Chapter 10: Out of the flames and into the fire

Azazel:

The urge to call Zoe back is almost painful. I can tell by the look in her eyes that I hurt her a great deal. Unfortunately, my mission comes first. I can’t let my feelings for her interfere with the task at hand. Introducing her to Nevaeh would jeopardize everything. As I held Zoe in the pool, I forgot about everything but how badly I wanted her. I mean, Neveah was able to come into the house unnoticed. What if it had been an enemy at my door? I’ve never been off guard enough for an enemy to catch me unnoticed. Perhaps creating some distance is the right course of action, even if my heart tells me that I’m making a big mistake. Being around, Zoe is amazing, but it’s also distracting. There’s too much at risk here.

I take a deep breath before step inside the house. Nevaeh is sitting on the sofa, patiently staring straight ahead. She looks anxious, but I’m too riled to care. “How did you get into the house? And what are you doing here, Nevaeh?” I ask, feeling irritated. Nevaeh shakes her head and rolls her eyes in exasperation. “Well, I snuck through the side gate when I heard splashing in the pool. I definitely did not expect to find you in a compromising position.” She says with an apologetic grimace. “As for why I’m here…well, it’s because we haven’t heard from you in days. Every time we call, you’re secretive, and I want to know what the hell is going on.”

I shake my head, pretending not to know what’s she is talking about even though I’m secretly cursing Mathias. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, luv.” She waggles her index finger under my nose with a snicker. “Don’t give me that crap, Azazel. I know that you’re working for the Council to find some kind of supernatural serial killer. Why didn’t you tell us?”

I shake my head in denial. Bloody Mathias. “Mathias shouldn’t have told you about any of this.” Nevaeh looks down with chagrin. “Actually…Mathias didn’t tell me.” She says with a shuffle of her feet. My nostrils flare, and my eyes sharpen. Placing my hands on her shoulders, I make her look up at me. “How do you know then? And how many people did you tell?” I ask evenly.

She puffs out a breath and looks back at me. “I was visiting when I overheard him talking with one of his council enforcers about your assignment.” She raises her palm up before I berate her. “But I didn’t tell anyone. Not even Mikhail. I promise. I know that what you’re doing is important. And that you’re trying to keep us safe.”

I rub at my temple frustrated, then lower it and cuff it against my thigh impatiently. “Brilliant! Does Mathias know that you’re here?” I ask, annoyed. She shakes her head with a pout. “No, he doesn’t.” I’m sure my brows are up to the ceiling at this point. “Oh luv, this is not good.” I want to continue berating her, but it’s pointless. Neveah can be very stubborn when she wants to be. “No matter. What I need you to do right now is go home and pretend that you did not hear a word. This is Council business and none of yours.” She looks down in chagrin. “I know, Azazel. But you have to understand that things have not been good at home.” She rubs her temple and closes her eyes with a sigh. “Something is wrong with Rowan.” My head snaps back at her words. “What?” She nods and slumps down on a nearby chair. “We haven’t seen him in days. And before that…” She drifts off helplessly.

“Have you spoken to him?” She shakes her head and raises her hands up in exasperation. “Of course we have. He won't say anything, and Mikhail is worried that he's suffering bloodlust or something.” I shrug my shoulders, remembering Rowan's behavior at our last get together. He was a bit edgy and restless, but he didn't seem to be in the throes of bloodlust. “I don't think he has bloodlust, Nevaeh. Trust me, I've seen vampires in bloodlust. It's not something a bloke would forget. Mayhap he simply needs a break from being around humans. It's not easy for us creatures of the night, you know.” She sighs and shakes her head helplessly. “I guess. Can you call Mikhail and talk to him? He can be so closed off sometimes. I know he won't talk to me because he feels he needs to protect me. He’ll open up to you, though.”

Running my fingers through my hair, I nod in agreement. “I'll call him later.”

She gives me a beaming smile and throws her arms around me in happiness. “Thanks, Azazel.” Pushing her out of my arms, I pretend to tilt an imaginary hat at her and wave her toward the door. “Very well, then. Remember, mum’s the word. No one is to know why I'm here. Now, you best be off.”

She snorts at my dismissal and wags her index finger under my nose. “So, are we going to pretend that I didn't find you naked in a pool with a really hot girl?” I tighten my mouth and shake my head. I should have known that she’d bring it up. The woman can be a pig-headed pain in the arse when she sets her mind to something.

“Who is she, Azazel? She was gorgeous.” I clench my jaw, remembering the brassed off look Zoe had given me before she walked out. I just don't know how I could introduce her to Nevaeh without fully revealing why I'm here. There's also the fact that Zoe might somehow be involved with Sahara, and by extension, Marael.

“Listen, Nevaeh; it's better if you don't know. I'd rather you stay out of this.” She places her hands on her waist and gives me a knowing glare. “You were in a pool naked with some girl, and I'm not expected to ask about it? Come on, Azazel, give me something.”

I shake my head. “We weren't completely undressed. It’s...it’s complicated, Nevaeh. To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure what it is.” Nevaeh stands there for a moment giving me a sympathetic look. “You know I want you to be happy, Azazel.” I give her a sideways smile and shake my head. “I don't know if happy is in the cards for me, luv.” Nevaeh does not respond. Instead, she moves into my arms and embraces me. “Don’t give up, Azazel. Love is worth fighting for.” She says with a sad expression and walks back out the door.

Once Nevaeh is gone, my thoughts return to Zoe. I feel like such an arse for telling her to leave earlier. I close my eyes, remembering the water drops trickling down her beautiful body. I wanted to follow each drop with my tongue. She looked like a mermaid or a water nymph floating around the water with her hair creating a peek-a-boo curtain over the swells of her breasts—my mouth waters at the thought of how her tight nipples stiffened against my chest.

I will never forget the way her stormy eyes looked right through me. That is a memory that will stay in my mind for a long time to come. I don't bloody blame her for hating me now.

Unfortunately, Nevaeh’s visit also opened my eyes to my responsibilities. It brought to light the fact that I have a great deal to lose if I fail in my mission. I know that if I don’t succeed, everyone I love will suffer.

My demon struggles wildly inside of me. He’s dismayed over my behavior towards Zoe. I rub at my chest, feeling a deep hollow take shape inside my heart. Restlessness beats at my senses. My wings and fangs throb painfully. The need to fly is too overwhelming. Just as suddenly, a dark haze coats my eyes. My wings sprout from my back, and my razor-sharp claws extend. Rage rampages through my system. I can’t control it. I’m in full demon mode now. I rip the shirt from my body and grab onto the nearest thing I can find. My will is no longer my own. All I can do is watch as my demon tears through every piece of furniture until there is nothing but ruins left. I’m so absorbed by my anger that I don’t notice the blow until all I’m seeing is darkness.