Page 10

CHAPTER 10

T he mansion's dining room had transformed into a war council that would've made Heaven's generals proud. The maps and tactical displays now fought for space with takeout containers on the massive table. The scent of Vietnamese food from Lily's – and there was enough ph? and bánh mì to feed three armies - mixed with power that crackled through the air like bottled lightning.

Amelia stabbed her chopsticks into her bowl with more force than necessary as she studied the latest intelligence reports. Her muscles ached from the morning's battle. She wanted to crawl into bed and sleep for twelve hours, but food and strategy took priority over rest. Time wasn't exactly on their side.

"Pass the spring rolls," Malachi called out from across the table. "And someone explain to me how these bastards knew exactly where our defensive lines were set up. Who is giving them information and weapons?" He scowled into his food, showing how pissed off he was.

"Here." Jo tossed him the container with deadly accuracy. "Focus. We've got bigger problems than a potential leak upstairs. Lucifer's evil is spreading faster than kudzu in the summer."

The Angels of Retribution were gathered with the Dark Warriors and the Rowan sisters. Amelia still couldn’t believe she’d been working with the infamous trio of High Priestesses who were leading the witches. The angels’ wings were hidden, but power rolled off them in waves that made the crystal chandeliers dance. Rami was coordinating reports while simultaneously trying to convince Izzy to eat something. The vampire princess had claimed one end of the space with her Dark Warriors and was as angry as everyone else.

"The numbers don't lie," Izzy said as she gestured to her tablet. "We've got confirmed sightings of Class Three demons in areas that should be clean. They're using the sewers to bypass our perimeter checks."

Pema moved her ph? aside as she studied the display. The oldest sister was all business, which explained how she'd kept the witches together through multiple apocalyptic events. Her mate Ronan's huge frame stayed close. His presence grounded her power in ways that made their bond radiate.

"These attack patterns are too precise," she observed while stealing a spring roll from her mate's plate.

Next to her, Isis stabbed her chopsticks into her bánh mì like she was practicing for demon hunting. The ground trembled when those green eyes of hers locked onto enemy positions. The female had never met a problem she couldn't solve with precisely applied violence. Her mate Braeden's hand on her thigh kept that volcanic temper from redecorating the mansion's expensive interior.

And then there was Suvi, who managed to make tactical planning look like a Milan fashion shoot. The youngest sister balanced her designer heels on the chair rungs while she demolished her ph?. The female might be dressed for a Vogue cover, but she packed enough magical juice to take out the city. Her mate Cane kept one arm draped across her shoulders. He anchored all that power behind the pretty exterior.

"The infection's spreading faster than we can track it," Suvi reported as she traced energy patterns on one of the maps. Her fingers left trails of silvery magic that mapped Lucifer's progress. "Traditional containment isn't working. He’s managed to blow past all of our spells. Look at these progression rates."

"Because Lucifer's playing a different game," Pema interjected. "He's changing the basic nature of the ley lines and is able to get around our enchantments. We’re basically watching someone rewrite the city's magical DNA in real time."

"Can we counter it?" Braeden asked. "There has to be a way to stop the spread."

Amelia set down her chopsticks as an idea came to her. "His power is acting like a virus rewriting its host's DNA." "We need to do more than just contain it. We need to inoculate the whole system."

"What if we created our own seeds?" Suvi's voice carried excitement as she built on the idea. "Something that could spread through the network and counter his corruption before it takes root?"

"It would need to carry both light and shadow energy," Isis observed as she leaned forward. "Otherwise, it won't be able to affect the deeper currents where the old power runs."

"The question is," Ronan cut in, "how do we deliver it? The network's massive, and we'd need multiple injection points to ensure coverage."

From her position near the warrior angels, Sarah looked up from an ancient text she'd brought from her shop. "I might have something that could help." The bookstore owner's green eyes lit up with scholarly excitement. "There are references in the older grimoires to relics that were used to maintain balance in the ley lines. Your idea just now made me think of them like spiritual antibodies."

"Show me," Amelia said, moving to look over Sarah's shoulder. The text was written in Latin. "This could work. The Twilight Key could act as a template. We could use it to create seeds that carry the original harmony."

"It's not just about creating the seeds," Cassiel interjected, his seer marks glowing as visions danced behind his eyes. "The timing has to be perfect. The stars remember when balance was first established. They must align again for this to work."

“That’s not vague or anything,” Isis retorted. “I hate decrypting prophecies.”

“It’s not a prophecy, but we do need to know what he’s talking about,” Amelia replied.

The planning session that followed went over everything they’d learned until that point. They mapped injection points while the Rowan sisters worked out spell matrices that could deliver their magical vaccine. Meanwhile, Amelia tried to figure out when the right time would be. This was up to her and the other witches. Unlike the Rowan sisters, she wasn’t used to this much pressure.

"If we hit these nexus points simultaneously," Pema said, marking locations on the map, "we can create a cascade effect that will carry the cure through the entire network."

"Then that’s what we will do. We'll need teams at each location," Camael pointed out. "And enough firepower to hold off whatever Lucifer sends to stop us."

Hours passed as they refined their strategy. The New Orleans night pressed against windows warded heavily enough to make Michael proud. Amelia found herself yawning despite the three cups of coffee she'd mainlined. The day's battles were catching up with her faster than a demon chasing a soul.

"We need a break." Camael's deep voice rolled through the room like thunder as he materialized beside her chair. "Everyone needs rest before we go any further."

Amelia started to protest, but another yawn betrayed her. "We still need to-"

"Those who don’t need the sleep can handle the details," he cut her off as he pulled her to her feet. His massive frame radiated heat that made her want to curl into him like a cat seeking warmth. "You're no good to anyone if you collapse."

She nodded and told the others she would be back after a brief rest. Camael's presence beside her was both steadying and electrifying as she made her way to his room. Amelia was already taking off her shoes as he closed the door.

His ice-blue eyes never left her face as he tended to scrapes and bruises from the day's fight. Each touch carried equal parts concern and possession. "I'm fine," she insisted, though her voice was rougher than she'd intended. "Just tired."

"You channeled more power today than most beings see in a lifetime," he rumbled as he finished his inspection. "Sleep. We've got the watch."

Sleep was suddenly the last thing on her mind as she met his gaze. “I don’t think I can sleep, yet,” she replied as she allowed her desire to come forward in her gaze.

The air between them thickened until breathing became optional. Without a word, Camael sat on the edge of the bed while she began peeling off her shirt. She tossed it onto the nearby chair. “Let me help,” he offered as he rose from the bed and crossed the small distance between them.

Amelia raised an eyebrow but didn’t object as he placed his hands on her hips and tugged her jeans down. “I can undress myself, you know. ”

“I’m aware,” he said with a smirk. He guided her foot out of the denim before repeating the motion with the other. “But you looked like you might topple over. Consider it a safety measure.”

She huffed a laugh and found herself clad in nothing but her bra and underwear. “You’re awfully helpful for someone who took out a demon horde.”

“That’s what I do.” He took her hand and gently pulled her into his lap as he sat back on the edge of the bed. She didn’t resist and straddled his lap.

“I want to explore your delectable body and make you cry out my name,” he told her before he pressed a kiss to the side of her jaw, making her shudder.

She tilted her head, giving him more access. “Sounds better than sleep to me. As unexpected as this is, I can’t deny the heat between us.”

“I’ll be honest. This is not how I pictured the night going. But I’m not complaining,” he countered as he ran his hands up her back.

Her comeback faltered as he stood and then laid her across the mattress. He straightened and removed his shirt. Having his eyes on her body heightened her arousal. She arched her back and groaned when she caught sight of the bulge in his pants.

Wanting to tease him into action, she reached behind her back and unclasped her bra to reveal her breasts. “God, you’re perfect. I’ve never seen a more beautiful female.” She yelped when Camael followed the compliment by reaching down and slipping his fingers under the waistband of her panties. She lifted her hips so he could pull them down.

Feeling feminine in a way she’d never had, Amelia threw her hands above her head and watched him undress. It was difficult to resist covering her body. Uncertainty made her want to hide. She was rewarded for not covering up when he tweaked her nipples. Moaning, she cupped both breasts and became lost in the feel of his hands.

It was easy to let her desire take over. Pleasure drove her, and she slid her hands down her abdomen. Camael caught them in an implacable grasp. "Let me,” he told her.

Nodding, she returned her hands above her head and gripped the pillow. The move pushed her breasts out, drawing his attention. His hands were everywhere at once. Their mouths crashed together and their tongues slid together. Things quickly became urgent. He eased one hand between her legs while propping himself up with the other. One of his long fingers grazed her slick slit, making her lift her hips for more. It was embarrassing how with one touch she was putty in the palm of his hand.

“You like that?” He punctuated his question by slowly tracing a circle around her quivering flesh.

“You handle my body far better than you did your sword.” Her hips lifted, seeking firmer pressure. The light, teasing strokes were driving her insane with need.

A moan left her mouth as he leaned over her and licked her nipple. His wings popped out at the same moment his finger delved inside her. “Oh, Gods, yesss,” she hissed. He looked up from her breast and gave her a sexy half smile that she swore made her have a small climax. Camael’s smile alone was a deadly weapon. The sight of him hovering above her breast and smiling was erotic as hell.

He kept his eyes on her and gently bit down on her nipple. It was shocking and felt so damn good. The things this male made her feel were nothing short of magical. Her core tightened around his finger. Her nipples ached as he sucked them, but he didn’t let go. She began to buck and twist to get away or increase the pressure. Each nibble he bestowed on her taut tips zinged straight from her breast to her core, which he hadn’t stopped teasing .

Camael laid his body over her, and his thick arousal was hot and heavy and kicking against her leg. She shifted her hips and spread her thighs. “You’re driving me crazy,” she murmured.

He chuckled. “I know what you need,” he said before removing his finger and pinching her clit.

“Gods, yes. Please don’t stop. I need more,” Amelia begged and writhed.

Camael remained on top of her. His lips stayed close to her mouth, but he never kissed her. His fingers played over her flesh, and she went wild when she finally flew over the edge.

Her hips bucked, and her leg brushed against his cock. His shaft leaped in a silent plea for more. She obliged by pushing against him. He removed his fingers and replaced them with his cock. He never stopped moving once he was seated to the hilt. Her climax began to build again as his shaft hit that spot inside that made her crazy. Her eyes slipped closed as she lifted her hips to meet his thrusts.

Her hands fisted in his hair and she bit down on his shoulder. She was certain she was going to blow apart. Her climax tore through her before she was ready. He was right behind her. She felt him tense and then grunt. His hot semen filled her as she milked him. Her back collapsed a few seconds later. Panting, Amelia kissed Camael’s lips and pulled away to smile up at him. “Holy shit. That was un-freaking-real.”

Camael chuckled. “You’re right. That was incredible.”

The peace was shattered by alarms that screamed through the mansion like banshees having a party. "Son of a bitch," she breathed as she grabbed for clothes. "They have really shitty timing."

“At least it wasn’t a few minutes ago,” he countered as he slipped his jeans on and reached for his phone. "Rami, report!"

"We've got hostiles at five locations," his second-in-command responded. “Armstrong Park's getting hammered, and we've got Class Five demons crawling all over the Elms Mansion. The Garden District's lit up like - fuck me, three more signatures just popped up at Gallier Hall and the Pharmacy Museum. And now these bastards are swarming Sarah's store like they've got a personal invitation!"

Amelia's heart stopped as she processed that last bit. "The bookstore sits on a major junction. If they corrupt that..."

"We lose a quarter of our defensive grid," Camael finished as he shrugged into his jacket. "Move out!"

They burst into the hallway to find organized chaos as the Angels of Retribution mobilized. Wings snapped out as weapons materialized. The Dark Warriors were already heading for their assigned positions while the Rowan sisters began weaving protection spells.

"Abraxos, take point at the bookstore," Camael ordered as they reached the patio. "Keep that junction secure at all costs." The warrior was already in the air. His red wings were carrying him into the night before Camael finished speaking. Everyone knew he wouldn’t have gone anywhere else.

Abraxos landed outside Crescent City Arcane with enough force to crack the sidewalk. His heart nearly stopped when he saw lights on inside the store. Sarah was supposed to be safely tucked away in the mansion. Not in the middle of a demon assault.

His momentary distraction cost him. Something with too many teeth and not enough skin caught him across the back with claws that felt like they'd been forged in hellfire. Pain exploded through his wing as black ichor dripped into his wound.

"Fucking hell!" He spun and separated the demon's head from its shoulders with enough force to send it flying halfway down the block. The thing's body hadn't finished dissolving before he was bursting through the shop's door. He was ready to read Sarah the riot act for being so reckless.

He found her behind the counter and surrounded by artifacts that hummed with power. Her dark hair was pulled back in a messy bun. "Before you start yelling," she said without looking up from her work, "the wards were breached. I felt it while you were all talking strategy. If I hadn't come back, the junction would already be corrupted."

"That's what backup is for!" He moved closer. His wings filled the space with deadly grace despite his injury. "You should have called for help instead of rushing in alone!"

"There wasn't time." She finally looked up. Those green eyes of hers hit him in the gut. "And I'm not exactly helpless, warrior. These artifacts aren't just for show."

As if to prove her point, she raised one hand and channeled power through what looked like an Egyptian ankh. The blast of energy that followed turned three demons outside her window into ash faster than he could blink.

"Impressive," he admitted as he moved to cover her flank. "But next time, wait for me. Please."

The ‘please’ seemed to catch her off guard. Her expression softened as she really looked at him. "You're hurt."

"It's nothing." He tried to wave off her concern, but she was already moving around the counter.

"Let me see." Her tone brooked no argument as she examined his injured wing. "This needs attention before you lose too much blood."

"We don't have time for-" His words cut off in a hiss as she pressed something cool against the wound .

"That will staunch the blood and give your healing a kick in the pants." Satisfaction was evident in her voice. "Now you can go back to being overprotective without bleeding all over my floor."

The demons chose that moment to hit them en masse. Mal and Jo landed outside. Their wings spread wide as they took defensive positions and created a barrier of celestial steel between the incoming horde and Sarah's shop. Abraxos went out the door to join them.

Abraxos was aware of Sarah moving through her store with silent urgency. She gathered ancient relics that hummed with power. The female was smart enough to know she was out of her league in a supernatural throwdown. She used the resources available to her to help them keep the demons out.

Abraxos carved through demon ranks like a Cuisinart while Mal unleashed enough destruction to make Michael proud. Jo's blade burned through flesh as she covered their right flank. The three angels moved with synchronized precision born from centuries of combat.

A Throne-class demon with more teeth than sense tried breaching the shop's threshold. Abraxos separated its head from its shoulders while Mal's follow-through made its backup dancers regret coming along for the ride. Their blades left trails of divine fire that painted the night in shades of retribution.

"Use those artifacts to secure the juncture!" Abraxos barked at Sarah without taking his eyes off the incoming threats. His red wings spread wider as another wave approached. The female didn't argue. She just disappeared deeper into her shop like a shadow with a doctorate in self-preservation.