A Serpent's Kiss

Chapter Seven

“Do you think I don’t know that already?”

He smirked. “Come on, you look shattered.”

“Cheers,” but she glanced into the mirror and saw he was right. Her face was drained of colour and dark patches were smudged under her eyes. “You’re right. I’m going to bed.”

“I’ll stay here. Outside.” he added quickly as he saw her look.

“Thank you Gabriel.”

She crawled into bed, her neck throbbing with the movement, and closed her eyes. For the first time in days, she felt secure. Sure, she had an angel maniac after her, but then she also had the protection of a strong, and she had to admit, pretty decent, angel too who would be able to protect her.

Sleep hugged her and she returned the embrace.

Her eyes shot open to early morning light. Sleep blurred her thoughts for a moment and then she shot up gasping. She hadn’t transformed! Or if she had, she had been to dead to the world to feel it. Sheer joy welled within her. Something was happening. She leapt out of bed and sprinted to the window. Looking down, she had an aerial view of a familiar head. Her stomach swooped.

“Hey Gabriel!” she yelled.

He looked up from where he was sitting against the wall. “Hello.”

“Hi! You stared out there all night?” He nodded. “Any trouble?”

“Qaphsiel came a –searching and I sent her a-packing.”

Wow, he really was her knight in shining armour.

“I’m gonna get ready for school and then I’ll be down in a minute.”

“You’re still going to school?” he asked incredulously.

“Mrs Forster is not going to stop me from getting good exam qualifications! Wait there.”

She raced around the house, showering quickly, changing into some fresh clothes, putting on makeup and grabbing a piece of toast as she left the door. Gabriel had moved around to the front door and was lounging against the wall.

The day passed uneventfully and Alaura returned home intact. Gabriel came inside with her and they spent most of the evening watching movies and eating popcorn. His reaction at first trying it had Alaura weeping tears of laughter. He left for his nightly guard as soon as Alaura retired to bed.

That night, to her disappointment, she began to transform. She tried to keep as quiet as possible, not knowing how Gabriel would react if he saw her in her demon state. So she endured the pain through gritted teeth and clenched fists and was able to return to her human form without succumbing.

Two nights later, after even more quiet days, she was awoken in the early hours of the night by a tapping on her window. Blearily, she turned her face and saw Qaphsiel’s face. She screamed and leapt out of bed, backing against the far wall. Her bedroom door was flung open and her mum came running in.

“You okay honey?” she breathlessly asked.

Alaura glanced back to the window and saw the face had gone. “Yeah, just a bad dream.” She gave a half- hearted, shaky smile.

“Okay. Try to go back to sleep,” her mum advised before retreating. Alaura breathlessly waited until the footsteps had gone before running to the window. Through the glass, she saw two struggling figures in her garden. Silver blades flashed in the moonlight and she saw Gabriel was fighting for her life. An idea came to her suddenly. It was something she knew could easily go wrong and she didn’t even know if it could work but she had to try. She opened the window and heard the grunting and scuffling.

Closing her eyes, she tried to remember how it felt to be a serpent. The smooth body, the teeth, the power. Gradually, she no longer had to think as she became the demon. Grimacing, she slithered through the window and down the wall. The others had not yet noticed her and she waited for the perfect moment. Qaphsiel’s feet danced their way near her. Tensing, she coiled and then struck, sinking her fangs in. The taste of light and golden blood filled her mouth in an overpowering and sickly flood. This must be angel blood she thought to herself, spitting it out. The angel meanwhile had howled in pain and began to grow transparent until the air where she had been shimmered and then was empty. Gabriel was staring at her, his chest heaving. Quickly, she willed herself back into human form, ending in a ball on the floor.

“I’m sorry,” she muttered, not sure how he was feeling. “But it looked like you needed a bit of help.”

“Thank you Alaura.”

“I owe you one. I know it must be disgusting to see me in my serpent form but-”

“It’s not. And you used it to a good purpose. Go back to bed, she won’t come again tonight.” Alaura’s heart sank.

“I didn’t kill her?”

“No, she just hurt her really badly. She’s no doubt skulked off somewhere to lick her wounds. Go back to sleep. Trust me.” She nodded and began to clamber up the trellis. Her bed was extremely welcoming and within minutes, she was fast asleep again.

The next day, she didn’t wake up until midday. Gabriel was standing over her. She tried to move but even her bones felt weak and soft. There was an incredible sweetness in her mouth and she felt sick.

“Sch-” she began in a slurred voice.

“Your body is trying to recover from your transformation last night. It may take a while. Your parents were very concerned about you but I managed to convince them. I don’t think they like me much though.”

“What did you tell them?” Dread gnawed at Alaura.

“Urm, it doesn’t matter.”

She stayed in bed for days, her parents bringing her food and water but giving Alaura no clue as to what Gabriel had said. He meanwhile continued his role as a guardian, watching her at nights and being a constant companion during the day. Alaura’s feelings for him grew. The guy who had once been her arch enemy was swiftly becoming her best friend, even more so than Kate.

Even that began to change, as she realised she was becoming infatuated with him. It wasn’t just the looks, although they helped. It was the fact that he was risking everything in order to protect her. He had seen her real self and believed in her, something that even her parents failed to do at times. And he was willing to undergo the wrath of the heavens to protect her.

On the fourth day after that night, she was feeling much better and was able to go to school. Kate claimed to have missed her, but she sensed a deep resentment in her friend. Alaura knew it was to do with the fact she had been spending a lot of time with Gabriel. She tried to talk to Kate but she was closed off and seemed to want to be with other people more than her. At least Alaura still had Gabriel.

At lunch, they both made their way to the picnic area and took a bench situated a way off from the others.

“What?” she said, her mouth full of bread.

He leaned forward and touched her hand that lay on the table. “Alaura, demon child, will you go to prom with me.”

She broke into laughter until the tears were pouring from her cheeks. Gabriel began to laugh to. Somehow, in between breaths, she was able to answer him.

“Yes.”

She had a date at last.

In the week leading up to prom, there was no trouble from any angels intent on killing Alaura. She was utterly contented. Although they weren’t official, Alaura knew she was now practically dating Gabriel. It wasn’t just a school girl crush either. Whenever he skipped lessons, or even if he was out of her sight for an hour or two, she would feel an emptiness that was the exact opposite to the one she felt when demon. Each time he spoke, her tummy would quiver.

It was on the Tuesday lunchtime that Kate came to talk to Alaura, as she sat on her own eating lunch.

“Hey buddy,” she chirped, sliding next to her.

“Hey. Look, I’m really sorry-” Alaura began.

“Alaura, shut up. It’s me who’s been acting funny. I was just insanely jealous, that’s all.” She flashed a brilliant smile. “But Justin’s actually pretty awesome and I’m content now. So, got your prom stuff yet?”

Alaura beamed and grasped her friend in a bone – crushing hug. She was glad to have Kate back. “No, I haven’t even considered it. Groan.”

“I’m glad your boyfriend isn’t in today because that means it’s you, me and prom shopping time. Meet me after school outside the gates.” And then she ran off. Kate watched her go and shook her head. That girl was crazy.

The bell rang and Alaura hurried to the gates as instructed. It was a while before Kate emerged, leaning heavily on a lean, black – haired, tall guy that she presumed was Justin. They broke apart and Kate gave Justin a lingering kiss. Alaura felt a twinge of envy. She and Gabriel hadn’t wanted to kiss yet because they were both still wary of the consequences. Kate bounded over

and punched her arm, snapping her out of her reverie. “Come on girl, let’s go.”

Alaura felt a twinge. It wasn’t that she couldn’t bear to be separated from Gabriel. It was that she was walking around without his protection. As they walked towards the town, Alaura felt a familiar feeling of eyes upon her. This time, she smiled.

Never one for the serious shopping that Kate loved, Alaura managed to buy her dress, shoes and a bag within the hour. Kate was different, and the trip turned into one of three hours by the time she had finished. Nevertheless, both girls were pretty pleased with their purchases and for the first time, Alaura was excited about prom.

The day dawned, grey and drizzly and both Kate and Alaura passed the day in a fever of excitement, along with half the other girls in the year. Lessons turned into torturous monotony and Alaura watched the clock, willing it to speed. Gabriel wasn’t in, but she had absolute faith that he would pick her up later as arranged.

At last, the familiar tones sounded and a hundred and twenty kids spilled out, legging it home to prepare. Alaura was no exception and she made it home in record time. Her preparation passed in a blur of music, bath and perfume. She fidgeted impatiently whilst her mum did her hair in some elaborate up-do and finally slipped into her dress ten minutes before Gabriel was due to arrive. Taking deep breaths, she gave herself a final check over. Her silky sheath of a red dress enhanced the darkness of her black eyes, and hair and made her look about twenty. She nodded in approval. Not bad for someone who normally wore hoodies and jeans and was a demon.

Grinning she went to sit in her lounge. Her mum assaulted her with the camera and a hundred poses later, she heard the knock on the door. She almost knocked her mum off balance and ran to open it. The sight that met her made her knees almost buckle. Gabriel was 100 per cent angel. He wore a white jacket and trousers with a light blue silk shirt underneath. His hair was not gelled back and retained its familiar tousled look. He grinned at her face.

“This could be a bad sign or a good one?”

“Oh it’s good , believe me!”

He laughed. “You beauty is demonic.”

“Good thing?”

“Oh it’s good, believe me.”

“You bet! Bye mum,” she yelled, linking her arm through Gabriel’s own. They trotted down the drive, Alaura staggering a bit in her heels. Then Alaura screamed, not in shock but in awe. A sleek silver and blue motorbike lay in front of her. She stared at it, then Gabriel’s amused face, then back at the motorbike. After a stunned silence, she finally exploded.

“I was half expecting wings, not wheels...”

“There’s still a lot of things you don’t know about me. Hop on the back.” All too willing to obey, she sprinted over to it as best she could and clambered ungainly into the back. Gabriel swung himself on with ease and grace. Still unsure whether the contact would make them combust, she gripped the tiny handle at the back, calling on her demon powers to keep her balanced

The engine roared into life and they were off. She felt the rush of wind on her face and it tugged at her hair. There was no way her hair would survive the journey but she didn’t care. She had impressed the one person she wanted to impress.

They arrived at the place all too quickly. It was a magnificent old building which sparkled with lights. Those that had already arrived were clustered in small, colourful groups. As they roared in, heads turned and a large whoop escaped the proud. Alaura beamed. She had never felt cooler in her life. Gabriel revved, aware that he and his girl were the centre of attention and swung the bike into an empty space. Dismounting, he held out a hand to Alaura and she took it, her beam seemingly fixed on her face. He wrapped an arm around her waist and walked towards the crowds. They strolled past a big group of girls who gawped in astonishment and with jealousy. Their dates looked slightly awkward. Kate appeared at her side, yelling and shrieking, her date hanging back.

“That was so wicked and you look gorgeous, like some dark temptress. Gabriel. Good job.”

He flinched as did Alaura, her date narrowing his eyes. Kate chuckled and quickly turned to Justin. “Not as much as you,” she purred. Alaura smirked.

Together they waited until everyone arrived, Gabriel and Alaura taking great pleasure in judging outfits, of which there was a whole range; skimpy summer party dresses to Disney style Cinderella gowns. Finally they were allowed to troop inside the building, which was festooned with swathes of material, balloons, lights and sparkle. Alaura felt drunk on happiness.

The meal was rich, sumptuous and delicious. And Alaura could have none of it. She could feel Kate’s eyes on her. “Oh, I’m too excited to be nervous,” she improvised.

. Gabriel was slow in comparison, nibbling at the quiche and rolling it around his tongue in order to savour the flavour. He was so tardy that he was one of the last people to finish eating whilst everyone else started raving on the dance floor. Alaura waited for a while, crossing her arms and leaning back in her chair, but then Kate waltzed up and dragged her to the dancing. Glancing at Gabriel, he waved her and indicated that he would join her. Although guilty, she obeyed and was soon whipping her hair around.

She twirled and collided with a body. Apologising, she moved back but there was a scorching pressure on her arm. It was Mrs Forster. Her teeth were bared in a snarl and she didn’t have time to move before she was being hauled away and dragged down the stairs. “I am going to kill you now,” the angel was hissing and Alaura didn’t doubt the words. She prayed that Gabriel had seen. If he didn’t come, she would die.

They managed to weave past the people in the hallway and were suddenly alone in the darkness of the night. Alaura began to tremble, not with cold but with fear. The look on Qaphsiel’s face was the worst she had ever seen; it was contorted into a mask of horror. “This is when I finally get to end my mission. I have been trying for weeks but each time you slip through my fingers.” Her hand reached inside the small bag she had been carrying and now Alaura was staring at a familiar weapon. Determination to survive rose within her.

“Get off me!” she screamed, starting a tussle. Somehow, she managed to fend off most of the blows but one caught her squarely in the cheek and another in the eye. Throbbing started and her old wound, now healed, began to ebb with pain. Alaura launched a blow at Qaphsiel’s knees, feeling the bone underneath her heels. Qaphsiel yelled and staggered back, clawing at the place where Alaura had just struck.

“Since when were you so strong?” she hissed.

“Since I discovered I have something to live for.”

“Me.” A new voice had joined the party and it was a voice that Alaura would have recognised anywhere. She sprinted over to Gabriel and stood beside him, feeling a lot safer. Instead of launching himself at the staggering angel, he whirled around, planted his hands on her waist and drew her to him. His head came down and their lips were connected. Everything around Alaura fell into nothingness. All she was aware of was his soft, warm lips on hers, the feel of his heart dancing furiously and the warmth of his hand. She melted into the kiss, her senses exploding like fireworks.

They broke apart for air and gazed at each other intently. Alaura felt red heat creep to her face and was painfully aware of the rapid rise and fall of her chest. Gabriel raised a hand to cup her face. Nothing had happened. They were still angel and demon, two separate beings unable to be together. Her life was definitely not for much longer. With a snarling chuckle, Qaphsiel launched herself towards Alaura, the knife aiming straight for her heart. Alaura’s stomach contracted but she remained where she was. She had decided that it would be better to get her death over with.

A shudder tore over her body as if she was being ripped in half and the burning white hot pain that she felt certainly added to the sensation. Her fingers, toes and cheeks began tingling as if a thousand needles were being shoved in and pulled out. Blackness ebbed and faded around her, she was dizzy. As if from behind a screen, she watched as Qaphsiel was flung back, her mouth open in astonishment. Fearfully, Alaura turned to Gabriel. He was no longer a boy but a body that radiated vast rays of light. By the way he was staring at her, she guessed she was pretty similar. A twist to her gut sent her collapsing to her knees, and set her breathing to a new ragged and quick pace. Sick rose up and she couldn’t stop it. Then she was lying on the ground, her body spread eagled and she felt as if a thousand tonnes were boring her into the ground. Her eyes closed, willing this sensation to end.

When she opened them, she thought her vision had gone haywire as she saw a golden stream of mist rise above her, and then in close pursuit, a stream of black edged with purple. They seemed to be alive and sought each other out, weaving together in a plait of black, gold and purple. It hung in the air above her, curved and then raced for her mouth. Unable to close it in time, she felt it whisper down her throat and into her chest. Nothing happened for a moment and then her whole body was encased in a similar light. It died down and Alaura knew it was finally over.

“Gabriel,” she croaked, struggling to his feet. He was standing, rooted to the spot and looking up and down his body. Slowly, he raised both his hands towards his face. She mirrored his actions and saw what had shocked him. One hand was tinged blue and black, not deeply but more as a wash. The other hand was pale and slightly pearly.

“It did happen,” she whispered. “You i***t!” She wasn’t cross with him, but for him. She knew that returning home for him was highly unlikely. He momentarily grimaced but then walked towards her, placing his hands over her own. There was no heat this time, no nothing except the feel of his smooth hands on hers. “It was worth it.” Tears sprung to her eyes, surprising her. They both had what they wanted; each other but know it was not enough.

A laugh of delight cut the atmosphere between them and turning, they saw Qaphsiel walking towards them, clapping her hands. “Well well well. I cannot kill you…yet. The court will decide where each of you belong. One may go to heaven, one may go to hell, but we shall see.”

“Are you going to summon the archangel to sort out your problems for you?” Alaura chided.

“No. I don’t need to. He is on his way. I have to take you to meet him.”

“Gabriel, what is she on about with this court?” she asked, turning to him.

“It’s where the angels and demons decide who we belong to. If we are split, then we will never see each other again.” His voice was emotionless and his eyes avoided hers.

“That’s right. And chances are you will be split up. I have to say I am disappointed that I couldn’t kill you serpent, but I’m sure an eternal stay in hell will make up for it. Come with me. If you don’t come willingly, I’ll have to use force.”

Gabriel stepped forward, tugging Alaura. “Come on, we don’t have a choice.” Alaura swallowed a spiked barb and set her feet in walking motion. Mild surprise that she wasn’t burning now amused her until she realised she was heading towards an eternity in hell and an eternity away from Gabriel. Things couldn’t get much worse.

“Thanks Apophis,” she hissed under her breath. “Thanks a bunch you overgrown worm.”

Qaphsiel forced herself in between them, forcing them apart. Alaura scowled but nothing could wipe off the smirk that seemed to be fixed on the angel’s face. Watching, she saw the angel close her eyes and move her lips. Leaning forward, Alaura caught Gabriel’s eye.

“What the heck is she doing?” she mouthed.

“Taking us to the court.”