Free Desiring A Demon (Archangels) by Missy Jane Page B

a loud blast echoed through the room. She threw her arms over her head as debris rained down on her. Rafe shouted her name as other voices cursed loudly.
    “Asta, don’t move,” Rafe hollered.
    She couldn’t. Tile, drywall , plaster, and who knew what else covered her. She fought to breathe through the mess as she waited for Rafe to find her.
    …
    “I’ve found her . ”
    Sebastian’s shout pulled Rafe up short. He worked his way through the destruction of the motel room to find Mike and Sebastian crouched over a still figure in what was left of the bathtub. Rafe would have shoved Mike out of the way if he hadn’t moved quickly. The sight of Asta with blood dripping from her ears and nose nearly made him howl in rage. But he held it in and dropped to his knees at her side.
    “The damn wall fell on her,” Sebastian said. “I tried to stop it but something still hit her on the head.”
    “She’s breathing,” Mike said. “But she won’t wake. I tried reading her thoughts but they’re as blocked as ever.”
    Rafe ran his hands lightly over her from head to toe, searching for injuries by touch even as he used his senses to check internally. No broken bones, no internal bleeding. She had a slight concussion and bruised knuckles, as well as small cuts and scrapes on her arms and elbows. She was also hot to the touch like she’d been the night before.
    He looked around. “How the fuck did she get here?”
    Mike shrugged. “No telling. We better get her out of here before the rest of the building caves in . The others are going to search the area.”
    Rafe gently lifted her into his arms and made his way out of the destruction. Then he jumped into the sky with Mike and Sebastian right behind him. Soon they were home and he placed her on her bed. Mike gathered medical supplies while Rafe pulled off her shoes and socks. The soles of her feet were deep crimson. Sebastian watched silently.
    “What’s happening to her?” Mike asked as he walked back into the room. He glanced at her feet and looked her over again, then handed Rafe a wet washcloth.
    “I’m not sure. She was burning up the other night but told me she felt fine. I didn’t believe her but figured she’d tell me when she was ready.”
    Mike scowled at him and Rafe prepared for an argument that never came. Instead, their leader simply shrugged and turned away.
    “I’m going to put my shirt back on.” Sebastian followed him out of the room.
    Rafe watched them leave and , for the first time , wished he could read his brother’s thoughts. He’d followed Mike for so long it was second nature to always defer to him. But when Rafe looked back down at Asta, he knew she was the one person who might change everything. He washed the blood from her face and hair and prayed to an entity that had ignored them for far too long.
    …
    Pain engulfed Asta as she struggled for consciousness. The voices of the damned filled her mind , and she gripped the sides of her head while silently begging for peace. It was slow in coming, but eventually the voices dissipated and the pain receded. She noticed a warm weight against her back and relaxed into the soothing embrace. She didn’t question it, didn’t worry about who or what or how. For the moment , she was pain free and listening to blissful silence. That’s all that mattered. Then she noticed the hand high on her abdomen, palm flat just under her breasts. She stiffened and would have jumped up if not for Rafe’s voice.
    “Shh, it’s okay. I’ve got you, baby. You’re safe now.”
    Tears clogged the back of her throat and burned her nose. Of course she was safe, now that she rested in the arms of an angel. Though it was a bad idea, she rolled over and buried her face against his neck. His grip tightened , and he ran one hand through her short hair.
    “I’ve got you.”
    She held him just as tightly , and he rubbed her back. Finally her emotions calmed and she took a deep shuddering breath.
    “Rafe. You found