Why do you hate him?
Gabrielle arched an eyebrow. I am merely stating what is true. Have his past behaviors not proven that?
Jeremy shook his head. He couldnt understand the animosity she had towards Lash. Hed thought once Lash had finally proven himself that shed be more lenient with him. Hed returned only to find that she was exactly the same as when he left.
If youre worried about Lash, I assure you, there wont be any interference from him. Ill see to that.
Worried? You could say that. When he finds out that Im the one to be paired with the love his life on her first assignment, Hell
She glared at his choice of words.
Uh, what I mean ishe cleared his throatyou know, hes not the most reasonable of angels. And we did leave things hanging there after our fight.
I had suggested you take the time off in order to give you, and hopefully Lash, space to reflect on all that has transpired. Gabrielle glanced up at the mountain and then back to Jeremy. And maybe resolve any feelings that may be...lingering.
Jeremy swallowed nervously at her innuendo. Im not sure what you mean.
Her voice was low and soft as she spoke. You do realize you have a reputation for being a great poker player. Your skills would be useful in this situation, dont you think?
He furrowed his brow. I dont understand.
Gabrielle sighed. Although I abhor the game, I am quite skilled at maintaining what you call a poker face. I would say Ive been quite successful at it.
Her face changed as if a mask was taken off, and the tough demeanor she was notorious for was replaced by a soft and vulnerable woman. You have feelings for the girl. It was clear when you were by her bedside, waiting for her to awake. In fact, it was written all over your face the first time you saw her when you were on assignment with Deborah and Nathan.
You saw that?
Yes. Her voice was soft.
Why? Why were you watching over me?
Because I knew how you felt about her long ago when she was to become your wife. And I know feelings like that dont disappeareven when memories are suppressed.
He took a step forward and gripped her arm. What do you know? Tell me. He needed to know more. Maybe if he knew what happened in his past, he could get rid of his growing feelings.
She winced and looked down at his hand.
Sorry. He dropped his hand. He was going too far. He needed to get himself under control.
Its not my story to tell. She rubbed the spot on her arm where he had grabbed her. That is something Raphael wants to share with you, Lash, and Naomi. He is with Michael as we speak, seeking permission to disclose some of your past.
Will we get our memories back?
Its unlikely. Im sure Raphael has shared with you that the suppression of your memory is part of his punishment.
Jeremy nodded. While he was waiting by Naomis side for her to wake up, Raphael had told with him why he and Lash couldnt remember their past. It seems like a long time to be punished.
It is not for you to decide how long a punishment should be, she reprimanded. But I agree. I believe this has continued because it is all tied together with what is happening now, including your current assignment. What Raphael did had a ripple effect not only for you, Lash, and Naomi, but ultimately with... she paused as Jeremy stared at her with bated breath.
Well, I must take my leave. I just wanted to tell you that your assignment will come soon, and I wanted to give you time to prepare yourself.
Jeremy let out a breath, disappointed. She wasnt giving away anything. Regardless, he had to figure out a way to get out of this assignment if he ever wanted to make things right with Lash.
Is there any way I can appeal my assignment? Perhaps if I speak to Michael?
You could, but it will only anger him more. I have already spoken to him on your behalf. How do you think you were given permission to leave and place yourself in isolation?
You did that?
Yes. Why do you look so surprised? Ive been known to do a nice thing or two from time to time, she said with a twinkle in her green eyes.
He blinked with shock. She actually looked like she was teasing.
Michael wanted you to be in charge of her instruction as well as pair with her on her first assignment. I convinced him to allow me to do the training.
Gabrielle, I dont know how to thank you. If only she could be this gracious with Lash, life would be so different for his brother. Although Lash would never admit it, all he ever wanted from her was respect.
There you are. I have been searching for you, Jeremiel. Raphael called from the direction of the gardens. An older replica of himself walked toward them with a large smile on his face. Welcome back, my son.
Jeremy swallowed thickly at those words. Raphael had always felt like a father to him. Although hed always seemed to lavish his attention on Lash, Raphael managed to spend some of his time with him.
Based on the smile on your face, I take it your meeting with Michael went well, Gabrielle said.
Yes. Yes, it did. He agreed it would benefit us all to divulge some information about our past in the hopes of strengthening our connections and promoting healing. Raphael turned to Jeremy and slapped him on the shoulder. Come, Jeremiel. We have much to share with your brother.
Just before Jeremy turned, he caught Gabrielle looking at Raphael with such longing that he did a double take. Her green eyes narrowed, and her face shifted back into the old Gabrielle, and he wondered if he was imaging things.
She glanced up at the mountain and back at him, giving him a subtle smile. Remember what I said, Jeremy. Play your game of poker.
3
Naomi placed the dishes in the sink and feverishly cleaned the kitchen, trying to erase the image of a dying Uri out of her mind. She didnt want to think about the possibility of losing Lash like that.
What are you doing? Lash stood behind her, trailing a finger down her neck.
Cleaning. She swept the beans into a container and placed the bingo cards in a small box.
I meant what I said. He took the box from her hands and placed it back on the table.
Smoldering hazel eyes locked with hers and slowly drifted down to her mouth. He gently stroked a thumb across her lower lip and stared at it, mesmerized.
Her breath hitched, and she inhaled his delicious scent, making her forget about Uri, Rachel, Hell, and death. What did you say?
He leaned in closer, his lips hovering above hers, feather light as they brushed against hers, whispering, You know.
He lifted his head and gave her a sexy smirk that never failed to make her body seem like it was on fire. Long fingers wove through her hair. He lifted a thick wavy strand to his nose and inhaled. His chest rumbled with pleasure, making her weak in the knees.
Gently, he swept her hair to her other shoulder, keeping his eyes locked with hers. His fingers curled around the nape of her neck, and he pulled her to him.
She quivered as his tongue swirled around the shell of her ear, hot and wet. She let out a soft moan.
Am I distracting you? His voice was deep and sensuous.
N-no. She gasped as searing lips pressed against her neck and worked their way down. You said...something about...activities?
He lifted her hand and placed it on his chest. She could feel the searing heat of his toned body under his shirt. Mm-hmm. His chest rumbled, making her hand tingle.
Pressing his hand over hers, his eyes lit up teasingly. You like the new and improved Lash?
He guided her hand down his chest, and she delighted in the feel of his hardened muscles. Yes, she breathed as her fingers lined the crevices of his abs. More than you know.
Show me. His voice was rough with desire.
Twining fingers into his silky soft hair, she pulled him down to her. Feverish lips crashed down onto hers. Hot wet lips devoured her mouth; his chin scraped across hers with each plunge of his tongue, leaving her chin pink and raw.
She tugged on his shirt, desperate to feel his skin and the warmth of his chest against hers. They separated for a moment as clothing was tossed on the floor. Then Lash reached down and lifted her up, and she wrapped her legs tightly around his waist.
She felt her back against the cool wall as Lash pressed himself against her. She moaned at the hardness of his touch, and she throbbed, wanting him, needing him. They could do this a thousand times, and it still wouldnt be enough.
She clawed at his back as his lips swept down her throat and over the top of her full breasts. She tilted her head back, moaning and squeezing her legs tighter. Lash groaned.
She ran her tongue over his strong square jaw, relishing the scratchy feel of his stubble. He moaned again, and she gasped as he grew unbelievably harder under her.
Before she knew it, there was a loud clatter of table and chairs falling to the ground as Lash crashed out of the kitchen and into their bedroom, holding her tightly against him.
When he released her, she fell back into a cloud of softness. Lash stood over her, his eyes simmering with passion. Youre so beautiful.
Slowly, he lay down beside her, his fingers ghosting over her lips, down her neck and circling her breast. She moaned at his feather-light touch.
Come here. She pulled him to her.
His rock-hard body pressed against her chest as he kissed her deeply.
Naomi, my Naomi, he mumbled as he sucked on her neck, tasting her. I love you.
Her heart swelled with love for him. Shed never grow tired of hearing those words.
You are mine. Forever, he whispered.
A sudden nagging feeling swept through her as the word forever echoed in her mind. Then she saw an image of Rachels grief-stricken face.
Wait, Lash, she said, sitting up in bed. I just thought of something.
Ill clean the mess in the kitchen later. He pulled her back down to him and in between his kisses said, Less thinking, more doing.
She sat back up again. Something about this was off. But what? She hadnt had this strange feeling before. Why now? Somethings wrong.
He groaned and flipped over on his back. What could be wrong? Were alone; were together.
Its not that.
What is it then?
Should we be together?
He shot up, his face looking terrified. Are you having doubts about us?
No, no! Not at all. She immediately felt guilty for making him think that. Thats not what I meant. Youre the only one for me. I cant ever be without you. She leaned over and kissed him deeply.
He sighed with relief. Whats wrong then?
I just meant, should we be doing, you know, this? Naomi pointed to his naked, his gloriously naked, body.
He pulled her to him and nuzzled her neck. Umm, hum. Definitely.
Naomi quivered as his hands stroked her breasts. She fell back into the bed. Yes, this was right. It felt so right. What was she thinking?
Her hands stroked his chest. He felt so good.
God, Naomi. I want you so much.
God!
Wait, Lash, she panted, trying to catch her breath. Slowly, memories of long afternoons in catechism classes and Welitas lectures on chastity resurfaced. I mean should we be together like this, since were not married?
He pulled back and looked at her, stunned. Married?
She bit down on her lip, not sure how to broach the subject. It wasnt like she was a prude or anything like that. Lash wasnt her first. The thought of having sex before marriage never bothered her before, despite Welitas and her fathers lectures about staying chaste. But things were different now. She was an archangel. Wasnt she supposed to be a role model or something like that?
Well, I dont know if angels get married or have some kind of formal union. I mean, I dont know if things like marriage mean the same thing here as they do on Earth.
His lips curled into a smile. They do. Many angel couples make vows of commitment to each other, Uri and Rachel for one. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Is that what you want?
She looked deep into his eyes. Yes. I want to be bound to you, forever.
He cupped her face. His eyes were filled with so much love, it took her breath away. Theres nothing I want more than to be bound to you too. Ill talk to Michael tomorrow and make the arrangements. He then leaned over and kissed her.
Slowly, she felt herself falling back into the bed, and his hands caressed her inner thighs.
She moaned, and the guilty feeling resurfaced again. Lash, maybe we should wait until its official.
He groaned and flipped on his back again. Youre killing me, Naomi.
Im sorry. Its just, well, maybe it would be better if we did this the right way.
Why now? Weve been doing this nonstop since you got here. He sat up and gave her a smoldering look. And if I recall, your loud enthusiasm was one of the reasons why I built our home up on the side of this mountain far away from prying eyes and ears. I think you may have even busted Gabrielles ear drums, based on the dirty looks shes been giving me lately.
Her jaw dropped, and her face grew hot. Besides having enhanced sight and strength, angels also had amplified hearing. Most of the time, that was seen as a positive. But when you were living in close quarters and wanted privacy? Not so much.
I ... you... well... She was so embarrassed.
He chuckled and kissed the tip of her nose. Youre so cute when youre flustered.
Argh! She got out of bed and put on a robe. Im being serious.
He leaned back against the headboard, his arms behind his head. Tell me: whats the real problem?
She sat on the edge of the bed. He read her like an open book. Its what Rachel said about her and Uri. I dont want that to happen to us.
His eyes grew serious, and he reached out to stroke her cheek. It wont. Im here with you. Im not going anywhere.
But what if we get in trouble for doing this premarital sex stuff? I dont want to take any chances.
Naomi, thats not going to happen.
Itll make me feel better if we make it official. She leaned over and kissed him gently.
He looked at her and shook his head, laughing. If it will really make you feel better...
Yes, it well. She beamed. Tell me what the ceremony is like.
Well, its not too different from the way youre probably used to seeing. Michael performs a binding ceremony, and the couple makes vows of commitment to each other in front of witnesses.
Have you been to one before?
Uri and Rachel had their ceremony a while back. It was 1987 or 88. Im not sure. It was definitely the 80s, though. He had this weird Flock of Seagulls hair thing going on back then.
She laughed at the vision of Uri with his hair styled like a pair of wings to match the wings on his back. The style was all the rage back in the 80s. Her fathers love for alternative music and new wave bands introduced her to a wide range of strange looking hair and fashion. Yeah, I can definitely see him doing that.
Naomis laughter quieted, and she became somber again as she thought about the ceremony. Shed never seen herself being married or committed to anyone, not until she met Lash. She knew it was something Welita would have loved to see. And her father, he wouldve loved to walk her down the aisle with her arm in his. Tears pricked her eyes at the thought that her family wouldnt be there to see it.
I thought you were happy about this? His voice was soft.
She looked up at him and forced a smile on her face. I am. Im committing myself to you. She kissed his lips gently.
Be honest. We dont want to start our forever with secrets, do we?
She sighed. Its just that I miss my family sometimes. They wont be here to see this. And my dad, Ill never get to experience this with him.
Her eyes widened with surprise as his face paled. Without a word, he quickly got out of bed, went to the kitchen, and poured himself a glass of water.
She watched his back muscles tense as he faced away from her, silent. Lash?
He downed his drink before turning his attention back to her. His lips were wet as he spoke. I wish there was something I could do to fix that for you.
Oh, Lash. It isnt your fault my father is gone or that Im here. I just need to keep reminding myself that by being here, I can take care of my family better.
Uh, Naomi. He brushed the moisture off his lips with the back of his hand. Theres something I need to tell you about that.
What is it?
He licked his lips nervously and opened his mouth, about to say something, then closed it.
Lash? She felt panic set in. Something was wrong. Why was he acting so strange?
He shook his head and then looked at her with a smile that didnt quite reach his eyes. Youre absolutely right. Together, we can watch over Welita and the others. Tell you what: lets take a peek at them in the morning.
Id love that! She beamed and then suddenly frowned. No, wait. I dont think we should. Gabrielle was pretty firm about me staying away from the bridge for a while.
Ah, dont mind her. Well be real quick about it.
She struggled between wanting to follow Gabrielles orders and seeing Welita. She wanted so badly to tell her about her binding ceremony to Lash. It was the closest thing she had next to Welita being there. Maybe I should go alone.
I want to go with you.
I dont want you to get in trouble. You just got back!
Will you stop worrying? Ill be fine. Besides, I wasnt told to stay away from the bridge. He grinned. Id love to see them. Theyll be my family too real soon.
She threw her arms around him. Lash, youve made me the happiest woman in the world. I love you.
He pulled back, searching her eyes. No matter what?
She blinked with surprise. Of course. Why would you ask a silly question like
She jumped at the sudden pounding on the door. Who could that be? The only people who come over are Uri and Rachel. Naomi cinched her robe tighter as she padded toward the door.
He grabbed her hand. Dont.
She laughed. Whats wrong with you today? Youre so jumpy.
Ill get it, he said.
She shook her head as he frantically threw on a pair of jeans. You act like we live in the middle of the most dangerous neighborhood in Houston.
He ran to the front door and swung it open. His jaw tensed and his hands curled into fists.
Bro! Jeremy cried as he stepped inside, slapping him on the back as he passed him. Am I too late for bingo?
4
A tumult of emotions ran through Lash as he watched Jeremy step into the room. He took a deep breath, reminding himself that this was his brother, his longtime best friend. He tried his best to shake the vision, no, the memory he had of Jeremy and Naomi.
It was a memory that kept replaying in his head, even after Jeremy left on his so-called break and Lash moved Naomi up to their mountain home. It was of Jeremy handing a wedding band to Naomis father, a symbol of the old days, when the first-born of the household made his intentions for marriage directly to the womans father. Raphael hadnt denied it was a memory.
And Jeremy? He didnt have to say anythingthe look on his face said it all. Lash remembered the expression on his face when he first laid his eyes on Naomi. Lash couldnt shake that look from his mind. Now there he was, acting as if nothing had changed.
Even though Naomi was adamant that all her memories were of him, he couldnt help but wonder if in the past, a past she couldnt remember, she had loved Jeremy. Would that change now that Jeremy was back and she got to know him better? It seemed like everyone loved him, even Gabrielle.
No. He had to believe Naomi would stay true to him, no matter what.
Just as he was about to speak, Raphael floated through the door, his smile disappearing when he took in the expression on Lashs face.
Have we come at a bad time?
You could say that, Lash thought. His eyes followed Jeremy as the golden-haired angel walked toward the one person he wanted to keep all to himself. When Naomi smiled up at him, he fought the instinct to grab her and take her as far away from his brother as possible.
Of course not, Naomi said to him and then turned to Jeremy. So, spill it.
Jeremy paled, and an odd expression flashed across his face. Uh, spill what?
The boots. Rachel said you got a pair, she said, looking down expectantly at his feet.
Jeremy let out a rush of air, and the ever-present grin returned. You bet! He stuck out his foot. Tell me these boots dont rock it.
She laughed. You definitely made some changes while you were gone. I miss your suits, though I love the leather jacket. Is that why you disappeared for so long? Shopping?
Why? Miss me? Jeremy winked.
Lash took a step forward. He didnt like where this was goingnot at all.
Raphael immediately stepped in front of Lash, blocking his way. We all missed you, Jeremiel, he said.
You left so quickly the day after you and Lash... Naomi bit her lip and glanced nervously at Lash. Well, I was hoping you two would talk it out.
That is why we are here, Raphael said. I was given permission to divulge some information to you about our past. Shall we have a seat?
As they gathered in the living room, Lash firmly placed Naomis hand in his. He eyed Jeremy, who sat across from them with Raphael. There was something off about Jeremy. Although he was smiling, he didnt seem happy. The special spark that drew everyone to him was gone. In all the years hed known him, Jeremy had never looked like he did now. It had always been the other way around, where he was the brooding one and Jeremy was by his side, distracting him from whatever troubled him. He struggled between his desire to console his old friend and wanting to stay angry with him.
He watched Jeremys eyes zoom in on Naomis hand as it held on to his, and then quickly look away when Lash caught him staring.
Its easier to stay mad, he thought.
Before Jeremiel left on hisRaphael glanced at Jeremy and cleared his throatextended assignment, I shared with him the information that I had shared with you, Lahash.
Hermano! Jeremy held out a fist toward him, grinning. Dont leave me hanging, Bro.
Lash felt Naomi jabbing him in the ribs. How did she get such a pointy elbow?
He sighed and reached out to fist-bump him.
Naomi beamed. That would explain why you two were such great friends all those years.
Were, Lash mumbled under his breath.
Jeremy frowned slightly as he sat back in his seat. You know I wouldve told you about my assignment if I were allowed.
Yeah, sure. Whatever.
Lash, Naomi reprimanded.
He let go of her hand, scowling. I thought you didnt trust him, and now youre all lets be one happy family. I dont know. Maybe Im better off not remembering the past.
How can not having a memory of your own family be better? Its a part of who you are, she said.
Those are wise words, Naomi, Raphael said, his voice low and with authority. He turned to Lash and looked him straight in the eye. The person you are today is made from who you were yesterday. Your past influences the present, and it is family that shapes your growth.
See, thats exactly what I mean. We all know Im a screw-up. Lash stood up and paced the floor. I only had a few memories shown to me, but they were enough for me to know, to realize that even back then, I was second bestto you. He directed at Jeremy.
Lahash, Raphael stood up and placed a hand on his shoulder. Lucifer showed you only what serves to benefit him.
Lash pulled away. No, Raphael. It was more than that. Even before the memories, I felt it. I know you were disappointed with me staying a seraph and getting disciplined after almost every assignment. Jeremy and I both started as seraphs, and within the year he was assigned the position of archangel. And me, well...
Be fair, Lash, Jeremy said. You antagonized Gabrielle even from the beginning.
Lash spun around. You, shut up!
Naomi gasped. Lash!
No, Naomi. You werent there, and you dont know. He breathed hard. He was tired of everyone taking Jeremys side. At the time, I didnt see it. But now I do. I was questioned every step of the way. And Jeremy? Never. We did the same things, but Jeremy was always let off, and me? Im the one who got in trouble. It was as if he could do no wrong.
Thats not true! Jeremy jumped to his feet.
You may be right, Raphael said softly.
Jeremy froze, and Lashs jaw dropped.
The room was a tense silence for a moment before Raphael continued. Please sit down and let me explain.
Naomi tugged Lashs arm. He took one look at the tears glistening in her eyes, and he melted. He hadnt meant to get mad at her. Im sorry. Forgive me?
She nodded.
Sitting by her side, he placed an arm around her and turned his attention back to Raphael.
As you know, Jeremiel is your older brother. As was the custom at the time, the first-born was given rights above all others in the family. He was the heir to what our family owned. With his right as first born, he was to marry before Lahash, and that is where your family came into play, he said looking to Naomi.
She pressed a hand to her chest. My family?
Naomi, Raphael reached over and placed her hand in his. Your first family is from the City of Ai. Your father owned an inn and was a very successful businessman. He was considered to be an esteemed leader of the city. He released her hand and looked to Jeremy and Lash. You two were born of a human mother and an angelic father.
Rebecca, Lash said.
Raphael nodded, and his face grew sad at the sound of the name.
So, were Nephilim, Jeremy said, sitting back down.
What? Naomi gasped. Arent the Nephilim evil giants?
Some of the stories that have been told over the years are not entirely accurate, Raphael said. Just as there are evil people, there were Nephilim who took advantage of their heritage. As for my sons, I taught them humility and respect for all those around them. And, at the time, they did not know they were born half-angels.
I thought all the Nephilim were wiped out? Naomi asked.
Raphael smiled. You know your scripture very well.
Catechism classes every Wednesday. I skipped once, but Chuy ratted me out to Welita. I couldnt sit down for a week. Naomi sighed with a smile on her face, as if remembering.
Raphael took a deep breath as if what he was going to say next was difficult. Among the humans, the Nephilim stood out for their beauty and strength. Many people in the city worshipped them as if they were gods. Jeremielhe threw a wary glance at Lashwas favored above all, both human and Nephilim, for his skill and strength. There were many families who desired to betroth their daughters to him, including your family, Naomi.
That figures, Lash mumbled.
Naomi patted his leg. Its all in the past. Im here with you now.
Looking up at her, Lash brushed his finger across her cheek. Yes, you are. He turned back to Raphael and saw a strange expression on Jeremys face again. He ignored it, not wanting to upset Naomi again.