Page 9 of Michael
Aphrodite’s words cut through me like a ruthless gut-punch. I haven’t spoken of Charlotte in almost a century. I swallow the lump in my throat, staring at the goddess in sheer disbelief. How could she know about her?
Aphrodite tilts closer as she murmurs in my ear, “Reading hearts is my specialty, love.” Her eyes glint in the room’s soft amber beams as she steps back, a knowing smirk dancing on her lips.
She pivots on her heels, her long chestnut hair whipping around her in a graceful arc. Strands of it catch the light and glow like gossamer, revealing an ethereal shield that separates her from the mortal world.
Aphrodite then moves through the throngs of people, a beautiful swan drifting amid a flock of ducklings.
“Thanks, Aphie…” I barely speak, but she’s gone, and I’m left standing alone.
CHAPTER6
Michael
The stenchof demon permeates the air and drills into my nostrils the second I descend the staircase.
The club is packed with devils, their eyes glistening with a sinister glow as they warily follow my every move. However, I recognize other friends of darkness in the bustling room—vampires and old gods, and scattered amid them, a few reckless humans willing to gamble their souls away.
My preternatural blue eyes identify him in a single glance. I march up behind my target with a purposeful stride, and before he can react, I slam my hands down on his shoulders.
“Get up, big boy. You’re coming with me,” I tell him in a throaty voice.
He stares at me, his eyes wide in a mix of resignation and awe. His silence makes me crack half a grin. I take it as a sign of surrender. Surely, he knows any struggle would be useless. I’m the mightiest angel in Creation. I always win.
“Hey!” someone in front of us roars, palms slamming against the small table between us. “What’s the matter with you?”
When I spot the young woman, I startle. Fierce as few of my boldest enemies, she sizes me up with narrowed eyes. Her form is slender and gentle, with a narrow but sensual frame. She’s not a fighter, I can tell. Her spirit, however…
“We’re talking here,” she adds, frowning in glaring annoyance. Her lush lips crease into a pout of displeasure.
A smirk appears on my lips as I sarcastically remark, “Yeah. I bet you are,” lifting one eyebrow in the process.
The human flinches. Flabbergasted? “Excuse me?” she snaps and her jaw slackens in disbelief. Yup. Flabbergasted, indeed.
Until the demon releases a quiet groan, I realize I’m clutching his shoulders way too tight. I lighten my grip—but not too much.
I ease the girl’s temper with, “Listen, I’m not here to judge.” Look at her tattoos. I can’t help reading the cryptic symbols inked on her forearms and her hands.
“M… Michael?” Jack groans.
I blink. Again, I’ve clenched my hands too tight. Reluctant to ease his pain, I glide them away. “You’re needed at the hospital,” I say in a flat tone. “Hurry, will you? Wrap upwhatever this isand let’s go.” One step back.
The woman’s lips tighten into a thin line and her nostrils flare. Her pale blue eyes are flashing with rage, and for a moment, I think she just might reach out and slap me.
“You insolent—” she spits.
“Witch,” I reply, voice dripping with disdain. “A servant of the devil.”
“What are you saying?” she manages, batting her long eyelashes.
“You’ve strayed from the righteous path and put your trust in dark magic,” I continue with no inclination. “I am amazed to see a glimmer of divine light emanating from you still—a reminder of the soul you once possessed. Maybe.” I shake my head, repulsed by this enigma before me. She’s a being of sin and selfishness; nothing more than an abomination.
Silence spreads in the room. With a swift glance, I realize all eyes turn to us. This is not how I would have wanted to address the situation. But here we are.
“How dare you?” she speaks in the lowest voice, her eyes shimmering with forthcoming tears. She seems to feel insulted. I can’t see why. I’ve only pointed out what’s blatantly obvious.
“Let’s go,” I tell Jack, helping him to his feet—more likehaulinghim up. The quicker we leave, the better. “Come on.”
CHAPTER7
