Echoes and Embers Page 8

  “Relax, let the pleasure come.”

  Wrapping his fingers around the back of her neck, he drew her face toward him and covered her mouth with his. Each individual movement came together in a graceful dance. His fingers stroked, her hand pumped and his tongue thrust.

  Pleasure burst within her and she squeezed his hand between her thighs. Her inner muscles rippled and pulsed. He cried out against her mouth and covered her hand with his, increasing the pressure of her fist. His shaft jerked wildly and his warm seed spilled down over their entwined fingers.

  His mouth gentled and he slipped his hand out from between her thighs. Reluctantly she released him, absently rubbing the proof of his pleasure between her fingers. It felt slick and soft, rather like she became whenever she entertained impure thoughts.

  She wanted to draw him back, to fan the embers and be consumed. “Don’t send me back,” she whispered.

  “I must. I cannot wed you, and I will not treat you like a whore.”

  She flinched, the implication reverberating through her. “Even if I’m acting like one?” She hopped off the table and turned her back as she righted her clothes.

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “You didn’t have to.” Choking back a sob, she spun toward the door. He caught her about the waist. “Let go of me!”

  “Rosalind.” He said her name with such longing it made her tremble. “I would give anything to be what you want me to be. It is not that I don’t want you. I ache as you ache.”

  She held perfectly still, resenting his touch, even as she burned for more. “Then why? What keeps you from me?”

  “A life you could never understand.”

  * * * * *

  Responding to the urgency in Alyssa’s mental call, Sariel abandoned the sky. He landed behind her on the tower and pulled her into his arms as he furled his wings. “The stench of fear surrounds you. What has frightened you?”

  “He was here. A Grigori. He looked like you and yet he was Fallen. His eyes. Evil gleamed in his eyes. He asked after Rosalind, said he had met her at court, but I don’t remember. You must help me remember!”

  Leaning in, he buried his face in her hair and inhaled deeply. Beyond the fear, beyond her unique scent, he detected her visitor. “Enos!” He staggered back a step. “Enos was here?”

  “Aye. He called himself Lord Diadem.”

  Closing his eyes, Sariel shook his head. Why was Enos here? What did he want with Rosalind? It had been many centuries since they crossed paths.

  “Who is Enos? Why do you react with such dread? Is he not the Grigori you sent originally?”

  “You thought I dispatched Enos? Nay. Enos Fell long ago.”

  “Then what does he want with Rosalind? How does he know about her?”

  “He asked for Rosalind by name? Tell me exactly what happened.” She explained in short, succinct sentences exactly what was said.

  “He just left? You told him Rosalind was unavailable and he bowed to you and left?”

  “Why do you sound so surprised? Who is Enos Diadem?”

  “Enos is my brother. Or he was before he Fell.”

  * * * * *

  They descended to the great hall and were discussing where next to search when Rosalind strolled into the keep. Alyssa smiled, thrilled to see Rosalind safe, but anger immediately doused her relief.

  “Where have you been?” Alyssa’s tone was tight and controlled.

  “Giving the village lads a good tumble.”

  Alyssa charged toward Rosalind, but Sariel caught her arm. He stepped past her and stood before Rosalind, staring down from his great height. “You are either a spoiled brat in need of a sound thrashing or a very foolish child.”

  Rosalind gasped and Alyssa grinned. The way he had grabbed her arm had apparently led Rosalind to believe he meant to defend her.

  “You can’t speak to me like this. You’re a guest in my castle.”

  “There is a creature pursuing you. We do not yet understand his motivation. Until we do, you will remain within the castle compound.”

  Rosalind glanced at Alyssa, a bit of the fight going out of her stance. “A creature? Why would you use that term?”

  “Only a fool makes the same mistake twice,” Sariel continued, drawing Rosalind’s gaze back toward him. “When I encountered you in the church, Alyssa was searching for you. Correct?”

  “I was within the curtain walls. There was no danger.”

  “And today?” Alyssa could only see his broad back, but his tone snapped with challenge and authority.

  “I… Who is after me and why did you refer to him as a creature?”

  “Where did you go today?” Sariel persisted.

  “Beyond the curtain walls,” Rosalind admitted in a small, shaky voice. “I didn’t intend to return, but…Mae insisted.”

  “You were not with Mae. I spoke to her.”

  Alyssa stepped up beside Sariel. “Who insisted you return to the castle?”

  “The one person I counted on most.” Tears swam behind her long lashes and her dainty chin quivered. “You win, Alyssa. I have tried. There is no escaping you.”

  Alyssa’s breath hitched and her cheeks burned. Rosalind’s words stung like a slap. “Why would you want to escape me?”

  Tears spilled onto Rosalind’s cheeks as the words came tumbling out. “I love you like a sister, but the whispers in the village are not idle gossip. You are going mad. You frighten me. I never know what you’ll do, what you’ll say, who you’ll be. I just want my friend back. I want…”

  Alyssa reached for her but Rosalind twisted away.

  “This ends now.” Sariel’s deep voice drew the attention of both females. “Alyssa is not going mad. The truth may be hard for you to accept. She has lied to protect you from the fear of superstitious fools. If her true nature were revealed, the gossipmongers might find the courage to act.”

  “Her true nature? What does that mean?”

  There was no need to speak the words, he just unfurled his wings.

  Sariel watched Rosalind’s awe turn to terror and quickly retracted his wings. “Fear not. I only showed you to assure you I can speak only truth. That is what complicated Alyssa’s memory. Most angels cannot lie.”

  “Alyssa is an angel.” Befuddled, the girl stumbled back and sank onto one of the benches scattered about the great hall.

  “The truth is complicated, but her angelic nature is the secret she has been attempting to conceal.”

  Rosalind looked at Alyssa, eyes wide and filled with hurt. “You couldn’t trust me with your secret?”

  “Would you have believed me?” Alyssa’s voice shook and she crossed her arms over her chest. Was she relieved to have the subject uncovered or angry that he had forced her hand? “I can no longer unfurl my wings. If Sariel had not been here to demonstrate, you would have been completely convinced of my madness.”

  “I’m sorry. I…”

  He wanted to let Alyssa savor the moment, to solidify the reconciliation with her ward, but important matters remained unspoken. They were running out of time. “When Alyssa speaks an untruth her mind adjusts reality to accommodate the lie. She has been unable to tell you the truth, so her mind continually creates new realities. Do you understand what that must be like?”

  Blinking away the last of her tears, Rosalind nodded. “I saw it clearly at court. Court was horrible. I have never been so…”

  “Ashamed?” Alyssa supplied, her gaze still wounded.

  “Aye.” Rosalind’s expression twisted with regret. “But I didn’t understand. How could I have known?”

  Sariel pulled a bench near to Rosalind and straddled it, resting his hands on his thighs. Accepting the reality of angels was only the first step. With Enos involved Sariel had no alternative but to make her enlightenment abrupt. “Angels are real.” He paused, waiting for her to meet his gaze. “And so are demons. The creature I spoke of earlier is Fallen. He is ruthless and you must do exactly as we say or we will not be able to prot
ect you.”

  Her hand flew to her throat, her eyes wide and fearful. “What interest has a demon in me?”

  “We don’t know yet, but you may have knowledge that can help us unravel his motives.”

  Alyssa sat on the bench behind him. He could sense her depression and anxiety. She didn’t trust him, but her angelic nature understood what must be done.

  Rosalind folded her hands in her lap and watched him cautiously. Not since their initial encounter in the church had he seen her so resigned. “Have you been approached by anyone you did not know, particularly men?”

  “Not since we returned from court. Court was swarming with people we didn’t know. The purpose for being there was to encounter new people.”

  “Enos looks rather like me, only his eyes are a darker green. Did anyone resembling me approach you at court?”

  “Lord Diadem?”

  Alyssa gasped and scooted closer to his back, resting her hand on his shoulder as she peered around him at her ward. “Did you mention this person to me? I have no recollection of such an introduction.”

  Rosalind shook her head and turned her face toward the fire. “He frightened me. I danced with him once, but… Are you saying Lord Diadem is a d-demon? That isn’t possible.”

  “Why did he frighten you?” Sariel asked. Blending in with humanity was Enos’ specialty. He was the perfect demonic spy. Only the most discerning soul could sense his evil.

  “His eyes, there was something unnatural about his eyes.”

  “Were you ever alone with him?” He insinuated himself into her mind. Her expressive face made his abilities almost unnecessary, but now they needed to delve deeper, to investigate issues she may be reluctant to discuss.

  “Nay. He tried to separate me from the crush several times, but I returned to Alyssa.”

  He sensed only truth. “Did anyone else at court seem out of place?”

  “Other than me, you mean? I have never felt so rustic and clumsy.”

  Alyssa moved her hand from his shoulder to his upper arm. The simple caress sent heat cascading through his body. Would she never learn? The beast within him was ravenous, ready to feast, and she continued to poke sticks at it.

  “A member of Sariel’s order was supposed to have contacted you,” Alyssa said. She squeezed his arm, drawing his attention. “How would he have introduced himself? What does he look like? Is he able to pass for a human?”

  “All the Grigori can pass for human and we are all uncommonly tall. His true name is Gadrayel, but I doubt he would have introduced himself as such. His hair is darker than mine and he can change the color of his eyes, though they are most often green.” A jumbled surge of emotions twisted through the girl. He had just described someone she knew, but she was frantically trying to protect his identity. “Did you encounter this man at court?”

  “I met no one like that at court.”

  Omission tainted her truth. Sariel smiled. “When did you encounter him?”

  “I didn’t say I had.” Rosalind pushed to her feet and moved closer to the hearth.

  “You don’t have to say it,” Alyssa told the girl. “He can read your thoughts.”

  * * * * *

  Refusing to leave the females unguarded, Sariel sent out an angelic command, summoning Gadrayel to him. Alyssa and Rosalind sat on a bench by the fire talking softly, their heads slightly bowed. He scanned Rosalind’s being, searched her mind, examining every nuance of her soul. Spiritual forces had definitely played a part in her development, but he couldn’t define the specifics of her nature.

  She is not a Nephilim. Gadrayel’s voice sounded within Sariel’s mind.

  Though he sensed Gadrayel behind him, Sariel didn’t turn around. Gadrayel should be chastised for his misbehavior, but Sariel couldn’t help but empathize with his subordinate. This mission was unusually complicated.

  Your silence had me wondering if you were nearing a Crisis of Faith. Sariel sent a surge of annoyance along with the thought. You should have reported your findings.

  I apologize. Gadrayel moved up beside Sariel. The lesser angel remained incorporeal, only discernible to highly trained angelic senses. I had nothing to report.

  You claim she is not a Nephilim. How came you to that conclusion? Sariel sent his thought directly to Gadrayel’s mind.

  I observed her at court. I listened and searched her being extensively. I’ve never encountered anyone quite like her.

  Sariel smiled. That description applied equally to Rosalind and Alyssa. You did not approach her while she was at court?

  Nay. I only interact with my objectives when absolutely necessary.

  Sariel understood what he didn’t bother to say. It was easier to destroy a being with which he had never interacted. If a simple scan of their nature could determine that a Nephilim was corrupt, there was no need for conversation.

  Did you sense Enos at court?

  Enos is about? Gadrayel’s shock sounded genuine.

  He appeared to Alyssa asking about Rosalind. Do you have any idea what Enos would want with Rosalind?

  Gadrayel shook his head. Nay. She has no significant powers and is completely unaware of the few she does possess.

  Sariel nodded. Gadrayel had told him nothing he didn’t already know. Why did you conceal yourself from me?

  I had nothing conclusive to report, sir, and did not wish to risk your ire.

  Sariel snorted. Her image is seared upon your mind. How far did you indulge your carnal nature?

  Not nearly as far as I wanted to. Sariel followed the direction of Gadrayel’s stare and found Rosalind. Never before have I faced such temptation.

  Another sentiment Sariel understood all too well. You were wise to return Rosalind to the castle. Who does she believe you are?

  Her gamekeeper.

  For the time being let’s allow her misconception. Guard her well. With Enos about, we can take no chances. But only appear to her as this gamekeeper.

  A long pause followed then Gadrayel asked, Is Rosalind forbidden to me? She is not human. I have been able to determine that much. Yet she is not Nephilim either. Will I Fall if I…indulge my carnal nature with her?

  Sariel locked his hands behind his back and shook his head. I don’t know the answer. In fact, I’m struggling with a similar question.

  Gadrayel’s gaze moved to Alyssa, his expression curious. Is she an angel?

  Aye. Sariel chuckled. And nay. Much like Rosalind, Alyssa is unique.

  And you desire her?

  As I have never desired another.

  Turning to face him, Gadrayel’s features reflected his confusion. If she is an angel, it is not forbidden. You sanction unions among the members of our order. How is this different?

  She is not Grigori.

  Gadrayel’s brow furrowed and he glanced back at Alyssa. Then how is she aware… Does she desire you?

  It is not as simple as desire, Sariel grumbled. The beast jerked against the chains restraining it. I will never allow my carnal nature to rule me again. I cannot live as we lived back then.

  Silence stretched between them as the past overshadowed the present. Passion and decadence, unbridled lust, the Grigori had worshipped at their altars for far too long.

  That’s why you’ve never chosen a mate among our own, Gadrayel said thoughtfully.

  Aye. Sariel locked away the memories and focused on the females seated before the hearth. The beast within me is too strong. I’m not sure I could be with any female and remain in control. Alyssa is out of the question.

  Our dilemmas are much the same. Gadrayel sighed. Have you been able to determine Rosalind’s true nature?

  I’m working on it.

  Accepting the assurance with a solemn nod, Gadrayel spread his wings, preparing to depart.

  Gadrayel. Their gazes locked. Do not touch her again until my decision is made.

  Obviously displeased by the directive, Gadrayel inclined his head and disappeared.

  * * * * *

  Alyssa tr
ied not to stare at the shimmering being beside Sariel. Several times Rosalind had glanced at Sariel, but she hadn’t reacted to the entity. Apparently her ward couldn’t see the cloud of golden light. It undulated in and out of focus, disappearing entirely only to reappear again.

  “How long have you been alive?”

  Rosalind’s hushed tone drew Alyssa’s attention away from the visual anomaly. “Time passes differently in the spiritual realm. I’ve been as I am now for over four hundred years.” Startled by the revelation, Alyssa searched for other details. She seemed to access her memories more easily when she didn’t concentrate too hard.

  “As you are now?”

  Alyssa sighed. Every time she spoke of the hillside confrontation with Michael it became more real. She was glad for the clarity of thought, but the emotions burned like fire. The one advantage to her faulty memory was forgetting the fury, the resentment and regret.

  “Some of my friends and I had become discontent and rebellious. We gathered on a hillside one afternoon and Michael overheard our protests. He scattered us through time and gave each a specific challenge to overcome.”

  “Why were you discontent?”

  Alyssa extended her hands toward the fire. How could she begin to explain such a complicated conflict? “I’m not sure I can make you understand. The anger and frustration within us built gradually over several of your lifetimes.”

  “But how did it begin? Every rebellion has a beginning.”

  “Our minor rebellion was an echo of the great rebellion.” Knowing Rosalind would never accept such an ambiguous response, Alyssa continued. “Angels are not born as humans are. We are created. Those of us who are created and trained at the same time become very much like siblings. That’s why I call Lailah my sister.”

  Rosalind nodded, her gaze wide and intent upon Alyssa’s face.

  “Ambrose was Lucifer’s brother. He didn’t Fall as Lucifer Fell, but Ambrose refused to participate in the battle. Gideon, your ancestor—”

  “Gideon of Monthamn was an angel?” Rosalind gasped. “The murals. Lady Naomi was not being fanciful. Those scenes actually took place?”