Free Angelic Union by Jana Downs Page B

in this neighborhood understood what it was to be on the run from the hunters. The angels who tried to wipe them out as abominations were greatly feared and numerous. This town, with its cobbled streets, quaint downtown, and sprawling residential areas, was the only place of rest for most people like them. Fallen, angels, nephilim, and the humans who knew their secrets walked freely through it. It truly was a sanctuary.
    They pulled into their driveway at the end of the cul-de-sac just as the four Elites landed in the front yard of the two-story colonial that Marius had purchased and moved his lovers into just weeks beforehand. He wondered if Madigan and his lovers were still there in the guest rooms downstairs or if they’d moved into their own house 64
    Jana Downs
    closer to town already. To be honest, he’d been so distracted for the wedding preparation that he’d completely forgotten when they said that they would be moving out.
    “It’s good to be home,” Levi murmured, smiling softly to himself as he often did when he was thinking something beyond Marius’s understanding. His smallest lover seemed to see and feel things that were beyond the physicality of Earth so often that Marius wondered how exactly his powers were manifesting. Levi had come into them early, and they’d been expanding ever since. Marius knew he hid a lot of his talents from them, but he couldn’t bring it up without evoking some painful memories. Levi considered his powers his secrets, and Marius wouldn’t try to push.
    Erik put the car in park, and the Elites surrounded the car. Marius tensed for half a second before they started pulling bags out of the trunk as Erik hit the release button. Keer opened Erik’s door, and Brax opened Levi’s. He guessed that Marius was just supposed to fend for himself, which didn’t bother him. If he was really going to be redeemed and join the Elites, it only made sense that they would view him as an equal. He swallowed at the thought. Disbelief filled him.
    Was he really considering this?
    “Marius?” Levi asked, linking their hands, and pulled him from the car. “Are you all right? It’s okay to be scared, you know?”
    “Yeah. I know.”
    Marius’s body tightened as the front door of their house swung open. Who the hell was—
    Madigan stepped out into the sunshine, a black duffel bag in his hand. He smiled brightly and waved. Marius relaxed. Christ .
    “Welcome home, newlyweds!” Madigan’s cheerfulness struck a nerve. Marius was not in the mood for cheer. He felt brittle.
    Levi raced up the steps and flung himself into the other nephilim’s arms. “Thanks,” his little love chattered, “did you enjoy the wedding?”

    Angelic Union
    65
    “It was great. Absolutely lovely.” Madigan’s eyes went to Marius before sliding to the Elites, who fanned out on either side of him. “So, how you doing?” That was a loaded question.
    Levi paused, and Marius could almost see the wheels in his head turning. “I think we’ll be all right.”
    “We’ll be here if you need us,” Madigan said, giving Levi a squeeze. Marius’s gaze went back to the bag clutched in Madigan’s hand.
    “Are you leaving?” he asked.
    Madigan half shrugged. “We’re starting to take the bags over to the new house. The contractor called this morning and said we could start moving in whenever. The work upstairs won’t be done for another three weeks, but the downstairs bedrooms are ready to go.” He smiled softly to himself. “Plus, if we move over, the boys think that they can get the upstairs finished in a week.”
    “You have to love how stubborn our celestial counterparts are,” Levi said, beaming. “Well, congratulations on getting into your own space. Will you call me when your bakery opens?”
    “Absolutely, but it’ll be a while. We want to get settled in, and I don’t want to rush getting things set up. Our families still need to meet and whatnot.” He hefted the bag higher up on his shoulder.