Fallen Kings

5

Chapter Three

Callan

I

slip behind a tree and narrowly escape being seen by Azrael when he leaves Gabriel’s house. I’ve met Azrael many times and he’s one scary bastard. I have no idea how my mom had a kid with him, but Jophiel has always been his most loyal ally, even after my half-brother Ekariel was killed. Azrael even put her in charge of Aerie Industries when he took my father’s place as leader of the Archangels.

I relax a little once he’s gone. Or at least, I assume he’s gone. Damn Ishim and their invisibility. I better stick around a while longer, just to be sure. Azrael’s hatred of demons is well-known, and I was worried he might have come here for Liv. If he’d tried to hurt her, I’d have been in that door in an instant ready to defend her. Even though she hates my guts.

I do a quick patrol of the outside of Gabriel’s house, and the door opens again while I’m in the front yard. I consider hiding, but I’m no Ishim and it’s too late anyway. The second the door shuts, Liv sees me standing there among the trees. The porch light above her illuminates her dark wavy hair, seductive red lips, and amazing curves, along with the twin daggers on her hips. At least she always wears those now.

She narrows her green eyes at me. “What are you doing out here?”

Shit. I’m too damn honorable to lie. “I’m patrolling the grounds to make sure you’re safe.”

She rolls her eyes so hard it looks uncomfortable. “You really don’t need to do that.”

I cross my arms. “You’re in more danger now than ever before. Especially if Azrael is showing up in the middle of the night.”

She frowns a little at that, but then glares at me even harder. “First of all, I can take care of myself. I’ve had years of combat training now, and thanks to you, Hilda, and Tanwen, I’ve gotten damn good. Not to mention, I have both angel and demon tricks up my sleeve. Second, I’m living with a former Archangel and an overprotective brother, so I’m more than safe here. And third, your promises to Gabriel and Jonah to protect me don’t apply anymore. So I ask again, why are you really here?”

“It’s my duty. If the Order came for you, all your training, your powers, and your family wouldn’t be enough.”

“But you would be?”

I lift my chin. “Maybe.”

“Your arrogance is truly astounding.” She shakes her head and sits on the porch step. I’m surprised she hasn’t left yet. Something must be bothering her more than my presence here. “What are you going to do when I go back to school? Follow me to every class? Sleep in the hallway outside my dorm room?”

I lean against the nearest tree since it seems like she wants to chat a while. “You should be fairly safe there. Uriel has the school locked down. Bastien will be teaching this year. And I’ll be around too.”

Her eyebrows dart up. “You will?”

“Yeah, I’m still working as Hilda’s assistant in Combat Training classes.”

“Really? I thought you were done with that and off to some big job in the angelic army. What does your mom think about this?”

I can’t hide a scowl. “She’s not thrilled.”

This is an understatement. Jophiel practically demanded I leave Angel Peak and follow in my father’s footsteps as a warrior. And it’s not like I don’t want that, but I have other things to do first. Like make sure Olivia is safe, find the Staff, and stop the Order. Mother doesn’t understand any of that. But then again, she hates demons as much as Azrael does.

“I bet.” Liv lets out a dramatic sigh. “And here I thought I’d finally be free of you.”

“Someone has to make sure you learn to defend yourself.”

“Tanwen’s been helping me a lot this winter.”

“Tanwen is good, sure. Hilda is better. I’m the best.”

“Angels and their damn pride,” Liv mutters, shaking her head.

“What are you doing out here anyway? You should be asleep.”

“You’re one to talk.” She shrugs and gazes up at the moon. “I needed some fresh air.”

I don’t blame her. “What did Azrael want?”

“I don’t know. He spoke to Gabriel alone. Dad wouldn’t tell us anything, but he seemed shaken by the meeting.” She blows out a long breath. “Go home, Callan.”

I grit my teeth, annoyed she won’t take this threat seriously. “I will when I’m sure you’re safe. For all I know, you’re sneaking out to see Kassiel tonight.”

Her face pales. “Have you been following me?”

“No, but it’s not hard to figure out,” I snarl. Just the thought of her sleeping with that Fallen makes my blood boil.

“I wouldn’t have to sneak around if you hadn’t betrayed him!”

“I didn’t betray him. I did what I thought was best for you and for the school. We can’t have the son of Lucifer teaching Angelic History, for f**k’s sake! And have you forgotten that Lucifer killed my father?” I let out a long breath and try to compose myself. “I know exposing the truth about Kassiel brought you pain. But it had to be done.”

She jumps to her feet and points at the road. “Leave. Now. And don’t come back.”

“I can’t. Hate me as much as you want, but I’m still going to protect you.”

“Go home!” With a huff, Olivia heads back into the house, slamming the door behind her.

“Not a chance,” I mutter. I’ll sit out here until I’m sure Azrael isn’t coming back. Maybe longer.

It’s the right thing to do.