I step into my office and sink into the chair behind my desk. Tonight was different. There was always a bond between Nasiah and I, but tonight felt as if we connected on a different level.
Before, even though she hadn’t left, it always felt as if she was still only here because she couldn’t leave. However, I finally have the feeling that she is here because she wants to be. She wants me.
I’ve lived a very long time since I was that orphaned child serving the angels in heaven, feeling left out and alone. Many people have come in and out of my life since then, but for the first time, the emptiness that I’ve always carried is missing. I’ve searched for family and belonging in everyone I’ve connected with, and now I’ve found it.
A waver in the void draws my attention. I sit up in my seat as Erazel appears.
“Dominus,” he bows slightly.
“Era, what are you doing here? I thought you had the night off?”
He looks down before back at me. “I did something you told me not to do?”
He doesn’t have to tell me what that something is. I already know. Pinching my brow and shaking my head, I say. “What were you thinking? I told you not to risk it.”
He lifts his chin. “I know. But you’re more than just a boss to me, Raziel. You’re my family. And I couldn’t sit around and do nothing.”
Although his words move me, it still wasn’t worth the risk.
“You’re my family too, Era. I don’t take that lightly. Which is why I told you not to go to him.”
He runs a hand over his head. “I didn’t.”
Now I’m confused. How did he talk to Gadiel without going to him?
Erazel grins. “I need you to unlock the void for just a moment.”
Not sure what the hell is going on, I still do as he says. I release the block I have on the void into my office. A thin opening appears in front of me, and out walk Tanisha and Gadiel.
I spring to my feet. “What the fuck is this?” I growl.
“You told me not to go to Gadiel,” Erazel says. “I didn’t. He came to us.”
Gadiel growls. “You fucking assholes. She tricked me.”
“You answered a summons, you perv,” Tanisha says, placing her hands on her hips.
It’s now clear to me what’s going on. Erazel did not have the rank or the clearance to approach Gadiel without my permission. However, if he answered a human’s summons, then he would be fair game.
“You human bitch,” Gadiel sneers at Tanisha. “I should—” Erazel cut off his words by popping him in the mouth. Immediately his lip splits and black blood gushes out.
He glares at Erazel but keeps his mouth shut. Rising from my seat, I make my way around my desk. I lean back against the desk, crossing my ankles and folding my hands over my chest.
“From my understanding,” Tanisha says to me. “He will only answer to me, so what questions do you want me to ask?”
Tanisha was a pretty woman. Medium-brown skin, dark brown eyes, and high cheekbones. She was taller than Nasiah, but not nearly as tall as me. She was on the thin side but had soft curves. Her long braids hung down her back. I can understand Erazel’s attraction.
“Why would you do this for me?”
Even though she only summoned him to her to get answers for me, there’s still risk when you call for one of us. If someone summons wrongly, it can have dire consequences.
Her brow lifts. “I didn’t do this for you. I’m doing this for my cousin.” She says and then shrugs. “And kind of for him.” She points to Erazel.
I look over at my bodyguard, and there is a huge grin on his face.
Standing up straight, I make my way over to Gadiel. “Ask him if he’s responsible for my portals?”
Before she can even ask Gadiel laughs. “That’s what this is about?” He shakes his head. “No. I have nothing to do with those portals. But I wish I did. I’d have destroyed you long ago.” He sneers.
