“Excuse you?” I arched a brow, a snort escaping me. “Is that what the big guy sent you here to say? To insult me? I can’t believe this shit. Damn. And I can’t believe I thought you were cute.”
“Cute? I am Archangel Zavariel.Cuteis not a word to describe me. In fact, I take great offense in that.”
“Well, you just called me a slut in so many big words. The feeling is mutual, Archangel Asshole.”
His brows knit together. It was funny how these didn’t sparkle as well. “I beg your pardon.”
“Drop the act, will ya? I’m having a long ass day and don’t have any more fucks to give. What’s the message?”
“You are such a peculiar—”
“I’m sure you’re eager to return where you came from. You don’t wanna keep the big guy waiting. So why don’t you just deliver your message and spare me the pleasure of your obnoxious company?”
“I was hoping to do it in a more amiable manner, but it seems oddly impossible in your case. Very well, Ms. Ferro. The message is simple. Stay away from Damien.”
My eyes tightened for a second as I waited for him to finish, but apparently that was it. “Thisis the message?”
“Yes.”
I burst into laughter.
“I can assure you there is nothing humorous about what I’ve said, Ms. Ferro.”
“Yeah? Well, it’s hard to take you seriously when you’re missing your pants.”
“I see. Nonetheless, I hope you takethe big guy’sorder seriously.”
“Order? I thought it was a message. A request.”
He tilted his head, smirking, as if he was saying, “Really?”
A surge of anger walked hand in hand with a wave of concern inside me. “What the hell is going on? Does thisorderhave something to do with Damien’s disappearance? Is he detained up there or something?”
“Not that I know of.”
“Then where the hell is he?”
“I have no idea. Have you looked for him where he reigned?”
“No,” I mumbled. “I don’t like to go there.”
“That is the first intelligent thing I have heard you say.”
“Fuck you.” I turned on my heels and stalked away.
He landed in front of me, blocking my way. “Do not walk away, Belle. You must listen.”
“Listen to what? I’ve been with Damien for months, and he’s my mate, one of four. If your boss doesn’t like it, why would he want me to break up with just that one? And why now?”
His big arms folded across his puffed up chest. “I am not allowed to elaborate.”
I snorted. “Then maybe when you do and you have some pants on, we’ll continue this infuriatingly useless conversation.” I pushed him out of the way—well, I slammed into his unmovable wall of muscles and stumbled to the side—cursed and stomped on the snow, tracing my steps back to the cabin.
“How badly do you wish to have a child, Belle?”
My feet froze to a halt. How dare he bring this sensitive topic? Why would he connect it to his stupid message? I spun, darting a glare at him. “Why do you ask?”
“Just answer.”
