Grace and Glory

by Armentrout, Jennifer L.

  “Which makes me think we should meet up at the closest but safest point,” I said.

  “Agreed,” Nicolai said. “You have the entire clan backing you up on this.”

  “And we have all the demons that have come here,” Roth said. “Is that going to be a problem? Wardens and demons working together?”

  Zayne and I exchanged a look as we waited for Nicolai to speak.

  “We got bigger problems than demons at the moment,” Nicolai said. “We will not engage any demons who are working toward the same goal as long as they play nice.”

  “They’ll play nice,” Roth assured.

  “Good,” Nicolai clipped out.

  I smiled. Demons and Wardens working together to stop an archangel Hell-bent on ending the world. Who would’ve ever guessed that?

  “I think we let him see only me first,” I said. “He’s going to know that others are with me, but hopefully not all we have on our side. We need that element of surprise.”

  When Zayne didn’t disagree with that, I went on. “From there, it will be up to us to take care of Gabriel.”

  The conversation went on for a little bit after that, and then the time was picked, and when we ended the call with everyone, Zayne closed his laptop and looked over at me.

  “How are you feeling about this?” he asked.

  I thought that over. “Good, I think. Hopeful. In twenty-four hours, this could be all over.”

  His gaze flickered over my face as he nodded. “It’s a good plan. We will stop Gabriel.”

  “We will.” My gaze met his, and there was a catch in my chest.

  This would end tomorrow night. Either we succeeded or we failed, but it would end, because there would be no second chances after this.

  The reality of that struck me then as I stared at Zayne. If we didn’t succeed, we wouldn’t be able to launch another attack, because people would be wounded in this. Failure meant Gabriel would capture me, and that I couldn’t allow. So either Gabriel died or...

  I didn’t let that thought finish, but the heaviness was still here. The weight of what I would need to do if we failed had already settled on my shoulders.

  Heart kicking around in my chest, I took off my glasses and carefully folded the arms, placing them on the coffee table.

  I didn’t know what Zayne was thinking when I picked up the laptop, tossing it on the nearby cushion, and took its place. There was a fire in his eyes, though. A golden-white glow behind his pupils that burned bright.

  The tips of his fingers brushed over the line of my cheekbone and the curve of my jaw as I skimmed my fingers along his lower lip. “I love you,” he whispered.

  I dipped my head, my lips replacing my fingers. This kiss started slow and gentle and we took our time, as if we were mapping the layout of our lips and committing the shape to memory. The kiss became fierce, full of soul-burning yearning and a hint of desperation, consuming both of us. Somehow, we made it to the bedroom, and our clothing came off with a speed that was rather impressive and then...then our bodies melded together.

  Behind every touch and every kiss there was the knowledge that I didn’t want to give life to. So I used my mouth, my hands and my body to say what I couldn’t ever say to Zayne.

  If we didn’t stop Gabriel, I wouldn’t be coming home with Zayne. This would be our last time together.

  * * *

  The following day started off like any other normal, good day.

  Zayne and I had breakfast with Jada and Ty that lasted till lunch. They wanted to be there tonight, but as trained as Ty was and even though Jada could defend herself, neither were ready for this. They weren’t happy, but they understood.

  Hugging Jada goodbye as we parted ways was hard, because those words I didn’t want to give life to the night before haunted me. It could be the last time I saw her.

  Zayne and I spent the rest of the time alone. We watched several episodes of Fresh Prince. I got Zayne to drink a can of soda as we shared a bowl of superyummy berry-flavored Italian ice and then we shared ourselves with each other.

  And as I dressed an hour before we were supposed to meet with everyone, I kept searching for Peanut. As I strapped on my daggers and then braided my hair, I listened to hear any sign of him. As we walked out the door, I stopped to look for him once more...just in case.

  He wasn’t there.

  * * *

  The drive to the farmhouse was quiet, as was the walk to where we were supposed to meet the others. We held hands the moment we stepped out of the Impala, both reaching for the other at the same moment. When we neared the group, Zayne stopped us.

  He kissed me.

  And it was the kind of kiss that held everything we felt for one another. It was a kiss that was deep, claiming and carried a hint of desperation. It was a kiss that promised more—demanded more. I was a little shaken when he lifted his mouth from mine, and neither of us moved for a long moment. I think we both wanted to stay there, right there, but we couldn’t. We knew that, and we started walking again.

  As Zayne and I approached them, I saw only Dez and Nic were there, standing as far away as they could from the other three. I really couldn’t blame them since one of them was Lucifer, who... I squinted. Who was apparently watching something on an iPad.

  “You guys are here.” Nicolai turned to us, and there was no mistaking the relief in his voice.

  “Where is everyone else?” I asked.

  “We figured it would be better if the others hung back,” Nicolai explained, glancing toward the fallen tree Lucifer was perched on. “Less chance for things to go south.”

  “It’s a good call,” Layla said. “His legion of unwanted houseguests is also staying back.”

  “I don’t think any of that is really necessary,” Roth said. “Like Lucifer is even aware of what is happening right now.”

  Lucifer didn’t even appear to hear us.

  “He has earbuds in,” Zayne explained. “Let me guess—Supernatural?”

  Layla nodded.

  “I can’t believe Lucifer is sitting over there with an iPad,” murmured Dez. “This feels like a lucid dream.”

  “The last several days of my life have felt like a lucid dream,” Layla replied.

  Grinning at her, Roth then turned to me. “You ready to do this?”

  My heart skipped a beat. “Yes. Is he?”

  “He is. He knows the plan. Backup is here. Well, almost all backup.” Roth dragged a hand over the center of his chest. “Time to play.”

  Wispy black smoke floated out from underneath Roth’s shirt, spilling into the air beside him. The shadows shifted into thousands of little black dots spinning in the air, like minicyclones.

  Bambi was the first to come off his skin and take form. The giant snake immediately slithered her way over to Zayne and I.

  Three shadows formed from the spinning beads, dropping to the ground—black, white and a mixture of both. Above them, I saw iridescent blue and gold...scales that appeared along the belly and the back of the dragon.

  Holy crap, it was the dragon I’d heard about. Excitement filled me, because dragon.

  My eyes widened as deep red wings sprouted, along with a long, proud snout and clawed hind legs. Its eyes matched Roth’s, a bright yellow.

  But...but it was, like, the size of a small dog.

  I looked down. Three kittens toddled about, one all white, one completely black and a third that was black and white. The white one pounced on the black-and-white kitten, knocking it over and falling over onto its back in the process. The black one jumped, sweeping at the baby dragon’s tail.

  Slowly, I lifted my head to Roth. I’d never been more disappointed in my life.

  “They don’t get out much,” he said with a shrug.

  “Kittens?” I whispered. “And a baby dragon? Seriously? You brought kittens and a ba
by dragon as backup? Are they a snack for Bambi?”

  The black kitten hissed at me.

  “Just wait,” Layla said as Bambi slid over my foot, lifting her diamond-shaped head. I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to be waiting for as Bambi nudged my hand, obviously wanting pets. I patted her head, my hand freezing when the white kitten stretched out its teeny, tiny paws and yawned.

  Actually yawned.

  “Nitro’s just getting warmed up,” he said as Dez and Nicolai stared.

  “Do you think they can speed this up?” Zayne said under his breath. “Because this is getting awkward.”

  The little fluff of fur mewled as the fur stood up along the center of its back. It opened its mouth again, and I swore to God, if it yawned once more, I was just going to kick Roth.

  In the face.

  And then grab the little guys and hide them before they ended up getting trampled to death.

  Except what came out of it was a meow that rose and deepened into a guttural growl that raised the hairs all over my body. The black one let out a snarl that didn’t match its body, and the black-and-white one hissed like a very large, very angry predator.

  And then they changed.

  The ball of white fur grew and expanded, legs lengthening and shoulders widening. Sleek muscles appeared and fragile claws grew into thick, sharp ones. That cute mewl turned into a roar as Nitro’s snout lengthened, mouth opening to bare shark-size fangs.

  On four legs, the kittens reached my waist. Totally large enough to eat me.

  “Holy crap,” I whispered.

  Roth stroked a hand down the center of the black-and-white one while the dragon remained pint-size as it sat on Layla’s shoulder. “This is Fury. The black one is Thor,” Roth said. “And they like to eat things they’re normally not supposed to, don’t they? Like Wardens?”

  “Roth,” Layla warned before turning to the Wardens. “He’s just kidding.”

  The way the one named Fury stared at the two Wardens told me not to be so sure about that.

  Time to redirect attention. “What about Robin?” I asked. “Does he get bigger?” The image of a giant fox creeped me out.

  “He will once he gets older,” Layla said, touching her covered arm. “He’s still a baby, though. If I let him off, all he would do is chase his tail.”

  I laughed.

  “You all done standing around, thinking I’m not paying attention?” Lucifer asked, startling every single one of us. He stared up at us, iPad cradled to his chest. “The sun is setting. It’s time.”

  The next breath I took snagged in my chest as the shadows continued to grow inside the woods. Lucifer was right.

  It was time.

  32

  The rolling hills of the lush green lawn looked as picturesque as a postcard at dusk, but the moment I stepped out from the heavy tree line, my demon spidey senses were going off all over the place.

  And that had nothing to do with the fact that Lucifer was standing a few feet behind me, surprisingly enough.

  Feeling Zayne’s gaze on me as I walked forward, I scanned the blurry house ahead. I saw no movement, but a wave of goose bumps broke out across my arms. I stopped less than half the length of a football field from the sprawling colonial-style farmhouse. I squinted as the last of the sun seeped away and shadows rapidly grew along the front porch of the house, pressing against the white pillars and the walls of the first floor.

  Except they weren’t normal shadows. They moved too quick, darting from one pillar to the next like Ping-Pong balls.

  Shadow People.

  “Hey,” I called out, the hot tingling at the base of my neck growing.

  The shadows stilled.

  That was a little unnerving. “Is the Harbinger of Overly Long Monologues home?”

  Whispers carried on the breeze reached me, the voices of the SP too low for me to understand. “If he is,” I yelled. “Tell him it’s rude to keep visitors waiting even if it’s a surprise.”

  “A surprise?” Gabriel’s voice echoed all around, but I didn’t see him. “Silly nephilim.”

  I tensed, gaze flickering from the house to the thin trees lining the driveway. He could be anywhere, and with my vision, I’d never know, but I had other eyes with far better vision backing me up.

  Without warning, dozens of floodlights from the house and side yards sparked to life. Bright white light funneled through the gathering darkness. Blinded, I didn’t resist the urge to shield my eyes. I lifted a hand as my eyes watered and stung from the intense light. Cloudy splotches gathered in my vision as my grace stretched at my skin. My eyes would adapt—hopefully—but it would take a couple of minutes.

  A shape appeared behind the house, sweeping into the air. I could make out the width of wings. My heart skipped a beat. There he was. I drew in a deep breath and nearly choked on the sickly sweet smell of...of rot.

  Where was that coming from? I quickly looked around me, and from what I could see, there was nothing nearby. If there were and I was unaware, Zayne would be out here in a nanosecond. Could that smell be coming from Gabriel?

  I lowered my hand, wishing I could see him. All I could tell was that he was hovering above the house like a demented guardian angel.

  I ignored the insult as I forced my arms loose at my sides. “You’ve been looking for me, so I decided to come to you.”

  “I appreciate that.” Gabriel’s wings moved silently in the air. “Makes my life so much easier.”

  “You sure about that?”

  His laugh reached me, sending a rush of iciness through me. “Oh, I am sure.” He drifted over the home, stopping in front of the porch. “Just as I’m sure you did not come alone.”

  Warning pricked my skin even though I wasn’t surprised he knew. “I would be stupid to come here alone, and I’m not stupid.”

  “We’ll have to agree to disagree on that, child of Michael.”

  My eyes narrowed. “How’re those bullet wounds treating you, Gabriel?”

  His wings stilled. “I’ll make sure I show you in great detail later.”

  “I think I’ll pass,” I told him. “But I did bring you a present. Spoiler alert, it’s not me.”

  “Spoiler alert?” Confusion filled the archangel’s tone.

  I sighed. “You don’t even know what a spoiler alert is? I mean, come on, this is getting ridiculous.”

  Gabriel flew forward suddenly, and in the next heartbeat, I felt the warmth of Zayne at my back. The golden white glow of his wings washed over me.

  Gabriel halted, still several feet away. “Is that who you’ve brought me?” he asked. “A Fallen in need of his wings and grace to be stripped? I’ll be more than happy to kill him.” He paused. “Again.”

  Anger flushed my system, but I knew better than to cave to it. I learned that the hard way. “He’s a gift,” I said, keeping my voice level. “But not for you.”

  Zayne’s right wing brushed over my back as he came to stand by my side. “You’re not looking very well, Gabriel,” Zayne said, disgust creeping into his voice. He was right. The archangel was close enough for me to see that there was more of an oily sheen to his wings and skin than a luminous glow. “And is it you that smells like decay?”

  “You smell that, too?” I asked. “Because I was wondering if Gabriel crapped himself or something.”

  “My brother didn’t crap himself,” Lucifer said, and my hands balled into fists. Of course he didn’t listen to me. He came to stand to my left. “Yet.”

  “That’s your surprise,” I said, feeling like this was so anticlimactic now. “Surprise,” I exclaimed, throwing in jazz hands in the process.

  “I do not accept this gift,” Gabriel snarled.

  “Too bad,” I said. “No returns or exchanges.”

  Gabriel focused in on his brother. “I knew I felt the taint of your presence
.”

  “The taint of my presence? Have you smelled yourself recently?” Lucifer looked up at Gabriel. “Your essence—your Glory is rotting.”

  “My Glory is not rotting,” the archangel snapped.

  “Um.” I drew the word out. “Something on you is definitely rotting.”

  “Even mine never smelled that bad.” A twinge of awe filled Lucifer’s tone as he continued to stare up at Gabriel. “You know what that means.”

  “You have no idea what you speak of,” Gabriel bit back.

  “What does that mean?” I asked, glancing at Lucifer.

  The devil smiled. “I have a feeling we’re going to find out.”

  Gabriel drew farther back. “You know what I plan, brother. You of all people should be celebrating what needs to be done. I will end this—end this corruption that has become this realm. I will do what needs to be done. And yet you stand before me instead of behind me?”

  “Yeah, well, what you plan is my kind of party,” Lucifer said. “But it ain’t my party. You feel me?”

  “He probably doesn’t get your analogy,” I told him.

  “I understand it fine,” snapped Gabriel. “I give you this one chance, Lucifer. More than our Father ever gave you. Join me, and together, we will end this.”

  Lucifer cocked his head to the side. “Now, you know damn well Father gave me so many chances it was absurd. Even I can admit that, but you? Oh, Gabe, what have you done to yourself?”

  The twinge of genuine sadness in Lucifer’s voice caught my attention.

  He was shaking his head. “You were only ever supposed to be the voice of God. No more. No less. And yet that wasn’t enough. You became bitter. Jealous. So full of pride.”

  “You speak to me about striving for more? Of pride?” Gabriel thundered, and I mean, he kind of had a reason to be dumbstruck. “You? You, who wanted to rule beside God?”

  “So? I still see nothing wrong with that. What I wanted was the power due to me and for that I was cast to Earth.” A glow began to seep through his skin. “But I was never barred from the Heavens. Tell me, brother, when was the last time you were able to enter the Heavens? When is the last time you spoke to God? Heard the divine Voice? I hear it now. Do you?”