“So, nothing is truly a shock to you? Everything is predetermined?” He cringes slightly.
“That’s how it’s supposed to be. And I know where you’re going with that line of questioning.” I watch Him as He tries to answer. “This war isn’t up to me, but it is my fault that we got here. I trusted the Council. They were my best angels, and I didn’t think they could ever betray the balance the way that they have.”
I raise my eyebrow, and He sighs.
“You had to know something was going on,” I state.
“I did, but I had no idea who all was involved until you were taken. I only know now because I’ve kept an eye on you personally your entire life.” I feel heartbroken for Him as I watch His face contort with the pain of their betrayal.
“I’m so sorry, Grandpa,” I whisper, and He looks at me with tears in His eyes.
“It’s alright, dear. We are going to fix this.” He pats my thigh like it’s the most natural thing to Him.
“How?”
“Because you, your father, and Lucifer are going to right the balance. As well as your soulmates, of course.”
I swallow, wanting to ask Him my biggest fear.
“Are we all going to come out of this?” My voice is so quiet I’m not even sure He heard me, but He squeezes my hand.
“I wish I could answer that for you, but there are many possible outcomes in this battle. All I can tell you is that no matter what happens, you will never be alone.”
“That doesn’t answer anything. It’s just another lawyer-like non answer,” I grumble, and He smiles.
“It’s more of an answer than you think, Harleigh. I have to go, and you have classes to get to. Time to wake up, dear.” He’s gone in a flash and the alarm clock wakes me from my dream.
11
Brian
She’s been acting strange since we woke up.
She seems lighter than she has in months, but there are unspoken words in the air. I can feel it, and it’s throwing us all off balance.
“Is everything alright, beautiful?” I ask her, and she sighs, smiling up at me.
“Yeah, I just…” She takes a deep breath and looks to Colten and Orion, then back at me. “He came to me last night.”
I look around the room and catch Mark’s eye, nodding toward his office and Harleigh. Frowning, he gives a curt nod, and we all head into his office to have this conversation in private.
"You’re just telling us this now?!” Colten blows the second the door is closed, and Orion hisses at him.
He needs to calm down before Orion takes him as a threat, because he’s never seen us lose our temper with her before. I’m not even sure if that’s what’s happening now.
“Watch it, demon. I have no qualms about killing your sorry ass for speaking to her like that.”
Harleigh lets out a squeak behind us before wrapping her arms around Orion to calm him down.
“He’s not mad, baby. He’s worried, and he would never hurt me. You know that,” she coos at him, rubbing his arm until he’s practically purring.
It’s not often she has to soothe his cat side, but this is one of them. It’s kind of freaky to hear a grown man sound like a feral cat.
“I don’t like anyone talking to you like that.” He’s still glaring at Colten, but his anger is more contained.
“Sorry, babe. I didn’t mean to snap,” he apologizes, sincerity and sadness filling his tone. He’s always been a hot head, but one thing he’s prided himself on was never losing his cool with our girl.
“It’s okay, Colt. Tensions are running high right now.”
He nods in acknowledgement.
“So, what did you learn?” I ask her, and we all take a seat around the room.
“That Paul’s death was unavoidable, and I’m not to blame.” We all nod, and Orion pulls her close.
“We’ve been telling you that all summer, baby,” he says softly to her, and she nods.
“No, yeah, I know, but I mean it was already determined that I was going to kill him. It’s one of those moments that I truly had no control over.”
I look at her a bit stunned. “What do you mean?”
She sighs like the weight of the world is against her, and she’s exhausted. I hate it.
“I mean, God planned it that way. Something about my constant inner doubt of whether or not I was truly good because I’m related to Lucifer. He said I had to do something truly bad and come out the other side of it to show myself that I’m still a good soul, no matter where I came from.”
Well, damn. That’s some heavy shit.
“So, you don’t feel guilty anymore?” Colten and Orion ask at the same time.
