Free Blood of the Exiled (Witch Fairy Book 10) by Bonnie Lamer Page B

grandpa.”
     
    He nods.   “That explains a lot.”
     
    Laughing, I say, “That’s what I thought, too.”
     
    “Breakfast?” he asks, holding his hand out to me.  
     
    “I’m starving,” I say, standing up and taking his hand.   Starving for both food and information.   It’s time to see what Raziel has to say.
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 9
     
    As usual, the gathering place is the kitchen.   We find Adriel and Raziel enjoying fluffy pancakes with homemade blueberry syrup and crisp bacon.   Tabitha is at the stove pouring more batter on a flat, square skillet.   Isla is enjoying a cup of coffee and leaning against the counter near the pot.   When I peer a little closer at her, I can see worry behind the casual expression she’s wearing.
     
    Sitting at the island counter with the two Fallen Angels, I help myself to some pancakes.   “Good morning,” I say to the room in general as I reach for the syrup.
     
    Grabbing the orange juice from the fridge, Kallen gives Tabitha a peck on the cheek.   She slaps his hand when he attempts to steal a piece of bacon from the warmer.   “There is bacon laid out on the counter,” she chides.  
     
    “I like it hot,” Kallen says with a grin, stealing a piece anyway.   Tabitha rolls her eyes but she smiles.
     
    “How is Lailah?” Raziel asks.
     
    Of course he knows she came to me.   “Good.   She’s a lot happier being an Angel again.”
     
    “She has always been an Angel,” Adriel snarks.
     
    “Someone’s touchy this morning,” I mumble around a bite of pancakes.   She narrows her eyes at me but lets my comment go.
     
    “She told you of the circumstances under which she Fell ?” Raziel asks.
     
    I laugh and shake my head.   “I’m pretty sure you already know she did.”
     
    He smiles.   “I find it easier for others if I try to converse as if I do not already know the answer to all.”   He gives a pointed glance in Kallen’s direction.   Kallen ignores him and starts eating.
     
    “I’m impressed with the orchestration of my birth.   You guys went all out,” I say, then pop more pancakes into my mouth.
     
    Amused, Raziel says, “Your birth has been destined since the beginning.   It seemed wrong to shirk on the details.”
     
    I shake my head.   “An arranged marriage.   I could never do that.”
     
    This time it’s Adriel who gives a pointed look in Kallen’s direction.   “Of course you couldn’t,” she says.   Kallen glowers at her.  
     
    Suddenly defensive because she’s probably right, I say, “Our marriage wasn’t arranged.   It was hoped for.   There’s a difference.”
     
    Adriel is unconvinced.   So is everyone else in the room except Kallen and me.   Coming to my rescue from the awkward silence, Isla says, “There is a difference.”   Clearly, she’s just humoring me but I appreciate it anyway.
     
    “Can we move on?” Kallen grumps.
     
    “What do you have to tell me?” I ask Raziel.
     
    Winking at me, he says, “Promise not to get annoyed with my cryptic response?”  
     
    I pretend to think about it.   “No.”
     
    He chuckles.   “As I suspected.”   Sobering, he continues.   “Your previous interactions with the Witches have not been forgotten.”
     
    Kallen snorts.   “That is not news worthy of dragging us out of bed.”
     
    It’s Raziel’s turn to ignore him.   “Your actions were recorded and studied.   Every detail of your interactions with them has been analyzed in great detail in preparation of your return.   The result is that they are better prepared for your magic this time.”
     
    My turn to snort.   “Are they tougher than Dragons?”   Or evil Archangels?   I don’t say the last out loud.   It brings back too many memories I’ve shoved into the back of mind, never to be seen or heard from again.   But I have learned a lot about my magic since the last time I saw the Witches.   I doubt they’re