Restraint (The Revelation Series Book 2) (9 page)

“She mentioned having known you
, in the ah, biblical sense. You really know how to pick girlfriends.” My cheeks are burning. I need to learn tact.
Why am I even bringing this up?

He laughs
and his eyes twinkle. “Saraphina is good at many things, especially in the bedroom.”

I swallow the bile threatening to come up. “Would you mind checking on my clothing, please?”
I’m suddenly too hot and very aware I’m still naked.

“
I would be happy to. Would you like a refill while I’m up?” He points to my glass.

“No, thank you.”
I really need to keep a clear head around Gage.

He
walks down the long hallway as I stand, wrapping myself tightly in the blanket. I make my way to the wall of windows that overlooks the Eiffel Tower then close my eyes. I try to feel the hum of energy I get from Asher but it’s not there. All of a sudden, I’m terrified, cold and alone.

Inhaling
a deep breath, I focus my energy and center myself the way Michael showed me, willing my body to reach a hypnotic state. I let my mind wander and focus on my heart, visualizing it. Every beat that it takes, every ounce of blood it pushes through my veins and organs, my body pulls toward the link that connects my heart to Asher’s.

All my other thoughts fall away and I focus on my
heartbeats as they align with his and my body enters a state of vibration. My soul lifts and I imagine Asher’s face, his smile and the five o’clock shadow I love so much.

I move to
ward his sparkling eyes and concentrate on his heartbeat as my body’s soul floats through the astral plane, guiding my spirit toward him.

Within seconds
, I notice I’m in a large, circular room. It’s similar to a stadium where the seats are in a ring formation and taper off, each step is another row down to a main floor where Michael and Uriel are speaking. I can’t hear what they’re saying. It’s like they’re on mute.

The ceiling is vaulted and has the most beautiful mural
of angels painted on it. Blue and green brush strokes enhance the entire piece. The large hall boasts crisp white walls highlighted with stunning gold gilded moldings. The sanctuary has natural lighting, though I can’t tell where it’s coming from. Beams of brightness bounce off the gold accents, creating an ethereal setting which appears to glow.

My eyes scan all the people that are seated
. It looks like an ancient Greek senate meeting. There must be a thousand men and women in this room. I scan the faces until I see Asher and take in a deep sigh of relief.

As if
he senses my presence, Asher’s eyes lift and catch mine going completely wide as he stands abruptly and stalks toward me. My heart increases at his proximity It’s like I feel whole again, and safe. My entire body relaxes knowing he’s here. He is my oxygen, my lifeline.

Once he reaches me, h
e takes my elbow and drags me out of two large bullion doors into a white marble hallway that’s gleaming with sunlight.
Huh, who knew we could touch in this state.

“What are you doing here
, Eve?” he asks, alert and surprised while he scans my face. His eyebrows knit together, confused as to how I got here and why I am translucent.

“How come I can hear you but not the others in the room?”
I question.

“It’
s protected by the Angelic Council. Only members can hear the discussion,” he offers. “Are you astral projecting?” he whisper shouts in awe.

I n
od, chewing the inside of my cheek, unsure if he’s upset I’m here or glad to see me. “Yes.”

“What’s wrong? Are you okay? Where are Abby and Kenna?” he shoots off a mile a minute.

I swallow. If he wasn’t mad before, he’s going to be really pissed when I explain. “Um, I had a little run in with a goblin and a selkie. I’m okay. Gage saved me and brought me to his loft in Paris, where I am now.”

He just star
es at me. Mouth agape and face pale.
Crap
. I can’t tell if he’s angry or about to pass out. Asher exhales, trying to calm himself. I fidget, waiting for the shouting.

“Start. From. The. Beginning
,” he says too slowly and more for his benefit than mine.

“After you left
, Godry came out of the woods,” I begin, unsure how much I should tell him.

“
Godry? The goblin from Yester Castle?” he confirms, puzzled.

I nod. “Anyway, he said he owed you a favor and since you’re here at the meeting
, he wanted to warn me about Saraphina. By the way, that little goblin needs some serious lessons in manners. He’s extremely rude and tactless. I almost squished the life out of him.”

Exhausted,
Asher runs his hands over his face and through his hair. “Eve.” It comes out as a warning growl. “Focus, please.”

“Right,
sorry. I was prepared to leave when Saraphina called to me. Apparently, the creepy selkie put some sort of seductive charm on me. I was just about to walk into the frozen water when Gage caught me and pulled me out.” I stop and wait for the yelling that surprisingly doesn’t come.

Asher just inhales
and watches me. Then with great self-control he says, “So, now, you’re with Gage?”

“Yes.
In Paris, at his loft.” I study him, watching me.
Why is he so composed?

“I’m assuming
Saraphina wanted to turn you over to Lucifer for her freedom. Is Gage in contact with Deacon?” Asher asks, his voice calm. Too calm. It’s unnerving.

“No. That’s just it
. He said he owed Deacon a favor but now he isn’t sure if he’s willing to fulfill it.” I pull my brows together. His quiet demenour is freaking me out.

Asher
’s still for a moment longer while he contemplates what I’ve told him. His eyes roam down me and stop on the blanket before his face morphs into fuming anger. “WHAT. THE. FUCK. EVE. Where are your fucking clothes?” he shouts in a controlled whisper.

Seriously
, I’ve been standing here for like fifteen minutes and he’s just now noticing the blanket.
I forgot when I project it’s in the items I’m wearing. “Um, they were wet from the snow, so they’re being washed and dried,” I say, gauging his reaction.

Asher
’s eyes narrow at me in fury, but his voice is oddly gentle. “I’m presuming since Gage saved you and is keeping you quietly at his loft, he isn’t going to bring Deacon in tonight. That said, for the love of all that is…when you get back, put your fucking clothes back on.” He regains control of his temper before continuing.

“
Then wait for either Abby, Kenna or I to come get you. Understand?” He waits, eyes in slits.

“Yes. Dress and wait
,” I repeat with a quick nod.

“
And by the grace, siren. Do not fucking go anywhere else with that piece of shit. Got it?” he quietly shouts, his eyes wild and raw.

“Yep, crystal clear.”
I smile, trying to help keep his emotional state even.

“We’ll discuss this w
hen I get back from the meeting. Once sworn into the summit, we’re not permitted to leave. Under any circumstances.” His eyes flicker to the doors then back to me and soften a bit. “If I’m gone too long, they’ll come looking for me and notice you’re here. Which, by the way, is completely breaking the rules. Also a discussion for later,” he scolds.

I cast my eyes down. “I’
m sorry. I was just afraid and didn’t know what else to do.”

Immediately,
Asher’s entire demeanor changes. The hardness is gone as he pulls me into his arms. “Shit. I’m sorry, siren. Of course, you’re frightened. You did the right thing coming to find me. I’ll get you out of Gage’s place as soon as I can. If what you said is true, then I’m sure he’s not going to hurt you. For now, you’re safe. That doesn’t mean you can let your guard down with him though, Eve. He’s in a tenuous state right now and is unpredictable.”

I nod, wishing I could inhale his scent to help keep me calm. “
I promise to be careful.”

“Good
girl, thank you. I need to return to the meeting. Are you okay to astral project back?” Asher’s hands cup my face, his thumb brushing back and forth across my skin.

“
Yep, I’m a pro at this now, thanks to Michael.” I smirk.

Asher’s
face scans mine. “I’ll see you soon. I promise, siren,” he vows.

I bury my face in his chest.
“Ash?” I murmur against his shirt.

“Yeah?” he whispers
, his chin resting on top of my head.

“You’re literally hold
ing my soul in your hands.” My eyes lift to meet his.

H
e gives me his signature sexy smile. “There’s no place I would rather your soul be, than in my protection.” His demeanor is sincere and filled with something else I can’t name.

My heart skips a beat at his proclamati
on as I come to the realization my soul might not be the only thing attached to him.

7
Pendulum

I
close my eyes and imagine I’m a glowing white light, tugging on a silver cord attached to my physical body. Gently, I pull and let it guide me back, just as Michael taught me. I return to my physical state, which happens faster than leaving it for some reason.

As soon as my soul hits my body, I stand straighter. I
forgot I left myself standing by the windows. I need to remember to position myself more comfortably next time. I stretch my neck from side to side to alleviate some of the pressure the absence caused.

“Welcome back. I trust Asher is alright?” Gage says
, standing next to me. He’s holding my clothes and weapons with an unreadable expression marring his lovely face. There’s something I see behind his gaze. Anger maybe, but it disappears.

I tilt my head to the side and narrow my eyes.
“You didn’t think you could kidnap me and I wouldn’t reach out to him, did you?”

The calculating gargoyle
watches me, a small smile forming on his lips. “I didn’t kidnap you. You’re free to go any time you’d like, love.” He points toward the door.

I huff as he hands my
outfit and daggers to me. “The restroom?”

He
motions to the bathroom with his head. “Down the hall, on the right.”

“Thanks,” I say qu
ietly and make my way to change back into my jeans and black cotton long sleeved shirt and resheath my weapons.
If he meant me harm, why would he return my daggers?

When I return,
Gage is sitting at the granite counter in the kitchen with some cheese, crackers and fruit on a platter and two glasses of water, waiting for me to join him. He points to a stool next to him. “Are you hungry?”

My stomach grumbles
, letting me know that I am. “I guess.”

“
Take a seat,” he orders, imploring obedience.
Why are all gargoyles so damn bossy?

Sitting,
I grab some cheese and begin to nibble on it. “Why are you being so nice to me?”

He stops eating and focuses on the sink in front of us as if he didn’t realize he was being
kind toward me. “I’m not sure.”

“Truthful. W
eird, but straight forward,” I offer, confused by his response.

“
I take it his highness will be on his way shortly?” he says with little humor.

I glance at him sideways. “
If you’re referring to Asher, then yes.”

The corners of his lips tilt
. “The dark prince must have been super pissed you’re here with me, love.” Gage’s eyes roam down my body, causing it to shudder, which catches me off guard. “And unclothed, at that, when you projected.”

I groan. “
Asher wasn’t thrilled, but he did say I was safe with you. Am I?” I send a pointed glance his way.

“For now
.” He shrugs like it’s not a big deal.

I grab
a grape and focus on chewing it as we sit in silence for a bit. This is awkward and I’m not sure what to say to Gage. He seems like a nice guy, but his past actions tell a different story.

“You’re mastering the astral projection well. Michael is
an excellent teacher. It takes great strength to be able to manipulate it the way you have.” His tone sounds almost proud that I’ve controlled the ability.

“I’m lucky he’s showing me how to
have power over some abilities of the ascension,” I say.

Gage looks at me
pensively for a moment. “Does it scare you? Knowing you’re the weapon they’ve created to save humankind?”

My eyes hold his
as I swallow my grape, hard. For some reason that goes beyond logical interpretation, I feel at ease with Gage. No matter what his threats are, I know he isn’t dangerous to me in this moment.