Page 93 of Gabriel's Gambit

“A dick move? Clearly, humanity is finally starting to rub off on you. I approve.” He runs his hand through his hair, indecision playing over his chiseled features. “The story isn’t mine to tell, Gabriel. Not fully. But Lucifer got that audience with the Almighty he was demanding, and…well…she wasnotamused when she heard therealstory of what happened with Zoe.”

Azrael’s counsel as I was trapped between life and death comes back to me now.

“Seraphiel is about to learn the true meaning of the phrase, ‘fuck around and find out.’”

“Where is Seraphiel now?” I ask. “And what is going to happen to my wings?”

Az claps me on the shoulder. “You are an angel, brother. In any realm. You will eventually become mortal. Your powers will diminish eventually. You’ll age. You’ll die. But your wings are a part of you and always will be. Seraphiel cannot take them away from you now, and none of the other angels would ever try.”

Relief washes over me. I stagger back, unsure my legs will hold me much longer, and right the folding chair.

“I have to go,” Azrael says suddenly. “There’s something I…need to take care of. But I’ll see you again, Gabriel. Soon.”

“Wait! You never told me where Seraphiel was…reassigned.”

The Angel of Death offers me a wicked smile. “I’ll give you a hint. He’s overseeing a place that’s very hot, filled with screaming, and with gates newly locked from theoutsidefor at least the next millennium.“

“Hell? Seraphiel is the Underworld’s new minder? What happened to Lucifer?” I rub the scar over my heart, needing the sharp ache to prove I am not dreaming this entire conversation.

Azrael chuckles. “He’s somewhere in this realm, I believe. Having the time of his life. You should call him. I’m sure he’d love to tell you all about it.”

With a burst of angelic power, Az disappears, leaving me in an empty room, stunned into silence.

“Gabriel?” Willow stands in the hall, her hand pressed to her heart. “Your wings…? Is Seraphiel demanding you go back to the celestial realm?“ Her panic washes over me.

Fuck. I have tried to keep worries from her, but that was foolish. She is my heart. The other half of my soul. I can hide nothing from her.

“Come here,” I growl.

She wraps her arms around my waist, and her nipples tighten under her t-shirt.

With a greatwhooshof air, I loose my wings. Their celestial glow chases the shadows to the corners of the room. Sealing my lips to hers, I kiss my witch for so long, her knees go weak and my cock threatens to split my new pajama pants.

“I love you,deliciae. Until the end of my days. I hope that pleases you, because my wings and I are going nowhere.”