She wouldnt let him get rid of Raziels woman, even though it was the wisest thing to do. The girl wanted to leave, and he should see that she did. The Nephilim would dispose of what was left of her if she went beyond the undulating borders of Sheol. At least, he assumed so. They preyed on the Fallen and their wives, and she was neither. He didnt trust her, didnt trust her unexpected presence in a place that allowed no strangers.
He leaned back in the ornate carved chair, trying to hear the distant voice that came so seldom. The voice trapped deep in the earth, imprisoned for eternity, or so the story went. Azazel chose not to believe that story, not when he heard the voice of
the first Fallen answering his most impossible questions.
Lucifer, the Bringer of Light, the most beloved of the angels, was still alive, still trapped. He could lead the forces of heaven and hell, the only one who stood a chance against the vindictive, all-powerful Uriel and the vicious creatures who served him. But as long as Lucifers prison was hidden, as long as he was carefully guarded by Uriels soldiers, there would be no chance to rescue him.
And without Lucifer to lead them, the Fallen were trapped in a cycle of endless pain. Doomed to watch their beloved wives age and die, never to know the joy of children, to live with the threat of the Nephilim constantly on their borders, ready to overrun their peaceful compound. To wait, knowing that Uriel would send his plagues down upon them at any provocation.
Azazel pushed back from the ancient scrolls and manuscripts, exhausted. There were hints there, perhaps even answers, but he had yet to find them.
He studied them until his vision blurred, and the next day the grueling process would begin again.
There would be no answers tonight. He rose, signaling the lights to stay low, and started toward the huge expanse of rooms that had always been his.
Sarah was sitting up in bed, reading. Her silver hair lay in one thick braid over her shoulder; a pair of glasses was perched on the end of her perfect nose. Her creamy skin was smooth and delicate, and he stood and watched her, filled with the same love and desire hed always felt.
Uriel had never been tempted as the others had been, one after the other, falling from grace. Uriel had loved no one but his God, whom he considered infallible except for the one stupid mistake of making humans.
Uriel despised people. He had no mercy for their frailties, no love for the music of their lives, the beauty of their voices, the sweetness of the love they could give. All he knew of them was hatred and despair, and he treated them accordingly.
Sarah looked at him over her brightly colored reading glasses, setting down her book. You look exhausted.
He began to strip off his clothes. I am. Trouble is coming and I dont know what to do about it. We cant fight Urielwere not ready.
We wont know until it happens, she said in her soothing voice. Uriel has been looking for an excuse for centuries. If the girl is the catalyst, then so be it.
Azazel rolled his shoulders, loosening the tightness there. Raziel doesnt want her, and she doesnt belong here. I could get rid of her when he isnt looking, take her back to where Uriel charged she should go. The problem would be solved, and we could wait until were better prepared. . . .
Sarah took the glasses off her nose and set them beside the bed. Youre wrong, love.
So you often tell me, he said. You think I shouldnt get rid of her? I have the right to send her back.
Of course you do. You have a great many rights that you shouldnt exert. Raziel is lying to himself. He wants her. Thats what frightens him.
You think Raziel is afraid? I dare you to say that to him.
Of course I would tell him, and you know it. He wouldnt rage at me as he would at you. The Alpha can be challenged. The Source is just that, the source of wisdom, knowledge, and sustenance. If I tell him he wants her, hell believe it. But I think its better if he discovers it himself.
He doesnt want to bond again, Azazel argued. Losing Rafaela was too hard for him. One loss too many.
Losing me will be hard for you, love, but youll mate again, and soon.
Dont. He couldnt bear the idea of a time when Sarah wouldnt be there. Sarah with the rich, luscious mouth, the wonderful, flexible body, the creamy skin. The women in Sheol lived long lives, but they were merely a blink of the eye compared to the endless lives of the Fallen. He would lose her, and the thought was excruciating.
She gave him her full, sweet smile. Come to bed, love. We dont need to think about that for a long time.
He slid in beside her, pulling her against him, pushing one leg between hers, his long fingers stroking the side of her face, her neck, the elegant collarbone. What are you wearing? he whispered against her skin.
She laughed, a low, sexy sound. A nightgown, of course.
Take it off. He was nakedhe wanted her naked too.
She sat up and obliged him, pulling it over her head and tossing it on the floor. Shed pick it up in the morning, before the maid came in. She didnt like having anyone wait on her, but on this one matter hed overruled her. She had enough demands on her, providing strength-sustaining blood for the unbonded.