Page 42 of Michael
Gabrielle’s eyes fly open when she sees him. “Uriel?” she says, uncaring to conceal her shock. “I never thought you’d come.” Our brother has a reputation for being the least confrontational in our lot.
“I’m here too. No need to get all excited or anything…” Rafa’s voice trails off as he emerges from the darkness, zipping up his black leather jacket.
“Raphael!” My sister sighs in relief.
Rafa nods in acknowledgment as he joins us. “Hey, sis. Nice seeing you.”
Uriel lets out a laugh and claps his hands together. “This is going to be like old times, isn’t it?” He looks between the three of us and raises a quizzical eyebrow. “So, how are we gonna do this? Who gets the senior demon?”
Rafa shrugs in response. “Who’s the senior demon?” he asks, wrinkling his nose.
My brother Uri scowls. “Really, Rafa? You’re coming here unprepared?” he blurts in annoyance. “It’s just like you to do this!”
“Don’t you snap at me, Uriel!” Rafa rebuffs. “You wouldn’t evenbehere if I hadn’t talked you into it!”
“Guys,” Gabrielle softly intervenes, “please don’t…”
My attention shifts away from their fiery quarrel as I spot movement in the nightclub’s entrance. The doors swing open and Jack Langley saunters out, hands tucked into the pockets of his tailored suit. His back is straight and his chest puffed out with arrogance as he struts down the driveway, unaware of the seething scene around him.
“Come on, Kodi,” I whisper, gently taking him out of the refuge of my jacket, where I was keeping him safe and warm.
I follow Jack into the alley and catch up with him as he’s running his fingers along the seams of his jacket, searching frantically for his car keys.
The street’s dead silent, the shops and restaurants all closed, except for the beam of light from a distant streetlamp and the full moon, lighting up Jack’s face with a soft, ethereal blue hue.
There he is—Jack, the infamous demon. I clear my throat, my mouth suddenly dry.
He whirls around, his swarthy face holding a mix of surprise and anger. “Michael,” he says, his voice low and menacing.
“Jack,” I reply coolly.
The demon’s stare drifts to Kodi, cradled in my arms. “Did the witch send you?” he asks with a proud tone. “Has she come to her senses? Tell me. Are you here to give me back my kodi?”
I stab him with an unforgiving glare. “You’re getting Kodi, all right,” I say through clenched teeth.
With a flick of my wrist, the small creature flies out of my grip. As soon as his tiny paws hit the pavement, Kodi hisses in Jack’s direction, revealing his sharp teeth.
Jack steps back, his face paling in sheer dread. “Wait,” he stammers, holding out his quivering hand. “Michael, you can’t do this to me. You’re an archangel! You’re supposed to be good!”
My wings flare in fury as I pace closer to him, burying him in their shadow. “And I am,” I reply with no inclination, looking down at him. “When an angel strikes back, it’s calledjustice, Jack. And you’re finally getting it.” I pause. “Get him, boy. He’s all yours.”
The demon scrambles to his feet and starts to run away. But Kodi instantly springs into action, chasing after Jack and biting at his heels as he screams. Jack almost escapes, but he trips and Kodi seizes the chance. He launches, ready to sink his teeth into Jack’s arm before I call him off.
Jack’s left lying on the ground sobbing while Kodi sits calmly by my side once more, lazily waggling his tail.
A wry smile curls my lips. “I’m taking you in,” I tell Jack, and in a flash, I sweep him off the ground, tucking him under my arm. “Kodi?” At my call, the lethal fuzzball leaps in the air and lands on my shoulder, gripping me tightly. And as I turn away from the alley, I spread my wings out wide and fly away to hell.
CHAPTER 25
Amanda
I joltawake in the middle of the night. My heart races and I can’t catch my breath. Putting aside the book, I tiptoe to the balcony and open the glass doors. The sounds of the rolling waves and distant seabirds fill the air. Tears stream down my face as I watch the shimmering stars and churning waves, so peaceful, yet I feel so small and alone.
I slump down onto the balcony railing, my heart heavy and my tears relentless. I think of what Richard said the day he cursed me—that I didn’t deserve love or happiness. What a cruel reality to face. Even if I managed to break his curse, would it really be possible for me to find real happiness?
Choking back my sobs, I close my eyes and take a deep breath. This moment could very well be the last tranquil one before New Year’s Day, the day the curse will take hold of my soul and consume me. I pray silently that maybe somehow there’s still hope for me to break free from this fate, but deep down, I know it’s a mere illusion.
The night passes slowly until morning’s new light brings a pale orange glow.
