“How naive are you, Uriel? Are you so sure when it comes to Azazel?” Uriel couldn’t respond, turning his gaze away from Dio. “And who is going to tell him that he has a child?”
Uriel gasped. “Why not? He has a right to know.”
Lord Dio narrowed his eyes at Uriel. “I thought you wanted to rectify your failures and get back into my good graces. You spent a few months in his bed and now you question my decisions?” Dio scoffed. “If I had any thoughts of forgiving you, that’s all been changed.” He leaned close to Uriel’s ear. “I only planned on punishing you for one year. Now it’s been extended until I deem you fit to be by my side, then I might release you.”
Uriel remained silent as he closed his eyes, realizing that there wasn’t anything he could say to touch Lord Dio’s heart. As a high member of the royal court, Uriel had seen his fellow brothers receive discipline and even spoken up for a few.
However, he was disappointed when no one stepped forward on his behalf. Not even Micha, who Dio had been ready to marry him off to a few seconds ago. Uriel didn’t miss the smirks or the exasperated expressions on their faces as the lord doled out his dissatisfaction. Some of Uriel's comrades couldn’t even look in his direction. He could only assume the sight of him kneeling and begging disgusted them.
So everyone has turned their backs on me. Very well.
He knew he was in a no-win situation and knew that he wouldn’t be able to run away and hide for some time, even if he wanted to. His powers were dampened, not only by being pregnant, but also because the throne room was a sacred place where only Lord Dio had the absolute power to do as he wished. So fighting his way out would only result in his death and that of his child.
For years he’d followed Lord Dio’s rules and orders, never once second-guessing his actions. But he also understood Lord Dio’s anger and feelings of betrayal. Even during his moments with Azazel, he wasn’t disloyal in his thoughts and actions. Though he couldn't kill Azazel, he was thinking of ways to stop the war.
Until that moment, Uriel hadn't realized how naive he was. He might have been asking for too much, by wanting to be with the man he thought loved him as well as stand next to the lord he considered to be a father, teacher, and master. Dio took care of the familial needs he had missed growing up with his human parents. Azazel filled a desire Uriel hadn’t realized was missing in his life.
“This is the only way I will forgive you, Uriel. Serve your time and all will go back to the way it was. Rid your mind and body of his stain and you can once again stand by my side and continue to hold the highest title as the commander of my angels. Do as I say and prove to the ones who are currently delighting in your misfortune, let them see why you are better than them and why you are my most valued son and second-in-command. Letmetrust your competence once more, loyal child.”
“I will do as you say.” Uriel’s mouth moved before he could stop himself, but in his heart, the words felt like dry sand easily flowing through his fingers.
“Good child,” Lord Dio praised. “Now stand.” Uriel did as he was asked, and the second he did, the lord waved his hands.
Silver wrist cuffs replaced the gold ones he wore and had never taken off since they were given to him. He was stripped of his armor and clothes, standing bare in front of everyone. Uriel wasn’t bashful when it came to showing his body which was quickly covered with a silk robe.
Uriel looked down at his attire. No matter the change in time and technology, Lord Dio preferred to do things and dress like they had in the old days while in the heavenly realms. When not in battle, life was monotonous, filled with chanting, singing, and reading. Even though the robe was made of the finest silk, the bright yellow color represented Uriel’s betrayal and Lord Dio’s disappointment in him.
“Remember, you have two days to find the child a new home for after they're born,” Lord Dio instructed.
Uriel stood and turned to walk away but missed a step when Lord Dio spoke.
“Bezaliel, go with him and make sure he does what he's supposed to do in these two days.”
"As you wish, my lord," Bezaliel's voice echoed throughout the room.
Uriel was tempted to turn around and argue his case, but didn’t; it wouldn’t have done him any good. He’d lost Lord Dio’s favor and trust, and now he would have a watcher making sure that he completed his task. He felt Bezaliel’s presence behind him as they walked out of the large throne room. Uriel’s heart was once again broken for the second time that day. First, by a cheating lover, and then by the father he’d been loyal to all his life.
He was abandoned and betrayed, leaving him to worry about his future for the first time since his mortal death. He’d always seen Lord Dio as his foundation and was dependent on him for everything he required. Anything that Uriel wanted, the lord supplied, whether it was clothes, food, education, or even a home.
And it had been the same when he was with Azazel. He grew accustomed to them pampering him and didn't think he would have to worry about things like money or a place to live. But he was blindsided by it all, giving him a serious wake-up call. And his concern turned to the treasure growing inside of him.
Uriel placed a hand on his stomach as sadness washed over him, making a promise that he would not be separated from them for too long. Plans formed in his mind, and he knew that he had to play the long game. Uriel only hoped that when it was all said and done they would forgive him for not protecting them when he should have.
Uriel promised himself that when he was able to stand independently financially, mentally, and emotionally, he wouldn’t allow anyone to knock him down again. Nor would he open his heart up to love; it only complicated things.
CHAPTER ONE
Present Day
Uriel’s headsnapped backwhen a hard fist connected with his jaw, causing him to bite his tongue, tasting copper as blood pooled in his mouth. He gave his opponent a smile that spoke volumes of delight and annoyance.
“What the hell was that?" Uriel growled. "I thought since they called you Tank-the-Damn-Beast that you would have power behind your fucking punch.” Uriel wiped off his mouth with the back of his hand and spoke loud so that the entire arena could hear. “You hit like a bitch. My ten-year-old son hits harder than you do. I came to fight, not fuck around with you.”
Snickers and laughter came from the crowd. Tank’s face grew red and contorted in rage. He shouted, then punched and kicked Uriel in succession. Uriel heard and felt a rib or two crack and his jaw snapped out of place, but none of that bothered him.
In fact, he reveled in the pain.
He was an immortal being, after all, and could instantly heal those minor injuries, but he held off for a bit longer. He wanted to see what else Tank had to offer before he counterattacked. It was no fun ending the fight too early. Tank the Beast kicked him hard in the stomach, sending Uriel sailing across the cage, his back hitting and scraping against the barbed-wire fence as he slid down to the ground.
