Demons Prefer Blondes (Demons Unleashed #1)(103)

“What do you mean?”

“You’re the Chosen Paladin. Rise, or I’ll be forced to join you on one knee.”

His mind spun. But he’d been certain Coby was the one. She was the most dutiful. The most dedicated. She’d never failed a mission. His head snapped up. He refused to hear it. “You’re mistaken.”

“Not a good idea, Rafe,” Dominic warned.

Kalli cleared her throat. “Don’t ever doubt the words of an archangel. Haven’t you learned anything in your four hundred plus years as a Paladin?”

With cautious steps, Rafael stood. “But what about Coby? She’s never failed a mission.”

“Your sister, although brave, still has her own struggles. She’ll have her time. Just not now. Now is your time, Rafael Deleon. Do you accept your fate?” Michael held out the crossbow, a stern gaze etched into his stoic face.

“I will accept any fate, as long as it saves Lucy.” Rafael reached out to take the offered weapon. Even though saddened that it was him and not his sister, a sense of pride still welled in his heart. Poor Coby. She deserved to stand here. His heart fluttered. Coby. What would happen to her? He glanced over to Dominic, who stood in stark silence. What was he thinking?

“What about…” He feared the worst.

“Your sister’s soul is tarnished. But even beneath the thickest coat of dirt, silver still glistens.”

Michael and Dominic exchanged scrutinizing glares.

“As I said, she will have her time.”

Dominic wrenched around and stalked away.

“Don’t forget. Everything happens for a reason.”

Adjusting the quiver and crossbow to his back, Rafael nodded. “I understand.”

“I was speaking to your friend.”

Dominic grunted and nodded. “I understand.”

“Good. I’ll unlock the portal now.” He raised him hands high and threw his head back. In a blinding flash, energy shot from his palms up toward the heavens. “May the lord bless and keep Rafael Deleon and his friends safe and allow them access to the portals to lead them wherever they so choose.”

With a loud whoosh, the clouds split open. Vibrant rays of light came pouring down from the heavens. Bright violets, greens, and blues bathed him and his friends, warming him amongst the cold bursts of wind. He fully expected to hear angelic choruses echoing through the night. Alas, the only things he heard were the beating of his heart and the winds spiraling upward.

Michael, ice and snow circulating around him, unsheathed his sword and held it high. Brilliant rays of light bounced and reflected from the ornately etched blade, sparkling around them. Like giant flakes of glitter, the light danced through the air.

“Portals open for Rafael Deleon and his friends, Dominic Duvane and Kalliope of Lesbos.”

Dominic arched a brow.

Kalli growled. “Don’t even go there.”

“Fine,” Dominic muttered.

“Enough chitchat.” With a stern glare, Michael thrust his sword in the air. Sparks flew. Lightning flashed, brightening the dark cloudy sky. Thunder rolled and clapped. In one silent instance, it all stopped. The snow, the wind, the lightning. Everything went still. In a sudden burst of energy, a flickering ring of fire and sparks formed a tunnel. The tunnel that would lead him to Lucy. A tunnel that would help him meet his destiny.

Michael lowered his sword and bowed his head. “’Tis finished. Go, my friends. Rescue Lucy. Send Belial back to Hell. Together, you will save the world.”

Rafael held his head tall. “I will. And I’ll enjoy every minute of it.” He turned to his friends, beckoning them to join him. “Shall we?”

With determined steps, he marched toward the portal. Without a glance back, he stepped in and headed to his fate. No, not his fate. To Lucy—his destiny.





Chapter 29


“See how much your precious Rafe cares for you?” Belial dragged her toward the chapel, taking two steps at a time. “He isn’t here to save you, is he?”

“He’ll be here soon.”

He threw back his head and a loud rumble of laughter burst from his mouth. “You keep telling yourself that. He can’t possibly make it here in time. I’ve planned everything so perfectly. This will be the wedding of the millennium.”

“Considering we’re only about ten years into the millennium, that isn’t saying much, is it.”

Belial snarled then allowed his lips to curve into a creepy smile. “You know, at first your sarcastic wit grated on my nerves. Now it’s growing on me.” He ran his fingers down her back to trace along the curve of her ass. “Yes, you’ll make a fine wife. Just a little molding, that’s all.”

“The only thing that will need molding is your face after Rafe rearranges it.”

With a naysaying shake of his head, Belial clucked his tongue. “But he isn’t here yet, is he? Speaking of Rafe, it’s time for you to meet someone.”

Meet someone? What had he done? Who else was left to meet? Her heart plummeted. Coby. His sister. Leave it to the wannabe prince of darkness to hold the ace in his hand. “If you’ve harmed Rafe’s sister, I swear I’ll personally kick your ass.”

“Rafael’s sister?” Belial’s incredulous tone rankled her nerves. His sardonic chuckle drove her further over the edge. “I merely want you to meet my priestess. The one who will officiate our little ceremony.”