Smoke billowed out of her mouth at an alarming pace. She pitched forward into Az’s chest. He caught her, holding her close.
“Alice,” he whispered.
She couldn’t speak. All her emotions crashed down over her. She clutched him tightly, burying her face in his solid chest. The whole ordeal made her sick.
Az… I can’t. I just can’t.
He stroked her hair.
“Shh, I know.”
“What the fuck was that all about?” Lukas interjected.
Alice didn’t turn her head to look at the assembled supernaturals. She didn’t want to be here any longer.
“That was the Darkness,” Az said.
“I gathered that much. I was talking about you, it and her.”
“He sent the Darkness because of what Lucifer and I did thousands of years ago when we were exiled from Heaven. Because of the rebellion. He has no mercy left for any of us. As for why He chose Alice, I cannot answer that, but make no mistake, I will not allow any of you to kill her and neither will the Darkness.”
“I think the only person capable of destroying that thing is you.”
Az’s arms around her tightened.
“He’s not wrong.”
“Can we go please?” she whispered.
“I think we should continue this discussion at a later date,” Az said.
There was a murmur of agreement from several of the assembled party.
“I’ll text Alice tomorrow,” Ella said.
Alice turned, peering at them with clear, grey eyes. Ella looked a little sad for her and the others had varying expressions of shock, horror and confusion.
Az tugged her away. There was nothing else any of them could say at that moment. Things had not gone well. She’d almost been strangled to death by a vampire and the Darkness making an appearance set everyone on edge. At the very least, they now understood the threat.
When they were outside, Az took to the skies with her wrapped up in his arms. She nuzzled his chest with her face.
I’m tired. All I want to do is curl up in bed with you.
“That can be arranged.”
I just want you to hold me and never let go.
He clutched her tighter. Her heart hammered in her chest. Was it the right time to say those words? Would she get another chance? She shook herself internally. She had to stop over thinking it. If she wanted to tell him she loved him, then she should just do it and stop making excuses.
He only set her down when they reached the penthouse and led her into the bedroom. Instead of undressing her as a human would, he clicked his fingers and she was in her pyjamas within an instant. He pulled back the covers and pressed her onto the bed. She tugged him down with her. They both collapsed in a heap, tangled up in each other. She couldn’t help giggling a little.
“I haven’t heard you laugh all day,” he said, grinning at her.
He leant towards her, pressing his lips to her forehead. When he moved back, she pouted. His smile grew wider.
“Did I kiss you in the wrong place?”
She nodded. He kissed her cheek. She let out a little mewl of protest.
“Where else could you want my lips?”
If you don’t kiss me properly right now, I’m going to throw you out of this bed.
He moved, brushing his lips over hers.
“Az, please,” she whispered.
He stared down at her, his breath mingling with hers. What she saw in his expression made her still, her heart pounding in her ears. His bright green eyes blazed with unconcealed adoration.
“Tell me you’re mine,” he said, his voice quiet.
“I’m yours.”
“Tell me you belong to me.”
“I belong to you.”
He closed the distance. His mouth against hers was gentle, unhurried. She reached up, curling her fingers into his hair.
My beautiful angel.
“I belong only to you.”
When he pulled away, his eyes still burnt with affection. She didn’t think he wanted to talk about what just happened and neither did she.
“Az, can I ask you to do something for me?”
“Mmm… What is it you wish?”
“It’s just with everything that’s happened and all the shit that’s coming, I want… I want to see my parents.”
He plucked her glasses from her face, placing them on the bedside table.
“Then I will take you tomorrow.”
“I didn’t really mean tomorrow, but okay.”
She was silent for a minute.
“How am I going to explain you to them? They don’t know I broke up with Jason. I can’t exactly tell them I’m dating an angel either.”
His eyes glinted with mischief.
“Is that what we’re doing? Dating?”
“You know I can’t very well explain that we belong to each other in a way they can’t possibly understand.”
“I will pretend to be your human boyfriend if you wish it.”
She snorted. Azrael. Her boyfriend. It sounded ridiculous.
“Is that funny to you?” he asked, eyebrow raised.
“I’ve never really thought of you as my boyfriend. I just see you as my angel. Besides, I didn’t think you’d want me to put human labels on our relationship.”
“For you, I’d do anything.”
She felt her face burning with his words. The intensity of his gaze made her pulse spike.
“Now you’re just being overly sweet. Where’s my disparaging angel who hates humanity?”
He grinned, cupping her face and running his thumb along her bottom lip.
“He’s got a bit lost since he discovered this exquisite human right here.”
“Az…”
Her heart was in her mouth. She pulled him towards her for another kiss. Those three words were on the tip of her tongue again. Her love for him threatened to burst out of her chest. It burnt through her like wildfire.
I… Az…
“What is it?”
Don’t leave, okay? Hold me all night. I only feel safe when you’re with me.
He pulled away, kissing her forehead. He tugged the covers over them.
“I’ll never let you go, Alice,” he whispered.
§
They sat together, Azrael scowling as the train pulled into Penshurst station. She tugged him up off the seat.
“Why you insisted on us travelling this way is beyond me,” he muttered.
“You know why.”
They stepped out of the carriage together, fingers entwined. Her parents were standing on the platform, smiles on their faces. She almost broke into a run, dragging Az along behind her. She let go of his hand and launched herself into their arms.
“My little girl,” her dad said.
“Mum, Dad, I’m so happy to see you.”
“We’ve missed you, darling,” her mum said.
She pulled away, stepping back. Her hand found its way into her angel’s again. He gave it a little squeeze. She wasn’t looking forward to the conversation about why she was with him and not Jason.
“And who have you brought with you?” her dad asked, his eyebrow raised.
“It is nice to meet you both. My name is Azrael.”
“Oh, like the angel?” her mum asked.
Az looked down at Alice, question in his eyes. She had forgotten to mention that her parents were religious unlike her.
“Yes, Mum, like the angel.”
“Well, I’m Susan and this is my husband, Mike. It’s a pleasure to meet you too,” her mum said, putting her hand out.
Az shook it before shaking her father’s hand.
“Shall we go? Lunch is ready and I’m sure you’re both hungry,” her dad said.
They followed her parents to their Land Rover, getting settled in the back. Az scowled, a pout appearing on his lips.
“I hate cars.”
She tried not to laugh. He really was out of his element. He looked distinctly uncomfortable, his long legs pressed up against the front seat. She reached out, taking his hand.
I’m sorry. You know I appreciate you doing this for me.
“You are a very lucky woman.”
And didn’t she know it. She smiled at him, lifting their entwined hands and kissing his. His expression softened. She could see the faint glow he emanated shining around him. He really was a sight to behold.
“So, Alice… Are we allowed to ask why you’re not with Jason?” her mum said.
She tore her gaze away from her angel. She’d been expecting this question.
“Um, well… you see…”
“Jason cheated on her,” Az said.
“He what?” her dad exclaimed.
Alice wanted to put her head in her hands. This was not how she envisioned having this conversation.
“It’s been over for a while. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I was embarrassed.”
“Oh sweetie, that idiot never deserved you,” her mum said, turning back to give her a sympathetic look.
“And now my daughter is with you?” her dad said, looking back at Az for a moment.
“Dad!”
“She is. I assure you, I care for your daughter and have no intention of hurting her,” Az said.
Her dad nodded, turning back to the road. Alice almost breathed a sigh of relief. She gave her angel a grateful smile.
“Your mother is wondering how you managed to attract such a beautiful man.”
Stop listening to their thoughts! Wait… what?
He grinned at her. She eyed her mum. Alice didn’t think she was all that, but to have her own parent think such things stung a little. She would never understand Az’s attraction to her.
“I could never want anyone but you.”
She didn’t respond to his thought. He squeezed her hand. She didn’t pull hers away. Their entwined fingers grounded her. A reminder that the angel was hers and hers alone.
When they arrived at her parent’s farm, her mum led them into the dining room and insisted they make themselves comfortable.
“Are you sure you don’t want any help, Mum?” Alice asked.
“No. Let me and Dad handle it.”
Her mum left them to sit down at the already made table. Az tugged her into his arms, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
“Do they approve of you?” she asked.
“Mmm, perhaps, it is too soon to tell.”
“Tell me what they think.”
“You told me to stop listening.”
“Well, I want to know now.”
He chuckled, clutching her tighter.
“Your father already prefers me to Jason and your mother is happy because you look happy.”
“I prefer you to Jason too.”
He tucked a finger under her chin. His eyes were glittering with amusement.
“Is that so?”
“Yeah, well, Jason wasn’t quite as awe inspiring in the bedroom.”
He shook his head, leaning towards her. Their lips were only inches apart. She could feel the dusting of his breath against her mouth.
“Is that the only reason?”
“No,” she squeaked.
“Mmm, enlighten me.”
Instead of answering, she closed the distance. Kissing him always felt like magic. Her skin tingled all the way down her spine. There was a cough from behind them. Alice sprang away from her angel, face flaming. Her mum stood in the doorway, her eyebrow raised. She had a dish in her hands. Alice immediately went over and took it from her.
“Let me get that,” she said.
Her mum smiled at her and went back through to the kitchen. She placed it on the table and sat down, avoiding Az’s intense gaze. He took a seat next to her, his hand resting on her thigh. He leant over, his mouth close to her ear.
“A little flustered, are we?”
“Shh, you.”
His fingers danced up her inner thigh.
“Az, stop it,” she hissed.
She pushed his hand away, aware of her body’s immediate reaction to his touch. She wanted him to tear her clothes off and bend her over her parent’s dining room table, but that was hardly appropriate.
“You have such a delicious imagination,” he whispered. “Perhaps you can show me the farm later. I’m sure we can find somewhere to indulge in such activities.”
Alice was sure her face was the colour of a tomato at that moment. She could think of a number of places to take him where her parents wouldn’t see. The woods for a start. She’d wondered what it’d be like to have him take her up against a tree.
You’re incorrigible!
“And you have got a very dirty mind, young lady. I’m not sure you’d want the bark digging into your back.”
“Az, please. This isn’t fair. Stop making me think about these things.”
His breath fanned across her face, a deep rumble of laughter erupting from his chest. He drew away. There was footfall behind them.
“I hope you’re hungry,” her mum said.
Her dad bustled in carrying beef wellington. Alice looked over the table. They’d gone all out and made them a roast. She smiled. It’d been a long time since she’d had a home cooked meal at her parents. Az didn’t usually eat during the day, but he’d taken to having dinner with her in the evenings to keep her company. He did human things for her sake. She appreciated it far more than she could ever put in words.
“Please help yourself,” her mum said as she sat down.
When they were all seated and plates piled high, her dad turned to the two of them. Alice was immediately suspicious of the twinkle in his eye. Her father was never one to mince words. He’d out right asked what Jason’s intentions were when she’d first brought him home before he’d had a chance to get through the door. She dreaded what kind of questions he might ask Az.
“So, Alice, if you and Jason are no longer together, where have you been staying?”