Sinful Things

32

I'm distracted by Callan sparring with Araceli, both of them wielding swords, although his is much larger. He's putting her through her paces, but she grits her teeth and fights back with everything she’s got, trying to make her mom proud. She manages to disarm Callan, and ends with her sword at his neck and a big grin on her face. It seems a little too easy, and I wonder if Callan let her win. Araceli is a good fighter, but she’s not that good. But I have a hard time believing Callan would lose on purpose either—his ego is way too big for that. When they're done, Muriel claps, and Gabriel and I join in also. “Good show,” Father calls out.

Callan pauses, and then walks over to us and bows his head to Gabriel. I’ve never seen him look so humble before. “Sir.”

Father shakes Callan’s hand. "It’s been far too long. Is your mother here today?"

“No, she couldn’t make it,” Callan says. “Something came up at Aerie Industries.”

Like Jonah, Callan’s got the blood of two Archangels flowing through his veins. His father was Michael, the former leader of the Archangels, who was murdered a few years ago. His mother is Jophiel, who took over as the CEO of Aerie Industries when the former CEO, Azrael, stepped up to lead the Archangel Council after Michael’s death.

If Callan is upset by being alone on Family Day, I can’t tell. For a second I pity him a little, especially as I glance around the room and see all the other students with their family members, but then I remember I hate him and the pity vanishes.

“Callan’s the one who exposed me as a succubus to the entire school,” I tell Gabriel.

“Is that so?” Father asks, raising his eyebrows. I have a feeling he already knew, judging by his tone. “I get the sense my daughter is not a fan of yours.”

Callan lifts his chin. “I stand by my actions. If I hadn’t done it, you wouldn’t be standing here with her now.”

Ouch. He has a point there. Gabriel’s only here as a result of Callan’s betrayal, and the reminder stings a little.

“I can’t deny that,” Gabriel says. “What are you doing in the Second Year class?”

I note the quick subject change, but let it go. “Callan’s working as Hilda’s assistant for these classes.”

“Excellent.” Gabriel stands back and waves us on. “Let’s see what you’ve learned so far.”

I turn to face Callan, who grabs a short sword off the table, before getting into a fighting stance. He lunges for me and I dodge, twist, and thrust. He taught me some of those moves, which means he’s expecting them too, and he quickly retaliates. If I thought he might go easy on me like he did with Araceli, I am sorely mistaken. He slashes at me and nearly gets my arm, but I manage to get away in time. He roundhouse kicks me and knocks me down on the mat, but I roll and slice him along the shin. He grunts and steps back, and I jump to my feet. He rushes me again, and I use a move he showed me last year to let his momentum carry him over my shoulder and to the ground. As his back hits the mat, he drops the sword, and I put my foot on his chest with a satisfied smile.

Father claps for me. “Very good.”

Callan stands and checks his cut, which is shallow and already healing. “She’s improved a lot since she started.”

It sounds a lot like a backhanded compliment, so I shoot him a glare, which he ignores. Then I wonder if he meant it as an actual compliment. No. That’s impossible.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Olivia

G

abriel sits in on some of my other classes, and then we head out to the lawn, where the school has prepared a big banquet in honor of our guests. Picnic tables are spread out across the grass, and the weather is absolutely perfect—sunny, without a cloud in the sky, warm, but with a nice breeze. Banners hang between tree branches, welcoming everyone to Family Day, and there’s a cheerful atmosphere as everyone grabs food, chats with their parents, and soaks up the sunshine.

I walk onto the lawn beside my father with a bundle of dread in my stomach, worried all eyes will be on us—and they are. We head over to the big buffet tables, and people stop and stare at Gabriel in awe while we grab some corn, barbeque chicken, cole slaw, and potato salad. I knew he was a big deal, but I’ve never seen other angels around him before. The only good news is that no one is looking at me.

Then everyone forgets about Gabriel completely when Marcus walks into the area with his dad, Raphael. Marcus is gorgeous, but he pales next to his father. The guy is practically s*x on a stick, which feels wrong to think about, when he’s an ancient Archangel like my father. Raphael leads the Malakim and is considered to be the most powerful healer in the world. It’s even rumored he can bring back the dead.

But what he’s most known for? Being a total player.

I can totally see it too, as he flashes a suave grin at every lady he passes by, while the sun shoots highlights through his dark curly hair and illuminates his bronze skin. He stops at each table, kissing women’s cheeks, greeting everyone with warmth and exuberance.

“What a flirt,” I say, without really meaning to, just as Araceli and her mom walk over to us.

“Yeah, he’s…quite charming,” Father says diplomatically.

“He’s probably looking for his next baby mama,” Araceli says, and then looks at my father and covers her mouth, like she can’t believe she just said that in front of him.

“Araceli!” Muriel says, horrified.

But my father just laughs. “No, she’s probably right. I can’t even remember how many sons Raphael has at this point. Eight, maybe?”