Chapter 4

Lex thought most people would have had something to say after her little 'death to all' revelation. She could have easily accepted an "Oh, no." or a "You're a nutcase." Even a "Bullshit" would not have surprised her much. The archangel didn't say anything. All Michael had thrown back at her was silence for the last few hours.

Lex watched him as she drove. Michael's face gave nothing away. Only her 'angel sense' let her know the worry that he felt. At least the news dampened some of the pain and regret that had been rolling off of the archangel. Lex could take comfort in that.

As she studied him, she thought about how handsome he was, even under the grime. Earlier, she had felt his attraction to her when she had innocently touched his hand and Lex had to force herself to pull away.

Don't be silly, girl. Lex thought as she looked toward the road. Her penchant for dangerous men had caused enough tragedy in her life and Michael was more dangerous than any human. She hadn't allowed herself interest in a man in years and wasn't about to start now.

Lex noticed an exit off the highway and took it. The car lot coming up on the left was just the thing she was searching for. She pulled into it and parked in line with the rest of the rusted abandoned cars and weeds.

"Let's go to work." Lex said to the back seat. Aaron climbed out and went to the trunk. The small boy pulled out a bucket, screwdriver and small mallet.

Michael got out as Lex was throwing the strap of the hunting rifle over her shoulder. Michael watched as Lex started checking clips in her handguns. His head tilted in a way that reminded Lex of a bird of prey.

"You said you could avoid the eightballs." Michael said.

"Oh, there are no angels here other than yourself." Lex responded. "These are for humans. I can't sense them and sometimes they're more dangerous."

"Eightballs are both faster and stronger than humans."

"Yeah." Lex said, nodding her head. "Well, an eightball most likely just wants to kill you. Out here, a group of humans can do a lot more damage."

"I have not encountered any humans outside the Cradle other than the two of you." Michael gestured toward both Lex and Aaron.

Aaron scoffed, "Angel, you probably weren't really looking. Besides, anyone that's lived this long knows how to hide from shadows in the sky."

Lex ruffled Aaron's hair as she said lightheartedly,"Hey, mouthy, you get to tapping gas tanks while I scope the area out. Stay out of sight."

Aaron grabbed his supplies and crawled under his first car. As soon as Aaron's head was out of sight and the tapping started, Lex stepped in close to Michael's chest. She grabbed his collar, stood on her toes to get close to his ear and whispered in a serious tone, "You going to stay here and kill anything that gets close to my son. No matter what he says, if things get too hairy, you're going to grab him and fly out of here. Nod your head so I know you understand."

Lex leaned back and looked straight into Michael's dark eyes, still gripping the collar of his jacket, waiting for his response. Michael's hands lightly touched both sides of her waist as he stared back with fire in his eyes. The air charged immediately between them. Time stood still as they leaned in bit closer to each other. Michael gaze fell to her lips as she licked them. Lex began to breathe heavily and Michael seemed to stop breathing altogether. His eyes moved back up to her warm brown ones. As Michael's hand softly touched Lex's face and he saw the warmth in her eyes bleed out to fear.

Lex quickly released him and stepped out of reach. Michael's arms immediately clasped together behind his back and his face went cold. As she attempted to slow her breathing, she looked up at him in silent question. Michael gave her a small quick nod.

"Be back in a bit." Lex said more calmly than she felt.

She handed Michael the handgun from her jacket holster, carefully as not to touch him. As soon as he took it, she walked away without looking back, gripping her rifle tightly.

Lex tried to will her heart to slow down as she weaved between vehicles and thought, What the hell am I supposed to do with that?