I prefer to be myself.

She touched his chest. Even with the pain you carry?

He scooted back, out of her reach. At least it is my own.

Frowning, she rose to her feet. I never realized before how frightening and lonely it is to be human. How do you bear it?

He shrugged and stood. Some rely on faith.

What do you rely on, Connor Buchanan?

He winced. Im no a good person to ask. I just keep going . . . out of stubbornness.

Her mouth tilted with a smile. Then I shall be stubborn, too. She shivered, then shifted her gaze to the stars. I will find my way back. And I will count my blessings, for the Lord is good.

Connor stifled his snort, but she still glanced at him as if she could sense his doubt.

The Lord is good, she insisted, for I have been sent a fierce protector.

He almost looked over his shoulder to see who she was referring to. It was laughable to consider him a fierce protector. Hed failed his wife and bairn. Hed failed Shanna.

And the Lord let Bunny heal me, she continued with a smile.

He blinked. Ye were healed by a rabbit?

She laughed, the sound like the tinkling of wind chimes. Bunny is a nickname for Buniel. Weve been best friends for ages. Hes an excellent healer.

He? Her best friend was male? And a perfect angel, too. Bugger.

Her smile faded. Bunny wanted to take me with him, but . . .

he couldnt.

Connors jaw shifted. I wouldna have let you go.

Her eyes widened with surprise. She stared at him, speechless, while he fought to keep his desire from showing. Time stretched out, and the air felt thick between them. He balled his fists to keep from touching her, from drawing her into his arms.

Her gaze drifted down his body, then back up. His heartbeat quickened. He looked at her mouth, wondering if she could possibly react like a real woman. Could she be aware he was studying the pink plumpness of her mouth?

She licked her lips.

Yes. He smiled slowly.

Her cheeks blushed a pretty pink, and she turned away. A mouse just died, she said in a breathless voice.

Excuse me?

A mouse has died. Carried off by an owl.

He strained his eyes, but couldnt see an owl in the night sky. Where?

About thirty miles away. She gazed at the forest with a pensive look. Not all my powers are gone. I can still sense death.

Ye know when somethings dying? How far can ye sense it?

She shrugged. Anywhere in the world. Its how the Deliverers know where to go when people are dying.

She can sense death. Connor paced toward the cabin, then back. This was a valuable skill. If she could sense people dying while Casimir and his minions were attacking them, then she might be able to help the Vamps find him.

He glanced up at the stars. Had God sent him a secret weapon that would help them defeat Casimir once and for all? Then Father Andrew might be right. He was meant to find Marielle.

He looked at her.

She was gazing at the distant mountains. I have always thought the Earth was full of beautiful places. Now I can experience them as a human. It should be very interesting, dont you think? She turned to him with a hopeful expression.  Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.

He winced. Morning always brought him death. He was going to have to explain what he was. He could only hope she wouldnt be disappointed. Or disgusted.

She shivered and hugged herself. I never realized how much humans feel the cold.

Ye should come inside. He motioned toward the cabin, then froze when he heard a noise in the forest.

She heard it, too, whirling around to face the line of trees. Leaves shuddered as something pushed through the bushes.

Connor whisked the dagger from the sheath beneath his knee sock. A black snout poked out from the bushes. A wolf? No, it was wolflike, but bigger. The black, furry beast emerged from the forest.

Marielle stiffened with a gasp.

Connor widened his stance, his dagger ready.

She touched his arm. You cannot fight it. Its here for me.

The beast moved to the side, keeping its dark eyes focused on her. Then the eyes turned red and began to glow.

Connor inhaled sharply. What is it?

Her voice was whisper soft. A demon.

Chapter Six

Marielle squared her shoulders and glared at the black beast, feigning a courage she wished she had. Shed dealt with fallen angels before, but always with the vast power of the Heavenly Host to back her up. Now she was alone.

Not entirely alone. Connor stepped in front of her, but his protective move only increased her fear. Didnt he realize he was no match for a demon?

Go inside, she whispered.

He shook his head slightly, never taking his eyes off the beast. Nay.

He hardly knew her, yet he was willing to risk his life for her? Emotions swirled inside her, strong human emotions she wasnt accustomed to feeling. She didnt know whether to hug Connor or yell at him. One thing was certain, she didnt have time to deal with the confusion now. She had to make sure he survived.

She eased away from him as she glared at the demon. Begone!

The wolflike creature tilted its head to watch as Connor moved close to her once again. She groaned inwardly. Was he determined to get himself killed? She should have yelled at him.

The beast drew her attention with a low growl. Its red gleaming eyes focused on her. Its lips pulled back to reveal a row of long, pointed, yellow teeth.

I have come to escort you to your new home, it rasped in a masculine voice. I suggest you come along quietly.

She lifted her chin. Never.

I could rip you apart, it hissed.

Try it, and Ill send ye back to hell in pieces! Connor shouted, lifting his dagger.

The beast snorted. A savior? I love killing those. It narrowed its bloodred eyes on Marielle. Are you willing to let the fool die for you? In that case, hell would be the right place for you. Of course, you could act like a little angel and rescue him from the jaws of death. Come with me, and Ill leave him alone.

Connor grabbed her arm. Shes no going with you, he said hastily as if he were worried she would sacrifice herself to keep him safe.

The swirl of emotions inside her came to rest, and she knew then that shed much rather hug Connor than yell at him. He had a good and noble heart.

She laid her hand on top of his. I wont let it hurt you.

The beast made a huffing noise. So you refuse to be frightened or coerced into submission. No big deal. I have other strategies. It snarled, baring its long, yellow teeth. One way or another, I will succeed.

Its body glimmered, then reshaped, taking the form of a human male. A very handsome male with flowing red hair, bright blue eyes, a bare muscular chest, and a plaid kilt. A perfect body with flawless skin.

She felt Connor stiffen beside her. No doubt he was shocked to see an enhanced version of himself.

The demon flashed a brilliant white smile at her. Now do you like me?

The demon must think she was attracted to the Scotsman if he was attempting this ploy. With a small jolt, she realized he was right. Still, the trick wouldnt work. Connor was real, and his rough, imperfect exterior only made him more beautiful in her eyes. Begone.

Before I can even introduce myself? The demon assumed a wounded expression. Come, Marielle, didnt they teach you better manners than that up in heaven?

She swallowed hard. He already knew her name.

Oh yes. He nodded his head, knowingly. Weve been watching you for some time. Poor little angel who keeps getting into trouble. We knew it was only a matter of time before those sanctimonious snots decided you werent good enough for them.

Her skin crawled with goose bumps. Connors grip on her arm tightened.

My name is Darafer, by the way. My friends call me Dare.

Go back to hell, she said.

Of course. And I would be honored to take you with me. His mouth curled with the hint of a smile. If you dare.

I will never go with you.

You will, he snapped, his smile vanishing. Youd be a fool to want back into heaven. Look what those prigs did to you. They tortured you. Cut off your wings. Left you in the dirt to die.

She winced inwardly. In her mind, she knew better than to heed the words of a demon, but there was enough truth in what he said to make her heart squeeze in her chest. Banished. Connor seemed aware of her pain, for he drew closer.

Darafers upper lip curled in disgust. Even your best friend rejected you.

And that slashed at her more painfully than having her wings ripped off. He had to follow orders.

Did he? Why didnt he disobey? Darafers blue eyes glittered. You have the courage to disobey. Youre more like us than you realize.

That shocked her out of her pain. I will never be like you! You spread evil across the world.

He waved a dismissive hand. Yeah, yeah, its a dirty job but somebody has to do it.

Anger flashed inside her. You make light of it when millions of people suffer because of your evil?

His eyes turned solid black. Beside her, Connor tensed.

I wasnt joking, Darafer snarled. Somebody does have to do it. Your precious Father in Heaven couldnt play the good guy if we werent doing our part. He needs us as much as He needs you. Where would Jesus be without Judas? By joining us, you can play a valuable role in the grand scheme.

She shuddered. Youre twisting the truth to suit your own purposes.

You think so? Darafer snorted. Maybe now that youre disconnected from the all-holy collective, youll start thinking for yourself. He stepped closer. Who created us, Marielle? All of us fallen angelswho made us the way we are?

She stiffened. The Lord is good. It was your decision to rebel against Him.

Darafer smirked. And wasnt it your decision to rebel, too, little angel?

Her skin chilled. Connor gave her arm a tug as if he wanted to move her back. She held her ground, even though inside, she cringed with fear. Was there any going back now? What if shed already doomed herself?

Darafers eyes turned back to blue, and he gave her a knowing look. Yeah. Free will. It has a way of coming back to bite you in the butt.

Her heart raced. Just because I disobeyed a few times doesnt make me like you. I was trying to protect the innocent. You derive a sick pleasure out of tormenting them.

He shrugged. All in the grand scheme, angel. Sometimes a little torment drives the sheep right back into the Fathers arms. You could say were doing Him a favor. Dares mouth curled. Of course, sometimes it leads them straight to hell. Speaking of which He extended a hand toward her. Are you ready?

With a shudder, she stepped back.

Darafer chuckled. Its a bit warmer there. Youll like it.

She shook her head. I will never go with you.

Connor remained close by her side. Ye have yer answer, now go.

Darafer gave the Scotsman a bland look, then turned back to Marielle. Have you ever heard of a banished angel being reinstated?

No, she hadnt. Panic swelled inside her, and she fought against the surge of fear and despair. She couldnt give up hope.

The longer you stay on Earth, the more human you will become, Darafer continued. Do you really want to lose all your power? How about your immortality? Do you want to grow old and turn to dust?

She forced the words past the lump in her throat. Better to lose my immortality than my honor.

Connor inhaled sharply, drawing her attention. He was staring at her, his eyes gleaming with strong emotion. He inclined his head. Well said, lass.

Her heart expanded in her chest. He understood. He approved of her even when heaven had rejected her. A spring of gratitude and affection bubbled up inside her, and the panic faded away. Thank you.

Darafer snorted. Pardon me while I puke.

She glared at him. Im not going with you. Begone.

Youre so na?ˉve, Darafer hissed. You have no idea what kind of parasite is clinging to you, do you?

Connor stiffened. She told you to go. Now leave!

Looks like I hit a nerve. Darafer smirked as he looked Connor over. I suppose Marielle could do worse for a bodyguard. Hell knows youve shown a distinct talent for violence.

Connor lifted his dagger. Doona tempt me.

Oh, I do. Thats my job, Connor Buchanan. Darafer chuckled when the Scotsman flinched. Yes, I know who you are. Youve been on our list for a long time.

Marielle touched Connors arm and winced at how tense he was. Pay him no heed. Hes a deceiver.

Darafer snorted. Whos deceiving whom? Maybe for your sake, angel, I should take out the trash. Wouldnt want the parasite to soil your dewy innocence. He smiled slowly as he looked her over. Im planning on doing that myself.

Ye willna touch her! Connor yelled.

Darafer shot him an angry look. Do you really think you can stop me? Try it. Then I wont have to go back empty-handed tonight. Looks bad on my r??sum??, you know.

Marielles heart lurched when the demons eyes turned red. He was planning to attack.

Connor realized it, too, for he jumped away from her and assumed a defensive stance.

Her heart pounded. Connor couldnt possibly defeat a demon. And still, in the face of death, he tried to protect her. He kept moving to the side to draw the demon away from her. His dagger gleamed in the moonlight as he raised his arm.

Darafer stepped back and his body shimmered, shifting back into the beastly black wolf. He crouched, preparing to pounce. A low growl rumbled in his throat.

Oh God, no. She couldnt let Connor die. She shot up a desperate plea for help, but heaven was silent. It was up to her. Curling her hands into fists, she hoped she still retained enough power to keep Connor from being ripped to shreds.

The beast leaped.

No! She threw her arms out, her hands splayed. A massive burst of air exploded around her, shooting out in all directions. It blew the beast back, tossing him forty feet into the forest. He crashed into some bushes.

Unfortunately, the blast also knocked Connor back forty feet and he landed on his back, thumping his head hard on the ground.

With a growl, the beast jumped to its feet.

Marielle raised her hands, hoping she could muster enough power for another attack. Fear crept along her skin, making her shiver. Darafer had the same abilities she had, but even more since he could change his form at will. He could also call for assistance from Lucifers other servants.