Page 41 of Raphael
My eyes drift shut again against my will. But my heart unclenches its panicked grip, soothed by Raphael’s strong presence. However long my recovery takes, facing it no longer seems so daunting with my guardian archangel beside me.
Soon after, voices rouse me briefly as Raphael confers with the doctors in somber tones just outside my room. Though I only grasp snatches of the conversation through the drug haze, the gravity comes across clearly. My injuries are severe.
Raphael slips back inside, reclaiming his place at my bedside with a strained smile. “My brother Michael is a brilliant doctor. He patched you up. He suspects your demon constitution will quicken the healing process,” he says, tone artificially bright. “You’ll be up tormenting me again in no time.” A sad smile.
But his face belies the light words. Jaw clenched, Raphael is barely holding back a maelstrom. My sluggish thoughts whirl, trying to comprehend why he looks so devastated. My wounds will mend, but his agony seems rooted deeper.
When I frown up at him in mute question, Raphael squeezes my hand fiercely. “Baby, I should have been there to protect you,” he chokes out, eyes watering. “This never should have—” His voice cracks and he looks away quickly, mastering himself.
Oh, my love.My heart twists, understanding now the source of his inner tempest. Raphael blames himself for my injuries, though he had no way of preventing this evil.
I ache to comfort him, wipe that haunted grief from his beloved features. But darkness already creeps back in, dragging me down into its numbing tides. I cling desperately to awareness a moment longer, just enough to clumsily brush my fingers across his wrist.
Raphael squeezes my hand in return, eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “Rest, my devious starfire,” he murmurs brokenly. “I’m not going anywhere now.”
Reassured, I let the black waves take me under, anchored in place by my archangel’s steadfast presence.
CHAPTER26
Helena
The soundof voices bickering snaps me out of my drug-induced slumber. My eyes slowly flutter open, revealing the stark white walls of a hospital room. It’s not as intimidating as what I’m assuming was the ICU I just left. As my vision clears, I recognize the familiar tones of the argument.
And then, I see them. Standing at the foot of my bed are two men who represent opposite worlds that I’ve been desperately trying to keep separate. On one side is Uncle Lucifer, radiating an imposing presence and an air of arrogance that fills the room. On the other is my hot archangel boyfriend, Raphael, his stance defiant in the face of my uncle’s wrath.
Lucifer’s voice booms, echoing off the walls. “What the hell areyoudoing here? I don’t want you near my niece!”
Raphael squares his shoulders. Although handsome in black scrubs and a white coat, he looks exhausted. “Guess what, pal? You don’t get to make that call.” He stabs an accusing finger in my uncle’s chest, which does not sit well with him.
“You’ve always been nothing but trouble, Raphael!” Lucifer hisses, shoving his hand away.
The tension in the room is tangible, like a taut string ready to snap. A wave of anxiety washes over me as I watch my worst nightmare unfold––both of my worlds colliding in a catastrophic blast. The hospital machinery beeps hurriedly, matching my rising anxiety.
“Darling!” Lucifer’s tone shifts abruptly as he notices I’m awake. He approaches the bed, his expression immediately softening. “When can we get you out of here?” His voice trails off, wrinkling his nose as he glances around the room. “This place is so...holy.”
I glance down at my ID bracelet, the bold Angelstone Community Hospital logo catching my eye. A twinge of guilt hits me as I realize this hospital is owned by Lucifer’s sworn archangel enemies.
Raphael moves to my other side. “Baby, how are you feeling?” His voice is gentle and comforting, the complete opposite of Lucifer’s harshness. “Don’t listen to that old fool. You’ll stay here for as long as you need.”
“She’s no ordinary demon, but a Morningstar,” Lucifer blurts in a smug tone. “She’ll heal in no time.”
“Helena isnota demon!” Raphael snaps. “She’s human!”
A scornful smirk twists my uncle’s expression. “The lesser half of her is,” he mumbles derisively.
My mouth opens to speak, but words fail me.
“And when you do come back,” Lucifer adds with an encouraging smile, “we’ll have a grand celebration at the DeLux. Everyone is eagerly awaiting your return—especially Kane. He’s been worried sick about your well-being.”
At the mention of my uncle’s head of security, my heart skips a beat. I shudder, the blood in my veins instantly turning ice cold.
Raphael notices the sudden shift in my demeanor. “What’s wrong?” he asks, his brow furrowed with concern.
I can’t speak; dread paralyzes me as memories of the attack I suffered at the DeLux Café come flooding back. The images are wildly vivid and terrifying, and I can’t stop shaking, swept in sheer dread.
“Helena?” Lucifer’s voice is laced with worry. “Wait a minute…” he murmurs, realization dawning on him. “Did thatbeastdo this to you?” His eyes search mine for the truth, and a surge of fear and anger washes over me at the memory of my attacker. “Darling, answer me!”
“I’d say you’ve gotten your answer,” Raphael spits out wrathfully, his knuckles white from gripping the bed rail tight.
