He jumped out of the tree and gracefully landed in front of her. For the first time, she really looked at him and realized that he looked different from when they had first met.
Gone were his usual black suit and crisp white shirt. He wore a simple of pair of jeans that hugged his hips. A soft-looking black leather jacket was thrown over a simple white cotton T-shirt.
She eyed him carefully. It was something she could imagine Lash wearing.
Why dont you wear your suits anymore?
His smile froze, and after a moment, he gave a forced laugh. I gotta keep up with the latest trends. Besides, I had a feeling this assignment would require more wash-n-wear clothing.
His eyes locked with hers briefly before he quickly diverted them. He walked a few steps away from her and plopped himself on the grass. So guess what Chuy and Lalo are up to.
She sank down beside him, crossing her legs Indian style. Im almost afraid to ask.
They were able to get some evidence that Prescott Oil is illegally dumping the chemicals theyre using. Lalo somehow even managed to get proof that theyre not lining the wells according to Federal regulations. I dont know how he got it, but he did. Chuy is going to sneak Megan into the press conference. Shes going to try to make a scene to attract media attention and then give them the evidence.
She shook her head. I hope it works. It didnt work for me.
He gave her a questioning look.
Long story. She sighed, remembering how shed crashed the senators fundraising banquet only to be immediately tossed out. I guess that means Ill be there too.
Yeah, the both of us.
Dont you need to stay with Emma?
He cursed under his breath and turned his head away from her.
She studied his profile, watching his square jaw tense. Whats wrong?
Nothing. So, how did it go?
Great. He was changing the subject. It was no use pressing him to tell her.
Shes not the same, she said. It was hard seeing her like that.
Is she okay?
Yeah, I guess. I mean, she seems to be doing well, but she looked so fragile. The year has really taken a toll on her. And...
She hesitated to tell him what she had done, appearing to Welita. Would he get mad?
And what? he prodded with sapphire eyes that glowed with openness. He was on her side. She could trust him.
And she saw me.
He grinned, dimples flashing. Did she freak?
She laughed. Of course not. She already knew I was there. My grandmother has always believed in angels. Didnt Lash tell you that your mother was her guardian angel?
There was a tense silence. Hurt passed over his face, and she bit down on her lip. How could she forget that Lash was barely on speaking terms with him?
Im sorry. I forgot about you and....well, what about Raphael? Didnt he tell you about Rebecca and my grandmother?
I havent been talking that much to Raphael lately, either. I had to leave soon after you were reunited with Lash. I was sent on assignment, remember? Raphael mentioned it.
Oh, right. Why were you sent on a job so soon? I thought Gabrielle would cut you some slack. She likes you.
He studied her face for a moment, and she felt that pull again, as if he was silently urging her to him. After a moment, he let out a breath and looked away. I wasnt really on an assignment. I had some...things I had to do.
Oh. I didnt mean to pry.
He groaned and fell back into the grass, gazing at the stars in the cloudless sky. Its not easy being the angel of death.
She furrowed her brow, wondering what he was talking about. I can imagine.
When he turned his head toward her, long spears of grass brushed against his flawless face. I wasnt happy being a seraph. I wanted to be an archangel. I even tried to convince Lash to be one too. He didnt want it. I thought he was holding himself back and being his rebellious self. Now I know it was because being an archangel wouldve stifled him, taken the best out of him.
She knew exactly what he meant. She felt the burden of being an archangel, and she hadnt even completed her training yet. Oh, Lash. Welita is rightwe are a perfect match.
He chuckled as he continued to reminisce. You shouldve seen the things he did to rile up Gabrielle. I miss him.
She felt an ache in her chest. She missed Lash too. What she wouldnt do to have him there at this moment. She desperately wanted to see him and tell him she was sorry: sorry for staying mad at him, for hurting him, and that she understood now why hed done what he did.
Theres one thing about being the archangel of death that amazes me though.
Whats that?
People can be so strong in the face of death. He sat up, bracing himself on his elbows. Almost everyone Ive had to take over to the other side finds a way to put themselves at peace with it. They ask forgiveness from loved ones or mutter a prayer. But the ones that amaze me the most are those who take danger head on, knowing theyll more than likely die, and yet they face that danger anyway. And the psalm they mutter. Its so beautiful.
She thought back to her catechism classes, remembering that a psalm is like a song or prayer. There were so many. Which one?
You know the one that starts off with Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death?
Yeah. You like that one?
He nodded. Theres something about it when a person mutters it under his breath, you can feel a sense of peace. Like theyre resolved to face their death. Sometimes, I wonder if I would be able to do something like that.
What do you mean? Face your own death?
I dont know if Im strong enough to do it. He barked a laugh. Imagine that. The angel of death afraid of dying.
Why would you even think it? Her mind flashed to Uri and Rachel.
He pulled himself up and walked a few feet away from her. Because, I guess, deep inside, I know Im a coward.
No, youre not. She went to him and turned him around to face her. You and Lash are the bravest people I know. You had to make sure I got to the top of Shiprock. And you had to do it without telling your best friend. I know hes still mad at you, but hell come around. And you had to know that hed get mad even though you were doing what was best for him.
Jeremy dropped his head. You think too much of me. I didnt know you were going to join us. I was just doing my duty.
I wasnt talking about me. You knew that hed go back home after you...uh, after your job was done.
Say it, Naomi. After I killed you.
Jeremy, look at me. Her hand reached out to him, and when it touched his strong jaw, his breath hitched. He tried to pull away from her, but she firmly lifted his head to make his eyes meet hers.
Naomi, please dont. His voice was raw.
Dont what? Dont tell you Youre a wonderful brother? Dont tell you Youve been a great friend to me?
If you knew what I was feeling, you wouldnt be saying those things.
I know you may be...confused about your feelings for me, but
Im not confused, he said, his sapphire eyes gazed deeply into hers.
Jeremy. You may think that right now, but with time, as you get to know me, youll see things...youll see us more clearly. Theres one thing I know for certain. She placed a hand on his chest. This heart loves his family deeply and will do anything for them.
His eyes smoldered at her touch, and she swallowed at their intensity. He reached out, and his fingers ghosted over her face as if memorizing every single inch. When they reached her lips, she gasped as his thumb gently stroked her bottom lip. Slowly, he leaned in toward her, lips parting. She was about to pull away from him when something crashed into his body, sending him twenty feet into the air.
A blur whirled past her, straight to where Jeremy lay groaning. She was about to run to him when the shadow stopped and turned to face her.
Lash!
16
Naomis heart skipped a beat at the glorious sight of Lash. His hazel eyes blazed with fury as he stared down at Jeremy. His fist clenched tightly against his side, muscles straining, tensing, ready to fight. The sides of his jaw jutted out, and he gritted his teeth, emphasizing his handsome chiseled face.
Lash, she breathed.
He turned, and his face softened when his eyes met hers. Naomi. Im sorry about...everything.
She heard a groan, and her eyes darted to Jeremy as he lifted himself from the ground. Whirling, Lash took a threatening step towards him.
Naomi rushed to Lash and grasped his arm. Dont. Hes your brother.
Hurt flashed across his eyes as he studied her face. Youhe swallowed thicklycare for him?
Of course I do.
He sucked in a breath as if hed been punched.
Hes my brother too, she explained. At least, he will be soon.
He blinked and looked at her as if he couldnt believe what she was saying. You still want to be bound to me? You forgive me?
Yes! Yes!
Before she could say another word, fevered lips pressed down on hers with such passion, she felt like she would float away at any minute. Tears streamed down her face, thinking of how stupid shed been to hurt him the way she did. She kissed him back deeply. Her arms clung to his neck as she drowned herself in his kiss. This was where she belonged, in his arms.
Oh Lash, I love you, she said in between kisses. I have always loved you. Im so sorry I left like I did.
Naomi, I was so scared. I thought youd stop loving me.
Never...no matter what.
He paused and pulled back. Gazing at her tenderly, he brushed the tears from her cheeks. Why are you crying?
Because Im so happy.
He chuckled and placed his forehead on hers. Im happy too.
There was a sudden movement coming from behind Lash that caught her eye. Her heart flew to her throat at the sight of Jeremys face. Red with fury, it grew closer as he charged at them.
Lash, look out!
Before he could turn, a pair of arms lifted him off the ground. She screamed as iron claws also cut into her shoulders and jerked her up.
Jeremy dove and crashed into whatever it was that had grabbed her. The entity let out a grunt and released her, sending her slamming to the ground.
As she scrambled to get on her feet, Jeremy crouched in front of her. Get behind me!
Impressive, Jeremiel. I see domestic bliss hasnt softened you. You managed to put down one of my best fighters.
Her heart fell to the pit of her stomach at the sound of the familiar voice. A hulking shadow moved out from behind the trees, and she clutched Jeremys arm when she saw who it was.
Youre not touching her, Saleos, Jeremy growled as the dark angel hed taken down got up and took his place beside Sal.
Oh, Im not interested in touching her...yet. Sal smirked, waving over to someone behind him. A second dark angel emerged from the shadows, an exact replica of the one who had attacked Naomi. They both had the same beady black eyes and shaved heads. They looked exactly like the demons in a childs nightmare.
The dark angel dragged something behind him, pulling it from the shadow. He let out a frustrated roar as he jerked forward, throwing Lash in front of him. A massive arm quickly wrapped around Lashs throat, and another clinched him by the waist.
No! Naomi screamed as she charged toward them. Let him go!
Dont. Jeremy grabbed her arm, pulling her back.
I see youre the one who wants to do the touching, Jeremiel, Sal said. Youve been at it for quite some time. How long was it, ten, fifteen minutes?
Lash growled at his words and attempted to lunge after Sal. When he managed to get one arm loose, the dark angels twin grabbed it and twisted it behind his back. Lash howled in pain.
Please, dont hurt him, Naomi sobbed. Let him go. Ill go with you.
Aw, so sweet. She wants to sacrifice herself for you, Lahash. It must be love. Sal sneered the word. I wonder if she would still be willing to after spending a night with Jeremiel. Hmm?
Lash turned red and kicked his feet up, struggling against the dark angels grip. The dark angel yanked him back, laughing.
Dont listen to him, Lash, Jeremy pleaded.
Lash stopped struggling and glared at Jeremy. I saw you. I know what you were doing. You lied to me!
Its not like that, Jeremy said. She loves you.
And you love her! Admit it! he spat.
Tell him, Jeremy, Naomi said, touching his arm. Tell him youre just confused. Its not what he thinks.
Sapphire eyes looked down at her, and raw emotion filled his handsome face.
I cant, he croaked.
No, she whispered. She didnt want it to be this way. Lash needed his big brother. Please...just tell him.
Jeremy bowed his head and turned. It was as if he couldnt bear to face Lash. Youre right. I love her.
Lash let out a stream of curses. His fury was so intense, it took both evil twins to hold him down.
A loud clapping pierced the night air as Sal took a step toward Jeremy. Well played, my friend. You cant remember the past, and yet centuries later, youve still managed to keep Naomi by your side. You even got her assigned to work with you.
Hes lying. I never wanted to hurt you, Jeremy said to Lash before turning to Sal. And I am not your friend.
Oh, Im hurt, Sal said. Really, I am. Well, this family drama has been entertaining, but I fear we must leave now. Say your good-byes, Lahash.
The evil twins started to drag Lash away.
No! Not him! It didnt make any sense. She was the one they were after. Theyd bought out her entire neighborhood and gotten Welita and Chuy to leave and be placed under Lucifers watchful eye. They were here for her. Take me. Youre here for me.
Jeremy pulled her to his chest, restraining her. The dark twins ignored her pleas as they let out their black wings, ready to take flight.
They cant be leaving. They cant. Naomi struggled against Jeremys strong grip, trying to get to the man she loved.
Lash, I love you!
Naomi, stop, Lash said with an eerie calm.
Her eyes locked with his, and a cold swept through her at the expression on his face. It was the same way hed looked at her when she was dying. It was as if he was saying good-bye to her. Youll always be in my heart, he whispered.
He squeezed his eyes shut and muttered something to himself. He then took a deep breath, as if hed made a decision. Opening his eyes, he turned to Jeremy, looking at him intently.
Jeremy, listen to me, he said in a low rumble. Im depending on your love for her. Do not let Sal or Lucifer get their hands on her. Promise me.
You have my word. Ill watch over her as I would a sister.
With those words, the dark angels flapped their wings, sending a strong gust through the trees, and flew away up into the sky. In an instant, they disappeared.
Lash was gone.
No! Naomi shrieked. She elbowed Jeremy hard in his stomach, making him drop to his knees, groaning. Flicking out her wings, she instantly went after them.
Where are they? Where did they go? Tears streamed down her face as she circled the night sky. They were nowhere in sight.
She was about to climb higher when Jeremy tackled her and they fell, slamming onto the ground.
Let go of me. She clawed and punched at him. I need to go after them. Let. Me. Go!
She punched him in the face with a loud crack.
She is a wild one. Sal cackled in the background.
She dove at Sal, but before she reached him, Jeremy threw himself on top of her. Damn it, Jeremy!
He helped her to her feet and stood behind her, his strong arms holding her in a tight grip. Im not letting you place yourself in danger.
Ignoring Jeremy, she growled at Sal. Take me, Asshole! You know Lucifer wants me. Ill give you anything you want.
Sal arched an eyebrow. Anything?
She froze. An icy chill went through her as Sals eyes traveled up and down her body.
She gulped. Yes, anything.
I wont let you, Jeremy hissed. Shes not for the taking, Saleos.
He smirked. You offer is...interesting, but Im afraid I cant take it at this time...although I think you wouldve enjoyed yourself.
With a loud cracking sound, he spread his wings out to their full length and elevated up into the sky. Circling them, he said, After all, I have body parts that are more impressive than the size of my wings.
Wait! Lucifer wants me. You know he does.
Sal threw his head back and laughed. He never wanted you. You were just bait.
When Sal disappeared, Naomis legs gave out and she sank to the ground. She was so confused. While she was human, shed been running to get away from Lucifer. Sal had hunted her down. Hed shot at her...twice! It even got Deborah and Nathan killed. Why had they put so much effort into trying to kill her, get rid of her, and now changed their minds?
I dont understand. Why Lash? What are they going to do to him?
Jeremy stood off alone to the side, his face unreadable, staring off in the direction the dark angels had gone with Lash.
Jeremy?
He shook his head as if clearing it. Im sorry. What were you saying?
Why are they after Lash?
I dont know.
She sighed. If I cant trade myself for him, then well just have to get him back by force.
She stood up with a determined look on her face. Okay, so we need to go back and let the others know what happened. We can come up with a plan to save him.
She began to pace. Now, how can we find him? I know. Ill ask Raphael. Maybe hell know where they took him. She turned to Jeremy. Come on, lets go.
We cant go.
Why?
Jeremy looked in the direction of the hospital. We have jobs to do.
She balked. Youve got to be kidding me. Are you telling me that I have to stay here and look over Megan?
Yes. Its your duty.
She looked back at the hospital, at the window to the room where Emma lay struggling for her life. Her job was to look over Megan. If she left, would that mean something would happen to Megan, leaving Emma all alone?
Emmas father will be here soon. And, Im sure Megan will be okay. Besides, you let me go see Welita. She bent her knees, ready to take flight.
That was before. Jeremy grabbed her arm.
Before what?
Before I knew what Megan and Chuy have planned for the morning.
She rolled her eyes. That? Crashing in on a press conference? The most that will happen is theyll sic the cops on her. Maybe get her charged with a misdemeanor. Its nothing.
No, Naomi. You stay here. Ill go.
He looked nervously back at the hospital.
Why wont you let me go? Its just Megan.
A look of pain crossed Jeremys face. Its more than that.
What is it? What are you not telling me?
I wasnt here for Emma.
Naomi let out a rush of air. Shes going to live. She was so relieved. Why was he telling her this now?
Yes, I believe so.
Thats why you helped her?
He nodded.
So you were here for Megans aunt.
I wasnt here for her, either.
Dread washed over her, and she fought against the voices in the back of her head that told her the answer.
Who? her voice was barely above a whisper.
Chuy.
17
The chamber was exactly the way Rachel had described it. A lake of lava surrounded Lash, licking his feet, blackening the tips of his toes.
A narrow path lined with fiery liquid and barely a foot wide led straight to where he hung chained against the wall. That was the only way to him other than flying...if an angel was able to get into this nightmare of a place.
When Sal and the evil twins brought him in, even they were not immune to the powers of the Lake of Fire. The pit of Hell sucked the life source out of anyone who entered it.
Sal had stood back while the twins struggled to fly over the lake. Once they crossed, they had stripped Lash of his clothes and chained him to the wall. It was like Rachel had said. In the pit of Hell, even the strongest angels powers were diminished, even those of the fallen.
The twins had barely made it back to land after they chained him. Sal had thrown him one last look of disgust and then they left him alone.
Lash took a deep breath, gathered his strength, and tried for the hundredth time to break free from the heavy chains strapped to his chest and waist. As he strained, the ropes of red-hot steel pressed against his naked body, scorching him. He screamed in agony, the sound echoing through the vast tunnels surrounding the Lake of Fire.
His head lay limp on his chest, lolling back and forth. The fiery heat of the lava and the burning steel that was cinched to him like a snake of death sapped every ounce of his strength. Minutes passed feeling like hours as the chains continued to burn his skin. He tried not to move, but even that didnt work because all the while the walls cracked, allowing lava to ooze through the fissures onto his back and wings.
In between the haze of pain, he thought of Uri. Was this what it had been like for him? Skin charring right before his eyes with each passing minute. The inescapable pain made worse with the slightest movement. But what was worse, much worse, was the fear that Naomi would come after him and see him like this, the way Rachel had when she went after Uri.
He prayed that Jeremy would keep his word and watch over her. Why wouldnt he? Jeremy would finally have what hed wanted since even before he had memories of her. With him gone, Jeremy had Naomi for himself.
The image of Jeremy holding Naomi was seared into his mind, and he winced at the excruciating pain in his chest, not from the chains but from Naomi loving someone else. As much as it pained him, at least he knew that she would be loved the way she should be and not by some screw-up like himself.
He let out a staggered breath. It was for the best. For some reason, Lucifer wanted him dead. Maybe Lucifer was using him to antagonize Michael. Or maybe he thought he would lure the other angels to the lake to save him. Lucifer was an idiot if he thought itd work. No one would come for him. He wasnt important enough. It wasnt like he was Gabrielle or even Uri. He was just a lowly seraph.
The only one who would care was Naomi. And as long as Jeremy kept his word, she was safe and would never set foot in here. Hed rather die than have her in harms way.
Naomi, he moaned, needing to say her name. It was his only comfort. He was dying, and he knew it.
He closed his eyes and concentrated on the image of her face, the only thing that could keep him sane.
He thought of the way shed looked at him the last time they were together. Soft lips like rose petals kissing him gently. Lips that brushed his ear when whispering words of love. Lips that curled into a smile whenever he entered the room.
He remembered holding her in his arms when he first told her that he was an angel. The way her body molded perfectly into his. The way her fingers gently stroked his jaw and how she reached out to kiss him. And then the torment of him pulling away from her, afraid to kiss her because once he did, he wouldnt be able to let her go. And the blissful moment when he finally did kiss those lips and discovered that he had found home in her arms. She was his destiny, his soul mate.
Footsteps echoed in the corridor, and for a moment, hope leaped into his chest.
Ah, Lahash. You are a sight.
Lash slowly lifted his head, wincing at the movement. Lucifer.
Please, dont move on my account. Its a great hardship for me to see you in such...discomfort, Lucifer said. Saleos, excellent work. Did I not tell you, Where the girl is, the boy will follow?
That you did. Although Im still not convinced that your plan will work, Sal replied.
Ah, ye of little faith. Lets see about that, shall we?
What... Lash gasped as a wave of lava splashed against the wall, sending droplets of searing heat onto his feet. What plan?
Lucifer sauntered around the edge of the lava as he spoke. I have a proposition for you, my son. Its one Ive made to you before, remember?
A memory of Naomi lying in his arms on the top of Shiprock flashed through his mind.
I can save her. All you have to do is ask. The words Lucifer had said at Shiprock echoed in his mind.
I didnt go with you then, and I wont now. And dont even bother going after her. Shes already an archangel in training. The others will look after her until she grows in strength.
Lucifer stopped and looked at Lash, his lips curling into a smile that made Lashs hair stand on end. Ah, but it is not Naomi I seek. It is you.
Thats a lie, and you know it. You had Sal hunt her down. Theres no reason why you would want me.
Come now, my son. Surely, by this time, you know why.
Stop it! Stop calling me that! Lash tugged on the chain and screeched in pain as it singed his skin like a branding iron.
Calm yourself, Lahash. Youll only do yourself more harm by struggling. Perhaps now is the time for me to tell you a story about Raphael, your motherhis lips curled into a wicked smileand me.
I dont want to hear it, he moaned.
How do the humans like to start their stories? Ah, yes...once upon a time there were two devilishly handsome, excuse the pun, archangels. They were the best of friendsnot unlike you and Jeremiel.
Sal laughed. If you can still call them that.
No interruptions, Saleos. You know the story. Now its Lahashs turn to hear it. Now where was I? Ah, yes...the best friends decided to journey to Earth for a spell. You see, the golden-haired angel fell in love with a woman on Earth, and his friend, well, lets just say he didnt want to limit himself to just one woman. Now, the golden angel lived in marital bliss with the woman, and they had a son, a son who looked just like him, a perfect replica. One day, the golden angel was away with his perfect son...he was so proud of his progeny, wasnt he Saleos?
Sal nodded. He was a god among men.
Yes, he was, but I digress. Well, the hazel-eyed woman was a sight to behold. And the devilishly handsome archangel had lain with most of the beautiful women in the land, all except for one.
No, Lash groaned. I wont listen to your lies.
Please, no interruptions. I havent gotten to the best part yet, Lucifer said sweetly. Oh, but you look in such pain. Ill get to the point. Nine months later, the lovely woman gave birth to a dark-haired son. The boy was different from his older brother, always questioning, doing his own willthe complete opposite of his brother and very much like his father. Can you guess who he is?
Lies. Lies. Its all a lie, Lash growled.
Every word Ive uttered, every vision Ive shown you; they all are true. Lucifers voice dropped to a low pitch. And deep inside yourself, you know it.
Lash snarled and threw himself forward, desperate to get loose and strangle Lucifer. He gasped as the chains around his waist pressed against him, searing deep into him. His head fell to his chest as he struggled to breathe. Raphael...Raphael is my father.
There was a rumble deep in Lucifers chest. Look at me, Lahash!
Lash squeezed his eyes shut, refusing to listen to Lucifers demands. He thought of Raphael and the words he had said to him in the courtyard not so long ago. Ive always been a father to you, he had said.