Chapter 6: Flashback time for Celeste ;) I also loved writing the dialogue for Gabriel. He is so much fun to write for.

Crouched low on the ground Huntress resisted the urge to growl as she continued to stalk the limping deer. The misfortunate creature had clearly sustained an injury from a human contraption and she knew it would be foolish to pass up on this opportunity for an easy meal. Also, the pack would not be best pleased if she returned without anything to offer.

Suddenly, the deer raised its head in alarm as it awkwardly stumbled of into the thick undergrowth. Huntress quickly pursued but the brambles yanked her fur and pulled her back, so she could not enter.

Swiping the ground with frustration Huntress headed back the way she had come, on the hunt for new prey. Swooping down from above Huntress was taken aback as the gigantic wings of a hawk seemed to come at her in slow motion. Not that a hawk was a threat but who knew what dangers lurked in these woods? But this was worse. It was an angel.

Kicking her sharply in the side, Huntress was sent flying. She crashed into the ground. The shock made her reveal her true form. Celeste was stunned. She began to shiver as the muscular angel landed in front of her. Before she had a chance to react the angel had gripped her shoulder blade. She could hear the sickening crunch of bones and tears began to stream down her face. Celeste wanted to be brave but she was terrified. The stocky angel raised a fist and drew it back. Celeste closed her eyes and braced herself for contact. However, a voice interrupted and the angel stopped.

"Hello Commundos. Lovely day isn't it?"

"Gabriel. What do you want?" Commundos growled in annoyance but he did not loosen his grip on Celeste's shoulder.

"Wealth, fame, fortune, my own personal candy shop would be nice. Depends. What are you going to give me?" Gabriel joked and smirked as he walked casually closer. He eyed Celeste, who regarded him with fear before he directed his focus back to Commundos.

"I don't have time for this."

"Don't be silly, of course you do! Unless something unfortunate happens we are practically immortal baby," Gabriel grinned as Commundos huffed.

"I am about to beat this filthy thing up. And sadly I cannot leave it for dead," Commundos said with venom as he glared daggers at Celeste, who whimpered.

"Commundos. What did this kid ever do to you?" Gabriel questioned.

"Nothing! But that is beside the point. This thing is one of those hellish heathens. Anything that dwells in Hell deserves to be punished, that is reason enough," Commundos raised his fist but Gabriel blocked it with his hand.

"I don't think so. I mean, think of our dear brother Luci. Remember him? Currently in the cage, biding his time, probably knitting a noose for dad's neck, amongst other things. Dad sent him to Hell and you mean to tell me that you would punish our own brother. When he has already been punished enough?"

"This is completely different," Commundos snarled.

"Really? Well that's not the way I see it. The kid didn't have a choice. Let her go," Gabriel said with conviction as he arched an eyebrow at Commundos.

Commundos growled and reluctantly shoved Celeste roughly away. She fell to her knees in front of Gabriel, who looked down at her but made no move to help her up. Commundos glared at Gabriel as he waved cheerily back at him, before he flew up towards Heaven.

"Well that takes care of that," Gabriel declared smugly before looking at the girl, who was shaking and crying.

Gabriel bent down but as he reached his arms out towards her she cried harder.

"Please don't hurt me. Don't hurt me," Celeste kept repeating the phrase frantically.

"I only want to help," Gabriel admitted awkwardly as he glanced at her shoulder with concern.

Celeste fell silent. She couldn't believe her ears. An angel wanted to help her! Silently, with tears still cascading down her face she touched her shoulder. Her breathing became more relaxed as her broken shoulder was now fixed. Standing up she began to walk away. Gabriel leapt in front of her, blocking her path.

"Not so fast kid. I need to know that you're going to be alright," Gabriel could not understand why but the thought of letting her wander off scared him.

She stood stock still, too afraid to edge past this archangel.

"Where are you living right now?" Gabriel asked gently. If he could find out where the girl lived then maybe he could leave without having to bear a guilty conscience.

"With a pack of wolves," Celeste spoke quietly and blushed when Gabriel laughed.

"Oh, you're not kidding. Really? A pack of wolves. Surely that's not much of a life?" Gabriel wanted nothing more than to get this kid away from these woods.

"You don't know me. And I don't have a life because your kind does not allow it," Celeste retorted hotly but instantly she bit her lip.

Gabriel was impressed that the kid appeared to have a concealed courage. Or at the very least she had the potential to be courageous.

"Listen kid. I know it is none of my business. But I can sense you don't like running with the wolves. So why don't you come with me?"

Celeste was shocked that this archangel seemed to know how she felt about living in a pack. She detested it, even as Huntress she still felt out of place because she knew it was all a lie.

Nodding her head she began to walk behind Gabriel. She cringed as she noticed his impressive wingspan that could easily knock her out if he chose to do so. What if he was leading her into a trap?

"My name's Gabriel by the way," Gabriel's cheery voice interrupted Celeste's negative train of thought.

"I'm Celeste," Celeste whispered shyly and avoided eye contact when Gabriel sniggered,

"Celeste, seriously? Uh. I mean that's a beautiful name," Gabriel quickly corrected himself as he realised he was hurting the girl's feelings.

"Beautiful?" Celeste repeated the adjective that was so unfamiliar to her.

Looking at her thoughtfully Gabriel signalled Celeste to follow as he took to the skies. He was impressed at how effortlessly this girl could fly with her wings. They were larger compared to other younger, regular angels. She seemed to rarely dip or fall into a rough pocket of air. He also noticed that up in the sky her facial features seemed softer, almost as if she had left all of her troubles on the ground.

Landing outside his house that was situated on the outskirts of the woods. Gabriel opened the door with a snap of his fingers.

"Welcome to my bachelor pad," Gabriel grinned as Celeste cautiously made her way in side.