He rolled over onto his back, taking her with him, letting her collapse on top of him, an exhausted, pleasured little heap of a girl. He didnt need to ask why shed wanted it that way. Accepting his weight on top of her yesterday had been an act of faith, of letting go of the stubborn need to control that had brought about disaster, just as his own questioning had done for him. By deliberately choosing a highly erotic but symbolically subservient position today, shed banished the last of her fears. She could take him any way she wanted, as long as it gave her pleasure.
Her lips were at his throat, and she nuzzled him there. Why didnt you bite me? she whispered.
He hesitated before giving her the truthful answer. It doesnt have to be every time. If you dont like it, we dont have to
She was stronger than he expected. She rolled over, and he was once more on top of her, cradled in her thighs. She reached up and cupped his face in her hands, brushing a kiss across his mouth, reading his hunger, and he knew that it matched her own. She arched her neck, pushing his face down, and his fangs were already extended for the bite when he touched skin, the taste of her blood incredibly sweet on his tongue.
He had to be careful. Shed lost blood today; and while hed taken the bare minimum last night, she was still operating on less than usual. He pulled away, licking at the twin wounds, closing them, and sank down beside her, holding her in his arms, totally spent. If Uriel won, if all their efforts came to nothing, he would at least fade from existence knowing that the end of his life had been the very best part of it. And holding her close against him, he slept.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
TWO DAYS LATER, AZAZEL TOOK one last, reluctant glance at the woman lying curled up in bed. The time had come. If hed been able to, he would have put
the Grace of sleep on her, so that she didnt have to experience the next twenty-four hours. Either they would survive or they wouldnt, and he would have spared her if he could. But once mated, he had no power over her, no ability to control her, and no Grace to give her.
Preparations were already being made. They were making ready for battle. Michael, ever the warrior, was all ruthless efficiency as he marshaled his forces. The Fallen and their wives were arming; the house was buttoned up tight. There was no hint as to how the assault would come, but come it would. Today. While Sheol had no sages or oracles, enough of the inhabitants were given a sense of presentiment. Even he had enough of the gift to have sensed their enemies approach, pulling himself from Rachels arms to prepare for battle.
Do we know how it will begin? he asked Michael as he watched him strap on his leather armor. Azazel was one of the strongest fighters among them, fierce, unblinking, with a power that went far beyond normal limits. But he knew he was the second-best, making up in speed and cunning what he lacked in Michaels finely honed strength.
Raziel was possessed of extraordinary skill with the sword, Tamlel with a spear. Gabriels wife was an archer of considerable ability, and Azazel had been assured that Allie was lethal with a dagger. Each and every one was gifted in self-defense. They would fight to the death; and rather than let Uriel torment her, Azazel would take Rachel in his arms and kill her himself before taking the death stroke. He would take that pain upon himself to spare her. If it came to that.
Dont look so gloomy, Michael chided, in his usual high spirits when anticipating a fight. We will prevail. We have right on our side.
And just how long have you been on this earth, that you think rightness has anything to do with victory? Azazel said bitterly, reaching for his own leather armor. A sharp sword could slice through the thickness of the cured hides, but they had used it since the beginning of time. They would use it until the end of time, should it come to that.
But it wouldnt. He wasnt going to let Uriel win.
Michael must have read his thoughts. Thats better. Wheres Rachel?
Im trying to let her sleep.
Through an epic battle? Not likely. Shell be angry that you tried to shield her.
She has many more reasons to be angry with meshe can add this to the tally, Azazel said, buckling the straps around his torso, then picking up the leg coverings.
She hasnt forgiven you? She chose yousurely that means shes chosen to absolve you as well.
Some things are too great to be forgiven, he said, reaching for his sword.
Raziel appeared in the armory door. Theyre coming, he said. We need to assemble on the beach.
Michael clapped a hand on Azazels shoulder. Well prevail, brother. Have faith. He headed out after Raziel, and Azazel slid his second, shorter sword into its sheath, preparing to follow. Only to come up short as Rachel appeared in the doorway, blocking it.
Shed plaited her wild red hair into a warriors braids and pinned them to her head. Shed managed to find a warriors uniform in the short period hed been gone, and the expression on her face was fierce. Were you just going to let me sleep through this? she demanded.