AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Kaden appeared in front of me, his scent making my nose curl. My blade rested against the center of his chest. He leaned in, pressing the metal further into his skin, his eyes blazing.
“Oh, just the tip?”
“What did you do to him?” I damn near screamed.
“Do it,” he encouraged.
I wanted to skewer him but couldn’t take the chance, not while he had Xavi.
“You’re quivering, hunter.” He smiled, and it was downright evil. “Is it because of him? Is it love?” He nodded knowingly at me, pursing his lips. “The fearless Hand of Rashearim. Samkiel’s royal guards. The keepers of peace and justice. Except here you all are, pretending to be anything but the weapons we created you to be. Have a seat. Let’s talk.”
Kaden took a step back and turned, heading to the bar. My gaze swung to Xavier. He walked by me without giving me a second glance. Ignoring me completely, he took a seat beside Kaden.
I finally got my body to move and sat on the other side of Kaden. He slid a glass toward me before pouring each of us a drink.
“Drink up. We have a long trip ahead of us.”
I watched Xavier throw back his drink without a second thought. Kaden caught me looking and smiled as he gulped the shot.
“Don’t worry about him. He’s never been better.”
“What did you do to him? Why won’t he talk?”
Kaden lifted his hand, focusing on a point beyond me. A portal ripped open in the center of the room. A few of those hideous Irvikuva walked out on all fours, but the man who walked with them made my stomach lurch.
“The same thing I did with him.”
I could feel the color drain from my face. I never thought I’d see this person again. His eyes and skin burned cobalt blue, his hair falling well past his shoulders, a few thin pieces curling around his face. He had changed, but I would remember that broad nose, bronzed skin, and power anywhere. He was one of the oldest, most powerful celestials in existence, and we’d all thought him long dead.
“Azrael.” My body broke out in a cold sweat. “You’re still alive.”
Azrael ignored me as if I didn’t even exist. He walked toward us and sat on my other side.
Kaden shrugged and clenched his fist, closing the portal. “Let’s just say the lights are on, but nobody’s home.”
I swallowed and glanced at Xavier. I could call a blade forth fast enough to slash Kaden’s face. Maybe it would buy me enough time to grab Xavier and—
“I wouldn’t try anything, Cameron. Xavier won’t go with you, not anymore. He belongs to me now.”
“No, he doesn’t,” I all but spat, my fist curling on the bar.
“Want to bet? Isn’t that your thing? I have been keeping tabs on you and your little friends.”
“What?”
Before I could process the ramifications of his claim, he said, “Xavier, stand.”
Xavier slipped off the barstool and stood beside Kaden, his body relaxed, his stare vacant.
“Now take out a blade and slit your throat,” Kaden said calmly, pouring another drink.
I launched off my stool, sending it crashing to the floor as Xavier summoned a blade. I grabbed the hand he had wrapped around the hilt, holding the knife away from his throat. He struggled, trying to lean into it.
“Xavier!” I screamed, using every ounce of strength I had to keep him from doing what Kaden had asked. “Stop.”
Kaden sat sipping on his drink and watching us struggle. This was a game to him, a sick, fucking twisted game. Xavier fought me harder, but I refused to allow him to hurt himself.
“Stop this,” I gritted out between my teeth.
