Angel Of Fate (Fate Series Book 3)

by Kentowski, L. J.

  He backed his head up ever so slightly and watched me. His sexy little smirk made an appearance, and I realized how much I had missed it.

  “Yeah?” he asked with a spark in his eyes.

  “Yeah,” I chuckled back.

  “Then prove it,” he said and ground another gorgeous part of his body against my core.

  I moaned in absolute bliss, and then I did prove it… over and over… and over again. All the while vowing to never let either of us ever doubt it.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  As much as I wanted to stay in the safe cocoon that was Hunter, I knew I couldn’t put off reality forever. Even if I tried, it would find me one way or another. I was reminded of that when Hunter left the bedroom after several hours of lovemaking and I heard conversations coming from downstairs. I sat up and listened, recognizing the familiar voices of Eric and Nora.

  I didn’t want to face them after all I’d done, especially since they knew what had become of me, but I knew I had to. At the very least they deserved an explanation. Nora especially, along with my most humble apology and gratitude, which probably wouldn’t even begin to repair the damage I’d done to our friendship. I didn’t know if we could re-tie the severed bonds we’d once had, but I needed to try. Whether I deserved it or not, I needed the support of my family and friends to survive this. Without them, I was as cold and empty as before and couldn’t go back to that black place again. I’d rather die than be that person.

  I stood up and put on the robe Hunter had laid out on a nearby chair.

  “It’s safe,” I heard Eric say. He was talking in a low voice, but I could hear him as clearly as if he were in the room with me.

  “Here?” Hunter asked.

  “Yes, it’s—”

  Silence filled the house, and I knew they had been referring to the Sword. Hunter had somehow warned Eric off mentioning where it was. He knew I would hear them, and he didn’t trust me to know where the object of my evil ways was located. I didn’t blame him. If I were being honest, I didn’t really want to know either. It was bad enough I knew it was in the same building. I didn’t want to feel that pull any more than I already did. I couldn’t trust myself.

  I found my way to the staircase when Nora said, “Her parents are begging to see her, but he won’t let them go.”

  “My parents?” I asked from the top of the staircase. “Handraniel’s still keeping them prisoner?” I didn’t know why I was so surprised. Nothing had changed. We still had what Hadraniel wanted, and they were his only leverage now on getting it, other than the threat of war.

  They all turned and stared at me. My name crossed Nora’s lips.

  “Of course, he is,” I said, making my way down the stairs. “We need to get them out of there.”

  “Cassandra,” Hunter said, meeting me at the bottom of the stairs and cupping my elbow as we walked over to join Nora and Eric. “We’ll get them out.”

  I greeted Nora and Eric with a nod of my head, then turned to look at Hunter. “I know, and I know how. I’d like to do that as soon as possible, please. They don’t deserve to be there.” I glanced at all of them, settling my gaze on Nora. “None of you deserved any of this.”

  Her features softened as she turned back to me. “No, but neither did you, Cassie.”

  “I’m not convinced of that, but thank you,” I told her. “I’m so sorry about what happened, Nora. I know it’s not much, just words, but if I could take it all back, somehow take back everything I did, I would. To be honest, I don’t know how you can even look at me.” I dropped my gaze to the floor hoping to make it easier to turn away. Easier for her or me, I wasn’t so sure.

  “I couldn’t for awhile,” she said. “You were so different, so…”

  “Evil?” I said, finishing the thought for her.

  “Yes, but that wasn’t you. Not the real you, anyway. I knew that, but I didn’t know how to get through to you. I’m just glad someone was able to. Welcome back, Cassie. I missed you more than you know.”

  She pulled me into a hug, and I had to stop myself from squeezing as hard as I wanted for fear of crushing her. Nora had to be the best friend anyone could ever have. I wasn’t sure I was even worthy of her in my life anymore, but I wasn’t going to let her go. I needed her now more than ever.

  “Thank you,” I breathed out as we pulled apart.

  “We’re all happy you’re back,” Eric said, reaching his arm around Nora.

  I smiled at them both, so thankful they had each other. I hoped it would always be that way with them.

  “Okay, so what’s the plan to get the Sword to the angels and get my parents out?” I asked.

  ***

  We showed up at the gates of the Sanctuary, Eric, Nora, Hunter and I, leading our group of loyal demons. We’d agreed not to transport any farther than the gates, so as not to appear threatening. The four of us weren’t welcome guests anymore, not that we ever really had been. Now approaching as enemies, again for some of us, we’d come to call a truce.

  Hunter was in charge of the Sword, not physically, only how it was being transported, and I hadn’t seen it yet. They all decided it was best that way, the least amount of time I was tempted by it, the better. I knew it was physically with us in our group because it called to me as if we were long lost soul mates, but I fought it. Hunter’s arm never once left my waist, and I had my family to save from a prison they didn’t belong in to keep my mind focused on something other than universal destruction.

  Six angels appeared on the other side of the gate, Michael, Detri, and Aviar among them. They all stayed at least a foot back, glaring at us through the wrought iron bars.

  “Where’s the Sword?” Michael asked with a bite to his words.

  “What, no, welcome to the Gates of Paradise?” Hunter snapped back.

  “Demons don’t warrant welcomes,” Aviar spit out, grouping us all in the category.

  Yep, still hated him.

  “Get Hadraniel, you asshat,” Nora blurted. “Or we may just use the Sword to shut that mouth of yours up for good.”

  I stared at her, surprised by her outburst but was so very proud to call her my friend.

  “Asshat?” I whispered.

  “What? He is so an asshat.” She beamed with her special smile.

  I laughed, but it was short-lived.

  “Do you have the Sword with you or not?” Michael said, his tone revealing irritation.

  “We do,” Hunter said.

  “Then hand it over.”

  “No way,” I said. “Not until my parents are free and we speak with Hadraniel.”

  “You think you have the power to order—” Michael started.

  “I think you know firsthand the power I have, Michael,” I said, my narrowed gaze piercing his. “How’s the head, or do you need a reminder?”

  Hadraniel appeared out of nowhere, standing in front of his angels on the other side of the gate. “There’s no need for that, Cassandra. I assume since you’re standing outside of the gates and not inside the Sanctuary shedding blood you would like to discuss some kind of agreement. If it has to do with you giving over that Sword, I’m listening, but I’m not promising.”

  “Release my parents, and we’ll give you the Sword,” I said.

  “How about, you hand over the Sword now, and I’ll send them out to you,” Hadraniel countered.

  “Not happening,” Hunter said through clenched teeth.

  “Oh, for the love of God, Hadraniel, just open the damn gates.” Anael appeared next to Hadraniel, hands on hips, glaring at him.

  “Anael, this is not your place,” Hadraniel said. I could tell he was trying his damnedest not to lose his cool. It was actually quite fun to witness. Not as much fun as Anael putting him in his place, but damn close.

  “The hell it is. If they wanted to kill us with the Sword, they would have already done it. They’re here to make a truce, and we’re going to listen. They’ve been through enough, we all have, so let’s put this to rest once and for a
ll, okay?” She put her hand on his arm and added, “Please,” in a much softer tone.

  Hadraniel stared back at her. I couldn’t see his eyes well enough from our vantage point, but from the way they were staring at one another, I guessed there were a lot of emotions passing between the two.

  Eventually, he said, “Fine.” Turning to the angels, he nodded. “Set them free and bring them out.”

  Within seconds, my parents were approaching the walkway toward the gate. The angels hadn’t even left yet, so someone else had to have released them. From the look Hadraniel gave Anael, I knew exactly who that someone else was.

  Anael broke her gaze from his and focused on me.

  “Thank you, Anael,” I said.

  The gates opened and she walked over to me. Before I knew it, she had me in her arms. “I’m so sorry for what you’ve been through, Cassie. I know how hard it is to break the hold Nergal has over you. He may not have been in my blood, but for awhile, he had a hold over me in another powerful way.”

  “Love,” I said as she pulled back to look at me.

  “Yes, or what I thought was love. The heart is the strongest, but it’s also the hardest to let go. It took me awhile to learn that.” She glanced at Hunter then. “I’m so glad those who hold your heart have captured it for the right reasons.”

  He nodded her direction and then his eyes latched on to mine. “I am too,” I whispered.

  My parents had reached us then, and they practically flew at me. I barely had a chance to smile before I was locked in an embrace between them. My mom cried, and they both told me how thankful they were I was okay, how they were so worried, how much they loved me.

  The love in my heart swelled, and I could barely feel the call of the Sword. Anael was right—the heart was the strongest. As long as it was filled with love, it was much stronger than the deadened pull of power. I knew that now.

  “I believe you have something to give me,” Hadraniel interrupted our moment, killing the whole love-vibe thing we had going on.

  “Not just yet,” Hunter said.

  “I knew you would—”

  “You’ll get the damn Sword,” I shouted, his hypocritical mistrust in us grating on my nerves. “But we have terms.”

  “You have terms?” he repeated, his face showing disdain for the idea.

  “Yes,” I said.

  Hunter approached Hadraniel so they were only a foot apart. “We’ll give you the Sword as long as you guarantee to keep it locked away. And I suggest somewhere other than the Sanctuary. No one else can know of its location but you, and maybe Anael. None of your angels, no one who may decide to turn on you again and steal it from under your nose.”

  “That was one—”

  “And you never know when there may be another. You and I both know anyone is capable of turning into something else. Trust no one.”

  This was a stipulation we came up with for both the angels, the demons in our group, and me especially. I didn’t want to know where it was. If I knew, the draw to go to it, possess it, by whatever means, would be too great.

  “This is for the good of all of us,” Hunter added.

  I don’t know if Hunter motioned toward me with his eyes or Hadraniel just got the drift, but he glanced at me and then agreed.

  “Where is Braydon, by the way?” I asked, the talk of him stealing the Sword reminding me I wanted to talk to him, tell him how much I appreciated what he did for me. Console him if I needed to. He did claim to love me, and I had taken advantage of that. It was an awful thing to do, and while he wasn’t the most innocent party in this, I still had the need to defend him.

  Hunter growled. He was glowering at me. Could he read my thoughts or was he just angry I even asked?

  “He’s locked up for his crimes as a traitor,” Hadraniel answered.

  “I want to talk to him.”

  “Not a chance, Cassandra,” Hunter said.

  “I won’t allow it anyway,” Hadraniel said. “He’s being punished for what he did. He’s not permitted visitors.”

  “For how long?” I asked.

  “A year, perhaps. I haven’t decided.”

  “But—”

  Hunter grumbled again at my protest, but it was Anael who stopped me. “He’ll be okay, Cassie. I’ll talk to him. He won’t be treated unfairly. I won’t allow it.” She aimed the last part at Hadraniel.

  He rolled his eyes, shook his head, and took a breath as he turned from her to me and asked, “Anything else?” in a way that told me he was nearing his breaking point from this conversation.

  “Yes, you are never to use the Sword against any of us, or anyone in our group. I know it’s in your nature not to trust demons, but you know us now. You know we’re different. And I ask that you consider that fact when you come across any other demon. Unless you see them doing harm to mortals or another angel, I want you to find out if they might be something more than just evil blood in a mortal body.”

  “That’s asking a lot,” he said. “We’re angels, it’s what we do. We fight evil.”

  “Your perspective of evil is distorted, Hadraniel. You know it, as well as I do. There is evil in every form of being. It’s in demons, mortals, and even the angels. We’re all capable of it. What makes the difference is how we choose to act on it.”

  “Like you?” Hadraniel asked.

  Hunter stood up a little straighter in front of Hadraniel, a silent threat permeating from him.

  “Like you,” I retorted.

  He narrowed his eyes at me, but I knew I’d gotten to him.

  “Fine,” he said. “Now is that all, or do you have a list for me to read through?”

  “That’s all,” I said.

  “Great, then give me the Sword.”

  “We’ll have your word,” Hunter, his voice low, but demanding.

  They stared at each other for a few moments, before Hadraniel said, “I agree to all of your terms. You have my word.”

  I breathed a sigh of relief, but that feeling of respite ended quickly when Hunter turned and strolled over to one of the demons in the back of our group. I knew what he was doing. I knew what was coming, and my pulse raced with anticipation. The call for power was back, and it was strong, so strong… I was trembling where I stood. I turned away, facing my loved ones, hoping their faces would drown it all out again, but the sensation was only dulled.

  Within a blink, Hunter was next to me, the Sword in his hands, the hilt facing down. I could barely breathe. I wanted to run, disappear, touch it, grab it in my palms again and feel the heat pulse through my body from its power.

  I was close to breaking again, Hunter put his arm around my waist, leaned over, and whispered, “I love you, Cassandra. You can do this. I’m right here with you.”

  “You want me to…”

  At the same time, I heard Hadraniel say, “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Hunter. It’s obvious she can’t fight it.”

  I don’t know if it was Hadraniel’s lack of faith in me, or Hunter’s trust and warmth wrapped around me, but I knew at that moment that I had to do this. I needed to prove to all of them I was strong enough. I was good enough.

  I took the hilt of the Sword from Hunter’s hands, and when I did, that familiar heat shot through me. My hands shook, but I held it as steady as possible. Hunter leaned in and planted a soft kiss on the cheek, and whispered against my skin, “I love you, baby.”

  The heat remained, but my resolve strengthened against it. Hunter’s love was the light of protection that wrapped around me and numbed me from the force I held within my hands.

  I turned the Sword up and laid it out horizontally on my outstretched arms. When I took the focus off the placement of the Sword, I realized the angels had begun to spread themselves around Hadraniel and Anael. Hadraniel put his hand out to stop them from closing in.

  Taking careful steps, one foot in front of the other, I looked Hadraniel in the eyes and extended my arms and the Sword to him. “May this truce bring peace among us, even if
we can’t stand to live amongst each other. I trust you with this, Hadraniel. I know in my heart you want to do good. Someday you’ll trust that we do too.”

  He took the Sword from me and placed it blade down between us. “Believe it or not, Cassandra, I’ve learned a lot through all of this. You’re quite unique and have shown me things I’ve never known were possible in all of my existence. Sometimes it takes more for an old dog like me to come around, but we can change. I’m learning. May you find peace in your world now. God knows you’ve been through enough to deserve some. Keep fighting the good fight, and we’ll see each other again. Thank you for this.”

  With that, he disappeared. Gone in an instant. And one by one, all of the angels left the area too. Anael gave me one more hug and made me promise to keep in touch, but I knew that wouldn’t be possible, not for a long time anyway. The wounds were deep and slow to heal. But the angels and demons, who had a long history of bad blood, now had a mix, one who connected the two, possibly one who could bring them together and bring peace among us… once and for all.

  The potential existed. Anything was possible. Fate was an open field of opportunities now, and I couldn’t be happier for it.

  After more hugs from my parents and Nora, Hunter wrapped me up in his arms and kissed the top of my head. I smiled into his chest, feeling freer than I’ve ever felt before.

  “I knew you could do it,” he said when I raised my head to see his face.

  “You did? How could you be so sure?”

  “Because you’re mine and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said with a smirk.

  I pushed at his chest playfully, but my demeanor changed to serious. Eyes locked on his, my soul reaching out to touch him, I said, “I chose you.”

  He smiled at me. “You chose me.” Then he leaned down and placed a sweet, tender kiss on my lips. “Ready to go home?” he asked.

  I smiled back. “I’m ready to live.”

  THE END