Chapter 30
Phoebe
Knock-knock.
I jumped, even though Cain and I were wrapped in one another’s arms tighter than a knotted string.
“Go away,” he growled, not even bothering to glance at the intruder. Instead, he lowered his mouth to trail my throat then down my chest, causing my blood to heat.
God, he feels so good. But what if it’s Mom out there, getting a glimpse of our make-out session?This thought made me freeze.
“Cain,” I murmured into his hair, dying inside as his tongue licked my skin, sliding under the top of my bra. With sheer willpower, I glanced over my shoulder at the driver’s side window and stopped breathing.
As if sensing my shock, Cain’s mouth left my skin, and his hot breath caressed my cheek as he peered at the window. “Fucking Malachi.” Cain turned my face to his, his metallic eyes boring into mine. “I’ll handle this. Whatever happens, donottake off your necklace, okay?”
Fear wrapped its strong claws around my stomach, but I nodded, understanding the amulet’s protection would once more be the only thing keeping me out of the dark angel’s diabolical grip.
Unable to help myself, I looked at Malachi again.
He propped his forearms against the door, lowered his head to stare through the window, and gave a wiggle of his fingers in a mocking wave. A knowing smile twisted his lips but didn’t reach his purple-onyx eyes, which were as devoid of emotion as a piece of hard lava glass.
Cain scrambled out of the car and shut the door, circling around the front of the vehicle until he stopped next to me, leaving a couple of feet between him and Malachi, and giving me a front row seat to both of them.
Standing with his legs wide apart and his shoulders squared, Cain clenched his jaw. “Get the fuck out of here.”
Even with the windows raised, I could hear his powerful, low voice. I thought about engaging the locks on the doors, but I also wanted to stand at Cain’s side and face this demon, too. Yet, I’d seen and experienced Malachi’s power and knew I had no defenses against someone like him.
And neither does Cain. Not really, not until he becomes their equal.Which would mean turning me over to Hell’s minions.
“Oh, Cain. How boring and...human...of you to grope and pant with one another like two animals.” He snapped his fingers. “But I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. After all, humansarelittle more than animals themselves.”
“Samael told you to leave me and—”
“Samaelis not my master,” he hissed, stepping a few inches toward Cain and flaring his wings. The one nearest me brushed against the window then pulled farther back, blocking out some of the light. Malachi wore no shirt, and his chest and stomach muscles rippled with the movement. Strapped to his back, between the joints of his wings, hung the same two-bladed staff he’d materialized the other night when he’d overpowered Cain.
Watching through the windows, I felt helpless and pathetic. What if Malachi killed Cain this time? These angels proved humans were nothing but annoying ants they could crush under their boots.
God, if you’re there, we could really use your help.
Cain’s stare met mine, and his lips thinned. “Lucian gave me until tomorrow to finish my mission.” Pulling back his shoulders, he flicked out a hand and the ornate black armor I’d seen earlier cradled his body. He became an ancient battle knight of old—bold and noble.
“Seems he’s changed his mind.” Malachi laughed then gave a slight shrug. “You know how time slips away in our world. He wants you”—with a pivot, Malachi turned, his stare needling me like a moth on a needle—“and sweet little Phoebe rightnow.”
Fear climbed up my legs to settle in my stomach, roiling the juices inside and pushing them up my esophagus.
Maybe Cain can blink us away and we can hide.
“No.” Cain’s sword formed in his hands. He stepped backward and lifted it toward his shoulder, as if readying himself to strike.
With one perfect eyebrow arched, Malachi smirked. “You’ll both come with me, or I will march inside that home and snap her mother like an old bone.” His hateful eyes met mine. “It’s your choice.”
“I’ll go.” Panic pushed me to throw open the door and rush next to Cain. I couldn’t let Mom be dragged into this nightmare.
