Gates of Death - Rae Foxx Page 0,5

no scientist was capable of detecting, testing or measuring, or the magic of the Earth itself, that traced back to the origins, which even the angels argued over. I was of the belief that God caused the Big Bang, myself, but that was a debate I didn't have time to think about.

"If we can convince a witch to help, their magic can be volatile," I said. "It can react in ways that have serious consequences." I didn't know much about relics, but witches I knew. Many of them worshipped me as the Earth mother, however incorrect that was. I still loved them and cherished their prayers, occasionally intervening when I could.

"If anyone has a chance, it's you, Lil," Lucifer said. "But not in a human body. They'll think it's a trick."

He was right, unfortunately.

"They are unlikely to help an angel. Followers of God are too outspoken against them," Gabe said. "But I could try." He smiled. "I used to have a witch friend, but she's been dead for many hundreds of years." He seemed to come to a decision and nodded. "But her descendants may have her magic. I'll try."

"And I'll begin the process of finding the Scythe," Michael said. "If it works to find Ariel, it might also work to kill you two," he said. "And Gabe and I can take care of our sweet girl until you both fix Abaddon and return for Ariel."

Gabe jumped up. "Okay, wish me luck." Michael and Lucifer nodded gravely at him, their version of a goodbye.

I followed him out of the room to say goodbye. He wrapped his arms around me. "You're not quite yourself in this body, but it's so nice to be able to hold you again."

My sweet, funny Gabe. "I missed you, too."

He laughed, the sound rumbling through his chest. "You did not."

Unfortunately, he was right. "Well, when you weren't around after you unlocked my memories, I missed you."

"I'll take it." He stepped back and took my face in his hands, cupping my cheeks. "I love you. Don't worry about me, I don't think I'm going to be in a lot of danger, okay?"

He couldn't know that. "Witches can be unpredictable. I wish I could go with you."

"Hell." He chuckled at his use of the word. "I wish you could, too. But this is the situation we're in and we'll figure it out like we always do, okay?"

I nodded and smiled up at him. "Go. Find us a witch."

"Yes, ma'am." With a cheeky salute, he disappeared.

"I should go soon," Michael said behind me. I didn't know how long he'd been standing there, but I didn't mind. "But I'm reluctant to leave you."

He worried about me more than anyone else. The world knew the Archangel Michael as the warrior, the general. I knew him as my protector and confidante.

Luc stuck his head in the living room. "I need air. I feel like I'm suffocating in this body. I'm going to take Jellybean for a walk."

He looked from me to Michael and nodded without waiting for our response. The back door clicked closed a few minutes later.

Oh, Lucifer. He'd been my first love, my most passionate. That was what had hurt most over the last few hundred years. We'd never been the sweet, affectionate couple that Gabe and I were or the loving, deep couple that Michael and I were. Lucifer and I were fire and ice. Passion, flames, rebellion.

He'd become cruel, and the appearance of Lucian had changed him. Now, to see if he remained aloof or regained his passion, his fervor and drive.

Michael moved toward me with a hand out. I took it gladly. Part of me wanted him to rush off to begin his work to find Ariel, but I'd meant what I told Gabe. I'd missed them while they were gone.

A moment in Michael's arms was a moment I desperately needed.

When my hands touched his arm, I realized he still wore Luc's old pajamas. Gabe had left in them. He'd have to stop at his home in Heaven, or ours in purgatory. He could conjure clothes if he didn't want to take the time to go change.

"Come upstairs," I said. "I'll find you something more appropriate to wear."

Michael chuckled, but took my hand and let me lead him to my bedroom. I walked into the closet and came out with one of Lucian's suits that might be broad enough in the shoulders for Michael.

He stripped immediately, slipping the pajama pants down. I couldn't help but look at