Forbidden Angel

by Chantal Cross

  I think.

  I don’t know about Wrath. He’s still a mystery to me even though he’s tried to kill me once already.

  He may be the one who put that voice in my head. He’s got to be around here somewhere. That could be his way of messing with me without exposing himself.

  It could also be Rhiannon. Since she can’t fully return to this realm yet, psychological warfare is her only option.

  I realize I’ve been walking in silence next to Lucien. I look up at him, wondering if he noticed.

  He did.

  “Sorry, I zoned out for a moment,” I say quickly.

  “I know,” he smiles. “I’m waiting for you to zone back in so we can talk about what an amazing student I am.”

  I could kiss him for not pressing the issue, but I hold back.

  “It’ll have to wait until next time.” We’ve arrived at my door.

  “Now what will I do to stay out of class?” He pouts.

  “Go to class, Lucien. Learn something useful.”

  He chuckles as I step into my room and close the door. I’m drawn to the window. I’ve spent many afternoons sitting on the sill staring at nothing. I look out over the garden, across the valley, to the dark mountain that towers over everything else. Even the castle. I never noticed it much in the past, but now I can spend hours staring at it.

  When the view of the mountain does nothing to calm my restlessness, I turn to the stack of books piled next to my bed. In my spare time, I’ve been researching magical warfare. The stack is taller than I am at this point. I’ve thumbed through half the books so far. I pull out one that might have something to do with the voice I heard in my head.

  The more I read, the more I worked up I get. The book contains some information, but it’s unspecific and overall unhelpful. There’s no spell in this book for tracing the voice in my head back to it's caster.

  After an hour of research, I feel like I’m going to burst out of my skin. I have to train.

  I fly out of my room, half expecting to see one of the Huntsmen lingering. There’s no one. I sigh in relief as I hurry through the now empty corridors.

  Training is the only thing that calms the constant sea of emotions raging inside me. Leo might still be with the stranger, but I’m determined to wait for him. I’m feeling desperate enough to break into his secret training room without him.

  I enter the final stretch of hallway to Leo’s office. It’s everything I can do not to break into a run.

  “Ebony!”

  I skid to a stop and look over my shoulder. Gabriel jogs down the hallway. Unable to think of an excuse to walk away, I stop and wait for him.

  7

  Gabriel

  Ebony ran out of that library like a wasp stung her on the ear. I follow her but not so closely that it looks like I’m chasing her—the last thing I want is for her to start running from me. Looming up behind her with heavy steps is not the way to convince her I’m on her side.

  I wonder what made her run like that? She was so interested in the new guy—who hung about in the doorway with Leo for far too long—I didn’t think anything could shift her.

  As much as I wanted to leave, I kept wandering back. The beam of sunlight really gave her an ethereal quality. It was difficult to take my eyes off her.

  As I come around the corner of the building, I see her standing in the shadows of a nearby garden. A couple of tall trees, some trailing, colorful plants over a low brick wall. She doesn’t seem to be looking at the flowers. She’s just staring into the foliage with her fists clenched, arms by her sides.

  She seems to decide something and turns around with determination to set off up towards Leo’s office. When she sees me, her whole body reacts, first with shock, then with a step back.

  I know I’m frowning even though I don’t mean to. Why can’t she relax and look up at me with softness? It hurts me so much that she saves her favors for those that don’t appreciate her.

  What I wouldn’t give for one look, just one look of affection from those dark eyes.

  I walk slowly towards her, my body coming alive. She’s got that air about her, of trapped prey. Even though her eyes are big and wide, and her body set to run, I feel a fierceness in her. Like if you corner this tasty prey, you’ll find out quickly she’s no rabbit.

  “Ebony? Are you okay?”

  She tosses her head like a spirited horse, black mane cresting over her shoulders.

  “I’m fine, Gabriel. What do you want?’

  Always the firm tone, the clipped sentences. She makes it clear with every fiber of her being that she won’t let me in. Even with her determination, I can see her mouth trembling, her eyes darting over my body. So. She does have an interest. It can’t be hidden. How do I get her to give in to it?

  I’m still curious as to why she bolted from the library. Having her in front of me, however, seems to push everything else out of my mind.

  I keep taking steps towards her until I’m close, maybe too close. It’s like my skin is crying out for her. The palms of my hands, the long stretch of my belly. As if the only way to sate this hunger is pull her against me and let my lips drown in her mouth.

  She tries to take a step back, but the garden is right behind her.

  “You’re too close, Gabriel.”

  There it is again, that tone. That sharp edge disguising her body language. She looks like prey, but it hides a fierce interior that’s begging to be released.

  I can smell her… sweet, musky, sharp. It’s in my head and strokes me from the inside out. I can’t think.

  I really can’t think.

  Something in me is rising, whipping me, riding me. I’m drawn to push harder, to show her my passion. I couldn’t fight it if I tried. To be honest, I don’t want to try.

  I want an excuse to act on my feelings. It’s true there is a strange quality in the air right now. Something that seems juicy and sweet like all you have to do is open your mouth and take a bite to be satisfied. I’m actually salivating as I loom over her.

  She doesn’t cringe or try to step back. She straightens up and puts out a hand. I take it gently, stepping back just a little. I caress the palm gently with my fingertips, folding my big fingers around her small ones.

  “It’s okay, Ebony. You don’t have to be afraid of me.”

  She stands, still and tense, her arm held out awkwardly in front of her. She doesn’t try to tug it back, and for that, I’m grateful.

  I try to impress through my touch the depth of my desire, the strength of my need. She must feel it; she has to respond! She gives the others so much and never anything for me! I know she feels it, I know it!

  She gives me a sideways glance, putting some tension in her arm to let me know she wants her hand back. I keep my fingers lightly wrapped around hers, letting her know I don’t want to let go.

  “We were so comfortable once, Ebony. What happened?”

  She shakes her head, brows coming together in a small wrinkle. She looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. This confuses me and yeah, makes me a bit angry. I know we had good times once. Is she really going to deny that now?

  Especially when I can hear her body singing to me, I can see her nipples getting hard against the thin fabric of her dress, I can see her eyes devouring me, her cheeks getting hot and her tongue coming out to slick her lips.

  I meet her eyes again, and they are defiant and confrontational. My fingers tighten without me even thinking about it. She tugs her hand gently, and I pull it back, squeezing her a little harder than before.

  “Gabriel, let me go.”

  “I’m not doing anything.” I protest, just a bit snappish. “I’m only holding your hand.”

  “And it’s my hand, and I want it back.”

  We stare at each other for a moment. She doesn’t pull or turn away, just stands watching me, arm relaxed, her hand laying loose in my palm.

  I open my fingers and let her go, disappointed at how fast she moves away. It’s like a rock hitting me in
the chest. I see her eyes flick downwards quickly, taking in my body. Her eyes linger on my hair and face, a cute smile dancing on her lips.

  This is maddening! Why does she do this to me! It’s not fair to look at me like that and then withdraw. Doesn’t she know what this does to a man’s blood?

  “Ebony, I just want things back the way they were before.”

  “Before what, exactly?”

  I stare at her in disbelief.

  “Before—everything! Don’t you remember how it was when we were growing up? We used to joke and tease all the time. We were always laughing. You were so comfortable with me. What can I do to get us back to that?”

  “Gabriel.” Her tone cracks like a whop. “Recently, we have undergone a lot of changes. I appreciate that you have been around to help, but certain events have led me to believe that you are not to be trusted. At least when I am vulnerable. There are plenty of others I would call to my side before you.”

  For a moment, red rage pours over everything, my thoughts, my sight. Why did she have to use those exact words?

  “But I have such happy memories of us laughing and joking together. Do those beautiful memories some honor and let us try to build that relationship again.”

  “Yeah well, I’ve got news for you. They weren’t happy memories for me.”

  “What?” Now I’m really confused.

  “You did the laughing and joking Gabriel. You did it at my expense. It wasn’t us sharing something funny or connecting over humor we found in events around us. It was you making fun of me.”

  “But I didn’t mean it like—”

  “It doesn’t really matter how you meant it. Your jokes left me feeling uncomfortable and confused. Bad enough that I didn’t want to be around you. I never even knew if you were serious or not. It just made me feel scared and alone. Why would I want to go back to that?”

  My blood is roaring in my ears. I take another step forward, and she doesn’t move. Our bodies are almost pressed up against each other. The pressure inside me is tenfold what it usually is. I’ve already pressed harder than I meant to. I might as well touch her. I might not get another chance.

  She leans her upper body away from me.

  “Do you hear me, Gabriel?”

  I nod slowly, trying to look into her eyes. I want to find that spark of warmth there, a place where she can give in to me without the hurts of the past. I’m beyond my limit now, I can’t hold myself back.

  I reach out for her hand again, my fingers connecting to her upper arm and running the tips all the way down until I can close my hand around hers. I tug her closer to me and almost die over the scent of her, now thicker and even more intoxicating than it was before.

  “Gabriel—”

  “No, Ebony. Just relax. Please.”

  I pull her against me, any vestiges of control I had left being swallowed by the mad, rash lust rising in me. I can feel it in her too, she just needs to let go. She just needs to let go.

  I lean over until my lips graze her ear.

  “It doesn’t have to be that way, anymore. I swear. I’ve changed. You’ve changed.”

  I wait for my words to have an effect but truly, all I can think about is her body pressed against mine.

  Finally.

  8

  Leo

  Something is certainly going on with Ebony. She didn’t look well at all when she walked past me a few moments ago. I’m willing to wager that she’ll drop by my office within the hour for training. She always showed up when she had that troubled look in her eye.

  “Do you have any more questions for me?” I ask our new transfer, Arrius. He possesses remarkable composure. We’ve been sitting at the table in the library for nearly an hour and he hasn’t fidgeted or expressed any discomfort. I knew several men his age who would be chomping at the bit to get out of a meeting with the Headmaster. Lucien comes to mind. In fact, all of the other Huntsmen come to mind.

  “Not at this moment,” Arrius replies, his voice even and collected. His tone and manner of speaking doesn’t match with the youthful face before me. I resist summoning a spell to further analyze his magical abilities. I have a lingering suspicion that he would notice.

  It’s no matter. Within the week he’ll have to take a magical aptitude test so that he’s placed in the correct classes. I’ll find out everything I need to know then. There’s no denying that Arrius possesses a strange and rare magic. I’ll keep a close eye on him while he’s here.

  He’s given me no reason to suspect him of ill will, but I can’t be too careful. Wrath and Rhiannon have given me enough to contend with.

  “Excellent. The rest of the day is yours. Have you been given a dorm assignment?”

  “Yes, I’ve already dropped off my things.” Arrius nods.

  “Excellent,” I repeat. “Well, I’ll leave you to it. Let me know if you have any questions.”

  “Thank you for your assistance.” Arrius extends a hand. He’s got a firm handshake. I wonder where he hails from. He must be from a well-off family. He acts like he’s been trained to serve in a high court or something.

  I exit the library and make my way to my office. Ebony left a short while ago, but I can still smell her magic lingering in the air like perfume trailing behind her. Classes are in session, so the hallways are empty. I work a subtle spell to illuminate Ebony’s magic trail. Thin silver vapors appear in midair.

  Silver. Interesting. Ebony’s magical aura has never been silver before. Perhaps, I should confer with Kashton. He’s the aura expert.

  Then again, if I asked him, I’d have to explain how I knew Ebony’s aura color. There’s no way to explain that without implicating myself. As far as anyone else is concerned, especially the other Huntsmen, Ebony and I are acquaintances with a strictly professional relationship.

  I wave away the spell, so Ebony’s magical trail vanishes. I can only imagine what she’d say if she knew I used a spell to pick up her magic trail. I know she’s been feeling smothered lately. Every day I fight the urge to seek her out and ask her how she’s doing. Instead, I’ve resolved to be there whenever she needs to train even if its in the middle of the night.

  There was a time, long ago, when honing my magic skills was the only thing that brought me peace. I’m glad I can help Ebony find peace in the same way, even if it’s short-lived.

  I wake every morning wondering if today is the day I’m going to lose her. I consider it a miracle that something, or someone, hasn’t come along and killed her yet. Wrath is out there somewhere. I know he’s plotting something terrible. I just don’t know how to stop him yet. Then there’s Rhiannon.

  I sigh and run a hand through my hair.

  As much as we Huntsmen don’t want to admit it, not one of us knows how to handle Rhiannon. Even a thousand years ago, she was a wild card. That’s how we ended up in this situation in the first place. I can only hope that my refusal to hand Ebony over to Rhiannon makes a difference in the end. If it doesn’t, I don’t know how I’ll go on.

  “Gabriel, what are you doing?” It’s Ebony’s voice. I pick up the pace, thinking something terrible is happening. Instead, I find her nose to nose with Gabriel. His eyes are fogged with desire. His mouth is less than an inch from hers. Ebony closes her eyes and parts her pretty lips.

  I can’t let this happen. The magic of kisses isn’t harmful, but Ebony doesn’t need anything else clouding her judgment. She should be dedicating all of her energy to training her magic.

  The thought of Gabriel tasting Ebony before I’ve had the chance is enough to send me into a rage. He’s treated her horribly since her powers awakened. I’m the one she sought out. I’m the one who’s been there for her. I’m the one who brings her peace while preparing her to face her demons. The other Huntsmen have been useless thus far.

  Ebony confessed to me that she desired me during one of our last training sessions. I was foolish and pushed her away. Not a day goes by where I don’t regret that decision. Gabriel will not take my place before
I’ve given up. I can’t allow it.

  “Class is in session,” I boom as I stride toward them. It’s the only thing I can think to say.

  Ebony jumps away from Gabriel like she’s been poked with an electric rod. She drops her head, refusing to look at me. I position myself so that she can’t see the exchange about to happen between Gabriel and myself.

  “We’re in the middle of something,” Gabriel says through clenched teeth. “Besides, you have no real authority over me, Leo.”

  “I’m sorry you feel that way,” I reply. With a flick of my wrists, I magic a detention slip into existence. “I’ll tell the detention monitor to expect you. You wouldn’t want to risk your cover, would you? Continued disobedience will lead to expulsion. That’s the school rule. To preserve my own integrity, I wouldn’t make an exception for you, if pressed.”

  Gabriel looks like he’s ready to strike me, but I keep going.

  “How will you do your job if you’re expelled from the academy?” I ask. “How will you fare on your own? I understand there’s no love lost between you and the other Huntsmen. You’ll be easy pickings for Wrath if you leave the safety of the academy.”

  “You’d condemn your own brother in arms?” Gabriel lifts one brow.

  “We haven’t been brothers in arms for a long time. You know this,” I sigh.

  It’s sad what’s become of us. All seven of us, plus Ebony used to be thick as thieves. There was a time where I would’ve given my life for Gabriel, no questions asked. He would’ve done the same for me. Rhiannon’s siren call of power has torn us apart.

  Sometimes, I wish I could tell the others that I’ve decided to go against Rhiannon by refusing to hand Ebony over to her. I’d have to admit I was in league with Rhiannon at one point, which wouldn’t go over well. I also have to consider the possibility that I’m not the only one Rhiannon lured over to her side.

  Gabriel could be serving her now as we speak. Any of them could be working against us.