Just like Gabriel wanted, Bethany called Xavier and invited him over for dinner. This was the first time he would be meeting our family, not as humans, but as angels. I had to wonder why he hadn't had me invite Maghen, but I assumed it was because we weren't romantically involved like Xavier and Bethany were. We weren't as big of a risk. I'd changed out of my dark robes and into a black tank top and blue jeans. I knew that Xavier was a good kid, but I still had to play the role of protective big sister.

Trying too make a good impression no doubt, Xavier showed up at exactly seven o'clock, in a grey, pen stripped, suit and a blue tie, long stemmed yellow roses in one arm. I had snorted, busting out laughing when I saw his hair. He'd gelled it so that instead of flopping like it normally did, it was slicked back so that it looked like Gomez Addams's. I'd expected the roses to be for Bethany, but was unsurprised when he gave them to Ivy. She was playing the role of hostess and, Like most everything we did, took on the part effortlessly.

We ate in silence, none of us knowing what to say. What do you talk about with the mortal who was dating your sister? Ivy kept a broad smile on her face, always the one to keep the mood light, but in this case it was awkward. Gabriel glared at his plate, spearing the food with his fork, obviously in a very bad mood. Bethany was obviously worried if not slightly mortified at the official first impression we were making. I knew she hadn't wanted him to come over for this very reason.

Xavier was the first to break the silence, though the tension in the room was still thick. "Great meal." he'd said as he loosened his tie. Ivy's strained smile became genuine at that. We angels were supposed to excel at anything we did. It was just how we were wired. But it was still nice to hear praise about something we'd done, even if it fueled the sin of pride.

"Thank you. I wasn't sure what you might like."

"I'm pretty easygoing but this is top class."

"So, Xavier," Ivy said after another long pause in conversation, "What sort of things are you interested in?"

"Other than our sweet, innocent, little sister." I paused after each word to further make my point.

He swallowed at my words. I had on a normal face but my words were laced with warning. As a human, it was his natural instinct to stay away from danger to prolong his life. Being Death, most humans got nervous when I let some of my angelic job description shine through my human guise. It was fight or flight and most creatures chose flight when they were up against predators that they had no chance against.

"Er...Just the usual..." He cleared his throat, "Sports, school, music."

"What sports do you play?" Ivy pressed enthusiastically.

"Water polo, rugby, baseball, and lacrosse."

"He's really good." Beth perked up, "You should see him play. He's actually captain of the water polo team. He's also the captain of the school...but you already know that."
"How long have you lived in Venus Cove?"

"My whole life-I've never lived anywhere else."

"Do you have brother's and sisters?"

"I come from a family of six kids."

"Then you know what it's like to want to protect your family at all costs." I leaned back in my chair.

"Of course. I'd do anything for my brother and sisters."

Ivy piped up, sensing the danger coming from me. Too bad I wasn't the only one she had to worry about. "It must be fun coming from a big family."

"Sometimes. Sometimes it's just noisy. There's never much privacy."

"Speaking of privacy..."Gabriel cut in, "I believe you recently made an interesting discovery?"

"Interesting isn't quite the word I'd use." I had to give it to Xavier. He kept a calm face when Gabriel addressed him.

"What word would you use?"

"Something more along the lines of mind blowing."

"How ever you want to describe it, "I gave him a sickeningly sweet smile, "let me make something clear." My smile fell into a scowl and I glared at him, locking my eyes on him, "If you dare tell anyone...ANYONE about any of this, I will have the grim reapers track you down, kill you myself, and leave your soul here on earth to wander aimlessly for all of eternity! Do I make myself clear?!"

By the end I was yelling at him, all eyes at the table on me. Even Phantom whimpered quietly in the next room. Xavier took a shaky breath to calm himself, but didn't look away from my gaze. He was serious about her then...Good. I would have hated for Bethany to love someone who saw her as a pass time. None the less, I was completely serious about my threat. As the Angel of Death, I could take action in situations I deemed serious enough if a person was supposed to die or not.

"I'm not going to tell anyone. I want to protect her as much as you do. All I can say is that Beth's very important to me, and I intend to look after her."

"Where we are from, people are not judged by their words."

"Then you'll have to wait and judge me by my actions. You see, you and I have one vital thing in common. We both love Beth."

"In that case, we can fast forward to the second point on tonight's agenda." Gabriel said after a moment, "Bethany tends to walk straight into situations, and at the moment, she only has us to look out for is here with us to take care of her but if you're going to be spending time with her, then we need to know that you can protect her."

"Hasn't Xavier proved himself already? Beth demanded, irritation clear on her face. "He rescued me at Molly's party, and nothing's ever gone wrong when he's around."

"Beth has never been to earth before." I ignored her, "She doesn't know much about the dangers here and that makes her more vulnerable."

"Do you have to make me sound like a full time baby sitting project?"

"I happen to be an experienced baby sitter." Xavier smiled, jokingly, "I can show you my resume if you'd like."

Ivy hid a smile behind her napkin, "are you sure you know what you're getting yourself into?"

"No, but I'm prepared to find out."

"You can't turn back once you've placed your allegiance with us."

"We're not going to war..." Beth muttered.

"I understand."
"I don't think you do. But you will." Gabriel told him softly.

"Is there anything else you think I should know?"

"All in good time."