A Touch of Angel (Cocktails in Hell Book 5), page 14
“So, no cronuts, I guess?” I fell into step beside him. Alistair followed close behind, then Easton, Clara, and Callie.
“Not here. Angels have no use for human frivolity.” One side of his lips pulled up in a slight smile.
“Yeah. Well. I love human frivolity,” I whispered.
“I’m well aware of your fondness for human things,” he said.
Rafe stopped several feet ahead.
“Be aware of everything you say once we pass this point,” Lucifer warned. “Even if it looks like we are alone, be assured we are not. If there’s information you must pass, mindspeak.”
I nodded. “You expect this to go poorly.”
His smile looked more like a grimace. “Anything involving my siblings goes poorly. Except this time, instead of only myself, I have all of you to protect.”
I eyed him. “I think we’ve done a pretty good job of taking care of ourselves.”
Lucifer’s eyes sparkled. “Indeed. But we are surrounded by powerful, almost omniscient beings. We’ve never been in more danger.”
A thread of fear uncurled in my stomach. “Good to know.”
Rafe turned. “It took us longer than expected to get here. We have time to visit one place before the conclave. I thought to take you to the tower. This is where the conclave will be held, but it is a marvel to see it in its entirety.”
“Very well, brother.” Lucifer nodded. “We will follow momentarily.”
Rafe gave him a warning glance but turned and walked ahead.
Lucifer waited until Rafe disappeared, then motioned for us all to gather around.
“Be on your guard constantly. Only speak to the angels when you’re spoken to. Be wary of everything, and do not wander away from the party.” Lucifer paused for a moment. “It’s imperative we stay together. If we need to leave, you must have an angel escort you out.”
“Which is you?” I asked.
“Yes. Trust no one.”
I watched him for a moment. “Not even Rafe?”
His eyes flashed. “Not even Rafe,” he confirmed.
“This may prove to be a delight,” Alistair murmured.
“Careful, dragon. They may hate you even more than they hate me,” Lucifer said quietly.
The complicated history between angels and demons was nothing compared to the relationship between angels and dragons. Alistair tensed but offered Lucifer a terse nod.
“This place is not what I expected,” Easton said, his eyes still flashing violet. I’d never seen the color in another wolf’s eyes. Is that what made him the Alpha, or was Easton not 100 percent a wolf? A question he’d never answer, I’m sure.
“Oh? What did you think Heaven was like?” I couldn’t help but ask.
Easton turned his attention to me, the bright green of his eyes burning a hole in my skin. Low level hatred simmered in their depths. “Darkness. Peace.”
Surprise filled me.
He inhaled for a moment, and in the next breath said, “An absence of negative emotion. I expected I’d be a million atoms floating through space, no noise, no worries.” He dropped his eyes and cleared his throat, embarrassed by the vulnerability he showed.
I, however, thought it was the most attractive thing anyone had ever said to me.
“I never expected to visit here,” I said quietly. “I grew up knowing I had to be wary of angels, any angel, so I never expected Heaven to be a benevolent place.” A sad laugh escaped me. “I still don’t think it’s benevolent, but knowing this place can bring peace to those who live with pain is enough for me to hope that one day I will end up here. Or in a place like this. Though I like your idea of floating in peace, my body a collection of atoms. It seems kinder somehow for it to be that way instead of being reunited with those who’ve broken our hearts.”
Easton lifted his eyes. A moment passed between us, a flash of solid understanding where we weren’t enemies. Not friends, but two beings united in understanding. He nodded, as if he felt the same. My shoulders fell, and I thought maybe, just maybe, Easton might not let me die if he had the opportunity.
I’d take the small win.
“Follow close,” Lucifer said, the moment broken.
Alistair took his place at my side, his posture stiff and tense. The dragon clamped a hand around my arm. I tried to tug away, but he held fast. “Stay with me,” he growled.
“We’re all together anyway,” I snapped.
Clara snickered and came up on my other side. “You’re screwing this uuuuup,” she sang to him. She slung an arm around my shoulders and buried her lips in my ear. “You and I need to talk when we get back.” The whisper was so low it was almost inaudible.
I nodded, tension settling in my shoulders to stay.
We caught up to Rafe a few moments later after we crested over a hill that revealed the rest of the tower looming above the clouds.
“Whoa,” Callie breathed.
I’d never seen a real ivory tower until now. Nor did I think I ever wanted to. But this place was breathtaking. So tall I couldn’t see the spire, the tower soared into the clouds, the gleaming white of the bone material glimmering in the sunlight. Thousands of openings were carved into the sides, and occasionally, she spied the shimmering bright white of an angel’s wings watching them from above.
Some flew straight from the alcoves, their wings snapping out as the wind took them, soaring above us in lazy circles.
Lucifer was right. They were being watched, even if it was only curiosity.
“Before you,” Rafe boomed, his voice an authoritative drone as we walked toward the tower, “is the Hall of Archangels. It hosts the Seven, the Conclave Hall, as well as a museum on the lower levels related to our history.”
“A museum?” Clara said in a low voice. “Do dead people care about history?”
I chewed on my lip to keep from laughing.
“The Hall also has apartments on the top three floors where most of the angels live.”
“The Seven live here too?” Easton asked.
Rafe nodded. “Not all and not all the time. But when we are here, most of us choose to make this place our home.”
“Where else would you be if you weren’t here?” Alistair asked.
Rafe’s eyes tightened at the edges. “Father keeps us busy in all the corners of the world.”
What a clever way to say absolutely nothing. From Alistair’s edged smile, he thought the same thing.
He walked us through the wide-open double doors into an immense cavernous hallway. We stepped onto gleaming marble floors, our booted heels making silent footfalls. Rafe’s vivid robes flared behind him, and my mind caught and held onto a vision of a peacock proudly strutting through the city.
As we toured the museum, Rafe droned on and on about the proud history of the Archangels, but I, and from the look of it, the rest of my party was bored to tears. Lucifer never relaxed. He loomed close to me the entire time, guiding me through the hall with a possessive hand on my arm.
It was so out of character for him that I didn’t question it. If he was this worried about me, then we were all in danger, and I’d let him have this moment of overprotectiveness.
We breathed a sigh of relief when Rafe finally led us out, past a massive statue of a proud warrior holding a sword aloft, his sandaled foot pressed against the head of…
Lucifer tensed, the hand gripping my arm flexed with anger.
The statue wore familiar golden armor and that sandaled foot pressed against a very familiar head.
Lucifer’s, to be specific.
Blinding anger soared through our bond. I pressed my hand against his fingers.
You are better than every single angel in this place.
Lucifer did not respond.
Even if you think you are not. I need you. We all need you. Do not let them get under your skin.
I glared daggers at Rafe’s back. He knew this was here and chose to walk Lucifer past it, knowing how he might react. Did he want Lucifer to blow up and ruin the conclave before it started? Or was he just that blindingly arrogant he never bothered to think about it? Both scenarios were viable.
The Devil’s nostrils flared, and dark power spilled from his skin.
Lucifer. Keep it together. For all our sakes.
My hand tightened over his.
Please, I begged.
He inhaled, squeezed his eyes shut, and let out a long exhale. As he did, the darkness retreated.
Thank you.
My apologies. I have not seen that statue before.
It was a shit thing to do. Your reaction is warranted.
A faint smile played on his lips.
I don’t think anyone here is our friend.
Lucifer snorted.
Perhaps you are right, Violet. He patted my hand. It is almost time. Expect it to get worse.
I never expected it to get better, I admitted.
Smart girl.
Rafe led us up through the next level and took us on another yawn worthy tour. I thought the angel was interesting when he was in our world, but here I found him excruciating.
When we arrived at the third floor, Rafe stopped us before a set of massive golden doors. “Wait here. Someone will escort you in shortly.”
“Not you?” I asked.
Rafe shook his head. “No. I must take my rightful place with the Seven.” With a shallow bow, Rafe disappeared into thin air.
Clara let out a groan. “Thank fuck,” she whispered. “Rafe is the worst tour guide.”
“Shh,” I hissed, but I couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled up.
“I agree,” Callie chimed in. “And who has a museum dedicated to their own history when they’re freaking immortal? It seems gauche, you know?”
Easton’s lips curled into a small smile. Would wonders never cease?
“They’re arrogant beyond belief,” Alistair muttered.
“Even more than you?” I shot back.
He was saved from answering that by the harried angelic attendant rushing toward us. The male offered a short bow. “I am Yael, here to escort you into the main Hall.”
“Yael,” Lucifer said.
The angel’s eyes widened. “You—you are the Morningstar,” he breathed in awe.
“I am.” Lucifer pointed and introduced each of us, but Yael’s attention kept flickering back to Lucifer, barely disguised awe in his eyes.
When Lucifer cleared his throat and gestured to the doors. Yael snapped out of it. “Oh, yes. Please allow me.” He pulled both of the rings and the doors opened with a groan, exposing the conclave.
More angels than I’d ever seen in my entire life sat in stadium style seating. The Archangels sat separately in an ornate golden box, Metatron standing beside them holding a massive silver staff. I recognized Rafe, but I’d never seen any of the others in the box. Two seats remained empty.
I realized with a sinking stomach that one seat belonged to Michael.
The other belonged to Gabriel, the Archangel Dave had taken out a few short weeks ago. This would not endear us to anyone. Lucifer noticed the same thing, his jaw clenching.
Say nothing about Gabriel, he cautioned.
I won’t, but I can’t guarantee the others won’t.
I’ll tell them, Lucifer said.
Beside me, Clara jerked. Obviously, Lucifer had never mind spoken to her before. From the way her eyes narrowed, it didn’t seem like she liked it much.
Dave didn’t budge an inch, still clinging tightly to my shirt like a pretty broach.
Yael hurried to where the Archangels sat and bowed much lower this time.
“Your Holiness, your guests approach.” Without waiting for an answer, Yael scurried away to find a seat in the stands.
“Come forward,” boomed one, a massive angel with golden wings. His hair was also golden, and he had the same blazing blue eyes as Lucifer.
The Devil took the lead, and we followed behind him, Alistair and Clara by my side, Easton and Callie directly behind us.
“Lucifer,” the Archangel greeted. “It has been thousands of years since you have walked our Halls.”
“Uriel,” Lucifer said. “I’ve never had an invitation to return, have I?”
Uriel’s eyes glimmered with amusement. “Touché, brother. It is good to see you again.”
A couple of the other angels shifted uncomfortably. Perhaps not everyone agreed with Uriel’s assessment.
A smile lit on his face. “Initially, we wanted your Guardian to make an introduction so we can welcome her into our hierarchy, but other things have come to light.”
Lucifer stilled. “Yes, we come bearing concerning news.”
“Lies!” blurted one of them, the only female in the box. She was stunning, the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. Long dark hair spiraled over her shoulders and down her waist. Her eyes were large and luminous, a light hazel currently filled with fury. The deep tone of her skin complemented the violet dress she wore.
“Jophiel,” Lucifer greeted. “Always a pleasure.”
She bared her teeth. “Deceiver,” she hissed.
Welp. I knew whose side she was on.
“Joph,” Uriel barked. “Enough. First, we must greet our newest angel.”
Dread pooled in my veins. I was not an angel.
Lucifer turned, regret and an apology in his eyes. He motioned me forward.
Squaring my shoulders, I stepped up beside him.
“Kneel, young one,” another unfamiliar Archangel intoned.
I stared for a moment. Lucifer didn’t direct me one way or another.
“No.”
Uriel’s eyes widened. He sat back in his chair and studied me, a calculating look in his eyes.
The one who’d spoken stood, leaning over the box, his fingers gripping the edges so hard his knuckles went white. “You would defy an Archangel?”
“You are nothing to me. I don’t know who you are or what you believe in or stand for. You are not my family. You are not my ruler or my savior.”
“We are the rulers most high. Our only ruler is God,” the Archangel spat.
I shrugged. “Alright.”
Uriel held a hand up. “Peace, Zadkiel. The young one isn’t wrong. She was abandoned by our people and grew up with a strong, smart guardian who taught her how to survive. Her tenacity is remarkable.”
I’d never tell them who it was. They only knew about Ellie. Az was still hiding out from the angels—Lucifer and Max the only ones knowing who he was.
Uriel held a hand to his heart. “I am Uriel, Light of God, Angel of Mercy and, I suppose, your paternal Uncle.”
“Hello.” He didn’t seem like a bad sort, I guess, but he was an angel, so I withheld any fuzzy feelings toward him.
“The angry one is Jophiel, Beauty of God, Angel of Patience and Peace.”
I laughed out loud. Jophiel sent me a look that could have curdled milk.
Uriel pointed to a red-haired angel, an unusual color among Archangels, and angels in general, notwithstanding yours truly. “This is Zadkiel, God’s Mercy, Angel of Benevolence and Forgiveness.”
I inclined my head.
“And in the back is Chamuel, Love of God, Angel of Joy and Contentment.”
Chamuel gazed at me with heavy green eyes, his face betraying nothing. He didn’t seem as angry as the others, but he seemed like a male who had all the pieces of the puzzle before he made a decision.
“I am Violet Swan, daughter of Archangel Michael and Lilith.”
Everyone except Uriel sucked in a shocked breath. My mother’s name was uttered in hushed whispers. Glad to know even after all these years Mom was still badass enough to strike terror into the hearts of angels. A slow smile curved my mouth.
“Daughter of Lilith.” Chamuel spoke up from the back. “You must be formidable in magic.”
Lucifer spoke before I could. “Violet is also the Guardian, as you all know. She is a powerful Brewer in addition to magic gained by her mother and her … sire.” He uttered the last word with barely concealed loathing.
“We would require a demonstration,” Zadkiel said.
“No thanks.” I dared them to challenge me. I was not their trained circus animal.
“It isn’t unheard of,” Uriel said. “We catalog every new angel’s power for our archives.” He inclined a hand to Metatron, who until now had stood stoic and silent.
“We do,” he agreed. “All our powers are documented in our records.”
“And if I don’t agree?”
Lucifer took a step closer.
“We can compel you,” Uriel said mildly.
“And would you?” I challenged.
Zadkiel spoke. “Perhaps. It is a show of good faith for it to be voluntary.”
“And why would I do anything for you?” I seethed.
Zadkiel blinked, taken aback. Chamuel’s brow furrowed. “You are angry with us. All of us.”
“I am angry at many things. My father is a violent despot who tossed me into the Hellfire when he found out about my existence.”
Uriel reared back like I slapped him.
“Whaaaat?” blurted Jophiel.
They all glanced at each other before turning their attention back to us. “Lucifer. Is this true?”
“It is. Violet is not a liar.” Lucifer put his hands in his pockets and looked among his siblings. “We need to speak about Michael.”
Metatron spoke up. While he addressed all of us, his eyes lingered on me. “Michael is delayed. He informed us he would be here no later than an hour after the conclave starts.”
A trickle of fear rolled down my spine. Where was he? An hour was a long time. Many things could happen in that time.
I stared at Metatron. His face was blank, but his eyes burned. “While Michael’s behavior of late is concerning, he stated he had business in New Orleans and will be delayed.”
My mouth went dry. Fear etched itself into my very veins.
Run, Guardian. Leave now and return to the gates. Metatron’s voice whispered through my mind.
Michael has betrayed us all.
Everyone in our party stiffened.
Lucifer’s words were quick and urgent. He spoke to all of us. Step closer to me. Join hands but be discreet as possible. I will provide a distraction.
