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Ablaze By Dahlia Rose

Copyright April 2012, Dahlia Rose Cover art by Mina Carter April 2012 ISBN 978-1-936668-56-4 This is a work of fiction. All characters and events portrayed in this novel are fictitious or used fictitiously. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form. Sugar and Spice Press North Carolina, USA www.sugarnspicepress.com /body>

Chapter One
So you come to me willingly? Pennemuel asked the ethereal woman standing in front of him. I am here to save my charge. Her soft voice was like a whisper of wind caressing his entire being. He felt his cock harden with anticipation because soon she would be his. Lets not play semantics here, angel; you know how this game works. I need to hear you do this of your own volition, Pennemuel snapped. He had no time to play, and his prize could be taken away with just a simple twist of words. She raised her head defiantly, the wind whipping the long black curls away from her face. I am herewillingly. He could hear the cries of distress swirl around him from the invisible beings that watched their exchange. He absorbed them and relished it as they fed the darkness inside him. In the shadows the screams and howls of delight from his kind urged him on. On the top of the twenty-story, old, stone Gothic building in the heart of Gotham, he faced off with an angel, a being some demons would kill their maker to possess her. An angel and a guardian no less, stubbornly refusing to listen to her orders and give up her charge to fate. Instead she made a choice that would strip her of her grace in heaven and give him his ultimate prize: The purest of things ever created. No matter how they begged her to rethink her actions, she was adamant; she chose the life of her young human being instead of her own because she loved him with all within her. Her undying love for the boy made it so easy for him. He reveled in knowing that she offered herself like a ripe plum for his insatiable hunger. He smiled, thinking of how he gave her the option to give herself to him. Pennemuel was amazed she agreed so willingly to accept. No matter. His thoughts were pure evil. Taking her would buy him numerous centuries of pleasure and all he could possibly dream of in hell. He would relish her downfall from heaven with the simple act of fucking her. Humans had no idea of the power sex held, especially to someone like him. The pleasure he took from her body would destroy her very being, her grace in heaven. And he had no remorse in doing it. You stand there like a statue, angel. Come to me; you need to make the first step. He coaxed her forward with the crook of his finger. My name is Hailey. What? he snapped. Around them the rain started in a sudden downpour. Pennemuel watched in fascination when she raised her head, and the water cascaded over her creamy mocha skin. Each drop was like an electric charge hit the surface of her face, and a glow was left in its wake. The water soaked the wispy white material of her gown, and it clung to her body, molding to her curves and her breasts. He held back a groan as he stared at her form. There was only one way to describe her: perfection. The tears of angels; they weep for me, she murmured. Let them weep. Like I gave a damn. He laughed feeling the excitement inside him build. She gazed at his face again. My name is Hailey, demon, and it will be branded into you forever. Really, and why is that, little dove? Is it because I am about to break your wings? You will see, she replied calmly. There is a price for even you when it comes to matters like this. Pennemuel made an unbelieving sound in his throat. I live in hell fire, and sulfur burns my nose; there is no price I cannot pay. So be it, Hailey agreed with a soft smile curving her lips. What should I call you? she asked. It seems unfitting to call you demon at a time like this. He inclined his head, willing to give her that one small courtesy. I am called Pennemuel. Hailey nodded with a look of knowing on her face. The demon who can twist the fate of a man with his words. I see now why they sent you after him. Pennemuel laughed. I am glad to see my notoriety precedes me even up there. Hailey shook her head. Only because we see such a waste of potential, but Ill call you Penn. Your name is too long and pretentious. Pennemuel couldnt help the bark of laughter that came to his lips. This little angel had fire inside her. You can call me what you wish; after this night I have no plans to see you for the rest of eternity. She raised her eyebrow at him without speaking. The look on her face made him uneasy, like she knew something that eluded him. Why are you staring at me like that? Still she said nothing. Instead she took slow steps toward him, and with each footfall, she undressed until she was completely exposed. She put her hands on his shoulders and commanded, Kiss me, demon, and let us begin this dance of fate. She was magnificent in her nudity. Desire flared inside him as his gaze traveled to every dip and sensuous curve of her body. Her chocolatecolored skin and full lips beckoned him to taste. She should be scared of me. Pennemuel didnt want her to be so willing. He wanted to see fear when she looked up at him. Instead he saw something more like trust in her light brown eyes, and that in itself was unbelievable. He was a demon, and she was an angel; their kind had been in a battle for the destiny of mankind since the beginning of time. She wants to be kissed. He could see it in her eyes and wondered why. He pushed that thought away. He would do that and much more before the night was over. He took her lips, no premise or prelude, just a hot, penetrating kiss. He delved his tongue deep into her mouth, tasting her pure essence and driving himself wild. She tasted like honey and the forbidden fruit of the garden of Eden. She opened under his onslaught willingly; she moaned when he caressed her, and he felt something spark in his chest, but he pushed away the foreign feeling. This was not about emotion; it was about a coveted prize, but that didnt mean he couldnt enjoy the ride. He forgot they were on a roof with the rain falling in torrents around them. Not rain, the tears of heavenly hosts, he thought with humor. He tore his lips away from hers, still wanting to taste her but also wanting to do so much more. Spread your legs, little dove. Why? Her voice was almost a whisper and breathless. It excited him all the more because she was so innocent. Youll see. Do as youre told, little one. Remember, this is my show. She moved her legs slowly apart; her eyes held a question when she stared into his face. He never took his gaze away from hers. He moved his hands slowly down her neck. Her body was still, and he could sense the anticipation of his touch. Around them was silence; even the rain had stopped. Its like the entire universe is holding its breath for whats to come. He found the slit of her pussy, and he slipped his finger between the thick folds and rubbed the bud he found there. Her body gave up its bounty while he touched her, becoming slick and wet under his touch. Watching her eyes he saw them widen in surprise before they went smoky with desire. Her half-closed eyelids gave her a sultry look, and Hailey undulated her hips against his hand, seeking the pleasure he was offering. Pennemuel delighted in the fact that she fell into her sexuality so quickly. He had heard to take an angel was a task that took too long with no great rewards except your cock got wet and you had your prize. She was already hot under his touch and ready to have his cock inside her. Not yet. This was too rare a find to rush. His finger penetrated her pussy, and when she cried out, he chuckled softly. Oh yes, little dove, this is some of the pleasure that your creator kept from you, he murmured.

Pennemuel pushed his digit deep inside her, feeling her muscles clench around him. With his thumb, he rubbed that secret spot until she cried out, and her nectar flowed around his hand. She came with a shuddering breath, and it drove him mad. He didnt care about the eyes watching as he stripped. Her scent was like an aphrodisiac as he grabbed her into his arms. Usually he put more finesse into his lovemaking endeavors. Right now he just wanted to be inside her and feel her take him in. He pushed out with his feet and shot into the sky as he fused them together with a searing kiss. They soared, and he thrust his cock inside her as soon as her legs were wrapped around his waist. He moaned in ecstasy as her body accepted him like a soft glove. It was like being encased in liquid velvet, and somehow he knew he would never be the same after this coupling. Each thrust shot pleasure through him like lava through his veins. In his ear Hailey whispered his name, and her voice caressed his entire being. This had to be pleasure in its purest form. Unable to help himself, Pennemuel threw his head back and cried out. Their pace quickened, and instead of claws or nails raking flesh off his back, her hands seemed to hold him tighter to her and massaged his bunched muscles. Along with the need and the passion, she was comforting him. He felt her pussy clench with her release and followed suit. He spilled his hot seed inside her, and she pressed soft kisses against his neck. The aftermath of their lovemaking left them spent. The force that held them in flight as their bodies coupled left them. In each others embrace they plummeted from the sky not making a sound. Pennemuel turned quickly so his body took the major impact when they hit the roof. The cement shattered around him, and his body made an indent where he landed. From that he heard the cracking as fault lines radiated outward from where theyd landed. She snuggled against him, and he wrapped his arms around her protectively. It was then his eyes widened in surprise and he knew. He felt what her cryptic words had meant before. Theres a price to payand so there was. In the taking of Haileys body, she had taken his soul. Pennemuel knew instantly that to leave her would be like a self-inflicted wound. He couldnt let her fate designated by heaven or let the demons who he knew would debase her in hell. You feel it now, she whispered. Yes! His voice was harsh and broke on that one simple word. Hailey rose and looked into his eyes, and he felt himself lost in her gaze. What do you feel, Penn? Tell me. I will never say it, never submit to it! he cried out. Then what shall we do? He tunneled his hands into her hair and kissed her fiercely. Youre mine; they cant have you. Either side. She repeated the question quietly, What shall we do, Penn? I dont know. We fight, and Ill help you protect him, he responded. The words were torn from his throat. Hailey laid her head back against his chest. Imagine an angel and demon on the same side for the same cause. He could hear the smile in her voice, and he gritted his teeth. The one word that explained it all came from his lips. Fuck!

Chapter Two
The sounds of the city surrounded him like a blanket. Even though the noise usually soothed him, now it just seemed to fuel his anger. A week in and hed not been back to the underworld. He was branded as a traitor, and there was a bounty on his head in hell. One million credits, dead or alive, and hed dispatched with vicious ease the few that came trying to claim it. It was a kind of message, really, to let them know he was not going down without a fight. It didnt help that he was stuck between two very big rocks. He had the angel and her charge that he now protected on one side and hell on the other. Fate had dealt him a cruel hand indeed. Now he was walking alone topside searching for a new safe house for the three of them. The last one had been breeched, and theyd had to fight their way out. Who knew his little angel was such a hellion fighter when it came to protecting her charge, and him it seemed? One of the lesser demons had gotten the jump on him, and she cut him down with precision. There was hardness to her since hed taken her that night, and they hadnt touched each other since then. He felt the loss of that connection so deeply sometimes it made him ache. To have her, to smell her scent around him, to see the love that was in her eyes for the boy was never there for him. He wanted her to love him, damn it, to look at him that way. He had found what he was looking for close to Hells Kitchen, right above a Chinese joint, a sparse two bedroom with a dingy little bathroom. The whole apartment wasnt even as big as a luxury room in a hotel. He missed his luxuries, but right now they needed to stay under the radar. One of these days he would get them a suite in a fancy hotel, and he would show his angel fabulous living. He grimaced. His angel. Hed been calling her that in his head of late. It never left his mouth because he didnt know where they stood exactly. Hell, he didnt even know what the boy thought of him. As he paid the landlord a years rent in cash to keep his mouth shut and signed some stupid papers, he thought back to when she took him to where the boy was hidden. Sam was fifteen and belligerent as hell with that adolescent testosterone thing going on. Whos this? Sam asked eyeing Penn up and down. Hes going to help us. Haileys voice was like a bubbling stream. His name in Penn. Why, I can take care of us just fine, Sam snapped. This is supposed to be the redemption of man, this gangly kid? Penn asked with amusement. Im tougher than I look, you dillweed. The boy bunched his fist at his side and took a fighting stance. You want to try me; I can take you down. Penn grinned. He knew how he must look to the boy. He was six foot five easy, and he could spit in the top of the humans head, yet he was willing to fight. Whats he supposed to do for this accursed earth? Penn asked. Hailey beamed up at him, and at the point he felt his breath catch. His words are magic; he can uplift many and change the views of the powerful. Even now when he writes, it speaks volumes. He watched the blush work up Sams face to the roots of his dirty-blond hair. Its nothing like she says; I dont even know why she puts up with me. Im just a street rat. Penn saw a serious case of teenage crush going on, and for some strange reason, jealously reared up in his chest. Fuck. He was jealous of some crushing fifteen-year-old. Penn had to remind himself that he was a damn high-level demon of hell, and he did not feel emotions, especially toward some angel that he took. Yet he was there, and as she took his hand and led him farther in the room, he feltwanted. He is not a street rat; his homelessness is not of his own doing, and I have infinite joy in being his protector and taking care of him, Hailey said. I shall be right back. I need to change into human clothing. Both their eyes watched her leave until Sams zeroed back in on him. So you trying to pick up an angel; you know she is an actual to goodness higher being, right? Penn snapped his fingers and fire danced at the tip. He saw Sams eyes widen in astonishment. I know that, kid, and Im a goddamn demon. You mean from hell? Sam asked. No from Disney, Penn snapped. Of course Im from hell. You forgot to mention that not only youre a demon but a prick too, Sam retorted. The boy showed no fear at all. Penn busted out laughing. I like you, kid. Im thrilled. Cant you tell? Sam rolled his eyes and walked away. Why are you hanging with Hailey? Arent you two supposed to be enemies? If you think I want to be here, kid, youre wrong, hed practically snarled. He watched the boy try to make himself bigger by standing straight and puffing out his chest. Then why are you here? You should put those feet to the bricks. It was then he spoke the truth, and it hit him in waves. If I could I would, but II cant leave her. Listen, kid, theres too much you dont understand. Just get used to seeing me around. Hailey came back out, and she smiled at both of them, and he felt himself melt under the absolute perfection of her. She was wearing jeans and a baby blue sweater, and nothing looked more perfect on a woman. Yeah he couldnt leave her, not even if he wanted to. He let the memory fade as the landlord chattered merrily. He took the keys from the beaming landlord who was practically dancing at his payday. Getting cash upfront was not a usual thing on this side of town. Coming down the back stairs in the alley behind the Chinese restaurant, he could smell the two-day old garbage and piss. He hated the fact that now he had to live like the gutter was his home. But to be with Hailey he would probably have rented a refrigerator box on the corner. This is so fucked up. He dematerialized easily and homed in on her. The movement between time and space was easy for him. When he phased into the park where they were sitting on a bench eating a pretzel, Sam literally jumped from the bench. Dude, seriously when you do that it freaks me out. Cant you announce yourself or something? Sam demanded to know. No, Penn replied and raised an eyebrow in Haileys direction as she bit into the pretzel and practically glowed. Are you enjoying that? She smiled up at him. Yes, I am. Thank you for asking. I think Ive found a fondness for these pretzel things, and ice cream and donuts, oh, and chocolate. They are all so delicious. Sam shook his head. I keep telling her if she keeps eating junk food she is going to get a sick stomach. Penn smiled ruefully. Shes an angel; I doubt that will happen. Let her enjoy her food. He had to admit it was one of the rare times lately he saw her true innocence. Most of the time when he was around she shut down cold, and there was nothing colder than when an angel would not give you the time of day. And why would she? He was a demon, a lower being not good enough to even stand in her presence. Plus he literally took her innocence on that roof weeks ago. She probably felt dirty just being around him knowing what she had to do to keep the boy safe. Im done now. Did you secure us new accommodations? Hailey asked as she stood. Penn nodded. Yes, when we get there we can put up the appropriate runes and protections to keep us hidden from demons or angels.

Hold onto me, Sam. Ill take you there, Hailey said with a smile. I can take the boy, Penn said gruffly. He didnt want to admit it, but he hated the thought of anyone touching her. No! she said sharply. He is my charge; Ill take care of him. Fuck it, Hailey, if I wanted to kill him or hand him over, I couldve done it at any point and redeemed myself in the underworld, Penn snapped. Crap, I can break your scrawny neck and take him. She raised her head in defiance. Then why havent you? I tell you right now you would have a fight on your hands. Again I ask why havent you, Penn? Hailey had put him on the spot, and they both knew it. The feelings were there, the love, but he couldnt admit it; the words stuck in his throat. It suits me not to at this time. Penn shrugged. This is why you will not take him, Hailey replied. Who knows when your mood might change for the worse. She beckoned to Sam who wrapped his hands around her neck. Lead the way to our new home. With a soft growl, Penn dematerialized from the park. He knew she could follow him just by the stream of his power alone. They ended up in the back alley behind the Chinese place, and while Hailey kept her face bland, Sam wrinkled his nose in disgust. You just keep finding us the greatest places to stay, Sam said sarcastically. If you think you can do better, boy, and stay off the grid go ahead, Penn replied. Lets see how long you can survive without our intervention. Listen, you ass, I was taking care of myself long before Hailey came into the picture, Sam snapped. I like her, you are a douche bag. Okay, please dont argue. Lets go upstairs, and Ill make some dinner, Hailey said excitedly. No! The frantic shout came from both of them. He and the human boy might not share a fondness for each other, but they could agree on one thing. Hailey couldnt cook, and while they tried to take a few bites just to see the happy look on her face, stomaching another tuna macaroni and cheese with anchovies was not in the cards for either of them. The look of confusion and disappointment on her face almost had him rethinking their refusal. So he made up an excuse quickly in his head. Weve all had a long day. Why dont we get some takeout from downstairs? Penn suggested with smile. You havent tried Chinese food yet. Hailey clapped her hands. Okay that sounds fun, but tomorrow remind me to make you guys my dinner again. I think I might make chicken too. Im going to go look around. You do that. Well grab the food and some blankets and stuff from the little store on the corner, Penn called behind her as she walked into the bedroom. He turned to Sam. Im breaking the stove. Please do, break it good, or Ill end up in the ER. Sam sighed. I always wanted a home-cooked meal, but this is so not it. Lets go get the stuff. Penn walked over to the small kitchen and pulled the fridge back with an easy move. He disconnected the gas and melted the nozzle so it couldnt be turned. Then he made sure to destroy the pipe that led from the stove. She wouldnt be cooking for a while. This time he and the boy took the stairs. Youre pretty strong, Sam commented. Yeah so what? Penn said. Jeez, its a compliment, dude; I mean Hailey is just as strong as you. Sam pushed his hand in his pockets as they walked. I seriously doubt it, but, um, thanks, Penn replied. You dig her, man, so why dont you romance her or something? The boy posed the question as they walked to the corner. Penn snorted. I hardly need advice on sexual matters from a boy. You probably never even tasted a womans lips. Hey, Ive kissed plenty of girls, and Im not talking about sex, Sam said. Im fifteen and know the difference between that and love. Obviously you dont. You look at Hailey like shes some kind of meat on a plate. And all she probably needs is for you to be gentle and kind. Penn sighed. Kid, Im a demon; theres nothing kind about me. Then why the fuck are you with us, man? Seriously, I dont get you. You show up and then youre here griping about not wanting to be here, Sam groused. Either youre with us and you get the fuck over it, or you go. Penn growled and lifted the boy off his feet by the scruff of his coat. He shook him like he was a rag doll. Ill kill anyone who talks to me like you are now. Then you should do it and go back to your sulfur cave, demon. The boys voice changed, and Penn narrowed his eyes. Sam shook his head and then glared at him. Put me down, fuckhead. He dropped the boy to the pavement. What just went on there with your voice? Dont know what youre talking about, man. Sam hunched his shoulders and turned, but Penn grabbed him again. Yeah you do. I wondered why both heaven and hell would want a kid who was just good with some words. Penn grabbed his chin and lifted the boys face so he could search his hazel eyes. Theres more to this, and I bet the little angel back there has some clues too. You leave her out of this. Sam wrenched his face free of Penns grasp. Kid, you tell me I need to care about her then fine. Ill be nicer or whatever. Penn grabbed him again by the shoulders. But youve gotta talk to her, well both of us. Let us know what the fuck is in you, why youre such a commodity, or all of our asses are dead. You got me? Yeah, I got you. Lets get this shit and go back upstairs to the apartment before Hailey worries and starts blinking all over the place. Sam moved with furious steps down the street, and Penn looked at him before he followed. Something was off about the kid, and when they got back to the safe house, he would find out what. He picked up blankets and sheets, anything they would need to make the place livable. He pulled a wad of hundreds from his pocket, and the cashiers eyes widened in surprise, and so did Sams. Penn said nothing, and together they lugged everything to the apartment, including the food. Hailey whirled around when they opened the door. I was beginning to worry. I told you, Sam said to Penn. Maybe you should tell us a lot more things, Penn replied and dropped the bag. The boy has something in him, something more than just human, and I cant scent him. What are you talking about? Hailey pulled Sam closer and put a protective arm around him. Shes worse than a mother bear with a cub. Penn gritted his teeth against the urge to ask her where his comforting caress was. Could he long for a touch hed only had once? It seemed he could because it was his main thought. He got mad at me He lifted me by my collar and shook me! Sam accused. Yeah whatever, kid. The point being when he got mad and he spoke to me, I could hear another voice mingled with his, Penn explained. Something is inside him, another part of his nature; this is why both sides want him so much.

Is this true, Sam? Hailey looked at him and cupped his cheek gently. We need to know, honey, so we can protect you. Sam pushed away from her roughly. I dont know what I am, okay? I just know that I can tell people things and they listen. I know my mom was scared of me when she put me in the system. I can check, Hailey said, and Sam began to struggle. Penn watched her calm the boy. I wont hurt you. From the time I came to you in your heart, you knew I would protect you. Let me help you; lets find out who you really are. Sam swallowed and nodded. Penn had to admit the boy had bravery in him that hed seen in very few humans. Hailey sat him down in an old chair of the small kitchen dinette and rubbed her hands. She closed her eyes, and the glow that emanated from her hurt his eyes, yet Penn couldnt look away. Her hands glowed strongest when she placed them on Sams chest. The boy gasped and arched away from his seat. Penn knew that her power was racing through the boy and wished he could feel it. Wished that she could burn him from the inside out with one touch. It went on for only a moment, but it felt as if minutes ticked by. She pulled away suddenly gasping and looked at Sam with wide eyes of astonishment. Its not possible, its not she stammered. Whats wrong with me; who am I? Sam demanded. Jesus, what did you see, Hailey? Penn asked. Hes human, and yet he is us, Hailey breathed. Son to the archangel Gabriel from a human mother and the markthe mark of the higher ones, the soldiers, is on his heart. You are fucking kidding me; hes a hybrid? Penn asked. A nephilim, one of the most powerful; he will turn the tide when the time comes, lead human Hailey stopped herself and bowed low. I will protect you with all that I am. Sam shot up and began to pace. Jesus, stop that! He threw a look at Penn. Make her stop that weird stuff. Youre making the boy nervous, Penn said humorously. Youre coveted, boy. Get over it, and now we know why. I pledge my life to him; will you? Hailey demanded to know of Penn. He would say yes to anything when it came to her, but anger burned through him. She hardly gave him the time of day, yet she asked for something like this. Angel, Im here. Thats as much as youll get, Penn snarled. Listen, you two dont even start this shit, can we just eat? Sam asked. Let a kid get used to knowing hes part angel or whatever. Tomorrow well figure out what were going to do on a permanent basis because we cant keep running like this. Youre smarter than you look, small fry. Penn reached out and ruffled Sams hair, and in return Sam pushed his hand away. Im fifteen not five; jeez, you really dont know how to talk to people, do you? He stomped into the small kitchenette and began to unload their food. They sat and ate in silence as they all contemplated the implications of the new information they had. Hed never heard of a nephilim not going crazy, or even worse, having to live away from humans. This boy had power; it was in his lineage from the archangels. The boys below would love to get their hands on him and twist him to their uses. Before he would have taken him to the higher-ups in hell and just let the good times roll. Now, he looked at Hailey and knew it would break her heart, and something inside him shifted. Crap. He hated this feeling and wished he could rip it out of his chest. Later that night, after dinner, he had Hailey mark the building with protection runes. Now he looked at the boy sleeping on the thin mattress of the old pull-out couch. He opened the bedroom door expecting to see Hailey. She had made up the bed with the bright yellow comforter that he bought and piled the blue pillows on top. He wanted to bring her a little of the sky and the sun in his small way. He closed his eyes and homed in on her and dematerialized to where she was on the roof. Hailey was looking upward, and her face was forlorn as she stared into the night sky. Why are you up here? he asked as he stepped behind her. No reason, she replied but her eyes never left the sky. Youre missing up there, Penn said. Ive never been cut off from them before. Hailey shook her head. I only hear silence, and then sometimes I feel the pull, the call to grace, and I cannot answer. Other times I hear those who I care for. They whisper to me even though its forbidden. I know this is for the better good, for Sam. But my heart aches for it sometimes, the peace and the balance. You had no choices up there, just following always doing what youre told. Penn grabbed her shoulders. Tonight you ate Chinese food, and you like chocolate; you love that boy even with his attitude. Why miss it when there is more for you to see and experience? Dont you miss your version of home, the hell and heat of it? Hailey glared at him. No, I dont, Penn said automatically. Why dont you? Is it because you care for nothing, that being in the underworld is worse than death? He pulled her hard against him and caressed the chocolate brown skin of her face. No, because I have you. Theres nothing down there worth more than being with you. Why are you saying this now? Hailey asked. I long for you to touch me, to feel your hands on my skin, Penn said. He could hear the ache in his own voice. I long to taste your lips again and see you look at me like how you look at the boy. You shut down when Im around, and I miss your light. He slipped his hand into the hair at her nape. Kiss me, Hailey, just kiss me so I can feel somewhat normal. Even if you have to pretend kiss me like you care. I hate having to feel like this, to beg for just a kiss. But I need it. I need to feel you more than anything. Oh, Penn. I dont have to pretend, Hailey whispered. She cupped his cheeks and pulled his lips down to hers for a kiss. The feel of her, the taste of her was almost too much to take, and he groaned in delight, in pleasure and the ache of it all. She opened her mouth under the probing of his tongue. He molded her to him as he burrowed into her mouth. It was like drinking nectar, and if he could taste sunshine, she would be it. She took his onslaught with moans and whimpers that took him higher and made his cock so hard it throbbed between his legs. This time he pulled away, thinking about not only taking her body but keeping her in his heart. To do that, he had to pull away and take it slow. She was not just an object for release to him. Hailey was everything. Why did you stop? Why didnt you take me? she whispered when he stepped away. Im giving you the choices you earned in more ways than one, Penn replied. When you want me to love you, youll come to me. I wont take you otherwise. Your body is your own. He pulled her close and kissed her gently. Come downstairs soon. I dont want the boy to wake up and not see you. It was the hardest thing he ever did, but Penn walked away from the pleasure that he knew he could find in her body and with her kiss. For the first time he understood what humans experienced when they felt love, what they were willing to give up just to keep it. Why the sacrifices were so unimaginable, yet they paid the price hand over fist to keep what theyd found.

Chapter Three My choices. Those were words that she never thought would be used when it came to her life, her path. In the heavens she was a guardian, protector of her charges. But when they told her to leave Sam to his fate, she could not. This boy had been hers since he was a baby; shed comforted him while his mother abused her body. Hailey whispered in his mothers ear that she should send Sam someplace safe so he could be better taken care of. Granted the human version of safe eventually led Sam to living on the street to getaway from the group homes, but she was always there watching over him. He was never hungry or slept in the cold; she found ways to get him what he needed. Now she knew why they wanted to leave him to whatever hand he was dealt. It seemed that even angels had secrets because he was the child of the warrior cast. Unlike Penn who could twist and wrap mens mind to sign sinful deeds, Sam could change the world with a twist of a few words. Why would they leave him to the demons to get ahold of? Maybe they thought he would be killed outright. Hailey firmed her lips in a determined line. There was no way she was about to let that happen. With Penn fighting beside me Thinking about the demon who now lived with her and Sam made a hint of a smile cross her lips. Hed spent so long doing what he wanted with no repercussions that she understood this new role bothered him. While he would never admit it, she could see a change in him, honor maybe, or just plain need to claim her. She wondered about where they were going and what would happen next. That night when he took her body, she knew he would love her. From there she was as innocent as a newborn babe at what to do. Hailey didnt know if she could truly trust him, yet she looked into his eyes and felt an ache she didnt quite understand. She longed to feel his touch again, and that bothered her as well. How could one like her from the heavens feel such a need for a dweller of hell? She looked up at the sky once more, reaching out just to feel a small piece of the grace she missed. Again there was silence and a whisper in her head, one simple word No. There was the finality to it, the determination to barring her. Her choices were made. Hailey closed her eyes and thought of where she wanted to be. In an instant she was back in the bedroom where the bedspread was a bright yellow and the pillows were blue. What will become of me? She had no idea what was to be done after they made sure Sam was safe. The thought of wandering the earth alone was unbearable. She wrapped her arms around her waist and lay on the pillows. Who knew that choices left you so alone? Yet in asking herself if she would change anything, her answer was no. Loneliness filled her being, so much that she felt tears spill from her eyes. Getting accustomed to this new role would be difficult for her, an angel who always had the heavenly hosts joined with her soul. Penn appeared into her room and sat on the bed. Silently, he picked her up in his arms and sat her on his lap. He wrapped his arms around her and rocked back and forth gently. Amazed, Hailey knew that he was offering her comfort without her even having to ask. She linked her arms around his neck and pressed her face against the skin of his neck. When he took her she expected him to smell like sulfur, and she was still amazed that his skin felt warm and held a hint of the spicy musk of the aftershave he used. Why are you doing this? she asked. I felt your pain, your sense of loneliness. It was more than I could bear. He was gruff, and she could hear the uncomfortable uncertainty in his voice. Thank you. Ive never been an outcast I dont know how to deal with it all yet, Hailey murmured against his neck. Theres no going back, Hailey, not from this, so you learn to survive, Penn said. For yourself and for the boy. It doesnt mean your duty has changed. You can still protect your charge, but youll do it in a different context. Youll have to learn to fight. She looked up at him and shook her head. I cant do that. Im not from the warrior cast. Hailey, you dont have a cast anymore, and youve cut down demons to save me and the boy in the past few weeks. So as time progresses, you learn how to fight better. We need it; if Im going to have your back, you have to have mine, so we can protect the boy. He cupped her cheek. If not, all this is for nothing, and we gave it all up just to watch him die. Will you teach me? Hailey asked. Penn kissed her soundly. Anything you ask of me is yours. Hailey sat up in his lap and put her hands on his chest. Then teach me to give you my body the right way. I know the first time was not as good What the fuck are you talking about? That night in the sky while the rain poured down was the best thing that ever happened to me, Penn replied. It was out of this world. She smiled. Thats just the heart binding talking. When you took me, it forced you to love me. Why do you think so few of your kind has ever even touched an angel? I understand that now, but it has gone past the binding when Im with you, he admitted gruffly. I was thinking how coveted you would be in hell, and the thought of someone else touching you made me want to rip it apart rock by rock. Im even jealous of the boy when you hold him. Youre what I want, what I need. She held out her hand to him. Then lets become a unit, a pair in all ways. The boy His name is Sam. Youve really got to start using his name; were kind of a family now, she said gently. She knew if he kept using the boy it would keep some distance between him and caring for a human. She didnt want that; she needed him to care, to put his life on the line like she would for her charge. Sam. He used the name as if it was uncomfortable coming from his mouth. Hes out front, and I dont think I can take you and be quiet about it. She waved her hand and a pulse went through the room like a shock wave. Hailey stood and took off her clothes without haste while he watched. She could see hunger in his eyes as his gaze roamed her body; he hadnt even touched her and yet she felt breathless. We are completely alone now; he cant hear us. No one can, she said as she stood between his legs. Make love to me, Pennemuel. You say my name like a caress instead of a curse, he moaned and pulled her to him. To me you are no curse. Youre unique, and good lives inside you. She bent and kissed the dark hair on his head. She wanted to comfort him. Theres no good in me, Hailey. If you knew the things Ive done, you would run screaming from the room, he said huskily. I may be naive about pleasures of the flesh, but I do know what happens in hell. There was humor in Haileys voice. I still care for you and find you a most redeemable individual. Now kiss me, Pennemuel, and show me how to fly without wings. Hailey was tired of trying to find the right foothold in her new life. Instead she just wanted to feel and hold onto Penn. She kissed him softly, and he took control of the kiss, taking her lips ravenously. She felt his hand slip behind her neck, and then with a soft groan he pulled her onto his lap. Take my shirt off and touch me, Penn ordered against her lips. She did as he asked, and with nervous fingers she worked the buttons loose. His chest was just like she remembered, hard and contoured. She felt his hands slide up her thighs, to her waist and then farther to cup her breasts. The heat of his hand against the full globes of her breasts sent pleasure infusing through her body. Hailey arched, pressing herself more firmly into strong fingers, moaning softly against his lips. Penn used his fingers to bring her nipples to hardness, and each sensation just made her want more.

Penn set her away from him and removed the rest of his clothes. His eyes never left hers as he slid the dark slacks down his muscular hips. His gaze was almost like a caress as it traveled along her body, as if he was visually remembering every curve. Hailey took his hand as he held it out to her. She knelt on the bed with him, and their upper bodies met in a heated rush. She returned his intense kisses and traced her hands along his body, memorizing the muscular contours. His cock was hard between them. Penn kissed his way down her neck and to her breasts. He took her nipple into his hot mouth, and Hailey trembled. The way he tasted her was hungry, and with a guttural sound, he filled his mouth with the smooth globe. He wrenched away from her and gave a harsh moan as he nuzzled her neck. Let me touch you, Hailey, Penn said roughly. I want you to watch how I can please you. Yes, Penn do it, she gasped. I feel as if Im on fire. Her eyes followed his hand as he slid it down between her breasts and across her stomach to settle between her thighs. He cupped her sex, and she panted in anticipation. The first sensation of his fingers seeking her tender flesh caused her to jerk against his hand. Youre so damn wet, its intoxicating, he said gruffly. Hailey could feel him watching her as he slowly rubbed the tiny bud of her clit. He cupped the back of her neck and brought her to him for a deep, soulful kiss as he touched her with more insistence. Her mouth was swollen with his kisses and parted with little moaning pants. His fingers were making her feel delicious things, and she wanted more. She felt as if a knot in her body was being pulled tighter and tighter. She wanted the feeling to go on forever, but still it caused her to ache. Penn, somethings happening, Hailey whimpered. Youre going to come; just feel and let go, my angel, he said. Oh mercy, yes! she cried out. She felt it building inside her and was reaching for something she craved. He plunged two fingers inside her suddenly and worked them in and out of her body with fervor. His thumb was still pressed against her clit, and she bucked against his hand. She rode his finger and felt him shudder against her, whispering her name in a sensual chant. The tight knot inside her broke, and she came with a soft cry against his shoulder. Her body shook as Penn held her and kissed her. Be inside me now, she said. There was more to feel, and she wanted it all with him A groan escaped his lips as he lifted her slightly, and she lowered herself onto his thick, engorged rod. Her muscles contracted around his invading cock, taking him deeper while the muscles of his shoulders bunched beneath her fingers. They moved together slowly, and with each thrust of his hips, she felt herself flying to that place with passion. Desire was in every breath she took. More, tell me what to do, Penn, she said before she cried out in pleasure when he captured her nipple in his mouth. Damn, yes, Hailey, ride me hard, he moaned. Pound your hips down onto me until we both come. She lifted her hips and slammed down hard a few times. Penn threw his head back and practically roared. Am I doing it right? Hailey asked uncertainly. She didnt know if it was pleasure or pain that caused him to yell. Yes, yes, Penn replied and grabbed her hips. More, damn it, I want it all now! She moaned low in her throat as he grabbed her hips and helped her feverish movements. She ground her hips, taking him even deeper, and the intensity grew while she rode him. Her fingers were tangled in his hair, and he muttered her name while he gripped her hips, lifting her and pulling her down on him harder. Her head thrown back in ecstasy, she whispered, I need toI need to. Come, thats what you need, Let me feel you come, my precious dove, Penn said harshly. Once again she exploded like a new star being born in the heavens and all because of Penn who held her tight as she came. She felt him follow her into his own orgasm and spill his hot seed into her. Hailey collapsed against him, and he fell back onto the thin mattress. They lay tangled together until the racing desire inside them became a low hum once more. Without a doubt she knew if he touched her right at that moment, she would be ready again to feel his passion singe her skin. She rose up on her elbow across his chest and saw a small smile on his lips. You actually know how to smile; it makes you quite handsome, Hailey teased. I doubt anyone could help grinning like a hyena after what we just did, but I dont smile. He tried to change his smile to his usual scowl. She bent down to kiss the corners of his lips. Dont. I like to see you smile. You go to sleep. Ill listen for the boy and keep watch, Penn murmured and pulled her head to his shoulder. I dont need to sleep; Im not human, remember? she reminded him. Penn sighed. Well pretend and then relax for a bit. Its customary after humans have mind-blowing sex to relax. Oh, okay. Hailey laid her head against his muscled, broad chest, and after a moment she said, This is nice. Penn chuckled. I love how everything is a new experience for you; wait until I introduce you to drinking. Oh, I drink water, and I like Sams orange soda, Hailey replied. Penn laughed. Not that kind of drinking. Wait and see. They lay in silence, and she enjoyed trailing her fingers across his skin. It was soft and yet hard beneath, and while he made love to her, they bunched contorted in the most amazing ways. Before she could analyze her feelings more, the room began to shake slightly and then with ferocity. Penn was up and dressing in seconds, and she did the same. When they rushed out of the bedroom, Sam was sitting up in bed looking around with wide, frightened eyes. Get dressed now; company is coming! Penn snarled. A sword materialized in his hand and seemed to have flames glowing in the thin steal. Get behind me, Hailey, and hold on to the boy. Cant we just do that thing where you guys vanish? Sam shouted. No, they are already here; they are blocking us from leaving, Hailey shouted. She grabbed Sams hand and pulled him close, hiding behind Penns massive frame. We wont let anything happen to you. On one side of the room two angels appeared, and then two demons on the other. Everyone was ready for a fight. Hailey looked at the hard yet ethereal faces of angels she once knew. They barely glanced at her, and when one did, it was with disgust. The demons snarled, and their hands flamed as if they were dipped in hot, melted rock. Neither side is taking her or him, Penn snarled. He seemed to grow bigger in size as he spoke. Youve already soiled your grace by lying with this thing. One of the angels directed the comment to her yet never took his eyes off his enemies. Give us the boy and face the justice of on high. Hailey lifted her head. I refuse, if Im to be damned for loving this child then so be it, but I will not hand him over to you or them. Then die with them, his angel companion replied with no emotion in his voice. Is there no caring in them, just orders? Hailey thought sadly as the fight began. Penn moved with speed and precision. He cut down the demons with ease and then fought like a madman with the angels as they came forward. With a deft flick, he deflected their swords, but when he turned, the

other sliced down his back. He cried out in anguish but never stopped fighting. The angel that called for her death was close enough to her, and she could reach out and grab him. It was not a move they expected, and as she pressed her hand against his chest her hand began to glow. She was willing to take a life if she had to, to protect a human boy and Penn. They were hers now. Nothing was just orders; people had choices, and she chose to follow the love in her heart. The fighting ceased as the other angel glared at her. I will end him, she said softly and with determination. Let us leave and no one will be harmed. You would kill one of your own for this human and for a thing from the underworld? The angel practically spat the words out in disbelief. She never thought she would see cruelty on the face of one of her own; now she did. You were ready to damn me only a short time ago, Hailey replied. How can one young boy cause such chaos? He is a child. As for Penn, right now he fights for a good cause, a just one. I dont see malice written on his face but yours. Please dont make me hurt anyone. Its not my way. But for them I will. The two warrior angels looked at each other and nodded. Release him and you can leave. Hailey gave a sad smile. Im not that innocent. Remove the barrier from this room and step back. She knew when the block came down, felt it when her body knew instinctively that they could leave. Come beside me, Penn. I can take all three of us. No, you go. Ill find you and the boy. Ill stay here in case they try to follow, Penn said. His back was bleeding badly. Loyalty from a demon, the angel she held captive snapped. Hailey paid him no attention. Penn, youre injured, and they wont follow. Come on. I hate having you take me like Im a weak human, he said grudgingly. Be quiet and enjoy the ride, Sam said. Listen to Hailey; you know shes right. She gave the angel a hard shove into the direction of the other. While he tried to catch his footing and his companion helped him, she wrapped her arm around Sam and took Penns hand. In a flash they were out of the room and standing in the middle of Central Park. We need to find cover and fast, Penn said looking around. First I heal you, Hailey said firmly. She lifted his shirt and saw the jagged gash that ran along his back. Hailey placed her hand over his wound and willed her gift into her hands to heal him. Penn gasped as the light from her hand seared his skin. The wound was closed, but because it was the blade of an angel, it left a scar on his skin. She kissed the scar and pulled his shirt down. There youre better now. Awww, she kissed the boo-boo; do you need a sticker too? Sam teased. Penn gave the boy a shove. Shut it, kid I mean Sam. He met her gaze, and she nodded. Where should we go? Well they found us in a hovel, and Im thinking theyre watching for anywhere we go. Its time to think differently, Penn said and flexed his shoulder. Pretty good. It hardly hurts anymore. What do you mean think differently? Sam asked. If youre thinking the sewer trust me, thats no place you want to hide out. Penn looked at him in surprise. Damn, kid, were not going that low. Hold onto your hats, were heading to the suburbs. Thats worse than the sewers, Sam moaned. Weird preppy girls and cookie-cutter houses. Kid, you need to learn how to live; you dont have to suffer in the dregs to say where you came from is hard. Being a good person having selfworth is harder than any of that, Penn replied. Holy crap, Im preaching to the boy about pride in ones self. Who the fuck am I? Then the suburbs it is, Hailey announced with a smile. It was wonderful to watch the changes in him. She had more than one secret she could share with him, but the other he had to find on his own. Lead the way, Penn. They dematerialized from Central Park, and she followed Penns trail as they moved unseen through the night. How long can we evade our

tormentors? How long can we keep running, protect Sam and ourselves?

Chapter Four
He got them settled in a safe house he owned under an assumed name. It was a last resort to bring them there. No one knew about this place, and he had protected it so much that the runes and spells were imbedded in the cement of the foundation and in the brick walls. Even under the grass, a second thin layer of porous cement had been poured. It allowed water to drain from the soil when it rained or from the sprinklers, and yet more spells were etched. It kept anyone he didnt want on the property off it. Everything was invisible to the naked eye, and to the neighborhood it just looked like another house on the block. The trio appeared down the block in the shadows. Why not just put us in the middle of the house? Sam asked as they walked. Im assuming were squatting? You assume wrong. I own the house, Penn replied. And we cant go directly there; its protected. Sam began laughing. A demon owning a house in the burbs, thats rich. They stopped outside the two-story brick house, and when Sam tried to take a step forward nothing happened. He looked at Hailey, and she did the same, and again it was like they couldnt move their feet. I told you, there is no stepping foot on the property unless I want it. He said a few words in a language not many knew under his breath. In a flourish, he invited them off the sidewalk. Welcome to my sanctuary. How come you never brought us here in the first place if you knew you had a house that was safe, Sam demanded to know. Like I said, kid, its my sanctuary. I didnt want anyone here. He looked at Hailey, and his heart burned in his chest. Until now. He looked over as Sam rolled his eyes and walked up the driveway. Oh jeez, get a room. Penn unlocked the front door and led them into the living room. He flipped the light switch and flooded the room with light, showing off the expensive furnishing of the house. From the shiny, opulent fixtures of the lamps and the polished wood, to the soft leather sofas and armchairs, everything spoke of wealth, and he looked at Sam and Hailey who stood with their mouths agape. Better than the sewers, I hope, Penn said with humor in his voice. Fucking A! Sam ran over to the big-screen TV. Do you have game systems on this thing? Yeah, all of them, Penn replied. Hailey gave him a look, and he shrugged. What I like games, sue me. She smiled. I think its good that you and Sam have found something in common. Knowing that he liked that idea made Penn more than a bit uncomfortable. You guys look around. I need to go see a guy for some information. We need to know whos coming after us and how hard to try to get ahead of the curve. She put her hand on his chest. Please be careful, and come back to us. The affection in her eyes floored him even more than the thought of having something in common with Sam. Yet it filled him with an emotion he couldnt understand. Joy? A while back the thought of her feeling nothing for him made him want to rip the world apart. Now he wanted to find the highest peak and shout his joy. Ill be careful, my angel, he whispered and kissed her. My dove. With that he dematerialized and went to a place where few ventured. The barren lands where an actual opening to hell filled the air with the smell of methane and sulfur, and it was completely unlivable. Once known as the island of Montserrat, the island was evacuated when the volcanoes erupted and covered the entire area with ash. It wasnt just a massive eruption but a part of hell breaking through the earths crust. The primaldwelling demons loved the area, being able to crawl over the rocks and enter the derelict houses that once held families. Those were the kinds of demons he needed to speak to, the ones who loved to barter for information. They barely spoke, and it was a guttural language of the old worlds. But there was one in particular that was fluent in English and chose to live in somewhat mediocre luxury for one of his kind. He liked to think of himself as the king of the primals, and thats who he was looking for, a sniveling little demon called Rico. He looked up into the sky that was a perfect midnight blue. Stars were scattered throughout the dark expanse like the hand of Haileys maker had scattered diamonds carelessly about. Looking out at the landscape was a different story. If the trees werent dead, they were dying, and everything was covered in gray ash from the volcano. It was so heavy in some places that rooftops had collapsed and trees were almost bent to the ground. It was silent, so silent that it was eerie even to him, and the desolation of the condemned island was almost beautiful. Finding Rico again was easy enough. Penn quickly followed the lighted torches to the big stone house once used as the prime ministers home. No electricity meant nothing to Rico. Torches lit the area and gave it a Gothic medieval ambiance. Leave it to this primal to think hes got it good, Penn thought amused. Still he was impressed that as he walked up to the door other primals stepped out of the darkness with low hisses and sulfur venom dripping from their deformed mouthes. Obviously Rico had managed to train them as bodyguards or even pets to watch over him. Penn put a consolatory smile on his face. Come on, boys, dont make me hurt you; you know Ill like it too much. One spoke, and in their language they basically told him to fuck off. The others laughed like hyenas, loud and cackling, and the irritating sound filled the silence. Fine then, lets get this over with quickly, Penn murmured and attacked. It made no sense waiting for them to make the first move. You didnt give the primals time to play. One false move and they sank those poison teeth in your flesh. The pain was excruciating. Their venom could cause a demon to be ill for days while it worked through his system. To humans it was deadly. He cut them down quickly, taking the heads clean from their bodies, making sure to sever the spinal cord. Another little trick they had was to regenerate limbs and heal from some deathblow wounds. He kicked the heads away with disgust and wiped the black blood from his blade on a strip of velvet that hung on the front door. Rico, dont make me play hide and seek to find you. It will make me even more unhappy than I am now, Penn roared as he went through the door. He looked around noting that the last resident took everything he could that was worth a damn. Just a few pieces of broken dusty furniture and whatever Rico had salvaged from other houses made up the furnishings. Penn, my good friend, welcome to my home, a voice called, and he looked up the staircase to see Rico. He was wearing human clothes over his gray-green, sickly looking skin. The slacks were a few sizes too big for the skinny frame of the demon that descended the stairs. Everything was too big, down to the shoes on his feet, which made him walk like a waddling penguin. The sight was too much even for Penn who chuckled. Primals couldnt live above ground because of their skin and their inability to change. Being on the island so close to the stars in the sky instead of being in the bowels of the earth seemed to have driven Rico insane. If he wanted to play dress up and pretend to be human, then so be it. Penn said nothing as Rico embraced him, and the smell of sulfur filled his nostrils. Rico stepped back and beamed a smile to Penn. How are you, my dear, dear friend? I hope your new exile is treating you well. You heard about that, huh? he said casually to Rico. Trust me the great Pennemuel leaving everything behind and trailing after an angel, that kind of information gets to us on the fringes. Rico laughed.

I wonder if youll try to sell me out for the bounty on my head, Penn said musingly. Id have to consider killing you where you stand. He watched Rico swallow nervously. You wont have to even draw your sword. Youve always treated me squarely. You dont talk down to us like some of the other demons do. As far as Im concerned we have no beef, and you were never here. In that case I should apologize for killing your three buddies outside, Penn said. Rico laughed. I needed new staff anyway; they were getting lazy. Come lets go sit in my office, and you can tell me what you need. His office? Penn rolled his eyes and followed Rico to the now vacated room where the prime minster had made many a decision. Now he sat at the head of a long table that wobbled, in a high-backed chair. He extended his hand, indicating that Penn should sit. He didnt want to get ash all over his black suit but still he nodded and sat like he was greeting royalty. He was willing to play the game for now as log as it got him what he needed. If not, Rico would be as dead as his so-called staff outside. I need to find someone who can mark someone and make him undetectable to angels and demons, Penn explained. Rico whistled. Thats a big piece of information you need there; what kind of payment will you give me? My dwellings in the underworld and all the wealth you find inside, Penn replied. Ricos eyes boggled. Youve been around for longer than some down below; thats a lot of wealth. Arent you going back? I thought maybe you would come to your senses and then head back down. Its not your concern what I will and will not do, Penn snapped, and he glared at Rico. What you need to know is that this is my offer. Imagine you living in my dwelling, the food, the money, the wines, and the servants to do your every bidding. Plus youd be shoving it into the faces of those who thought of you and your kind as lower beings. But if I take all of it, what do you have? Rico licked his lips as if he could taste his new life, and Penn knew he had him hooked. Ill be fine, and I never put all of my eggs in one basket. Do we have a deal or not? Oh we have a deal in every sense of the word. Rico grinned so wide that Penn could see the sharpened back molars in his mouth. Then tell me what you know, Penn demanded. You need the shaman of the ageless, a windtalker. The voices of the past, the preset, and the future speak to him. Its said that he has been alive since the days of their lords son being on earth, and he is a human, Rico explained. He knows the old languages of both heaven and hell, and he would be the one who could hide you from the sights of those you do not want to see. Its not for me, Penn said simply. Where do I find this ageless windtalker? If it is not for you then who? Rico shook his head. Never mind. I dont need to know. Hes in New Mexico, in the canyons is all I know. There is a tree there that flourishes with no water source. You find that and hes close by. Call to him and he will come. Penn stood. My thanks, Rico. Hey, what about my payment? Rico demanded. Dont make me call an army to rip you apart! No one messes with me and rescinds an offer. Cool your jets; I dont plan to rescind, Penn said calmly. In a flash he was next to Ricos chair and lifted him up by the loose collar of his shirt. He twisted it until Rico was choking. Dont make threats you know I can call you on. I may be sitting talking with you, but do not forget who I am. Rico nodded and gurgled before Penn dropped him into his chair. He pulled a rolled up parchment out of his jacket pocket and opened it across the table. Then with a smaller knife he cut his hand letting the blood drip on the parchment. I, Pennemuel, give all my underworld possessions to the demon called Rico, signed with my blood. The paper sucked up his essence, and Penn rolled the parchment back up and threw it at Rico. There. No one can dispute it now. Rico clutched the paper to his chest and practically hugged it in joy. Penn walked to the door and threw a look back. One last warning, Rico. You cross me and Ill cut every piece of your sickly flesh from your bones while youre alive. Am I understood? Fear made the primal nod, and Penn gave a small smile. See you around. One more thing, Penn. You and the boy have a price on your head, Rico said. They are offering millions upon millions to kill you and bring in the boy. Good to know how much Im worth, Penn said. He left the wasteland that was once Montserrat and went back to where Hailey and Sam waited for him. Hed been in existence for the longest of times and could never remember feeling at peace when he used his sanctuary until now. Knowing she was there made all the difference. **** We need to go to New Mexico, Penn announced. It was two days after the attack at the apartment over the Chinese restaurant. It proved that nowhere was safe until they found a permanent solution to their problem, and that was in Mew Mexico. There was a massive bounty on his and Sams head. The ageless shaman was the key. Whats in New Mexico? Hailey asked as she put eggs on the plate in front of both of them. Penn looked down and felt his stomach roll. How hard was it to make scrambled eggs? What she put in front of them barely resembled eggs and was some off-blue color. He looked at Sam who sat across from him, and the boys face looked sick. Um, whats in here, Hailey? Penn asked nonchalantly. Some spices in the cupboard and some blue liquid that said food coloring. I thought it would make the eggs colorful. She smiled at them and went to the sink. Save us! Sam mouthed the words. Penn didnt pull out the chair as he stood, which allowed his long legs to tilt the table. Sam helped the plates off the flat surface with a quick swipe of his hand. She looked around when the plates fell against the floor. Penn tried to look remorseful. Oh shit, Im sorry, and after all your hard work. She bent to help clean up the floor, and so did Sam. Its okay. I can make more. You dont have to, Hailey. I can have cereal, Sam said quickly. Plus Penn has to tell us about New Mexico. Okay, lets get this cleaned up and talk, Hailey agreed. While youre doing that, lets have coffee. Ill get it started, Penn said. He stood while they cleaned off the floor. It was better he made the coffee because Hailey could make it taste like sludge. They sat back down, and Penn explained why they needed to go New Mexico. So theres someone that old in the world? Sam said. Thats a few thousand years. How old do you think I am, kid, or she is? Penn asked with humor in his voice. Im almost fifteen hundred years old in human years. As a guardian angel Im still young, but in human years Im around eight hundred. Hailey smiled. Both our kind never age. Lucky you, Sam murmured.

Hailey covered his hand with hers. You are a nephilim; your father is one of the highest archangels. You might age but very slowly. Your body will probably stop changing when you are around twenty-five or thirty. Sam grinned, and his blue eyes twinkled. I can live with that. So are we going do the disappearing trick to New Mexico and find this guy? he asked. No such luck. If we know, then both sides do, and they will be waiting. We need to go the human route. Were going to fly there and make our way to him as much under the radar as possible. Well need identification, Hailey said. After the war and the towers fell in New York, its a requirement. I watched the news and comforted many after that disaster. Ill cover that, Penn replied. I know people. Ive never flown like that in a big metal bird. It should be exciting. Hailey laughed. Im sure you mustve done it before, Penn. Penn couldnt help but smile at her excitement. He knew no matter how many years went by, whether it was one or one thousand, she would never cease to charm him with her innocence and beauty. He loved her, and he wished her could form the words to tell her how much. He resisted taking her hand and pulling her into his arms for a searing kiss. That would probably make the boy uncomfortable. So he answered her question. Yes, just for the heck of it. I was in first class, but alas for us to be under the radar we have to fly coach. That bites, Sam grumbled and then shifted uncomfortably in his seat. I need to ask a question. When Im safe and all, and this is over, will Iwill I be alone again? And here is the innocence beneath that cocky swagger, Penn thought. Sam looked insecure and fearful as he asked the question. This was a boy who always got the short end of the stick in his life. He looked at Hailey waiting for her to answer Sam. Remember what I told you when I found you in that alley. I said I would never leave you alone again, Hailey said gently. Even when this is over, Ill be with you. You will go back to school, and well find somewhere to live. Youll live here, and the boy can attend one of the schools around here, Penn said. What the fuck are you doing? But he couldnt stop the words from coming out of his mouth, knowing that wherever Hailey was he would follow. I mean its already protected from here to hell and back, its furnished, and the kid likes the games thing. Why not stay here? A demon, an angel, and a human boy living together like a family. Sam hooted with laughter. If that isnt the beginning to a bad joke, I dont know what is. Hailey cupped his cheek. You would take us in, even though it makes you uncomfortable to do. It just proves there is more to you, Penn, more than anyone even recognized. Its just a house. Penn tried to look away from the melted chocolate brown of her eyes. A slow smile spread across her lips. You know its more than that. Yeah, whatever, Penn grumbled. Sam, you teach Hailey how to play some of those games; it will take me most of the day to get what we need. Ill be back tonight. He was gone before they could even say a word. He felt as if he needed to get away from all the wonderful feelings she was eliciting in him. Nothing like that ever happened to someone, something like him. It wouldnt last. That terrifying thought filled his core. Hailey would be taken away from him. They would find a way to kill her to break him. Or even worse, hurt the boy, and he would see the light die inside her. For all the evil hed done in his life, it seemed apt that he lose the one bright spot in an existence of darkness. Penn longed to forget the betrayal and the death caused at his hands when he was human. It was so long ago, faces and people were like a dream in his mind. Loss drove him to inanity and then to revenge and then finally to the deal that took his life. He shook his head, trying to erase the memories and knowing that he would always be haunted. There was no salvation for him. He had no doubt that Hailey and Sam would be living in that house alone. He would be dead. He would enjoy her for the time he had, bathe in her love as if it was something palpable he could touch or feel. Then when they took his life, he would have a memory of being with an angel, the one that freed his heart and set him ablaze.

Chapter Five
It was very late by the time Penn came back. Hailey found the room that she automatically knew was his and lay in bed to wait for him She liked resting in his arms, though she never really slept. The dark, silky sheets felt cool and wonderful against her naked skin. She wanted to be loved by him again and found his touch intoxicating. This part of her new life was good; he filled her heart as well as her body. Hailey accepted her love for him. It was part of her nature to embrace those feelings. But she watched him struggle with what he felt everyday; she knew it was his battle to be fought, and she couldnt help him in any way. She hoped that his acceptance came soon; time was of the essence. It came down to what he could become if he made the right choice. Penn materialized in the room and looked at her with stark desire on his face. I knew you were in my bed like this, naked and waiting for me. How did you know? she asked quietly. He knelt by the bed, gripped her hand, and kissed it hard. Youre in my blood. Did you get everything we need? she asked. When he looked at her the way he did now, she found that thinking was quite difficult. Yes, and we have a flight for tomorrow night, Penn replied and his gaze searched her face before he asked an amazing question. What do you see when you look at me? Why do you ask that, Penn? The first time was out of necessity to save the boy, I mean Sam, he said. Now when you look at me, you have affection in your eyes, a smile on your face, and I dont know, but I think Love. Why do you see in me what no one else has in over a thousand years? Hailey cupped his cheek. It is love that I have for you, Penn, nothing but. You see yourself as a demon, something human warped by hell for all those years. But Ive seen honor in you and love when you touch me or kiss me. I do She watched him try to grasp the words. Is it so hard for you to say you love me? Hailey questioned. Its new to me, Hailey, all of this, feeling, needing you like I do, Penn admitted. I was born so long ago, and my father taught me to love money, gold. I used greed to hurt the innocent and to get more, always more. I thought I loved a woman once, but I only coveted her. I killed her entire family just because she asked it of me. We struck a bargain with the dark lord and lived like gods until they came for us. We died by the sword and went to hell as we deserved. But I was no longer useful, and she became the lover to Silas, the second hand to the dark lord. Penn shrugged. I became this, the dealmaker, able to bring men all they desire for a small piece of their soul. Any love I know was warped. Nothing like what I feel for you, or what I see when you look at me. I dont know how to figure it out. She rubbed her fingers across his lips. You start by saying the words; you dont have to say them until youre ready. Just know I love you, and I wont ever leave you standing alone. He grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her close. On his knees he searched her eyes before he took her lips in a kiss that seared her senses. Hailey was left breathless as she was pressed against his muscled body. She could feel every contour of him through his shirt. Penn had the hard, sculpted body of a warrior. She opened her mouth willingly to accept his tongue and his taste. His hands roamed against her back before moving to cup her breasts. She made a little sound of pleasure in her throat as he massaged the firm, round globes. Her nipples hardened against his palms, and Penn groaned into her mouth. Their tongues mated as the desire was stoked into a searing flame. Hailey tried to press her body more intimately against him to feel more of him. She had this need to be closer to his body and feel his skin against her own. Penn, you make me ache between my legs, she whispered against his mouth. He gave a short bark of laughter. The things you say, Hailey, you dont how they affect me; such an innocent yet you undo me at every turn. She smiled. Make love to me, Penn; lets remake each other. It could be nothing else but Penn for her as she took his hand and pulled him to the bed. He covered her body with his own, and this time his kiss was gentle as if he was savoring her taste. He lifted his head and met her gaze. I love you. He said words that were foreign to him, yet she could feel the impact of them in her heart. She watched him silently as he undressed her then himself. They met skin to skin in the middle of his wide bed, and she gasped when she felt his erection settle between her legs. I want you; my God, I want you, Hailey, Penn whispered. You have an eternity of me, she responded, and she lifted her lips up to his for him to claim his kiss. He did that and more as his mouth roamed from her lips to her neck to feast at her breasts and kiss the soft, flat expanse of her stomach. Hailey tensed as he pushed her legs apart, and she felt his mouth on her sensitive flesh. What are you doing? she asked breathlessly. I want to taste your essence on my tongue, he replied. Dont worry; it will only bring you pleasure. I wont hurt you; sshh, close your eyes. She did as he asked and felt the long, slow lick of his tongue over the slit of her sex. She lifted her hips, seeking more, and he delved between the aroused lips of her pussy and sucked at her vulva. Hailey grabbed his head and cried out. The groan that he emitted rolled through her, and he wrapped his hands around her legs and pulled her closer to his seeking mouth. She felt him lick and suck at her core. He penetrated her with his tongue and used it to bring her to the pinnacle of an orgasm unlike any shed had before. She was left gasping on the bed as he moved over her body again. She could taste her essence on his mouth when he kissed her thoroughly. I want to do the same to you, Hailey gasped out. Let me take you into my mouth. You dont have to do that, Penn said thickly. She wrapped her fingers around the thick length of his cock and stroked him until he moaned her name. I want to; this is another of my choices. Without waiting for his reply, she pushed him on his back and kissed her way down his torso like hed done to her. She felt the tense muscles of his body beneath her lips and tongue. When she came to his cock, she licked the tip, and he called her name in almost a plea. She took his length into her mouth inch by slow inch, and Penn buried his hands in her hair. Going on her newly found instinct, she pleasured him with her mouth, and with every movement she took his cock deeper between his lips. With every sound that Penn made in pure, unadulterated pleasure, it fueled Haileys own need. Penn gave a harsh cry, and she tasted some of his essence on her tongue. He pulled away before she could savor more and kissed her senseless. He hungrily pressed her body back into the bed and covered her with his own. He licked his way down to her breasts, and he took the hard nipple in his mouth, sucking on it hungrily before moving on to the other. She cried out as ecstasy shot to her core, and Hailey lifted her hips against him, wanting to feel him inside her, but Penn moved to one side. She felt his touch graze across her stomach to the apex of her thighs. When she felt his fingers slip between the moist folds of flesh and rub the secret bud that hid there, Hailey cried out and tried to move his hand away. I feel too much; I dont think I can stand it! she panted.

Yes, you can, feel it all, take it all. Penns voice was a low growl. I want to hear you come for me. Scream my name when it takes you away. Hailey closed her eyes as his fingers slipped inside her and let herself be taken away on the waves of sensation. He used his thumb against her bud, rubbing gently. He slipped two fingers inside her and started slow until she was whimpering. Then when he increased the pressure and intensity of his penetration she called his name as her orgasm took her over. She felt her own bodys juice escape and flow over his fingers as she came. Penn didnt let her catch her breath before she was filled with his thick cock. Penn, she said on a breathless whisper. She wished she could explain to him how good it felt to have him buried inside of her. How it made her feel complete as if a part of her that was missing was finally there. Need and want was etched into his face. Desire made him even more devastatingly handsome than he was. She watched as his eyes went to a dark blue with desire as he moved inside her. He lifted her legs around his waist, and she locked them at the ankles across his broad back. He slid his hands beneath her ass to lift her hips higher so he could thrust deeper. Penns breath was harsh against her ear. She heard him call her name and voice his pleasure in her ear, and it heightened her own passion. Oh, yes, Im going to come Please dont stop, she pleaded. I couldnt even if the world was coming down around our ears, he moaned. Youre like liquid heat in my hands and wrapped around my cock. Let go with me, Hailey gasped. He grabbed her hair and said harshly, Look at me when you fall, and take me with you. She opened her eyes just as her orgasm took her over the edge. The blue of his gaze held hers, and she felt him tense above her. His own release ripped through him and a look of pure, primal pleasure made him call her name between gritted teeth as he pumped his hips and sent his hot seed deep within her. The desire they both created consumed them in a firestorm of unadulterated passion and left them weak in the bed, tangled in each others arms. I love you, Hailey. Penn said the words almost reverently as he pulled her close. Ill spend eternity with you if you let me. Ill be with you, Penn; there was never any doubt, Hailey replied. Its not just about Sam anymore but all of us. I love you too. For the first time in her existence she understood choices and why man had been given such an amazing gift. To choose love and goodness was a sacrifice few were willing to make. By making the choice she knew that Penn would be given a gift if he chose to accept it. **** From Connecticut to New Mexico was about four hours of flying time. They sat in the middle rows. That way all three seats were together. Penn watched in amusement as Hailey looked around excitedly. When the plane took off, she gave a little squeak of surprise, and from there she ordered chocolate from the online menu. He didnt even tell her that ordering from those things cost an arm and a leg. He just pulled the credit card from his pocket and paid the flight attendant. The identification they had got them through security. He wanted to break the arm of the TSA agent who fell all over Hailey. But he kept his cool knowing that New Mexico was more important. He kept the mans face in his memory because the jealously inside him would have it no other way. Their flight left at nine in the evening, and by midnight they were walking out of the Santa Fe airport to the rental lot where he had a Range Rover waiting. He wanted to get some distance between them and the city, and by two in the morning with Sam sleeping in the back seat he stopped at a dingy little motel next to the barren roadside for the night. He got them a room and grabbed a few maps. He wanted to be back on the road by the time the sun rose. Sam fell across the bed tiredly and was out like a light while he looked at the maps with Hailey peeking over his shoulder. Penn pointed to a spot on the map. There are the caverns; I want to be going into the entrance by at least noon and look for that tree. Hailey nodded. From there I should be able to sense an ageless one and find him. Penn looked back at Sam sleeping on the bed. He will go through pain to be safe. We all will, Hailey murmured. Penn wondered what her comment meant, but she caressed the back of his neck, and the thought was lost in her touch. Come rest beside me; we have long hours ahead of us. He took her hand and followed her to the bed. They lay on top of the blankets, and he held her in his arms. He didnt sleep, but he let his mind roam and drift away while she drew lazy circles on his chest. Too soon morning came, and while Sam chewed on cereal bars in the back and Hailey ate chocolate next to him, he drove. Hours passed, and he drove through one little dusty town after another until they blurred. It seemed as if they traveled across every barren piece of land before they finally got to the caverns they sought. It was well into the late afternoon when Penn stopped the Range Rover. He parked close to an outcropping of rocks that rose into the sky and cast long shadows across the dry cracked ground. This place is barren; how the heck can anything be green out here unless its a cactus? Even they look like they need a good downpour, Sam griped. You dont question the unknown in this world. Penn gave him a little shove forward toward the entrance. Did you ever think that you would be traveling with an angel and a demon who were trying to protect you? Youre right I guess, Sam admitted. Come on lets find the tree and the ageless one; night will fall soon, and you know they already know where we are, Hailey said and began to pick her way downward into the canyon. The slope was rocky, and areas of the ground loose. Rocks slid free and rolled down as they moved. Penn would have loved to dematerialize to where they needed to be, but they didnt know exactly where in the huge canyon the tree was located. Plus he could feel the mysticism of the area; it was old magic, and it always required a sacrifice. He would prefer that to be walking instead of anything else. Why arent they attacking us if they know where we are? Sam demanded to know. Because both sides need permission, Hailey murmured. I hope a yes is not given in this matter. There is no question that yes will come from below. I dont think they know about this place. The information had a very high price, Penn replied grimly. We could be in the clear, but I would prefer to haul ass before they try to attack us. The magic here is peaceful; Im sure that it would intervene if were put in danger, Hailey pointed out. You cant be to sure about anything. You never expected your kind to attack us to try to kill Sam either. She gave him a look at his words before she nodded. Youre right of course. He instantly felt bad and grabbed her hand. I didnt say it to hurt you. The truth hurts nonetheless, she said softly. Penn had no clue how she felt because in the years that went by in hell there was nothing but betrayal and lies. Where treachery was like breathing, there was no one to count on but yourself. Picking each footstep carefully they made it down to the cavern floor. They took a small dirt track that headed east, and no one spoke. A large boulder seemed to block their path, but when Penn navigated a way around it, they found the tree. It was lush, with leaves that were wide and green,

and there was no water or even a thin trickling stream that passed close by. Penn watched Hailey reach up to caress the leaves before turning with a huge smile on her face. This is the place, she said and laughed a little. You should call the ageless one. I dont think he would answer a demon, Penn said to Hailey. Boy, you would be surprised who I answer. The humorous voice came from behind them, and they are turned in surprise. Im certainly not a boy, Penn said tightly. The old man laughed. Fifteen hundred years is a drop in the bucket, boy. He said the word again deliberately, and Sam laughed. You dont like when people do it to you, Penn. Shut up, Penn growled. He studied the old, weathered face of the man who stood in front of them. His face carried the features of an American Indian and Caucasian heritage. His skin looked worn and browned by the sun like old leather. Still his dark eyes sparked with humor, and his movements were not as stiff as one would expect from someone that old. His clothes were more modern, a plaid shirt and faded jeans along with a multicolored blanket poncho over his shoulders. His hair was long and so white it captured the sunlight, and he wore it pulled into a ponytail at his nape. Youre the son of Gabriel. The old man nodded. What should we call you, ageless one? Hailey asked softly. Well youre a sight, angel; you chose the love of a boy over eternity in heaven. There is more honor in your choice than you will ever know. You can call me Ray. He cast a glance in Penns direction. It seems you love this one as well. She cannot be held responsible for anything; I take all the blame, Penn said automatically and grabbed her hand. He didnt know why he said it. All of a sudden the urge to defend her and take all the blame filled him. How would I punish her? You dont have to defend here, Pennemuel, Ray replied. Im a neutral, the same thing you could be if you wanted. Is that your real name? Sam questioned. Ray smiled at Sam. Ive had many names over the years, but this is my favorite. What do you mean I can become a neutral? Penn interrupted briskly. One couldnt let information like that slip away without asking. His future was at stake. Ray shook his head and waved them forward. Not here. You are welcome in my home. There I will tell you all things you need to know, and if Sam so chooses mark him from sight. Oh, I chose already, Sam muttered. Dont be hasty; there is always a price for such things. Ray threw the comment over his shoulder as they walked. Another cryptic sentence, Penn thought irritably. He took Haileys hand while they walked with the old man, and the feeling of her soft skin against his gave him comfort. Rays home turned out to be a cave in the canyon wall. When they stepped inside there was a stone hearth carved out of the rock with a fire and a large pot hanging over it. His bedding was in one corner on a ledge that jutted out of the rock wall, and the simple furnishing of a small table and chair stood off in a corner. In the center of the rock floor was another hollowed pit with the remnants of charred wood inside it. Ray moved past them and picked up wood from a neat stack and dropped it into the hole. With just a pass of his hands over the pile, the wood caught fire. Sam gasped, and Hailey smiled. Penn reserved his judgment as Ray sat Indian style across from the fire and urged them to sit as well. Anyone could make fire with a wave of the hand, Penn thought. What price does Sam have to pay to be marked from sight? Hailey asked. She put her hand over her heart. I can bear it for him. Your soul is pure regardless of what those angels said when they attacked. Ray nodded and pulled a pipe from his pocket. After packing it, he struck a match over the tobacco and took a deep pull from the pipe. One of my few vices, but after so many years I can afford a few. The angels that came after you are not sanctioned. I thought Gabriel sent them because of the nephilim boy, Hailey murmured. No, he did not; there is a war, hidden even from your eyes when you were a heavenly being, Ray explained. Sam will unite humans and angels alike. Those who want chaos want him dead. He turned his attention to Sam. Your father is one who knows your worth. Then why did he leave me to a cracked-out, whoring mother and alone all these years? Sam asked defiantly. If he cares so much, then he shouldve come, explained it all; instead Hailey saved me. He sent Hailey to you, Ray said gently. Hailey gasped. I thought he was just another charge put to my care. Gabriel himself did this? In his own way, he has those who are loyal, Ray explained. The boy was placed with you because they know you would sacrifice without question even if it meant your grace. Your purpose is now here on earth. Your destiny always lay here. So youre telling me they sacrificed her for the greater good that night, Penn growled angrily. Great way to use her. You were meant to be in her path, boy, Ray snapped. Nothing is done without a reason. Just like her, you were chosen but not by those in your hell. There is power from the heavens even your dark lord cannot control in his world. The news left Penn reeling, but he stubbornly refused to believe that this was all one great big otherworldly setup. How do we know you speak the truth? Penn demanded to know. You live here in isolation; how can you know what is going on in the heavens and hell? Boy, why do you think Ive been on this world for so long? Ray snapped. I may live here, but there are visitors. From both sides who see me as a counselor, an arbitrator so to speak, to solve matters which neither side can fix on their own. The highest of the high from both factions of dark and light seek me out. Penn nodded. If what you say is true, whats this about me becoming a neutral like you? You can choose to belong to neither and become a dark angel. Ray sighed. Ferry souls to the gates but never entering either one. Would I have to leave Hailey? Penn asked as the fear of losing her clutched his chest. I refuse to exist without her. She is a fallen now, tied to the boy and to you. Ray smiled. You will never have to leave her or visa versa. What about Sam; what does he need to be safe? Hailey asked. We love each other, and we promised to take care of him together. Penn nodded in agreement. He needs us until its time for whatever it is he is to do. I will mark his bones with the old words. Ray looked at Sam. The price is pain; I cannot take you under to do this. It must be while you are awake. It will be unlike anything you can imagine. When your time is upon us, those marks will be broken, and your true power will be revealed. Till then youll be a boy in school and all things normal. Your power will grow, but you will not see the full extent until the time is right. Hailey gasped. Is there no way to spare him the pain? Ive been tortured before; I can take his pain, Penn announced. Channel it through me. Like I said, it is his to bear alone, Ray said. Noble as you both are, he must face this.

Do it, Sam said stubbornly. If Im supposed to become some leader to link mankind and all that shit, I need to bear my own weight and burdens. I can do this. Plus actually getting to go to school and being a normal kid might be kind of cool. I didnt know I would miss that kind of thing until I didnt have it anymore. Suddenly, Ray looked up, and his eyes became a cloudy of gray mist. They come for the boy, to end this all. He shook his head, and his eyes cleared to the dark pupils of before. This time his face showed his worry. Both sides are here for the boy. You must hold them off until I complete the markings. They will not harm me, but I cannot stop them from taking him. Penn stood, and a low angry sound left his throat. Stay here, Hailey. Ill fight them alone. No, you wont; were two halves of the same whole. Light and dark, and my love is yours. Hailey set her lips in a firm stubborn line. I fight with you. Go then. Go! Ray shouted. I must begin. An inhuman sound filled the air, and Penn knew what it was instantly. Hell dogs, he muttered and then turned to Hailey. He kissed her hard and swiftly tasted her lips for what he thought was the last time. Ray the ageless loner might think they were tied, but he felt that he would die that night. He was willing to accept it as long as she was safe. Ray threw a sword, and Penn caught it and handed it to Hailey in one smooth motion. If they come at you, stay low to the ground and slice the underbelly. They will do down. Together they ran outside, and as they moved, Penn pulled the sword from his back. Dry lightning cut across the sky in jagged swaths as they attacked from both sides. The light and the dark had one intention and that was to take Sam out of the picture. They attacked just as Sams first screams pierced the air. Hailey dropped to her knees and clutched her chest over her heart as he screamed and screamed. Penn stood above her fighting like a madman until there was a space in the attack where he could drag her to her feet. Tears streaked the chocolate skin of her cheeks. He hurts. Oh, he is in so much pain! Penn shook her hard. Nothing matters if you die or I die and they get through to him. Put it aside or use it. Fight for him. Fight now for all three of us! She nodded just as they attacked again. She fought her own kind with agility and power he didnt know she possessed. He didnt even get a chance to teach her to fight, yet she did so with grace and skill. He fought for her, and anything that got too close was cut down. Hailey was his light, and he refused to let anyonedemon or angelextinguish that light. All the while thunder rolled, and the clouds twisted and moved in turmoil. Sams screams went on and on until Penn too thought he was being tortured and wanted to go to him. While Hailey fought she cried, and he saw her tears fall as brutally as she brought the sword down for a killing blow. Somehow in the fight they were pushed apart, and Penn fought through the mayhem to get back to her. It seemed all of hell was purged from below to fight. They wanted the bounty on his hand and on Sams. Penn refused to give an inch. Even as his body took cuts and bruises, he fought on until there was nothing left. He looked around for Hailey, and while he did, Sams screams abated. A crack of thunder shook the walls of the canyon. The angels that were left looked up in surprise and horror before they disappearedall except one. Penn recognized him as the one who led the attack in the small apartment in New York. He was relentless as he attacked Hailey, coming at her with two swords, and she was driven to the ground under the onslaught. He was an angel from the warrior cast, and there was no way she could beat him. Penn moved with speed across the rocky ground to save her, yet it felt as if his feet were stuck in quicksand. You are not sanctioned! Hailey cried out as the angel towered above her. No! He roared the words as the angel smiled and brought his sword down. Everything seemed to move in slow motion. Choose! Penn heard Ray cry out from the entrance of his home in the rock wall of the canyon. He looked over to see him standing there with his hand outstretched. It was him who slowed down the killing blow directed toward Hailey. I choose to belong to neither side; I choose to be neutral! Penn roared the words as he reached Hailey and covered her with his body. The angels sword would come down across his back and cut through him. This was his fate, and he accepted his death. Except the blow never came. He never felt his body being cut by the heavenly blade. He looked up to see the angel frozen with his hand held high to bring the deathblow, but he could not move. Horror was on the angels face as Penn pulled Hailey away from danger. They fell on the dusty dry ground and looked on as a flash of lightning hit the sword that the angel held and travel through his body. With a flash of light the only thing left was dust, and his cry was carried away on the wind. Penn moved his hands over Hailey. Are you hurt in any way? No, but youve changed, she said gently and touched something at his back. Penn stood, helped her to her feet, and tried to look over his own shoulder. He caught a glimpse of dark feathers, and when he looked under his arm he saw the ending of his dark wings. He had chosen, and now he was a dark angel. Well this is new, he murmured amazed. He looked at Hailey as her own wings spread, and now the tips of her feathers were black. Without a word they rushed into each others arms, and Penn took her lips in a long, hard kiss. They were alive and together. Im okay too, by the way. Sam limped forward, and Penn could see he was pale from what hed been through. You look good enough, kid. Penn chuckled. We were the ones fighting out here. Well shit, demon, how about you let someone write on your bones and see how you stand up, Sam replied. You did well, boy; you might be worth protecting after all, Penn teased. It is done, no one will come after him any longer, Ray said with a smile. He hit Penn lightly in the shoulder. Your biggest challenge is yet to come, boy, matching wits with a surly teen. Teaching him will be a monumental task. Ive been doing good so far, Penn said. Besides, he kind of grows on you like a bad fungus. Youre the fungus, Sam snapped. Boys behave. Hailey grinned. Thank you, Ray, for all that you have done. You found each other, all three of you. Now your destiny is set, Ray replied. Go now and watch the boy. Make sure he follows his path. We will, ageless one, Hailey said and kissed the old mans cheek. Penn took her hand and kissed it gently before they walked away from Ray and headed back to the car in the dark. One of you could flash us to the car just like that, Sam grumbled good-naturedly. Kid, we just fought a horde of demons and angels for you; shut up and walk, Penn said tiredly. Yeah, youre supposed to me immortal and all that crap. You should still have some juice, Sam pointed it out. All gruff and no stuff. Kid, dont make me box your ears or something like that, Penn snapped. The boy always knew how to press his buttons. Sam, the name is Sam. Box my ears; are you from the fifties? Sam retorted. Come here, lets find out, you little.

Boys, behave, Hailey said gently. They both went silent, and Penn reached out to ruffle Sams hair. In turn Sam punched him in the shoulder; it was their kind of truce, and it was for her. Penn had to admit the three of them together worked. Forever didnt seem like such a hardship; he would be on neutral ground for an eternity and love the angel who walked by his side for longer than that. The End

About the Author

Dahlia Rose is the best-selling author of contemporary and paranormal romance with a hint of Caribbean spice. She was born and raised on a Caribbean island and now currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her five kids, who she affectionately nicknamed The Children of the Corn, and her biggest supporter and longtime love. She has a love of erotica, dark fantasy, sci-fi, and the things that go bump in the night. Books and writing are her biggest passions, and she hopes to open your imagination to the unknown between the pages of her books.

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