Hey everyone.
sorry for the long wait. I have still been writing but just not downloading. But i'm back and hopefully it won't take me so long to upload future chapters. so I've added 2 chapters instead of just the one.
Thank you to those who are still reading, reviewing and favouriting this story.
It had been a week since the death of Pandora and Abraham was out patrolling the woods, he stayed in close proximity of the coach house in case he had to return in a hurry.
Lately he had found himself staying out for longer, as for the first time he was questioning the part of him that had been responsible for Pandora's death. He had always thought he was the one in control, that he and the horseman co-existed together but on that night he wasn't so sure.
This creature may look and sound like Azrael but it is not him.
Michael's words kept replaying in his mind.
Perhaps the Archangel had been right about him.
His rage had blinded him to all those around him. It was like he had been in a daze, and killing Pandora was his only goal. When Anastasia had grabbed his arm, asking him to stop, there had been a moment where had she been anyone else he would of cut them down as he had Pandora.
It made him worry about her safety around him and yet he was too selfish to let her go.
He had never felt this way before.
It was funny, whenever he thought about what his life was like a little over a year ago he could scarcely believe it, let alone when he thought about the time he was human.
It almost felt like he was remembering someone else's life.
How he had been devastated by Katrina's rejection, fighting Ichabod in the forest, being killed by a hessian soldier before making the deal with Moloch.
And then two hundred years later he had been ready to destroy the world and everyone upon it, all for a woman who did not love him.
A woman who had manipulated and played on his emotions for her own end.
He had been such a fool.
And now here he was, with a woman who loved him and who he loved with every fibre of his being and in under six months he was to be a father.
He had to admit he was apprehensive about becoming a parent. He had never thought of himself as a father before accepting Moloch's offer, let alone after.
Anastasia had told him about the incident that occurred whilst he had been trapped in the box, their child had taken them back home in search for him.
However, since he had killed Pandora there had been nothing. Anastasia had told him she had not felt anything from their child. No thoughts or feelings, just nothing. She had said it was probably because he was with them and the child simple had no need to express themselves.
But inwardly, he was worried that their child had sensed his rage, the way he had butchered Pandora and now they were keeping quiet because they feared him.
He wanted to be a good father and he never wanted his child to be scared of him.
He was snapped out of his thoughts by a sudden stinging sensation on his hand, looking up he noticed the first rays of sunlight flooding through the leaves of the trees. Seems he had been out longer than he had anticipated, luckily he wasn't too far away from the coach house for it to bother him.
Entering the stables, he smiled as he spotted Anastasia waiting for him as she did every night.
'Forgive my tardiness, darling. Time got away from me' he apologised, climbing down from the saddle.
'Happy Valentine's Day, my love'. She smiled whilst stroking Daredevil's muzzle, which he seemed to be enjoying.
Abraham closed his eyes and sighed.
He had completely forgotten.
'I'm sorry, darling, I didn't get you a gift'. He said regretfully.
'As long as you're here with me, I have all I could ever want or need. Besides…' she placed his hand on her belly 'you've already given me a gift'.
He looked down where his hand was pressed against her small baby bump. She was wrong, it was actually her who was giving him the precious gift.
'When we had examined this last find, Lord Godalming and Quincey Morris taking accurate notes of the various addresses of the houses in the East and the South, took with them the keys in a great bunch, and set out to destroy the boxes in these rest of us are, with what patience we can, waiting their return, or the coming of the Count' Abraham read from Bram Stoker's Dracula.
This had become their daily ritual, after a round of lovemaking they would take turns reading a chapter from a book. Anastasia had said it was good for the baby to get used to their voices.
He had expected stories about romance. About a fair maiden who was in love with a wealthy but cranky and socially awkward aristocrat…isn't that what woman liked to read?
But when she had handed him a copy of The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole, which he remembered reading as an adolescent, he had been rather surprised by her fondness of horror stories.
She had said they got the blood pumping and the heart racing, making you know you're alive. She had also mentioned she was going to introduce him to someone named Stephen King, whoever he might be.
'How about Danielle?' Anastasia suddenly asked 'this is our daughter, Danielle' she tried out 'I like it. It's going on the list'.
He chuckled as she leaned across him to write down the name on her ever-growing list.
She was now some two hundred strong in the many boys and girls names she liked.
'You know, eventually, you can pick only one' he jested.
He looked over towards the window, noticing the first signs of darkness painting the early evening sky.
'Must you go?' She asked, holding him tight 'You could just stay here with me'.
He wanted that more than anything, he really did, but he didn't want to take any chance with her and their child's safety.
He also had an ulterior motive for going out tonight.
'I'm afraid I must, darling'
He gently untangled her arms from around him, kissing the knuckles of her left hand before rising up off the bed and gathered his clothes.
'Hurry back to me'.
He leaned towards her, kissing her on the lips.
'Always'.
'I have a surprise for you, darling'. He announced entering the stables, three hours after he had left.
'My love, I have told you, I don't need to be showered with gifts'. Reprimanding him playfully.
'But you'll like this one, I promise'.
He ushered her out of the stables and into the courtyard, the full moon was illuminating the clearing with a pale glow.
He gestured with his whole hand for her to look out in front of them.
'A terrified priest tied to a tree?' She asked, raising her eyebrows.
'Our wedding'.
'Wedding?' she asked, looking at him like an excited child at Christmas.
He knelt down on one knee, looking up at her eyes.
'I know we already refer to ourselves as husband and wife but I'd like to make it official. So, Anastasia, will you do me the great honour of marrying me'.
'Of course I will, my love'.
'May I have your ring?' he asked, standing back up on his feet.
'My ring?'
She looked hesitant, bringing her fingers to caress the band.
'Is something wrong, darling?'
'No…no, it's just…I haven't taken this ring off since you gave it to me'.
'I promise, you won't be without it for long'.
She smiled and nodded, lifting her hand for him to remove the ring from her finger.
'Wait' she giggled 'I'm wearing a vest top and joggers, not exactly flattering for one's own wedding'.
He wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her flush against him.
'You look beautiful' he kissed her cheek.
They walked hand-in-hand towards where the priest was tied up, he was shaking, the colour had drained from his face as Abraham removed the gag from his mouth.
'He…he was head…' the priest gulped 'headless a moment ago'.
'It's kinda a long and complicated story' Anastasia commented.
'I brought you here to wed us' Abraham curtly said.
The priest shook his head, horror filling his eyes.
'I…I cannot perform this marriage. It is unholy'.
'You'll do it, if you want to leave here alive' Abraham warned.
'Of course you'll leave here alive' she turned to the horseman, briefly giving him a stern look before looking back at the priest. 'Marriage is about love and commitment, and I love him with all that I am, as I know he loves me in return' she held his hand in hers 'and God, like a true parent, loves us all unconditionally. Despite what we might do to incur his anger. Even Lucifer is still beloved by God'.
'Even so, I don't think…'
'And does the bible not say, "judge not lest he be judged". Nobody is perfect, whether they be human or angel, we're simply are what we are'.
The priest stood there in silence, observing Anastasia as if he was truly contemplating what she had just said.
'Very well, I will perform the ceremony' the priest agreed.
Abraham smirked.
He had a sneaky suspicion that it hadn't been Anastasia's charm that had persuaded the priest but his glowing hot axe.
'May I have both your names'.
'Phanuel'.
Abraham was momentarily surprised to hear her say her true name but supposed it made sense.
However she had not mentioned his.
Did she want him to decide which name he wished to be referred as?
Technically he still referred to himself as Abraham, but it always felt right when she called him Azrael, like some part of his subconsciousness remembered and recognised the name.
So, of course he knew how he should answer.
'Azrael'.
The priest's eyes widened.
'Like the Archangels?'
Abraham gave him an impatient look.
'Very well, let's begin. We are gathered here today in the sight of…' the priest quickly looked up at Abraham before shakily continuing 'God to unite Azrael and Phanuel in holy matrimony. Today, you will receive God's greatest gift; another person to share with, grow with, change with, be joyful with, and to stand with as one when trials and tribulations enter their lives. It is fitting, therefore, that we should on this occasion begin by asking for…' he took another shaky breath 'God's blessing on this marriage'.
The priest turned to face him.
'Azrael, wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together according to God's law in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?'
'I will'
'Phanuel, wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together according to God's law in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honour and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?'
'I will'. She squeezed his hand, looking him deep in the eye.
'Please hold out the ring'.
Abraham held the ring in his left palm, the priest signed the cross over it the best he could with his tied hands.
'Bless, O Lord, this ring, and grant that he who gives it and she who shall wear it may remain faithful to each other, and abide in thy peace and favour, and live together in love until their lives' end. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen'.
Abraham felt such pride swell in his chest as he slid the delicate golden band down her left ring finger. This beautiful woman, whose stomach grew rounder everyday with his child, had announced that she willingly gave herself to him and him alone, despite of what he was.
'Those whom God hath joined together let no man put as much as Azrael and Phanuel have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they be husband and wife together, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. You may kiss the bride'.
Their mouths found each other. Excruciatingly soft, and imbued with an eternity of love.
'May…may I go now?' The priest asked timidly.
Without even looking or breaking the kiss, Abraham unsheathed his hatchet, cutting the binds of the priest in one swing, allowing him to run free.
'I have another surprise for you'.
'My love, you're spoiling me' she laughed.
He was manoeuvring Daredevil through the trees, with Anastasia sitting behind him, her arms wrapped around his middle.
'Here we are' he announced.
'Can I take the blindfold off?' She whispered in his ear.
'Not yet' he chuckled, swinging his leg over Daredevil's neck, landing on the ground with a heavy thud before helping Anastasia down.
He untied the blindfold, letting it fall to the ground as he watched her eyes blink, taking in her surroundings.
'Frederick's manor?' she asked.
'The Horseman of War owned the deed to the manor and now…' he pulled out a rolled up document from his jacket pocket 'it's ours'.
'Ours? How so?'
'Does it matter?'
In truth, for being a horseman of the apocalypse and a powerful warlock, Henry wasn't all that good at hiding his belongings. It had only taken Abraham an hour to find the deed underneath a floorboard in the study, and besides who was going to argue with the Horseman of Death.
'This house has been abandoned for over a year. I know it's derelict…'
'It's perfect' she smiled, interrupting his self-doubt 'it just needs some love and care. Come, my love, give me the grand tour' she pulled him towards the door.
Her ability to see the beauty, where most would see only ugliness, astounded him once again.
He scooped her up, carrying her bridal-style across the threshold.
'I believe the tour begins in the bedroom'.
They entered the spacious hallway, Abraham made a beeline towards the stairs but Anastasia pressed a hand against his chest.
'Wait, my love. Isn't it customary for the groom to dance with his bride before whisking her off to the marriage bed'.
'Of course. How absentminded of me' he chuckled, setting her down on the floor before bowing slightly, extending his right hand. 'May I have the honour of this dance, my lady'.
She giggled at his foolery, placing her hand in his.
His hand gripped her waist, fingers laced with hers as they began a simple waltz without another word, letting their passion for one another dictate their movements.
Fingers clenched and she knew what he intended, beginning the twirl as soon as he moved his arm up and around her head.
Abraham and Anastasia swayed slowly to the imaginary music. Anastasia rests her head against Abraham's chest and closed her eyes with a smile whilst he rested his own on the top of hers as he holds her close.
One of his hands holds one of hers as his other hand rests on the small of her back. Anastasia lifts her head off his chest and looks up at him. She blushes as she sees his mischievous yet loving smile. He leans down and kisses her deeply, both of them moaning into the kiss.
He releases her hand and lets both of his hands rest above her behind. She places her hands on his chest as they continue to kiss passionately, slowly sliding her tongue inside his mouth. He growls gently and slides his own tongue along Anastasia's making her moan.
'My love…perhaps we should…continue this…in the bedroom'. She suggested between kisses.
He hummed his agreement, guiding her towards the staircase.
Leaving various pieces of clothing in their wake, like a trail of breadcrumbs. It was a clumsy and less than graceful way to get up the stairs but neither one of them was willing to break the kiss.
Bursting in through the bedroom door, he removed the rest of her clothing, reaching behind her to unclasp her bra and helping her to shimmy out of her knickers. Leaving her completely bare before him as she climbed onto the bed. He paused for a moment and looks down at his wife, swearing he has never seen anything more beautiful in his whole life.
He knelt down on the floor, spreading her legs wide, kissing her from her ankle all the way up to the top of her thigh and repeating the same process with her other leg. He hooked his arms around her thighs, pulling her closer so that her bottom was a little over the edge of the bed. With a lick up her slit with his broad tongue, he sucked his wife's clit into his mouth.
He was ravenous and unrelenting.
'Azrael…my love…I'm close' Anastasia moaned.
He felt her body start to shake and her moans grew loud as he brought her to her release.
She let out a low whine and instinctively flinched away, but he didn't stop instead he continued with his administrations onto her throbbing clit and it was so intense that she reached down to push him away and give her time to relax.
But he didn't budge.
He pulled her hands away from his head and intertwined their fingers, holding her hands at either side of her hips. She squeezed his hands as he pulled her arms taut and straight and sucked on her clit, teasing her entrance with his tongue in between suckling.
He was worshiping her like the Goddess she was.
Before long, Anastasia was arching her back with increasingly erratic movements, her noises growing into desperate keens, until she suddenly stiffened and broke into full-body tremors, Abraham was still nursing on her sensitive clit as she rode out her second orgasm.
'My love…please…please stop' she begged between fits of uncontrollable laughter.
Hearing her pant and moan made him unbelievably hard within the tight confines of his trousers, so he rectified this by taking off the offensive clothing, his length springing free from its imprisonment.
'Turn around, darling'.
He gentle positioned her onto her hands and knees, he curled his hands around her thighs and pulled her roughly back on his length. He kept his thrusts shallow at first, teasing her sensitive flesh after two orgasms.
He suddenly slammed into her abruptly hard, earning a high squeal from her, his movements shoved her face into the pillows. He couldn't help himself as he rocked her body back and forth. He got lost in the feeling of her throbbing heat re-enveloping him every time he entered into her.
When he was sure he was about to cum, to hold off, he pulled out of her.
Before she could protest, he twisted her onto her back on the mattress and climbed on top of her.
He held his weight above her, careful not to crush her pregnant belly and started smoothly sliding in and out of her. She had to grab his arms to have something to hold onto while he thrusted into her causing them both to groan in desire.
She reached up and kissed him lovingly on the lips.
That was his cue to start moving slowly, rolling into her to reach deep inside his wife, frantic rutting replaced with unbearably tender lovemaking. She put her arms around his shoulders and hooked her legs over his thighs, softly moaning into his mouth.
He lifted her breast and sucked her nipple into his greedy mouth.
Anastasia gasped, watching him nurse off her, gently massaging her breasts as he worked. He felt her body tense whenever he sucked more powerfully. He pinched her other nipple to prime it and repeated his tongue bath. Her throbbing heart made her breast tremble in his mouth.
Suddenly, Anastasia was keening and pulsating hard on his length, becoming so unbelievably tight. His face buried in her neck as she played with his hair. The vice grip on him set him off and he was releasing himself inside her. He kept himself inside her as he unloaded with a low roar. He kept thrusting through it, some of his seed seeping out around him from her hole.
Abraham collapsed in a breathless heap next to her, Anastasia calmly rolled beside him, resting her head on his chest as he ran his fingers through her hair.
'Happy Valentine's Day, husband'.
'Happy Valentine's Day, wife'. He chuckled.
'I love you so much' she sighed contently.
'I love you, darling'.