Anyas been doing some decorating. You should cover your eyes, Aeron said, his deep voice cutting into her ogling.
Why? Covering her eyes would be a crime. One that would surely insult her Deity, for wasnt it her duty to admire his creations?
Youre an angel, for gods sake. You arent supposed to look at such things.
Im fallen, she reminded him. Again. And how do you know what Im supposed to do?
Justclose your eyes. He dropped her legs, forcing her to stand, and ushered her around a corner.
A bevy of voices suddenly assaulted her ears, and she stiffened, stumbled, unprepared to deal with anyone but Aeron.
Careful, he said.
She slowed her steps. People were unpredictable, and his immortal friends more than most. Worse, her body was now susceptible to all forms of injury. They could torture her, physically, mentally and emotionally, and she wouldnt be able to fly away.
In the heavens, everyone loved everyone else. There was no hate, no cruelty. Here, kindness was often an afterthought. Humans often called each other terrible names, tore down each others self-esteem and purposely broke one anothers pride.
Olivia would have been happiest spending every minute of her humanity alone with Aeron.
You weighed the good versus the bad, remember? You thought the possibility of pleasure worth any price. You can deal. You have to.
You okay? he asked.
Yes. She was determined.
They rounded another corner, entering the dining room, and Aeron stopped. Immediately, the voices tapered to quiet. Olivia did a quick scan and saw that four individuals sat at a table piled high with food. Four potential torturers.
Fear sparked inside her chest, and she had trouble catching her breath. Before she realized what she was doing, she had pulled from Aerons clasp and inched behind him, hiding from view. To remain upright, she had to flatten her palms against his back.
Finally. Fresh angel meat, a woman said with a husky laugh. We were beginning to think Aeron planned to keep you hidden forever. Not that I wouldve allowed such a thing, you understand. Id already dug out my trusty lock pick and had a rendezvous scheduled for midnight.
A nice-to-meet-you rendezvous or a how-does-the-tip-of-my-blade-feel rendezvous? Probably the latter. Olivia recognized the raspy voice as that of Kaia Skyhawk, Biankas twin and Gwens big sister. She was a stealing, lying Harpy, and the spawn of Lucifer. She was also aiding the Lords in their quest to find Pandoras box, and would destroy anything she viewed as a threat. Like an angel.
Gwen, the youngest Skyhawk, lived here with Sabin, though the pair was currently in Rome, last Olivia had heard, along with several others, searching one of the Titans newly risen temples for artifacts that had once belonged to Cronus.
Silly Cronus, whom the Lords assumed was all-powerful. If they only knew
Id keep my mouth shut if I were you, the one called Paris warned the Harpy.
Olivia peeked around Aerons shoulder.
Why? Kaia asked, unconcerned. You think Aeron will attack me? You should know by now that I like to wrestle. In oil.
Pariss lips pursed at the unpleasant reminder of his own oil-wrestling experience. With Lysander. Something Olivia would have loved to watch. No, I dont think you should be quiet because of Aeron. I think you should be quiet because youre prettier that way.
There was a feminine snort, and Olivia smiled in response. No longer drunk with pain and memories, she found, to her surprise, that her fear of the demons was fading. Maybe she really could do this.
So, Olivia, Paris said. How are you? Feeling better?
Though she didnt move from behind Aeron, she replied, Yes, thank you.
Mmm. Id love to give you something to be really thankful for. This speaker was William, she realized. He was handsome, wickedly so, with black hair and blue eyes. He was also an untamable rogue with an odd sense of humor Olivia didnt always understand.
Someone needs to remove your something for the good of womankind. That pronouncement came from Cameo, the only female Lord. Well, the only one the Lords knew about. She was possessed by Misery, and all the worlds sorrows rested in her voice.
Just then, Olivia wanted to give the woman a hug. No one here knew it, but Cameo always fell asleep crying. It was heartbreaking. Maybemaybe they could become friends now, she thought, again surprised by her still-fading fear.
Now that thats out of the way, Aeron said, once again taking Olivias hand and dragging her with him as he marched forward. When he reached the table, he pulled out a chair for her.
She kept her eyes downcast as she shook her head. No, thank you.
Why?
I dont want to sit alone. Not after shed experienced the bliss of having him as her mattress and then her cane.
Sighing, he plopped into the chair himself. Fighting a triumphant grin, Olivia perched herself on his lap. Well, she fell into his lap. No longer able to use him as a cane, shed had no anchor to steady her. He stiffened, but didnt rebuke her.
She had no idea what everyone thought of her display because she kept her gaze downcast. For the moment, she was calm and she wanted to stay that way.
Wheres everyone else? Aeron asked, picking up the conversation as if it had never tapered off.
Lucien and Anya are in town, still looking for your Shadow Girl, Paris replied. Torins in his bedroom, of course, watching the world and keeping us safe. Danika Aeron flinched at the girls name, and Olivia patted his hand in comfort. Clearly, he still felt guilty for almost killing her. Danika is painting something, but she wont tell us what yet, and Ashlyn is looking over the scrolls Cronus gave us, trying to remember if she ever heard a conversation about any of the people listed.
The scrolls in question documented nearly everyone who had been possessed by one of the demons released from Pandoras box, Olivia knew. Angels had kept watch over them throughout the centuries, so she knew where a few lived. Would she be marked for death by her own kind if she told? Would that break an ancient law?
Gods, Sex. We should rename you Boring. Lets get to the good stuff. Introductions are in order, yes? William prompted. Its only polite, really.
Since when do you care about politeness? Aeron barked.
Since now.
Behind her, she heard her warriors teeth grind. This is Olivia. Shes an angel, he said to no one in particular. His harsh tone didnt invite further conversation.
Fallen angel, she corrected anyway. She spied a bowl of grapes and couldnt stop her squeal of delight. Three days of neglect caught up with her.
Sharing and moderation, creeds she had lived by all her life, abandoned her as she grabbed the bowl and pressed it into her chest. One by one (handful), she popped the delicious fruit into her mouth, savoring, moaning her satisfaction. But all too soon, the bowl was empty and she frowneduntil she spied a plate of apple slices.
Yummy. Olivia leaned forward. She would have tipped to the side, but Aerons big hands settled on her hips, securing her in place and making her shiver. Thank you.
Welcome, he rasped.
Grinning, she swiped up the plate and settled back in his lap. He tensed as she did so, and poked her in the lower back, but she barely noticed. The slices, too, were consumed amid happy moans. Food tasted even better as a human. Sweeter. Necessary rather than an afterthought.
Finally full, she glanced up to offer someone the last remaining slice. Everyone was staring at her, and the food settled like lead inside her stomach. Im sorry, she said automatically. What had she done wrong?
Why are you apologizing? Kaia asked. There was nothing malicious in her tone, only genuine curiosity.
Everyone is watching me, so I thought More than that, Aeron was tenser than before.
Im with the Harpy, William added, wiggling his eyebrows. I love a woman who molests her breakfast.
She had not done that. Had she?
Kaia slapped the back of his head. Shut it, playboy. No one cares about your opinions. To Olivia, she said, In case you had trouble grasping my meaning, Im staring at you because Im curious about you.
Just as Olivia was curious about her, she realized. The Harpies could only eat what they stole, lied unabashedly and killed with abandon. In short, they were the antithesis of the angels, yet they enjoyed life to its fullest, which was why Lysander had chosen to be with one.
Soon, I will enjoy life to the fullest, as well.
Do you know Lysander, my twin sisters man? Kaia asked.
Yes. Very well.
The Harpy propped her elbows on the table, rattling dishes. Is he as ironfisted as I think? Disgust layered her voice.
Probably more so.
I knew it! Poor B. Sympathy darkened her features, but she quickly brightened. I know. You and I can put our heads together, because two gorgeous heads are always better than one, and plan ways to loosen him up a bit. We can even get to know each other better. The girls of the house have to stick together.
Not possible. Im taking Olivia into town. Aerons hold, which had never fallen away, tightened further. Therell be no planning. No loosening up. Definitely no getting to know each other.
Olivias shoulders slumped. Had Aeron always been so harsh and she just hadnt noticed? Or was this attitude for her benefit? Are you sure you want to get rid of me? she asked him. Im good for you. I promise!
Because you can help me? A question when it should have been a statement.
She wanted to shake him, the stubborn man. Yes.
Well, weve got enough helpers here, so, yes, Im sure.
I can also make you smile. That was my job, you know. Her old job, anyway, and one she missed. Would you like to smile?
He offered no hesitation. No.
I would. William clapped. I like to smile when Im in bed and naked, so I say we keep her.
Aerons nails dug past her robe and into skin, but she didnt protest. If she did, he would remove his hands, and she liked them where they were. Like Kaia said, your opinion doesnt matter.
Besides, Kaia added. I doubt the big guy even knows how to smile.
I do, too, Aeron snapped, causing everyone to laugh.
Sure you do, Grumpy. Kaia tossed her bright red hair over her shoulder. Listen, theres no need for you to take her into town. News flashIm taking myself up on my offer and getting to know her. Im totally impressed by the fact that she got herself booted from the heavens, and I need all the juicy details.
As will I. Cameo nodded to emphasize her determination. Be getting to know her, that is.
You can include me, too. William blew Olivia a kiss, and her cheeks heated with a blush. No need to say anything. I already know what words are perched on your tongue. Stop me if Im wrong, but my getting to know you will be your pleasure.
Aeron growled low in his throat. Shes not staying, and there will be no pleasure. As I said, I am taking her into town and leaving her there. Today.
But why? Olivia asked. She might have hated her duties as a warrior angel and might not have ever made a kill, but that didnt mean she was a complete pushover. You said you didnt want any more helpers, but I promise you, those you have cant help you with the next angel sent to kill you.
She expected someone to speak up and agree with her, but no one seemed to care that a heavenly assassin would be coming to snuff out their friend. Everyone at the table, including Aeron, probably assumed the Lord was invincible.
So of course, he remained stubborn. I dont care.
She slapped the apple plate back where shed found it, rattling the dishes far more than Kaia had. I can also help you defeat the Hunters. Truth.
Olivia, he said, and she didnt have to see him to know he was gazing up at the ceiling and praying for patience. Except, if she wasnt mistaken, the prayer she actually heard him mutter was for strength. We are demons, and demons and angels do not mix. Besides, Legion cant return until youre gone.
The one argument she couldnt refute absolutely. ButbutIm willing to try to get along with her. If he heard her panic, he gave no indication. And Ill be nice to all your other friends, too. How could I not? I gave up everything to save you.
I know. The words were snarled.
The least you can do is
I didnt ask you to give up anything, he snapped. So, no. There is no least I can do. Youre healed. Were even. I owe you nothing.
Cameo ignored him, propped her elbows on the table and leaned forward, closer to Olivia. Forget about him. He just hasnt had enough caffeine yet. Lets backtrack a bit. How can you help us with the Hunters?
Finally. Interest, even if Cameos tone was more morose than encouraging. Olivia raised her chin another notch. For one thing, I know where other demon-possessed immortals are located. Thankfully, lightning didnt strike her at the confession, and angels didnt appear with fiery swords raised. You said you were looking for them, I believe.
A moment passed in shocked silence, all eyes hittingand staying onher.
Aeron, Cameo said.
No. It doesnt matter, his hard voice proclaimed. We have the scrolls for that.
Yes, but they give names, not locations. The female Lords stare became penetrating. Sabin will want to talk with her when he returns.
Too bad.
If that dickwad Sabin wants to talk to her, that means Gwennie will want to, as well. Kaia drummed her nails against the tabletop. And as you know, puppy, I ensure that my sister gets what she wants. Besides, Im about to die of boredom since no one has attacked the fortress as promised.
Harpy, Aeron snapped. Dont try my patience. You will obey me in this and let the angel go.
Warriors are so adorable when they think theyre all tough and commanding. Kaias arm shot out, again rattling dishes, and she snatched up a handful of eggs. A handful she then launched at Aeron.
Olivia quickly dodged, and the eggs slapped Aeron in the face. His lips curled in a grimace as he wiped away the yellow mess. Rather than touch her again, however, he flattened his palms on the arms of the chair.