by C. S. Wilde
Ezra cupped her cheek and kissed her forehead, and when he withdrew, the imprint of his warm lips lingered on her skin.
He’d always treated Ava with kindness, and he’d always believed in her. She knew reporting directly to Ezra had been a stroke of luck, and she was truly grateful for it—usually Guardians reported to Dominions, who then reported to the Messenger. But Ezra had seen something in Ava, something she didn’t know. And she hoped one day she would finally understand what it was.
Ezra went to his desk and pulled a white belt tied to a sheathed sword. He wrapped it around Ava’s waist, his fingers brushing her hip ever so slightly.
Once he was done, he said, “If you’re to follow Liam on his missions until he heals, you’ll need to protect yourself.”
“B-but,” she glared at the sword on her belt, “I’m not a Warrior.”
“The forces of evil grow with each passing day. You might have to face them, especially if you accompany a Selfless.” Ezra lifted her chin with his finger. “You’ll do fine, Ava. You do not know your strength, but I see it every day.” Ezra turned to Liam and nodded to his Archangel’s sword. “I assume you earned that?”
Liam patted the sword, a silent message daring Ezra to take it from him. “I sure did.”
“Then show her how to battle,” he said, a plea in his tone. “And protect her from evil. Ava is the kindest, purest angel I’ve ever met, and I’m old, Selfless.” His thumb brushed the line of her jaw. “She’s very important to me.”
Ava flushed. Important to him?
She was a mere Guardian, and Ezra was the strongest of the three high angels. Sure, she spent a lot of time with him, and rumors in the Order said they were doing things that they weren’t. Not that Ava would oppose doing such things with him. In fact, the mere thought of being important to Ezra made her smile in the way of a silly schoolgirl.
Liam narrowed his eyes at her, catching Ava off guard. She quickly acquired a more serious expression, but it was too late.
“Fine,” Liam said. “I’ll show your girlfriend how to protect herself. It’s not like I have a choice.”
“I’m not his—”
Right then, Ezra gently cupped her cheeks and kissed her. Not on her forehead or her cheek, like he used to.
On her lips.
Ava glared at him and then at Liam, who watched them with flared nostrils. She couldn’t help but wonder if Ezra had kissed her because he liked her, or if he had done it to mark some territory she wasn’t aware of.
Whatever his reasons, Ezra’s lips were soft, gentle, much like himself, and Ava wished he wouldn’t stop. Her eyes closed as she took him in. She had imagined this moment a thousand times over, and yet it was different than her wildest expectations. Not better or worse, simply … different.
He released her slowly, achingly, and smiled. “Complete your mission, Ava.”
She cleared her throat. “Ezra—”
“I apologize for my lack of decorum, but I’ve wanted to do this for a long time now. I was hoping you did too.”
She gaped at him, her heart beating against her ribcage as her mouth opened and closed without a sound, until she finally managed, “I did.” Ava took a deep, recomposing breath. “This was quite sudden, though.”
They’d had chances. Their past had been filled with them, moments were Ava hoped he’d kiss her, needed him to kiss her, only to find the comforting embrace of a friend.
So what had changed?
She caught her attention drifting to Liam.
“Once your mission is completed, we will speak about it, I promise.” Ezra’s voice was a sensual whisper, and her focus returned to him. He peered through Ava, seeing something beyond skin and bone, that thing she couldn’t see herself. “I have faith in you. Do you have faith in me?”
“Yes,” she answered without hesitation. “Always.”
She did not agree with the plan of the Gods, especially the part where she’d have to wield a sword, and she didn’t understand why Ezra had bluntly kissed her either—enjoyable as it was. But she wouldn’t question him or them. If this was the Gods’ path, then that’s the path she would take.
“I’ll make the Gods proud.” She glanced back at Liam. “We both will.”
“Good.” Ezra nodded at her, then turned to Liam, all formal and proper. “Report back to your precinct.”
Liam’s brows knitted and his mouth twisted in a bitter way. “I need to find out who killed Archie.”
“Knowing won’t bring him back. You need to move on.” He nodded at Ava. “She will help you with that.”
Liam stepped forward, a scowl on his face and punches on his fists. “Well, then fuck yo—”
Ezra swirled his hand, and an invisible shield pushed them out of his office, bringing them to the corridor.
The door snapped closed before them.
5
Ava
Ezra’s sword was stunning. The ivory handle was engraved with a lion, and its white-gold blade emitted a faint glow. The sword felt warm in Ava’s hands, a sign it had been blessed, probably by Ezra himself.
“So the Messenger can kiss his subordinates whenever he feels like it?” Liam asked, arms crossed as the elevator went down.
“Not exactly.” Ava brushed her lips with her finger and smiled. “We’ve always been close, but never in that manner.”
Ezra had helped Ava during her first years as an angel, and it didn’t take long for her to become the best Guardian in the Order under his guidance. The Messenger gave her his words, his friendship, his time—nearly all of him.
Nearly.
When Ezra told Ava she would report to him directly, the two high angels who ran the Order with him—the Sword and the Throne—had been furious. Hierarchy was a vital part of the organization, and Ezra had burned it to embers. There was a defying wilderness in the way he’d handled the situation, something bordering on rebellious amusement. Ava often wondered if he had chosen her on purpose.
A part of her liked that Ezra had used her to defy a system which deemed one angel better than another. The part that knew his decision went against the Order’s rules—the rules of the Gods themselves—not so much.
“This is never going to work.” Liam rubbed the bridge of his nose. “The Messenger assigned you as my partner so you can talk me out of finding Archie’s murderer.”
Ava frowned. “If finding Archie’s killer brings you closure, then that’s what I’ll help you do.”
He stared at her wide-eyed, his mouth hanging open. “You will?” He blinked. “Won’t that piss off your boyfriend?”
Ava rolled her eyes and lifted her index finger. “First, he’s not my boyfriend.” The words faltered on her tongue. Ava’s friend Justine had once told her that if she ever wished to “get laid,” she should snap her fingers and Ezra would be there. But Ava had never acted on whatever buzzed in the air between them, and neither had he. Until now. She cleared her throat. “Second, Ezra said I should help you heal, and I believe that encompasses anything that will help you move on. If finding Archie’s murderer and arresting them is what it takes, then so be it.” She raised an eyebrow at him. “As long as you promise to let the Throne handle their trial.”
Liam rolled his eyes. “Promise.”
Ava didn’t believe him, not one bit. Revenge was a dark path, one that Liam was bound to take. This could push him into the darkness, but Ava still had time to persuade her new charge. Being a Guardian was about slow, persistent work.
“I also need to understand why Archie damned himself,” Liam added.
“If you wish, yes. Anything to bring you closure, apart from ending lives.”
Liam observed Ava with a hint of amusement. “Call me intrigued, princess.”
They reached the ground floor and walked toward the revolving door when a familiar voice came from behind them, cutting through the busy hall. “Ava!”
She turned to see Justine approaching. Her friend walked the way a breeze moves. Her flowing light-g
ray kilt was clipped with golden pins at her waist to showcase her curves—a job already made perfect by her silver bodysuit. Her straight, dark-brown hair cascaded over her chest, highlighting the V neckline of her suit.
Ava smiled to herself. Erudites didn’t care about appearances, nor did they approve of deep cleavages, but Justine had always loved to break protocol.
“It’s so good to see you, my friend,” Ava said, trapping Justine in a hug.
Love and care emanated from Justine’s core as she hugged Ava back. “Likewise. It’s been forever! Let’s go for drinks, and don’t you dare order something non-alcoholic this time.”
Ava gave her a shy smile. “I’d love to, but I’m on duty.”
Only then did Justine notice Liam. “What a fabulous duty, my dear.” Her friend eyed him up and down before giving Liam the back of her hand to kiss. “Enchanté.”
Liam frowned at Justine’s hand and shook it awkwardly. Ava held a giggle.
“This is Liam, my new charge,” she told Justine. “I mean, partner.”
Her flirtatious manner vanished, replaced by sheer horror. “Partner? As in Selfless partner?”
“Obviously,” Liam grumbled.
“No, no, no!” Justine shook her head and grabbed Ava’s arm with strength. “You’re not a warrior angel or a second-tier. You’ll die out there! We don’t get second chances, remember? No Heavens for us.”
Back when Justine was alive, she’d been one of Ava’s charges. Her friend had a wild but kind soul—the very reason Justine became an angel upon her death. Ava loved her for it, but it was strange having Justine worry about her and not the other way around.
“I’ll be fine,” Ava said, mostly to appease her friend. “Every angel learns basic self-defense on initiation day, and I still remember a thing or two.”
This wasn’t enough for Justine, whose eyes had begun to glisten. “Your initiation was a hundred years ago, Ava.”
“I have a good memory.” She winked at her. Then she remembered the pub and how she had slashed the demon’s arm. A stroke of luck. Some lessons were definitely in order. “Liam will remind me on how to use this.” She tapped Ezra’s sword. “He’s a skilled soldier of the Gods. You have nothing to fear, my friend, and neither do I,” she lied.
Justine still looked at Ava as if she had been given a death sentence. “You fool. You’d lose your life for your precious charges. It’s one thing to run past In-Betweens on the streets while you’re on duty; it’s something else to actually confront them! You’ll have to fight vampires and werewolves, perhaps even the occasional lower demon. Oh, Heavens …” She inhaled sharply.
Liam leaned closer to them. “Ava is helping me. We Selfless tend to appreciate that. I’ll take care of her with my life.” He put a hand on his chest and bowed. “Trust me. She’ll be fine.”
Justine gave him a hesitant nod. “You better keep your promise, Selfless.” She then nudged Ava’s ribs with her elbow, her usual playfulness returning to her. “Heard that? He’ll take good care of you.”
Ava blushed. “Justine!”
“Fine, sorry.” Justine caressed Ava’s blonde curls. “If you need anything, you tell me, okay?”
“Actually …” Ava looked side to side and lowered her tone. “Could you find any information in the records about Liam’s partner and his death? His name was Archibald Theodore Brennan.”
Justine shrugged. “I will certainly try. The fact you’re whispering means no one should know I’m looking into this?”
Ava nodded.
“Consider it done.” Justine gave her a sly smile. “But it’ll cost you that beautiful golden dress you wore to last year’s ball.”
“It’s yours,” Ava said with a smile. “In fact, I’ll pick it up right now if you’ll wait for me.”
“Of course.”
Ava went to the open elevator and pushed the button. “Take me to Ava Lightway’s quarters.”
Lightway. This was her angelic surname given to her after her death. A soft, harmless name for a soft, harmless angel. She glanced down at the sword on her hips and sensed this might change.
The button blipped red, and a robotic tone followed. “Quarters closed until mission completion.”
She glared at the screen. Her quarters were never blocked during a mission.
Ezra’s words echoed in her mind. “You must guide him through this, Ava.”
Had he meant she should be with Liam at all times? That she wouldn’t be able to return to her quarters at night? This wasn’t normal protocol, but then again, nothing about this mission was normal.
Blasted demons of Hells, she cursed in her mind, but then felt terrible about it. She would pray for forgiveness later tonight.
Ava walked out and toward Liam and Justine.
He waited with crossed arms, standing out amidst all the white and gold with his black leather jacket, dark jeans, and tanned skin.
Justine, who stood to his left, observed the tower of a man beside her. Her voice rang in Ava’s mind. “He’s so hot. Please have sex with him.”
“Justine!”
She giggled. “My dear, look at the size of those biceps.”
Liam’s arms did bulge beneath his black leather jacket, but only slightly. He wasn’t too muscular, and he wasn’t too skinny either. Simply a harmonious combination of perfectly shaped parts.
Justine lifted an eyebrow as if she had heard Ava’s thoughts. Which she probably did. “Let me guess. They closed your quarters?”
“They did.”
She shrugged. “I heard they do that sometimes. I suppose the Order needs your complete devotion to this mission.”
“I gave my complete devotion with my other charges. This is simply pointless.” Ava let out a tired sigh. “But it’s the Gods’ will.”
“So it is.”
As soon as Ava reached them, Justine laid a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’ll pick the lock when no one’s looking, and I’ll bring you a fresh uniform.” She tapped her chin and winked at Ava. “While taking that gorgeous dress, of course.”
Ava put a hand over her heart and bowed slightly to Justine. “I wouldn’t expect it any other way.”
Liam watched them as if their exchange was boring to him. He turned to Justine. “When you find some information, go to the Nine Five. It’s my precinct. Ask for Liam Striker.”
Justine nodded, then kissed Ava’s cheek. “Be careful out there.” She grabbed Ava’s hands and pressed them close to her heart. “You might have a sword, but you’re no second-tier. Don’t try and be brave, okay?”
Ava gave her a comforting smile. “I promise.”
Justine turned to Liam with a scowl. “If she ever gets hurt, pretty boy, I’ll chase you down to the Hells myself.”
Liam bowed slightly at her. “Oui, madame.”
She raised her eyebrows at Ava and smiled. “Isn’t your partner full of surprises?”
And with that, she left.
“Your friend really likes you,” Liam said as they headed toward the revolving door.
Ava grinned to herself. “I like her too.”
Once they reached the exit, he turned his back to her. “Well, thanks for showing me the way out. If you’ll excuse me, princess, I’ve had a long day.”
“Hmm.” Ava scratched the back of her neck. “Can I come with you? As you’ve seen, my quarters have been closed.”
“I know,” he said without turning to her. “But I’m not the best host. I’m sure you’ll find someplace to crash.”
“Well, I would stay with Justine, but apparently I’m supposed to be with you at all times.”
His shoulders slumped. “Like a babysitter?”
“Precisely.” She shrugged. “Besides, if you refuse to cooperate, I won’t tell you whatever Justine finds out about Archibald. Remember, she’s my Erudite friend who has access to the Order’s most secret records. She’ll only relay information to me.”
He swiveled quickly on his heels, a wide, naughty grin in hi
s lips. It made him look younger somehow. “Well, princess, now that you’ve asked so nicely …” He bowed down, showing her the door.
She walked past him and out into the night.
They walked together down the fairly empty streets, weaving in and out of the darkness as they passed yellow lamplights.
“So, I’m to be with you at all times?” He clicked his tongue, and a wide grin sprouted from his lips. “The Gods must really like me.”
Was he being ironic, or had he meant he’d actually enjoy spending time with her? She honestly couldn’t say.
“The Gods like all their children,” Ava countered, stopping to face him.
Liam stepped a little too close. She looked up at him, straight into those emerald eyes that pulled her like a magnet. She breathed in his musky scent, mixed with dry sweat from the fight at the pub, and something else … something primeval Ava couldn’t quite pinpoint. It made her legs shake, and she envisioned herself kissing him.
Heavens, this was not the time to be losing her mind.
Liam smiled, almost as if he knew the effect he had on her. “Well, princess.” His tone was low, his breath a warm caress on the curve of her neck as he whispered beside her ear. “That remains to be seen.”
6
Ava
As soon as Ava stepped into Liam’s apartment, she wished she could return to the Order.
The place was a one-bedroom space that reeked of stuffy bedsheets and stale air. She cringed as she glanced at the open kitchen and the tower of dirty plates that rose from the sink. An old couch was placed in the center of the living room, near the apartment’s only window. It was a sickly shade of brown, and its cushion tops resembled shriveled leaves, which meant there was no reason to keep it, if not for sentiment.
A plasma TV hung on the wall, a few inches to the left of the bathroom door. The wooden coffee table below the TV looked like it was rotting inside. A perfect match to the sofa.
Ava’s lips curled up. “You live here?”
