Chapter Six
Marielle squared her shoulders and glared at the black beast, feigning a courage she wished she had. Shed dealt with fallen angels before, but always with the vast power of the Heavenly Host to back her up. Now she was alone.
Not entirely alone. Connor stepped in front of her, but his protective move only increased her fear. Didnt he realize he was no match for a demon?
Go inside, she whispered.
He shook his head slightly, never taking his eyes off the beast. Nay.
He hardly knew her, yet he was willing to risk his life for her? Emotions swirled inside her, strong human emotions she wasnt accustomed to feeling. She didnt know whether to hug Connor or yell at him. One thing was certain, she didnt have time to deal with the confusion now. She had to make sure he survived.
She eased away from him as she glared at the demon. Begone!
The wolflike creature tilted its head to watch as Connor moved close to her once again. She groaned inwardly. Was he determined to get himself killed? She should have yelled at him.
The beast drew her attention with a low growl. Its red gleaming eyes focused on her. Its lips pulled back to reveal a row of long, pointed, yellow teeth.
I have come to escort you to your new home, it rasped in a masculine voice. I suggest you come along quietly.
She lifted her chin. Never.
I could rip you apart, it hissed.
Try it, and Ill send ye back to hell in pieces! Connor shouted, lifting his dagger.
The beast snorted. A savior? I love killing those. It narrowed its bloodred eyes on Marielle. Are you willing to let the fool die for you? In that case, hell would be the right place for you. Of course, you could act like a little angel and rescue him from the jaws of death. Come with me, and Ill leave him alone.
Connor grabbed her arm. Shes no going with you, he said hastily as if he were worried she would sacrifice herself to keep him safe.
The swirl of emotions inside her came to rest, and she knew then that shed much rather hug Connor than yell at him. He had a good and noble heart.
She laid her hand on top of his. I wont let it hurt you.
The beast made a huffing noise. So you refuse to be frightened or coerced into submission. No big deal. I have other strategies. It snarled, baring its long, yellow teeth. One way or another, I will succeed.
Its body glimmered, then reshaped, taking the form of a human male. A very handsome male with flowing red hair, bright blue eyes, a bare muscular chest, and a plaid kilt. A perfect body with flawless skin.
She felt Connor stiffen beside her. No doubt he was shocked to see an enhanced version of himself.
The demon flashed a brilliant white smile at her. Now do you like me?
The demon must think she was attracted to the Scotsman if he was attempting this ploy. With a small jolt, she realized he was right. Still, the trick wouldnt work. Connor was real, and his rough, imperfect exterior only made him more beautiful in her eyes. Begone.
Before I can even introduce myself? The demon assumed a wounded expression. Come, Marielle, didnt they teach you better manners than that up in heaven?
She swallowed hard. He already knew her name.
Oh yes. He nodded his head, knowingly. Weve been watching you for some time. Poor little angel who keeps getting into trouble. We knew it was only a matter of time before those sanctimonious snots decided you werent good enough for them.
Her skin crawled with goose bumps. Connors grip on her arm tightened.
My name is Darafer, by the way. My friends call me Dare.
Go back to hell, she said.
Of course. And I would be honored to take you with me. His mouth curled with the hint of a smile. If you dare.
I will never go with you.
You will, he snapped, his smile vanishing. Youd be a fool to want back into heaven. Look what those prigs did to you. They tortured you. Cut off your wings. Left you in the dirt to die.
She winced inwardly. In her mind, she knew better than to heed the words of a demon, but there was enough truth in what he said to make her heart squeeze in her chest. Banished. Connor seemed aware of her pain, for he drew closer.
Darafers upper lip curled in disgust. Even your best friend rejected you.
And that slashed at her more painfully than having her wings ripped off. He had to follow orders.
Did he? Why didnt he disobey? Darafers blue eyes glittered. You have the courage to disobey. Youre more like us than you realize.
That shocked her out of her pain. I will never be like you! You spread evil across the world.
He waved a dismissive hand. Yeah, yeah, its a dirty job but somebody has to do it.
Anger flashed inside her. You make light of it when millions of people suffer because of your evil?
His eyes turned solid black. Beside her, Connor tensed.
I wasnt joking, Darafer snarled. Somebody does have to do it. Your precious Father in Heaven couldnt play the good guy if we werent doing our part. He needs us as much as He needs you. Where would Jesus be without Judas? By joining us, you can play a valuable role in the grand scheme.
She shuddered. Youre twisting the truth to suit your own purposes.
You think so? Darafer snorted. Maybe now that youre disconnected from the all-holy collective, youll start thinking for yourself. He stepped closer. Who created us, Marielle? All of us fallen angelswho made us the way we are?
She stiffened. The Lord is good. It was your decision to rebel against Him.
Darafer smirked. And wasnt it your decision to rebel, too, little angel?
Her skin chilled. Connor gave her arm a tug as if he wanted to move her back. She held her ground, even though inside, she cringed with fear. Was there any going back now? What if shed already doomed herself?
Darafers eyes turned back to blue, and he gave her a knowing look. Yeah. Free will. It has a way of coming back to bite you in the butt.
Her heart raced. Just because I disobeyed a few times doesnt make me like you. I was trying to protect the innocent. You derive a sick pleasure out of tormenting them.
He shrugged. All in the grand scheme, angel. Sometimes a little torment drives the sheep right back into the Fathers arms. You could say were doing Him a favor. Dares mouth curled. Of course, sometimes it leads them straight to hell. Speaking of which He extended a hand toward her. Are you ready?
With a shudder, she stepped back.
Darafer chuckled. Its a bit warmer there. Youll like it.
She shook her head. I will never go with you.
Connor remained close by her side. Ye have yer answer, now go.
Darafer gave the Scotsman a bland look, then turned back to Marielle. Have you ever heard of a banished angel being reinstated?
No, she hadnt. Panic swelled inside her, and she fought against the surge of fear and despair. She couldnt give up hope.
The longer you stay on Earth, the more human you will become, Darafer continued. Do you really want to lose all your power? How about your immortality? Do you want to grow old and turn to dust?
She forced the words past the lump in her throat. Better to lose my immortality than my honor.
Connor inhaled sharply, drawing her attention. He was staring at her, his eyes gleaming with strong emotion. He inclined his head. Well said, lass.
Her heart expanded in her chest. He understood. He approved of her even when heaven had rejected her. A spring of gratitude and affection bubbled up inside her, and the panic faded away. Thank you.
Darafer snorted. Pardon me while I puke.
She glared at him. Im not going with you. Begone.
Youre so na?ˉve, Darafer hissed. You have no idea what kind of parasite is clinging to you, do you?
Connor stiffened. She told you to go. Now leave!
Looks like I hit a nerve. Darafer smirked as he looked Connor over. I suppose Marielle could do worse for a bodyguard. Hell knows youve shown a distinct talent for violence.
Connor lifted his dagger. Doona tempt me.
Oh, I do. Thats my job, Connor Buchanan. Darafer chuckled when the Scotsman flinched. Yes, I know who you are. Youve been on our list for a long time.
Marielle touched Connors arm and winced at how tense he was. Pay him no heed. Hes a deceiver.
Darafer snorted. Whos deceiving whom? Maybe for your sake, angel, I should take out the trash. Wouldnt want the parasite to soil your dewy innocence. He smiled slowly as he looked her over. Im planning on doing that myself.
Ye willna touch her! Connor yelled.
Darafer shot him an angry look. Do you really think you can stop me? Try it. Then I wont have to go back empty-handed tonight. Looks bad on my r??sum??, you know.
Marielles heart lurched when the demons eyes turned red. He was planning to attack.
Connor realized it, too, for he jumped away from her and assumed a defensive stance.
Her heart pounded. Connor couldnt possibly defeat a demon. And still, in the face of death, he tried to protect her. He kept moving to the side to draw the demon away from her. His dagger gleamed in the moonlight as he raised his arm.
Darafer stepped back and his body shimmered, shifting back into the beastly black wolf. He crouched, preparing to pounce. A low growl rumbled in his throat.
Oh God, no. She couldnt let Connor die. She shot up a desperate plea for help, but heaven was silent. It was up to her. Curling her hands into fists, she hoped she still retained enough power to keep Connor from being ripped to shreds.
The beast leaped.
No! She threw her arms out, her hands splayed. A massive burst of air exploded around her, shooting out in all directions. It blew the beast back, tossing him forty feet into the forest. He crashed into some bushes.
Unfortunately, the blast also knocked Connor back forty feet and he landed on his back, thumping his head hard on the ground.
With a growl, the beast jumped to its feet.
Marielle raised her hands, hoping she could muster enough power for another attack. Fear crept along her skin, making her shiver. Darafer had the same abilities she had, but even more since he could change his form at will. He could also call for assistance from Lucifers other servants.
She, on the other hand, was trapped in a human body and cut off from the Heavenly Host.
He morphed into a male human form. Long dark hair, emerald-green eyes, luminous pale skin. This was most probably his preferred look, and she hated to admit he was striking. Dramatic and elegant, too, in his black leather pants and long black coat.
You dont want to get into a battle with me, angel, he said quietly. You know youll lose.She swallowed hard.
Luckily for you, Im not allowed to force you to accompany me, he continued. Free will, you know. Sometimes the black beast strategy works, and the poor sap says hes willing out of fear. You didnt fall for it, though, so Ill have to wait until you want to come with me.
That will never happen.
He smiled slowly. I was hoping you would be a challenge. Makes the final surrender so much more sweet. He lifted a hand, palm up, and a red glowing light appeared, then condensed into a solid red object. He tossed it toward her.
The object rolled toward her feet. A shiny red apple.
Let me know when youre ready to take a bite. With a whoosh, black wings sprang from his back, and he was gone.
Marielle drew in a deep breath. Thank God. She was safe for now. And Connor? She ran toward him.
He was still flat on his back. The poor man must have hit the ground hard.
With a gasp, she stumbled to a stop. Good heavens. The blast of air had blown his kilt up to his chest.
Oh, she breathed. Shed never seen an angel look like that. Come to think of it, shed never seen a human look like that. As a Deliverer, shed seen her share of naked human bodies, but they tended to be old, or ill, or injured. And they were usually gray, shriveled, and dead.
She stepped closer. Definitely not gray. Rather pink and healthy. And most definitely not shriveled. Even his hair was interesting. Red and curly, it looked very soft and . . . touchable.
She tilted her head, marveling at the size and structure. It was all so . . . out in the open. Blatant. Masculine.
The invasive purpose of the design was so obvious, she reacted instinctively and pressed her thighs together. That was . . . curious. Oddly pleasurable. A shiver ran down her arms, but she didnt think it was caused by the cold. She felt strangely . . . warm.
Connor groaned, and she jerked to her senses. Good heavens, hed been lying there, possibly hurt, and she hadnt even checked him for injuries.
His eyes opened, and he blinked at her.
She crouched beside him. Are you all right?
Is the demon gone? He struggled to sit up.
Yes, were safe now.
Och, good. He fell back and with a moan, rubbed his head.
Are you injured?
Head hurts, he mumbled. Keep getting knocked His eyes widened. That was you who blasted me into a damned tree earlier? When Zack was attacking you?
I tried to defend myself. You were caught in the wind?
Aye. He propped himself up on an elbow. How long was I out?
A . . . few minutes.
He glanced at himself, then jolted into a sitting position and jerked his kilt down to his knees. Damn. He shot a fierce look at her.
She jumped to her feet. II beg your pardon. Her cheeks grew warm. Pray, do not be troubled. It is truly a . . . small matter.
Small?
Yes. Of little consequence.
Little? He arched a brow. Do ye need another look?
For goodness sake, I was not referring to your size. The Lord knows youre definitely Her cheeks blazed hotter, and it didnt help that he appeared to be enjoying her discomfort. She turned away stiffly. In truth, I hardly noticed.
The minute the words escaped, she froze in shock. What was she doing? Never before in her entire existence had she uttered a falsehood.
Her gaze fell on the apple Darafer had tossed onto the grass. A reminder that the longer she stayed on Earth, the more human she would become. The more susceptible she would be to sin. As in hiding the truth. Telling lies.
Or feeling lust.
Good Lord! Shed never get back to heaven if she fell into sin.
Marielle? Connor asked softly, and his voice sent a shiver down her spine.
She dashed to the cabin and let herself inside. She paced around the large room, weaving a trail around the couch and through what appeared to be a kitchen and dining area. Around and around she went, and her heart kept pounding, thundering in her ears. This wasnt helping. She felt caged in. Shed always had wings before. Shed always had the ability to fly anywhere she wanted.
She had to get back to where she belonged. There had to be a way.
She stopped and brought her clenched hands up to her face. Dont panic. Think. Unfortunately, her thoughts seemed to bounce around, echoing in the empty cavern of her mind where she was used to hearing thousands of voices. Voices that sang praises and offered a constant stream of encouragement and comfort. They were all gone. She was so alone.
Dont panic. Darafer was counting on her panic and fear so he could lure her in. No doubt, he figured she would miss the company of angels so badly, shed be willing to join the fallen ones just to regain some sense of belonging. But the lure was false. There would be no comfort in hell.
There had to be a purpose to what she was enduring. The Heavenly Father was always big on learning through experience. He was forgiving, too. She just needed to find the right path, the right penance that would convince Him shed learned her lesson.
Maybe there was something she was supposed to do here on Earth. Some noble mission. And once shed proven herself worthy, shed be allowed back into heaven.
She resumed her pacing. That had to be it. She was simply being tested. The Father would never completely abandon her. She was not a fallen angel. No matter what Darafer said.
Like all of Lucifers servants, Dare was a deceiver. He would try anything, say anything to confound her. And without her connection to the Heavenly Host, she had succumbed too easily to fear. She couldnt let that happen again. She would have to be strong. Fearless. Gird herself with righteous armor.
She jumped when the door clicked shut. Oh great, that was real fearless of her. She gave Connor a wary look.
He stood by the door, watching her with an intensity that sent a shiver down her back. His hand gripped his dagger once again. He must have found the weapon somewhere on the grass. He leaned over to slip it into the sheath beneath his knee sock.
The cabin felt much smaller with him there.
She took a deep breath to calm her racing heart. Im sorry you had to experience a demon. Hell come again, so its not safe for you to be with me. I appreciate your noble intentions, but it would be in your best interest to leave.
Ye think I turn tail and run that easily? His blue eyes glittered. Ye consider me a coward?
No! I think youre very brave. Amazingly brave, really, since its highly unlikely that a human could ever defeat a demon in battle. Not without help from the Heavenly Host, and Im afraid theyre not going to respond if I call them. So I wont blame you if you want to go . . .
He watched her closely. Im no going.
Her breath whooshed out. She hadnt realized she was holding it. She definitely hadnt realized how much she wanted him to stay. Thank you.
He nodded, then wandered toward the kitchen. Before we go any further, I need to tell you about myself. The demon referred to me as a parasite, and
Please dont let his insults upset you. She strode toward Connor. Demons are notorious deceivers. Darafer probably wants to drive a wedge between us, make me doubt you so Ill reject you and lose your protection. He knows well be easier to defeat if he can separate us.
Ye just tried to separate us.
Yes. She stopped in front of him. Because Im worried about your safety. I really should insist you leave. She hung her head. Im being selfish to keep you.
Nay, lass. I stay because I want to.
She lifted her gaze to meet his. You were willing to fight a demon to keep me safe. You stood by my side and believed in me. Youre a good, brave, noble man, Connor Buchanan. You rescued me tonight, and I will always be grateful for your courage and strength of character.
He stood still, watching her with a stunned look.
She smiled. Not only was he honorable, but modest, too. She reached up, placed her hands on his temples, and tugged his head down. God bless you. She kissed his brow, then released him.
She turned away to resume her pacing, but he grabbed her wrist and halted her. She gasped when he shoved her against a wall, her wrist still gripped in his fist and now pinned against the wall close to her ear.
Her heart lurched. Whatwhat are you doing?
He planted his other hand on the wall and leaned toward her. His eyes blazed a brilliant blue. When ye kiss a man, ye should do it properly.
Her pulse raced. I did give you a proper kiss.
For a child. He leaned forward till his mouth was close to her ear. His breath feathered against her skin, causing tiny tingles. Im a man. I believe ye noticed that.
Hardly noticed it. She shivered when his nose nuzzled her ear. And I apologized. I didnt mean to offend you.
Do I seem offended to you?
II Good heavens, was that his tongue? You were offended earlier when I was uncovered. So it seems . . . logical to assume . . . She couldnt remember what she was trying to say when his tongue was tickling her ear.
I was never offended, he whispered. Ive been dying to touch you again.
Her mind swirled, leaving her dizzy. She trembled as his lips moved down her neck.
Yer pulse is jumping, he murmured.
I know. She struggled to breathe. I think this heart must be defective. Its not working right.
He chuckled. Yere working perfectly. Yere so beautiful. So sweet. He kissed a trail to her jaw.
Her heart pounded. Was he headed to her mouth? She should stop him. Angels didnt behave like this. They simply didnt have the desire.
But she did. It had to be this human body. It was so finely tuned to enjoying the nuance of his every touch. The pressure of his lips, the moistness of his tongue. The nibbling. The tickling. The rough scrape of his whiskers made her knees grow weak. And his sweet words made her heart swell with longing.
Connor, she whispered, her eyes flickering shut.
She felt his breath against her lips. So close. Her heart raced with anticipation.
Good heavens, this had to be lust. No wonder it was a sin. It was so powerful. She opened her mouth to say no, but his lips touched hers. Softly, then he pulled away.
She froze. That was it? Surely there was nothing sinful in that. It had seemed rather . . . sweet.
His mouth met hers again, lingering this time, pressing gently. Yes, definitely sweet. He seemed to be tasting her, sipping from her. He drew her bottom lip into his mouth and suckled gently.
She moaned.
He pulled her into his arms and scattered kisses over her cheeks, her nose, her neck. With her eyes still closed, she wrapped her arms around his neck. It felt so good to be wanted. And by Connor. Such a good, brave, noble man.
He returned to her mouth for another kiss. She tried to return it, mimicking his gentle sucking and nipping motions. A groan rumbled deep in his throat, and the sound reverberated through her, settling between her thighs with a curious sensation.
That was . . . odd. Uncomfortable, somehow, as if she were aching for something. Desperate for something.
Her fingers dug into his shoulders, and she moaned against his mouth.
With a growl, Connor deepened the kiss, molding his mouth more fiercely against her. Warning bells sounded in her head. The sweetness was gone, replaced by something wild and . . . hungry.
Lust. Good heavens, shed been seduced by sweetness, only to fall headlong into passion. And the most shocking part was she wasnt sure she wanted to stop.
He planted his hands on her bottom and pulled her tight against him. She gasped. Good heavens, he was bigger than before.
Connor She jolted when she saw his eyes. Bright red and glowing.
She jumped back, banging against the wall.
Careful. He took her by the shoulders, but she scrambled away.
She recalled now that his eyes had turned red earlier. Shed dismissed it at the time, for shed known all along he wasnt a demon. She would have sensed that immediately. Earlier on the couch, shed had a glimpse into his soul, and it was human.
It didnt make sense. Shed been so sure he was human. I dont understand.He held up a hand as if to reassure her. Tis all right. Ye know I would never harm you.
Her mind raced, zipping through all the possibilities. Was he from another planet? No, he was a Scotsman. A shifter? She didnt think so. What had Darafer called hima parasite?
With a gasp, it all became clear. And terrifying. For he was the same kind of creature that had killed all those people at the campground. Youre a Cheater!
He blinked. A what?
A Cheater. Her heart sank. Thats what Zack calls them because theyve cheated death. He hates You. She couldnt bring herself to say it.
Her eyes welled with tears. Youre a vampire.