Page 93 of Living with Death

She waves a dismissive hand. “I deserved it, Mabel. I’m not saying that so you can have guilt on your shoulders. Lord knows I have enough for the both of us.”

She exhales. “I never had love. Not like the kind you’re talking about with Azrael, so if you’re sure you want to do this with him, then do it. Be happy.”

“Thank you.”

Mom nods and reaches for her tea. “Would you like to stay for dinner? Pasta’s on the menu.”

“Pasta?” I question. “You naughty woman.”

She laughs, and it’s the kind of laugh filled with relief.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Azrael

“Your time is nearly up,” Michael says as we walk along the garden. His hands are behind his back, his glow bright as usual.

“I never understood why you gave us only two weeks,” Hypnos says. The god of sleep wears a navy suit. His eyes are as blue as the Caribbean Sea, always mischief-filled.

“You’re beautiful creatures. It shouldn’t take long for a mortal to fall head over heels for you.”

“Ah, yes, but we come with a high price,” Hypnos says.

“I’m going to ask Mabel to marry me,” I say.

They both stop, looking at me.

“She has said she loves you?” Michael asks.

“Yes.”

“You’re sure you heard her correctly?” Hypnos questions.

“Shut up,” I reply with a grin.

“It’s not the first time you’ve heard those words from a female. It was only a few months ago when you told me Tarina said it.”

“We were fucking, and she was on the brink of orgasm,” I counter.

“And Mabel wasn’t?”

“It was after, thank you.”

He laughs, and I frown.

“Hypnos,” Michael warns.

“I’m kidding. I’ve seen her dreams. She loves you, brother.” Hypnos grips my shoulder.

“Really?” I question. “She dreams of me?”

“Often.”

I look down. “That’s a relief.”

Hypnos pats me on the back. “You’ll be happy.”

“Will she, however?” I ask. “How’s Morgan doing? She’s been around for a century now. How has she handled losing her loved ones?”

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