hair, and kissed her neck tenderly. His gentleness reminded Nora of Mel, and she longed to see him now, to touch and kiss him too. He would be amused to hear that she had slept with someone else.
Oh wait. Maybe he wouldn’t be.
She bit her lip, coming out of her buzz, while Roone kissed her shoulder. Mel had been very suspicious when he had learned about Roone’s Presence in London. And although he had eventually conceded that Roone probably wasn’t dangerous, Nora wasn’t sure he would be happy knowing that she had slept with him. She hadn’t thought about that, and wondered how she would tell him.
Roone studied her, noticing the change in her mood. “What’s wrong?”
She sighed sheepishly. “I’m not sure my boyfriend will like what we did.”
He frowned, confused. “Oh. I thought….”
