Page 33 of Wicked Angel
She shrugged. “What really matters is that they keep to themselves. Don't stir up trouble.”
“I'm not here to stir up trouble,” I insisted. “But there's a storm coming, and they need to know about it. It affects all angels, even those who think they've left Elysium behind.”
The witch considered me for a long moment, her ancient eyes seeming to peer directly into my soul. “They won't like outsiders poking around. Especially not one with a demon in tow.” She nodded toward Levi, who offered her a mocking bow in return.
“We just need to speak with their leader,” I pressed. “That's all I'm asking. Where can we find them?”
She turned away, busying herself with a jar of dried leaves. “I don't know.”
“You mentioned them at the diner,” I said. “Someone overheard you talking about the 'winged ones' who come to town.”
“Gossip,” she dismissed. “Nothing more.”
Levi stepped closer, his presence suddenly more imposing, more demonic. “Listen, witch. We're not here to play games. People will die if we don't find these angels. Important people. Maybe even your precious 'winged ones.' So cut the crap and tell us what you know.”
The witch's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I thought she might cast a spell. But then she sighed, the tension draining from her shoulders. “I truly don't know where they live. No one does, except those they choose to tell. All I know is they come to town occasionally for supplies, and they help when supernatural trouble brews.” She pointed toward the window. “Try Remy at the auto shop. He's a demon like your friend here. He fixed something for them once—a generator, I think. Maybe he knows more.”
I exchanged a glance with Levi, who nodded slightly. “Thank you,” I said, turning to leave.
“Angel,” the witch called after me. I paused at the door, looking back. “Be careful what you wish for. The ones who live in the mountains… they left Elysium for a reason. They might not thank you for dragging them back into its politics.”
I opened my mouth to ask how the hell she knew about all of that, but Levi just grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the shop.
Her warning followed me like a shadow as we stepped back into the sunlight.
“That was ominous,” I said.
“Don’t tell Lacey this, but here is the truth: witches are the kind of supernaturals I trust the least.”
I stared at him with wide eyes. “Never thought I would hear that from you.”
“I know.” Levi was already scanning the street, looking for the auto shop. “There.” He pointed to a building at the far end with an open garage bay. The sign above it read “Remy's Auto & Body.” “I can sense him from here. Definitely a demon, though not a higher one.”
“Let's hope he's more helpful than our witch friend.”
The auto shop was filled with the sounds of machinery and the sharp scent of oil and metal. A man—or at least, something that looked like a man—was bent over the engine of an old pickup truck, his hands moving with inhuman speed as he adjusted something deep within the machinery.
“Remy?” I called out.
The demon straightened, wiping his hands on a rag. He was tall and wiry, with dark skin and eyes that flashed red when he turned toward us. Recognition and wariness crossed his features in equal measure.
“Well, well,” he drawled, tossing the rag aside. “An angel and a higher demon walk into my shop. Sounds like the start of a bad joke.”
Levi stepped forward, extending his hand. “Leviathan. This is Ariella.”
Remy's eyes widened slightly. “Leviathan? No shit. What's a big shot like you doing in a backwater town like Pinewood?” He reluctantly shook Levi's hand, then turned to me with a respectful nod. “Ma'am.”
“We're looking for the Lost Legion,” I said, deciding directness was our best approach. “The angels who live near here.”
Remy's expression shuttered immediately. “Don't know what you're talking about.”
“Save it,” Levi said. “We already know they exist. The witch at the herbal shop said you might know where to find them. Something about fixing a generator for them.”
Remy shot a glare in the direction of the herbal shop. “Old bat needs to learn to keep her mouth shut,” he muttered. He moved to the workbench, busying himself with a set of tools. “Look, I don't know where they live. They brought a couple of generators here, I fixed them, they took them away. End of story.”
I stepped closer, lowering my voice. “Please. It's important. There's trouble brewing and I’m afraid it’ll involve these angels.”
“And everyone else,” Levi added.
