32. Hayliel

32

I spent last night cuddled with three gorgeous angels, and even though I know it happened, it still doesn’t feel real. My mind hasn’t felt this rested in a long time, or at least it feels long.

It was a little awkward at first, but I expected that given the guys and their history with me, and I guess with each other. But we made it work.

Okay, so we more than made it work, but that’s beside the point. Waking up to them sprawled around me on the bed, while the spare mattress they hauled in lay completely forgotten on the floor had angel wings fluttering in my stomach. I want us to do it again.

And I want everything else they promised, too.

Now, though, I’ve got other things to worry about. Like spending the afternoon with Raph’s family.

Wind roars against my ears as we fly to the housing district, but I barely hear it. My thoughts and fears drown out everything else.

I’ve talked to his mom only once, and to be honest, the experience wasn’t something I’ve been clamoring to repeat. The woman is nasty. Part of me worries they won’t like me, while the other part says good riddance, because angels like that aren’t who I strive to impress. The opposite, actually.

No, I don’t care what they think. I’m only here as support for Raphael.

The man in question sends me a shy smile, his blond hair caught in a vortex of air and making him look even more attractive.

We lower in altitude, breaking through the cover of cloud, and the wind steals away my gasp. Below us, directly in our trajectory, is an enormous property that looks nothing like the single-family homes I’ve seen.

As we land just outside the gate, my mouth hangs wide as I take it all in. I’m about to tell him how stunning his house is when I catch the look on his face. He’s more nervous than I’ve ever seen him.

“Listen, I should warn you about my family,” he begins, but I cut him off by placing a finger against his lips.

“Screw your family. I’m here for you, Raph. I’m on your side. Not theirs.”

He pulls me against his chest and we just stand like that for several minutes. When his breathing has calmed down a bit, he breaks the silence. “I just want you to be prepared. I can’t guarantee they won’t say or do something offensive. You put up with enough shit from everyone else, sunshine. I don’t want you to have to deal with it from my family as well.”

I pull back, needing him to look into my eyes and see the truth of my next words. “I can take it. What I can’t take is them being asshats toward you. I promise you don’t have to worry about me. There’s nothing they could say that would change how I feel about you. And as long as you want me here, I’m staying.”

“You are not from this world, I think,” he says, placing a soft kiss against my lips. When we break apart, he turns to face the gate he’d clearly rather not enter.

As much as I’d hoped my words would soothe away some of his worries, he still isn’t himself. Gone is the usually happy, funny, carefree guy that I’m used to. The man before me is sour and nervous. He reminds me more of Zeke in all of his grumpiness than the Raphael I’ve come to care for. And as much as he tries to plaster on a smile and hide it, I see through it as easily as breathing.

A butler greets us at the door, which is far larger than any door truly should be, and ushers us inside. With Raphael’s hand in mine, I follow him into a large entryway with closets lining one wall and row after row of mirrors on the other. When I catch sight of myself, eyes wide and full of wonder, I try to school my expression into something more neutral.

It’ll be as clear as day to these angels just how much I don’t fit in here. I won’t do anything to encourage them to make things more uncomfortable for Raph.

The butler announces to Archangels-know-who that we’ve arrived, and it takes a moment for me to realize that this is how I’m being introduced. Weird, but okay. Not exactly how I envisioned Raphael’s parents meeting me as his girlfriend, but with these angels, I have a feeling my expectations will be found lacking all around.

A man and woman sweep across the floor to meet us. Or rather, she sweeps, moving like she’s the epitome of importance. He moves like he’s being pulled here by the ear trapped in his grandmother’s grip.

“I’m so glad you both finally made it. A little late, though, isn’t it?” the woman says, causing my hackles to rise.

Raphael’s smile looks pained. “Nice to see you too, mother. Is Raduriel here yet?”

“No. Your brother is far too busy with work. We can’t expect him to be everywhere at once, can we?” Her eyes travel from Raphael to me, taking in my windswept hair and the way I’m holding on to Raphael. “And who are you again, dear?”

I want to tell her that Raphael is just as busy but since I’m trying to make a good first impression, I keep a lid on that topic.

Raph replies for me, his tone implying just how proud he is to call me his. “This is Hayliel Gracelin, my girlfriend. Hayliel, this is my mother, Karena and behind her is my father, Andras.”

“Gracelin, hmm?” Karena says, contemplating. “I don’t think I’ve heard that name before.”

“Likely not. We don’t have too many Pure angels among our ancestors.”

“Pity.”

This damn woman is getting under my skin, and we haven’t even left the front of the house.

“Oh, I don’t think so.” My voice comes out tight, but I try to calm the rage bubbling inside me. “But it’s quite nice to put a face to a name, and a pleasure to meet you as well,” I add the last bit for Raphael’s dad, who’s kept silent through this entire exchange.

“What do you mean, a face to a name? Raphael, I do hope you aren’t boring this poor young lady by talking about your mother at every given opportunity.”

I grit my teeth and can almost hear Raphael’s grinding to dust. “Oh, no. It’s nothing like that. I was simply referring to the time we spoke on a call not too long ago. It was a brief conversation, so I won’t blame you if you don’t remember.”

She stands straighter. “Of course I remember. Since the meal isn’t ready yet, there’s still ample time to change, dear.” Her last dig is directed at Raphael, but she doesn’t stay to make sure it hit its target before she’s whipping around and leaving us, taking Andras with her.

Raphael doesn’t waste a second pulling me through the house, pointing out little things as we pass by, but never linger. I can’t believe this is the house he grew up in. There’s far more space here than any family of four needs.

He said his parents were always throwing parties, which might be fun if his parents weren’t as they are, but overall it just sounds lonely.

We finally make it to his room and it takes almost no time at all to realize this was never a place of peace for him. There are no photos or knickknacks, nothing of substance but the necessities. It hurts my heart.

An outfit is laid out on top of his bed, and it seems to bother Raphael. “If I don’t change into that, she’ll only berate me about it while we eat.”

It really shouldn’t surprise me how awful this woman is, but it does. How could anyone treat others, least of all their child, like that? “Has she always been that way?”

“Since I can remember, yea. Though it’s always to me and never to Raduriel, which just makes me want to say no even more.” Raphael only stands there, staring out the window. Something about his stance makes me think this isn’t the first time he’s been like this.

“And your dad?”

His jaw clenches. “He married into wealth, so he keeps his mouth shut instead of pissing off his cash cow.”

Hearing that explains a lot about the man I just met. “I’m sorry. That’s not the home life anyone should have to endure.” I walk to his side and wrap my arm around his torso as we both stare into the field beyond the house. “Has Theo spent much time here?”

“He has. Actually, Mom would even make little jabs comparing me to him too, but for some reason, they didn’t sting as much as the ones about Raduriel. Which sucks because there was a time in our lives when we were close. I even looked up to him. Why my parents had to ruin that is beyond me.”

A heavy fist squeezes my heart, tempting me to march right back to Karena and Andras to give them a piece of my mind. But even I know better than to assume someone like me can change things for Raph. Unfortunately, what he has to endure at home is more than likely never going to change, but what I can help with is how he views himself.

I pull him down onto his bed and just hold him, running my hands through his hair and down his back. A contented sigh leaves his lips, but neither of us speaks.

Whatever happens tonight, I want him to know that he’s not alone anymore. Not now, and hopefully not ever.

I don’t know how much time passes before there’s a knock on the door and a voice calls out to Master Raphael, requesting our presence in the dining room. I feel Raph’s sigh all the way to the marrow of my bones. He’s trying to fortify his walls.

I grab his hand, squeezing once before we head downstairs.

Raduriel is already there, along with his friend Briathos from the guild. Raphael told me on the flight over that he and Zeke are old friends, which I find fascinating, but keep it to myself.

Karena frowns when she notices Raphael hasn’t changed. “Was there something wrong with the outfit I laid out for you? Why you insist on wearing such garbage is beyond me.”

Garbage? He’s not wearing rags, for fuck’s sake. “I think he looks very handsome in what he’s wearing now.”

He offers me a soft smile, but it’s wiped away before it reaches his eyes when his bitch of a mother responds. “Well, of course you would, dear. But Raphael grew up in a wealthy Pure family and should dress the part.”

I ignore her barb, following Raph to our seats. He mumbles something under his breath, which sends his mother into a tailspin.

“What was that? How many times have I told you that you need to speak clearly if you want angels to understand you? Do I need to book another appointment with your speech therapist?”

Is this woman for real? I look around the table, absolutely floored to find no one else saying a damn thing to protect or stick up for Raphael. If this is what it’s always like for him, no wonder he doesn’t want to come home.

The first course arrives, and a blissful silence falls over the table as we all dig in.

Raduriel lets out a happy sigh as the staff takes away our empty plates to make room for the next course. “I didn’t realize how much I missed the taste of this food.”

His mother beams. “If you’re called away again in the future, we’ll serve your favorite to make the return even more special.” She turns to me, a curious look on her face. “So, how did you go from tutoring my son to dating him?”

It catches me so off guard that I struggle to keep the annoyed look off my face. She thought I was his tutor the first time we spoke too, and even though we corrected her then, it seems she’s forgotten.

“It’s the opposite, actually. Raphael was my tutor. I wouldn’t have been able to ace my midterm without his determined and focused guidance.” I shoot him a warm smile before continuing. “As for how our relationship evolved, it was natural. As easy as breathing.”

I can tell Raphael appreciated my kind words by the way he presses his leg against the outside of my thigh.

His mother looks like she wants to speak, but Andras makes the first comment of the evening to me then. “What subject was he helping you with, if you don’t mind my asking?”

“Our angelic powers class. Coming from a Fallen family, it was my first experience with using any type of powers, and unfortunately it took some getting used to. But Raph never judged me or made me feel weak, which I appreciated.”

His father appears pleased by my comment, but the look is wiped clear off his face the instant his wife speaks.

“My youngest, helping the less fortunate? Now that is a surprise indeed.”

My smile is tight as I say, “Not to those who know him well.”

Surprisingly, she doesn’t clap back with anything and allows us all to focus back on our meals. Raduriel still hasn’t said much or spoken up for his brother, but the closer I watch him, the more I notice the small twitch in his jaw whenever his mother speaks. Interesting.

Briathos looks just as uncomfortable as I am, though Karena doesn’t seem to realize a damn thing.

Clearing my throat, I say, “The food is delicious, Mrs. Adams. Have you always known how to cook?”

The bitch scoffs while Raphael squeezes my leg under the table.

“The lady of the house does not do her own cooking, dear. The kitchen staff prepared the meal, as they always do, though I find it rather dry myself. I’ll have to speak with them again about expectations.”

There’s not a chance in hell that I’d want this angel as my mother, boss, or anyone else near me at all. I can just imagine what speaking to them about expectations would be like. I bet she adopts the same tone she uses when speaking down to Raph.

We make it through to the next course with only a few more incidents. Raduriel became animated while talking about his work, and of course Karena couldn’t pass up another opportunity to compare and belittle Raphael. As if he’s not a completely different angel. I truly think she expected having kids would be like making a batch of cookies, where the mold is the same and all cookies turn out exactly perfect.

What she fails to realize is that Raph is perfect. No thanks to her.

“You should take this as a learning opportunity, Raphael,” his mother begins, heading on yet another tirade. I’ve had enough.

I set my drink down a little too forcefully; the sound drawing everyone’s eyes my way. Then, without even a second thought, I stand and look around the room. Raphael stands beside me, not saying a word but letting me glare daggers at everyone else as I try to keep my cool.

“Whatever are you doing, child? Sit down, Raphael. You’re causing a scene,” Karena starts, looking annoyed. And I snap.

“Thank you for dinner, Mrs. Adams. While the food was lovely, the company was anything but.”

Karena sucks in a sharp breath while the rest of the angels sitting at the table only wince. “Excuse me? I—”

“No. I’m not finished.” My hands threaten to tremble, so I fist them until I feel my nails press into flesh. “You treat Raphael like he’s less than everyone else when, in fact, it’s the opposite. Your youngest son has a brilliant, sharp mind. He’s caring and funny, and one of the best angels I’ve ever met. It’s a pity you can’t see past your own nose to witness it. And I’m sad to see the rest of you aren’t any better, either. I never really understood why he avoided coming home, but after sitting through just one dinner with you, I get it now. If I were your child, I’d avoid you too.”

I stalk from the room, not bothering to wait for a response. From the corner of my eye, I see Raph say something to his brother, but I’m shaking with a surplus of emotions and can’t focus enough to hear what he says.

Shit.

I hope I didn’t just make things worse for him with his family, but fucking hell. Someone needed to say something. And if Raphael’s father and brother were too chickenshit to do so, then I am more than happy to speak up. Every. Damn. Time.

Raph catches up to me, tugging me along and pulling me into a room so fast, I don’t even have a chance to see where we are before his mouth descends on mine. The kiss is different from any we’ve shared before now. Those were demanding and all-consuming, but this one, something about it makes me want to cry.

He holds my face in his hands, his lips caressing mine tenderly.

Love.

That’s what I feel in this kiss.

His utter devotion.

After a few minutes, he pulls away, letting his forehead rest against mine as he stares into my eyes. Into my very soul. “Thank you,” he whispers, running his thumb over my cheek.

“I meant every word,” I tell him, needing him to know that I’m on his side. I need him to believe that he’s not the disappointment his family treats him like.

He kisses me once more before slowly backing away. When my senses finally return, I realize where he brought me.

A library.

My jaw hangs open as I gaze around the room, taking in the shelves and ornate spiral staircase in the center of it all. If I grew up with something like this, I’d never leave the house. Though, I guess if I shared that same house with a mother like Karena and a mentally checked out father like Andras, then maybe even this library wouldn’t be enough to keep me here.

Raph pulls a key out from his pocket and points toward an empty cabinet. “That’s where I found Isaac’s journal. It looks empty, but that’s only a ruse.”

He unlocks the door, revealing the hidden contents inside. We pull everything out, cataloging what we find in case it’s helpful. And as much as I’d like to take all of these books with us, we don’t want whoever is clearly trying to hide them to know we’ve discovered them.

I’m flipping through the last book when a piece of paper falls out and flutters to the floor.

My gaze flicks to Raphael’s before we both crouch to pick it up. The paper is faded, creased in places, but there’s no denying I’ve seen this exact shade of beige before.

It’s a missing piece of Isaac Adam’s journal.