“Huh?” I scrunched my nose, trying to figure out what he referenced.
“God is a woman.”
“Oh, wow.” I laughed. “I always thought...”
“I think we all did.” He brushed a thumb across my mouth. “When I got to Heaven the first time, all I could think about was how I’d left you. I want you to know leaving you was part of the plan, the only way I could beat Lucian, but I had to help Samael with a task first. I’m sorry.”
He leaned his forehead against mine and sucked in a breath.
“It’s okay. I’m okay.” I brushed a kiss against his chin. “Did you find Adam?”
Cain swallowed then gave a slight nod. “Yes. And I realized I didn’t have a taste for revenge any longer. He seemed broken and so filled with sorrow. I forgave him, forgave my brother, forgave my mother, forgave God, and forgave myself. But it wasn’t easy. I think the main reason I finally learned forgiveness was through your love, your belief there was still something good left in my heart.”
I slid my fingers along his jawline and tipped his face to meet my gaze. “Cain, that’s wonderful.”
“I realized the only thing that would every truly complete me is you. Not wings, not revenge, not power. I don’t give a fuck about being an angel. I’ve got a lot to make up for, but I want to do it at your side, as an angel, a Nephilim, or a human, it doesn’t matter to me so long as we can be together.”
A tear of happiness leaked from the corner of my eye. I couldn’t stop smiling.
“That is, if you want to give me a chance.” His silver-blue irises, vulnerable and wide, speared my gaze.
“I’ve always believed in you. You don’t need to ask for a chance. It’s yours.”
His thousand-watt smile threatened to melt my heart, and I plastered my mouth to his.
With a low growl, his lips devoured mine, and he lifted me into his arms, the heat from his toned body sending desire to my core. “I love you more than anything, Phoebe.”
I smiled against his lips and laced my fingers around his neck. “And I love you. Now, let’s go inside so you can meet my mom. I can finally tell her why Dad left. She’s going to think I lost my mind so I may need your help. Then, you and I can figure out the future.”
“Together.” His tone, firm and low, wrapped around me.
“Of course.” I had two more years left of college, and then who knew where life would lead me? Leadus.
With my new powers, maybe Cain and I could fight the darkness...or at least protect humanity. Whatever we decided to do, after seeing the true evil lurking in the dark, I understood my father’s need to protect the innocent.
Demons like Malachi, who I had no doubt would lick his wounds and recover, would be waiting to take out their anger on the people of Earth.
Cain and I will be ready.
With a sigh, I pushed myself away and grabbed his hand, pulling him down the walkway and onto the porch. “You’re the first guy I’ve ever brought home, you know.”
“Then I am flattered.” His footsteps echoed mine as he tromped up the rickety wooden steps. “After this, let’s go back to my place. I haven’t properly shown my penance for what I’ve done.”
“What?” I quirked an eyebrow as I looked backward.
“My atonement will start with you.” His intense gaze leisurely traveled my face then down my back and moved lower, his hungry stare making my toes curl. “I need to worship every square inch of that body to show proper gratitude.”
“Oh.” I twisted toward the door and grabbed the handle, but his hot breath at my neck froze me in place.
“And afterwards, I want to fly you into the clouds and make love to you in the sky. Might as well test out these wings, right?” A seductive chuckle tickled the hairs on my neck.
“You might be a true angel, Cain, but you have wicked thoughts.”
“You’ve no idea, Precious.” He nipped my neck gently. “Now, the sooner I meet your mother, the sooner I can ravish you.”
After shaking my head in embarrassed amusement, I opened the door and stepped inside, my heart and mind at peace with our uncharted future.
