“I asked for his bite.” The world froze at her words. The noise of fight ended in silence. Tegonni swallowed down a lump in her throat as she met the warrior Lephiri’s wide, surprised-looking eyes. “I wanted him to feed on me,” she said, voice shaky but firm. “He had my permission and has done nothing wrong.”
The angel narrowed his eyes and leaned down, studying her face. “Matanji will not be pleased. That he is innocent of wrongdoing is doubtful. Whether you are is now in question.” He lifted a large hand to touch her, but she was pulled away. Fernando whirled around her, and she ended up at his back with him in a protective stance in front.
The male Lephiri, in a battle crouch, tilted his head in innocent curiosity. “You would protect her? From us? It is you we have come to destroy.”
“Let’s just say I wish to be certain I remain the only target.” His tone was less than respectful. She grabbed his arm, a warning to tread lightly.
The angel warrior raised his eyebrow and opened his mouth to speak, but an unwelcomed voice chimed in. “Tegonni’s crime is being a fool, and she’ll be dealt with.” Jaime came striding down the hall in spiked heels, tight pencil skirt, and a frown. Matanji followed. Dread weighed Tegonni down as their disapproving stares locked on her and Fernando. The two new arrivals kept clear of Phil, who stood with sword pointed at the floor as the female angel held him off with hers raised.
“But you”—Jaime pointed a long, painted fingernail at Fernando—“attacked a Lightworker and twisted her mind with that narcotic venom you creatures spit out.”
Tegonni moved so she stood next to Fernando. “I’m not under his influence. I freely offered my blood.”
Matanji joined the warrior in towering over Tegonni and a calm Fernando. All four hands on hips, she squinted at them like some irate demonic goddess. “And why would you do such a thing?”
She met the Lephiri’s scrutiny. “Because I do not believe he or his need to feed is evil. His choices determine his nature. I wanted to give him the opportunity to choose to feed from someone he couldn’t compel. Did you know Lephiri magic protects Lightworkers from the venom?”
“Not specifically, no. It offers resistance to many dark influences. Resistance, not immunity.” She studied Tegonni and Fernando, then she asked, “That’s the only reason you allowed his feeding?”
“Yes, of course.” The lie slipped out of her mouth without thought. Of course Matanji would see through it. She bit her lip, eyes closing to shut out the sight of the green goddess’s furrowed brow.
“A lie, Tegonni? And we are to believe he has had no effect on you?”
“I’m sorry, I…” She wanted to be honest and say she’d asked for the touch of his power. Wanted and loved him. What would they say to that? It was as unlikely to convince them of his innocence as the lie she’d just told. And she’d be in jeopardy, her judgment suspect. Did she really expect them to allow her keep her freedom, let alone her position, after admitting being willingly involved, sexually, with a vampire?
Her hesitation seemed to settle the matter for Matanji. “I know some of what happened between you tonight. You did pray, remember. You’re not the first to fall for their trickery. I’m sorry he wasn’t what he seemed, but it’s over now. Come.” She pulled Tegonni away from Fernando.
Numb, she allowed it until the male angel’s sword lifted. “No! He is sincere. I’m not influenced.”
Jaime stepped next to her and Matanji. “I hope, for your sake, you’re wrong. We’ll determine your fate later.” The threat chilled Tegonni’s flushed skin. “Even if you aren’t, he dies. Michael’s orders.”
Tegonni barked out an inarticulate protest. Fear pierced her chest.
Matanji’s frown softened. “I see it upsets you, but I’m afraid Jaime is correct.”
Tegonni shook her head. This is not happening. “But I wanted his bite because…because…I—” Her head throbbed as her tears flowed. “I lo—”
“Let it be, minha senhorita. They will kill me in any case.” Her gaze flashed to his. He watched her with his feelings hidden behind a blank expression, but, to her, his eyes couldn’t lie. He was afraid for her life. He turned to Phil. “Stand down.”
Phil hesitated, grim-faced, then threw down his sword. He dropped to his knees, head bowed.
Blackness began to edge Tegonni’s vision. They were going to kill him, and she could do nothing. Panic clawed at her throat.
Jaime waved a hand. “Leave if you can’t watch, Tegonni.” The satisfaction in her voice indicated she would have no issues watching Fernando die.
The Lephiri approached him with raised sword, and Fernando gave Tegonni a tender smile. “Good-bye, Tegonni. Thank you.”
For what? What had she done besides try to convince him of his worth, while denying it at the end with her actions? He was good, their love a gift. She wouldn’t be able to live with herself if she denied that truth in order to save her own life. “Wait!”
The sword kept moving. Fernando tilted his head back and closed his eyes. He wasn’t even going to try defending himself.
“I said stop.” Tegonni pulled away from Matanji and stepped in front of Fernando before the sword came down. The Lephiri studied her patiently. “I wanted him to give me the most intimate touch possible. I wanted him to bite me, and make love to me, because I love him.”
Fernando’s hands, warm with her blood, grasped her arms from behind. “No, meu amor.” He was protecting her honor even though his life was in jeopardy.
She turned and looked at him, taking his hands. “Yes. They are wrong about you. This is wrong, and I won’t stand by and pretend it isn’t. I love you. Whatever happens now, I’m going to be at your side. Even if it’s in death.”
He stared back at her, tension around his eyes. “I cannot allow you to die with me.” His tone was firm, brooking no dispute.
“I am Antigone. I need to stand up for you. For what is right.”
His smile was grim. Then he pulled her into a tight embrace, pressing his lips into her curls. “Your devotion means as much to me as all else we’ve shared tonight. Know that mine is no less.”
“Are you kidding me?” Jaime said “You’re not falling for this forbidden-romance crap, are you?” She sounded livid.
Startled, Tegonni turned and looked to where she stood with Matanji.
Matanji seemed to be studying them. Tegonni gazed calmly back. She had laid her truth out in the open and risked everything not just for the man she loved, but for what she knew was right. What Jaime thought was irrelevant. Tegonni felt a peace so deep she honestly didn’t care what the Lephiri chose to do.
Matanji said, “Real love has power, Jaime, and this is no trick. At least not on Tegonni’s part.”
The green goddess stepped forward and reached out a hand—slowly and palm up—to Fernando. “You, vampire, I’m not so sure about.” A small, pure-white flame burst forth and flickered above her palm. “If you speak the truth, the Holy Fire most likely will not burn you.”
He quirked an eyebrow. “You are not sure?”
“I’m fairly certain it won’t. Unless you are lying. The point is, will you choose to take the risk? Either way, you get what you asked for. The gift of touching Holy Fire.”
He looked down at Tegonni and she gave him a confident smile. “It won’t burn you.”
“We don’t know for sure.” He considered a moment, then kissed her, chaste but poignant.
He tried to disentangle himself from her, but she held on stubbornly. “I meant what I said. I’m staying by your side.”
Jaime protested, and Fernando shook his head.
Matanji, however, overrode them both. “It is her choice. What is yours, Fernando Amaral?”
Fernando relaxed in Tegonni’s arms and gave Matanji a respectful head-bow. As he reached out, Tegonni extended her hand over his, then entwined their fingers. He held her tighter as they touched the flame together.
Warmth flooded through her veins. If love could be liquefied and inje
cted straight into the body, this intense peace is what it would feel like. A huge, jaw-cracking smile spread across her face. He stared at the flame, misty-eyed as its benign touch made his skin glow. Then he looked into her eyes. She saw her joy mirrored there.
Matanji smiled down at Fernando. “Clearly, despite the location of your soul, its state is not as irredeemable as we thought. I believe apologies are in order.”
“None are necessary,” Fernando said, not breaking eye contact with Tegonni.
She couldn’t look away from him as the bliss of the sacred flame continued to touch them. Sharing this with each other was a gift beyond words. Even better, it was Fernando’s dream, an impossibility made real. “I’m so happy for you, Fernando.”
“For us.”
Yes, he was right. This moment was about both of them. “For us.”
Matanji closed a large hand over their joined ones. The green skin was soft and delicate as the flame went out and her hand engulfed theirs. “I’m happy to be wrong. Bless you both.”
The male warrior, now swordless, moved and stood with the other, who was helping a gape-mouthed Phil to his feet.
Jaime stalked up beside the green goddess, fist on hip. “That’s it? They get a blessing and can go on their merry way?”
“As far as I’m concerned, yes.”
The small woman shook her head. “She lied, misappropriated resources, consorted with demonic forces…”
Matanji reached out with one of her free hands, and stroked Jaime’s shoulder in comforting circles. “I think that last has been addressed. Karma will sort the others. Don’t miss the beauty of what has happened tonight by clinging to missteps.”
Arms crossed, Jaime glared at Tegonni, and she knew her boss wasn’t going to let it go.
Matanji said, “Very well, Jaime. You are within your rights as her superior in the Lightworkers to reprimand her as you will. It’s out of our purview.” She motioned with her fourth hand to the other two Lephiri. “We will leave you to it.”
Tegonni suppressed a groan and laid her head on Fernando’s chest. Jaime would not let her off easy.
“We will do whatever we can to secure your soul’s release,” Matanji told Fernando as she let go of their hands. “But as that will most likely necessitate your death, I hope you take my advice. Enjoy what you have been given.” Matanji smiled, and then faded with a musky whiff of sandalwood.
The two Lephiri warriors bowed, and then, as they lifted their wings in graceful arcs, sparkles of magic like fireflies covered them from wingtips to feet before they disappeared. The faint, sweet aroma of geranium lingered after them to mingle pleasingly with Matanji’s heavier scent.
Jaime broke the peaceful silence that followed. “We’ll talk about this in my office Monday morning, Dr. Ellis. I suggest you be prepared to pack up your things. Did you really think—”
“Phillip, please escort our last guest down to the lobby,” Fernando said.
Phil hesitated, glancing at the scowling Jaime before bowing to Fernando. “I’m not comfortable leaving you with only Davis for protection. He’s not full-strength.”
Tegonni looked the penthouse’s doorway. She’d forgotten about the downed guard. She smiled at him, relieved he stood on his feet even if he did have to lean heavily on the door for support. His wound, presumably at least partially healed, was covered by his suit jacket.
He pushed away from the door, cradling his chest with his right hand. “I’m sufficiently recovered to take her down.”
“Thank you, Davis. Stay in the elevator. We don’t want any unwanted attention.”
“I can find my way out. Monday, Dr. Ellis.” Jaime turned and stalked down the hallway.
Davis gave Fernando a bow, then, in long strides, easily caught up with Jaime. He reached to take her elbow, and she snatched it away, causing her to snag a high heel in the deep carpet. She tripped, an ungainly sprawl prevented only by Davis once again taking her elbow. She actually growled at him before the elevator door closed.
Tegonni burst out laughing, almost sorry for her boss. “She came to a vampire execution and witnessed said vampire being honored with Holy Fire instead. I’m going to further disappoint her on Monday when I quit before she can fire me.”
He pressed his forehead against hers. “I am sorry you lost your job.”
“I’m not. Look what I gained.”
He kissed her, a slow, lazy press of lips.
Phil made a noise in his throat. “Excuse me, boss, but I think you two should get inside while I wait for the backup. The inside wards held.”
“Of course, Phil, thank you.” Fernando spared him a nod before leading Tegonni into the penthouse’s small foyer.
She glanced at Phil as Fernando shut the door. The vampire guard mouthed thank you. Her heart warmed as she smiled.
Wrapping his arms around her once more, Fernando looked down at her with serious eyes. “There is one more issue we should address.”
Really? She was way too happy to get truly alarmed. Still. “What else could possibly be wrong after all that?”
“Now that my vampire nature has been forgiven, I don’t wish to insult Heaven’s gift by flaunting smaller violations. For instance, fornication.”
She lifted an eyebrow. If he’s going to tell me we can’t have sex…
“Fortunately, such violations can be easily remedied.” He beamed, putting her at ease. Then he dropped to one knee. Her stomach did flip-flops.
“Fernando?” He’s not about to do what I think he is. “Your angel friend has already blessed our union. We have proven our dedication to one another. Nevertheless, will you honor me with the traditional vows before the Council? Tegonni Ellis, will you marry me?”
For a moment, she was dumbfounded. She’d never guessed the night would end like this. Then joy, ten times greater than earlier, when he’d called them a couple, suffused her heart. She did consider saying something about it being a big step, that they should date for a while. But the truth was, it felt right. She wouldn’t fight it. She stroked his face. “The honor is mine. Of course I will.”
He stood and lifted her in his arms, chest to chest, so she was gazing down at him. They laughed together in the dimness of the entryway, the lights of the cityscape their backdrop. He said, “You were very brave tonight, meu amor. I worried Antigone’s fate would find you, but no Greek tragedy for us.”
She wrapped her legs around his waist, stroked her hands across his chest. “No. More like a modern romance.”
He bent and nuzzled her neck. “In such romances, being engaged is as good as being married, no?”
She laughed, “I knew you’d see sense.”
Loose Id Titles by Angela Daniels
Counselor of the Damned
Angela Daniels
Angela Daniels pens sci-fi, fantasy, and erotic romance in various combinations. She enjoys the challenge of working strong plot, complex characters, and sultry love scenes into her stories. A quintessential Gemini from Chicago, she enjoys new people, new ideas, and new experiences to inspire her writing as well as for their own sake.
Find out more about the author at her website, http://angeladanielsromance.com, or friend her on Facebook at https://facebook.com/AuthorAngelaDaniels.
Counselor of the Damned Page 13
