Chapter 11
Warning, adult situations.
Veronika knew it was imperative that she avoid the pointy end of the sword. If her attacker managed to slash her or worse, hack off another of her limbs then the fight would be over before it'd barely begun. After anticipating his first lunge, she twirled out of the way at the very last second. She wasn't surprised that he didn't let up and was instantly slashing at her once again. In an effort to avoid the last attack, she threw herself across the dresser accidentally smashing her elbow into the mirror before falling to the other side. She rolled onto her feet and quickly performed a backward flip and landed behind a recliner chair. When he speared through the chair with his sword and managed to cut her on her good shoulder; she suppressed a cry of frustration before once again putting some distance between them. She knew if she ran for the bedroom door, with the time it took her to open it he would have already cut her down. If she was going to escape him, it wouldn't be that way.
Leigh paused to twirl his sword as he gazed at the vampire huddled against a medium sized window that was covered with wooden blinds. His nostrils flared at the scent of fresh blood that stained the white bandages on her chest. After he killed her, he would taste her. Not directly from her mutilated body - oh no - but a lick from his sword would do. For he planned to slice her up enough times to coat the weapon with a stream of her life blood.
"Why are you doing this?" Veronika once again sought to keep him talking as she formulated an escape plan in her mind.
"Why indeed?" Leigh sighed but suddenly stopped twirling his blade. "Your bitch of an employer believes she has won. And apparently she holds you in some high regard. Your death is simply to teach her a lesson, and to warn her that this isn't over. Not by a long shot."
"If you want an honest fight with her, then come clean, tell us exactly who you're working for."
"Hmm, nice try. See, we know Miss Boldare now has the backing of the archangel Raphael, and that would be most unwise. However, if I've alleviated some of your questions in these last moments of your life, then I'm glad for it. But you've already taken up more of my night than I had intended."
Veronika waited until he lunged at her one more time before quickly side stepping the blade, then she grabbed his wrist with her good arm while using his forward momentum to push them both through the window. The blinds caved and the glass cracked from the sword and very soon, they were both airborne. Her dorm was located upon a steep mountain bluff but luckily there was a ledge just below the building that offered them a reprieve from the deeper drop off filled with jagged spikes. She managed to knee her attacker in the stomach mid air, before grasping him and moving him directly beneath her. Within seconds, they both impacted upon the stone ledge. Her attackers' body took the brunt of the fall since she had landed atop him. She noted by the dazed look in his eyes that he'd been stunned which was all the opportunity she needed.
Jumping to her feet, Veronika grabbed his discarded sword and quickly stabbed him through the neck with it. She heard the gurgling noises as blood soon began to spout from his lips. She could have easily sliced off his head but stilled her hand. She instead left the sword in his neck and glanced upward at the night sky; the stinging pain of new wounds an afterthought. It wasn't long before she saw wings flapping in the distance. She hadn't been certain if anyone had heard the commotion in her quarters for the various rooms within the dorm were separated by thick walls. But it seemed that somehow word had got out that she was in trouble.
Veronika knew she was a mess, with blood staining her skin and the bandages around her torso. Not to mention her hair must have been all askew. When two male angels landed on the ledge, she recognized the red-haired one immediately. The other was a pale skinned angel with white-blond hair and pristine white wings that shone like a diamond. She'd never seen an angel that looked like him before and his appearance contrasted to Galen's like night and day.
"Veronika, where are you?"
She looked up at the sound of her name and saw that the lights were now on in her quarters. Within moments she saw Jasper sticking his head out the window. "Down here," She stated dryly before returning her attention to Galen who had moved towards the fallen vampire.
Jasper managed to scale the wall before coming to a landing at Veronika's side. "You're injured." He stated the obvious as he stared at her bleeding shoulder.
"It's just a scratch." There was a warning look in Veronika's eyes that said she didn't want him fussing over her. She hoped he heeded it.
Jasper pressed his lips together before flicking his eyes away from the female vampire to look at Galen who had just pulled the sword out of the fallen vampires' neck. "Who is he?"
"He's not one of ours," Galen responded.
"I don't know his name. But he was there that day at the Essex estate. He led the team of vampires," Veronika decided she would not be excluded from the conversation. She also recognized that Galen was in charge and sought to give him the quickest answers so that they could get to the bottom of the attack post haste.
"You left him alive." Galen glanced over at the female vampire, who although she was bloodied had apparently managed to be victorious against an armed and experienced vampire, and she'd accomplished this despite the glaring handicap of her injury! He was impressed, but kept it to himself.
"I find that questioning a corpse can be difficult, don't you?" Veronika didn't mean to sound as bitter as she did but couldn't help it. Within moments, other angels began to show up at the scene, apparently alerted to the commotion occurring in the dead of the night. Two arrived with a stretcher to take the half dead vampire away.
Jasper turned to Veronika. "We should get you back inside. Perhaps you should stay with me, just in case." He realized that no matter how he phrased it, that offer simply wouldn't sound right.
Veronika ignored him and noted when the pristine white angel came forward. He held a hand out to her before speaking.
"I am Aodhan, I will get you back to the top."
Veronika stared at him as if he had two heads. "Are you sure about that? I'd get blood all over you."
"It will wash away," Aodhan simply replied.
Veronika didn't like the idea of flying with anyone, but she knew she couldn't climb back up the ledge, especially with only one arm.
"Here," Jasper took his jacket and covered Veronika with it. "That should help." Jasper watched as Aodhan placed his arm around the waist of the female vampire touching her as little as possible and avoiding all contact with skin. Jasper knew this had nothing to do with Aodhan's fear of being covered in blood, but most likely was a result of his phobia against touching others period. He was surprised the angel even offered to take Veronika, but supposed that Aodhan was perhaps embracing change, even in this small way. Within seconds they were airborne, then Jasper turned to give Galen his full attention. "I failed her."
"Are you her appointed protector?" Galen asked. "She didn't seem very grateful."
"She's here for recovery, yet someone almost managed to succeed in an attempt on her life. I wouldn't be feeling very chipper either."
Galen turned in preparation for flight. "I have to contact Raphael. I need to ascertain how he wishes to proceed. I can employ a traditional interrogation or perhaps he will travel here to take the man's memories."
"Taking his memories would probably be best, he's not a young vampire, he won't break easily. Plus, this may finally lead to a breakthrough in the case."
"I agree." Galen performed a vertical take off but hovered for a few seconds. "Do find a way to keep a closer eye on our guest. I'd hate to have her leave us before I get a chance to see what she can truly do." He then rose into the air, his purpose to call Dmitri. The vampire would then decide if the matter was important enough to garner Raphael's immediate attention.
OOO
The rays of the sun had only just begun to seep into the master bedroom of Rina's spacious apartment when the heiress silently left the bed and donned a silk robe. Her gaze lingered on the fine specimen of male angel that lay sprawled across her bed, with only a sliver of material covering his hip and thigh area allowing for minimal decency. She knew Bryce was naked beneath those sheets and the thought did not fail to turn her on. However, in the light of day as she began to process just what she had allowed herself to engage in the previous night, she began to wonder at the wisdom behind it all. Forcing her eyes away from the stunning image her new lover created with one arm lazily thrown across his forehead, Rina made her way to the private wash room located off the master bedroom.
She barely noticed her lavish surroundings, including the large vanity set with a gilt trimmed mirror as well as golden ceramic counters built around the sink. A Jacuzzi tub equipped with a shower graced the right half of the area. Rina turned the faucet on only a trickle so as not to wake her sleeping companion and quickly washed her face. She noted the dark shadows under her eyelids which were an indication of the little sleep she'd gotten the previous night. However, she'd never trade what she'd shared with Bryce for a good night's sleep. It simply wasn't an even deal, and she'd certainly spent enough on cosmetics to find something that would cover all proof of her sleepless night.
After drying her face with a white fluffy towel, Rina returned to the bedroom and headed for the dark paneled dresser that sat opposite the large bed. Her gaze was quickly drawn to the outline of Bryce's body in the mirror. A part of her wanted to return to the bed and wake him. She'd never felt more desirable than when his luminous eyes were on her reflecting their own passion. At some point she wondered if she should perhaps pinch herself. She had become the lover of an angel and simply could not get enough of him! As if Bryce suddenly sensed her thoughts, those beautiful eyes flew open and instantly locked with her reflection in the mirror.
Rina did not turn around, but stared as her golden boy slowly extricated himself from the sheets and rose in all his naked glory. He made no attempts to cover himself for Rina knew his clothing was still downstairs where he'd initially discarded them. She felt her nipples stiffen against the silky material of her robe as she gazed upon his magnificent body that he seemed to have no qualms displaying before her. Rina's eyes did fall upon that part of him that had brought her to pleasure several times the previous night and was pleased to witness his morning arousal.
Rina squeezed her eyes shut briefly and shook herself inwardly. Their night of pleasure where they had given in to their most base desires was over. Now it was time to figure out exactly what Bryce meant when he claimed she was now his woman. "We need to talk." Rina's eyes locked with Bryce's in the mirror before she finally turned around to face him.
Bryce nodded slowly. "You may speak, but I will hear nothing that hinders upon regret over what has occurred between us." There was very little space between them as Bryce towered over her, he had her by at least half a foot which meant she had to constantly crane her neck upwards to look at him. He found he'd prefer them on even standing, which was easy to accomplish while in bed.
"Last night was fantastic, but I think we need to be realistic, What will people say about this relationship?"
"Are you ashamed of me?" There was a hard glint in Bryce's eyes as he asked that question.
"Of course not, why would you even think that?" Rina wondered if she had somehow inadvertently put her foot in her mouth.
"Yet you wish to keep this a secret?"
Rina had not actually thought of that at first but now realized it may not be a bad idea. Bryce was part of her security detail and he was now in essence mixing business with pleasure. How would Dmitri or even Raphael react if they learned that the lines were being blurred in this relationship? And bad press was certainly not something she was unused to, despite Archangel Tower's efforts to squash such attention. If it was revealed that she had taken an angel lover, Rina didn't put it past some loon claiming she was now anti-human since her friends and lover all appeared to be immortal. No, it was best if things simply remained the way they were, which would include keeping the fact that she'd been intimate with Bryce on the down low.
"Until we know exactly where this relationship is headed then that may be best. I don't exactly have a life expectancy like you do."
Bryce was silent for a moment as he realistically pondered her fears. "This would be a non-issue if you consider the Making process."
"Making?" Rina echoed.
"Become a vampire, embrace immortality and remain at my side for eternity."
"You want me to become a vampire?" Rina had to ask the question, for she could see the hesitancy in his eyes even as he'd spoken his last words.
"It is the only solution for us to be together. I will not be forced to watch you grow old ... I will not be forced to watch you die." A muscle ticked in Bryce's chiseled cheek as he realized this line of conversation was not something he cared for.
Rina respected Veronika a great deal and knew deep down that her companion was a good person and very skilled in combat to boot. However, Rina knew enough about the Making process to realize that newly Made vampires were considered very weak. She would not come anywhere close to Veronika's experience level perhaps not for hundreds of years. But at least she would be alive, remain as unchanged as she was now, and have Bryce in her life. But those perks did not come without a price, nor did it appeal to her that this clearly would not be Bryce's optimal choice. "This is not what you really want for me," She decided to state the obvious realizing there was no other way out of this.
He was silent for several seconds before finally responding with the truth. "I would prefer to Make you an angel, but that is not possible."
"You mean like, Elena was Made an angel?"
Bryce nodded.
"I take it that's not something that happens often." As the words left her lips, Rina found herself woefully distracted as Bryce stretched his nude body lithely. His wings spread to their fullest span and muscles rippled through his arms and thighs as he completed the stretch. Rina once again found her eyes on his throbbing cock and realized she couldn't take this anymore. "Maybe we should get dressed."
Bryce shook his head, "That would prove counterproductive."
"Huh?" Rina imagined there was a dumbfounded look on her face at that very second. However, when Bryce closed the distance between them and soon encompassed her in the embrace of his powerful arms and wingspan, she soon began to understand his motives. "I have to get ready for work soon," Rina managed to say even as her eyes lingered on his lips with longing.
"Your work can wait," was Bryce's breathy response before slanting his lips across hers. He pressed his body against hers, reveling in the feel of the silky robe against his bare skin. He made certain that she felt the insistent press of his cock against her stomach so that she would have no doubts as what was to come.
Within moments, Rina felt some of the contents on her dresser slide backward as she was seated on the dresser with Bryce planted between her spread legs. As her robe fell away and she once again felt the press of bare skin against skin, she realized one fact. She would be very late for work that day!
OOO
Elena was waiting for Rina in the lobby a couple hours later when she emerged from her limo and entered Archangel Tower. A part of her wondered if the hunter would be able to sense the fact that although she wasn't very well rested, she had been extremely satisfied with the events of the previous night and that very morning. Rina managed to control the flush on her cheeks as she thought of the things she and Bryce had engaged in within the confines of her bedroom. She'd never been so thoroughly pleasured in her life and couldn't wait for more. If he truly didn't wish her to become a vampire then there was no hurry to make a decision, and in the meantime she had no qualms over enjoying herself with him.
"Well I'm glad to see you're in a good mood," Elena commented.
"Yes, it was an great day yesterday and has been an incredible morning so far," Rina replied with a grin.
Elena sensed that Rina was almost euphoric, but decided not to comment on it, not when she was the bearer of bad news. "Not for everyone I'm afraid. Walk with me." She moved to lead the way towards the elevator pads. She hadn't wanted to alarm Rina first thing in the morning but it couldn't be helped. Once they were in the confines of an elevator car, she turned to give the younger woman her full attention.
"Veronika was attacked at her recovery location last night." At the alarmed expression on Rina's face, Elena added quickly. "She wasn't seriously harmed. She did manage to catch the vampire who lead the attack on your mansion. Raphael is on his way there to question him. Hopefully soon, we'll be able to tie him to Mr. Lacoby and the unknown angel accomplice."
"Oh God." Rina suddenly felt guilty that she had spent a night of passion in Bryce's arms while Veronika had been God knows where fighting for her life. "I should go see her - why can't I go see her Elena?" She had asked this question before but they had always skirted around the true reasons.
"Because the location is only for angels and their vampires. It's called the Refuge, and I shouldn't even be telling you that much. But no humans are to ever go there." Elena was aware of at least one time when that rule was broken. After her transformation to an angel, she had been in a coma for a whole year. Sara had been worried sick about her. Raphael had granted Elena peace of mind by arranging to have Sara brought to the Refuge. Of course the Guild Director's eyes had been bound and she'd had no idea in which direction they'd traveled. But none of that mattered, for Elena had been able to reunite with Sarah who although they were not related by blood, was family nonetheless.
Rina didn't protest knowing that it would do no good. "I'd like to talk to her."
"Sure, we're on the way to META's floor, you can call her from there."
"Do we know why she was attacked?" Rina gazed at her imploringly, willing Elena to be honest with her.
Elena sighed before running a hand through her white blond hair. "Something about you needing to be punished."
"Dear God," Rina clutched her stomach before lowering her head. Her breathing increased slightly as she squeezed her eyes shut. "I don't know if I'm strong enough for this. I've never been in a battle where someone just wants to destroy me at all costs. What do I do, Elena?"
"We wait, if Raphael learns a name of who is responsible, then the ball will be in our court."
"And if he doesn't?" Rina could tell by the look in Elena's luminous silver gaze that failure would throw a wrench in their plans. She decided to state the obvious, "Then we'll be back to square one." Rina hoped for her sake that Raphael did learn something, for she didn't know how much more of this she could take. And if the perpetrator was now targeting those close to her, then just about anyone could be at risk.
"I would ask that you discuss one other topic when you speak to Veronika." Elena lead the way from the elevator that had just arrived on META's floor. She knew she was placing a lot on the younger woman's plate, but it was imperative that this topic be brought up and before Raphael arrived at the Refuge, which wouldn't be long now.
"What is it?" Her voice sounded monotone, as she could not wring the disconcerting events from her mind.
"You have come to accept Archangel Tower's future involvement with the AGF device and your company. We simply need to ensure that the one closest to you shares the same belief." Elena came to stand outside the door that housed the super computer before turning to give Rina her full attention. Through the actions of the heiress in the past, Elena had come to realize that Rina and Veronika were much more than employer and employee, they were best friends as well. Therefore, Veronika's opinions could not simply be tossed aside, but it was imperative that they all be on the same page.
"Veronika is always very astute. She foresaw problems with Lacoby before I even confided with him on the completion of AGF. But I didn't listen." Rina sighed before running a hand through her unbound hair. "I know she doesn't trust you all one hundred percent yet, but that is simply her nature. Honestly I don't think she'll fight me on this decision. You have nothing to worry about."
"Unfortunately since she's a vampire we have to go one step further." Elena opened META's door and waited for Rina to enter before following. The room was illuminated by bright fluorescent lights but currently the super computer was offline.
Rina's brow furrowed at Elena's last comment. "I'm not following."
"In order for Veronika to work within the construct of Archangel Tower, she must first pledge loyalty to Raphael."
Rina's eyes widened slightly as realization struck her. "Oh. So, you want me to be the one to convince her?"
"I don't think she'll appreciate hearing it from anyone else," Elena explained.
"I don't understand why."
There was an apologetic look on Elena's face as she spoke. "It's angel/vampire politics."
"I ... didn't think foreign vampires would be accepted that easily," Rina commented.
"Well I imagine there is a screening process. Vampires that have completed their one hundred year contract are not obligated to serve only in the area of their Making. Take Venom - who you've met - for example. He was made by Neha who is the Archangel of India. Venom proved himself to be very useful, and now he's a member of Raphael's Seven. These vampires and angels are the ones you want on your side when you're in a fight."
Rina couldn't disagree with Elena there. Illium's presence at her mansion that fateful day had turned the tide irrevocably in their favor. "I understand how respected the Seven are. Will Veronika command that kind of respect should she accept this position?"
"Well, respect must first be earned. Although I'd say Veronika is well on her way to earning that respect. While I haven't seen her in action up close, I have read the reports and seen the aftermath of her wrath personally. She would fit in perfectly here, all she has to do is accept Raphael as her liege first."
"I'll talk to her, but if she refuses-"
"She won't refuse you," Elena injected.
"I won't use our relationship and her desire to please me to force her into this decision." Riina's tone was adamant.
"Even if it will save her life?" Elena realized she couldn't dance around the truth anymore. Either Veronika served Raphael or she would have to leave. And chances are her ties to Rina were too strong for her to be able to do that. If Raphael allowed a vampire with no loyalties to work within his tower, it would be a personal insult against the archangel. She would be ordered to leave, but if she refused to do so...
"Elena, really ... I've been waiting for you to hit the punch line. Any second now will do."
"Like I said, it's silly angel/vampire politics. It never makes any sense, just like the business politics you're experiencing with your company. They exist for a reason, regardless of how we may feel about them. But that's the way the cookie crumbles. And I promise that's the last cliché I'm going to toss your way today, scouts honor." Elena raised her hand and offered half a smile.
"Alright," Rina made a sweeping motion with her right hand towards the exit. "I got work to do."
Elena nodded and was about to leave when something else occurred to her. "One more thing, how is Bryce working out?"
Rina knew she must have turned three shades of red at that question. She'd almost forgotten about the awesome fun she was having with her Golden Adonis in light of Veronika's problems, but Elena had inadvertently remedied that. "He's working out great." She wasn't certain of what else to say.
"Glad to hear it. I'll catch you later." Elena left the room and closed the door behind her.
As Rina moved to power on META's towers, she managed to ease her embarrassment as she turned her thoughts towards her upcoming conversation with Veronika. Within a few minutes, she was seated before an enlarged virtual monitor screen speaking to her friend of twenty years.
"V, I'm so glad you're okay. Well, as okay as you can be." Rina realized that this latest attack literally added further insult to injury. But apparently the wound the platinum haired vampire had inflicted on Veronika's good shoulder had already healed.
"My arm has re-grown some. I'm still missing my second elbow. I'd show you but - well like you'd say, that would be an over share." There was a slight curve of Veronika's lips to indicate her attempt at being humorous.
"I can't believe this will all be over soon, and you'll get to come home and-" Rina cut herself short as her conversation with Elena rose in her mind.
"Where exactly is home, Rina?"
"Where the heart is," Rina replied with a grin. "A bad cliché I know. I ... I need to ask you something, V-"
"You want me to pledge my loyalty to Raphael," Veronika stated flatly.
Rina's eyes widened slightly before she lowered her gaze completely. She didn't even bother asking Veronika how she knew, the vampire could be so intuitive she must have picked up on the vibe somehow. "Apparently, um... this is their way of things."
There was silence for almost a minute before Rina finally found the strength to look V in the eyes once again.
"Rina, if this is what you wan-"
"Stop!" Rina immediately pulled up a virtual side tab and began typing a code. Within seconds, a safety lock appeared on the side of the screen. "I encrypted the call, the line's secure now." Although Rina didn't think her conversations were being monitored, she knew they had the ability to do so from within the tower and she had also requested that the security cameras be video feed only with no audio. In essence, their conversation would now be completely private.
"V, before you make your decision, I want you to take me out of the picture. Whether you work for Raphael or not will be ultimately your decision. You know how much I trust and respect your counsel. But I will never force you into a situation where you are uncomfortable simply by remaining at my side."
"You know it's not that simple, Rina. Even if I could work for an angel again, the missing pieces of my past would come back to haunt me."
"What if you did know of your past, would it change how you feel." This was a thought that had suddenly occurred to Rina. Perhaps Raphael could help her with her unknown past.
Veronika was silent for several seconds before replying. "As I said, it's not so simple, Rina. I know that working for you, I'd rarely to get my hands dirty. Such will not be the case with Raphael. It has less to do with me feeling some sense of chivalry and more to do with the fear of encroaching darkness."
"Oh my God, what are you saying?" Rina felt her heart clench as she waited with bated breath for Veronika to continue.
"Each time I fight, each time I kill; I feel something clawing at me, desperate to clamber to the surface. The person I was in the past, Rina ... she craved this. And she will crave it again."
"Don't do it!" Rina stated quickly. "You have to tell him no." She lowered her gaze, unable to look at Veronika. She knew what she was asking. She was in essence ending their working relationship, for as Elena had spelled out, Veronika could not remain here unless she pledged her loyalty to Raphael. But the last thing she wanted was for Veronika to descend into a blood lust incensed madness that would in essence force Raphael to end her. "I'm so sorry, V."
"It's not your fault," Veronika replied quietly. "Know that I will keep my promise to look after your future children...if I'm able."
"Don't talk like that, this isn't goodbye!" Rina's adamant green eyes rose to the screen.
"Isn't it?" Veronika's intense gaze suddenly faltered as she glanced towards the entrance of her room.
"What is it?" Rina asked.
"There was an explosion, Rina I have to cut this short." Veronika was already on her feet.
"Call me back and let me know what's going on," Rina stated quickly.
"I will if I can." Angel loyalty or not, Veronika knew there were secrets about angel kind that she couldn't discuss with any mortals and that included one she'd been loyal to for twenty years. Clearly something was happening at the Refuge but only time would tell if it was something worthy of Rina's ears. After disconnecting the phone call, Veronika quickly left her quarters which had been put together again after her encounter the previous night. She held the brown coat flung over her shoulders together with her good arm as she ran towards the direction of the blast. She began to get a sinking feeling when she realized she was headed towards the lock-up. The platinum haired vampire had been brought there instead of the infirmary and had been treated separately. The dozen or so vampires and angels on the scene assisted two vampire guards that had been injured. She soon noted Galen emerging from the smoke filled room that had housed their prisoner. He was empty handed. This didn't bode well. She noticed when he said something to Jasper briefly.
Veronika remained on the sidelines, unwilling to inject herself into the commotion playing out in the open courtyard that surrounded the lock up. It wasn't until she heard the powerful flapping of wings that she glanced upward to see Raphael about to come in for a landing. She gazed at him intently, taking in his soft white wings touched with gold that seemed to shimmer in the sunlight. Even after he'd landed and had slid those wings closed, she continued to watch him. Rina had informed her of his pending arrival and she knew she should leave the area less she make herself too available when it was time to question her. She watched as he spoke to both Galen and Jasper and knew by the somber expression on their faces that something was very wrong. Her obvious thought was that the vampire had escaped, but when another angel emerged from the room carrying a char-blackened humanoid head, she realized the only thing the silver haired man had escaped was to the afterlife. It soon dawned on her what must have happened. Whoever was truly in charge of the operation against Rina knew that the vampire had been captured and dealt with the problem the best way they knew how. But a simple explosion would not have cut the vampire's head off, which meant someone had been in the lock-up with him either before or directly after the explosion.
Veronika turned away abruptly. She wasn't angered by the fact that the perpetrator had been allowed to infiltrate Raphael's section of the Refuge and slay a potential witness right under their noses. Rather, she was upset because Rina would have to suffer longer than was necessary since those responsible were still out there. Veronika kept walking, not certain of where she was going but knew she had no intentions of heading home at the moment. She soon found herself in the outer courtyard of the library she had once visited with Bryce. She had no intention of entering, but instead stood before the stone fountain that spewed crystal clear water several feet into the air. She'd expected Raphael to be busy at the site of the explosion for some time. But when she heard the sound of approaching wings over the gentle trickle of the fountain, she realized she'd been wrong. Soon, the Archangel of New York landed deftly beside her. He folded his wings neatly behind his back before turning to gaze at her intensely.
"You know why I'm here." Cobalt blue eyes regarded her, unblinking.
Veronika nodded but said nothing.
"What is your decision?"
Veronika was silent for a moment before replying, "I don't think you'd truly want me as part of your team."
"The invitation would never have been offered if that were the case." His tone was curt and abrupt.
Veronika smirked inwardly, the audacity of this archangel was astounding. What invitation? The topic of her joining him had been broached indirectly first through Jasper and then Rina. He never had to bother uttering the words himself and yet he was here demanding an answer. Maybe it wasn't his audacity but perhaps his utter arrogance that left her almost gagging. "I must decline at this time." She saw the way he tilted his head in question at her response.
"Are you certain?"
"Yes." Veronika's gaze held his, unwavering.
"I can not accept that answer, for I would be forced to eject you from the Refuge at this very instant. Seeing that you are still recovering from your injuries which occurred while in my territory, that would be considered - inappropriate."
"You have your rules, feel free to follow them." When he was silent for several seconds, Veronika continued. "Should I go pack my things? Oh that's right, I didn't come here with much of anything did I?"
"You remind me, very much of Dmitri. And if I could not envision you among my team, then I would not be contemplating my next actions."
Veronika took a step back from him at those words; the first true feeling of concern for her life cropped up within her. She really believed he would simply banish her and not take her life in light of what that would do to his relationship with Rina and her company. But what did she truly know about this archangel, who other than letting Elena into his life had not shown any other signs of weaknesses. If he wanted to be cold and vicious, there certainly was nothing stopping him.
"I promise you, this won't hurt a bit." Raphael grasped her by the head, placing his palms against her temples as he began the thought stealing process.
Veronika's eyes went wide as Raphael soon invaded her brain and began to tear apart the fragile boundaries she had built to protect her sanity. If he kept this up, then even Veronika would lose sight of who she truly was and perhaps become the one thing she feared the most.
OOO
A.N. With the Excerpt of Archangel's Storm out, the time frame of my story has become a bit muddled. Dmitri and Honor are married in this story as you know, but Jason's new mission certainly does not start post haste. I'm planning a tie-in for my epilogue to indicate the start of Archangel's Storm so that the timeline of my fanfic will flow better.
