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Uriel flips the blade expertly, holding the hilt out toward me. “It became yours the second he gave it to you. However, you won’t be able to summon holy flames without some practice. Holy flames are lethal to most species, but you will require training for this weapon to provide the most protection.”

I nod. “Do you have time to train me?”

Uriel nods and grabs a piece of bacon and a pancake from the table. He tenderly kisses Farrah’s lips and says, “Let’s go, boys.”

I slip off Connor’s lap and say goodbye to Farrah and Luke before walking toward the door. Zach and Zane jump up, chatting excitedly as they follow me. They burst past me and into the morning sunlight. Connor catches up to me, and I see the wariness in his eyes as he tries to figure out how pissed I am with him. I follow Uriel out, ignoring Connor. When we enter the elevator, I navigate through the big men, ensuring I am as far as I can get from Connor.

Connor shoves Zach and Zane out of his way and crowds me against the wall. “Why are you mad?”

“Even I know the answer to that.” Zane snorts.

I don’t look at Connor.

“Would you have taken it if you knew?” he asks.

I cross my arms, ignoring him.

Connor shifts so he’s in my line of sight. “Would you have?”

I just growl.

He sighs. “I want to protect you.”

I duck around him and move to the other side of the elevator, leaning against the wall. The other Morningstars are doing their best to ignore Connor and me. Of course, it is impossible. The space is not small, but it’s definitely not big enough for a fight or any sort of privacy. Connor follows me and places his hands on either side of my head, caging me in.

“Look at me.”

I meet his gaze with a glare so seething it would have destroyed a lesser man. Connor doesn’t shrink from it. He leans down, kissing me hard, and I silently curse myself when I kiss him back. My body always wants him. It doesn’t care if I am mad. It is as easy as breathing. “I needed to give you the best chance of coming back to me.” He presses his forehead to mine. “All right?”

“You tell me next time,” I growl softly.

“We’re here,” Uriel says a moment before the elevator pings and the door opens. Connor kisses me again before stepping back and leading me onto the field. As we step onto the grass, their clothes change to golden armor. The armor is truly striking, and each piece is perfectly tailored to the wearer. The breastplates are covered in intricate, swirling designs with a stylized sun at the center. My eyes linger on Connor, and my core heats with the way the metal molds to his large muscles. Everything about the armor screams strength, respect, and safety.

Uriel nods to several angels already training on the field, and they either nod or salute.

We stop in a marked patch of ground. “Zane, since you need the most practice, why don’t you show Summer how to wield?”

“Did you have to call me out like that?” Zane grumbles.

I shake out my limbs, trying to loosen them like they do in the movies. “Okay, Zane. Show me what to do.”

Uriel crosses his arms, ready to observe. “Summer, the dagger,” he reminds me to arm myself.

“Oh, yeah.” I nod and pull the dagger from its sheath strapped to my thigh. Zane smirks, and with a wave of his hand, he summons his holy sword. It’s huge, with an iridescent blade and a silver handle.

My mouth drops open, my eyes pinging between the two weapons. What the fuck? This small dagger against that huge ass sword?

Zane laughs, the sound reminding me why we are here. I focus as Uriel walks around the marked circle, analyzing us.

“What are the advantages of having a dagger over a sword?” Uriel asks.

“Lighter?” I reply uncertainly.

Uriel nods. “Also faster and easier to conceal. Can you think of any disadvantages?”

“You need to be closer to your enemy to strike,” I say, more confident after getting the last answer right.

“That’s right. Good. Zane, take a typical stance. Summer, I want you to show me how you would get close enough to use that dagger.”