Revolution (The Revelation Series Book 4) (8 page)

“You stabbed the future gargoyle king, your protector and mate, in the heart?” he repeats.

“I couldn’t wait for Michael or the angelic army to rescue Elizabeth. I was going to surrender to the dark army. My life for hers,” I respond, irritated at his amusement.

Uriel’s eyes cloud over with understanding before his face softens. “Eve, your sacrifice, while quite brave, was misguided. Divine warriors have been assigned to extract Libby.”

“I’m aware of that now. I wasn’t then,” I say softly.

“In spite of your
teen-filled angst
moment preventing the finality of your bond, your ascension has still been affected by your actions,” he chastises. “You’ve tethered a pure soul to a dark one. There are implications of that, including a premature trigger of the final stage of ascension.”

“How did you know to come to me? That I was in the final stage?”

“Your mate reached out to Mikey when you started speaking incoherently and your body began burning from the inside out,” he says as if each is an everyday occurrence.

“Abby thought maybe the fever was because I was in heat from being Asher’s mate.”

“For the love of…” Uriel rubs his face. “Please
do not
ever say
in heat
to me, again. I realize I’m new at this
uncle
thing, but a gargoyle? I think you could have done a lot better.”

I fold my arms across my chest. “Why is that?”

“Asher St. Michael strikes me as the type of guy who ruins all the rest that come after him. You seem intelligent. No good comes from relations with the dark prince,” he warns.

“There will be nobody that comes after him,” I manage to say.

He barks out a laugh. “We’ll see about that, daughter of Heaven.”

“Don’t ever question my love for him. It’s Asher, forever.” My voice is firm.

“The fire in you is more suited to a divine being,” he says more to himself than me.

I roll my eyes at his assessment and meet his challenging stare with silence.

“I’d be happy to set you up with a seraphim or power angel.” His voice is hopeful.

“I’m set. Thanks.”

Uriel exhales. “Despite my excitement at receiving my first eye-roll, I’m disappointed you’re choosing to stay tethered to your tattooed, leather-wearing, brooding, foul-mouthed, bad-boy gargoyle. I’m sure Mikey and Libby are thrilled with your choice in mates.”

“Whatever happened to, thou shall not judge, nor condemn?” I challenge.

“Is that sass? Am I being sassed?” Joy clouds his face. “Being an uncle is so cool.”

I can’t help but smirk. “Could we maybe get back to why I’m burning up?”

Uriel frowns. “Angels are born of fire. It’s most likely the reason your skin was feverish during the trials. Your angel side gained control over the human. Both are fighting the protector bond.”

“How long is this going to last?” I ask, not sure I want the answer.

“It’s done,” he replies softly. “Your body and mind have both completed the ascension.”

My eyes meet his. “Meaning?”

A small smile forms on his perfect lips. “You are now more angel than human.”

“I’m still human though?” I confirm.

“Yes. Though between the protector’s bond and your altered DNA, I have a feeling the supernatural abilities will far overshadow anything your human genes could provide you.”

“Being human allows me free will. That’s something no ability offsets,” I state.

Uriel’s eyes roam over me. “You sure I can’t introduce you to a young power angel?”

I give him a pointed look. “So I finished the ascension, what now?”

He shrugs. “Now, we test, wait and see all the divine gifts granted to you.”

“What was the dark room we were in before you brought me to the Hall of Truths?”

“A dimension that you created to protect yourself during the final stage.”

My mouth falls open. “I created an entire dimension? One of dark and coldness?”

“Technically, the frost was my doing.” He looks guilty when I meet his eyes. “I thought it would help cool your fevered skin. The darkness though, that was all you, daughter of Heaven. Odd, don’t you think, since you were born of light.” Amber eyes study me.

I look around for a moment and realize Asher is dark. I feel safe with him, and somehow, my soul instinctively knew he’d reach me through the darkness. He came for me, as promised. I sigh in relief as light seeps out of me. My eyes dart to Uriel’s in question.

“Am I going to glow like this forever?” I ask, freaked out.

“Only when visiting the divine realms. It’s your awakened soul making itself known.”

“This is so weird,” I retort.

He laughs. “Welcome to your soul’s awakening, daughter of Heaven.”

8
Wait For
Me

A STRONG HAND IS WRAPPED AROUND MINE, and a warm thumb gently caresses my palm. The intimacy of Asher’s stroke sends tingles to every place in my body that used to be on fire. It’s like, with one simple touch, he sees into my soul and ignites every cell.

“Open your eyes, siren,” Asher pleads quietly.

I turn my head toward his voice and force my lids to open. Once my vision clears, I see Asher’s beautiful face staring at me with a calmness I’ve never seen before. Dark shadows have made their home under his eyes and his features are pinched with weariness, but his expression is serene and content when he locks eyes with me.

“Hey,” he says, moving closer.

“Hey, yourself,” I manage on a hoarse croak.

A cup with a straw appears over his shoulder, along with Callan’s bright face. He winks at me and Asher takes the cup, bringing it to my mouth, allowing me to lubricate my dry throat.

“We’re old pros at this by now.” Asher motions to the water, placing it on the nightstand.

“Seems so.” I smile and allow my head to fall back on the pillow. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, siren.”

“How long have I been out?” I ask.

“Four days.”

My eyes widen. “Holy shit.”

“Holy shit is right, cutie.” Callan chuckles from behind Asher.

Asher lightly brushes the skin under my eye with his thumb, pulling my focus back to him. “I never thought I’d say this, siren, but I kind of miss the warmth of the hazel.”

I frown. “You don’t like the indigo?”

“I fucking love the indigo.” He threads his fingers through mine. “It makes you mine.”

My eyelids slide closed with relief and then reopen, capturing his stare.

“Tired?” he asks.

“A little,” I admit.

He nods and smoothes away the damp hair from my face, while his eyes roam over me.

“You scared the shit out of me, siren.” He exhales. “Again.”

“I’m sorry.” I wince.

His fingers slide to my cheek and over my lips. “Since we’ve met, I think you’ve destroyed at least two of my life cycles.”

I clear my throat, trying not to laugh. “It’s still gross that you’re older than me, protector.”

Asher smiles slightly. “You may be younger, and way more beautiful than me, which is saying a lot,” he winks, “but I’m full of ageless gargoyle awesomeness. So we’re even.”

“You may be more awesome, but will you still love me when I’m no longer young and beautiful?” I reply without thought.

At his odd expression, I fill with anxiety worried I pushed it too far.

“No matter what age, or stage of beauty you’re in, I am yours forever, in darkness and light, tas ámo.” His voice is a soft promise.

I soak up the statement. It’s the same one he said the night we were together as he slid into me for the first time. Before my deceit destroyed us, ripping us apart.

“Thank you for coming for me.” I cup his cheek.

“I will always come for you,” he says, his breath fanning my face.

“I believe you,” I whisper, not releasing his gaze.

For the briefest moment, I think he’s going to kiss me. Instead, he leans into my touch.

“How did you know where to find me?” I ask.

“After a day of being unconscious, I tried to reach you through a dream walk but your mental walls were blocked. Once I realized it wasn’t the bond making you unwell, I sought you out, thinking you’d trapped yourself in a realm jump but I couldn’t get to you because you had placed up barriers.”

Words get caught in my throat at his description.
I pushed him out? Why would I do that?

“I created that dimension, Ash.” I hold his gaze.

He nods once in understanding. “You look pale.” His fingers move across my cheeks. “I just want to lie with you and bury myself so deep inside of you, I never find my way out.”

I roll my eyes. “Oh. My. God. Asher.”

He closes his eyes, dropping his forehead to mine. “It’s so fucking hot when you say that.”

I blush at his favorite response.
Please just kiss me. Just pull me closer.

Asher’s eyes soften as his fingers brush over the pink hue. “There we go. I knew if I teased you enough the color would come back. Much better.”

My breath hitches, but I quickly release it at the sound of someone clearing their throat.

Callan’s adorable face reappears over Asher’s shoulder, offering me a wicked grin.

“Who’s your new friend, cutie?” Callan questions.

I knit my brows and follow Callan’s line of sight to the archangel sitting in the corner.

Uriel gives me a five finger wave and a slow smile twitches on the corners of his lips.
Crap. I’d forgotten Callan was in the room and how long has the angel been sitting here?

I narrow my eyes at Uriel and sigh. “Asher, Callan, meet archangel Uriel.”

Uriel lifts one eyebrow and waits patiently for me to correct myself.
Damn archangel.

I grit my teeth. “I mean, meet my uncle Urie.”

Asher slides his confused gaze to me then back to the archangel, who’s beaming.

“Your what?” Asher seeks confirmation.

“Her favorite uncle, Urie,” he says, standing and dipping his head in respect to Asher.

I sit up and reposition myself. “You’ve been my uncle for all of ten minutes.”

Uriel looks down at me. “And yet, you’re already comfortable enough with me to sulk like a teenager at a family dinner.”

Callan’s face is pinched. “Why is he wearing a skirt?”

I roll my eyes. “Apparently he has nice calves.”

“Makes sense.”

“It does?” Asher and I ask at the same time.

Callan shrugs. “What? I’d kill for his legs.”

Asher looks less amused. “Is Michael still detained?”

“Yes. In his absence, I’ve been assigned to assist Eve,” Uriel responds.

Asher releases my hand, stands and takes on his warrior pose. “Assist with what exactly?”

Uriel stands taller, and for the first time, I realize how intimidating he is. “Her ascension.”

Callan drops next to me on the bed. “Your soul has awakened, cutie?”

I swallow. “I guess. Aside from occasionally glowing, I don’t really feel any different.”

“I need to speak to Eve, privately.” Asher interrupts and the room becomes silent.

After a few awkward moments, he pins Uriel with a hard glare. “I’m not asking.”

Uriel looks at me and mouths
power angel
, causing me to narrow my eyes at his impoliteness.

Callan stands and approaches the archangel before placing his hand out to shake.

“Welcome to this crazy ass family, Uncle Urie,” he says, greeting the divine being.

“Now him, I like.” Uriel motions to Callan who’s smiling from ear-to-ear.

“You like cookies, Urie?” Callan leads Uriel out the door, leaving Asher and me in silence.

Asher turns to me with an accusatory expression, waiting patiently for me to explain the archangel. I’m too tired to go into details. I know he’ll say
I told you so
when I tell him our bond set off the final stage of the ascension and I’m not in the mood for another fight. Especially when a few moments ago, it felt like we were connecting again.

“I have to pee,” I say, removing myself from the bed in an attempt to escape.

As I pass him, Asher grabs my arm, forcing me to reface him. “What? Why?”

“After lying in bed for four days, a girl has to pee.” I do the potty dance for good measure.

“You’re not attempting to evade a discussion?”
Damn, he’s good.

“What? No.” I don’t sound convincing. I smack him on the arm and he lets go of me.

His jaw ticks before he falls onto the bed. “Fine. I’ll be right here when you’re done.”

I exhale. “You may want to get comfortable because I also need a shower.”

“Okay. Need any help?”

“Showering?” My voice rises in surprise.

Asher’s eyes twinkle. “Peeing.”

“I think I’ve got it covered all on my own. Thanks.”

“You sure about that, siren? As you know, I’m very adept with certain body parts.”

My face falls in shock. “You seriously have a problem with boundaries.”

His smirk turns into a full smile. “And you have anger management issues.”

I girlie growl and stomp my foot. “I don’t have…you know what, never mind.”

He releases a light laugh, interlacing his hands behind his head and relaxing. After a brief moment of gawking at him like a fan girl, I turn and all but run into the bathroom to take care of my personal needs. I also need to clean away the four days of sweat sticking to every part of my body.
Gross
.

Exiting the shower, I dry my hair and frown at myself in the mirror. All this discussion of the ascension and I don’t even feel, or look, different. No marks. No new gifts. No nothing. I’m not even glowing anymore.

I reach to the left to snag my clothes but they aren’t there.
Crap
. In my desperate attempt to escape Asher’s glare, I failed to bring a change of clothing into the bathroom with me. I chew on the inside of my cheek and pray that he’s not in the room anymore so I can sneak out to retrieve them.

Groaning, I tighten my towel and turn toward the door, just in time to see Asher pop his head into the bathroom.
Crap
.
I really need to learn to lock doors.

Entering, he closes the door behind him and looks at me. “Hiding from me?”

My eyes glue themselves on his chest. “No.”

He crosses his arms, giving me a wolfish smile. “Forget something, siren?”

I lift my gaze. “Nope.”

“So, then, you won’t be needing these?” He dangles my clothing in front of me.

I narrow my eyes. “What are you doing with those, Asher?”
Damn gargoyle.

“Anticipating my mate’s needs,” he replies and lifts my outfit out of my reach.

I lunge for the items and he laughs. After trying a few times to reach them, I give up.

“May I please have them,” I ask, holding on to my towel for dear life.

Asher slants his head and stares at the death grip I have on the knot at the top of the towel.

“It’s not like I haven’t seen what’s under there before, siren.” His voice is husky.

At the statement, my cheeks redden and suddenly the bathroom is way too small. Asher’s expression transforms from soft and relaxed, to dark and focused. His eyes take in all my naked skin with a powerful intensity that makes me want to turn and run.

Lowering his arm and my clothes, he tosses them to the side and takes a step toward me. I try to fight the way my eyes want to roam over him in appreciation. It’s hard to do. When Asher is in the room, it’s like everything else pales in comparison to him.

His gruff voice slides over me. “I have seen it before, siren.”

“I’m your mate.” I try to keep my voice from shaking. “It’s yours to see.”

Something dark flashes in his expression, forcing me to take a step back. My pulse pounds under his unwavering glare. In two strides, Asher is looming over me. He’s so close that I am actually breathing in his minty exhales.

“Mine?” he asks.

“Yours,” I confirm, willing my heartbeat to slow down.

Holding my eyes, his right hand trails a thumb along the edge of my jaw, sending shivers down my spine. His tongue darts out and runs over the curve of his bottom lip. My mouth parts in response. We stand in this tense moment, just staring at one another.

“Did our bonding set off the final stage of the ascension, siren?” he asks in a sexy tone.

What is he talking about?
I can’t think when he’s this close.
Why isn’t he kissing me?

Asher leans in closer, so that our lips are a breath away. I release a slight whimper.

“Did. Our. Bonding. Complete. The. Ascension?” He says each word slowly.

My body instinctively moves towards his, trying to close the gap.

Licking his lips again, he shifts. “Answer me, siren.”

“I think…I think so.” I swallow.
What’s he asking?

He tilts his head to the side and just stares at me. Asher’s hand moves from my jaw, sliding under my hair, to the back of my neck, gripping it tightly. He lowers his head toward mine, allowing his mouth to hover just above my lips. They part of their own accord.

My eyelids slide shut and then open. Asher’s ability to make me his over and over again never fails to surprise me. Feeling weak, I place both hands on his chest to steady myself.

His heated gaze lands on my right hand, which is over Asher’s protector tattoo. The same place I stabbed him. At the same time, we catch one another in a fleeting look and Asher releases the hold he had on me, placing space between us and breaking the spell.