Free Divinity: The Gathering: Book One by Susan Reid Page A

automatic adversaries. I hated knowing that I would not be able to do an ything to either stop it or help her because as a spirit being, fallen or not— I was not allowed to intervene.
    I looked at him with incredulous aggravation.
    “That’s it? This is what you summoned me for? As if I couldn’t stand you enough Drakael, let me remind you that I am free to favor whomever I choose now in case you’ve forgotten. I’m still aware of all the rules and thanks to his shadow servants and the lines that your side allows him to cross time and again; she may know soon herself too! And she’s already seen me though so if that’s what you mean to make sure doesn’t happen, you’re ridiculously late.” I seethed.
    This time his face showed shock and surprise.
    “They know nothing of how or when she dies so it doesn’t matter. On the other hand, what was your intention in showing up there to begin with and allowing her to see you?” He said an accusing tone.
    “I didn’t allow let alone expect her to see me at all. I was cloaked but she was aware of my presence, and she saw my signature, naturally. Why wouldn’t she have? She would have seen you too if you had been there so what’s your point?” I cut him off knowing what he was about to accuse me of.
    My status of being classified as a demon meant that I had been reduced to nothing more than an imperfect supernatural being, a skilled and perfect lover but only to be worthy of nothing more than the physical lusts of the flesh, nothing else.
    For the majority, it meant the freedom to partake of and revel in every level of hatred and sin against Elohim, mankind, and forsake all the original commandments.
    “Do not think for one moment that your intent with her is not known and clear. It won’t work no matter how much light you still possess.” He sternly stated.
    I glared at him, and he watched me carefully with suspicion. I raised both brows, “My intentions? My intentions were to help her or more so doing your job apparently seeing as her prayer had meant nothing to anyone else on your side.” I stated.
    He eyed me, “Her prayer was heard and acknowledged as it has always been.” Drakael defended.
    I shook my head with an unbelieving half smile.
    “I think you’re only concern, and worry is if my intents include deviances of the flesh?” I then said as I began to circle around him, maintaining the wide berth.
    Drakael actually smirked with that one. He turned his head slightly in reaction to my movements because he was still able to account for where I was even with his back to me.
    I was tempted but angering Elohim was the last thing I ever wanted to do right now.
    “That is precisely what I meant so don’t play games Cam`ael. You may still hold much influence and power here but not in the human realm.” He warned.
    He knew how to push my buttons. My jaw worked.
    “I am still Chief Angel of all powers no matter where I am.” I stated in clipped words.
    “You were.” He declared.
    I glared at him; the glow of my eyes intensified as I took a step towards him.
    He didn’t move or tense with my approach.
    I believed he was more disappointed that he, along with many others, had not been able to take my place since my fall.
    “There has never been a replacement for me, so I suppose Elohim feels as if there is no need. I still give him my allegiance and loyalty by controlling the demons and the limits of their powers here and in the mortal realm, just as I always have before.” I stated harshly as I stood directly in front of him now.
    Drakael paused for a moment, eyeing me as if I what I said were untrue…he knew better. He moved to face me fully now, taking a few steps back and watching me silently for a moment.
    I thought that would shut him up.
    “He no longer speaks to you directly. How would you even know what he wants of you, unless we co nvey those messages to you?” he then said.
    That remark cut me deep because he was right.
    “He doesn’t