"Ryan's my partner. Anna is like a little sister to us."
My palm slammed into his chest, where his heart had once beat. Searching through his soul, I scoured his memories.
He's telling the truth. After I quite literally scared the piss out of him that day in the garden, he has only ever thought of Anna in the most platonic of ways.
Repeatedly, he and Ryan had been there for Anna, by either defending her from bullies or helping her get the things she needed for everyday life on Earth.
My actions that day had transformed those two thugs into Anna's protectors.
A shroud of shame settled over me.
I'd killed Jason, hurt his friend, and abandoned Anna based on what I'd assumed.
Jealousy has always been my nemesis.
I jerked my hand away from his chest and waved, dismissing Malachi. "Go. I'll take care of this one."
"But, my Prince. It's nothing for me to take him off your hands."
My patience wore thin. I drew upon the ether in my bones and directed it to my next command. "Get out, Malachi. Do not disobey me again."
The fortress walls shook from the power's vibration.
Malachi stumbled backward, then regained his footing. His bottom jaw dropped open.
"Is there a problem?" I narrowed my gaze on his stance, silently daring him to challenge me. I needed a good fight to release the catalogue of emotions swirling in my head and heart.
"No problem, Lucian." He gave a stiff bow, then blinked out of the room.
Well, that was unexpected.
Of all my Chosen, Malachi was the most argumentative. Well, besides Cain.
I turned to Jason, who still cowered on the floor.
"Get up."
He rose to his hands and knees, then peered around the room, no doubt taking in the flowing red lava. "P-please don't hurt me."
"If you do not immediately stand, I will kick you into the lava."
Jason shot to his feet and hunched his shoulders inward.
I reached toward him, and he cringed. I let out a sigh. "Jason, as much as I enjoy punishing those who deserve it, I do not plan on hurting you without cause."
He stood a little straighter. "Really?"
"Unfortunately, yes." I grabbed his upper arm. "Mayhap I drew the wrong conclusion about you and Ryan."
At the mention of his lover, he seemed to deflate, as if suddenly remembering what had transpired.
Anna would want me to tell him something soothing, something true.
Inwardly, I groaned.Fine.
"Ryan is still alive."Though he might have a challenging time eating and speaking.I didn't bother telling him this news.
"He is?" His dull cow eyes followed my face for a few seconds before he had to look away. Sometimes, it was hard being the most beautiful angel in the universe.
