“You never loved me,” Uriel said. “I was simply something you thought you could control.” He smiled. “You asked me once, how can I fall in love with Azazel?” He tightened his knees on Micha’s sides, causing the man to howl in pain. Uriel was stopping Micha from healing himself. “I fell in love with him because he was the only man I couldn’t beat in a fight.”
Uriel saw understanding cross Micha’s eyes. He and Micha had trained together for years, and whether it was hand to hand or with weapons, Uriel would kick his ass.
“You said I saved your life, but Micha, I don’t remember that happening. However, I don’t mind taking your life now.”
Uriel brought the sword over Micha’s chest and was about to stab him when someone grabbed his wrist. Uriel growled, ready to tear the person a new ass, and froze when he saw that it was Dio.
“Why did you stop me?” Uriel snapped.
“He’s not worth getting your hands stained with blood,” Dio said, taking the sword from his hand, and in a flash, he sliced Micha’s head off. “That honor should be mine.” Micha’s soul rose out of his body and Dio caught it before it could disappear, placing it in a magical glass vial. He turned to Uriel and gave it to him. “Feed it to your pet. I’m sure he won’t need to eat for a few years once he’s devoured Micha.”
Uriel took the vial and put it in his pocket. “Why are you here? You should be gone from this place.”
“Weak or not, I will not run from my enemies,” Dio said. He reached up and touched Uriel’s cheek. “Thank you for coming to save me, you are still my dutiful child.”
Uriel looked away from Dio. “I didn’t do it for you. I figure helping you will bring me and Azazel enough good karma to last a lifetime.”
“I’m sure it will.” Dio said and started coughing. Bezaliel was by his side in an instant, helping him to stand. “Let me go, I need to address everyone here.” Bezaliel looked unsure but did as he was told.
Dio stood straight and clapped his hands, a deafening sound echoed in the hall. Everyone stopped moving and Uriel turned to look at Azazel, who had a few angels knocked out at his feet, one being held back by the neck, his feet dangling in the air, and another about to strike at him. It was all impressive, but what got Uriel was the bright smile on his lover’s face.
Fuck, he's having fun.
“All of you stop fighting.” Dio coughed. “Azazel, drop him!”
Azazel looked at Dio and scowled, but released his hold on the angel that he had by the throat. The poor guy fell to the ground, groaning in pain, fright written all over his face.
“Thank you for saving my life,” Dio said. “But now I must ask you to leave. I will visit you both in a month.” He looked at Uriel. “And please let my grandsons be there.”
“You know I had twins?”
“Yes.” Dio touched Uriel’s hand. “I have made a lot of mistakes, and there were things I ignored when I should have been more concerned about them, but please understand, I didn’t mean to hurt you. I went against the fates and tried to do things my way and only caused more harm than good. All that has happened in the past few years is my karma to bear.”
Uriel looked at Dio’s pale and sad face, and for the first time in his life, Uriel felt pity for the man. Instead of bringing him down more, Uriel walked over to Azazel and took his hand.
“Let’s go home, I’m tired.”
Azazel nodded but kept his gaze on Dio. “Don’t show up in front of my children until you’re fully healed. And be prepared to grovel. I’m sure neither one of them likes you right now.”
Dio nodded, and Uriel saw the slight upturn of his lips as they teleported back to their hidden home in the woods where they had been staying. Azazel went to the kitchen, and Uriel groaned and dragged his tired body over to the couch, flopping down on it. He buried his face in the pillow, smelling the freshly laundered pillowcase.
Pillowcase!Uriel lifted his head up and looked at the couch that was fully made up with sheets and blankets.What the hell? Who made up the couch?
Uriel looked away from the sheets when he heard a throat clearing and saw Loki looking down at him.
“What the fuck are you doing in my house?” Uriel stood up, ready for a fight.
“After tonight’s events, the unicorn is letting me stay over,” Loki answered.
“What happened?”
Uriel sat on another chair just as Azazel came back into the room with a bowl in one hand and a tray filled with fruits and juice in another. Setting them both down, he pushed the bowl over to Uriel.
“Wash your hands and face, then eat some fruit. Once we’re done talking with Loki, we’ll go take a shower,” Azazel instructed.
“Okay.” Uriel did what he was told and looked at Loki when returned, waiting for him to talk.
“I hate you both,” he sneered.
