Watching her sleep put a smile to my face. The way the moonlight kissed her alabaster skin was beautiful in a way that couldn't be described.
Her wings spread out now one third fire sharply suited her personality. My little Phoenix. I smiled wider at the nickname.
When had my feelings changed for her I couldn't tell you. It was in the way she fought to save those she loved with so much passion. Or maybe it was in the way she showed kindness to everyone around her. Even in the strength she showed when faced with danger.
No matter what the reason I knew I was falling for her. Long ago I had lost my own soulmate which was part of the reason I spent little time around others.
This cabin was where I lived when I wasn't on a mission for Michael, having her here sharing it with me made me smile.
Never did I think I would feel like this again after what happened but here it was a second chance. Like Reece I thought I was destined to be alone for the rest of my existence. I know now that that isn't true.
Sure my feelings for her will never be like the ones I had for Dina but they were just as strong.
I knew Reece was not ready, she had only just lost Dantalis. There was still so much anger in her leaving no room for love but some day she would realise there was no need for anger. I will wait for that day and I will rejoice in the feel of her.
I was already fighting the urge to take her in my arms and kiss every inch of her. I shook my head no I need some air before I did something I couldn't stop.
Leaving the house I sat on the stairs of the porch. Moments later I spotted Gabriel coming in to land.
"How is she?"
I looked towards the house.
"Sleeping."
I wondered how Gabriel would feel about my feelings for his daughter. Probably not good since nothing had happened yet I decided to tell him later. Let us deal with Soneillon before anything.
Turning back to Gabriel I indicated the stairs next to me.
"Sit brother forget your troubles for a bit."
Gabriel scrutinised me more closely.
"What has gotten into you Raziel? Don't forget what's at stake."
I laughed.
"Stop worrying Gabriel she is fine we are safe here."
He sat down next to me his shoulders relaxing as he stared at the stars.
"I can't help but worry and I'm not the only one. It took all I had to stop Sariel from coming down here herself."
I grinned knowing what it would have taken to stop Sariel. She was a willfull female indeed.
"But really how is she."
I sighed.
"Angry."
Gabriel nodded running his hand through his hair.
"With good reason that is why we must help her unless she lets go of her anger she will fall into despair."
"I know already her soul is fractured. Destroying her mark has taken its price. She is strong willed but even the strongest can fall."
Something in my face made Gabriel Stare closer at me.
"You've fallen for her haven't you?"
Not being able to look in his eyes I faced the trees surrounding us sighing.
"I should've known I couldn't hide it from you. I'm sorry brother I didn't plan for it to happen."
Surprising me he didn't seem mad merely standing up he looked down at me.
"Just don't hurt her Raziel she has been through enough heart ache already."
I nodded.
"trust me the last thing I want to do is cause her more pain."
He smiled sadly squeezing my shoulder briefly.
"Good."
Here he smiled
"I would hate to loose a brother."
I punched him in the arm.
"As would I."
Before he took off he smiled at me.
"It's good to see your wings again brother."
Taking off he disappeared in the distance.
I could sense her before I heard her since the defences around her mind were down. Though I would never intentionally invade the privacy of her mind but I could not stop the link from telling me when she was near.
"He worries too much."
"He is your father how could he not."
I stood facing her as she stood in the doorway leaning against the frame.
"Come here."
She stepped closer wrapping her arms around me burying her face in my chest. I kissed her forehead squeezing her tight. The feel of her was awakening thing inside me that I had thought long gone.
"You should go back to bed we start early tomorrow."
She nodded
"good night Raziel."
"Good night my little Phoenix."
I watched her go back to the bed fighting the urge to follow her.
Clearly I wasn't getting any sleep tonight.
————-
The next morning we stood in the clearing outside three candles sat in front of Reece.
"So you want me to light a candle?"
She arched her eyebrow at me.
"Is that it? That's my training?"
I chuckled.
"It's harder then it looks. Remember just light the middle one."
Shrugging her shoulders she stared at the candles within seconds all three were burnt to nothing.
She smiled up at me triumphant.
"See easy."
"Not so fast Phoenix I said only burn the middle one not all three and your only meant to light the wick not burn them to nothing."
She frowned.
"Let me try again."
I waved a hand as three more candles materialised.
For the whole day she tried lighting the candle and every time she burnt them all.
"Argh I'll never get it."
She threw herself back staring at the sky panting from using her power over and over again.
I stood next to her looking down as she covered her eyes from the sun.
"Not as easy as you though eh?"
She threw a pebble at me that bounced off my chest harmlessly.
"Tomorrow we train you in your fighting skills."
She scowled.
"I know how to fight."
"Really then how was I able to dodge every attack you made."
Another pebble hit my chest.
"You obviously cheated."
She flipped to her feet hardening her wings in an attempt to take out my feet. I spun to the side grabbing her wrist as I did placing me behind her the feel of her wings against my chest making my heartbeat speed up.
I had her arms pinned behind her back as I whispered in her ear.
"I never cheat."
I kissed the side of her neck that wasn't scared by her burning handprint.
I felt her shiver at my touch making me smile at the effect I had on her.
"Raziel."
It was a whisper as I loosened my grip on her she remained still breathing heavy as she turned her head to face me.
Before I could stop myself I ran a hand down her wing. She moaned quietly not breaking eye contact.
"God I want you."
She closed her eyes as I continued to caress her wings. They were the most beautiful things I had ever seen just like she was.
She spun around planting her lips on mine. Instantly I responded as I wrapped my arms around her one at her waist the other in her hair pulling her closer.
Our tongues collided as our passion for each other grew with each passing second. Her fingers found the seam of my singlet as she touched the bare skin of my chest. A moan escaped my mouth as my eyes opened wider. No it was too soon I shouldn't be doing this.
I pulled away holding her at arms length.
"Reece stop, I'm sorry I shouldn't have."
She reached out touching my face.
"Raziel you don't have to apologise I wanted to."
"It's too soon."
Stepping closer the hand on my face dropped to my waist. With her other hand she stepped to my side as she slowly started at my shoulders. Tracing my tattoo her hand followed the lines to my shoulder blades stopping at the base of my wings.
This time I shivered grabbing her arm before she took this to the point where I wouldn't be able to stop myself.
"Phoenix I swore I wouldn't rush you."
She smiled mischievously.
"I'm not a child Raziel I don't need to be handled with kids gloves. I want this and more then anything I want you."
She continued and I let her. my resolve vanishing instantly. The feel of her touching my wings was the most amazing thing I had felt in a very long time.
My fangs bared involuntarily as I took her lips with mine. Grabbing her thighs I lifted her up to straddle me as I carried her inside.
Once inside I gently laid her on the bed her blond hair fanned out as she smiled up at me. The burn on her neck stood out. Slowly I touch the burning hand print.
She grabbed my wrist.
"Are you sure?"
I asked one last time.
"Yes more then anything yes."
Slowly I leaned over her as I gently kissed her neck taking away the hurt with every kiss. Pulling back I took off my shirt and pulled down my pants completely exposed. her eyes filled with lust as she stared at the tattoo that covered my left arm and most of my chest, then further down her cheeks turning red.
She started to unbutton her own shirt exposing her breast then her pants showing me every inch of her.
Not thinking I took her lips again as I wrapped one hand around her waist lifting her into my lap the other hand caressed her breast.
I could feel her heat against my hardness which only made me want to be inside her more.
"My little Phoenix."
She giggled.
"I love it when you call me that."
I smiled hearing the sound of her laugh made my heart sore. She deserved to be happy and I wanted to be the one to give her that happiness no matter the costs.
The moment I entered her was the most divine moment of my life. It was as if the heavens had opened up just for us. She grinned against me every movement I savoured devouring every inch of her.
As we both climaxed collapsing on the bed our breath melding to one. I caressed her face as her eyes glistened one tear escaping. I knew it was one last tear for a love lost as a new one began.