Page 9

Chapter Nine

My hand instinctively moved to my side, grasping nothing but the thin fabric of my dress. The warrior in me wanted to reach for a weapon and plunge a blade deep into Rathiel’s chest. But I had nothing—no swords, no daggers. Just my magic, which I couldn’t unleash here without turning this street into a front-page spectacle.

I scanned the area, taking in every person nearby. Friday night crowds filled the street—people glued to their phones, a couple arguing across the road, while a man attempted valiantly to parallel park his massive “I have a small dick” truck. Too many witnesses. Fighting wasn’t an option.

Maybe I could slip away. Use the shadows to vanish before Rathiel had a chance to react. But even as I considered it, I knew it was pointless. He’d tracked me here, to a random restaurant during a date. If he could find me here, he could find me anywhere. Running wouldn’t stop him—just delay the inevitable.

Except, Rathiel didn’t look like he wanted to kill me. I stared at him, taking in every detail—the dark, brooding aura that had always set me on edge, the calm stance, the loose hands at his sides. Not a hint of fang or hostility. The more I studied him, the more I realized he seemed almost…concerned. And that made no sense. Rathiel didn’t care about me. He never had.

My thoughts flashed back to Deidre’s taunting words in the mine. She’d claimed my father had been torturing Rathiel, breaking him apart piece by piece. I hadn’t believed her then, but now I wondered if there was some truth to it. Had Lucifer released Rathiel and sent him after me? Was this some game to win back my father’s favour?

If so, why approach me here in public? Why warn me? Why not strike when I was alone, vulnerable?

None of this added up. The Rathiel I knew was smart, lethal, ruthless. If he wanted me dead, I wouldn’t have seen him coming. I’d just be dead.

“Did you hear me?” Rathiel demanded, his voice gruff and edged with a desperation I wasn’t accustomed to hearing. “Your father?—”

“Wants me dead, blah, blah, blah,” I interrupted, lifting my chin defiantly. “I’m more concerned about you right now. What do you want? Are you here to kill me on his behalf?”

Rathiel’s eyes widened slightly, a crack in his usually stoic facade. “What?”

“Deidre said you and Lucifer had a falling out.” I didn’t mention the torture—I had a feeling he wouldn’t appreciate me bringing that up. “Is that why you’re here? To kill me and slip back into his good graces?”

“Deidre?” Rathiel’s brow furrowed. “When did you see Deidre?”

“Not important,” I said. “Answer my question. Are you here to kill me?”

His expression hardened, but there was a flicker of something else—something I couldn’t decipher. “No, Lilith. I’m not here to kill you.”

His words hung between us, heavy with unspoken truths and unresolved tension. I studied his face, searching for any sign of deception. His eyes held mine steadily, and I found myself wanting to believe him.

My mind raced through the possibilities. If Rathiel wasn’t here to kill me, then what was his purpose? Why warn me about Lucifer? Was this some twisted game, or was there a chance he was genuinely trying to help?

“Then what do you want, Rathiel? Why are you here?”

He took another step closer, and the muscles in his jaw tightened. “I’m here because you need protection. Lucifer won’t stop until you’re dead, and I refuse to let that happen.”

Okay—that wasn’t the answer I’d expected.

I shook my head. “I don’t need anyone’s protection, least of all you. I am quite capable of taking care of myself. I’ve been doing it my whole life. But regardless of all that, why?”

“Why, what?” he asked.

“Why are you so determined to stop him from killing me?”

His gaze softened. “Because…I owe you.”

I frowned. He owed me? For what? “What are you talking about?”

His eyes darkened, and he stole a step closer, his presence overwhelming. I sucked in a sharp breath, surprised when I didn’t feel the urge to step back. He loomed over me, his head angled downward as he held my gaze. “I’m here to protect you. That’s all you need to know.”

The intensity in his voice sent a shiver down my spine. I forced myself to swallow before asking, “Since when do you care what happens to me?”

His mouth flattened into a grim line, but he didn’t answer my question.

I pressed my palms against his chest and shoved him backward. “This cryptic, evasive act might’ve worked ten years ago, but now it’s just irritating. Either tell me what’s really going on, or I’m walking.”

Rathiel sighed and ran a hand through his hair, a gesture so human it almost made me laugh. “I have my reasons,” he said. “And let’s leave it at that.”

“Nope. That’s not gonna cut it.”

He gave a soft laugh. “I almost forgot how annoyingly stubborn you can be.”

“Likewise,” I bit back.

“Some truths are too dangerous to know, Lily. But I’m not leaving your side, whether you like it or not.”

“I don’t need a bodyguard. I need answers.”

He closed the distance between us once again. I didn’t remember him being this pushy in Hell.

“You need to trust me,” he said softly, his voice a low rumble that made my pulse leap. “I’m the only one who can keep you safe from your father.”

He wasn’t wrong—Rathiel was powerful. One of the most powerful among my father’s nine generals. Each had their own abilities and strengths, but Rathiel stood in a league of his own. His mastery over blood was a weapon few could survive. I’d seen him in action, tearing through enemies like they were nothing more than fragile playthings. His attacks weren’t just calculated—they were ruthless, leaving behind nothing but carnage and fear in his wake.

But I knew better than to trust someone. Deidre had taught me that hard lesson. I was the only person I could rely on.

“No,” I finally whispered. “I can’t trust you. You’re his right-hand, his most loyal. I just can’t.”

He lifted his hand, his fingers halting next to my cheek, as though he wanted to touch me but remembered he shouldn’t.

A frown creased my brow as my gaze flicked from his hand to his eyes.

Sighing, he lowered his arm and stepped back.

“I’m sorry, but you don’t have a choice here,” he said, his voice steady. “I’m not going anywhere. You aren’t the only stubborn one here.”

I clenched my jaw, fighting to keep my emotions in check. “Go home, Rathiel. You aren’t wanted—or needed—here.”

Pain flickered in his eyes, but before he could form a response, I turned on my heel and hurried back into the restaurant, the warmth inside a stark contrast to the icy chill that lingered on my skin. My heart pounded as I made my way back to the table where Jack waited. His eyes lit up when he saw me, but his expression quickly shifted to concern.

He pushed his chair back and stood. “I was starting to worry. Are you alright? What’s going on?”

I forced a smile, though it felt tight and strained. “I’m fine. But I’m afraid I need to end our date. I gotta go.”

His brow furrowed, worry etched into his features. “Are you okay? Who was that guy?”

I glanced over my shoulder, half-expecting to find Rathiel hovering in the doorway, watching me. Thankfully, the lobby stood empty. “It’s complicated. But don’t worry, I’m fine. I just need to go now.”

Jack’s gaze searched mine. Clearly, he had a million questions, but being that this was our first date, he probably wasn’t sure if he had the right to ask them.

“I’m really sorry,” I told him as I pulled on my jacket and purse. “I had a wonderful time, really. And please don’t think this is because of anything you did. It isn’t. That guy…he’s just someone from my past, and he delivered some bad news that I now have to deal with.”

Jack slowly stepped around the table. “Let me take you home, then.”

I considered it, his offer tugging at my heart. But just because I’d walked away from Rathiel didn’t mean he’d walked away from me. His words, “ You don’t have a choice here. I’m not going anywhere ,” rang through my head. We may not like each other, but I knew him well, and I knew he wouldn’t give up easily—or at all. I had to assume he would follow me home, and truth be told, I didn’t want Jack anywhere near him. It was safer for us to part ways now, lest Rathiel show his damned face again.

“I appreciate it, really. But I think it’s best if I go alone. I need some space to clear my head.”

Jack’s frown deepened. “Are you sure?”

“Positive. Trust me, I’m fine. I’ll even text you when I’m home to let you know I got there safe, okay?”

He nodded reluctantly, then escorted me out of the restaurant and back into the cold. Once on the street, he reached out and touched my arm. “Promise me you’ll be careful. And if you need anything, anything at all, call me, okay?”

I nodded, feeling a pang of guilt for leaving him in the dark. “I will. Thank you, Jack.”

He stepped closer, then leaned in and kissed my cheek. “I like you, Lily. I really do. And I’d like to go on another date, regardless of whatever happened here tonight.”

A lump formed in my throat as I met his gaze. “I’d like that too,” I whispered, surprised that I truly meant it. Jack was a great guy. Any woman would be lucky to have him.

Jack lingered, his eyes searching mine as if trying to find the answers I couldn’t give him. “Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked again, his voice gentle but insistent.

I nodded, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze.

He sighed, clearly unhappy with my response, but respecting my need for space. “Alright. Just…be safe, okay? And if you change your mind about needing a ride, call me. I’ll come get you, no matter what time it is.”

“Thank you,” I said, my voice soft. “I appreciate it more than you know.”

With one final nod, Jack turned and headed toward his car. I watched as he climbed inside and made sure he was safely on his way before I walked down the street to the nearest bus stop. The cold air nipped my cheeks and the tip of my nose, but I welcomed the distraction. Anything to keep my thoughts from spiralling.

I reached the bench and sat, my mind racing as I struggled to figure out my next move. Lucifer wanted me dead. And now Rathiel was here. But he claimed he was here to protect me, rather than kill me. That was something at least. In situations like these, it was helpful to know friend from foe—assuming, of course, Rathiel was telling the truth. Call me paranoid, but I had some teeny, tiny trust issues. Let’s all give Deidre a round of applause for that one.

Movement caught my attention, and I jerked my head up in time to watch a shadowed figure approach. I tensed, my heart skipping a beat—I was on high alert—but relaxed slightly when I recognized Rathiel’s familiar silhouette.

Without so much as a word, he sat next to me on the bench. We locked eyes once before he turned away and stared at the street, clearly planning to accompany me on the bus.

I sighed.

He nodded once, a barely perceptible movement, but it was enough.

My fingers twitched, the familiar heat of hellfire sparking beneath my skin. The flames weren’t visible—not yet—but my power was there, ready and eager to be used. “You realize I could roast you right here and now, right?” I said, my voice low and dangerous. “How do you like your vampire cooked? Medium rare?”

A ghost of a smile tugged at Rathiel’s lips, but he didn’t respond.

“Or I could just leave you here,” I mused.

“You won’t,” was all he said.

“Oh? That sure of yourself, are we?” For a brief second, I marvelled at the two of us, having what passed as polite conversation—by our standards at least—for one of the first times. No bloodshed, threats, or daggers involved. This had to be some sort of record.

Rathiel shot me a side-glance, then nodded. “You need me.”

Some people just never learn. “I assure you, I do not. I can handle Lucifer myself.”

“You need me for other reasons.”

And, of course, he didn’t elaborate further. I stared at him, my brows arched, but when he didn’t respond, exasperation won the battle, and I threw my hands into the air. “Well? What reasons?”

Before he could reply, the bus approached, its headlights piercing through the darkness. Much to my dismay, Rathiel reached into his pocket and produced a handful of change.

My eyes widened. Where had he gotten money ?

The bus came to a stop, the doors hissing open. I stepped on, flashing my bus pass while Rathiel dropped the coins into the farebox without a word. I made my way to the back of the bus, hoping for a bit of space to clear my head. Naturally, Rathiel sat down next to me, his leg brushing mine.

“Seriously, where did you get the money?” I demanded, eyeing him skeptically.

He didn’t bother looking at me, his gaze fixed on the window. Nor did he answer my question.

I rolled my eyes, irritated by his silence. “Are you purposely trying to annoy me?”

He finally glanced at me, eerily calm. “It’s not hard to do.”

I scoffed, unable to argue with that. Turning back to the window, I watched the city lights blur by, my mind racing with questions I couldn’t ask. I wanted to grill him about Lucifer, about whatever had happened to earn him a one-way ticket to Torture-Town, but this wasn’t the time. I couldn’t even ask how he’d found me or how he’d escaped Hell. Those were conversations for a more private setting.

A few minutes passed before I blew out a heavy breath and turned to face him again. His expression was as inscrutable as ever, but there was a tension around his jaw and a tightness to his eyes that hinted at a deeper turmoil. I wanted to dig into it, to unravel all his mysteries, but all I could do was focus on the one question I could actually ask.

“Alright, I give up. What are these supposed ‘other reasons’ that make you think I need you?”

A faint, infuriating smile played at the corners of his mouth, but he didn’t answer. Instead, his gaze flicked to mine briefly before he murmured, “Not here.”

This was why conversations with Rathiel usually ended in bloodshed. The way he spoke in riddles and withheld information drove me insane. But I understood his reservations. We couldn’t air our dirty laundry on a crowded bus full of humans.

I sighed, accepting the inevitable. If I took him back to my apartment, I could at least control the situation. There, I had my weapons, and I could use my magic freely, without worrying about witnesses. And if things went south, I’d be in a much better position to deal with him. In my space, I held the advantage.

Besides, what was the real risk? If Rathiel wanted to kill me, he didn’t need to lure me home to do it. He could’ve struck me down in the middle of the street already. And let’s be real—he likely would have followed me home, anyway, so there really wasn’t any point in trying to shake him. Better to face him on my own terms.

Guess I was taking him home.

Damn him. And damn my insatiable curiosity.

He’d won this round, and the worst part? He knew it.