Raphael sat in the chair that Ana had vacated and gave her an earnest look. “When you called me and all I could hear was Cam screaming in the background, it nearly destroyed me. Then when I got there and saw you lying on the ground, I was so afraid that I had lost you forever. Now I understand Abdiel’s pain from losing his little brother and sister because I felt it that night.”
Gabi saw that he wanted to hug her, but didn’t know how to approach her. She took matters into her own hands and threw herself into his arms. She felt him give a shuddering sigh as he held her tight in his arms. Her heart broke when she realized that he was starving for affection.
“We’re both such a mess, aren’t we?” She wiped away a tear from her cheek.
He held her by her shoulders and looked her in the eye. “Please, be careful. I am very worried about you. I have a bad feeling that Michael is right. There is something big getting ready to happen. I, also, think that your empath Cam is going to be right in the middle of it.”
“Cam? No, you must be wrong, Raphael. Up until a few weeks ago, he could barely fight off a puppy. Now you’re saying he’s going to be in some big, demon battle.”
“When we first got Cam here, he was so bad off that I personally had to heal him. When I scanned him, I found a huge source of energy that’s being barely contained within him. That kid has a lot of powers that are about ready to pop out. I’ve never seen anything like it before in any other angel, and I’ve healed Michael. It’s more than just telepathy too, if I’m right, Cam is going to be one of the most powerful angels in Heaven. I think that a part of him somehow senses that there are going to be hard times ahead, and his body is getting ready.”
“Look, I love Cam, but you don’t know him as well as you think.” Gabi shook her head, still refusing to believe him. “Do you want to know what he did Thursday? He burped the alphabet all day long. He wouldn’t stop. Don’t forget that angels can speak every language ever known to man. He burped those alphabets too. Do you know how annoying it is to hear the French language butchered like that? Besides, I’ve scanned him myself a hundred times, and I’ve never detected anything.”
“I’m telling you the truth, Gabi,” he said adamantly. “Maybe the powers chose to show themselves now because he was exposed to the demon’s blood, or maybe it was because of the rigorous training that Abdiel had put him through. Hell, for all we know, the little brat might just be a late bloomer. All I do know for sure is that, burps and all, Cam is more powerful than anyone could imagine.”
“So the demons were right.” She suddenly had the urge to take Cam and hide him in his room so that nothing could touch him. “He is part of this Order thingy they talked about. They said Abdiel was too. Do you think they were right about that as well?”
“Michael has always made it a point to train Abdiel harder than any other archangel. I wouldn’t be surprised if the chief had not known all along that your mate is destined to be part of the Order of Four. I wouldn’t worry about Abdiel though. He’s the most skilled archangel I know.” Raphael gave her a lopsided grin.
“You said Cam was bad when you first saved us. How bad is bad?” She looked down at her hands, almost not wanting to know the answer.
“Gabi, he was begging the demons to take him to Hell when we first got there. He was on his hands and knees pleading with those monsters. When we finally did get him here to Heaven, he turned wild and tried to attack us. I think that if it had been any other empath but Cam, they would have gone insane.”
“Oh no, Raphael.” She all of the sudden realized how dangerous the poison really was. “They’re going to use this on other empaths, ones that won’t be able to fight it like Cam did. If we don’t find an antidote then the angel warriors are going to suffer terrible losses.”
“Don’t worry. I have my best healers already hard at work in the lab. We will find a way to fight this. But don’t think about that today. This is your special day, and you should only have happy thoughts on your mind. Here, this is for you.” He handed her the velvet box.
“What is it?”
“Mom sent it for you.” He smiled ruefully. “By messenger, of course. She didn’t even bother to send a note for either of us with it.”
Gabi opened the box and pulled out a gold tiara. Several emeralds were set into it. She knew that it was the piece her mother had worn when she had gotten married to her father. Gabi was half tempted to toss it aside. She was four years old the last time she had seen her mother, and she certainly didn’t need anything from her now that she was an adult.
Raphael sensed her thoughts. “Those emeralds will look really great with your eyes. Wear it for that reason alone.”
“Raphael.” She grabbed his hand. “Will you walk me to the mating pool?”
He gave her a tender smile. “Nothing would please me more, little sister.”
Derel poked his head in the door. When he spotted Raphael, he bowed slightly. “Sorry for the interruption, but it’s time to get started.”
“How’s Cam doing today?” Gabi asked him.
“He’s doing much better. He’s just nervous that he’s going to drop Abdiel in the pool.”
“Derel,” she said suspiciously as she crossed her arms. “Where would Cam get that idea?”
Derel did not even have the good graces to look guilty. He shot her a sly look. “Because we put it there. It’s so much fun tormenting that little dork. To top it off, Ana is about ready to go ballistic. Barakiel dyed his hair black. He said that he didn’t want Abdiel to feel left out of the family because we are all blonde.”
“Who is Barakiel?” Raphael had the confused look that most angels wore when they were around the Lehors.
“That’s the youngest brother.” Gabi supplied. “He’s always changing the color of his hair or piercing some body part. Just be thankful he’s an empath and not a healer.”
“I still got stuck training that one.” Raphael pointed at Derel. “He may be one of the best healers I have ever taught, but he still drove me crazy.”
The complement seemed to shock Derel, he obviously had not known that Raphael thought so highly of him. Welcome to the club, kiddo. He’s just full of little surprises today. Maybe I should get poisoned more often. It seems to bring out the teddy bear in my brother.
“So are you guys all set then?” Derel directed his question to Raphael.
As Raphael nodded, Gabi had to fight back the tears. The brothers had wanted to make sure that she had someone to walk her to the mating ceremony. She knew that if Raphael had not been there one of them would have done it. They would not have let her go alone.
Raphael put the tiara in her hair. “Let’s go, little sister. Your mate awaits you.”
Even though he had been born and raised in Heaven, there were still times that the sheer beauty of the place awed Abdiel. The wedding chamber was a perfect example of this. The hall was enormous and was luxurious without being gaudy, a perfect balance between elegance and taste.
There was no ceiling in the wedding chambers. Instead there was the open sky above their heads. It was a clear blue and white billowy clouds were scattered throughout. Once in a while a bird could be spotted swooping through the air. A slight breeze blew through the room, bringing a fresh, fragrant floral scent. Ivory towers stretched up as far as the eye could see before disappearing into clouds. Gold, chiffon fabric draped the towers offsetting the solid gold floors.
There were many stone statues depicting various famous angels engaged in battles. Abdiel had been dumbstruck when he noticed that one of the statues was of him battling Lucifer on that fateful day. He had never thought of himself as some hero, but obviously whoever had made it, thought differently.
Several small fountains dotted the chamber. They were fashioned out of white marble. The sparkling blue water in each of them had several different types of flowers floating in it. The fountains surrounded a large, shallow pool that sat in the center. Marble steps led up to it, followed by more steps on the inside that
went into the water. Unlike the fountains, this pool was not adorned with flowers.
This large, white marble pool was the marriage pool. It was angel custom that the couple was baptized as part of the ceremony, their past lives washed away as they became one.
The hall was filled to capacity. Many came because Gabi was royalty and much like humans, angels liked to see the rich and famous. Others came to get a glance at the famous Dark Angel. In truth, most of the angels attending were complete strangers to the couple. Besides Raphael, Gabi had no family there. The only “family” Abdiel had was the Lehor family. Well, technically the Lehors belonged to both of them, lucky dogs that they were.
Gabi stood in the pool facing Abdiel. Her dress was all white, light and gauzy. It had long sleeves that opened just at the elbows. The fabric flowed gracefully around her knees pooling in the water.
Abdiel had on a white, button up shirt. The top two buttons were undone showing off a glimpse of his chest. His white trousers were rolled up in order to keep them dry.
He could not take his eyes off of her. She had to be the most beautiful angel ever made. He still could hardly believe that she was going to be his. Forever.
Ana stood in the pool as well, she was standing up for Gabi. When Gabi had asked her to do the honor Ana had cried, a rare show of emotion for the justice angel. Cam stood on the other side of Abdiel. He looked more nervous about being in the spotlight than Abdiel. The empath had been shocked when Abdiel asked him to be his best man.
Michael stood in the middle. He was the one who was going to preside over the marriage. Any other high-ranking angel could have done the ceremony, but Gabi and Abdiel would have no one but their leader do the honors. He was the one that had finally brought them together after all.
Michael started the ceremony, and Abdiel could feel Gabi grip his hand tighter in anticipation. They looked into each other’s eyes, sharing the deep love that they had for one another.
As Michael droned on and on, angel weddings were notoriously long, Abdiel knew he should be paying attention, but he couldn’t concentrate.
He couldn’t believe that she was all his. His beautiful Gabi was giving him her heart. He never imagined in his wildest dreams that he would ever be so fortunate.
“Abdiel,” Michael’s voice snapped him out of daze.
“Huh?” he stammered.
He had been caught mooning over her like some dope. Cam stifled a laugh behind him. All the females let out an “Awe” of approval.
“It’s time to kiss me,” Gabi said as she bit her bottom lip shyly.
Abdiel swooped her into his arms and did just that. It wasn’t until Michael cleared his throat that he remembered they had an audience. He reluctantly pulled away.
Ana and Cam then dunked them under the water. Cam was so nervous that he inadvertently sent out mental thoughts so strong that Abdiel picked them up. Don’t drop Abdiel. Everyone will think you’re a super-dork if you drop the Dark Angel on his big day. He had to give him credit though. Cam didn’t drop him. Once they were baptized as husband and wife, the ceremony was over.
Then they had to stand in a reception line while everybody gave them their well wishes and blessings. Abdiel thought it would never end. Gabi however was a natural. She greeted every single angel warmly and easily made conversation.
Finally, Ana came up to him. She smiled when he gave her a grateful look
“Go ahead and take your bride home,” she whispered.
“Did you get everything ready?” he whispered back.
“Yes, I fixed your bedroom just like you asked. Cam will be staying with me the next week in case you need him.”
“I thought he was staying with Ramiel.”
“Please,” she rolled her eyes. “Like I would leave him alone with Anfial. That she-demon would just love that.”
“Thank you Ana, for everything.”
“You’re our family, Abdiel, and not just because I said some stupid words in front of the council. My brother’s and I care for you and respect you.”
“Come on Ana don’t get mushy on me,” he chided playfully.
“No, I’m serious, Abdiel. I have always known you were a good soul. That’s why I asked Michael to send you to be Cam’s archangel.”
“You what?” he asked. Ana’s meddling seemed to have no bounds.
“I knew Cam needed a new archangel, so I asked Michael to send you. My little brother was lost and needed someone who would be firm, yet kind.”
She started to walk away before she shot over her shoulder. “Besides, you and Gabi had been apart far too long. If I hadn’t have butted in and forced you two together, who knows how many more centuries would have gone by before you guys came to your senses?”
“Cam is right. She is Dr. Phil,” he muttered under his breath.
However, he hadn’t missed the sad look that had gone over her eyes. Being a justice angel tended to drive away any male suitors. Well, that and eight very overprotective brothers. Ana had to feel lonely at times.
He turned and grabbed Gabi by the wrist. He led her behind a pillar, away from prying eyes. She immediately grabbed him by the hair and pulled him into a passionate kiss.
“Let’s get out of here,” he told her, his breath labored.
She giggled before she threw her arms around him. While kissing him, she flashed both of them back to their house. Ending up in the kitchen, they tumbled backward until he landed in a chair. She sat down in his lap and continued the kiss.
“Oops,” she said, finally coming up for air. “I meant to flash us to the bedroom. I’ve never been that far off before.”
“That’s okay,” he told her, taking the tiara out of her hair and setting it down on the table. “I’ll get you there.”
He stood up with her in his arms. Raining small love bites down her slender throat, he started up the stairs. When he felt her hands slip under his shirt to stroke his chest, he stumbled.
“Be good or else we’ll never get there.” He growled.
She responded by taking his ear between her teeth and suckling it. She let out a wicked giggle when he cursed and stumbled, yet again. Finally, he got to the bedroom, pushing open the door, he carried her inside.
Several candles were lit. The shadows from the flames flickered on the walls. Rose petals lay scattered over the bed. The fragrance they gave off reminded him of her. A platter of chocolate-covered strawberries stood on the nightstand.
Yeah, it was a good thing he had asked Ana to set up the room and not Cam. The empath probably would have set them up with Cheetos and Mountain Dew.
As soon as he set her on her feet, she threw herself at him. Her hungry hands tugged at his shirt until she had it off. Her small fingers ran up and down his chest, her mouth following the trail. He bunched his hands into her soft, silky hair as her hot, velvet tongue lapped hungrily at him.
“You’re killing me, princess.” His voice was hoarse with need.
Deciding he needed to turn the tables, he started to nuzzle her throat. She sighed happily as she leaned her head to the side in order to give him better access. He cupped her round bottom with one hand while he unzipped her dress with the other.
He smiled when he saw she wore a little, white teddy underneath it. It was barely there, just covering the small swell of her breasts while hugging her flat stomach and her curvy waist. She wore matching white thong panties.
“You like?” she asked shyly.
“I love,” he told her as his fingers trailed over the top of her breasts.
She closed her eyes, her body swaying into his. He cupped her breasts through the fabric. She hissed in pleasure as she leaned even closer to him.
Slowly, her fingers trailed down under his waistband until she touched his erection. She hesitantly ran her fingers on it, pulling back when he groaned.
“Did I hurt you?” Her face was alarmed.
He answered by taking her hand and putting it back. She giggled and grew bolder, her long fingers working m
agic on him. Finally, he had to stop her or else it would be over before it had even begun.
Taking back control, he picked her up and threw her on the bed. Her green eyes widened in shock before she reached up and pulled off his pants. When she struggled with the garment, he clumsily helped her, throwing them to the side once they were off. She wrapped her arms around his neck before she lay down on the bed, bringing him with her.
As he slowly undressed her and revealed her glorious body, he thought he was going to die with pleasure. As soon as he freed her breasts, he took one of her nipples into his mouth and gently ran his tongue over it. He used his fingers to tease the other nipple, bringing out a cry of pleasure from her. She grabbed his head with both of her hands and tugged at his hair, holding him tight to her as she whispered encouraging words to him in several different languages.
He forced himself to tear his mouth away from her breast and started to make his way down her body with his lips, tongue and teeth. He paid particular attention to her navel, circling it slowly with his tongue. He felt pure, alpha-male satisfaction when he saw her flat belly quiver in response. Twisting her body slightly, he switched his attention to his mark on her hip. He could have gone on tasting her skin forever, the mixture of the salt from her sweat combined with the scent of roses was better than any manna Heaven had ever produced.
“Please,” she panted. “I need you now, Abdiel.”
He needed her, dear God how he needed her. If he didn’t get inside of her soon, it was going to destroy him. Giving the mark one last lick, he moved down and used his teeth to pull off her panties. She whimpered and begged some more.
He used his knee to separate her legs and settled himself between her milky white thighs. When he entered her, he almost came right then. Pausing for a moment, he gathered himself and regained some control. Slowly, he began to thrust into her.
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