Page 52 of Raphael
After a few moments, I feel some of the tension begin to drain from Helena’s body. She lifts her head, gazing up at me with those piercing maroon eyes, now sharp with purpose. It’s time to start planning our counterattack.
I grab my phone and tap Draven’s number, putting it on speakerphone. He answers after two rings, his gravelly voice sounding even more ominous disembodied.
“Raphael,” he greets simply.
An awkward beat of silence follows before Helena chimes in. “Hello, Draven.” Her tone is cool, guarded.
I can practically hear the gears turning in Draven’s mind as he forces himself into a more congenial demeanor. “Helena... a pleasure, as always.”
We exchange the bare minimum of strained pleasantries. I know Draven is on his best behavior because of the deal Lucifer has dangling over his head. One wrong move, and my formidable uncle-in-law will crush the demon without a second thought. A useful bit of leverage for now.
After the stilted formalities, we get down to business. Draven’s gruff voice takes on a clinical tone as he outlines what he’s uncovered about Kane’s current location and defenses.
“My sources tracked him to an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. He’s set up layers of protections—unholy sigils, demonic wards, the usual.”
I feel Helena’s slender frame tense against me as Draven clinically mentions finding evidence of Kane’s disturbing, lurid obsession with her. My jaw clenches involuntarily, muscles twitching with barely contained fury. The primal urge to protect my mate floods my senses, eclipsing all rational thought.
In my mind’s eye, I conjure every gruesome torture I will visit upon Kane, every bit of agony an immortal body can experience before final annihilation. He will regret ever setting his depraved sights on her. I will make sure of it, even if it means my dissolution.
Sensing the rage rolling off me in scorching waves, Helena places a gentle, steadying hand on my chest. Her siren’s eyes meet mine, understanding and shared anger simmering in their depths.
“We’ll make him pay, my love,” she vows, her voice soft yet steely. “But I need you with me, not lost in vengeance.”
Her words help tether me, keeping my rage from spiraling out of control. I draw a slow breath and nod, never breaking eye contact. In her gaze, I find my strength, my purpose beyond destruction.
Oblivious to our silent exchange, Draven drones on, laying out more of the disturbing insights he’s gathered into our target’s madness. With Helena’s touch still anchoring me, I tune back in.
“...based on what my sources uncovered, the sick bastard has an entire occult shrine dedicated to Ms. Morningstar here. Creepy mystical objects, grimoires with disturbing poetry, locks of hair—bad business all around.”
Though his words are clinical, I can hear the unspoken revulsion even Draven feels towards one of his own kind. It mirrors my disgust, amplified tenfold.
Helena squares her shoulders, resolve glinting in her eyes like steel. “Then we end him, Draven. Here and now.”
Silence crackles on the other end of the line.
“You heard her,” I add, breaking the stillness. “Let’s finish this.”
Draven takes a deep breath, then continues laying out the information he’s gathered. “He rarely leaves the warehouse, just sends minions out for supplies. But I think if we play this right, we can lure him out into the open.”
I arch an eyebrow. “Just the three of us against a horde of demons? Should be fun.” Despite my light tone, we both know this will be anything but easy.
“Wait. Did I hear you say,three?” Draven asks in a cautious tone.
“Yes, I’m coming with you,” Helena declares, her voice filled with determination.
Draven clears his throat, his restlessness clear even through the speaker. “I’m not sure Lucifer would approve of this change—”
Helena cuts him off with, “Draven, it’s my call.” She stiffens. “I have a score to settle with that devil for what he did to me and my family. And trust me, I have a plan.” She leans closer, lowering her voice. “Just promise me you’ll clear the way.”
“Well, far be it from me to come empty-handed...” Draven trails off, and I can imagine the cruel smile twisting his lips.
“Hold on one second,” I blurt out, too startled to tap the phone’s mute button. “What exactly is this plan of yours?”
I don’t like where this is headed one bit. My protective instincts are flaring, sensing Helena is about to suggest something reckless.
She blushes, a rare glimpse of uncertainty crossing her face as she prepares to explain. “You heard Draven—Kane is obsessed with me. There’s only one way to lure him out of hiding...”
I feel my stomach drop even before she voices the risky strategy. “No!” I interrupt, unable to restrain my objection. “Absolutely not. I won’t allow you to put yourself in such danger as bait!”
