Hiding my face in his neck, I squeeze my eyes shut and try not to pay attention to the sudden whoosh of wind hitting me or the feeling of not being on the ground anymore. Wrapping myself in his warmth, I trust him not to let go.
I jolt when Angel brushes a few strands that escaped my braids, and I look around to see we are back on solid ground and out of that bland realm. Angel carefully lowers me next to my horse so I can lean on Diamond.
He trudges to the battered soldier with calculated steps and bends to hold both sides of the warrior’s head. I noticed the change in Angel’s body language immediately. The muscles in his back tense and veins in his forehead protrude with how he’s straining himself to dive into the warrior’s head.
“Archangel Michael. I thought Horsemen made it clear we don’t like obedient dogs sniffing around in our business. This is my first and last warning to Heaven. Do. Not. Interfere unless you’re ready for a war that we both know you won’t win.”
Once Heaven receives the message loud and clear, Angel tosses the warriors down the cliff before returning to me. He carefully helps me on his horse and climbs behind me.
I’m surprised when Diamond obediently follows Angel’s direction when he gestures for the horse to follow. Even when I’m not his official rider, it’s good to know Diamond recognizes Angel as my mate and respects him as a Horseman.
“Rest sweetheart. I’ll be here when you wake up.” Angel kisses my forehead softly, and my eyes flutter shut, refusing to open again.
CHAPTER 33
Tongues unleashed
Nevaeh
I’m two steps away from the staircase leading to the warm bed and shower calling out to me. But in usual fashion, something goes wrong. Tonight, the wrong thing, aka Angel’s womb provider, comes barreling inside the castle with a scowl that does nothing to hide her wrinkles.
With her claws out, shedemandsto speak with Angel privately, but to her utter displeasure, I don’t move an inch as she paces our living room aggressively.
Anxo seems familiar with Kiara’s unhinged rambling and quickly asks the group to scramble. My mate has the audacity to use my favorite set of emerald eyes to get me to leave and rest. We compromise on him handling the crazed mother while I sit on the staircase until he’s done.
The hatred swimming in her eyes is unmistakable as she shakes with rage. “I always knew you were aggressive and impatient, but I didn’t think you would become amonsterbecause of her!”
Angel’s face falls, but he doesn’t look half as surprised as I feel. Clenching his jaw, he turns away from his mother to avoid another argument. I have a feeling this isn’t the first time she has barged in like this totalkto him.
How a mother can be this cruel to her own son is beyond me. I can’t even imagine Papa raising his voice at me, much lessintentionally saying hurtful things to demean me. Kiara’s brain is rotten beyond repair if this is how she treats her family.
“Look at you! Is this how you want to rulemykingdom? I’m so glad we’re here, or this place would fall apart with your recklessness. Don’t even get me started on that lowlywerewolfboy you’ve taken in. You don’t just announce an heir like that, who knows what his lineage is or who—”
“One more word about my son, and I’ll bury you next to all the other bodies.” Kiara stops to glare at me for interrupting her. “August is ourson, so don’t you dare insult himormy mate.” I’ve had enough of her shit. If she won’t close her trap, I would gladly do it for her.
“I’m your mate’s mother.” She hisses while threateningly stepping closer as if that would intimidate me.
“And?” Angel finally faces his mother head-on. “You don’t even know the meaning of the word.”
Kiara is stunned for a minute. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out this is probably the first time Angel has talked back to her. As much as I love this man for his patience and understanding, I hate when people like his own mother take advantage of it.
“Don’t you dare talk to me that way, boy,” she seethes. She braves a step towards him, but Kiara takes that same step back when I stretch like I’m about to get up.Coward.
“I apologize, Mother; but please tell me how else I should word my concerns about your disgustingly unfair parenting. Or how you insist on constantly putting your son down, or refuse to accept August as your grandson merely because he doesn’t carry my blood.”
Her face doesn’t hide her surprise anymore as she stands with her mouth agape, trying to form a response.
“I have excused your behavior time and time again, but I won’t stand idly as you beratemy son. Either you respect me and my choices, or I’ll have to cut you off for my family’s happiness.”
Swoon. I’m so proud of my mate for finally calling his mother out on her filthy actions and taking a stand, even if it means losing her altogether. I can’t imagine being in his shoes and saying those words to Papa, but even if I love him, I will never stand by him if he treats August or my mate the way Kiara and Henry do.
I can only imagine how hard this must be for Angel. It’s frowned upon when adult children stop talking to their parents, but what else are you supposed to do when all they do is crap over your life and demotivate you with every word they speak.
Looking back at the woman glaring at my mate, it’s hard not to want to punch her. It shocks me when I don’t see an ounce of guilt or sadness on her face after Angel makes it clear that he will break all connection if she doesn’t stop. The only thing she’s fixated on is how dare he speak to her in that manner.
Why do people like her decide to become parents when all they have to offer is hurt and lifelong trauma?
Angel turns his head away to hide the hurt in his eyes. It’s exhausting to love and respect someone determined to hate her own son.
