Awaken: Book two of Fallen Series

Chapter Six

When I got back, I just didn’t have it in me to face anyone. Taking the life of that child, even with it being as gently as it had been was hard. She was so small, so innocent. I knew it was the job of the horsemen to ride and do what they did. They all had their individual jobs. But me doing it? Well, it was hard. How did they do it so easily? Pestilence didn’t seem to have a problem with it. It was like he didn’t have emotions at all. Like nothing bothered him. I knew he felt pain, that much was obvious. But did he feel remorse? Did he feel regret? Hesitance? He didn’t kill Joy after all. So maybe he did have some emotion in him. that had to count for something.

But what about death? What did Pestilence call him? Thanatos? Was that death’s real name? Either way did he feel anything? He didn’t seem to express any emotion. Not really. He was always stern. While training me he was so hard and almost mean. I wasn’t sure if that was because it was just the way he trained. Or if it was just his natural demeanor. Pestilence did say death didn’t usually train anyone. I didn’t tell pestilence who I was. It wasn’t my place to. Well, not entirely my place to at least. I could have told him if I wanted to. But it didn’t seem fair without asking death first. Maybe I should go ahead and ask. It wasn’t a question that was going to just go away. Pestilence and Joy both would keep asking.

Deciding that was the best course of action I climbed out of bed and made my way towards where I knew death would be. He was always so busy. Training me or watching as the souls moved through the vail. I had to admit it was enthralling to watch. I couldn’t see what was on the other side of the veil, and to be honest I didn’t want to see. Some people looked so happy and so peaceful as they looked at the swirling fog like light. While others looked utterly petrified. Some froze to the spot, their limbs unable to move forward. That was when death had to get involved and push the soul along. I hoped he never made me do that.

When I got to the veil, I found him. He stood tall and proud with his hands clasped behind his back. He stood like a solider ready to go into war. His muscles were tense and rigid. Coiled and ready to spring at any threat. It made me wonder just how many threats he received here in his realm. And what could possibly pose a threat to death himself. Obviously, something could or else he wouldn’t be so tense and angry all of the time.

“Are you alright?” I finally asked, walking up to stand at his side. I think it was the first time we’ve been alone since we got here. One of my men have been with me constantly, never leaving me alone. It was honestly getting annoying.

“Alone I see.” He turned to me, arching a brow. A smirk tilting the corner of his lips.

“Yeah. I think that’s just because they haven’t found me yet. I’m sure they are going out of their minds looking for me, but they’ll be fine for a little while.” I shrugged. “They don’t need to be by my side all hours of the day.”

“Very good.” He nodded, actually smiling at me this time. Wait. Did he smile? Death smiled? Really?

“I had a few questions for you.” I admitted, fully turning towards him now.

“Alright, come and sit with me.” He said, motioning me towards a couch in the corner of the room. I followed him, sitting beside him where we could still watch the souls enter the veil. “What is it you wish to ask me daughter?” His green eyes bore into me. The intensity in which he looked at me had me wanting to look away.

“Pestilence and his companion are asking questions. They want to know who I am and my relation to you. I haven’t told them, it’s not just my business to tell. It’s yours too. I wanted to ask if it was alright if I told them? It’s not a question that will just go away. They’ll keep asking.”

“You are right, they will keep asking. It’s not something that can be hidden.” He ran his hand through his black hair, before turning his eyes back to me. “Very well. Next time Pestilence is in need of you, you may tell them.” He nodded, but his eyes were strained. “Was there something else?”

“Is your name Thanatos?” I asked, smiling. Death laughed and I mean a deep hearty laugh that was contagious. I couldn’t help but smile and laugh along side him. I loved it. I had never heard him laugh like this before.

“Yes, my name is Thanatos. Would you rather call me that than death?” He asked, looking at me with amusement.

“It is preferable.” I chuckled. “Though, Thanatos means death too.” I pointed out.

“Yes, all of our names have some semblance to our gifts.” He told me, though he seemed kind of irritated at the fact.”

"I think Thanatos is a cool name.” I told him honestly. “It’s unusual, yeah. But it’s cool all the same. Better than Belle.” I scrunched my face up. “My name is plain.”

Thanatos laughed. “Do you know what your mother told me she wanted to name her daughter we were to ever have one?” He asked.

“No. How could I?” I asked, furrowing my brow in confusion.

“She wanted our daughter to be named Arabella Destiny. Archangels don’t have surnames, but that is the name she wanted for our daughter. So, I am positive that is why you are called Belle. It is short for Arabella.”

“Arabella?” I whispered, the name sounding unfamiliar on my lips but somehow also sounding right.

Thanatos smiled warmly. “Yes. It means prayerful in Latin. Your mother was very fond of prayer. She prayed to the creator every night for a child. We never thought we would be able to have a child. When she disappeared, then died I knew that dream would never be a reality for me. Until I, they. Discovered you.” Thanatos’s eyes pierced into me, his green eyes blazing in a way I never saw. “I am sorry for the years I was not in your life. Had I known of your existence I never would have allowed you to be raised as a mortal.” He shook his head sadly. It looked as if tears had formed in his eyes.

“It’s not your fault.” I reached over and grabbed his hand, squeezing it gently. “You didn’t know. And with the bind, or spell. Whatever it was on me, there was no way you could have known. I don’t blame you. I am just happy you’re now. I am happy you’re willing to be apart of my life now.”

“I would never leave you now that I know of you. You are my daughter, my blood. I will remain by your side and will protect you until my final breath.” He vowed.

“No. Don’t say that.” I replied vehemently. “I don’t want anyone dying for me. Not now, not ever.”

“I am sorry to say that is not something you will have a say in. Anyway. I can not die. I am death itself. You will always be safe as long as I am with you.” He assured me.

“I am your daughter; I have your gifts. Should I also not be safe from death?” I asked, tilting my head to the side curiously.

“I don’t know.” He shook his head. “And that is not a theory I am willing to test. Coming back from the dead is not something that is easily done.”

“But I am an angel. Daughter to a horseman and an archangel. Aren’t I immortal?”

“Immortal or not you can still be killed Arabella. Immortal just means you will live forever, not that you can’t be killed.” He told me.

“So, I can be killed then.”

“Maybe?” I was so confused.

“We don’t know the full extent of your power yet. I hope we will not know the full extent in that regard however.” He told me, sincerity ringing out in his voice. He really did care rather I died or not. Huh. That was nice to know.

“Well at least we can agree on that. I don’t much want to die. So let’s not test that theory just yet.”

“Belle? Are you in there?” Michael’s voice rang out through the room making me groan.

“Well. Looks like they found me.” I said turning to Thanatos.

“Yes, it would seem so.” His face soured as he looked towards where Michael’s voice came from.

“You don’t like them, do you?” I asked, chuckling.

“I do not like the way they hover over you all the time. They do not give you space. They feel someone must be with you at all times and it does not sit well with me.”

“I know. I can tell there was something about them you didn’t like. Don’t worry, I’ll tell them that I need more space from now on. I will even tell them my training with you is to be private from now on. Will that be better?” I asked, standing to go meet Michael.

“Yes.” Death, Thanatos, stood with me.

“Good. Let me go talk to them and I will tell you.” I smiled over at him briefly before leaving and heading out to Michael. So that’s what was wrong with death. Or Thanatos. It’s not that he was mean or harsh. He was just hard on me because of my men. Not that, that made things better. He shouldn’t blame me for their behavior. But if he thought that I wasn’t standing up for myself then that would explain a few things too. I would be upset with my child if I thought he or she was no defending themselves.

By the time I made it out of the large room Michael was pacing nervously. His blue eyes were shifty and he kept running his large hands through his curly blonde hair. I didn’t know what was wrong with them lately but something about being here was setting them all on edge and I wasn’t sure I liked it. I didn’t like seeing them all like this. Especially not Michael. Michael wasn’t the nervous type. Noy usually. But here he was, all shifty and nervous. Running his hands through his hair as he paced the floors waiting for me.

“Michael? Are you alright?” I asked as I revealed myself.

“Belle.” The relief in his tone couldn’t be mistaken as he swooped me into his arms.

“Michael? What’s going on?” I asked, pulling away from him so I could see into his deep blue eyes.

“I was just worried.” He murmured into my hair.

“What is it about this place that sets you all on edge?” I asked, burying my face into his neck.

“This is death’s realm Belle. No one has ever come here and returned. Yet you have been coming and going as you please, as have we. Death has been very accommodating. It is not like him. We feel as if there will be strings attached to his kindness.”

“Michael, he is my father. I don’t think he will ask for anything in return.” I assured him. “He just wants to train me and be in my life. He is not very fond of you all hovering around me like bees.” I laughed, nipping the soft spot on his neck. Michael shivered, His hand coming up to cup the back of my head gently making me smile.

“you’re playing with fire little one.” Michael voiced huskily.

“What did I do?” I whispered innocently, my breath tickling his neck and along his collar bone.

“You know what it is you have done little one.” Michael said, tightening his arms around me as he walked us out of the veil’s chambers. I couldn’t help but laugh as he carried us out. But I also couldn’t help that my cheeks flamed in embarrassment as we passed people to wherever Michael was taking us. I tucked my face deeper into Michael’s neck, hiding myself. Then I remembered I could actually hide myself.

Calling my new power to the surface I urged it to cover me and settle against my skin and clothes. I pictured it perfectly blending me into Michael where no one could see me as we passed them. I knew it worked when I heard the loud laughter Michael let loose. I just snorted a laugh in response. At least I wasn’t the one walking around looking like I was carrying dead air. I thought sarcastically. Even so, I couldn’t help but be amused by the whole situation. And I couldn’t help but want to tease Michael. No one could see me, but they could see him. So, I started trailing slow soft kisses from his shoulder, up his neck to just below his ear and back down. I kissed across his throat and under his chin. I chuckled as I could see him try and keep himself from reacting to any of it.

His hold on me however did tighten, his nails digging into the flesh of my hip through my clothes. His blue eyes held a blazing fire that turned the spark inside of me into a raging inferno. I bit my lip to suppress the moan that wanted to slip out, and wrapped my arms around Michael’s neck pressing myself against him.

I wasn’t paying attention to where we were, I was too busy teasing Michael so when I went soaring through the air a very unflattering squeal left me before it was cut short as I hit a something soft and bounced a few times before settling. I was stunned, my eyes wide. I was breathing hard and my heart beating out of rhythm. What the hell? I tried to shout, but no words came out. Michael just laughed at me as he kicked his shoes off and climbed in the bed after me.

“Now then little one.” Michael purred. “You were not being very nice.”

“No one ever accused me of being nice.” I teased. “Just of having a pure heart.” I smiled up at him.

“Hmmm.” Michael hummed, lowering his head and kissing my neck from my ear down across my shoulder. I shuddered under him, my hands going up to his back and digging into his shoulder blades. Michael moved his kisses across my exposed collar bone to the other side of my neck as he kissed across my jaw and to my lips. He pressed his lips to mine in a searing kiss that set my blood on fire. I groaned, threading my fingers through his hair and holding him to me in a firm grip. It felt as if I was on fire as our kiss deepened, as Michael parted my lips with his tongue and explored my mouth with his tongue. I groaned at the taste of him, and gently bit his lip. When I looked up to him his blue eyes were swirling like liquid fire, gold seemed to come to life inside of them like sparks lighting up and exploding around his pupil.

Michael and I hadn’t spent much time together. We had always seemed to be at each other’s throats but in this moment I didn’t care. I just wanted to feel his skin against mine. I gripped the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head making him chuckle. I just smiled before my eyes roamed over the perfection that was him. He was covered in battle scars. They were all beautiful and perfectly him, but I hated seeing them on him all the same. Only because I hated knowing he had been hurt so much. I gently ran my fingertips along his skin, exploring every inch of him I could see. Every ridge and plain of rippling muscle, every scar. Raising up onto my elbows I brushed my lips feather light across some of his scars making his eyes flutter closed as he shuddered under my exploration of his skin.

Michael obviously needing the same, gently pulled my hands from his skin and held my arms over my head as he pulled my own shirt over my head leaving me bare to him. Because of course today of all days I decided not to wear a bra. This surprised Michael, and the shocked gasp that left him told me as much. His touch was Barely there as he explored my skin. “Beautiful.” He whispered, circling my breasts softly making goose bumps rise on my skin. I moaned under his touch, this giving him incentive to grasp my breasts in a firm grip as he kneads my breast diligently. I arched into him, my skin pressing against his sending my already hot skin sky rocketing to new levels.

“You are so beautiful my Belle.” Michael murmured, pinching my hardened bud between his large fingers making me arch further into him, groaning. He trailed his hands down the side of my body of my ribs to my hips. Hooking his fingers under the top of my leggings he started to pull them over hips and down my legs, taking my panties down with them. I couldn’t help but smile down at him as his eyes widened and the fire continued to burn brighter in his blue eyes. I loved the effect I had on him and I hadn’t even done anything to him.

Michael sat back and I watched as he pulled slowly pulled his own bottoms off, his length springing free of its confinement. The fire in my veins blazed hotter, and when I looked down at, myself I could see my veins were turning red under my skin as if fire truly were blazing within them. I hope it wouldn’t hurt Michael to touch me, because I don’t think I could cool myself down even if I wanted too. Not at this point. As he crawled back up over my body his large hands trailed up over my legs curving to the inside of my thighs.

Leaning forward Michael kissed the inside of my thigh before nipping at me gently. The sensation sending liquid fire surging between my legs. Michael growled and inhaled deeply as if he could smell me. Without warning he licked the full length of my slit sending delicious sensations through my body that made my entire being vibrate with pleasure. Using his hands to pin me by my hips to the bed Michael started to devour me as if I was were to be his last meal. I wanted to writhe under the pleasure that he was sending through my body, but he has me firmly pinned to the bed. All I could do was moan his name as my head thrashed back and forth.

Heat pooled in my gut as I felt my release coil inside of me. My hands shot to Michael’s hair and my fingers tangled within his strands as if to hold him still. Michael chuckled, and that was all it took. The vibrations of his laugh threw me over the edge sending me spiraling over the edge. I moaned his name as my release took me, with him continuing to devour me and extending my orgasm until it was almost painful. I was left panting for breath when he climbed back up my body, his eyes twinkling with glee.

I didn’t even have time to catch my breath before his lips were on mine taking me in a searing, passionate kiss. But I didn’t care. I gripped the back of his neck, clutching him to me and deepening our kiss. Our tongues explored each other once again, I could taste myself mixed with his and somehow it didn’t bother me. I felt when he lined himself up at my entrance but I still never broke our kiss, I didn’t want to. It felt too good to have him against me like this, to have his lips on mine. To taste him. with one powerful thrust Michael bottomed himself out inside me making me gasp, my nails digging into his neck. Michael groaned; his movements paused for a moment as his entire being shuddered.

After getting used to the new sensation Michael moved. He started slow, groaning as he glided inside of me. I knew Michael had never been with anyone, and I knew this was new for him. It thrilled me to be his first. Soon though, it apparently became too much to be slow. I saw in his eyes when he kind of snapped. His eyes turned kind of feral. He pulled almost all the way out of me before plunging back in, hard. I groaned, my hands grasping onto his shoulders, nails biting into his flesh. His thrusts came harder and faster. Inhuman. He didn’t have to worry about hurting me the way the others did. I was no longer human. And he clearly used this to his advantage.

Michael reached over my head and grabbed the headboard, using as leverage as he thrust harder. I was all but screaming as he hammered into me with everything he seemed to have. I heard the headboard crack, woodchips rained down on me but neither of us seemed to care. Michael just dropped down, his arms caging me in. I wrapped my arms around him and ran my nails down the length of his back making him growl. Fire raged hotter inside of me as another release built inside of me. I could feel as Michael’s built in him, his member swelling inside of me as he growled a moan, dropping his head between his arms. However, this made him thrust faster as he chased his release.

After a few hard thrusts I shouted my release, my walls squeezing around Michael so tightly around Michael he thrust and bottomed out inside me, a loud shout echoed around the room as he found his release. I saw stars as wave after wave of pleasure coursed through my body. When my vision finally cleared, Michael had already collapsed on top of me, panting. He made sure not to put all of his weight on me so he didn’t crush me. Which I was grateful for.

When we were able to catch our breath Michael slowly pulled out of me, his eyes falling shut as a soft moan fell from his lips, a shudder running through his body. He fell limply beside me; all I could do was smile over at him as I scooted over to him and burrowed myself into his side. Poor guy, he was wiped. Normally the woman would be in his position. But no, not with Michael. Michael had lost all control and it was amusing. I had enjoyed it nonetheless. I doubt he will feel the same. He might think he hurt me. Right now, however I could already hear his soft snores as he slept.

Burning across my inner right arm caught my attention. Pulling away from Michael, I held my arm in front of me and watched as the mark took shape. This one was different. Bigger. It spanned from my wrist all the way up to the crook of my arm. The swirls and intricate patterns were just as beautiful as the others. The runes looked more ancient. The depth of the blue made it look like the deepest parts of the ocean. Uriel’s mark of knowledge helped me read it. It meant “Weapons” Though I didn’t know what it was supposed to do. Just like Lucifer’s “Fire” mark was still sort of unknown to me. Azrael’s mark of “Mind” helped me see into others mind. Gabriel’s mark of “Protection” formed an orb or shield around me or anyone or anything else I wanted to protect. And like I said Uriel’s mark of “Knowledge” helped me read, understand the angelic language. It probably did more than that, but that’s what we know right now. Lucifer’s marl was unknown. Now Michael’s was. And whatever Raphael’s mark will be.

All marks. Knowledge. Fire. Protection. Weapons. Mind. And unknown. All six from my mates, my beloveds. I wonder what will happen when all six marks have been received? If anything. With nothing else to do, I curled in beside Michael with a yawn and closed my eyes. We could talk about the marks tomorrow. Right now I wanted to sleep.