Protect.
But Endor had failed, too.He hadn’t been able to stop the wolves, only slow them down.And he hadn’t been prepared for their abilities, their strength.
In Heaven, I was taught angels were the most powerful beings on Earth, and our stature was highly regarded.
So how was it a trivial werewolf was able to defeat not just an angel, but a demon as well?
It didn’t make sense.
I’d just pulled the curtain shut on the fitting room when I turned around, slamming into solid chest.
Panic flooded me immediately until I looked up, noticing familiar blue eyes that were as judgmental as they were bright.
“Matthew...what the...”
“You know, when I gave you your wings, Valory, I thought you would be capable of following my orders.”
He reached for the clothing in my arms as I stood frozen in the space.
My heart raced beneath my chest as my wings stuttered beneath my skin.
I should have known he would come...
“I did...I am.I just—”
He looked over the top, raising his eyebrows.“If I didn’t know any better, I’d think the demon has corrupted you,” he said bitterly, handing me the shirt.
“It was an accident,” I said, grabbing the shirt from him.
He leaned in close, pushing me back against the wall, looming over me.
My insides twisted as his eyes glowed, and I could see the power fluctuating through him.
Golden...like smiting energy.
No, no, no...
“I promise I can do better, we’ll...we’ll get her back, I know we will...”
“I should rip your wings from you right here and take care of this matter myself,” he growled, fury evident in his eyes.
“But I am beholden to the treaties just as you are, and you have put me in quite a predicament, Valory.”
I wrapped my arms around myself, looking up at him.I prayed that he would not do as he said and rip my wings.
But you fucked up, and you know there will be a price to pay...
“I know,” I whispered, frightened by the levity of his words.
“What you have done is grounds for expulsion.No wings, no Heaven, you’d be a...”
“A ghost?”I asked, concern lacing through me like a ricocheting bullet.
He nodded solemnly.
To be cast out of Heaven would be Hell everlasting...
Matthew reached out, and I closed my eyes, bracing for the smite.But instead, I felt his touch along my face, along my jaw, sliding slowly down my collarbone to my ripped neckline.His fingers tracing just above my cleavage, causing my stomach to flip and unsettle.I shifted under his grasp, turning away.
