As soon as the door closed behind her, Obsidian sealed off the entire third floor before calling for Michael.
“Well, well, well. Looks like you’ve found yourself in a bit of a pickle,” Michael said when he appeared a minute later. The archangel chuckled. “I always did like that human saying. Though I haven’t a clue what it means.”
Not sure what to say to that, Obsidian remained silent.
“I’m starting to think you’re running a daycare for humans. There’re what? Three of them in residence?”
Obsidian stood tall, facing Michael directly. “You were made aware of two of them.”
Michael smiled as he paced across the room, stopped to give the dogs a quick rub. “Warrior, I’m aware of everything that goes on with my soldiers.” He turned to face Obsidian. “Is that why you summoned me? To discuss this new development?”
“In Reidar’s defense, he—”
Michael held up a hand. “I’d prefer to hear it from yourladeare.”
Without hesitation, Obsidian shot a telepathic command to Reidar, then released the seal on the room temporarily so the male could materialize within.
His appearance was instant, as though he’d been waiting for the call. Which he probably had, knowing Reidar.
As they’d been instructed, theladearebowed respectfully before the archangel, keeping his head down, eyes on the floor.
“Stand, Reidar.”
The male stood tall, clasping his hands behind his back, eyes meeting Michael’s.
“Care to explain to me why you took it upon yourself to bring a human here? Without discussing this with Obsidian beforehand?”
Reidar’s voice was smooth and even when he said, “Because of the situation with the demons, I figured it was in thefiestreigh’sbest interest if I return. Because Winnie’s myamsouelot, I wasn’t comfortable leaving her behind.”
“But you didn’t notify him? Is there a problem with your leader that you’re not comfortable informing him?”
“No, sire. Not at all. I…” Reidar squared his shoulders again. “Obsidian has enough on his plate at the moment. I didn’t want to give him more to worry about.”
Michael seemed to process that information, but his expression remained passive. “What are your intentions with the human?”
“I plan to mate her, if she’ll have me.”
Obsidian watched the pair.
Michael moved to stand in front of Reidar, his wings flush against his back. “What makes you think your presence is needed here?”
“Because I’m Obsidian’sladeare, sire. I serve the warriors and this mission. It’s both my honor and my pleasure to remain within thefiestreighfor as long as you’ll allow me.”
Tapping a finger on his chin, Michael seemed to consider the request, because it was most definitely a request.
“Do you understand the complications that come with doing your job while being mated?”
“I do, sire.”
“And you can vow to put the mission before youramsouelot?”
Reidar swallowed, his gaze never wavering from Michael’s face. “I vow to give the warriors and the mission my undivided attention, sire. As for myamsouelot, she will always be my highest priority.”
Obsidian felt a sense of pride that theladearehadn’t lied. No male worth his salt would put anyone or anything above hisamsouelot.
“You’ve taught him well, warrior.” Michael glanced his way briefly before looking at Reidar once more. “You’re dismissed.”
“Thank you, sire.” Reidar shot a quick look his way before disappearing.
