Chapter 7
Feather
Iwas dreaming of bees, a swarm of golden lights surrounding me, blanketing and connecting me with an invisible hive, when I began to hear voices instead of buzzing. I kept my eyes shut, taking in the hushed conversations of dozens of individuals, some singing, others reading aloud. A few were telling stories of when the Celestial Realm was new. One wasremembering recipes they’d made in the kitchens in Sanctuary. More than a few were happily merging.
But the closest one was a voice I knew well, and loved.
I know I’m young, but I can share the burden with you, Mikhail. I’m not weak. I may not be able to hear your thoughts as clearly as you do mine, but I can read your expression. Don’t underestimate me.
Young Righteous, I promise you, I do not. But I also will do everything I can to protect you as well as her.
I’m not a Novice, Mik. Don’t treat me as one.
Mikhail’s response was an upwelling of affection, and apology.I’m sorry. You’re right. It’s just… I’m so used to doing it on my own. Bearing the weight alone.I felt him move across the room.I watched my realm wither and fade, and carved my own flesh away, all to keep Earth from sliding into the Abyss. To protect those souls. I endured centuries of knowing my friend Seraphiel was most likely lost or unmade, with no way to rescue him.
For centuries, I lived with the idea that I’d somehow erred in the creation of my best friend’s mate. And today I learned that I did. I bound myself to his true soulmate. Stole her, unknowingly.
No, Mik. You can’t possibly regret loving her.
Mikhail snorted.Oh, I don’t. I would do it again a thousand times, and bear the guilt gladly. Because I love that small, bright soul more than I have ever loved anyone or anything else. More than I care about what is right or wrong. I’m obsessed with her. I belong to her.
I do as well.
I understand. But know this: if it means bearing the weight of all the realms, even if it costs me my soul, I will protect her to my last breath. The Maker of All gave me this long life for onereason—to stand as her protector and lover. And that means keeping you safe, for her.
She’s dying, isn’t she?
I won’t let her. Not alone.
The room was so filled with grief, a heavy blanket of trepidation, I wasn’t surprised that neither of them had noticed I was awake. Their breathing was a funeral dirge.
Time to change the tempo of this song to one that would be a lot more fun. I hummed the refrain to a famous striptease number, hoping it would give them the idea.
Righteous gasped. “Did you hear that? She’s moaning in agony. Call the Healer, Mik! She must be in terrible pain.” His face appeared over mine. “Oh, wait. Maybe that noise was her stomach gurgling.”I’m glad you’re awake. Mikhail was going dark.
No kidding. Time for us whippersnappers to cheer up Daddy.
Ry’s eyes widened.I will never call him that.
Never?I whined for real this time. In the back of my mind, I felt Mikhail’s solid presence. A gentle wave of love, tinged with acceptance and a hint of humor, washed away the funereal vibe. Daddy Bear was ready to play.
No, heneededto.
With a gentle thought—we all need to play—Mikhail shoved Ry aside. “Beloved? Where does it hurt?”
“Everywhere,” I moaned. I traded winks with Ry, while Mikhail started freaking out, though I grabbed his arm before he could run for help. “I think… I’m going to need… a thorough examination, Doctor Growly. Maybe your young med student there could watch and learn.”
The walls of the room shook with laughter, and Mikhail’s dimple flashed. Ry just chuckled. “Only you, Scrap, could turn this tragedy into a…”
“Into a well-acted, top-tier porno?” I rolled up onto my elbows and batted my eyelashes. “You know, I haven’t seen any naughty books or movies since I got here. I might have found my calling. I could spend eternity filling this realm with smutty goodness.”
“Be quiet,” Mikhail ordered, stripping off his t-shirt and sweatpants, revealing acres of well-honed bronze flesh, and a rock-hard erection. “I need to check your vitals, Miss Sacrifice. Open your mouth wide, and sayah.” I giggled, then leaned forward while he kneeled at the edge of the bed. “A little wider, love. My tongue depressor is thicker than that.”
At the foot of the bed, Righteous was taking off his own clothing, still laughing. I stopped the moment Mikhail nudged my lips with the warm head of his cock. “Mmm,” I hummed in appreciation as I sucked him inside. Licking the salty moisture from the tip, I cupped his balls with one hand and held him at the base of his thickness with the other. I used my tongue to trace small, tortuous circles around the sensitive crown, watching his reaction. He had his fingers threaded in his hair at first, tugging at the dark strands while I played, giving me leeway to move at my own pace.
After a few more lazy thrusts, he broke, his hands descending to my hair, gripping my head on both sides, fire in his gaze. “Open up, my love. Take your medicine.” He started thrusting into my mouth with a measured ferocity that shook me, muttering obscene suggestions while he fucked my mouth. “Want to fill you, every part of you, with me. Want to see you walk around with my come dripping down your legs, my marks on your soft skin. Parade you in front of every asshole out there, and let them see how well I fuck you. How you belong to me.” One hand moved around to my throat, gently collaring me as he murmured, “Open wider, sweet soul. Take all I give you.”
With my hands gripping the sides of his thick thighs, I tilted my head back, trying to obey. I was relaxing into the pounding movements when I felt an unexpected, fiery thread—a bright, sharp burst of delicious energy—pouring into my mouth and down my throat from the end of his cock. He wasn’t coming; he was feeding me his soulfire, mixed with the realm’s blue power. It was astounding, like slamming a dozen energy drinks all at once. And every gulp of the searing power set off electric shocks in my nipples, my clit, the edges of my wings, all the way down to my toes. It tasted like a spiritual honey and jalapeño lollipop; my lips tingled with the unfamiliar burn.
