Chapter Nineteen

 

Gabriel leaned in and cupped her face in his hands. He fluttered his wings and curled them around their bodies to create a private curtain around them. “I don’t care what the others say. I don’t care what they do. I must kiss you, Hannah. I must.”

“I won’t stop you.” She sniffled and laughed.

His lips found hers, eager to taste the one who completed her. At first he played it tentatively, but like a flash fire, his intensity grew by leaps and bounds. He crushed her to him and plundered her mouth, sending shockwaves of gratitude and adoration down their threaded connection.

“Ahem!”

With a series of coughs and throat-clearings, they shrank away from each other. “There’s no going back now, sweetheart. When I open my wings, we’ll know what we’re up against.”

“I believe you’re revealing much more than the two of us put together.” She pointed to his naked predicament.

“Ahhh, they’ve seen it all before.” He laughed lightly. “But come sit on my lap anyway.”

She complied. “I’m ready. Do it.”

He opened his wings and revealed themselves as a couple to the crew of Brethren standing nearby. Some showed absolutely no expression on their faces, others had shit-eating grins, and her father...well, she’d never seen a look like that on his face…ever.

“Well, aren’t you going to say anything?”

“Uh, yeah. Where the fuck’s your clothes, man?” Leave it to Yofi to break the ice.

“I don’t know, Yo.” He laughed. “Anyone have a spare pair of pants they could lend me?”

“I’ll go look in my Jeep. I usually keep spare odds and ends. You never know.” she extricated herself from his embrace and walked through the wall of Brethren. A flush crept up her chest and throat. This was damned uncomfortable at the moment. How did they feel? Were they putting up a front and going to blast him later? Her father looked like…a father who’d just caught his daughter “doing the deed” in the house with her bad-news boyfriend. Just breathe, Hannah. Breathe!

She made a beeline for the Jeep and sifted through the few duffle bags she kept for emergencies. One of them actually had a pair of sweatpants in them. She held them up, and they looked like they’d fit him, barely, but they only had a half-hour drive back to his house, so they’d do. When she returned, the boys were sitting on the ground, gathered around him, talking quietly. As she approached, they shut up.

“Don’t stop on my account.”

“That’s okay. He was filling us in and apologizing.”

“Here you go. These are going to be a little snug, but they’re better than nothing. Sun’s risen, angels. I think we ought to find our ways home. Anyone need a ride or will you be shielding and flying today?”

They all answered at once, but no one needed a ride, except her father, of course. As one by one they left, she couldn’t help but notice the glances tossed their way. She prayed it would all work out in the end. Gabriel grasped her hand and laced his fingers with hers.

“It’s going to be fine,” he whispered in her ear.

“Did you see the look on his face? Hmm?” she whispered back. “He’s not a happy camper. And he certainly doesn’t need a ride home.”

“I saw. I know. I’m reserving judgment until we talk.”

They walked over to her Jeep. She jumped in the driver’s side and watched intently how the two angels would figure out the rest of the seating arrangements. Gabriel didn’t skip a beat and jumped in the back seat. Score one for the boyfriend. Her dad, hopped in next to her and buckled up.

“Hey Sunshine, impressive powers you have there.”

She started the car and sped off. “Every day promises something new. My sight and hearing have adjusted and stabilized, so I hear and see like the rest of you immortals. My crazy strength comes and goes, but most often it’s here, and I think I’ve gained muscle mass in my arms and legs. It also seems I can heal on occasion. Who knows what tomorrow will bring, eh?”

“Extraordinary. How are those amulets working?”

“I guess okay. I haven’t felt anything unusual since wearing them, so that’s a good sign.”

“Good. So, it seems we have some talking to do, my brother.”

“Yes, yes we do.”

“We’ll wait until we’re at my house. You’ll come in and we’ll talk, with Emma.”

“Dad.” She used her warning tone, hoping he’d back off.

“What? I get to exercise my right as father to grill your…boyfriend, and put him through the paces.”

“You didn’t do this with Rick.”

“Nope, but I’m doing it now. Ah, the joys of fatherhood.” He leaned back in his seat and rested his arms above his head.

“You’re enjoying the anticipation of this tête-a-tête a little too much.”

“Darling, when you’re a parent, you will, too.”

She rolled her eyes and snorted. “You see! He’s gonna rake you over the coals and roast you for supper, all while you’re wearing sweatpants that are two sizes too small.”

“I actually think this is going better than I envisioned. There is hope, sweetheart. Relax.”

“Relax? After what we’ve been through the past few days, and our union now exposed, there’s no relaxing. Have you seen my flush? It’s the worst it’s ever been! It won’t calm down.”

“I love you.”

“Well, I…uhhh.” Completely exasperated, she answered the only way she could. “I love you, too.”

She pulled into the driveway and down the familiar path to her childhood home, parking next to the house. Her mother was already at the doorway with something draped over her arm.

“Hi!” She waved from the porch. “Come on in. I’ve got breakfast all ready to be demolished on the dining room table. Holy heck, Gabriel! You look like…I don’t want to say. Here, Michael told me you’d be needing some clothes.”

“Emma, you’re amazing.” He took them from her hands. “Thank you. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll just me a moment.”

“Take your time…and a shower while you’re at it. Towels are in the cupboard under the sink.”

He offered a tentative smile and left a very anxious woman to fend for herself.

Emma watched and shook her head as he trudged down the hall, then directed her attention on her daughter. “Sweetheart, how are you? My, oh my, but you’re flushed. Let me help you with that.” She waved her hand over her chest, throat, and cheeks. “There we are. Better?”

“Much. Thanks.” She smiled and had to admit, her mother’s abilities did come in handy.

“Michael, there’s orange juice in the fridge. Can you get it and bring it to the table with some glasses, please? I didn’t get to that part before you all arrived.”

“Sure.” He kissed her soundly and lumbered off to the kitchen.

“My word, he looks like a raging lion and satisfied crocodile all rolled into one. Care to tell me what’s going on?”

“Oh, there’s much to tell, I’m afraid. Hopefully, you won’t join him down the path of parental lunacy.”

“You’ve peaked my interest. Come join me at the table.”

“I have to wash up first. I’ll be back.” Dodged that one for now.

Rather than bumping into her father, she chose the bathroom down the hall, away from the kitchen. As she was about to enter, Gabriel walked out of her bedroom, looking all fresh and sexy as hell with his damp, tussled hair and tight fitting jeans. He considered her, and she him.

“There’s no going back. No apologizing and saying it will never happen again. Our union is destined and for real, and your parents are going to have to get used to it.”

“Couldn’t have said it any better. See you in a minute.”

“I think I’ll wait here for you.”

“Chicken?”

“Nope, just want to hold your hand again. It felt good.”

She blushed and turned into the bathroom.

 

“So, let’s get right to the heart of the matter.”

“Dad, we just sat down for breakfast. Aren’t you starving? Wouldn’t you like to eat a little something before barreling into a full-blown discussion? I know it will improve your disposition.”

“What if I don’t want my disposition improved? What if I want to know what my brother of nearly three millennia is doing with my daughter?”

“What?” Emma cut in, choking slightly on her piece of French toast. “What are you talking about, Michael?”

“Seems our Brethren Protector has decided Hannah should be his mate.”

She rolled her eyes, and he cleared his throat. “It’s not exactly like….”

“Oh, do tell me what’s it exactly like, because all I see is you, a broken angel, naked on the ground, and none of us can help you except for her. I hear words like promise and pledge fly between you. I see her fawning all over you. You enclosed her in your wings and shielded yourselves from us. And the next thing we know, she’s sitting on your lap. What does that scream out to you? I’m no idiot. That screams, mate!”

“Michael, control yourself, please. We need to have a rational conversation here and find out what’s happened. You’re behaving like an over-bearing, human parent. Cool it.”

He shut up and leaned back in his seat.

“Now, who would like to explain all this gibberish your father has thrown-up all over our table?”

“I’ll start, Mom. You see, we have an awesome working relationship. Always did. A long time ago, I developed strong feelings for him, but I suppressed them because I didn’t think it was appropriate. Well, it turns out, he’s gone through the same thing, only in reverse. After Rick dumped me, and Star turned out to be Satan’s pawn, he was there for me, each and every time, picking me up from my lowest moments, and I’ll never be able to thank him enough.”

“You could’ve written him a thank you note and mailed it. You didn’t have to turn around and be his mate.”

“Michael!” Emma glared at him.

“Sorry.” He grumbled and folded his arms across his chest.

“Go on, honey.” She tapped her on the arm and slipped in a bit of comfort while she was at it.

“Well, we decided that whether it’s fated or designed, we need to be together. Yes, mated, Dad. I’m sorry you’re not happy about our union, but even we didn’t have a say in it. When we let our misgivings go, we realized, why should we try to fight it? I hope you can be genuinely happy for us, for me.”

“Oh, it’s going to take a bit for me to see the happy in this. No offense, Gabriel. I think you’re an amazing Protector, no doubt. Your mission is admirable. But my daughter? Jesus!”

“Michael, I knew you’d feel this way. I felt the same, but there was nothing I could do other than pledge my eternity, my protection, and my love to her. Whether you give us your blessing or not, we have no choice. It’s what’s in my heart and soul.”

“And mine, as well. So, there it is. We are mated. We think he’s meant to be my sole Protector, but I guess we’ll find out on my birthday.”

“Wow.” Emma raked her hands through her hair and placed her clasped hands in her lap. She was a model of self-control and diplomacy. “It’s going to take a bit of time to absorb all of this. I mean, I’ve known you for about thirty years. To see you in love with our daughter, and our daughter in love with you is a bit unsettling, to say the least. But I know a thing or two about fate, as does Mr. Grumpy Pants over there. Sometimes we don’t see how very appropriate the cards are we’re dealt. So, please understand how uncomfortable we are feeling with this bit of news, but understand too, that I…we…know how it feels to be in your shoes, and we wish you well on your journey together. Isn’t that true, Michael?”

“Emma, you’re taking this a bit too well. But I guess I’m balancing it with handling it not well at all. I see your point, sweetheart. I do. I know our age difference is just as bizarre, and remember all too well how I kept rejecting my fate. What would have become of us had I stayed so stubborn? You and I never would’ve gotten together or had Asher and Blessing. Satan would’ve won, and we’d probably all be dust and ashes by now. So, yes, I know about fighting fate and how it’s a lost cause. If you are to be her sole Protector, I couldn’t think of a finer Brethren for the job.”

“Thank you, Michael. Having both of your support means everything to me, to us.”

“Yeah, well, there’s more to discuss, though. What the hell went on with you, Gabe? If I’m not about to let my daughter date a mortal guy who’s unstable, why the hell would I let her mate with you?”

“What are you talking about, Michael? Would someone please fill me in? All I know is he needed clothes to wear.”

“Your turn, I believe,” she whispered, and squeezed his hand under the table.

“It’s a long story, but if you’ve got the time, I’m ready to share it with you.”

“We have all the time in the world. Please, fill us in on your life.” Michael offered him the first sincere smile of the day.

 

Gabriel bravely shared his life’s history to date. His frustrations with the mortal world and subsequent trips back to the Beyond. His triumphs and failures. His heart-wrenching and shocking past, and what ultimately led to his breakdown. Emma had known some of what he shared because he’d gone to her for help. She sat at the table, swiping at tears and blowing her nose, shaking her head at times when he related the graphic and heinous crimes perpetrated against him and the hundreds of other victims. Michael sat silent, stoic, like a simmering pot of stew at times. When his story ended, everyone sat, not saying a word, deep in their own thoughts.

“I want to thank you both for listening. I haven’t been able to speak of this without spiraling into lucid flashbacks. But today, thanks to Cassiel and more so to Hannah, I’m free to say these things out loud and not be owned by them.”

“My brother, I…I don’t have words. If you don’t mind, would you stand up?”

He offered a puzzled look, but complied. Michael walked over to him, raised both arms and wings, and embraced him. Gabriel seemed startled at first, and stood with arms down by his sides, looking as though he’d no idea what to do. Like a sunrise, she watched realization dawn on his face. He hugged back. The two stood there, in a fierce embrace, connecting as Brethren, brother to brother, and father to son.

Michael released him after a couple of back slaps, and swiped at his eyes. “Seems our enigmatic employer has had a hand in shaping all of our lives, doesn’t it?”

“Seems so. First Raphael, then you and me, and Nathanael. Makes no sense to confront him. It won’t get us anywhere. So, we just have to go along with his manipulations.”

Michael shook his head and sat back down. “It’s not fair or just. I mean, I love my life. I’d never give it up for the world. But why does he have to bring such heartache and trauma to our lives to get to this point?”

“I think it’s because if you don’t experience hardship, how will you know when your life is truly amazing?”

“Spoken as only a human can. Thank you for your perspective.”

“Just a few more weeks and I’ll be just like you, though, Pops.”

“Oh, I don’t think so. You’re going to be so much more.”

“So, are we good here?” She looked at her mother and Michael. Her mother nodded and blew her nose again. Michael chose to speak his answer.

“We’re good. I trust you to take care of our girl, now and when she can kick your ass all over the universe.”

“That duty is the highlight of every moment of my day.”

The rest of breakfast dissolved into the kind of meal they used to have together. Relaxed, joyful, fun, and filled with love.

 

Hannah and Gabriel left to check on the kids and debrief with the FBI team. Kristina and her crew had everything under control, as they both suspected. Most of the kids’ parents had come straightaway and were arriving within hours of each other. There were only a handful remaining who for very good reason, would not return to their parents’ homes. Kristina and he would find special placements for those who were still minors, who needed a home and a good job.

It was late in the evening before they made it back to his house in Prophets Point. Stuffed with pizza and beer, they looked at each other and laughed as they walked through the front door.

“Boy, have we been through the wringer today. I feel like I’ve lived ten lifetimes all at once.” She quipped.

“You think so?” He chuckled. “Yeah, we have had quite the climactic day.”

“Did you have a chance to call Marty and his crew yet?”

“No, I’ll do that now. It’s still early over there in California. If they’re rounding up people in Hatchet’s ring, they can stay until the job is done. They’re more useful doing that than pushing paper here.”

“I agree with that assessment. Go ahead, I’m going to take a shower and get ready for bed. It’s crazy. Some nights I can stay up and workout hard until dawn. Other nights, it’s painful to stay up past nine o’clock. This is one of those nights.”

“I’ll be in in a few minutes.” He hoisted her up in the air and held her so her face was squarely in front of his. “Your mother is an amazing woman, and as fathers go, Michael does a damn fine job. I’m still gonna call him Michael, though. Dad is too weird. And as for you, you are the best thing that’s ever happened to me. How can I be mad at E.L. if you’re his gift to me? I simply can’t.”

“Aw, you’re the sweetest man and angel on earth!”

He kissed her gently, set her down, and swatted her behind. “Now off with you! You always distract me from my work!”

She squealed and snorted, and ran off before he could pull her back into his arms.

 

****

 

Hannah had fallen fast asleep in his arms hours ago. Of course, he didn’t, but he did meditate. The whole Hatchet affair had zapped his energy, and even though she was able to bring him back to himself, he needed to recharge his batteries. When he finished, he carefully removed himself from the bed and took a stroll about the house and outside into the cool air of a desert summer’s night. This had been the most time he’d spent here. Usually, after work, he’d go to his Phoenix home, very much alone.

Truth be told, this is where he felt most comfortable. His favorite furnishings were either hanging on the walls or gracing beautiful cabinets and bureaus. Maybe she wouldn’t mind moving in eventually. She’d stayed there since they’d gotten together, so he felt hopeful. He also had an awesome, unobstructed view of the Superstition Mountains from his back yard. He liked keeping an eye on the place.

“I see you enjoy keeping tabs on me. Just as well, since I’ve been keeping my eye on you and Hannah.”

Gabriel whirled around trying to pinpoint the location of the voice, though it seemed to float on the breezes around him.

“Have you made your decision, my broken angel?”

“I have, and I’m not broken. Not anymore.”

“How fortunate for you. And your answer?”

“I’m going to have to pass. Can’t say I thank you for your offer. After all, you were preying on an immortal who was at his lowest point in his eternal life.”

“What else would you expect me to do? I only offer whatever is deepest in your heart’s desire. Know this, Brethren Protector. My offer may have been rejected, but this is not the last you’ve seen of me. I have great plans for this mortal realm, and this time, I won’t be thwarted. Give my darling a great big kiss for me. Tell her I’ll be by soon for a visit. I’ve missed her so. She’s grown into quite the fetching woman.”

“You can kiss that idea goodbye. You know none of us is going to let you near her.”

“Yes, well, we’ll just see about that.” A cackling laugh echoed through the trees like a raving blackbird.

“Hey, I rolled over and you weren’t there anymore.” Hannah’s silky voice tamed the beast that was about to unleash his wrath on his old foe. She wrapped her arms around his waist and snuggled against him.

“You shouldn’t be out here, sweetheart.” He released his wings and cloaked her.

“Why not? It’s gorgeous out.”

“I thought you’d sleep straight through until late morning at least.”

“I’m feeling pretty wide awake, actually.” She wiggled her eyebrows at him. “Let’s go sit on the swing for a bit. The breeze feels fabulous, and I love the night sounds.”

“I think I’d rather go inside now.”

She wrinkled her brow. “What’s the matter with you? You seem on edge. You know if you don’t tell me, I’m going to pry it out of you one way or another.”

“I got a visit from our favorite Prince of Darkness, and he still could be around.”

“Jesus, are you okay? What did he say?”

“He wasn’t happy that I declined his offer to join his ranks.”

“Somehow, I get the feeling that wasn’t all he had to say. Spill it, Seeker.”

“He spoke about you. He definitely has his sights on you and your powers. Come on. I’d feel better with you inside the house. I’ll be in in a minute. I’m just going to shore up the protections I have in place.”

“I won’t argue with you. See you inside.” She raised up on her tiptoes and kissed his chin.

He walked around the boundary of his property, chanting particularly strong incantations to block all dark energy and evil entities from entering the space around and above. He effectively placed a protective dome over his entire property line and walked around the immediate border of his house, chanting the same incantation around the foundation, windows, doors, and rooftop. His place was sealed tighter than a submarine against any dark forces that might try to penetrate or harm them. Feeling more at ease, he joined her inside, where she lay, naked on his dining room table.

“Well, I do recall you saying at one point that you’d be the only one dining on me at your table.”

“Something along those lines, yes.” He smirked while shucking his clothes, and he feasted on her as a midnight snack.