Steal the Day (Thieves #2)(104)

“You did what?” Sarah practically screeched the question.

“I couldn’t watch you here, so I made myself a very easy target,” the angel explained. “I knew that I wouldn’t go back to the Heaven plane without you. It’s my time to fall. It’s my time to experience something new, and I’m so excited at the prospect. I want to share this with you. I want you to teach me, Sarah.”

Sarah’s smile was every bit as radiant as Felix’s halo. “If you’re sure, then I will guide you as you have guided me.”

“We’re talking about sex, right?” Felix finally sounded halfway human, his voice going low as though he didn’t really want Dev and I to hear. And I would have sworn his cheeks flushed a gentle pink. “I would really like to have sex, but not until after we’re married. The good news is we’re close to Vegas, so we don’t have to wait long. But Sarah, be sure you love me. I also want to try the whole eating thing, and I don’t know how much I’ll like exercise. You might want to take a picture because this is probably the last time I’ll look this good.”

Laughing, Sarah threw her arms around her angel and kissed him for the first time, their mouths forming promises of love and devotion. When Felix pulled back he was solemn. He placed his hand on her forehead and whispered, “You are redeemed, Sarah Tucker. You are redeemed.”

His hand glowed, a brightness shining, bringing Sarah love and life and a future. The contract was done, Hell’s petty documents and laws broken by Heaven’s light.

When he was done, the angel turned to me, inclining his head my direction. “I thank you, my cousin.”

“You’re welcome.” My entire body filled with a happy satisfaction that I’d done the right thing. The glow of a job well done didn’t last long as I had a few questions for my “cousin.” “So Felicity has a thing for Dev?”

I could actually feel Dev’s deep satisfaction at my jealousy. He was going to be insufferable.

“Yes,” Felix answered. “Though it’s easy to see that Felicity’s story won’t end as mine. He glows with love for you, and Felicity would never come between lovers. She knew if you came on this journey together, it would cement the bond between you. She is a creature of sacrifice.”

I couldn’t blame Felicity for loving Dev. He was entirely lovable. I had a thought though. “So if you’re Sarah’s guardian angel and Felicity is Dev’s, which one of us pulled the short straw and got saddled with Oliver?”

Felix threw his golden head back and laughed. “Oh, poor Oliver. He has always gotten the hard task of guarding the true warriors of this world. He watches the most difficult of charges, the ones with a great destiny who stubbornly struggle against it.”

“Oh my god, he’s Daniel’s angel?”

Dev chuckled behind me and patted my back. “He’s talking about you, sweetheart. You’ll have to forgive her. Self-awareness isn’t her strong point.”

“I got Oliver? He sucks.” I pointed at Felix. “I want to know where I can make a few very specific complaints because he’s been laying down on the job. Where the hell was he when I got gut shot with a freaking arrow?”

“He was the one who made sure the arrow didn’t hit any vital organs,” Felix pointed out, amused at my outburst. “He was also the one who whispered in your vampire’s ear, making him so very sure of where you were. He’s the one who held the veil closed so you were waiting when your vampire came.”

That was all good and well, but I was still pissed about that arrow. “Fine, but tell him next time someone tries to gut me, and let’s face facts there will probably be a next time, how about giving me a shove out of the way? Wait. He’s not in love with me, is he? You’re in love with Sarah and Felicity has a thing for Dev. I don’t have to worry about Oliver jumping my bones, do I?”

That really caused Felix to bust a gut. “No, little cousin, you don’t have to worry. Oliver can’t stand you. He once told me of all the millions he’s watched over, you’re undoubtedly the most difficult. Now let us be quit of this place.” Felix unfolded his wings and motioned for us all to move into their protection. When we had gathered, he folded those wings around us. “You wish to return to your vampire?”

I nodded. I thought about asking him who Daniel’s angel was, but the question got trapped in my throat. If Felix told me Daniel didn’t have one, I wasn’t sure how I would handle it. So I let the question go. Daniel would be worried, and I needed to set his mind at ease that Stewart hadn’t led us into a trap.

“All right, I will see you there, but Sarah and I will continue to the Earth plane.” Felix regarded me seriously. “Is there anyone you would like me to pick up on the way? I can take him away and see that he is cared for. He’s hurting, Zoey. He needs time to heal. I ask your permission because you’re the one with the most to lose if he leaves.”

He was talking about Neil. Though I knew it was going to get me into trouble, I nodded my consent. I heard Dev curse beside me, but Felix was speaking again. “Put your hand on the Revelation. It will make our connection stronger. It’s yours for now. Guard it wisely. Now look at me, little cousin. Think about where you want to go.”

In the blink of an eye, we were there.