“I did not care to learn.” The truth surprises me. As does the ease of admitting it. I run a hand through my thick locks. “In thecelestial realm, we want for nothing. We do not hunger or thirst. We do not need to sleep or eat. But without needs—without desires—it is too easy to become...apathetic.”
“So you don’t normally spend time…here?” She wriggles until she’s lying on her side, her head on the pillow. If she stays awake another five minutes, it will be a miracle.
“In the earthen realm? No.” Guilt roils deep in my gut. “I had to right a wrong.” If Willow were not so exhausted, I would tell her everything. How I failed Sinclair centuries ago. How my actions led to Zoe’s torture. How I lost my wings and fear I will never get them back. She is so easy to talk to, and she has not judged me for my actions. Yet. But I sense she is barely holding on. “This is a conversation for another time. You should rest.”
She looks like she wants to protest, but with a sigh, she loses the battle. Her breathing slows, and I reach for my phone. I ignore three messages from Sinclair asking for an update. I am so angry with him for scaring Willow, I would surely say something regrettable. What I need now is one of the most powerful warlocks in all of history.
Gabriel: What do you know about a mostly non-corporeal being called a “whisper”?
Ten minutes pass before my phone screen lights up with a reply.
Killian: Not a bloody thing. But I can look through my spell books. Provided you tell me why you are asking.
Gabriel: I cannot.
Killian: Then fuck off, mate. I’m busy.
His words sting. Though I deserve them. The past ten days have enlightened me about many things. Including how poorly I treated Killian and his mate when they tried to teach me about the earthen realm.
Gabriel: Please. I know I have been an ass. But this could be important.
The three dots at the bottom of the screen bounce for so long, I wonder if he is writing an entire book. Or perhaps cursing me with every profane word he knows. I would deserve that.
Killian: If this turns into another “we could all die” cock up, I am going to be very pissed off.
I slap my hand over my mouth before I laugh and wake Willow. If I did not value my continued existence, I would tell the warlock that he isalwaysvery pissed off.
A soft whimper wakes me.I leap up, suddenly on full alert. Fuck. Willow is shaking, her face twisted in pain.
“No. Please…” she moans.
I’m at her side in two steps and gather her in my arms. Her eyes flutter behind her lids. A nightmare. A measure of relief washes over me. They haven’t found her. She’s not in physical danger.
“Willow?” I link our fingers and bring our joined hands to my lips. “Wake up,deliciae.”
Darling. This woman is precious to me. The ancient Latin word is instinctual, as is protecting her.
Tears tumble down her cheeks. Her muscles tense. I can feel every sliver of emotion. The power thrumming within her aches to be released.
“Can’t…” A strangled cry escapes her lips, and her eyes fly open. Magic bursts over her skin, a million tiny sparks dancing in the darkened room. “Gabriel.”
I slide my fingers into her hair, dragging my thumb along the edge of her jaw. She sighs, and my body comes alive. A pure, raw need so intense, if I give in, I will lose all control.
“You are safe. You will always be safe with me.” My cock juts painfully against my zipper. This is not the time. Willow needs my protection, not my seed.
“I wish I could believe that. What I have to do…it’s not fair. I want…” Trembling fingers skim my cheek. With every word, I lose another part of my soul to her.
“What do you want? Tell me, and if it is within my power to give, it will be yours.”
“I want to live. I want…you.”
She doesn’t speak, but her thoughts are so very clear to me.
Dipping my head, I brush my lips to hers. Barely a touch, but she moans, and I am lost. To her. And I don’t know that I will ever be found again.
Willow
I can’t do this. I shouldn’t. But in Gabriel’s strong arms, the burden of the Blade eases. I can still feel it calling to me. But I’m able to breathe. To want. To need.
