Fate's Consort

by Elysabeth Grace

  Analise’s gaze returned to Lucifer. Her Seraphim. She opened a telepathic path. What the f—

  The invasion was fast and painful. Analise’s muscles locked, sending her body and chair crashing to the floor. Pain shot across the back of her head. The pain wasn’t the problem. What terrified her was the air in her lungs suddenly becoming liquid. She was drowning.

  “Analise Saria.”

  Lucifer’s voice echoed in her ear. She just couldn’t find the words to answer. Then she intervened. Fight, Tamahaq. Send the pain back to the giver.

  Analise’s agony tripled, and her breathing became more erratic as she struggled to take in air. She heard a male voice say, Submit and I will release you.

  She didn’t recognize the voice. No.

  Warm, gentle hands tenderly lifted her as her internal voice became insistent. Block the pain, Tamahaq. Find the life thread.

  Analise sucked in a painful breath and pushed past the pain. She forced her awareness to expand and examine the energy flowing in and out of her—life threads. The human side of her stared in awe and reached out to touch them, to feel the connection.

  We can do that later. Right now, we need to focus.

  Analise wrenched her mind back to the task, scanning each thread. She didn’t see any anomalies, anything out of the ordinary. Then Richard moved and she spied it. A faint shadow shielded by his thread. She did know what to do. A quick burst of light skated along Richard’s life thread and, like a flare, the light exposed the invader. Before he could escape, a dagger pinned him in place. An anguished howl reverberated in Analise’s head before the link dissolved and with it her agony.

  We are Fate. You will hear this voice no longer since we walk the earth.

  “Consort.”

  Analise lifted her eyelashes. Lucifer’s face hovered inches above hers. His worried gaze searched her eyes before he blew out a relieved breath. “What happened, Analise Saria?”

  She struggled to sit up. Lucifer’s hands held her firmly to the floor. “Remain as you are until I know you are not injured,” he ordered. “What happened?”

  Looking over his shoulders were the archangels and Richard and Tess. She gave them a weak smile before she answered.

  “Someone invaded my thoughts,” she said, hating her voice sounded so weak. She swallowed before continuing. “I felt a sharp pain and then he was there.”

  “Are you certain it was male?”

  She nodded.

  “How did he enter? Were you not shielding?”

  She grabbed the corner of her lower lip and worried it. I opened a path for you when he struck. “He will trouble me no more.”

  Take me to our bedroom, Seraphim.

  Lucifer stared at her for a second, then swept her into his arms. Before he took a step, a powerful eruption shook the building and light exploded outside the living room window. He set a wobbly Analise on her feet. “Jess, Michael, take my Consort and our guests to the safe room.”

  He peered at Analise. “Remain there until I return, Analise Saria.”

  “No.”

  “This time you will do as I ask, Consort.”

  A second blast shattered the window. Lucifer released her. With a nod to Gabriel and Raphael, he raced to the opening and launched himself upward. Analise watched the two archangels take flight as Michael shepherded Richard and Tess to where Jess stood beside an opened door. He waved the couple inside before turning to Analise. “Lise.”

  “I’m done hiding,” she said. “Jess, please stay with Tess and Richard. Keep them safe. Shut the door, Michael.”

  He opened his mouth to argue and Analise stared him down. “Shut the door, Archangel.”

  Once he closed the door, she nodded. Her hand opened then clenched. Her fingers gripped a sword. She looked at Michael. “I know who I am. It’s time my Consort’s enemies discover it as well.”

  She moved to the middle of the living room and waited. Acrid gray smoke swirled through the broken window. Michael came to stand beside her, a sword in his hand. From the corner of her eye, Analise noticed his wings shimmer before snapping open. The smoke cleared. An angel walked into the room, remaining beyond the range of their swords. His wings lifted and opened.

  Michael frowned before he said, “Seraphim.”

  “Michael. Still on guard duty for Lilith’s progeny.”

  Analise huffed and muttered, “Not another bloody Seraphim. I thought Lucifer and his twin were the only ones on Earth.”

  “Technically, they are. Azazel pledged Satan’s fraternity and ended up with an empty title,” Michael said. “His abilities are the same as an archangel since the Hierarchy stripped him of his status upon expulsion. You’ll be able to take him, Empress.”

  “In more ways than you can imagine, Marcus.” She grinned when Michael mumbled a curse. Her eyes narrowed on the expelled angel. “I thought I recognized the colors. Since we’ve cleared up the puzzle of who you are, I assume I have you to thank for the mess in my living room.”

  A brief look of confusion raced across Azazel’s face before he announced, “I am here to take you to my Sire.”

  “I wish I had wings,” Analise said. Michael glanced at her while Azazel’s expression was just baffled.

  “I’ll bite,” Michael replied. “Why?”

  “A, because they’re cool as fuck, and B, because I’d flare them before I kicked Azzie’s ass.”

  Michael laughed while Azazel’s humiliation colored his brown face. Analise stared at the Expelled. “I’m going to play nice this once and give you a chance to leave. I have a Consort and life mate.”

  “You do not have a choice, human. Satan has claimed you,” Azazel stated before looking at Michael. “Do not interfere, Archangel.”

  Analise blew out an angry puff of air. “My. Patience. Is. Ended. Izem.”

  Three Imohag warriors materialized in the room and positioned themselves at Analise’s back.

  Michael turned his head toward her. “Consort.”

  “Not now, Michael. I’m really starting to get annoyed. Do I have a sign on my forehead that read, ‘Need a Consort? Here’s one for the taking’?”

  “Does my Sire know about your, um, your warriors?” Michael asked.

  Analise finally glanced at Michael. “Not yet, we haven’t had time with the demons, Satan, vampires, and now this fool coming out of the gutter. I’ll introduce them when Lucifer returns.”

  She spoke to Izem in Tahaggart before she glared at Azazel.

  “You want me, Azzie, you must fight me for me. We’re taking this outside. When I finish kicking your ass, you will pay for the broken window and any damage to my home. Assuming I let you live. Care to join the party, Michael?”

  “Lucifer won’t like this,” Michael mumbled as he felt himself soaring.

  Analise teleported them to a secluded section of Golden Gate Park, near Lindley Meadow. An opaque dome suddenly appeared to surround her and Azazel. She glanced at Michael, who stood beside her Imohag warriors outside the dome. Michael’s frustration was palpable.

  “This is something I have to deal with, Michael.” She turned to face Azazel. “If you had left when I offered, you would live to fight another day. You didn’t and your life ends tonight.”

  She attacked, forcing him to jump back to avoid a sudden decapitation. He hadn’t expected the attack and retaliated with a series of half-hearted feints and thrusts, intending to throw her off guard.

  “I am one of Satan’s best,” Azazel declared. “You cannot defeat me, despite your skill.”

  She deflected his blows with ease as she retreated. “You can thank Lucifer’s Guardians for my skill. How long do you want to play before I cut off your head and fry your heart?”

  Azazel stumbled at her words. “What Consort speaks as you do?” He righted himself. “My Sire will have to train you into obedience.”

  As they exchanged blows, it became apparent Azazel fought to tire her then capture her. Analise pushed hard at the angel, using her skills to avoid
his blows, striking at will. A thin trickle of blood flowed down Azazel’s forearm. She saw the anger in his dark eyes shift to surprise when the wound continued to bleed.

  “It will not heal,” Analise stated. “It is a mortal wound.”

  She deflected an angry thrust and a quick slash before the tip of her blade grazed his chest. “Why would your Sire desire another Seraphim’s Consort? Hasn’t his ego and self-respect suffered enough?”

  Azazel disengaged and retreated. “The Fallen know you are the last of Lilith’s descendants, Tamahaq.” He waved the tip of his sword at the Imohag warriors, who stood watching.

  “For you to summon these warriors, to teleport and create this. . .,” Azazel pointed at the dome, “Fate walks the earth, and who controls the last Tamahaq also controls Fate.”

  Analise sensed Lucifer’s presence even before he arrived. Once he landed, she shot a quick look at his face. Impassive as usual. Not a good sign, but at least he hadn’t dissolved the dome to snatch her out of there.

  I am seriously tempted.

  Okay, one problem at a time. “You continue to bleed, Azazel.”

  He peered at his forearm and lifted his startled gaze to Analise’s face. “Who are you?”

  She raised her sword. It flared silver, the brightness traveling down her arm to slowly envelope her body. “One you should fear.”

  Analise slowly circled him. “Did you know angelic prophecy doesn’t bind humans or Fate? You used Francis to murder people we loved. When he was no longer useful to you, you tossed him aside. You claim you came for your Sire. Your mind and heart reveal otherwise. You are about to die, yet you still think you can bargain.”

  She stopped. “I know this because I was there when your thread came into existence. It was I who gave it its colors. I seeded free will in humans and angels alike. I taught angels to use their gifts. I know this because I am Fate.”

  Her blade swung horizontally and Azazel’s head toppled to earth. Driving her sword into his chest, Analise stepped back as a burst of silver flames consumed the impaled organ. A single tear rolled down her check as she turned to where Lucifer stood watching. Her sword slipped from her fingers and all colors faded except blackness.

  ***

  “I suppose the sex was mind-blowing since I fainted again.”

  Lucifer sat stiffly on a chair beside his bed. “There was no sex.”

  Analise winced at his tone, which differed from his usual furious voice. Will you listen to me, Seraphim?

  “Rule number one.”

  She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. “I was about to tell you before all hell broke loose.”

  “How long have you known, Consort?”

  Her teeth grabbed the corner of her bottom lip. She lowered her eyelashes. “The night in Mia’s Restaurant was the first time I felt her as more than a voice in my head.”

  “When did you realize?”

  She lifted her gaze to his face. “The day Francis died.”

  Lucifer jerked up from the chair and strode to the door. He turned to stare at her, tanzanite-hued eyes so dark and cold she flinched. “Why, Analise Saria? Are you asking me to trust you now? To believe you want this mating? You did not want to face the truth from the beginning. Your obstinance endangered lives, cost lives.”

  He sucked in air and exhaled violently. “You had no right to keep this from your Consort, Analise Saria. I have been honest with you, accepted your reluctance to embrace who you are. I tolerated your humanness and waited. I gave you my soul. I gave you my heart.”

  His broad shoulders sagged. “I respected your wish for independence despite the dangers. All this I did because I trust you. What I expected from my Consort, my life mate, in return was the same. Trust.”

  “Lucifer, wait. Please. Let me explain.”

  He stared at her then left the room, gently shutting the door behind him. Analise peered at the door. Tears clouded her vision as she sought his awareness. He’d closed to her. She flung herself on the bed, her sobs swallowed by her pillow. Lucifer, I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Please return so we can talk.

  Seconds then minutes went by. There was only silence.

  Seraphim, talk to me. Her words bounced back like a rubber ball. Lucifer.

  His refusal was a dagger in her human heart, the pain so excruciating it ripped the air from her lungs. She sat up gasping, each breath torture. “You will not do this to me, Seraphim. I am not the one who dragged me into this life. You will not do this to me.”

  Analise pushed herself off the bed and stormed into the bathroom. Stripping off her clothes, she stepped into the shower and let the water flow over her. It wasn’t her fault. It was not her fault.

  She turned off the water, stepped out, and grabbed a towel. Her hands performed the mechanics of moisturizing her skin before she returned to the bedroom. Once she was dressed, Analise toweled the wetness from her hair then abandoned Lucifer’s bedroom.

  Richard and Tess were cuddling in the living room. Analise made her way to the couple. Tess took one look at her face. She rose and hurried to Analise, pulling her into her arms. “Are you okay, sweetie?”

  “I’m fine,” Analise replied. “I’m fine.”

  Richard handed her a glass of wine. Analise wrapped her fingers around the stem and allowed Tess to walk her over to the sofa. She glanced at the repaired window. Surreal. The night seemed surreal.

  “What happened, Lise?”

  “He left me,” she stuttered.

  “Why?” Richard asked.

  Analise looked at Richard. “Trust issues, what else. He trusted, I didn’t.” She choked back a sob. “I screwed up royally. I’ve lost him.”

  Tess took the wineglass before Analise dropped it. She tugged Analise against her shoulder.

  “I don’t know how to fix this,” Analise sobbed. “I’m not sure I can fix it.”

  She cried silently for a few minutes as Tess stroked her damp hair. Finally, Analise looked up. “What do I do, Tess?”

  “What do you want to do, Lise?”

  She closed her eyes. “I want to go home, to my apartment.”

  Richard offered her his hand. “Then we will take you.”

  She gave him a tearful smile. “Let me get my shoes and my phone.”

  Analise walked into the bedroom. It seemed so empty yet the memories. . .was this what she wanted, a life without Lucifer? Was she prepared to let him walk away from her, to lose the one being who held her soul and her heart?

  A broken sob echoed behind her as she fled the room. Tess and Richard turned to face her as she walked down the hall to the elevator. Neither one said a word, merely waiting until she reached them. The doors opened and the couple entered. Analise stood staring at them, at the elevator. When the beep sounded she rushed inside.

  ***

  Why are you in your bed and not mine?

  “Because you left me.”

  Come to me, Consort.

  “No,” Analise said, shaking her head. “Not until we deal with my trust issues.”

  We can deal with them here.

  She flipped over onto her back, scooting backward until she leaned against her headboard, her knees drawn up. She grabbed a pillow, plopped it on her knees, and propped her chin on the softness.

  “No, I think it’s better this way. I’m so sorry, Lucifer. I have no excuses. I don’t know how to be the brave, strong Consort you deserve. I’m not angelic and the four-year-old human girl—”

  “Is always inside you,” Lucifer said as he lowered himself on the bed. “She always will be, Analise Saria.”

  Analise’s head jerked up. “You’re supposed to be in your bedroom.”

  “So are you.”

  She pushed the pillow aside to fling herself against him. Lucifer’s arms pulled her tight against his bare chest, and his chin rested on the top of her head. She savored the warmth of his skin, the feel of his embrace. She loved her Seraphim.

  “Why aren’t you wearing a shirt?”

  “
Because I expected to find my Consort asleep in my bed,” he murmured. “Will you come home, Analise Saria?”

  She rubbed her hand against his flesh. “Can we stay here, talk for a little while? This is as close to a safe room as I can get.”

  Lucifer kissed the top of her head. “As you wish, Consort.”

  “Will you hold me?”

  He didn’t answer, merely shifting himself on her bed and taking her in his arms. Analise nestled in his embrace.

  “I’m not just human, I’m also a shifter, angel, demon, undead, and telepath. You name it, I’m it. I’m also not sure I’m ready for that.”

  He brushed his mouth against her hair. “I have always suspected you were more than a mere supernatural. Then, while you battled Azazel, I realized who you were.”

  She looked up at him. “How?”

  “Your mind,” Lucifer said. “What I saw there was a wild array of colors, slender threads flowing into you, an endless vibrancy and, according to prophecy, only Fate can be tied to all living things. Then you declared yourself.”

  “Why did you leave?”

  He closed his eyes, platinum eyelashes pressed against his ivory skin. “Our prophecy said Fate would walk the earth. There was nothing to indicate she would become a Seraphim’s life mate or Consort. I am not certain I am worthy to be Fate’s Consort.”

  His arms tightened around her. Analise knew he sensed her hurt even though she tried to mask it.

  “Do not mistake my meaning, Analise Saria,” Lucifer said. “Your compassionate human side calls me arrogant, bossy, and antiquated. I am this way because you are my life mate and Consort. I will protect you from anyone who threatens your existence. Lives will be lost, some innocent. I will not care if these deaths mean my life mate and Consort lives.”

  Lucifer rubbed his cheek against her hair. “To become Fate’s Consort is to become more than I am, Analise Saria. Are you certain you wish the bond?”

  She adjusted her body until her mouth was inches from his. Her lips brushed his smooth, firm mouth. “If anybody is worthy, it’s you. Besides, I’ve got you nearly trained, Dream Candy.”

  Once Lucifer’s laughter fade, Analise said, “When I gave angels and humans free will, I gave up the power to define or change a life. I could only see it into existence and watch it extinguish itself once a life travels its path. What I didn’t give up was the power to protect life itself.”