Page 113 of Conflicted

Micah bristled, but I got where Harlow was comingfrom. And, as much as I didn’t really give a fuck about what happened to them, I knew Micah didn’t agree. “The deal won’t be enacted because I don’t want your protection. Besides, this is inevitable. There’s nowhere we can hide that Heaven won’t find us.”

“Sadly, I think that’s true,” Cal said. “But what will happen to you two? We can’t just let you go if it means you’ll be executed.”

What would happen would be our eternal deaths. If we admitted that now, would the demons insist on fighting still? Would our love be the downfall of others?

Listen, if it had just been me, I’d have told them to go for it. I wouldn’t really give a fuck who fought and died if it meant saving Micah. But it wasn’t just me, not anymore. Micah’s happiness mattered more than mine.

He wouldn’t be happy if they died for us. Especially Dimitri and his mates.

Realistically, we knew that was how it would end. A bunch of demons, no matter how powerful, couldn’t stand against the full might of Heaven. If they fought for us, it wouldn’t make any difference to the death sentence that was likely to fall on Micah and me. All that would happen is they’d add their names to the list too.

And those of their mates.

Plus there was the fact ofwhothese demons were. Lucifer was hardly on good terms with his sons, but if any of them were executed by Heaven?

Armageddon would be sure to follow.

The grim set of Micah’s lips suggested he’d had the same realisation. He gave me a small nod, agreeing with the conclusion I’d reached.

To lie.

“We’ll be fine. Worst-case scenario is that Micah falls and has to walk away from the Seraphim.”

Dimitri stiffened, his eyes going to my mate. “But…they’re your family. You can’t walk away from them for your mate.”

“Why not? You did.”

Micah had said it as gently as possible, wanting to make a point but not upset Dimitri. From how the former angel flinched, he’d missed his mark.

“Dima.” Dagon touched his mate’s shoulder. “We’ve got to let them do their thing. If they say this is what they want to do, then we need to let them do it.”

Dimitri looked between me and Micah, and I knew an argument was going to follow.

Arthur, one of the regents, moved close, bringing his lips to Micah’s ear. He spoke quietly enough for only Micah and me to hear. “If anyone else comes with us, they’ll bring the entire Seraphim in for questioning. That was the final order.”

Micah covered his mouth as he hissed his response back. “Lie for us then.”

Arthur nodded, stepping back and smiling at Dimitri. “Micah and Nox will be perfectly safe. This hearing is merely a formality.”

Dimitri narrowed his eyes. “Why do you assume I’ll believe you?”

“Because it’s the truth,” Arthur said, lying through his teeth. “I swear on our honour that no harm will come to them.”

There was a tense moment while we waited to see if Dimitri would buy it. He looked torn still, but eventually gave us a clipped nod. “Fine. But reach out if you need us.”

With that, he grabbed Lucky and shot into the air,Dagon on his heels. We were silent as the other demons and their mates took to the skies.

“Thank you,” Micah said to Arthur. “We owe you a great debt.”

“Don’t mention it,” Arthur said. “I only wish what I’d said was true. I mean that.”

“Thank you.” Micah smiled at him. “We appreciate it.”

Damon and Arthur extended a hand to each of us. Amelia stood behind them, her lips pressed together.

We were out of time.

My eyes met Micah’s and I tried to convey all the thoughts that went alongside the emotions I knew he was experiencing via the bond.I love you. I regret nothing. I’d pay this price time and time again just for a few minutes in your embrace.

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