29. Ezekiel

29

I ’m being summoned.

My stomach twists as I fly the distance from school to guild headquarters and ponder what it is I’m getting called in for. Try as I might, there’s too much unsaid between Azrael and me that it’s impossible to pinpoint.

He’s waiting for me when my feet hit the ground. Azrael stands off to the side, near the front entrance. This can’t be good.

He spots me quickly and approaches, his expression unusually blank. “Zeke. Thank you for getting here so fast. Please come with me.” Like a rocket, he shoots up into the sky, not bothering to wait for me. The move is so out of character, it takes me a moment to gather my thoughts and follow.

Azrael is acting strange, and now he’s taking me to some undisclosed location. This can’t be good. It’s only when I see the familiar street that I realize where he’s taking me. His house in the Fallen district. A little of my worry falls away. Before all of this, I never would have considered that this man, the lieutenant I’ve grown fond of and learned so much from, would be up to anything shady. But if the last few months have taught me anything, it’s that I let my emotions cloud my judgment.

As much as I don’t want to believe anything negative about Azrael, with the way he’s acting, I can’t be too careful. Something is either horribly wrong or I just found the mole.

We land outside his house, an exact replica of the one my dad lives in, and Azrael unlocks the door. Once inside, he pulls out a bottle of whiskey and two glasses. “Want one?”

I stare at him for a moment too long before realizing he’s serious. “Uh, no. Thanks.”

“Suit yourself.” He pours himself half a glass, downs it, and then fills it up again. In all the time I’ve known Azrael as my commanding officer and even before that as someone who worked with my dad, I’ve never seen him like this.

Suddenly, Hayliel’s panicked voice filters through my mind. Uriel pulled me from class early. He’s personally ensuring I don’t miss my detention.

Shit. Using my mental connection with Raphael and Theo, I fill them in. I’m stuck with Azrael right now. Can you make it to Hayliel? I’ll wrap things up here as quickly as possible.

On it . Raphael replies.

Theo follows that up with, Everything alright?

I think so. Will update once I know more.

“So, Zeke, why don’t you sit?” Azrael’s voice startles me from my mental conversation. It takes a moment for his words to register, and then I’m just pissed.

“Your summons insinuated that this was important, so why the hell are we playing tea time at your house, Azrael?”

I swear, from the look he’s giving me, I must have punched him in the face. He lets out a long breath, but my mind is filled once more with Hayliel’s voice that I can’t concentrate on Azrael anymore.

Get Castiel. Uriel isn’t taking me to his office. I’m in the—

My back straightens as all the blood in my veins turns to ice. I have to go. I need to get my girl away from that fucking piece of shit, then make sure he never goes near her again. I’m about to turn when Azrael’s words have me halting in my tracks.

“You’ve been pestering me for information for weeks. If you want to know what I’ve learned, then get comfortable and listen.”

I’m so fucking torn about what to do. My heart tells me to fly as fast as I can to help Hayliel, but my head tells me to stay here and let Raphael and Theo handle it. A few months ago, I’d never have left anything to them. My ego and pride wouldn’t allow it, but now … now I realize I don’t always have to be the knight in feathered armor.

As if he knows my dilemma, Theo’s voice echoes in my head. We’ve got Castiel and we’re on our way to her now. Will update soon.

Thank fuck. I drop instantly onto the sofa, causing Azrael to chuckle. He thinks it’s about what he’s just said, but really, it’s relief at knowing Hayliel is protected, and always will be in my absence. As much as I hate to admit it, I’m learning that sometimes it’s okay to rely on others. Necessary, even. Raphael and Theo have proven themselves worthy of Hayliel, and as much as I might have hated it at first, I know they’ll keep her safe and keep me in the loop. What more can I ask for?

“I’ll start by apologizing,” Azrael says, pulling my focus back. “I know you hated that I didn’t loop you in, and I hope you know I took no joy from it either, but at the time, I felt it was necessary.”

I understand what he means. I’ve kept so much from him too, but I say nothing. It wouldn’t help anything if I were to shout what I was actually thinking. I am not the enemy. Maybe we both need to learn to trust each other more. Shrugging, I ask, “And now?”

“What I’ve discovered has grown into something bigger than just myself, but I’m not ready to let the rest of the guild in yet.”

“Why not?”

“Well, for starters, I want to see what you think. This tip originated with you and the friend who wanted to be anonymous. Once I bring this up officially, they may not be able to stay anonymous.”

Damn. I didn’t even think about that. Having Hayliel’s identity revealed won’t do us any favors. “I’m all ears,” I tell him.

“After going through the deceased’s belongings, I recovered a deleted message from his slate that mentioned a name. Roderick. This led me down a rabbit hole about a Fallen angel who’s built quite the reputation as a man for hire. He and his crew will work for anyone, as long as the cause piques his interest and the coin pads his pockets. From what I can tell, your dead angel was working for him. I haven’t been able to uncover who Roderick’s working for now, but I’m hoping you’ll know something. Otherwise, I doubt it’ll take long to figure out once we make this investigation official.”

I watch Azrael for several minutes. He did exactly what I hoped he would when I brought him news of the body. He found Roderick. But does that mean I can trust him? I want to. Just like my father, he’s done nothing to make me think otherwise. “You can’t.”

Azrael looks at me like I’ve lost my marbles. “What do you mean?”

Taking a deep breath, I say, “You can’t make this official with the guild. Everything you just told me, I already know.”

“Ezekiel Oren, what the hell have you gotten yourself into?”

I ignore his more than valid question. “Roderick is the one who killed that angel, using an angel blade he got from his current employer.”

“How do you know this?”

I have to play this carefully. If I slip up, Azrael might look into my friends. “Someone I trust witnessed it. I even have the blade in my possession.” He opens his mouth to speak, but I cut him off, knowing exactly what he’s going to say. “No. I won’t give it to you. It’s safer with me, somewhere only I know about.”

Azrael stands, and for a moment I’m worried he’s angry, but he just swallows the rest of his whiskey and pours himself another. “Would it be safe to assume that you also know who Roderick is working for?”

I wince. “Yes, and no. I don’t know exactly who, but I do know some. You may want to sit.”

“By the cock of God,” he mumbles, grabbing the entire bottle and bringing it with him.

“Roderick is working with a powerful angel, one I’m unable to identify.” Azrael nods like he expected that, but I’m about to shatter his world. “That isn’t the worst part. The angel he’s working for has partnered with demons. They’re collecting angel blades and are certainly not afraid to use them.”

Azrael’s eyes widen, his glass of whiskey completely forgotten on the coffee table between us. “For what purpose? And do I even want to know how you came to find all this out? By the Archangels, Zeke, this is some deep shit you’ve gotten yourself in.”

“We aren’t sure of a purpose yet. As for how I know, let’s just say it’s been a crazy few months.”

He taps his fingers on his leg but eventually gets up to pace his living room. “It concerns me that the guild hasn’t uncovered anything about this. Yes, we knew demons had gotten a bit more riled up than usual, but things have been quiet these last few weeks. Honestly, I just assumed they’d given up and gone back into hiding. Now I’m worried what it means that we haven’t discovered this group of rebels before now.”

“I’m afraid there’s a reason for that, and you’re not going to like it.”

“To be fair, this conversation hasn’t exactly gone how I expected it to. I thought I had news for you . Turns out you’re the one with all the information. What else is there?”

“We have an unidentified mole in the guild. I mean, shit. It’s likely we have more than one at this point.”

Azrael halts in his tracks, turning slowly to look at me.

“I know you don’t want to believe it, but it’s true. Whoever it is helped them break into the armory and steal our sunblades. Making any of this official will tip them off that we’re aware, and who knows what kind of landslide that will create.”

“Bloody fucking shit,” he mutters. “You don’t have the clearance to know about the armory, but I won’t bother asking how you found out. There’s not enough time in the day for you to catch me up on all the shit you’ve gotten into, is there?”

“No, sir.”

He sits back on the couch, elbows propped on his knees, and looks into my eyes. “Are you absolutely sure, without even the shadow of a doubt, that we have a mole?”

All I do is nod, because what else is there? He knows the truth if he only thinks about it.

“Damnation.” Azrael reaches for his drink again.

“The demons are growing bold, and I think having the guild in their back pocket is the cause. Why else would they attack us so close to the guild?”

“What do you mean? There was an attack near the guild?”

I can only stare at him, my mouth opening and closing like a damn fish because I thought he knew.

“My friends and I were attacked almost a month ago between the Fallen district and guild HQ. We were severely outnumbered and barely survived. Someone from the guild saw the fight on their way in for their shift and brought a crew to us. At least five showed up, probably more, but I wasn’t exactly focused on counting them. Lieutenant Atlas was supposed to tell you, but they left to hunt down the demons who fled, so I’m not surprised he forgot.” I don’t bother mentioning what happened to Hayliel. Maybe that’s the wrong choice, but it’s not my story to tell.

“This has gotten far too out of hand. Is that why you kept all of this from me? Because you thought I was the mole?”

I consider lying to him, but I know he’d hate that more than the truth. “I never wanted to believe you were involved, but we couldn’t risk it. If it helps, I haven’t shared this information with my father either. There’s too much at stake.”

“While I wish you would have come to me with this earlier, I don’t blame you for keeping this close to your chest. Your instincts are solid, Zeke. The guild is lucky to have you and so is Silver City.”

A vise I didn't realize was wrapped around my chest, loosens. I thought Azrael discovering I not only kept this from him, but even briefly suspected him, would ruin the relationship we had. Instead, he's supporting my choices and even complimenting me. “Thank you, sir.”

“For what it’s worth, I think you should tell your dad. Give it some thought and maybe we can talk to him together. For now, I have a plan for a little trap to lure out the snake.”

On the flight back to campus, with a plan in place to lure out the bastard mole, I finally allow myself to think about Hayliel and that bastard Uriel. Castiel saved the day, and it sounds like he even went a step further with his saving. He’s now her counselor instead of that piece of shit trash bag. It sure helps to have him on our side. Hopefully, it’s the same with Azrael.

Where are you? I push the thought to Hayliel, hoping to find her and see how she’s doing.

She doesn’t make me wait long. In my room. Everything alright?

Of course she asks me that, as if I’m the one who just got locked in a room with a crazy angel. I swoop down to her balcony, knocking at the same time I push two little words through our connection. It’s me.

Within seconds she opens the door, looking freshly showered and absolutely fuckable. I move without even thinking, wrapping her up in a hug so tight it cuts off all the oxygen to my lungs.

She’s hesitant at first, but eventually hugs me back just as tight.

“Fuck. I want to track that piece of shit down and take his wings for being such a shit. How are you? Did he hurt you?” I pull back, needing to see for myself.

A small smile plays on her lips like she’s enjoying my brief moment of freaking the fuck out. That’s when I notice the cut on her neck.

Rage simmers as I trail my finger along the raised red line. “He did this?” My voice is dark, oozing every ounce of the destruction I feel when thinking about someone else touching her. Harming her.

She nods, chewing on her bottom lip like she’s scared to admit it. But I don’t want her scared of me. I want her to use me. To make me her blade and point me toward the enemies she wants to annihilate. I turn to leave, but her small hand on my arm halts me in my tracks.

“Stay. I’d rather you be in here with me than out there defending my honor.”

The truth of her words is easy to read in her eyes. “I nearly left Azrael to come for you. I would have if it wasn’t for Theo and Raphael assuring me they’d take care of you.”

“I’m glad you stayed. I wouldn’t want you to get in trouble because of me.” Before her words wound me too deeply, she adds, “But I’m glad you’re here now.”

“You don’t understand,” I whisper.

“What do you mean?” Her eyes search mine, and I wonder what she sees in them. Three months ago, hell, even two, I would’ve just stayed quiet and hoped she figured it out, then probably get pissed off when she didn’t. Now I’m not leaving anything up to chance.

“Don’t you get it, hummingbird?” I cup the side of her face, trailing my fingers across the curve of her cheek. “Watching you nearly die almost broke me. I will risk life and limb to make sure that doesn’t happen again. My place at the guild means nothing if you are not safe somewhere to annoy me and drive me absolutely wild. It’s all worthless compared to you.”

Her eyes turn glassy. But I’m not done.

“I’m sorry. For what I put you through after our first night together.” The next words are hard to get out, but the girl in front of me needs to hear them, so I force them past my lips. “My ex-girlfriend was a Pure. She only dated me as some sick joke with her friends and dumped me for the guy she really wanted to be with. Another Pure asshole, just like her. She did enough damage that I couldn’t see past my own fears to realize that isn’t what you were doing. I know it doesn’t excuse my behavior, but I hope in time you’ll learn to forgive me.”

“Oh, Zeke,” she says, “I’m sorry she hurt you. Whoever she is, she lost out on a great guy. One of the best I know.”

I bring my hand up to cup her cheek and grin wickedly. “One of them, huh?” I only mean it as a tease, but it’s too soon. Our issues might all be out in the open now, but they’re too fresh.

Hayliel reaches up to stroke my forearm, mimicking the way my thumb moves across her skin. “I don’t want to choose, Zeke. You or them. Them or you. I won’t do it. I’d prefer to choose us , but I’m prepared to only choose myself if that’s what it comes down to.”

There’s a knock on the door and Hayliel calls out, “Just a second!”

This moment feels like an edge, one I’ve been precariously balanced on for far too long. It’s time to decide. Do I step back to safety, or do I allow myself to fall? When I wipe away all the gunk of my past, it’s a simple decision to make. “I’m still trying to understand how I fit, but I don’t want you to choose, either. Despite my earlier misguided thoughts, Raph and Theo are far better for you than I could ever be. They make you laugh and learn and grow. They make you happy and take care of you. I want all of those things for you. I need you to be happy.”

Her hand trails up my arm to cover the hand resting against her cheek. “You do all those things for me, too. Sure, you’re a little grumpy and rough around the edges,” she giggles, “but you make me smile. With you, I feel emboldened, like I can do anything in the world without consequence. Safe, because I know you’d move city and earth to protect me. Raphael and Theo see it just as I do.”

I close the space between us, needing to feel her body pressed against mine as her words settle around me. “This is unfamiliar territory for me,” I whisper.

“We’ll explore it together. All of us.”

My lips hover mere millimeters from hers, but I wait. Giving her the option to pull back if this isn’t what she wants. My heart might shatter, but I’d accept the pain if that’s her choice.

She lifts on her tiptoes, melding her mouth to mine. I thought the kiss would be soft, gentle, but it’s the opposite. Need and desire fuel the movement of my lips, my tongue, and she matches me for all of it.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

We pull apart, chests heaving and my cock as solid as marble. Our eyes lock, electricity zapping through me when I find the same desperation matched in hers.

“That’s Theo. He’s coming to get me for the night.” Hayliel’s eyes drop briefly to my lips, and I can’t stop the smile from spreading.

“I’ll take a rain check on the rest of this conversation then, hummingbird,” I say, cupping her chin and running my thumb along her bottom lip. She bites it playfully and I groan.

She kisses the spot where her teeth just were, then smiles. “You can count on it.”

While she’s heading toward the door, I adjust my erection enough so that it’s hopefully not visible.

“Hey man,” Theo says, his smile wide like he knows what he’s walked in on. Ugh. I might not hate him anymore, but he’s too damn nosey. Like yes, I’m glad he talked some sense into me, but for fuck’s sake, let me enjoy this moment before sucking all the fun away.

“Hey. Thanks for getting her away from that psycho.”

“Of course. You’d have done the same. How’d things go at the guild?”

Shit. I totally forgot about that. “Azrael finally offered an update on the body we found. Went off about Roderick and how he wanted my thoughts before going to the guild.”

“He can’t!” Hayliel says while she slings a bag on her back.

“That’s exactly what I said. I had to tell him a few things, but I excluded any mention of you, the blade you survived, or Seraphim.”

“Thank you. I know it won’t stay secret for long, but I’d prefer we keep it to ourselves for a little longer.”

“I’m confident he’s an ally, but it might not hurt to get him out to the cave to be sure. And now that he’s aware of a mole, we have someone else on the inside looking out for evidence of who it might be.”

Theo nods. “Let’s do that. Having him fully on our side is a win for us. Even your dad too, if you trust him.”

I consider it. From the start, I never thought Azrael or Dad were involved, but part of me is a little scared to learn the truth just in case I’m wrong. “Maybe,” I reply instead.

Time is ticking down for the asshole that wants to take down his own kind.

Whoever it is, we’ll find them.