Between (29 page)

Chapter Twenty-Three

When Claudia rested her head against Austin’s shoulder, his heart went flaccid and he felt like he was swallowed up by her. How she made him feel vulnerable and weak by her touch, he could not explain, nor did he want to. As he jabbered away about the constellations, she started to glide lower and curled her body into him.
She must have been extremely exhausted
, he thought. She wouldn’t usually have snuggled up to him like that. Unsure if she felt cold from the breeze, he draped his wing completely around her and savored the moment, having her here alone with him.

Michael transported to Island of Eden and found himself standing behind Austin and Claudia. The countless stars sparkled across the night sky and the moon glistened across the water in the darkness.
A romantic spot
, Michael thought as his eyes pierced through Austin’s wings. Claudia’s head was resting on Austin’s lap. He felt a little sting of jealousy running through his veins seeing her comforted by his embrace, especially at the thought of them sharing this breathtaking view together. But he knew better than to worry; she loved him. A part of him wondered if she cared about Austin more than even she knew. After all, they did spend time together and Austin was very smooth with the ladies, or so he was told.

“
You’re late,” Austin challenged.

“
You didn’t put up your shield?” Michael asked, but his tone sounded more reprimanding.

“
I knew you were on your way. You don’t want to be blocked out like the last time, do you?” Austin mocked, gloating.

“
Next time, knowing I would come or not, put up that shield. What are you going to do, fight by yourself?”

“
Don’t forget about the watchers behind me. You
do
remember them, don’t you?”

“
Not enough; doesn’t matter. You need to take all precautions, especially when it comes to Claudia’s safety.”

“
What are you, my mother?” Austin huffed. “I’ve been around long enough to know what I need. Don’t tell me what to do. Anyway, you’re late,” Austin reminded him again.

“
No need to remind me. I was following a demon.” Michael now stood in front of them.

“
Better late than never I suppose. You seem to be doing that quite often these days. Found anything?” Austin’s eyes met his.

“
Someone has to. And I think you are putting a lot of trust in Michelle and Gracie. I saw them talking to a demon. I followed them, but came up empty handed.”

“
It is not I who trust them. I don’t trust anyone except for my close friends. And you’re not one of them.”

“
It doesn’t concern me if you trust me or not. When it comes to Claudia’s safety, I need to take matters into my own hands.”

“
Venators work together. We call it teamwork.”

“
You’ve worked together for many centuries. This is our first assignment, our first time out of Crossroads.”

“
It must kill you that you can’t be with her, as I can.”

Michael didn’t say a word. The day would come when he would have to leave her. “I’ll find a way,” he muttered. “even if I’m damned to Hell. I’ll find a way to be with her.”

“
I guess Hell will have to wait.” Austin carefully gathered his wings, revealing Claudia fast asleep.

Michael overflowed with love and excitement at the sight of her.

“
She is a lot stronger than you think.” Austin stood up effortlessly and gingerly placed Claudia in Michael’s arms.

As Michael drew her into his body, he released a light sigh. How he had missed her, and a feeling of belonging and comfort rushed through. “I know.” Then Michael gingerly enclosed her with his wings. He looked at Austin with a quick smile to say thanks and laughed to himself as he prepared to say something he knew would throw Austin off. “Peace out,” Michael said, leaving Austin speechless from his words.

Austin gave a short snort and shook his head.

Gently, Michael lay her down on her bed. When he reached over for her blanket, his eyes fell on his T-shirt. Chuckling, he guided her hands, crossing one arm over it. Tenderly, he stroked her hair and her cheeks. “Te amo,” he whispered into her ears. Michael walked to her desk, picked up a piece of paper and pen and started writing.

My dearest Claudia,

I am sorry I was late. I have a meeting with Margaret so I won’t be here when you awake. I love you with every beat of my heart and if my heart stops beating, I’ll love you still.

In my heart, in my soul—M

Then he sat back on the side of her bed and gave her a feather light kiss on her lips. He snapped his head to the right, sensing a presence. “Good to see you Davin,” Michael said, knowing he was right behind him.

“
Good to see you too, Mr. Houdini.”

“
Who done what?”

Davin let out a chuckle. “No. Mr. Houdini. The greatest magician, who could make himself disappear. I stumbled upon it when searching through the net.”

“
Oh,” Michael said lightly. “Big deal. I can make myself disappear.”

Davin chuckled again. “You know it’s not the same.”

“
I know.”

Davin sensed Michael’s foul mood. “You know you don’t have to do things yourself. We are here to help you.”

“
I know, but sometimes a situation presents itself and I can’t wait. You understand, don’t you?”

“
Yes, I do. I’ll never doubt you.”

“
Thanks. I appreciate that. But I’ll tell you something.”

Davin sat on Claudia’s chair, making himself comfortable. “I’m all ears. What’s going on?”

“
I don’t trust Michelle and Gracie. I saw them talking to a demon, but I couldn’t hear their conversation. Then afterwards, I tried to follow the demon, but I think it knew it was being followed.”

“
Maybe they were just trying to get information?”

“
Perhaps, but though I know they were told to get information and lure a demon to find Aliah’s hideout, something doesn’t add up. Aliah couldn’t have taken the death crystal when he was cast away. Someone gave it to him. This is my theory.”

“
Are you going to confront them with this information?”

“
No. I need to track them longer. Austin and Trinity take turns watching over them; I’ll ask Trinity to see what she can find out.”

“
Can you trust Trinity?”

“
Yes,” Michael said, with certainty.

“
Are you sure?”

“
If Katherine can trust her, then so can I. I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t.”

“
I’m just asking; that’s all. And if you can then so shall I. Margaret told me to come and get you. I suppose she’ll be keeping you up to date.

“
I suppose,” Michael said wearily. Not wanting to leave, Michael exhaled a deep breath. “I better go. You take good care of her.”

“
You know I will. Now give me a hug before you leave.” Davin leaned in for a hug.

“
What? A hug?” Michael asked, chuckling.

“
You know, when you put your arms around me.”

“
I know what a hug is. It’s just that…”

Michael didn’t get to finish his words. Davin dove in for a quick hug. “Now, that wasn’t so bad was it? You be careful too and keep us informed.”

“
I’ll try to telepathically tell you next time, but it isn’t my strongest point. Not only that, the demons can pick up on the vibes and they will know someone is watching them.”

“
Okay. But do try your best. Oh, before I forget. You need to ask Claudia to the Valentine’s dance before some other guy asks her.”