by ML Guida
Cupid
Angels of Death
By
M.L. Guida
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Dear Reader
Copyright
Prologue
Lethal followed his target to a wide open meadow in the Colorado Rockies. The moonlight played peek-a-boo through the clouds overhead. Cora landed and flattened her wings. The wind blew her long red hair, shielding her face. She looked nervously over her shoulder as if someone was watching her, but she wouldn’t see him. He was cloaked and hiding behind a thicket of aspen trees. She was a lower angel and didn’t have the power to detect assassins.
“Balthazar,” she called. “Are you here? I have the information you need. I found out what angel possesses the hidden power you need.”
What hidden power? Michael hadn’t said anything about this, but then his boss, the archangel, wasn’t known for spilling all the information on assignments. He only shared what he wanted his assassins to know.
She looked around the meadow, waiting for her lover.
How could she withstand the stench of that black-hearted demon? Balthazar had no heart and would have only spoken lies of love, but it must have been strong enough to sway the little Angel of Love.
A sense of regret over what he was about to do filled Lethal, but she was a traitor, and traitors received no mercy. Michael had given him strict orders that she was to die swiftly.
Balthazar flashed into the meadow next to her. As always, the demon was shirtless and wore his leather pants and boots. He’d seduced many humans with his rock star persona, but it was a trick that lured the innocent down a dark path. “You called, beautiful?”
She ran into his arms and kissed him. She whispered something into his ear, but Lethal couldn’t hear what she said. With assassin speed, he darted through the trees to hear her betrayal.
Balthazar nuzzled her throat and held her close.
Her fingers ran through Balthazar’s long hair. “Is that the information you needed?”
Balthazar scanned the forest. “Were you followed?”
She shook her head. “No, why?”
“I sense a veiled power.”
She whirled around, her eyes wide, and stood closer. “Is it...an...an assassin?”
Her voice shook. She should be scared, damn scared.
Balthazar grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. “Whisper the name of the angel—”
Before he could finish, Lethal held out his palm, and Holy Fire shot out of his hand, whipping and crackling over the field.
“Shit! It’s Lethal!” Balthazar cried.
Cora screamed and tried to fly into the air, but the blue flame circled around her, immobilizing her and sending her into convulsions.
Balthazar released her and shook his smoking hand. “Damn you, Lethal.”
Lethal flew onto the field. “Go now, Balthazar, before I give you another ugly sting.” He unleashed his sword, Judgment.
Wariness flared in Balthazar’s eyes, and he edged away, not once trying to free Cora—the coward. Lethal didn’t have the power to kill him—only Michael possessed that power—but he could send him back to hell in a body cast.
“Balthazar, help me.”
“Tell me what I want to know.”
Cora struggled to move her mouth, and a hiss fell out. “Bo...”
Her voice faded.
Lethal frowned. He didn’t know an angel named Bo. He knew all of them by heart. Michael branded their names on each assassin’s heart so if the angel fell they’d be able to track them. Knowing their names aided the assassin in tracking down rogue angels, but was there a hidden one? One Michael hadn’t told him about? You never knew with Michael. He possessed secrets galore.
“Tell me again.” Balthazar stepped closer.
Cora opened her mouth again, but her words died in her throat. Lethal thrust his sword into her back, piercing her heart. She screamed and died, her body impaled on his sword.
“You bastard!” Balthazar yelled.
“What did you promise her?” Lethal yanked Judgment out of Cora’s lifeless body.
She collapsed on the field. Terror reflected in her huge eyes. He hated having to kill her. He always wished there was another way, but she soon would have become a fallen angel, a demon, putting humans and angels alike in danger. The curled feathers of her wings formed a circle around her, and her face turned ashen. Her soul was gone forever.
Balthazar edged away, far from Lethal’s sword. “I swear to you I will avenge her.”
Lethal aimed his bloody weapon at him. “You didn’t even try to save her. Why do you care about her? You’re not exactly the loving type.”
“I don’t have to justify myself to you, Assassin, but beware of this: I’ll repay your dastardly deed by killing your angel-mate.”
Fear slammed into Lethal’s heart. Cupid—he’d never let Balthazar near her. “I don’t have an angel-mate.”
Balthazar laughed. “Fool. Yes, you do. Cora told me many secrets, and I know about the Book of Love. Your name’s in there.”
“All angels’ names are written in there.”
“Yes, but I happen to know that you’ll be mated soon. If you don’t mate, you’ll fade, grow weak. And become vulnerable.” He tilted his head toward Cora’s corpse. “I’ll avenge her death. First, I’ll kill your mate, then you.”
He stalked Balthazar. “I’m an assassin. You don’t have the power to kill me.”
“We will see, dear boy. Don’t turn your back.”
Lethal lunged, but the crafty demon disappeared. Lethal’s heart pumped searing energy through his veins. He clutched his sword tight. Balthazar would never touch Cupid. No matter how much Lethal wanted her, as long as he ignored her, she’d be safe.
Chapter One
Her heart pounding wildly, Cupid peeked around the tree and hoped for a clear shot, but her targets were still shielded by the forest. Because of her, Cameron Ackers wanted to kill a woman who was madly in love with him.
Cupid had one simple task: bring the couple together. But no, she’d screwed up. Somehow, an aversion arrow had been in her bag, and being color blind, she didn’t recognize it was a green-tipped arrow, instead of a red-tipped, until it was too late.
Now, Cameron wanted to kill Betty Ann. Cupid had to make things right. The archangel Gabriel had given her the couple’s names that were written in the Book of Love. They were supposed to fall madly in love on this camping trip, and then have oodles of children. Not create another battered woman’s statistic. Heaven’s bells, Gabriel was going to be so tea pot-singing mad.
When she returned to heaven, she’d realized one of her aversion arrows was missing. Dread slammed into her. She’d raced back down to the camping site to see if the couple was embraced in love, only to discover her biggest fear—Cameron had beaten Betty Ann, but he wasn’t done yet. She couldn’t shoot him in front of other humans. It was against the rules. She’d already broken one of Gabriel’s rules, so she needed to wait until the couple was alone.
She didn’t have to linger for long. Two struggling, dark shadows moved across the Royal Gorge Bridge. She held her breath. The moonlight glittered off the taller figure—Cameron. His contorted face reeked with anger, and he had his arm around wrapped around a woman’s neck, nearly choking her as he dragged her from behind toward the railing. Betty Ann cried out, and her muffled cries cut into Cupid’s guilt.
This was all wrong. She had to stop Cameron from tossi
ng Betty Ann over the railing into the dark abyss.
Poor Betty Ann beat on his forearm with her fists, but she was no match for him. Blood trickled down from her split lip, and one eye was swollen shut. In a few minutes, she’d be dead. It was up to Cupid to fix her mistake.
She stepped out of her hiding place and unleashed her wings, then flew into the air. She pulled a desirable arrow out of her back quiver, checking to see if it was red-tipped, but like always, she couldn’t tell.
She didn’t have time to fly to heaven and back again—by then, an Angel of Death would be escorting Betty Ann to the pearly gates. She hovered closer. The two were so intent on their struggle that they didn’t notice the angel above them.
“Cameron, don’t kill me!” Betty Ann twisted and tried to break free, but he hauled her to the railing. Her face turned bright red. She dug her nails into his arm. “Cameron, let me go! Why are you doing this? Don’t you understand—I love you!”
He twirled her around and shook her. “I don’t love you. Time to die, bitch.”
Cupid slid her bow off her shoulder. The minute she gripped the handle, she felt as if they were one. Warm tingles whisked through her and settled in her chest. Her heart beat stronger, sending energy flushing through her. A soft white glow swooshed around her body, making her feel like a shining star. She swore her heart always swelled two sizes. Nothing was stronger than the power of love.
Determined to save the couple, Cupid placed the tip of arrow in the resting point, then pulled back on the bowstring until it was level with her mouth, aiming the bow at Cameron’s broad back.
Cameron lifted Betty Ann into his arms, and she slapped him in the face, but it didn’t faze him.
He yanked her hair. “You’ll pay for that.”
Praying that another aversion arrow wasn’t in her bag, Cupid fired. Twang. The arrow zinged through the air, spinning straight and true. But then, out of nowhere, someone appeared behind Cameron, shielding him. He was at least two heads taller than Cameron, and Cameron was no slouch of a man.
“No!” Cupid cried. “Get out of the way.”
The tall, broad-shouldered man turned. Oh, shit. It was Lethal, an Angel of Death, the sexiest angel in heaven. He’d hadn’t moved fast enough, and the arrow struck him in the heart. He staggered and fell on his back.
Betty Ann screamed. Cameron had her by the wrists and dangled her over the bridge.
Without hesitation, Cupid fired again. This time, she hit him. He arched his back, releasing Betty Ann, and then fell onto his knees. The arrow slowly disappeared.
Betty Ann tumbled over the side of the railing, legs and arms flailing.
Cupid dove. The wind rushed over her, and the night breeze chilled her wings. Betty Ann’s shrieks spurred her on. Cupid stretched out her hand and reached for Betty Ann. The woman looked at Cupid, her eyes wide, and fainted.
Drawing the last bit of her angelic strength, Cupid snagged Betty Ann’s wrist and sped back toward the bridge. Cameron and Lethal were both unconscious.
She laid Betty Ann next to Cameron, who would be making up to her for the rest of his days, but that’s not what terrified her.
Lethal was here for only one reason—to escort Betty Ann to her final destination. Her name must be in the Book of the Dead, but how could it be? She was destined to marry Cameron.
She bit her lip. This had to be a mistake.
What if it wasn’t? Was Betty Ann supposed to die? Holy Moses, had she just pissed off the archangel Michael, the Angel of Death? He scared the living sunshine out of her. No angel was to interfere in his business. She was so screwed.
She knelt next to Lethal. Jiminy Crickets, he was handsome. He was all angles and planes with a firm, square, jaw, and a tempting, seductive mouth. There had been so many times she thought of kissing him, only to blush when he glanced her way. He’d never even nodded in her direction.
She leaned closer to make sure he was okay. He smelled so good, like fresh persimmon. The scent was sharp like the man himself. Lethal always dressed impeccably. Tonight was no exception. His classic black suit emphasized his muscular body and highlighted his golden hair, which was pulled neatly into a ponytail.
“Where am I?” Lethal fluttered open his silver eyes and put the back of his palm on his forehead.
“You’re in Colorado. What are you doing here?” Maybe he’d forget and they could go their separate ways.
He flashed his gaze over her and sat. “I’m here to escort Betty Ann Jacobs.” He looked at Betty Ann, who was still passed out. “Strange, she’s not dead.” He shook his head. “I feel so odd.”
Great. What was she supposed to do?
“You’re Cupid, aren’t you?”
He knew her name? “Um, yes.”
“You’re my angel-mate.” There was raw possession in his husky voice.
Oh, no, things just got worse. She wished what he claimed was true, but she wasn’t in the same circles. It was the damn desirable arrow. Lethal was going to be so pissed.
Before she could tell him, he pulled her close, so close she could feel his warmth breath against her cheeks. Her heart jumped in response. She should push him away, but instead, she closed her eyes and allowed him to kiss her—a lusty kiss that curled her toes. He opened her mouth with his tongue, dominating hers. Her world rocked. Colors whirled and danced in her mind. Tingles cruised over her skin. Something awakened and shifted deep inside, searching for its other half. Heat swelled in her chest as if her heart melded with Lethal’s thundering one.
No, it was just the arrow. This wasn’t real. She wasn’t his angel-mate.
Lethal’s kiss deepened. Lordy, the man tasted spicy and yummy. She couldn’t get enough of him. He wrapped his strong arms around her, crushing her to him. His kiss was daring, titillating, and she couldn’t help but sink into him. She felt the hard thrust of his arousal pressed against her thigh. But what was more alarming was the way her body responded. Wetness pooled between her legs. That had never happened when she kissed anyone. Why now?
She’d dreamt of kissing Lethal for so long. She’d always known he’d be a great kisser, but this was out of sight. She’d never even talked to the man. What could she say to him?
She pushed on his massive chest and regrettably pulled away. He deserved the truth. “Lethal, I have to tell you something.”
He ran the back of one hand down her face. “There will be time to talk later.” The promise of passion flickered in his eyes, and she gasped to breathe.
She shook off the sexual net he was ensnaring her with, silently cursing her aroused body. This angel was truly dangerous. He’d own a woman, make her a carnal slave with no thought but to please himself. He was an erotic temptation that no shrewd angel would ever dare to succumb to. She darted away. “I’m not your angel-mate. I shot you with my arrow.”
“You did what?” He closed the distance. He moved with all the prowess and stealth of a hunter. Swiftly, unerringly, cornering his prey, preventing any slip of escape.
She backed up against the railing. “Please, don’t hurt me.”
She couldn’t see his face, and fear struck her heart. Heaven’s pearly gates, he was going to drag her to Michael, and her secret would be outed.
He put his hands on either side of her, trapping her against the railing. “Hurt you? Why would I hurt you?”
She tried to find her voice, but she couldn’t tear herself away from his eyes. They were so hungry, so desperate, so sultry. But one of them had to reach for sanity. “Didn’t you hear me?”
“I heard you. You shot me with one of your desirable arrows. I—”
The wind hissed, blocking out his voice. Clouds blew across the moon. Chills trickled down Cupid’s back.
Lethal stepped in front of her and blocked her view. “Stay behind me.” He was at least seven inches taller than her, and she couldn’t see anything around his broad back.
The air crackled.
“I told you I’d come,” a foul voice said.
&n
bsp; Balthazar. She peeked around Lethal’s shoulder. The demon wasn’t anything she’d expected. He wasn’t foul-looking but deadly handsome. Unlike Lethal, he only wore black leather pants and high boots. His dark hair flared over his massive shoulders. He reminded her of a hot pirate.
Cupid froze as reality crashed around her. Balthazar—the duke of hell. What was he doing here?
“Stay away from her.” Lethal unleashed his sword—Judgment, gleaming blue.
Her hands shaking, she clutched Lethal’s jacket. His muscles rippled beneath her touch. She’d always dreamed of touching him, but not like this. She’d never fought a demon before. Angels of Love weren’t trained in fighting the dark enemy.
“An Angel of Love?” Balthazar sneered. “How quaint.”
“I’m warning you,” Lethal said.
“Warning me?” Balthazar laughed. “Don’t make me box your ears. You killed someone who meant something to me. Now, it’s my turn.”
“She should have—”
“Silence,” Balthazar said. “Cupid, isn’t it? Enjoy her while you can, because soon she’ll be mine.”
Fear slammed into her gut. Pure hatred emitted from him. His? What did that mean?
“It’s a mistake.” Cupid darted around Lethal. “I’m not his mate. I accidentally shot him with my arrow.” Her voice faltered.
He waved his hand. “Doesn’t matter. You’re marked. Soon you’ll be shooting arrows of hate.”
A bright flash lit up the darkness, hurting her eyes. Balthazar vanished.
Tears stung her eyes. “He’s lying, right?” She loved her job and never wanted to hurt people.
Lethal turned her around. “Demons aren’t known for telling the truth. I promise I won’t let him hurt you.”
She wiped her tears. He was her dark warrior. But he wasn’t hers. “We need to see Gabriel.”
He frowned. “Why?”
“Because he’ll set you free. He’s the only one powerful enough to break the gift of the desirable arrow.”
“What if I don’t want it taken away?”
She sighed. This was going to be difficult. He was an Angel of Death, and they were all used to getting their way. “You’re saying that because of the arrow. We’re not meant to be together.”
