Page 22 of Salvation
Outside, she turned back to take one last look at the place she had called home for the past year. Part of her wanted to stay. This was something she had grown used to, but the other part of her was ready to leave. It was past time for her to move on, and this might be her only chance.
As if summoned, Lilith appeared on the sidewalk. “You going somewhere?”
“Yes, I was coming to find you, but here you are. I’m going to the hotel.” She would have to start from the beginning since Lilith did not know Michael, her sire, was in fact the primordial in charge over there. After she told of her encounter with him, she went into the part about the Angel of Death coming to see her, which sent the demon’s brows to her hairline.
“Ashley paid you a personal visit?”
“Yes.”
“And what did she say, exactly?”
Aurora recalled every word so repeated them as they had been told to her. “What do you think?”
Lilith’s gaze narrowed. “It sounds to me like you have an assignment, but if you think I am letting you go alone, you are loco.”
“You want to go with me?” The thought made her feel a little more at ease. It would definitely be nice having someone she knew along with her.
“Try and stop me.”
She pulled Lilith into a hug. “Thank you. I’m so happy you’re coming. I feel like I need a buffer between Michael and me. Shall I help you pack?”
“No need. My possessions follow me wherever I go.”
“Seriously? Like they just show up, or do they literally follow you like some magical parade?”
“Don’t be silly. They simply appear wherever I make my home.”
“That is about the handiest damn thing I have ever heard of.” She let out a breath. “I suppose we should go then.” She wasn’t looking forward to seeing Michael again, but if her skills could help get his female to Kentucky, where she could safely give birth, then Aurora would do it. For the innocent baby. Actually, she would do it for Luna as well. It wasn’t the girl’s fault she had gotten pregnant, and she certainly couldn’t blame the girl for being attracted to Michael. Lord knew she wanted to toss him to the ground and have her way with him for a week straight.
God, how was she ever going to move forward? It had been easier to believe he was dead than it was to discover he was right here, only a few blocks away. Either way, if she could help an innocent child, then it was her duty to suck it the fuck up.
“Let’s go then.”
This time she took the first step and then another until she was moving down the sidewalk at a fast clip toward the hotel. What she would do once there, she wasn’t certain. She wondered about Adam and when he might return from his jaunt south. Her mark tingled as a reminder that fate had selected the human as her mate, and she wouldn’t mind getting to know him better. She would have to inquire about his whereabouts.
“Are you certain you wish to do this?” Lilith asked from beside her.
“I thought you said I had an assignment? What happens to me if I don’t follow through?” That was something she hadn’t even considered. If she refused to help, would the Angel of Death come back for her?
“Since I wasn’t there for the conversation, I can’t say for certain. I mean, did Death give you a direct order?”
She glanced over at Lilith. “Death?”
“Yes. That is what we call her, and a nickname well earned. I’ve been privileged to witness her rip the soul from one’s body.” She shuddered. “Even I would think twice before crossing her. The female can be brutal when the situation warrants it.”
“Awesome. Then to Kentucky we go!” She had no desire to discover what it felt like to have her soul torn from her body. Damn, that had to sting.
Once they were within a block of the hotel, they were stopped by a female wearing military gear and pointing a rifle at them.
“Halt and state your name and business.”
“My name is Aurora, and this is my friend Lilith. Mi––I mean Wolfe is expecting us.” Probably better to use his new name since she wasn’t sure if any of these people would know Michael Owens.
“I heard your name mentioned.” She propped the weapon back on her shoulder. “Proceed.”
Aurora tipped her head. “Thank you, but I didn’t catch your name.”
“That’s because I didn’t give it, but I’m Ella.”
