Page 100 of Princess of Bael

“We can also see what energy signatures have shifted,” she added.

“Whatever you do, report back afterward,” Mietek said, reminding me of his presence. “I’ll let you know what I learn about Evangeline as well. Because someone with great power took her to that Shadow realm. And I highly doubt that’s a coincidence.”

“Was it the same person who managed to scrub her aura?” I wondered aloud as I looked over my shoulder at him again. Evangeline had disappeared because no one had been able to sense her. Only a powerful being could accomplish that.

“Likely, yes. But there are still a lot of unknowns. The only certainty we have right now is that a Nephilim is involved, and he isn’t working alone.” Mietek’s jaw clenched. “Fate’s seen something. I don’t know what. She’s being cryptic.”

“The Archangel of Destiny? Cryptic?” I feigned surprise. “Shocking.”

Mietek snorted, but then his lips curled with a hint of fondness before he shook his head. His serious mask fell into place within a blink, almost concealing the previous display of emotion. But not quite. “Report back tomorrow.”

His brown-black feathers fanned out around him as he used them to leave the room on a gust of wind that ruffled my wings.

“You need to invest in proper doors,” Kayla murmured after a beat, making me chuckle as I returned my attention to her.

“I think you may be right,” I admitted, sweeping my lips across hers. “But I don’t think we’ll be staying here often.”

“We?” she repeated, arching a brow.

“Yes.We.” Because now that I’d well and truly tasted her, I intended to keep her. She could try to run, but I’d chase her into the literal depths of Hell to bring her back. And I let her see that with my gaze.

Her eyes narrowed in response. “I still hate you.”

A lie, but I played along. “I know.”

“And I’m going to kill you when I get the chance.”

Another lie, one that made me grin. “I look forward to the fight.” Because we’d end up naked and in bed. Just like my dreams.

“I mean it, Ezra. I’m going to kill you.”

“You’re going to try,” I corrected her, my lips brushing hers again. “And I’m going to enjoy the foreplay immensely.”

She growled, but it was a half-hearted sound that ended with her tongue in my mouth.

Her sweet heat was still pressed against my groin, proving that our yearning for one another was very much mutual.

She might want to kill me.

But she wanted to fuck me more.

I fell into our kiss, loving her with my tongue for several long minutes.

Her fingers fisted in my hair, pulling me back just enough to allow her to speak.

“I need a shower before we shift realms,” Kayla said, her voice a sultry purr against my lips. “Why don’t you join me and try to convince me to let you live?”

“Hmm, a challenge.”

“A challenge on a deadline,” she corrected. “I can feel the balance shifting.”

“Me, too.” It was an irritant under my skin that demanded action. But my soul required just a little more, a healing touch to help mend two broken hearts.

I went to my knees above her, my wings stretching out along my back. She observed me from beneath hooded eyes, her cheeks a luscious pink shade.

My feathers flexed, lifting me off the bed in a show of strength—my need to prove my worth to my mate riding me hard.

She smiled, clearly aware of my intent.