Free Angelic Union by Jana Downs Page A

you overhead just in case,” Axis said.
    His eyes were a brilliant shade of green. Since it was Marius’s favorite color, he felt like that justified the attraction.
    “You’re starting to feel it,” Levi whispered to his right. Marius shot him a “huh?” look followed immediately with a small “shut it” expression. The last thing he wanted was to reveal even the minutest of weakness toward the Elites.
    Axis seemed to take it all in stride. “Is that all right?”
    “It’s fine. I’d feel better if I had extra eyes watching over us.” It had been the one thing he’d yearned for over the course of their flight from the hunters in the past year. Thank God they wouldn’t have to deal it anymore. Sanctuary was a safe place, but old habits died hard.
    He still felt like he was going to come under attack at any minute.
    The slow smile the Elite gave him let Marius know that the angel was pleased. “Sure thing, Marius. We’ll follow you to your house.” 62
    Jana Downs
    It was on the tip of his tongue to correct Axis with an “our house,” but the thought startled him so much that he just opened his mouth and gaped like a fish.
    “Marius?” Levi’s voice steadied him. If Axis noticed his discomfort, he didn’t acknowledge it. Instead, he gave them a soft smile and turned from them, barking out an order to the other Elites that they were leaving.
    “I’m feeling strange. It’s growing. It’s getting stronger.” Marius whispered the words.
    Levi looked up at him with those gorgeous blue eyes. “It’s meant to be, lover man. Trust it. Your color is starting to even out. You’re relaxing into it. That’s a good thing.”
    His “color” was starting to what? What did Levi mean by his
    “color”?
    “Marius?” Erik asked, concern lacing his voice.
    Marius shook his head. “I think all this talk about destiny and mates has me a little overanalytical. I keep looking for signs where there probably aren’t any. Let’s get in the car.”

    * * * *

    Marius relaxed on the ride home. The reason behind his relaxation was obvious. The Elites were flying overhead, watching over them, taking care of them. It was a nice change of pace. He’d mentioned to his friend Michel only weeks before how lucky he was to have multiple partners to help him watch over his nephilim lover. To say he’d been shorthanded in protecting his own lovers was an understatement. There had been times he’d been woken up in the middle of the night and had to gather their things and run. Running had become second nature during their time outside Sanctuary. Now that they lived somewhere safe, he wasn’t sure if he could do contentment.

    Angelic Union
    63
    Erik drove the car while Marius took up the backseat, his wings unfurled as they turned onto the road that would lead them home. It was nice not to have to worry about them being bunched up like they were tied together. He wished he had a stronger charm to make them mold seamlessly into his back in a series of glyphs. It would make him more human for his lovers, more convenient.
    “Are you nervous?” Erik asked as they drove into the entrance of the subdivision that they lived in.
    “Why would I be nervous?”
    Erik rolled his eyes. “Because of the redemption thing.” Marius shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m more wigged out by how, if it happens, we’re going to be adding four new people to our relationship.” He really didn’t want to think about it, but it looked like he wasn’t getting a choice.
    “I never get over how pretty it is here,” Levi cut in, interrupting their repeated conversation of fears and changes.
    The houses had yards that were very angel friendly when it came to landings. It was one of the things that had appealed to Marius when he’d researched the area months ago when they’d decided to get married and try to settle down together. All the houses were sturdy brick and private enough for Marius’s tastes. They also had multiple exits. Everyone