Chapter Twelve

 

Gabriel didn’t do lazy, hang-around-in-bed kind of mornings. Considering he never went to sleep in the first place, the idea was foreign to him. Besides, mortals needed protection, and missions needed successful conclusions. Evil didn’t take breaks or vacations, or wake up late on weekends, so how could he? This particular Saturday morning, however, he made that exception. For Hannah. Only for Hannah.

Trauma had bit her hard in the ass, with Satan showing up disguised as an enigmatic, bohemian artist, named Star, just when she needed that kind of diversion. It hit her like a ton of bricks, he was sure, to watch as he carried away that man, who’d satisfied almost every part of what made her a woman. Now, he vowed to spend eternity filling in those crucial gaps.

Star had been an innocent boy once. But as he’d grown into a man, greed had insinuated itself deep inside him, altering his perception of right and wrong. The Brethren Protector couldn’t prove it, but knew the guy’d disposed of his parents for the inheritance he stood to gain. He’d discovered this and so much more just the night before.

The devil had gotten hold of the wayward soul and used him to advance his plot for world domination. With Hannah’s birthday just around the corner, it would afford him his last opportunity to acquire her powers. The last time the Brethren sought to protect her, an apocalyptic war ensued, saving her life, her mother’s, and the lives of the townspeople nearby. The latest resurrection, this incarnation of a seductive man, troubled Gabriel.

A thread of darkness still lingered in her mind, planted there by the possessed man, and it remained immovable, for now. Emma, Raphael, and Cassiel would have to work together to release her from its stranglehold. He’d tried his best. Through the night, while they made love, while she slept, with her knowledge, and without. Nothing he said or did could dissipate the tar-like sludge of a conduit that kept her open to dark suggestion.

“You’re frowning again. I don’t have to read your mind to know why.” Hannah snuggled closer in his arms, wrapping a leg over his hip as she turned into him. “It worries me, too. As much as I want to stay here, in this glorious bed with you, we have to get me fixed. The very thought that Satan can touch my mind and get to me is frightening. His thread is like a silent cancer eating away at my soul.”

“And it’s driving me crazy, too. We can’t allow him to have his talons in you any longer than necessary. Although you’re far from the child you once were, relying on an ancient warrior’s soul for protection, it’s that very gift it shielded he’s looking to acquire. Your powers are growing, and he knows it. So are his, I’m afraid. I’ve a feeling it’s going to take all the Saviors and your mother to rid you of him.”

“It’s never easy when it comes to the Devil, is it?” She pushed off of him and trudged over to the bathroom. Bereft now after holding her all night long, he turned onto his stomach to where she used to lie. “I’ll make this quick. The sooner we get home to my mother, the better.”

“It might be quicker with two of us in there at the same time.” She rolled her eyes and laughed while closing the door behind her. He said might. That wasn’t a lie.

While waiting for her to shower, he focused his attention on a plan of action for the Brethren to use against Satan’s latest threat. First, remove all traces of darkness from Hannah. Then, layer multiple protections around her. Michael and he could handle that and the amulets necessary for her to wear, as well. Finally, they would need to circle the wagons around her twenty-four hours a day just prior to her birthday and as long as it took after. Training with Kemuel and the rest of the Warriors would be crucial to her survival. After watching her grow up all these years, letting others do while she sat back and watched was not in her nature, so he didn’t see the grueling workouts being problematic.

“Done! You’re turn.” She sauntered out of the steamy bath, glowing. Not a literal glow, but a contented aura shined around her, nonetheless. He smiled, knowing he’d help create that.

“Thank you, ma’am. You are positively radiant. Do you know that?” He grasped her by the waist and kissed her forehead.

“I am? Well, the shower had to have helped somewhat. I have to admit, this time around was a completely different experience than yesterday.” She shook her head and sighed. “Thank God for you and your abilities, Gabriel. You saved me from total self-destruction. And I promise, the next time I’m in need of a shower, I’ll be taking you along with me.” She winked and smacked his naked ass.

“Lady, you better watch where you lay those hands. I’m this close to throwing you over my shoulder and loving the darkness out of ya!” He nipped her shoulder and the hollow of her throat. She squealed and tugged and left him holding an empty towel in front of a raging hard-on. “You’re lucky you’re quick!” He twirled the towel and snapped it in the air at her as she gathered her clothing from the floor.

Laughing lightly, she waved him off to go clean up. He padded his way into the bathroom and blessed the spa shower he’d had custom made. Jets of water assaulted his body all at once. Oh, yes. They would have an amazing time in the shower. He closed his eyes and imagined a fantasy encounter with her, the jets, the soap…. Enough musing like a lovesick puppy! This was so unlike him. They had serious issues to attend to. All this mortal love business would have to be put on hold.

Clean and dried, he dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, otherwise known as weekend wear. Hannah seemed to approve as she raised a brow at his choice of clothing. “It’s been a rare occasion that I’ve seen you in casual clothes. It’s a good look for you.”

“Thank you. Why don’t we stop by your place so you can change into fresh clothes, too?”

“I’d appreciate that. I’m pretty ravenous. I’ll make us some breakfast there.”

“Perfect. If you’re ravenous, you can only imagine what I am.” He waggled his brows at her with an overdone leer.

 

****

 

She chose to leave her car at the house and ride with him to her parent’s house, despite how it may look as they arrive together. Her mother had taken the bad news well enough over the phone, considering who was back in town.

“I bet she’s cleaning up a terrible mess she’s made by the time we get there. Mom tried to sound okay, but I know her. She’s pissed. When she’s like that, look out.”

“I wager you a massage that she’s cool as a cucumber when we see her.”

“You’re on.” The wind whipped her hair about her head in waves. “Damn, I feel like I’m in some kind of spy movie riding in this car.”

“That’s why I had to have it. I thought it suited my style and position pretty well.”

“That’s for sure. So you must feel like James Bond every time you get in this thing. Hey….”

“Hmm?”

She flashed him a bare shoulder. “For your lips only.” She winked.

He leaned over and kissed it quickly before she covered it back up. Tapping her fingers lightly on her thigh, she took a deep breath to steady her nerves. A warm, comforting hand covered hers, and she turned to him, smiling in gratitude. “Thank you. I needed that.”

“Remember, this visit is about you and you alone. Now’s not the time to broach the “us” topic. There’s no need to fear or be nervous about that. I promise, I’ll be good and not do or say anything to give us away.”

“I promise not to, either. You think this healing will work? Do you think it’ll remove him from my mind?”

“I do. We’ve the most powerful healers. If they can’t do it, we’ll take you to E.L. If we have to resort to asking him for help, I don’t have any problems doing so.”

“Okay. I’m going to sit here and think positive thoughts and get myself together.”

“Good idea. I’m going to keep driving and pretending I’m Bond. James Bond.”

She chuckled at the bad Sean Connery impression and closed her eyes to focus on her breathing and sense of calm. She drew upon her days in San Diego, and elicited the auditory memory of its ocean waves crashing against the shore. She called upon the remembrances of smelling the salty sweetness in the air from funnel cakes and French fries cooking on the boardwalk. Her heartbeat, breath, and racing mind all slowed down.

“We’re here sweetheart.”

She opened her eyes and yawned. “So soon?”

“Are you ready?”

“Why shouldn’t I be? You drove me here because I didn’t trust myself to drive alone. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.”

“Okay. Let’s do this.” He reached over and opened the door for her. In the process, he brushed against her breasts with his arm and placed a glancing kiss on her jawline. “Don’t say it. Bad Gabriel. Bad. There. I said it to myself. Okay, now I’m ready.”

“You are so gonna get it when we get home.”

He let her walk ahead of him up the path. Before she could even knock, her mother opened the door. “Hello! Come on in!” As she stepped foot into the house her mother grabbed her in a fierce hug.

“Mom, you’re going to strangle me. I’m okay. Except for, you know, I’m just fine.”

She held her at arm’s length and stroked her hair. “So much has happened to you lately, my sweet girl. You’ve changed. I can tell. I can see it in your eyes. You’ve been through so much in such a short period of time. First Rick, then Star, now Satan. You know, I just finished mopping the kitchen floor. I got so angry I threw a cookie jar and it shattered into a million pieces. I haven’t done something impulsive like that in years. Okay, maybe in months.”

“Oh?” Hannah cast a victorious grin at Gabriel. “I think you need to work on your anger management, Mom. Maybe Dad can help you with that.”

“He’s tried. I’m incorrigible, he says. Usually, I’m quite calm about things. It takes a lot to get me to the ‘throwing things’ point. But, you say Satan’s back and trying to get you all over again, and I’m seeing red. Anyhow, let’s see what we can do about getting rid of the darkness in that beautiful head of yours.”

Her dad entered the foyer and opened his arms wide. “Sweetheart. Come and give your old man a hug. Hey Gabe, thanks for bringing her over.”

“No problem at all.”

“Hey, Pops. For an angel of ancient years, you look amazing.” When Michael wrapped his arms around her, she closed her eyes and reverted into the six-year-old girl who’d grown to love the angel who’d adopted her. The strength of a father’s protection was undeniable, unshakable, and grounding.

“Let’s say we get you fixed up, huh?” He kissed her head.

“Yes, please.”

“The others are waiting, so come on.” Her mother ushered them onward. “We can catch up on everything else after you’re well again.”

As they entered the living room, Cassiel and Raphael stood to greet them. Her mother addressed the crowd. “Let’s begin. First, if you would, lay on the cot we’ve set up here. This way we can set ourselves all around you.”

“Okay, sure.” She laid down on the military cot and gazed up at everyone. She felt like a piece of meat scrutinized by awaiting customers. “This is very weird, Mom. Just wanted you to know.”

“Don’t be silly. You’ve been through healings before. It’s just that there’s more than me helping you heal this time. So, close your eyes and we’ll begin.”

She did as she was told and listened to her mother along with the other Saviors whisper words she couldn’t understand. She sensed a warmth wash over her body that started at her toes and slowly crept up her legs. The butterflies that had returned to her belly ceased their fluttering. Her heart experienced a boost of energy and her mind…her mind set traps.

No doubt it was Darkness initiating those traps and suggesting she make more. These traps blocked the healing energy from blasting through the muck and mire lying dormant in her mind. She felt a strong pressure, a strong push from all sides and the darkness reared up in defense. Star’s voice spoke to her in seductive waves. I miss you, my sweet Hannah. I am what you want. What you need. We are connected as one, forever. Feel me around you, in you, living only for you. Reject the light. Accept the dark, and you will be coveted for eternity.

Like an addiction, her mind craved to hear the voice of the man who betrayed her.

“Gabe, we’re going to need you here, too. We’re not enough.”

She heard concern in her mother’s voice, but she needn’t worry. Star had spoken the truth of it. They were meant to be together forever. She listened to his incessant mantra and he drew her in until a sudden shock hit her. A hand, warm and tender, strong and oozing Brethren power, rested upon her forehead. Her Protector. Star’s magnetism receded into the background as her angel fought the darkness for her soul.

“Mmm, Gabriel.” Hannah whimpered, and reached out for him, needing to feel his protection. Darkness defended its place as best it could, sending her into fits of shrieks and wails. Her body convulsed as it tugged and feasted on her spirit, but with his steadying force, evil could not sustain. The ribbon of malevolence inside her fractured into millions of shards, and those slivers burst into microscopic elements until nothing but light and positive energy coursed through the recesses of her mind. Her body quieted, and contentment washed over her.

“I believe we did it,” her mother whispered. “What do you think, Michael?”

“I’m not sensing any darkness or threads associated with evil anywhere inside her. I’d say with Gabe helping us, we were successful. We can’t be certain, though. Satan’s fooled us before. Angel, can you open your eyes?”

Tossing her head back and forth, she forced her eyes to obey. They fluttered and opened to a cast of souls, all gazing down at her. “Hi. I’m Hannah, and I’ll be your healed subject for the day.” Everyone smiled, but she couldn’t help but notice the guarded looks they exchanged as she sat up on the cot. “Wow, that was bizarre, but I feel great now. Honest. I feel more than fine. Thank you, all.”

“You should thank Gabe,” her mother remarked. “Without him, we couldn’t have healed you. It was his energy that pushed the evil over the edge to destruction.”

“Thank you.” She reached out a hand and grabbed his to squeeze.

“It was my honor and privilege.” He squeezed back.

“Well, I believe we have some planning to do. With the Dark Lord back, I’ll be damned if we’re gonna let him get near my baby again.”

“Mom.”

“Oh, stop. You’ll always be my baby. Even though we look like sisters, you’re still my daughter, and I have a thing against Satan’s crazy obsession with you.”

“I’ve been thinking about this very thing ever since I found out about his motives for being here. I believe I have a plan that will work.”

“That’s what I like about you, Gabe. You’re always the one with a plan. Let’s hear it.”

“I need a little water break,” Hannah broke in. “I’ll be back in a few.”

Not waiting for any acknowledgment, she ventured into the kitchen for a bottle of water, and headed straight for her old room. She sat on her childhood bed, the frilly Care Bear blanket long gone, replaced by a floral duvet. Her walls, once papered with teen heartthrobs and drawings, held photographs she’d taken of the ocean. She stood, not wanting to linger long in the room of her former nightmares. Walking further down the hall, into the new addition, she strolled through her brother and sister’s rooms. The twins, Asher and Blessing, were long gone from the house, as well. She missed them terribly, but they had a life path they needed to travel, and it kept them far from her and the rest of the family. She plopped down on her sister’s bed and sighed.

“Hey, you okay?” Her angel stood leaning in the doorway.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just missing my brother and sister. You done in there?”

“Yes, I’ll share the details with you on the ride home. For now, though, we need you. We want to reinforce you with protections. Come.” He offered a hand, but she shook her head and smiled in apology. He dropped his arm and nodded in understanding.

They walked back to the living room and all eyes rested upon the two of them. There was no way in Hell she would broach the topic of their union and hoped that it was just her own paranoia making her feel as if everybody already knew.

“I hear you want to cover me in Brethren bubble wrap. Let’s do it. I don’t want the dark bastard anywhere near me.”

Michael burst into laughter. “Brethren bubble wrap? That’s hilarious. Come here. Gabe and I are going to weave protection spells around you and give you charmed amulets to wear.”

She walked over to them, and as they uttered quiet murmurings of a language she didn’t know, threads of golden light wove intricate patterns around her body, head to toe. As one layer absorbed into her skin, another formed around her. Seven times they paced around her. Seven incantations were spoken, and with each one, layers of golden threaded light suffused her body. She didn’t feel any different. The only other time such a thing had been done, when was six, she’d felt warmth and heat surround her. Today, she felt nothing. But that didn’t mean it didn’t work. Her tolerance for discomfort had risen dramatically over the years.

Michael muttered ancient words over an amulet on a chain with his likeness on it, and placed it gently around her neck to hang by her heart. He repeated the utterances and wrapped a bracelet with another amulet around her left wrist. He wound a final amulet around her left ankle.

“Between the seven layers and the amulets, you should be well protected.”

“Ummm, do I wear these all the time?”

“Yes, never take them off. Not even to shower. They can withstand the soaking.”

“I get it.”

“Do exactly as he says. I have first-hand experience with the consequences of not following directions. Years ago, near your sixth birthday, I took off the amulet he’d made for me while I showered, and Agremon came for me. Need I say more?”

“Nope. I hear you loud and clear.”

“With you protected, we can go on with our daily lives and work until we get closer to your birthday. Emma, Michael, this coming week, we have a mission to go on in California. We’re taking down the kingpin of a sex trafficking ring. I don’t want you to worry about her, though. We have the FBI and Yofi helping us out, and I promise, I’ll never leave her side.”

“As anxious as I am about Satan being back, I know she couldn’t be in better hands. She’s an adult, has a life and an important job. I wouldn’t try to stop her from fulfilling her duties. You say she’ll be safe. I believe she’ll be safe. Good luck taking the vermin down.”

“Thanks. Your support is so important to me.”

“Can you stay for lunch? We were going to barbeque.”

“Mom, I’d love to, but I have a ton of things to do before we leave on Monday. We’ll be back by the end of the week, though. Can we do dinner on Friday?”

“Absolutely. In fact, I was going to ask you. The twins are coming in for a visit. I’d like it to be a surprise for them and have everyone here.”

“Oh, my God. Sure thing. This is fantastic news. It feels like forever since we’ve seen each other. I can’t wait. It’ll give me something to look forward to. So, Gabriel, can you take me home now? I hear laundry calling me.”

Many hugs and handshakes later, the two were back in his car, heading to his house. She sat in quiet contemplation. So many thoughts swirled in her head. Just how dangerous would this mission be? Would her powers be able to help her at all? What plans did he have in mind for her? Would the amulets work?

“I can only answer one question at a time, sweetheart. So let me start with your first one. The mission is a bit on the dangerous side. Hatchet’s probably got a fleet of goons for protection, and we don’t want any civilian casualties. I believe it will all go down without a hitch since we have a solid plan of attack and rescue. As for whether your powers can helps us or not, if you have them at the time, and they are needed, wonderful. Otherwise, don’t worry about it. You’ll be part of the extraction team and dealing with the kids. My plans for you once we’re back are to get you training like a warrior- running, MMA, and sword fighting. The amulets should work. Michael’s the Great Protector. How can something he creates fail? Impossible. Now, any other questions I can answer for you?”

“Yes, can you knock off the reading of my mind thing for a while? I’d like to be alone in here sometimes.”

He smirked. “Yes, I can. Do you promise to share with me when you have questions, instead of stewing about them silently beside me?”

“Yes, I promise. Now I’ll give you one last look at my thoughts before you have to stop for now. Go ahead. Read me like a book.”

He pushed the gas pedal to the floor, and her body pressed back into the seat. She glanced over and watched his hard-on emerge. Her belly tingled with anticipation, and she couldn’t help but touch him through his pants. He sucked air in through his teeth and growled low in his throat. Taking his right hand off the steering wheel, he fought with her skirt until he found her flesh underneath it all.

Discreetly, his fingers trailed up her inner thigh, creating paths of tingly, sensitized skin. When he reached her panties, she knew he’d be in for a surprise. She was hot and wet with need. Fingers stroked the silky material and nudged it aside. She readjusted herself in the seat, putting one knee up to lean against the car door, and splayed her peasant skirt like a curtain. He played with the edging some more until she felt his fingers directly against her. As he found her sweet spot, she gasped, bit her bottom lip, and grabbed the car door handle. With the other hand, she continued to stroke him through his pants.

Tapping and circling, rubbing and stopping, he brought her to climax before they even reached his driveway. He flattened his hand against her, as she convulsed and swore to all that was holy, and pulled into his garage. She was thrilled the motion sensor could open and close his door. No hands needed. She had no intention of letting his go.

He popped open his seat belt, then undid hers. Easing his seat back as far as it would go, she watched as he unzipped his pants, and pulled them down. Not wanting to waste a moment, she pulled her panties off and straddled him where he sat. As she lowered herself upon him, they both moaned, and he grabbed her ass to caress and guide himself deeper inside her.

She’d only ever made love in a car once before this. It was in the back of a beat up clunker. It was her first time, and it sucked. This time, however, had blown the lid off of that experience a million times over. She brought her hands to rake through his hair and found it to be silky and soft. Not all gelled up. She smiled as she kissed him soundly on the lips, and teased his mouth open with her tongue. He tasted of honey and sweet tea. She purred as his hand traveled up and around to push up her bra and knead her breasts. His thumbs rubbed lightly against her nipples and she quickened the pace. He replaced his thumbs with his mouth and she leaned back against the steering wheel.

“Oh, God, Hannah!” He murmured as his mouth traveled from one breast to the other. “I can’t get enough of you. You feel so good.”

She leaned back a little too hard, and the horn beeped. Both froze for a moment, and laughed. She reached down and lowered the back of his seat to change the angle a bit. He brought her to lay against him and switched position with her. Now on top, Gabriel rubbed against her and thrust using a strong, deliberate rhythm. He put each of her legs on a shoulder and sent her over the edge with even deeper thrusts. She cried out and grabbed the seatbelt ropes, hanging on for dear life, fearing she’d fall away into oblivion.

Every muscle in his body seemed to clench and release as he reached his climax. His eyes closed on his final thrust, and he remained inside her as he leaned down to kiss her delicately on her lips. He switched up their position again so she could rest comfortably atop him.

“Never, in my wildest dreams, have I ever thought a man your size could ever make love like this in a car this size.”

“I didn’t know either until now. I couldn’t help myself. When you’re near me, it’s all I want to do. Touch you, feel you, make love to you. I might need to craft a special incantation to dampen my desire while we’re on the case this coming week. Or maybe, if this is all we do from now until Monday morning….”

“Now, wait a minute! I meant it when I said I had laundry to do. And I have to pack still. So, you can have me all night long, and even all morning long, but after, I have to go get ready for our trip. And I’ll probably have to get you ready, too.”

“Hey, I can take care of myself. Mostly. I can handle packing a suitcase. I’ve done it a million times over the centuries. It may have been a satchel, or a just a piece of cloth tied to a stick, or a duffel bag, but I’ve done it.” With each type of luggage, he thrust inside her just enough to let her know he’d be wanting another go ‘round soon.

“Mmm. You may have to see a doctor about this insatiable hunger you’ve developed over me. Or, you can finish what you’ve started all over again, and take me to your bedroom. I want to make it mine.”

His playful demeanor shifted to one of solemnity. “Honey, there’s something you should know. There’s never been another woman in that room, or any other of my bedrooms, for that matter. You are the first and the last. It was yours the minute you walked into it on the tour I’d given you. Remember how you said you felt like it’d made love to you? I guess you could say it seduced you before I could.”

Her entire image of him just blew up around her. No other women? Why the celibacy? First, PTSD. Now, an intimacy issue had plagued him, too. “I gotta admit, I’m feeling rather foolish. There I was at the time, feeling all sorts of jealous, wondering about the many women you’d brought home to lay with in your exquisite bed.”

“Me? Conduct myself like that? No, the desire to spin frivolous relationships, to go from woman to woman, was stripped from me years ago. It was the only good thing to come out of bad situation I’d lived in. I could have had plenty of women over the years. You’re correct there. But the idea repulsed me. Besides, I find I’m too serious for most women, and I bury myself in my work. That’s all changed, though, since you came along and turned my world upside down with your quick-stepping stilettos and zest for life.”

“I’m not sure if you consider that a good thing or a bad thing.”

“Oh, it’s very good, sweetheart. Very good. Your ideas are contagious and make me a better man. A better angel.” He coaxed her off his lap. “Come on. You asked me to take you to my bed and we’re still here talking. Let’s go before one of us gets a cramp.”