Page 52 of Camael
Camael pulled her close. He needed her presence as reports flowed in from his warriors. The bayou was secure, but at what cost? And how much time remained before Lucifer's plan bore fruit? The answers wouldn't be pretty, but looking at his witch, he knew they'd face them together.
Watching those around him and holding his witch, something crystallized in Camael's chest. The thought of losing Amelia to whatever horrors were coming made his ancient heart seize with fear he couldn't ignore. He wouldn't wait to make her his. Not with everything they faced.
"Mate with me," he blurted. The words escaped before he could stop them.
Amelia's eyes went wide as she turned to face him. "What?"
"You heard me." He pulled her closer as his wings created shelter from the chaos still raging around them. "I know the timing's shit, but I don't want to wait. Not with what's coming."
"We will do it after we stop Lucifer." The love filling her eyes as she spoke nearly broke him.
"No. Now." His eyes blazed with emotion too deep for words. Everything he was - warrior, archangel, brother - all of it centered on this female who'd turned his world upside down. "I've almost lost you too many times. I need you bound to me before we face whatever's waking. I need to know you're mine in every way that matters."
She studied him for a long moment as power crackled between them like bottled lightning. Finally, that smile he loved curved her lips. "Yes."
"Yes?" His wings mantled with possessive joy that made his warriors pointedly look elsewhere.
"Yes, you overgrown pigeon." Her arms wrapped aroundhis neck in a way that made him want to take her somewhere private immediately. "But if you get us killed before the honeymoon, I'm haunting your celestial ass for eternity."
His laugh felt good. Only this female could face down the apocalypse and still make him smile. Make him whole in ways he hadn't known he needed. "Deal."
Heaven and Hell could bring their worst - he had his soon-to-be mate by his side and his warriors at his back. That was all he needed to take on whatever horrors stirred in the dark. The real war was just beginning. But now he had everything worth fighting for.
CHAPTER 20
The mansion's garden bloomed with magic and moonlight as Amelia prepared for a ceremony that would bond her to her archangel. Her hands trembled slightly as she smoothed the silk of her dress. It was a stunning creation in white that seemed to capture and hold the celestial light filling the space. Ramiel’s mate had helped Amelia arrange for it. Her hand went to the Key at her throat. The relic that had changed her entire life pulsed as if it approved of the union about to take place.
The aftermath of their battle with Jeremiel still scarred parts of the French Quarter. But in the mansion they’d created a sanctuary where peace reigned. At least for now. The Rowan sisters had outdone themselves in transforming the garden into something out of a fairy tale. Floating orbs of witch-light danced between roses that shouldn't bloom in this season. They’d also used sacred herbs and crystals to form a protective dome over them.
"You look perfect," Pema said as she made final adjustments to Amelia's hair. The oldest Rowan sister's hands moved with practiced grace as she wove protection spellsinto each twist. "Though I still think we should have postponed until after we send Lucifer home."
"No, Camael was right." Amelia's voice carried steel as she met her friend's eyes in the mirror. "He's already taken too much. We can't let him steal this too."
"Besides," Isis added from where she was putting the final touches on her makeup, "what better way to face that bastard than with a mating bond strengthening their powers?"
Suvi's laugh carried through the open window. "It also gives Lucifer the celestial middle finger in the process. Nothing says we aren’t afraid of you more than such an important celebration. It’s priceless."
The banter helped calm Amelia's nerves. Unfortunately, she couldn't completely ignore how Lucifer’s power pulsed at the edges of her magical awareness. Lucifer's corruption was still spreading through the city's spiritual foundation like cancer. Even now, it felt as if something vast and ancient pressed against the barriers between worlds.
A knock at the door interrupted her dark thoughts. Jo's wings filled the frame as the female warrior entered. "The perimeter is secure," she reported. "The Dark Warriors have eyes on every approach. The triplets are maintaining an aerial patrol. Nothing is getting within a mile of this place without us knowing."
"How's Camael holding up?" Amelia couldn't help asking.
Jo's smile was pure mischief. "Like a warrior facing his toughest battle. Rami's keeping him from wearing a trench in the marble floors. You'd think facing down Lucifer was easier than waiting to claim his mate."
The word sent shivers down Amelia's spine. Mate. The bond they were about to forge went deeper than any human marriage. It would tie their very essences together. It would create something both beautiful and lethal. It was the perfectweapon against whatever horrors were stirring from their ancient sleep.
"It's time," Pema announced as moonlight flooded the room. The full moon had reached its apex and was bathing the garden in a silver radiance that made the protective wards shimmer like starlight.
Amelia took a deep breath and stood. Her dress moved like liquid moonlight. Its simple lines emphasized her best assets. Gathering her train with practiced elegance, she moved through the preparation room. The wooden floor whispered beneath her steps. She concentrated on each step. Her walk was a choreography of anticipation. The soft rustle of her gown broke the silence as she approached the back door.
Her hand hovered for a moment over the carved handle. Her breath caught when she opened it. Angels lined the path to her archangel. Their wings created a corridor of divine protection. The Rowan sisters went first and took their positions at cardinal points. Their power helped anchor the wards that would shield this ceremony from darker forces.
Camael's massive frame radiated barely contained energy as his ice-blue eyes locked onto her. His wings spread wide. His white feathers caught moonlight like captured stars. The sight made her heart swell. This warrior of Heaven had chosen her. He had insisted on this moment despite the chaos threatening their world.
Everything else faded when their eyes met across the space. The worry about Lucifer. The fear of what was stirring beyond the veil. None of it mattered. This was their moment. Ancient powers be damned. She moved swiftly to Camael’s side.
Michael himself stood ready to perform the ceremony. The archangel's presence was both an honor and protection. Heaven's greatest warrior was also lending his power toshield this union. His wings blazed with holy fire as he raised his hands.
