“Come on, assholes,” I said, squaring my shoulders. “I don’t have all night. It’s my girl’s birthday, and each breath you take is a waste of it.”
My taunt had its desired effect. The biggest of the three thugs lunged at me. Size-wise, he nearly had me beat, but I was far stronger and faster. Not to mention I had the heavens on my side.
His fist flew at my face with impressive speed for a human, but I caught it in my palm, and my fingers clamp around his in a vicelike grip. A toddler might as well have taken a swing at me.
The second my hand tightened around the thug’s, I could see the regret flare behind his yellowed gaze. He tried to jerk away, but it was too late. Using every ounce of my strength, I hurled him over my head and let go. His tank of a body went sailing through the air and slammed into the unforgiving brick wall on the opposite end of the alley. The sound of cracking bones followed by a pathetic little whimper bounced off the walls, and the man crumpled into a broken heap behind a dumpster.
Guardians weren’t supposed to harm unarmed humans. Even if it was to protect our wards, we were supposed to find another way.
Yeah. Fuck that.
If any arch class angel checked in on me now, I knew there would be more I’d have to answer for with the way tonight was going.
I whipped around to face the two remaining thugs. The pathetic bastards looked ready to piss themselves. By the sour tang that coiled with the scent of rain and dirty pavement, one had.
“You better put your hands together in prayer and thank whatever gods you believe in that I’m feeling merciful today. So take your friend and get the fuck out of here before I break more bones.”
The guy behind the dumpster grunted in pain as he tried to get back on his feet. A howl of a man in complete agony ensued, causing Mel to flinch.
I raised a brow, my eyes narrowing in on the two unbroken thugs. “Or do you want a taste of what he just got?”
They shook their heads frantically and scrambled over to collect their friend. I wrapped my arms protectively around Mel and pulled her against me as they hurried past, glaring at me with hatred in their eyes.
They helped their friend up, who screamed in pain as they ungracefully dragged him out of the alley and out of sight. It wasn’t until his howls faded behind the drum of rain against the street that Mel allowed herself to relax in my embrace.
She leaned into my body like all the energy she had stored had left her at once. She was soaking wet, yet her heat seeped through the sopping fabric, warming me all over. I drew my arms tighter around her, anchoring her to me so she wouldn’t fall.
She was trembling, though I wasn’t sure if it was from fear or the unforgiving rain pelting down so hard it stung at any exposed flesh.
“Hey.” I lifted her chin and guided her gaze to lock with mine. Her dark eyes swam with a torrent of emotions: fear, love, trust. My heart rate spiked as she wraps her small hands around the corded girth of my biceps like she was holding onto me for dear life.
Control yourself,I advised my inner creature, who wanted nothing more than to break free and wrap our wings around her, to draw her close and never let her go.Don’t come undone, not here.
“It’s okay, Mel Bell,” I cooed. “You’re safe now.”
“W–what was that? That wasn’t…” Her voice trailed off, but I knew what she was going to say.That wasn’t human. I managed a smile, hoping it soothed away her suspicions.
“Must be the adrenaline.”
Her eyes glinted through the dark of the night, bearing something that made my entire body throb for the girl in my arms.
“Gabriel…” she whispered, her voice small and fragmented. I’d heard her say my name countless times, but right then, the sound of it made my cock harden. I knew she could feel it; she was pressed so tightly against me there was no space between us. The way her body arched into mine, her heart beating hard in her chest, pounding in rhythm with mine.
“Yes?” I swallowed, my voice low and husky. Goddammit, I could hardly keep the lust from my tone.
She blinked up at me, her dark lashes pebbled with thick raindrops fluttering.Oh, God.
“Kiss me?” Her voice. So soft, just a timid whisper.
Fucking Christ.
Her request sent a coalesced thrill of panic and excitement down my spine and a flare of desire lapping at my core. The bond between us ached and pulsed, pushing me closer to her. My inner beast clawed at my insides, screaming at me to indulge her, to kiss my ward, no—my true mate.
But if I did, there would be no turning back.
What cruel twist of nature had matched me with my fated one while the heavens themselves had barred me from truly being with her?
Did I listen to nature or Paradise’s laws?
