Chapter Four
Finally have what seemed like years, but in reality, had been mere months, Elena was allowed to return to New York. She missed her city that never slept or took a break. Raphael had to stay in the Refuge. Anouk had continued to self-harm, and Raphael seemed to believe that something was amiss. Elena. however, had returned, her heart missing her newly formed family.
Elena accepted the high five from the barely grown angel, with wings of sunshine and happiness, as she nailed a landing on a rickety ledge that was home to the best coffee in New York. The fact that it was a rooftop joint, especially made for angels, warmed Elena's heart at how accepting the people of her city were; and how business savvy they were too. And yeah it was her city. She would protect it for as long as she had breath in her lungs and wind beneath her wings. A familiar brown cup was thrust beneath her nose and she inhaled the scent. "Lemme guess, decaff chino with two pumps of vanilla, one pump hazelnut and no fat no sugar almond creamer and whipped cream?" Ransom snorted at her. "Nope pure black coffee. I know you don't do those 'LA drinks'." The air quotes related to when Elena had a meeting with a very old vampire, who was more in touch with teenagers these days then when Elena had been, even when she was a teenager. Too much blood had stained her soul for her to ever be that carefree. A thought came knocking at her head. "Can I ride your motorcycle again?"
Ransom arched an eyebrow at her. "Did you enjoy the ride last time? I can go as long and slow as you like" A slow smile and a wink, had Elena curling her lips up in a snarl. "I like my rides a little more airborne." A hand on her hip as Elena spread her beautiful wings for full effect. "I will however enjoy scaring the crap out of everyone we see."
Half an hour later Elena threw her head back with laughter as the sidewalks rushed by, and Ransom zoomed around the city, dodging cars and cyclists. Elena was stood on the bike, wings spread proudly as she held on to Ransom's shoulders. She could feel him shaking with laughter as they pulled up at a red light, and they were able to hear the tutting of the straight-laced humans and vampires in pristine suits, clearly not amused with their behaviour. A shadow above made Elena look up, and she saw Illuim, shirtless and soaring on the air waves. "Hey Bluebell, want to race?"
Ransom, not waiting for an answer, revved the engine and took off down the road, the shadow of Illuim hot on his tail. He braked hard suddenly, a lone figure with a familiar smirk stood with a wide stance in front of the Tower. Elena nearly flew forward over Ransom's shoulder; it was her iron clad grip of her hands on his shoulders which stopped her. She was sure he would have bruises.
"Do you have a death wish, Consort?" Dmitri, dressed in black boots, black jeans and a black top so tight it looked painted on, had his trade mark smirk on his lips. Elena went to reply with a tart retort when she suddenly found herself yanked into the air, a set of hands under each arm carrying her straight up into the direct beam of the sun.
"Raphael, we spoke about this." Elena poked her soulmates chest with her finger, when he allowed her to spin in his arms, so they were face to face, flying high over the sky scrapers of New York. Her heart said nothing, just smiled that smile at her and continued to soar with her.
The three men on the ground were looking. "Damn he moved fast." Hissed out Ransom. Dimitri arched an eyebrow at the hunter. "What were you expecting?" Illuim fluttered his eyelashes, blue with sparkles; every bit as pretty as his wings. "A fair fight apparently."
Ransom laughed and slapped a hand on the angels back. "Do you think Raphael will pay my speed ticket?" The three of them, vampire, angel and hunter walked away, to the nearest bar to await their next orders.