Darker (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #6)(14)

Gabriel opened his mouth to reply when a crash from the front of the store cut him off. Brogan and I gasped in unison. Before we could react, a figure appeared in the doorway. It was Falon.

He didn’t so much as glance my way; his angry pale gaze was locked on Gabriel. Falon crossed the room in a motion too fast to follow. He grabbed Gabriel by the throat and shook him violently.

“You little shit. Did you think we wouldn’t find out?” Falon shook the frightened teen so hard his teeth rattled. “You can’t lie to a demon and get away with it.”

“I didn’t see anything,” Gabriel choked out. His face turned a dangerous shade of red. “I couldn’t. I tried.”

I was on my feet, confused but ready to intervene. “Falon? What the hell is this about?”

“Not a word out of you, wolf. This doesn’t concern you.”

Falon lashed out at me without a move or look my way. I rolled ass over teakettle until I landed splayed against the heavy-duty rear exit. Before Brogan could act, Falon hit her with a slap of power as well. It held her frozen in her chair, unable to come to Gabriel’s aid.

Rubbing the back of my head, I grimaced as pain shot through my skull. I got to my feet slowly, wary of Falon’s temper. I didn’t want another taste of it. Though I loathed the fallen angel with abundance, I’d seen enough of his abilities to know I didn’t want to tangle with him. Still, I couldn’t just stand by while he throttled a kid.

“You had only to tell the truth,” Falon stated, his tone low and malicious. “You’re either incredibly brave or unbelievably stupid.”

“Please.” Gabriel struggled violently. His eyes bulged, and he fought for air. “I’ll try again. Even if I can’t see anything, I can still do the spell.”

“You’re damn right you’ll do the spell. I still think you saw something. Ready to start talking?” Falon shoved Gabriel hard, sending him sprawling in a heap of flailing limbs.

Blood trickled from Gabriel’s forehead. He gulped in deep breaths, watching the fallen angel with terror-filled eyes. Falon didn’t move. He was just suddenly there, standing over the quaking teenager with a macabre light in his eyes.

“Come on, Falon,” I tried again, willing to risk another bitch slap of power. “He’s just a kid. Take it easy.”

I got Falon’s attention easily enough. A frown creased his brow, and he wore his usual sardonic expression as he sauntered toward me. I braced myself. Falon’s ass**le extraordinaire persona wasn’t new to me, but it was, however, a pain in the ass.

“Listen, you filthy little beast,” he oozed contempt. “I didn’t come here to be pummeled by your pitiful hybrid powers or to offer you an explanation for my actions. So, save the superhero act. The kid and I have business. Which is none of yours.”

The angel was as smarmy and arrogant as ever. He brought my wolf roaring forth with a snarl. My fangs filled my mouth, two on the top and two on the bottom. My fingernails lengthened into claws, and I stared at Falon through wolf eyes. He smirked, enjoying my defensive rage.

“So this is how you get your kicks now?” I demanded. “By bullying innocent kids? I knew you were a worm, but this is really low.”

Gabriel coughed as he caught his breath. His eyes were wide as he took in my wolfed out appearance. “I’m not a kid. I’m nineteen.”

“He’s also far from innocent,” Falon replied, continuing his slow advancement on me. “Don’t be naive, Alexa. Nobody is guiltless. You should know that.”

“I’m not going to keep quiet while you rough him up, Falon.” I spat his name with as much venom as he’d injected into mine. We certainly had no love lost between us. I couldn’t think of anyone I loathed quite so much.

Falon stopped short of touching me. Invading my personal space in a blatantly rude way, he spread his great silver wings. They were huge, cloaking him from shoulder to ankle and wider than his arms were long. It was an attempt to intimidate me, which didn’t work anymore. I was wary of Falon, but I wasn’t truly afraid of him.

“Fine,” he quipped. “Make all the noise you like while I rough him up then. Just stay out of it. I came for answers, and I’m not leaving without them.”

As he looked me over, his pale silver gaze became scrutinizing. Then, he added as an afterthought, “Actually, maybe you could be useful.”

Before I could fend him off, Falon grabbed my arm. He dragged me over to Gabriel despite my attempts to shake myself free. Falon’s hand was cold and clammy. It made me fight harder, but he held tight. I was no match for his immortal strength.

“Dammit, Falon, let me go. I’m not doing a damn thing for you.” My power crashed over me, rising in response to my urgency.

“Oh please, do it. I dare you.” Falon’s laughter echoed through the room. “You may be a big fish with the other blood feeders, but you’re an insect to me. Now, I’m going to ask the kid here a question or two, and you’re going to tell me if he’s lying.”

“So there is something I can do that you can’t,” I scoffed.

Falon released his hold on me but stood invasively close. I leaned away as if that would make a difference. He was a foul creature, and I wanted him to know how pathetic he was.

“Gabriel here is a precognitive clairvoyant. He can see the future for those he touches. You didn’t let him touch you, did you, wolf?” The fallen angel’s mocking laughter continued. “He touched Shya and lied about what he saw. Now, he’s going to tell the truth.” To Gabriel, he said, “Start talking. What did you really see?”