Cupid: Chain of Love

by ML Guida

  Lethal faced his palm toward Hans. “Yes, I absolutely think you’re going to do that.” Drawing on his power, tingles swept down his arm, then blue Holy Fire shot out of his hand, lighting up the darkness and crackling toward Hans. It surrounded him like a lasso, pinning his arms against his long, lean body. Hans struggled to get loose but it was useless. He was a hapless mummy, but he managed to hang on to his weapon.

  Dizziness swept over Lethal, and he shook his head. His arm trembled. Something was happening. The fire sputtered and disappeared.

  Hans darted to the side and laughed. “Losing your touch.” He crouched, clutching the dagger. “Let’s try that again—assassin.”

  Lethal examined his hand. What had happened? He’d never lost his power before. He glared at Hans. “Yes, let’s do.” He unleashed Judgment, which glittered like a dazzling sapphire.

  Hans put his hand up to shield his eyes from the sword’s brightness.

  Lethal was done playing games and lunged.

  Hans slashed his dagger and deflected Judgment, actually shoving Lethal away.

  Something was wrong. This shouldn’t be happening. Hans should be dead. No way was the little thug demon stronger than him.

  “Wondering how this little dagger can go up against your sword?” Hans held up his weapon, and it grew into nasty, jagged rapier—a hellish weapon, deadly to any angel. “A little gift from Balthazar.” He tilted his head toward Judgment. “It’s as powerful as your sword.”

  “Balthazar’s insane if he thinks a mere rapier can go against Judgment.”

  “Die, assassin.” The blackguard brought his rapier down hard onto Lethal’s shoulder.

  White pain blinded Lethal, but he shoved it into the back of his mind. Most angels would have been dead with the mortal blow, but he was assassin. How could he have been so slow?

  Hans raised the rapier to strike another deathly blow, but this time, Lethal blocked a slash intended to pierce his heart. Their blades met and slid together, locking for as long as it took for Lethal to correct his stance. Their weapons separated and slashed again, colliding, clanking, and striking in a series of quick, determined ripostes that drove the two men forward and backward across the length of the dark alleyway.

  He hadn’t expected Hans’ prowess. Balthazar must have been training the whelp. It took all of Lethal’s considerable finesse just to parry each stroke, to keep from being plastered into a wall or tripping over discarded aluminum cans, empty cardboard boxes, and beer bottles. This must have been a drunk’s paradise.

  The pain in his shoulder throbbed, and blood trickled down his arm. Hell venom pumped through him, trying to kill him. He could taste the bitter toxin; it was as if he’d swallowed a whole bottle of metallic pills. A sharp pain hit his gut as the poison pooled there—burning his stomach. He gritted his teeth. He possessed the power of Michael’s hand—it would take more than a hell sword to kill him. He wasn’t dying, but his movements were slower.

  If he had to, he’d touch Hans, but it wasn’t going to be easy. Like a hell hound scenting fresh blood, Hans aimed for Lethal’s mangled shoulder. He swept his sword down, his strokes coming fast and clean, forcing Lethal to hold Judgment with both hands to meet Hans’ powerful strikes. Sweat trickled down Lethal’s temples and seeped into his eyes. His hands shook. For every step he edged toward Hans, Hans forced him to take two steps backward. He was forcing him into a corner between the trash bin and the wall.

  Triumph flashed in Hans’ eyes. “Balthazar has given us orders, lover boy.”

  Dread squeezed Lethal’s pounding heart. “What the hell are you talking about?”

  “He doesn’t want us to kill your to-be bride. He wants us to bring her to him alive.”

  “Why?”

  Hans shrugged. “I don’t know. But if we do, he’s promised to pump up our powers. Something I intend to collect.” He flashed an evil grin. “Before I present her to Balthazar, maybe I’ll experience her innocent charms.”

  “No! Leave her alone!” Lethal charged, losing control, forgetting everything Michael had taught him, not caring how many times Hans sliced him with his damn sword.

  And he did. His rapier slashed Lethal’s thigh. More poison flowed into him.

  The carelessness cost Lethal dearly. He felt a steel spike pierce his rib cage and plunge inward. He jolted back before the thrust turned him into a shish-kebab. Blood poured from his side, soaking through his three-piece suit. When he backed away, Hans pursued. Lethal stepped on a rotten tomato, squishing it. He slipped, nearly losing his balance, but Hans didn’t give him a chance to recover. He battered him with an offensive strike that sent him crashing onto one knee, sinking into something wet and slimy.

  Hans jabbed his elbow into Lethal’s shoulder. The pain and poison blinded Lethal, and he dropped his sword.

  Towering over him, Hans raised his rapier, the point angled down on a slant that would slice into Lethal’s spine for the coup de grâce of hacking him in half. “Prepare to die, assassin.”

  The gloat in his voice spurred something deep inside Lethal. He wasn’t done yet. Pushing his anger aside, he closed his eyes and drew on his last remaining power. Warmth filled him, and his heart pounded hard, sending Michael’s power through him. It was as if a bolt of electricity shot through his body. He opened his eyes. A blue glow circled his body and lit up the dark alley.

  Hans cringed. “Geesus.” His sneering grin was gone, and for the first time, fear flickered in his eyes.

  “You’ll never have Cupid.” Lethal thrust his palm into Hans’ stomach.

  Hans staggered and screamed. His body convulsed. He dropped the rapier, and it crashed onto the pavement.

  “You b-b-b-astard!” His teeth chattered. His eyes rolled into back of his head, but he couldn’t move.

  Lethal reached for Judgment and removed his hand from Hans’ stomach. He forced himself to stand.

  Hans shook his head. Desperation in his eyes, he lunged for his sword, but he was too slow. In one angry sweep, Lethal cut Hans in two.

  Breathing hard, he stared down at the halved angel. “That’s the last time you ever threaten my mate.” No compassion filled him. Only a dull weariness overwhelmed him. He had to admit that Gabriel was right. He was fading, and only mating with Cupid could return him to full strength. Without his power, he’d not the ability to protect her. But first, he’d had to make sure his little rebellious angel had a new post.

  He flashed out his wings. He didn’t care what St. Peter was doing. He wanted his meeting, and he wanted his meeting now. Cupid would never leave heaven.

  Chapter Four

  Cupid raced down the hall, gasping for breath. She had to get away from Lethal. He was ashamed of her, ashamed that she was a lowly angel of love. Tears blurred her eyes. How dare he think what she did was trivial! How could love be less than death? He was callous, too callous for her.

  She burst out of the Golden Gates and ran onto the silver path that led to the thick foliage of the Garden of Eden. Like it had been on Earth, animals of all kinds walked in the jungle. Flowers of every kind bloomed, and trees offered shade. Here, she could walk and forget her troubles.

  “Cupid, wait.”

  She sighed. So, much for being alone. She wiped her tears and turned.

  Her sister, Venus, rushed down the path. She panted, and rosiness stained her cheeks. She was the exact opposite of Cupid—striking red hair, an athletic body, and a killer smile. Cupid couldn’t help but admire her; the skinny jeans that fit like snake skin. She wouldn’t even be able to squeeze her one calf into them. Cupid always felt like a flopping Godzilla around her. She and Venus had been so close until about a year ago. Her sister had always liked to play tricks on her, but her tricks never hurt anybody and were funny. Now, it was as if Venus had turned into one of the mean girls. Her tricks were mean and vicious.

  She came up along side her. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.” Lying was a sin, but Cupid had learned the hard way to not trust her s
ister unless she wanted to be the victim of one of her pranks.

  “Rumor has it that Gabriel’s not happy with you.” She lowered her head. “I didn’t mean to get you in trouble. It was just a joke. I didn’t know Cameron would become psychotic.”

  Cupid should have known. “You put the aversion arrows in my bag?”

  “Okay, so I did.” She folded her arms under breasts that revealed deep cleavage.

  Cupid didn’t understand why Venus insisted on wearing low-cut shirts that drew many angels’ wandering eyes. Her new, big, style change was wearing diamond-studded gloves. She never went anywhere without them. When she moved, they sparkled like starlight.

  “When I’ve shot someone with an aversion arrow, they’ve never tried to kill anybody,” Venus said. “They just didn’t end up together.” Her silver eyes darkened, and she lifted her chin as if she was the one wronged. “But then again, of course, your arrows would be more powerful than mine.”

  Her low, jealous voice struck a defiance chord in Cupid. She was tired of walking on fragile crystals. “Venus, not everything is a joke. Betty Ann could have died, and then Lethal showed up.”

  “Really? He’s a hunk but unavailable. I think he’s got some secret Valentine.”

  “Because you couldn’t seduce him with your charms?”

  Venus returned her hard gaze without blinking. “Why are you getting so angry?”

  “I’m not. I don’t want to talk about Lethal.” Cupid’s cheeks burned, and warmth spread down to her clenched toes. All she could think about was how yummy Lethal had tasted when he’d kissed her. “I want—”

  A knowing smile spread across Venus’ face. “Did something happen with Lethal?”

  “No! Nothing.” Cupid raised her palms as if to tell her sister to stop. She couldn’t go there, didn’t want to divulge her mistake, a mistake that was ten times worse than anything Venus had done. Zapping an Angel of Death with a desirable arrow was a one-way ticket to be squashed under Michael’s boot. He didn’t take kindly to anyone messing with his squad.

  “Cupid.” Venus lowered her voice. “Tell me what happened. You’re being very defensive. This isn’t like you. Did Lethal hurt you?”

  Far from it—he just spun a web of desire through me. “Of course not.”

  Venus clasped her arm. “Then what happened? You’re scaring me.”

  Cupid broke free. “Will you stop badgering me? It’s none of your business what happened between me and Lethal.”

  Oops. She shouldn’t have said that. A knowing smile spread across Venus’ face.

  “So,” Venus drawled. “He didn’t hurt you. Tell me, does he kiss as good as he looks?”

  Better. “Venus, I do not dawdle on missions. I’m a professional, unlike you.” The lie tasted foul on her lips.

  Venus held her gaze for all of two seconds before averting her gaze and examining her perfectly, manicured, red fingernails.

  Guilt twisted Cupid’s heart. “I’m sorry, Venus. I shouldn’t have said that.”

  “Ah, ah. But you can’t stand not pointing out what I do wrong. Your inventory of everything I’ve done wrong is growing longer than Santa Claus’ naughty list. When do you intend to inform Gabriel?”

  “I’m not. That’s not my job.” She needed to change the subject. And fast. “But this last joke went too far.”

  “I know, I know.” Venus twisted her thick hair into a braid. “But I get tired of following orders. Always being so serious.”

  Cupid frowned. “That’s what you think is a joke—switching my arrows so humans will kill each other?” She moved and brushed against Venus’ arm.

  Venus shrank and yelped, her face turning gray.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.” She rubbed her arm and her voice shook.

  “Did I shock you?”

  “No.” But wariness filled her eyes. She toyed with the locket around her neck. Gabriel had given it to her about a year ago, and whenever she got stressed, she played with it. “Look, I’m sorry.”

  Cupid didn’t have time to find out what game Venus was playing now. “Okay, whatever. I just need some time to think.”

  “Don’t be mad at me, Cupid. Please. I’ll fix it between you and Gabriel. I promise.”

  “No!” Her voice was stronger than she’d intended.

  Despite her forcefulness, Venus didn’t show the slightest bit of fear. “You’re going to turn tail and hide.” She arched her slender eyebrow as if she was a southern debutante, looking down on a yellow bellied Yankee.

  Her sister’s condemnation cut Cupid to the bone, and she didn’t have the energy to justify her decision that she wasn’t crawling into a hole, but needed to time to sort out what to do with her determined Angel of Death. “Go away, Venus.”

  “Who are you really hiding from—Gabriel or Lethal?”

  Afraid Venus would guess the truth Cupid unleashed her wings and flew away. Between the two, she’d rather face Gabriel. He at least wouldn’t try to kiss her or seduce her into a panting sex kitten.

  She landed at her favorite waterfall. It was smaller than the others. Luck finally shined on her. There was no one here. The roaring waterfall splashed into the pool, drowning out all her fears. Deer drank from the cool water and wagged their tails. Their ears pricked when she landed, but uneasiness didn’t reflect in their eyes, just curiosity. Predators and prey lived in peace up in heaven.

  Droplets of water flickered onto her face. She kicked off her shoes and dangled her feet in the chilly water that washed away her tension. The pool looked so inviting. She rubbed the back of her neck. Her muscles were wound tighter than her bow. She cracked her neck, but she was so tense.

  A well of tears formed in her eyes. No. She was done with crying over spilled arrows. No one was here, and she needed to re-generate. She took deep breaths. Stay calm. Relax.

  She cupped her hands, dipped them into the pool, then drank the frigid water. It tasted pure and cleansing. She lay on the green grass and closed her eyes, listening to the thumping of the water. Her mind drifted from reality to dreams. Lethal drifted into her thoughts. What if the bond could be broken? When he’d kissed her, she felt something, not just erotic, but intense as if they were meant to be together. Did she really want to lose him? She’d had a crush on him for so long, too long. She could almost inhale his masculine scent and lose herself in his demanding kiss.

  ***

  “Cupid, wake up.”

  Someone shook her and knelt beside her. She rolled onto her back and shielded her eyes. “Venus?”

  “What did happen between you and Lethal?” Her voice was uneasy.

  Cupid sighed and sat up. “We’re back to this discussion again.”

  “He’s looking for you.”

  She stilled. Venus’ face was pale, and she kept looking over her shoulder as if waiting for the Bogey demon to jump out. There had to be a way to break the supposed bond. Nothing was impossible in heaven. “Lethal’s looking for me?”

  “Yes. He’s looks like he went through a meat grinder.”

  Fear looped around Cupid’s rapidly beating heart. “Did Michael punish him?” Michael’s punishments sent the fiercest angel into panic.

  “I don’t know, but—”

  A dark shadow fell across them, blocking out the sun. A sense of dread sunk into her gut. It was way too big to be a bird.

  “Cupid!” a deep male voice thundered above.

  “Pixies on a rose!” Cupid bit her lip. Lethal. She couldn’t face him.

  “He must have followed me,” Venus said, her shaking hand clasping Cupid’s arm tight. “I’m sorry.”

  Cupid looked up. Lethal flew toward them. Vengeance flickered in one eye; the other was swollen shut. His neat, blue, pinstriped suit was torn and splattered with stains of crimson. She put her hand on her mouth to keep from screaming. Lord, was he going to kill her?

  Lethal landed, his dark wings still spread out. “Venus, I need to talk to Cupid alone.”

  “I
’ll not let you hurt my sister.” Venus edged in front of Cupid.

  “I have no intention of hurting her.” He unsheathed Judgment. “I’ll not ask you again.”

  Not wanting for her surprisingly brave sister to try and go against an Angel of Death, Cupid said, “I’ll be all right, Venus.” She stepped around her sister.

  Lethal was breathing heavy, and his jaw clamped shut. Any minute now, the angel would charge.

  She motioned. “Just go. Please, he won’t hurt me.” She hoped her voice sounded braver than the chicken roosting inside her.

  Venus crinkled her forehead and leaned close. “He’s dangerous, Cupid. Come with me now.”

  Lethal walked toward them. “I said leave.”

  Cupid put her hands out, knowing darn well she couldn’t stop a runaway semi truck, but she wasn’t going to let her sister turn into a hot dog on a stick. “She’s leaving.” She glanced over her shoulder and tilted her head at Venus. She silently mouthed, “Go.”

  He stopped inches from her hands and she could feel the power radiating off him—along with something else. It was electrifying.

  “Fine.” Venus unfurled her wings. “If you hurt her, I’m telling Michael.” She jumped into the air and swirled around them.

  “Go ahead. He already knows I’m here.”

  Cupid jerked her head around. Pure terror shooshed down the back of her spine. Michael knew of the mistake, and he’d sent Lethal to carry out her punishment. She watched her sister fly away, wishing she had the ability of telepathy. If she did, she’d scream at her sister to send Gabriel. But she was alone. Alone with a pissed off Angel of Death.

  Chapter Five

  Cupid wasn’t going to cower like a field mouse facing an alley cat. She clutched her bow. It wasn’t as powerful as Judgment, but it gave her strength. “I don’t appreciate you threatening my sister. Your quarrel is with me, not Venus.”

  “You think what I want to do is quarrel?”

  His voice was unusually gentle, but it didn’t do anything to calm the fear pumping through her veins.