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Authors: Angela Daniels

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Matanji smiled down at Fernando. “Clearly, despite the location of your soul, its state is not as irredeemable as we thought. I believe apologies are in order.”

“None are necessary,” Fernando said, not breaking eye contact with Tegonni.

She couldn’t look away from him as the bliss of the sacred flame continued to touch them. Sharing this with each other was a gift beyond words. Even better, it was Fernando’s dream, an impossibility made real. “I’m so happy for you, Fernando.”

“For us.”

Yes, he was right. This moment was about both of them. “For us.”

Matanji closed a large hand over their joined ones. The green skin was soft and delicate as the flame went out and her hand engulfed theirs. “I’m happy to be wrong. Bless you both.”

The male warrior, now swordless, moved and stood with the other, who was helping a gape-mouthed Phil to his feet.

Jaime stalked up beside the green goddess, fist on hip. “That’s it? They get a blessing and can go on their merry way?”

“As far as I’m concerned, yes.”

The small woman shook her head. “She lied, misappropriated resources, consorted with demonic forces…”

Matanji reached out with one of her free hands, and stroked Jaime’s shoulder in comforting circles. “I think that last has been addressed. Karma will sort the others. Don’t miss the beauty of what has happened tonight by clinging to missteps.”

Arms crossed, Jaime glared at Tegonni, and she knew her boss wasn’t going to let it go.

Matanji said, “Very well, Jaime. You are within your rights as her superior in the Lightworkers to reprimand her as you will. It’s out of our purview.” She motioned with her fourth hand to the other two Lephiri. “We will leave you to it.”

Tegonni suppressed a groan and laid her head on Fernando’s chest. Jaime would not let her off easy.

“We will do whatever we can to secure your soul’s release,” Matanji told Fernando as she let go of their hands. “But as that will most likely necessitate your death, I hope you take my advice. Enjoy what you have been given.” Matanji smiled, and then faded with a musky whiff of sandalwood.

The two Lephiri warriors bowed, and then, as they lifted their wings in graceful arcs, sparkles of magic like fireflies covered them from wingtips to feet before they disappeared. The faint, sweet aroma of geranium lingered after them to mingle pleasingly with Matanji’s heavier scent.

Jaime broke the peaceful silence that followed. “We’ll talk about this in my office Monday morning, Dr. Ellis. I suggest you be prepared to pack up your things. Did you really think—”

“Phillip, please escort our last guest down to the lobby,” Fernando said.

Phil hesitated, glancing at the scowling Jaime before bowing to Fernando. “I’m not comfortable leaving you with only Davis for protection. He’s not full-strength.”

Tegonni looked the penthouse’s doorway. She’d forgotten about the downed guard. She smiled at him, relieved he stood on his feet even if he did have to lean heavily on the door for support. His wound, presumably at least partially healed, was covered by his suit jacket.

He pushed away from the door, cradling his chest with his right hand. “I’m sufficiently recovered to take her down.”

“Thank you, Davis. Stay in the elevator. We don’t want any unwanted attention.”

“I can find my way out. Monday, Dr. Ellis.” Jaime turned and stalked down the hallway.

Davis gave Fernando a bow, then, in long strides, easily caught up with Jaime. He reached to take her elbow, and she snatched it away, causing her to snag a high heel in the deep carpet. She tripped, an ungainly sprawl prevented only by Davis once again taking her elbow. She actually growled at him before the elevator door closed.

Tegonni burst out laughing, almost sorry for her boss. “She came to a vampire execution and witnessed said vampire being honored with Holy Fire instead. I’m going to further disappoint her on Monday when I quit before she can fire me.”

He pressed his forehead against hers. “I am sorry you lost your job.”

“I’m not. Look what I gained.”

He kissed her, a slow, lazy press of lips.

Phil made a noise in his throat. “Excuse me, boss, but I think you two should get inside while I wait for the backup. The inside wards held.”

“Of course, Phil, thank you.” Fernando spared him a nod before leading Tegonni into the penthouse’s small foyer.

She glanced at Phil as Fernando shut the door. The vampire guard mouthed
thank you
. Her heart warmed as she smiled.

Wrapping his arms around her once more, Fernando looked down at her with serious eyes. “There is one more issue we should address.”

Really?
She was way too happy to get truly alarmed. Still. “What else could possibly be wrong after all that?”

“Now that my vampire nature has been forgiven, I don’t wish to insult Heaven’s gift by flaunting smaller violations. For instance, fornication.”

She lifted an eyebrow.
If he’s going to tell me we can’t have sex…

“Fortunately, such violations can be easily remedied.” He beamed, putting her at ease. Then he dropped to one knee. Her stomach did flip-flops.

“Fernando?”
He’s not about to do what I think he is
. “Your angel friend has already blessed our union. We have proven our dedication to one another. Nevertheless, will you honor me with the traditional vows before the Council? Tegonni Ellis, will you marry me?”

For a moment, she was dumbfounded. She’d never guessed the night would end like this. Then joy, ten times greater than earlier, when he’d called them a couple, suffused her heart. She did consider saying something about it being a big step, that they should date for a while. But the truth was, it felt right. She wouldn’t fight it. She stroked his face. “The honor is mine. Of course I will.”

He stood and lifted her in his arms, chest to chest, so she was gazing down at him. They laughed together in the dimness of the entryway, the lights of the cityscape their backdrop. He said, “You were very brave tonight, meu amor. I worried Antigone’s fate would find you, but no Greek tragedy for us.”

She wrapped her legs around his waist, stroked her hands across his chest. “No. More like a modern romance.”

He bent and nuzzled her neck. “In such romances, being engaged is as good as being married, no?”

She laughed, “I knew you’d see sense.”

Loose Id Titles by Angela Daniels

Counselor of the Damned

Angela Daniels

Angela Daniels pens sci-fi, fantasy, and erotic romance in various combinations. She enjoys the challenge of working strong plot, complex characters, and sultry love scenes into her stories. A quintessential Gemini from Chicago, she enjoys new people, new ideas, and new experiences to inspire her writing as well as for their own sake.

Find out more about the author at her website,
http://angeladanielsromance.com
, or friend her on Facebook at
https://facebook.com/AuthorAngelaDaniels
.

BOOK: Counselor of the Damned
10.8Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
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