“No, demon,I don’t know, nor do I want to know anything about your… package.”
Goddamn, he’s pretty when he’s flustered. He’s blushing deeper now, sputtering on his words. “If you say so.” I leanagainst the doorframe with a grin as his eyes flash. “So, you don’t want me, then?”
“Wantyou? This council does not want nor need your assistance, Xalreth.” His eyes narrow as they sweep the room. Half the occupants stare at the table and try to disappear into the woodwork, while the other half watches our argument with rapt attention. A bowl of popcorn appears in Damien’s lap when he snaps his fingers, a manic grin in place as he pops a piece into his mouth.
Pissed-off purple eyes meet mine as I push off the doorframe and take a step closer. “Doesn’t need me, huh? Yeah, I guess you’re right, with so many people fighting to come to your defense. All these volunteers fighting to accept a bullshit job you just invented.” There’s a mocking tone to my voice that makes his eyes flash even brighter, and they turn positively murderous when I begin to slow clap. “Great show of support. Is it everything you thought it would be?”
I watch the cogs in his head click into place as the realization hits him—I’m his best option.
Possibly his only one.
“Maybe I spoke in haste—” he starts, and it sounds like every word is being shoved out of his throat in his reluctance.
“Nah, I changed my mind. It sounded like a way to get a break from dipshit over here,” I say as I gesture toward Drekoth, “but if it means I have to interact with you anymore, I’ll pass.”
“You cannotpass,” he argues, gripping his gavel again as though he can make some grand proclamation that forces me to do whatever he wants. “You already offered yourself for the position, and I consider those words binding.”
“What’s that? I can’t say no?” My brow raises as I flash him a threatening smile full of teeth. When he shakes his head, a quiet laugh rolls from my mouth. “Watch me.”
And with that, I turn and walk from the room.
Chapter 3
Micah
Awareness scrapes over my skin, the attention from the others dragging angry ditches over my arms and face. Harsher than they were earlier in the meeting, their opinions are a familiar sting. It’s something I’ve learned to ignore over time, but for reasons I don’t understand, right now my defenses are down.
Every condescending thought is a scratch against my consciousness.
The constant scrutiny that comes with my position can be a burden, but my skills and experience are what qualify me for this role. It isn’t my fault I’m their superior.
It’s who I was made to be.
Normally, I’m unbothered by what they think of me. For millennia, I’ve endured the curse of experiencing their opinions, whether I want them or not. Over time, it has become nothingmore than background noise—a low thrum of energy that’s almost meditative.
But something about Xalreth feels different.
In our past interactions, he’s come across as mild, if disinterested. His attention has always been less severe than the others, but not anymore. The glare he tossed me before he walked out was more of a stab than a graze, like he’d jabbed a knife into my gut with that careless shrug.
And to have the nerve to walk away from me.
Fromme.
“We will continue this meeting at another time,” I seethe as I stare at the door. The demon slammed it closed so hard I’m pretty sure I caught the wind from it. “Be on the lookout for my summons.”
More attention brands into me, confusion and curiosity mixing with the annoyance, but I ignore it and charge after him. The door crashes against the wall with a bang as I barrel through, and I spot Xalreth’s giant frame nearing the end of the hallway where the exterior door waits. He doesn’t rush, though, even knowing I’m behind him. He fuckingstrolls, lazy and laid-back as my blood boils.
“You will stop right there,” I growl after him, and a condescending chuckle rolls over his shoulder.
“Will I?” His pace never changes as I move faster, despite the fact that I’m gaining on him by the second. He doesn’t spare a backward glance as he reaches the door and pushes through. Soft sunlight shines into the hallway, the haze of the Heavenly realm keeping it from ever becoming too bright, and I snarl again as I chase him outside.
“Do not walk away from me,demon.” I’m close now, only a few strides between us as he whirls to face me, and I snap my wings out to keep from barreling into him.
He’s enormous, even by demonic standards, although as an Archangel I have a height advantage over him. He tilts his chin up in challenge, and he doesn’t budge as his chest bumps into mine. Unnervingly solid black eyes stare at me, but I refuse to be the one to back down.
“I have a name.” His voice is calm as can be, so deep it rumbles and vibrates between us where we touch.
“I’m aware.”
