Page 34 of Alastair

“We thought you were a goner, Laz,” Bellamy said.

“So did I.” Lazarus kept his gaze away from mine.

My jaw popped as I clenched it.“Look at me.”

Lazarus didn’t react to my words.

“Greetings,” the archangel said to me. “You must be Alastair.”

“I don’t believe we’ve met.”

“Such a polite tone despite the wary look in your eyes,” he said, mouth slightly curved. With his short-cropped dark hair, perfectly sloped nose, and downturned chestnut-brown eyes, he was handsome in a way that annoyed me. His muscled body was scarred—the marks on his chest and arms clear signs that he was a warrior. Given the clues, I placed his name before he told me. “I’m the archangel Michael. Though, judging from your lack of surprise, I wager you already pieced that together.”

“I did.”

Michael glanced at Lazarus. “He’s just as you’ve told me. So clever.”

Lazarus—who still wouldn’t acknowledge me—had no reserves about looking athim. “Yes. He’s clever and oftentimes causes trouble because of it.”

Michael laughed.

The way they spoke to each other hinted that they were close. Why did that cause an uncomfortable tugging in my stomach? Both Penemuel and Mephistopheles had mentioned something about Michael and Lazarus being acquaintances. I hadn’t given it much thought at the time. Seeing it for myself hit different and made me feel… honestly, I didn’t know what it made me feel.

My hand formed a fist at my side before I forced it to relax again.

“What brings you to the island?” I asked, sensing my brothers draw closer to me. An invisible line was drawn between us and the angels. Who would cross it first?

“The same thing that’s either brought nations together or torn them apart since the beginning of time.” Michael’s smile faded. “War.”

Had he been sent to execute us, then?

“Where do you fall in that regard? With us or against?” My suspicion only grew. I definitely didn’t trust this too-muscled, too-overpowered meathead with wings. “Archangels hardly ever come to Earth. So having the great warrior captain of angels himself land on my doorstep and speak of war makes me wonder if I should’ve greeted you with my sword instead.”

“By the gods, you sound so much like Azazel,” Michael said, and I was annoyed to see that his smirk had returned. “Full of fire and pride. Both of which, when wielded carefully, can be advantageous. However, just as easily, they can be your downfall.” His eyes hardened. “As for whether I stand with or against you? Know this: if I was here to kill you, you’d already be dead, boy.”

“I’m noboy. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t belittle me or my skills by referring to me as such.”

The air became thick with tension as Michael and I stared each other down. Perhaps it was a trick of the light, but flames seemed to flicker in his irises. He commanded the celestial army—the chief warrior. Pride was a thing we had in common.

“Your skills?” Michael asked. “Yes, I’ve heard of those too. Your intellect is strong, but alas, your sin blinds you. It’s why you can’t be trusted leading this army against Lucifer on your own. Not after the ridiculous stunt you just pulled.”

My blood started to boil. “Oh, is that why you’re here? To lead my army for me? Well, I don’t need your help. So take your pompous ass—”

One of the angels behind Michael put a hand on the hilt of his sword. “I’d choose my next words very carefully if I were you, Nephilim. You’re speaking to my captain.”

“Easy, Dargan,” Michael told him but kept his eyes on me. “This is but a childish tantrum and will pass.”

A tantrum? Pride growled, and the sound rumbled in my chest. My sin and I both agreed that this archangel was a royal prick.

“Hey, Michael.” Raiden stepped forward, placing himself between me and the archangel. “Can I call ya that? Or maybe Captain Mike?”

The fire in his eyes lessened as he focused on my brother. “Please don’t.”

Raiden flashed his dimple. “Okay, just plain Michael it is. But anyway. We just made fish tacos. You and your boys hungry?”

And that was how my gluttonous brother prevented me and the archangel from getting into a pissing match.

“It’s been ages since I’ve had human food. I admit, I’ve worked up quite the appetite.” Michael motioned toward the villa. “Shall we?”