Chapter 20: In with the new

Mikhail:

She follows me silently as I continue across the street until we’re both in front of my house. “Before we go in, I want to warn you that my brothers are a pain in the ass. They’ll probably stare at you and generally make you uncomfortable, but they mean well.”

Nevaeh nods her head and looks at the door expectantly. “Don’t worry, I’ve handled Rowan. I’m sure the others won't be any different.”

Just as I’m about to open the door, Rowan slams it open. His eyes widen at the sight of our entwined hands. “Hey, you’re back. Good, cause Alex is looking for you. He’s concerned because there’s Dodge Hellcat in the garage. He asked the boys and me, but we have no clue where he came from, which leaves you as the culprit. Did you steal a car, bro?” He asks excitedly.

Brushing past him, I lead Nevaeh up the stairs until we reach Alex’s office. I knock on the door. Alex’s answers. “That better be you, Khail, and there better be a good reason as to why there’s a really expensive car in my garage.”

I open the door and usher Nevaeh inside. Alex turns around, ready to bitch me out but stops when he sees Nevaeh. “Well, hello there.” He mutters with a curious frown.

“Alex, this is Nevaeh. Nevaeh, this is my foster father, Alex. By the way, the car is not stolen. Nevaeh was at a club last night, and one of her friends lent it to me so that I could give her a ride home.”

I give Alex a look in hopes that he’ll catch my underlying message, that the reason I needed a car was that I had flown to Azazel’s house. Alex nods his head in understanding and gives Nevaeh a welcoming smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Nevaeh. Welcome to the crazy house.”

Her face breaks into a genuine smile. “Hi, thanks. It’s nice to meet you too, Mr. Cross.”

Alex’s smile widens at her formality. “Please call me, Alex.” Nevaeh nods her head. “Oh, okay, Alex.”

Alex moves behind his desk with a quirked brow. “Alright, what are you two up to?”

I shrug my shoulders. “Nothing really, we’re just going upstairs to finish our Lit project.”

Alex gives me a knowingly look but remains quiet. “Okay, then I’ll leave you to it.”

Smiling, I lead Nevaeh to my bedroom.

Nevaeh stops at my bedroom door and gazes around curiously. My bedroom is stark. There’s only a bed, a bean bag chair, my flat-screen TV, and my Xbox. My laptop is on the floor near my headphones.

I take Nevaeh’s hand and lead her to my bed. “Have a seat.”

She sits on the bed and stretches her legs out in front of her. “Listen, Mikhail, now that we’re together, I think that we should take it slow. I…”

Placing my thumb on her bottom lip, I nod my head. “Princess, I think you’re beautiful, but I can wait. I definitely want more than your body.”

Nevaeh embraces me shyly as I lift her and lie her down with her head on my chest. It’s a good feeling to be this close to her. Lying on the bed with her as she roams her hands up and down, my chest is soothing. I had never felt so contended in my life. Touching her is like touching a miracle. My body no longer feels as if it’s warring with itself. I have my mate.

Entwining our fingers, I rub the sensitive skin between the palm of her hand and thumb and mutter. “Princess, why is it that every time I’ve gone to your house, you’ve been alone?”

Nevaeh’s body stiffens, but she doesn’t move away. Warning bells go off in my head. Pulling her tighter to me, I lift her chin up and ask. “Where is your family, Nev?”

Her eyes refuse to meet mine. Unshed tears gleam in her eyes as she composes a response. “My parents don’t live in the house anymore. My mom and…dad they’re separated. They plan on selling the house when I go to college.” My heart constricts at the thought that her parents abandoned her. I tighten my arms with anger. How I can’t believe that she’s been abandoned by the people who should have protected her. I guess if anyone can understand, it would be me since I was abandoned as a child. “I’m sorry, princess. I know what it’s like to be abandoned. I’ve never met my parents. I was found in an old, abandoned house when I was a baby, and I jumped from home to home until I ran away. I was eight when I met Rowan.”

I smile at the memory of meeting Rowan. “I was trying to pick someone’s pocket, and so was Rowan, but I got to the guy first. Rowan got pissed and followed me. We got into a fight. We were bruised and battered before we fell into exhaustion. At some point, we called a truce. We stuck together after that. That is until Alex found us and gave us a home.”

Nevaeh doesn’t stir or make a sound. Thinking that she fell asleep, I look down and choke when I find that she’s crying. “Why are you crying, princess?”

Nevaeh wipes her tears before she croaks out a response. “I’m sorry. I’m whining about my family, and you’ve never even met yours.”

I slide up the headboard with her clinging to my chest. “Don’t cry for me, princess. Alex is a great guy, and if I hadn’t met him, I wouldn’t have met you.” I close my eyes as she caresses my face, kisses my chin, and lays her head beneath my chin. “I’m glad I met you, Mikhail.” She whispers softly.

At some point, we must have both fallen asleep because I’m startled awake by the ringing of my phone. Nevaeh stirs, looking up at me with a sleepy look. Smiling, I kiss her head and reach for my cell phone.

“Where’s my car, you bloody wanker?” I smile at the sound of Azazel’s ire. “Relax, Az, the car is fine.”

An outraged gasp echoes through the receiver. “You call me Az again, and I will rip your bollocks from your body. You get me, mate?” I laugh hard as Nevaeh shifts across my chest. “Geez, you British people are so uptight. I’ll get it to you in a few days. I just need to take my girl for a few spins before I get it back to you.”

Azazel releases a few choice expletives. “You worked it out with your love, then? Well, I guess I won’t get another kiss. What a bloody shame, she was so sweet. You have two days, and then I’m coming for it.” He says before he disconnects the call.

I look at Nevaeh, who looks at me questioningly. “You kissed Azazel?”

She quirks an arrogant brow. “Actually, he kissed me, and you can’t be an ass about it because we weren’t together.”

I nod my head. Touché. Before she can reprimand me, I turn her to me and kiss her passionately. I’m staking my claim, and I’m fine with that.

“Princess, you need to let all your admirers know that you’re taken because I don’t know if I can survive it.”

Nevaeh kisses my chin, and as she sifts her fingers lightly through my hair. “Mikhail, are you going to be a jealous boyfriend?”

I lay my head against her chest with a nod. “I never was before, but with you, it kills me to see other guys falling all over themselves for you.”

Nevaeh pulls my head up and kisses me deeply. Our lips meld together, seeking, and savoring. “You’re the one that I want, Mikhail. But keep in mind that it works both ways.” She whispers against my lips.

Nodding, I rise from the bed and reach for my wallet and keys. “How about we take Azazel’s car for a spin?”

I almost swallow my tongue when she crawls towards my side of the bed and lazily stretches her limbs before she places her arms around my neck. “Mm, sounds like fun.” She kisses me several more times, running her hand down my arm and using my distracted state to snatch the keys out of my hand. “I’ll drive!” She calls out as she shakes the keys in front of my eyes and dances away. Her laughter echoes across the room as she runs down the stairs.

We drive around town for the rest of the night, enjoying each other’s company. One thing I learned about my mate is that she’s a crazy driver. She shows me around the town, showing me the sights and takes me to all the places that she loves. At some point, she grants me permission to drive. I quirk a brow at her before I take the keys from her hands. Nevaeh is completely unfazed as she nips my bottom lip and slides into the passenger seat with a giggle. I like seeing her this way. Unlike the other times that I have seen her, she’s playful and free. Bemused by her behavior, I observe as she rests her feet on the dashboard and throws her head back as the wind whooshes through the open window, tousling long tendrils of hair around her. At that moment, I realize that I am in love with her. Seeing her pleasurable laughter and the carefree glint in her eyes makes happiness course through my veins.

As soon as we get home, we’re met with the sounds of Rowan, Carrick, and Kell, in the living room arguing over the game remote. Nevaeh releases my hand with a gentle kiss on my lips and mumbles softly. “I better go home. We have school tomorrow, and I have a few chores to take care of.”

Before she leaves, I stop her progress. “I don’t feel right leaving you home alone, princess.”

Nevaeh rolls her eyes with a shake of her head. “Mikhail, I’ve survived on my own for a while now; I’ll be fine.”

She takes a step back, but I refuse to release her. Gripping her hand tight, I pull her back into my arms and whisper. “It’s not the same, Nev. I can’t live with myself if something happens to you. Maybe you should stay here.”

Nevaeh wryly shakes her head. “Look, Mikhail, I’m a big girl. I don’t need to be protected.” I shake my head at her words. “Fine, but I’ll go with you.” Nevaeh rolls her eyes with a snicker and walks out the door. She’s almost to her front step when I catch up with her and block her way.

Nevaeh places a hand on her hip and gives me a questioning frown. “Do you really think that Alex would let you sleepover at my house?”

I shake my head vehemently. “I don’t care. I’m not leaving you alone in that house, and that’s final.” With that said, I kiss the top of her beautiful head and caress her cheek. “Leave your balcony open.”

I have to stifle a groan when she smiles in concession and bites her lip seductively. This girl is going to be the death of me.

“Do you plan to sneak into my room, Mr. Cross? How romantic.” She coos suggestively.

Smirking, I quirk a brow before I nip her lower lip and whisper. “Leave your balcony open.”

Our lips seek and cling for a couple of minutes. I don’t want to let her go. In the short time that we’ve been together, I’ve become nearly addicted to her. Everything about her draws me into her sweet scent of roses and sunshine. Now that I’ve kissed and held her, I can’t imagine being without her. Giving her one last kiss, I move out of the way and open her door. Neveah walks into the house and gives me a sexy smile. Tempted to kiss her again, I lick my lips and move closer, but before I reach for her, she closes the door on my face.

Chuckling, I turn around and reach for my vibrating phone. “Azazel, I thought you said you’d give me two days and...”

His angry voice cuts through my witty retort. “Mik, I need you to get your bloody arse over to the club.”

My footsteps falter at the urgency in his voice. “What is it, Azazel?”

His ragged breathing echoes in my ears. “Just get your arse over here, boy.”

Not another word is said. As quickly as I can, I rush to the car and dial Nevaeh’s number.

She answers on the first ring. “You know you just left my house, right? I promise nothing has happened in the past two minutes.”

As the challenger makes its way down the driveway, I wonder what got Azazel in such a frenzy. “Listen, Nevaeh, Azazel asked me to help him with something, so I’m going to be a little later than expected.” Nevaeh huffs in reply. “Don’t worry about me, Khail. Go and do whatever you need. I’ll still be here when you get back.”

I disconnect the call quickly. I know it makes me looked whipped, but I can’t help but feel like I’m abandoning her.

It doesn’t take me long to reach Azazel’s club. Without a word, the bouncer leads me to Azazel’s office. He’s a big man with a bald head and bulging muscles. But I’m not intimidated. I’m a power hybrid demon and angel. Not a lot of things intimidate me. The only thing that scares me is the thought of my family getting hurt or losing Nevaeh.

Striding into the office, I find Azazel pacing back and forth. His face is set in a scowl, and his lips are locked tight. “Last time I checked, I wasn’t your errand boy, Azazel. What do you want?”

Azazel narrows his eyes with a reproachful snicker and waves a piece of paper in front of me. “Who is Lukan Garron?”

I shake my head, surprised by his question. “What? Is Lukan here?” Brow furrowed, I search the room for Lukan.

Azazel quirks a brow in response. I’m sure he’s not appreciative of my nervous gesture. “No, but he was here earlier, and he seemed very interested in you, mate.”

I shake my head, bewildered. “Look, Azazel, Lukan has hated my guts since the moment he set his eyes on me. I really have no clue why, though.”

Azazel sits down in his office chair with a thoughtful frown. “Well, it looks like his hate runs very deep.” He mutters stiffly. “He asked me to kill you.”

Stunned, I take a step back, keeping the door within my sight. I’ve learned at an early age that you can’t trust anyone. I’ve also learned that I should always be ready with an escape route.

Azazel must notice my wariness because he crosses his arms in front of his chest and snickers. “Relax, mate, if I wanted to kill you, I wouldn’t do it at the behest of a bloody angel.”

He points at the paper he threw earlier at me and nudges his chin. “Open it.”

I unfurl the paper and glance down. It’s a miniature painting of a woman. However, this woman has long black wings. Something niggles at the back of my mind as I run my gaze over her beautiful brown hair and green eyes. I don’t know what it is, but I feel like I’ve seen this woman before.

Azazel swallows deeply, his eyes glistening with untold emotion as he gestures to the picture. “That’s Lukan’s sister, Galena… your mother.”

My gaze snaps up to meet his. “What? Are you kidding? How do you know this?”

Azazel gazes intently into my eyes, then nods his head. “I know this is your mother because I knew your father.”

I’m speechless. Of all the things he could have said, I never expected that he’d tell me this. A small part of me wants to laugh it off and tell him that he’s not funny. However, I can’t because I can see that he’s one hundred percent serious.

Seeing the conflict in my expression, Azazel rises from his chair and stands beside me. “At first, I thought that maybe it was just a coincidence, or that maybe I was seeing things. But then, when you came the other night and told me about your half-breed status, I knew. The other night when we were fighting, I caught a glimpse of your wing tattoo. Demon wings are like DNA—they can help other demons identify what family you are from. Samael and I were friends for several centuries. I had seen his tattoos enough times to recognize that yours look exactly like his.”

Azazel rubs his eyes and leans his hip on the desk as if exhausted after carrying a large burden. He looks weary and sad, which makes my stomach churn with trepidation.

“Twenty-three years ago, Samael came to me and told me he was in love. Due to the nature of their relationship, he kept her name anonymous. He was adamant that if the Council found out about them, they’d kill them. I can’t blame him, considering the rampant bigotry in our world. It’s not like the council would welcome an angel-demon pairing with open arms. Bloody narrow-minded gits!” He sneers.

“Knowing that he was in danger, I gave him all of the money in my vault, several weapons for protection, and let him go on his way with his lady love. Over the years, I received short notes from him, reassuring me that he was well, which made me very happy.”

He reaches into his pocket for another piece of paper and hands it to me. “This was the last letter that I received from Samael.”

I take a deep fortifying breath and take the letter. This one also contains a picture of the same woman, but this time there’s a baby in her arms. A knot forms in my throat as I gaze into the proof of my parentage. It’s my mother and me. Swallowing hard, I close my eyes for a moment as emotion overwhelms me. For so long, I wondered and hoped to find any news I could about my parents. It’s a bittersweet moment for me to gaze upon my mother’s likeness after so many years of questioning where I come from. After a minute, I take another breath and begin to read.

Azazel, my brother, it has been so long since we’ve spoken. I have some good news for you, mate. My love has given birth to an amazing baby boy. We have a beautiful son. To honor you, we named him Azrael. My lady came up with the idea of mixing yours and my name together. I know that not even this gesture can repay all that you’ve done for us. Even though I may never see you again, brother—please know that you are in my heart. My greatest hope at this moment is that one day, you find love as I found love; and that my son has the chance to meet you. For now, I will tell him about his godfather, Azazel’s, many misadventures. Goodbye, my brother.

-Samael My eyes cloud with tears at my father’s last words. The love he poured into the letter warms my heart because now I know that my father loved me. For so long, I thought that my parents abandoned me because they didn’t care about me. But now, I know that I was loved.

I look back at Azazel’s grim face. “When the letters stopped coming, I knew something must have occurred. For several years I searched for Samael to no avail. Eventually, I ran into an angel who was bragging about how he cleansed the world of a mated angel, a demon, and their spawn. It was only after I tortured him for days that it was revealed that the demon he killed was Samael. I was so angry. I wanted to find everyone who hurt my best mate and rip them apart. I questioned him for several days. I wanted to find my brother and his family. Even if they were dead, I needed to bring them home. But the bastard somehow found a knife and stabbed himself in the chest before I could get any more information. I moved here after that. This is where Samael and I had met.”

I’m humbled by the genuine pain in Azazel’s eyes. I can see that he loved my father and was wounded by his loss. Without another word, I wrap my arms around Azazel and embrace him. Who would have thought that I’d run into my father’s best friend after so many years? Azazel wraps his arms around me and embraces me back. It’s odd how things change. I now see Azazel in a new light. He’s not just a demon whom I have befriended, but he’s also a connection to my past.

“Listen, Mate, I don’t know what is happening, but I think Lukan might suspect that you’re Samael and Galena’s progeny. I’m going to assume that Lukan has not told the council because it would tarnish his reputation. And after meeting the arrogant prick, I have to say I’m right to think that he is too proud to reveal that his sister was mated to a demon. Unfortunately, this makes him very dangerous to you.”

I shake my head at Azazel’s words. “What am I supposed to do, Azazel? If I kill him, the council will kill my family and me.”

Azazel shakes his head thoughtfully. “I know. I guess I should also tell you that I suspect Lukan’s the one that had your parents killed. Fortunately, you were somehow saved from his wrath. Even back then, the council frowned upon murdering their own kind. Yet, it was very taboo for an angel to marry or even be in a relationship with someone who wasn’t an angel—especially a demon. That’s why your father was very careful to not name Galena in his letters. There is also no proof that Galena and Samael were married. At least, none that I’ve discovered. Other than this picture with you and her, there are none of her and Samael. That’s probably why Lukan hasn’t killed you straight out. He doesn’t want the council to become suspicious of your parentage. That’s why he came to me instead. However, he didn’t count on the fact that I knew Samael or that I would protect his son. No, Mikhail, we need to find a way to prove that Lukan was behind your parent’s murder.”

I slump down on a nearby chair, feeling completely overwhelmed by all the information. Taking a deep breath, I swallow hard and gaze into Azazel’s earnest eyes. “He can never find out about Nevaeh. I have to protect her.”

Azazel shakes his head and places a comforting hand on my shoulder. “It might be too late, Mikhail. I’m sure he’s having you watched somehow. All you can do now is tell her about you and that she’s your mate. I promise I will help you protect her any way that I can. You have my word. For now, keep her close, and I’ll see what I can dig up on Lukan.”

I nod my head and whisper. “Thank you, …godfather.” Azazel’s head shoots up at my words before he snickers. “Samael would be proud of you, boy. Even if you are a pain in my arse.” He says with an amused chuckle. “For now, call me if you need anything… Azrael.”

My heart skips at the sound of my real name. My parents didn’t abandon me. They gave me a name.

Before I walk out the door, I give him a sly smile. “Since I’m sort of family, can I keep the car?” Samael throws his head back and laughs. “Boy, you are your father’s son. I guess since I kissed your lady love and you are my best mate’s boy, I can give you this. Think of it as a belated birthday present.”

“Thanks.” I punch him in the arm for commenting on the kiss, then turn and walk out the door. However, once I step out of the room, my smile slips as reality resurfaces. Why do things keep getting complicated? Why can’t Nevaeh and I just be happy?