Page 33 of Her Fallen Angel

"Kai." Mykael's calculating green eyes sweep the room, no doubt cataloging every detail. "We missed you at training."

"Clearly not enough to stay away." I lean against the doorframe, blocking their view inside.

Vhex's scarred face splits into a grin. "Come on, Kai. We brought your favorite mead."

Before I can refuse, Aren appears behind me. "Please, let them in. I'll get some cups."

My wings tense as she brushes past, the soft fabric of her dress grazing my arm. The way Vhex's amber eyes follow her movement sets my teeth on edge.

They settle into chairs while she fetches drinks. Each smile she gives them, each gentle word, stokes something dark inside me. My magic crackles beneath my skin when Mykael thanks her with that calculated charm of his.

"Here." She offers Vhex a cup, and his fingers brush hers as he takes it.

I grab her wrist, yanking her against my chest. The empty cup clatters to the floor. "Sit." I pull her onto my lap, wrapping my wings around her like a cage. Mine.

"Always so territorial." Vhex laughs, but there's an edge to it. He knows better than to challenge me. At least…I'm hoping he does. I'm partial to my home and it wouldn't survive a fight between the two of us.

Mykael leans back, those observant eyes missing nothing. "We should go. Early training tomorrow."

"Stay." Aren's voice is soft, kind. Everything I'm not. "You barely touched your drinks."

My grip tightens on her wrist. She doesn't flinch, doesn't pull away. Just settles deeper into my embrace like she belongs there. Because she does.

"Maybe we should head out back," Vhex suggests. "It might be good for us all."

And even though I don't want to let go of Aren, I know he might be right.

We move to the training grounds behind my townhouse, the packed dirt still bearing scars from previous matches. My thoughts keep drifting to Aren's morning prayers out here, the way she kneels in the courtyard in the mornings, her voice that I've taken to listening to. The peace in her expression when she speaks to her gods - now about me.

Vhex's fist connects with my jaw. Pain explodes across my face, snapping me back to reality.

"Distracted?" He bounces on his feet, battle-scarred wings spread wide. "That's not like you."

I spit blood onto the dirt. "Again."

This time I dodge his strike, but Mykael's calculating voice cuts through my concentration. "The human's pushing you past your limits."

"Shut up." My wings snap out, knocking Vhex back as I round on Mykael. "You don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't I?" His green eyes narrow. "You've missed training. Your focus is shot. All for some human pet?"

Vhex's laughter grates against my nerves. "Maybe I should take her off your hands. Show her what a real-"

My magic surges before he finishes. I slam him into the ground, twisting his arm behind his back until the bone creaks. The amber in his eyes dims with pain.

"Say that again." My voice drops to a growl. "I dare you."

"Kai." Mykael's tone holds a warning. "Let him go."

The crack of bone beneath my fingers would be so satisfying. One quick motion to remind them both who she belongs to. But Aren's prayers echo in my head - her soft voice asking for mercy, for peace.

I release Vhex with a snarl. He rolls away, cradling his arm.

"Protective much?" He pushes to his feet, trying to hide his wince. "Didn't think you'd actually care about breaking me over a human."

"She's mine." The words tear from my throat. "Touch her and I'll do worse than break your arm."

Mykael steps between us, wings spread. "We get it. She's yours. But you need to admit what's happening here."

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