Chapter 18: The signs are there

Mikhail:

I can hear the boys stirring in the other room as the day begins. It’s Saturday, but my thoughts are centered on the events of the night before. After talking to Alex last night, I went back to my room, feeling even more conflicted. My wings kept stirring restlessly, and my eyes wouldn’t stop glowing. It’s as if my body didn’t want to deny its claim to Nevaeh. I tried to relax, but my body wouldn’t let me. Even the thought of rejecting Nevaeh makes my mouth burn with acid. After a few restless hours, I realize that sleep is not an option. Seeing no other recourse, I unfurl my wings and let them flutter around me. Eventually, my wings grow tired, and the glow faded away. However, it worried me that I couldn’t control them.

Walking to the bathroom, I try not to let my exhaustion weigh me down. A knock at the door startles me from my musings. Drying my hands, I open the door. It’s Rowan. “Hey dude, can I borrow your headphones? Kell took mine and broke them. The little shit.”

I nod my head and turn to my desk when the world suddenly shifts. Before I can hit the floor, Rowan holds me up. “Are you okay, man? You don’t look too good.”

I try to answer, but my stomach begins to roll with nausea. Brow furrowed, Rowan helps me get to my bed and pulls my head between my knees. After a moment, he releases me and walks to the door. “I’m going to get Alex.”

After a couple of minutes, Alex walks in, followed by Kara. They both give me a worried frown. “Khail, what’s wrong?” Kara asks as he rests her hand over my forehead.

Swallowing the bile in my throat, I shake my head. “I don’t know.”

Kara and Alex look at each other, then look back at me. “How long have you been feeling this way, Khail?”

I shake my head, puzzled by their question. “Last night, I was having trouble keeping my wings hidden, and my eyes wouldn’t stop glowing. It just kept getting worse.”

Alex looked around worriedly as if he can find the answer somewhere. “Did you stay up all night?”

Feeling a little better, I sit up straighter. “Yeah, I just couldn’t get my wings to calm down. I feel better now, though.” I stand up, hiding the shakiness in my limbs. “I’m fine now. I think I’m just tired, considering I’ve been running on little sleep. Alex looks relieved, but I can tell that Kara is worried. “Well…” Alex says, placing his hands on his head. “Come downstairs and have some breakfast. Maybe that’ll make you feel better.” Alex and Rowan step out, but Kara remains.

I look at her questioningly. Kara sits next to me and crosses her arms in front of her chest with a frown. “You do know you’re part angel, don’t you, Khail?”

I nod my head, confused by her comment. “Yeah, so.”

Kara uncrosses her arm with a sigh. “So, Angel’s don’t get sick, Khail. Not even half breeds. What’s going on, Khail?”

I shake my head as confused as she is. “I don’t know.”

Kara sighs. “Khail…Alex told me about what happened last night with the girl.”

I frown, embarrassed at the thought of what I had told Alex. “Yeah, and what’s your point?”

Kara slaps her hands against her thigh as if to state the obvious. “My point is that you find out she’s your mate, and now you’re sick. Don’t you think that’s a little too coincidental?”

I think over what transpired last night. Then I think about what I’ve learned about angel mating but come up blank. “I don’t remember learning that Angel’s become sick when they find out they have mates. Do you?”

Kara shakes her head, puzzled. “No, I haven’t, but then again, you are not fully angelic. Maybe this is a side effect of your demon side.”

Agitated, I rise from my bed. “Look, Kara, I think we’re overblowing the whole situation. I think I’ve just been overwhelmed lately. I’m sure it won’t happen again.”

Kara gets up and stands in front of me with a stern expression. “I hope you’re right, Khail. Maybe you should consider this as a sign that you should be with the girl you’re meant to be with.”

I roll my eyes at her words and smile. “Maybe that’s it,” I say sarcastically.

Kara narrows her eyes and pinches my arm. “You don’t have to be a condescending asshole, Khail. Just consider it dork. Anyway, I’m heading home in the morning. Call me if you need me.”

Rubbing my arm, I snicker.

Kara purses her lips but says nothing more as she walks out and closes the door behind her. As soon as she leaves, my smile fades, and I slump back heavily on the bed.

Throughout the rest of the day and the beginning of the night, my restlessness continues. I try to distract myself by listening to music, but my wings begin to hurt painfully. Releasing my wings again, I begin walking in circles around the room. My body aches, so I remove my shirt. Suddenly, I’m sweating, and my fangs begin to throb. Walking to the mirror, I see that my eyes are glowing. I rub my face in frustration and glance down at my sweaty palms. Agitated, I wipe my palms across my jeans and frown when I encounter something in my pocket. I dig into my pocket and come out with a card. Azazel’s card. Maybe he can help me.

I walk back to my cell and dial his number. After two rings, he answers. “Hello?”

Swallowing deeply, I wipe my hand across my mouth. “Hey Azazel, it's Mikhail. I need to talk to you. Can we meet?”

Azazel lets out a breath. “Boy, I have to say I find it ironic that you’re calling me at this exact moment.”

My brow furrows at his cryptic tone. “Why?”

Azazel takes another deep breath before he replies. “Well, it seems that I am standing on the roof of my club, trying to charm the knickers of this beautiful girl who just happens to know you.”

I strain my mind trying to guess who it must be. “Who?”

I hear a female voice say something to Azazel, and he responds before he answers me. “Well, this girl has beautiful long brown hair and eyes. I think she’s your neighbor.”

My heart begins to beat a quick staccato. Nevaeh, “What’s Nevaeh doing there, Azazel?”

Reaching for my shirt, I slide it over my head, slip my feet into my boots, and rush out of the door.

“It seems she’s here celebrating her birthday with a few friends, but she’s a little sad. The girl has a crush on a certain git who rejected her. Do you know who the fool might be? Because I have to say that if he doesn’t step up, I will.”

I grit my teeth at his words. “Don’t you dare touch her, Azazel; I’ll be there in a few minutes.” Azazel’s laughter echoes through the receiver. Fuck!

It doesn’t take me long to spot the nightclub. Looking around the roof, I see Azazel and Nevaeh standing together, looking over the city. My face tightens with anger when I see that Azazel’s arm is around her waist. Landing a few feet away, I retract my wings. Azazel notices me, but Nevaeh’s eyes remain on the scenery. Moving forward, Azazel meets me halfway, blocking my view of Nevaeh.

“Hello, boy. I have to say your love is quite exquisite.”

I shake my head in denial. “She’s not my love.”

Azazel tilts his head with a disbelieving snicker. “Really, because the glowing eyes and protruding fangs say otherwise.”

Ignoring his comment. I walk forward to where Nevaeh is. She looks a little lost and fragile, which makes something ache in my heart.

As if feeling my presence, Nevaeh turns around and gives me a sloppy smile. “Hey Mikhail, what are you doing here? Did you follow me?” She slurs out and stumbles forward, nearly tripping over her feet. Azazel, the asshole, reaches for her before she falls and pulls her close. Nevaeh gives him a gentle smile, which, to my despair, he returns. My fist tightens as rage envelopes me.

Azazel gives me a knowing smile and mutters. “Actually, luv. I invited Mikhail here.”

Her face falls with disappointment, but she quickly hides it.

“Oh.” She says as she leans on Azazel’s shoulder.

Azazel gives her an admiring look and winks at me. “Doesn’t Nevaeh look lovely tonight? Did you know that yesterday was her birthday? She just turned eighteen.”

I look at Nevaeh, finally catching a glimpse of her dress. She looks incredible. I run my gaze across her beautiful face and body, feeling mine heat up. Then, Azazel’s words penetrate my brain. It was her birthday Looking back at Nevaeh, I recall her tears from the night before. “I didn’t know. Happy birthday, Nevaeh.”

Nevaeh shrugs her shoulders. “Thanks, Mikhail…I…I better get going.” She says to Azazel.

I see red when she raises her hand and caresses his cheek. “Thanks for the great night, Azazel.”

Azazel gives her a heated look before he takes her hand and lays a gentles kiss on it.

That’s when I snap. My ears ring, and anger erupts through my body. Pushing Nevaeh back, I grab Azazel by the neck, fling him across the other side of the roof and attack. Nevaeh gasps with surprise. But it’s as if my demon has taken over my body.

Azazel gets up looking annoyed, his eyes are glowing, and his wings are now fluttering in the wind. Growling, he rushes to me. You can hear the loud thump of flesh meeting flesh when our bodies collide.

My strength is fueled by my anger, making me nearly invincible. Releasing my wings, I lift my arms and push him back. But Azazel is a fighter. He quickly counters by gripping me by the neck and slams me against the door leading down the stairs. I blink my eyes because I can see that his lips are moving, but I cannot hear through the thrumming in my ears.

Cursing, I try to push him away, but Azazel slams my head back against the door. Taking a few deep breaths, I concentrate on his words. As quickly as it began, it’s over. My anger dissipates, and my hearing clears. “…get ahold of yourself, Mikhail. I don’t want to hurt you, but I will!”

Chest heaving, I shake my head and clear my mind. All the tension in my body instantly drains. As if sensing that I’m no longer a threat, Azazel releases my neck and slowly backs away. “Bloody hell, boy. You will definitely need to mate with your woman, or you’re going to kill somebody.”

At the mention of Nevaeh, I turn my head in her direction and cry out when I see her lying crumpled on the floor. Azazel follows me and kneels next to her, looking just as horrified. She looks pale and lifeless. Grasping her neck, I lift her to my chest. “Nevaeh? Nevaeh?”

Azazel places his hand over her pulse. “She’s alive. Check her head.”

Laying her back down, I search her head until I find a small bump. “She’s hurt.”

I look at Azazel, willing him to help. “Heal her, Mikhail.” He mutters evenly.

Startled, I give him a confused look. “What?”

Azazel points at her head. “For goodness sake, Mikhail, you’re an angel. Heal her!”

I look back at her and rest my hands around her head, but nothing happens. “I don’t know what to do.”

Azazel gives me an impatient frown. “Boy, didn’t anyone teach you how? Lay your hands over the wound and imagine healing it.”

I try again this time, closing my eyes and will her to heal. My fingers become hot and begin to glow. I look down and see as the glow works its way through my hands until it reaches her head. Neveah stirs, and the glow fades.

Nevaeh opens her eyes and frowns. “What happened?” She asks.

Pulling her up, I help her stand. Azazel reaches for her but backs away when I give him a withering glare. He stares me down for a moment, then nods his head in defeat before he turns back to Nevaeh. “You stumbled over your shoe and tripped. You must have had more to drink than I thought.”

Nevaeh nods her head self-consciously. “Oh, god. I’m so sorry, guys. It’s definitely time for me to go home.” She tries to move but stumbles a little. “I guess I just need a minute.” She says as she reaches for the chair beside her.

Azazel gives me a nudge. “Don’t worry, love. Everyone gets in their cups now and then. Mikhail here will help you home.”

Nevaeh looks up, startled at his command. “No…no. I don’t want you to be bothered. I’ll go and find Jez.”

Nevaeh tightens her lips determinedly and rises again. This time she begins to walk slowly.

It hurts me to think that she feels that she’s bothering me. But I have no one to blame but myself for her thinking I wouldn’t care. Before she can take another step, I lift her in my arms. A blush crawls up her cheeks at my gesture. It’s sweet.

Looking into her eyes, I whisper softly. “I’ll take you home. Call your friend and tell her.”

Nevaeh nods her head and reaches for the phone that Azazel hands her. Still clinging to my neck, she uses her unfettered hand and dials the phone.

Azazel gives me a lazy smile and points to a nearby door. “That’s the door to my private exit. You can take her down from there. I’ll lend you one of my vehicles.”

I nod my head in gratitude and make my way to the door. Azazel opens the door to an elevator and steps in with us. Nevaeh disconnects the call and stiffens in my arms. “You can let me down now, Mikhail. I feel better.”

I shake my head, ignoring her words. I’d like to pretend that I’m doing it because I’m afraid she might fall again, but the truth is I like having her in my arms. “I’d rather not chance it,” I say, giving her a gentle smile.

To my mortification, Azazel laughs heartily. “Let the git carry you, luv. I can assure you that any man who has you in his arms would not view it as a hardship.”

Nevaeh pulls her head under my chin, shyly making my heart beat faster. She fits perfectly against me. Like she was made to be there, which she was.

The elevator doors open, and I step out, gasping when I see rows upon rows of luxurious cars. Azazel reaches into his pocket, removes a key fob, and points to a black Dodge Hellcat. The car is beautiful. The locks turn as he opens the passenger door for me, helping slip Nevaeh into the front seat. Bemused, he observes as I put on her seatbelt. Our hands touch briefly, and our eyes meet. I give her a smile, which she returns shyly. It would be a perfect moment if Azazel wasn’t scrutinizing my movements. However, I can’t help but caress her hand before I slip back out of the car.

Closing the door, I turn back to Azazel. “Thank you, Azazel.”

Azazel gazes into the passenger seat with a wistful smile. “She’s your mate, isn’t she?”

I glance over at Neveah and sigh. She’s asleep. “Yes, she is.”

He nods his head, unsurprised. “Makes sense then why your anger was so strong. Your body must be driving you crazy.”

Surprised, I move closer and ask. “What do you mean?”

Azazel scoffs incredulously. “Boy, you need to brush up on your angel and demon lore. First, you don’t know how to heal, then you don’t know about mating.”

I shake my head in denial. “First of all, I know about angel mating, and second, the council didn’t think I would be able to heal anyone since I am half-demon.”

Azazel scoffs again sarcastically. “I’m not talking about angel mating. I’m talking about demon mating. Demons are very territorial when they find their mate. Our bodies become sensitive and weak until we’ve done the deed. You need to take that beautiful girl home and shag her mate. If not, you’re going to go a little mental. You are a lucky git. She’s incredible.”

I run my fingers through my hair, surprised by Azazel’s revelation. “Are you saying that I’m going to feel like this until she and I have sex?” Azazel nods his head eagerly. “That’s what I’m saying, mate. It won’t be as bad if you’re together, but eventually, the need to mate will become unbearable. I have to say, I envy you this one. Until she mentioned that she knew you, I was planning to keep her for myself.”

I block her door protectively, which makes Azazel snicker. “Don’t worry, mate. I can respect your bond.”

His laughter stops suddenly, and he gives me a serious stare. “Just make sure you don’t hurt her. That girl has been dealing with some serious pain, and I’d have to be obliged to kill you if you do.”

Seeing the affection Azazel holds for Nevaeh, I ask. “What if I don’t mate with her? I mean, why should I let my fate control my feelings? Shouldn’t we have a choice?”

Azazel grasps my shoulders tightly. “You are seeing this wrong. Fate does not force you. It guides you. It wouldn’t work if you didn’t already love her.”

I shake my head, but Azazel interrupts me before I can deny his account. “You can deny it all you want, but you love that girl, and she loves you. This is why I suggest you get your head out of your arse and let nature take its course; because trust me when I say, if you don’t step up, there are plenty of blokes who will take your place. And after speaking to her, I have to say, I’d be the first in line.”

Seeing the anger in my face Azazel gives me an appraising smile, “Trust me, mate. If you refuse that girl, I will not hesitate to make a move. Do you hear me, mate?”

I nod my head rigidly. My demon side does not like his tone, but the angel side of me understands what he’s saying. “Yeah, I hear you loud and clear.”

Azazel holds his hand out, waiting for me to shake it. I extend mine and place it over his. “Call me if you need anything. I’ll be here. Oh, and I want my vehicle back when you’re done.”

I laugh at his comment as I head toward the driver’s door and wave to Azazel.

Nevaeh sleeps all the way home. Throughout the drive, I can’t help but look at her stunning face. She looks so innocent and sweet. Her head is tilted in my direction with her hair thrown wildly around her shoulders. The dress that she’s wearing molds to her chest sensually and the skirt rides up dangerously high. Looking at her neck, I can feel my fangs begin to ache. My demon wants to mark her.

The drive is not long. When I pull into her driveway, I see that the lights are off in the house. As carefully as I can, I walk to the passenger door and open it. Thankfully, Nevaeh doesn’t stir. Reaching forward, I unbuckle her seatbelt and lift her into my arms. I kick the door closed and stop when I realize that I don’t have the keys to her front door. Shit, where’s the key?

The neighborhood is very quiet at night, and there’s no one around, so I release my wings and fly up to the balcony with her in my arms. Thankfully, her balcony door is open. Holding her close, I step inside her room and place her on the bed. Nevaeh turns sleepily on her side and whispers, Mikhail.

Startled, I look at her face, but her eyes are closed. She’s asleep. As quickly as I can, I remove her shoes, cover her with a soft blanket, and step out of her room. To my surprise, when I inspect the house, I find that it’s empty. Making sure the windows are closed and that the door is locked, I walk back to her room. Before I leave, I give her one last look, walk out of the balcony, and drive back to my house. Resting my head back on the headdress, I close my eyes in contemplation. Azazel’s words come back to haunt me.

“You’re seeing this wrong, mate. Fate does not force you on your mate. It guides you. It wouldn’t work if you didn’t already love her…You can deny it all you want, but you love that girl, and she loves you.”

Do I love her? Getting out of the car, I sneak back into my room and look out the window. Do I love her? My body strains in arousal as my wings flutter around excitedly. Every part of me craves Nevaeh’s presence.

With the way I’m feeling right now, I’m not going to get any sleep unless I do something about it. Seeing no other choice, I open my window and fly back to Nevaeh’s room. I sit there for the rest of the night, feeling content to simply watch her sleep. Before the sun rises, I fly back to my room and lie in my bed. And even though I’m exhausted, I can’t help but feel a sense of contentment that I was able to protect my mate.