Free Fire and Ice by Sara York Page B

dimmed, he had his old body back. He closed his eyes and revelled in the feeling of coming home. Everything felt right again with his soul and his body.
    He opened his eyes and looked for his love. The fear in Alexandria’s face brought tears to his eyes. She would forget everything that had happened down here, so he might as well let her know the truth.
    “Peace.” Raphael’s voice was calm but powerful.
    Alexandria scooted away, searching for an escape route.
    “Please hear me out. Alexandria, I’m not who you think I am.”
    “You bastard. You hit me, tortured me. You would have raped me if Lash hadn’t shown up.”
    “Stop.” His face heated with anger.
    Her body shook as her face turned red. “Leave me alone.”
    “Alexandria, I want you to listen to me.”
    “You lie. You’re evil.”
    His face fell and he looked pained. “Please, I’m begging you.”
    There was nowhere for her to go. Lahash lay on the floor, as still as the dead. She would listen. He just had to be patient.
    “I’ve changed places. Soul swapped.”
    Alexandria stared at him, her face screwed into a frown. She shook her head and closed her eyes. “How did you do it?”
    “What?”
    “Change places, or whatever you did.”
    “I’m an angel, and I was sent to Earth in a different form as a punishment.”
    “Punishment. Why?”
    “I saved your life four months ago when you were supposed to die. God forced me to change places with that one to do penance for my sins.”
    Alexandria’s eyes popped open, her gaze on him. “You are lying.”
    “No, I’m not.”
    Raphael spread his wings wide, and a beautiful light filled the room. “I never lie. I’m Raphael, or Rafe, as you know him. You’ll forget everything that happened down here and only remember what I allow you to remember about me.”
    Alexandria shook her head. “No, I don’t believe you.”
    Raphael closed the distance between them. “Touch me and you’ll understand.”
    She hesitated and fear filled her eyes.
    “I’m not him. I won’t hurt you. Touch my hand.”
    She reached out and brushed her hand against his. Her face turned white, the bruises from the beating she’d taken grew darker. He needed to get her to the mortal world, and to a hospital. The switch much have diminished his tears’ healing powers enough that he couldn’t heal her body while she was down here in Hell.
    “Oh, God, you are Lash.”
    “Call me Raphael, please.”
    She moved around him, limping as she went. His breath stalled as her hand hovered over the feathers. He glanced back over his shoulder, and their gazes connected. Excitement zinged through him. His wings flinched and brushed against her hand. Alexandria jumped back, then reached out with more confidence.
    “They are so soft, almost silky,” she said. After stroking his wings she finished walking around him, stopping in front of him.
    “Who is that on the floor? Is he Lash?”
    “Yes, but that’s not his real name. And please don’t ask what he’s really named. Calling out to him brings death and destruction.”
    “If he’s so bad, why was he allowed to run around without supervision?”
    “His powers were diminished, like mine were.”
    “But now, does he have his full powers?”
    “Probably, but maybe not.”
    She glanced over at Lahash, then moved away from him. “I’m so confused.”
    “That’s how messed up everything gets when angels involve themselves with humans. I should have stayed away.”
    Alexandria turned back to Raphael, her face serious. “Then I wouldn’t have known you.”
    “We should get out of here,” Raphael said.
    “Will I remember anything about you?”
    “A small amount.”
    “Will I ever see you again?”
    “It depends.”
    “On what?” Her eyes were huge, her gaze pleading.
    He sighed, wondering if he would ever feel whole again. “You’ll be given a choice. If you choose me, then your afterlife will be different.”
    “Afterlife?”
    “You can’t be conscious for this