Fallen From Grace

Growing Rivalry Part 2

Mike’s POV

I left Lily’s apartment trying to understand what she had told me. She had known Caleb for over a month and didn’t mention anything to me? Even after I asked her what happened at the club, she still lied to me. I knew what he was and this meant danger was nearby. There is no way a forsaken fallen angel like him wanted Lily for any other reason than the power he could get. If he knew what she was, it was only a matter of time before the rest of the underworld knew. Lily wasn’t safe anymore and I had to tell Seraphiel. Instead of sending another angel as a messenger, I decided to go see Seraphiel myself. I didn’t want to create a panic and cause everyone to believe that the demons knew where Lily was. They couldn’t know yet. I walked over to where another angel was keeping watch and told him that I would be back soon. For now, I had increased security around her apartment and prayed it would be enough. If the fallen angel wanted her blood, there is no doubt he would have taken it by now. I only prayed that this meant he had no idea how valuable she could be in the wrong hands.

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*Heaven*

“Seraphiel, it is good to see you old friend” Mike exclaimed as he walked towards him. It had been five years since they last met in person; their communication was usually through another angel.

“Oh Michael, it has been too long.” Seraphiel hugged Mike, happiness beaming from him after finally seeing him in person. He took a long look at how much he had changed since he left Heaven.

After exchanging pleasantries, Mike spoke up. “I wish this was a normal visit but I bring grave news. We must speak privately immediately”

Seraphiel's features hardened after hearing Mikes words. He led him away from the other angels to a bench overlooking their fellow friends. It was open yet private, ensuring no one else could hear what was being said. “So, how bad is it? Is the girl okay?” He enquired. The glum mood emitting from Seraphiel made Mike feel nervous.

“I am not sure. It appears that Lily has caught the attention of a fallen angel. He has not yet harmed her and she has told me that they have met three times. However, if he keeps appearing to her, he must feel the attraction to her blood. It is only a matter of time until he realises she is one of us and he tells the demons. “

“Interesting”. Mike watched as Seraphiel’s fell deep into thought upon hearing his news. His face wore a deep thoughtful look as Mike waited for a response. “I wonder dear friend, ” he spoke “ is the fallen angel drawn to her because he wants to know what she is or is it the natural pull of being around one’s kind? He may not even know she isn't human.”

Seraphiel's question caught Mike off guard. Was there a possibility that Caleb had no idea that she wasn’t entirely human? Her presence would draw in other creatures but he could not be sure that was the sole reason for his interest. “ He is currently pretending to be falling in love with her, most likely an attempt to get her to become vulnerable around him. I believe that is when he will take Lily and give her to the demons. He cannot be trusted, he is a fallen angel. He turned his back on Heaven. He no longer possesses our pure qualities “ Mike’s voice was filled with distaste as he spoke about Caleb, his features mirroring his feelings for him.

“Ah” Seraphiel exclaimed. “It sounds like jealousy is mixed with protectiveness Michael. We both know that not all fallen angels are sinful, some simply do not want to be a part of Heaven anymore. They may just believe that things should be done differently. That does not mean they cannot still behave like us. Keep an eye on the fallen angel. It is possible he is only interested because of the pull to her. He may even be unaware of why he is drawn to her.“

“But Seraphiel, what if he takes her? The whole point of my mission was to protect Lily from Hell, not let her run around with one of their minions. I will not let that filthy fallen angel lay a hand on her, let alone hurt her when she is completely innocent in this war"

“Your jealousy is displaying Michael, control it. If the fallen angel really wanted her for the power, he would have taken her by now. He knows what you are which will raise questions as to why you are around her. Unless you felt Hell’s energy around him, there is no cause for concern yet. At least you know he is not working under his rule. Stopping the girl from seeing him will only make her pull to him stronger. You must keep an eye on the situation from afar.”

Mike was not happy hearing Seraphiel's words. He could not stand by and watch if Lily was in danger.....he loved her. Yes, he was jealous but he also knew that Caleb was bad news. Mike could see through his whole act in the café of pretending to care about Lily’s life. He was using her and she didn’t even realise. Just thinking back to the way he kissed her made Mike’s anger grow. “We must do something about him Seraphiel, what if she is in danger? This will be the end of Heaven as we know it."

His words were met by a sigh as Seraphiel stood to look over the scenery in front of them. After a minute he turned around to place a hand on Mike’s shoulder and looked directly in his eyes before he spoke up.

“Michael, I know you care about the girl. I can see you love her. But do NOT let your emotions cloud your judgement. We cannot act against the fallen angel until we know if he is working for Hell. If we make a move and are wrong, it will attract the attention of the demons and put the girl in harms way. Please understand dear friend, for now we are lucky that he doesn’t realise her importance. If he gets close and you believe it to be a danger, and I do mean truly, not because of your feelings for her, then you may take action against him. One wrong move and we may as well hand her over to them. I know you understand this but think with your head, not your heart. Talk to the fallen angel and report back with what you find. Once we have more information, we will know what we are dealing with. Only then can we decide what our next step will be. Oh and remember, do not tell the girl unless her knowing will help with her safety. She carries a great burden, it will not be easy to deal with once she knows.”

Mike got up so he was level with Seraphiel and looked into his eyes. “ I cannot lose her brother." His voice was drenched with raw emotion as he spoke.

“I know.” Seraphiel looked gravely at Mike as he turned around to leave. He only hoped that the girl would remain out of Hell’s reach. She was their key to winning.