Page 121 of Mated By the Alphas
“I could bring them here, if you’d like,” Lucifer offers.
“No, I think this would be too much for them,” I admit. “But one day, I’ll go see them. Once we feel it’s safe.”
“It may never be safe, Ansley,” he cautions. “The Crimson Templars don’t give up easily, and they’ll continue looking, especially now that they know an angel still lives.”
“Then maybe I’ll let you bring them here. One day,” I answer quietly. “But not right now. I’ll have to think about it.”
“That’s fine, just let me know when,” Lucifer murmurs, letting go of me.
“You said the Crimson Templars had weapons that can kill angels? How? I mean, how can an angel die?” I ask, tilting my head slightly.
“We’re strong, and we’re durable, but we’re not invulnerable. Their swords and bullets don’t hurt us as much, but they have bigger weapons. Weapons that can shoot us out of the sky,” Lucifer explains. “And without flight, we’re a lot more vulnerable. Catching them by surprise, as I did when I rescued you all, is one thing, but if they’re ready… it’s not worth risking my life, not when everything I care about is right here.”
“That’s understandable,” I admit. “Alright, let’s go back downstairs before Daisy does something crazy, like mix your granddaughter her first drink.”
When we get downstairs, Daisy is taking very good care of Joanna. The baby is sleeping and Daisy is gently rocking her, aloving smile on her face. She doesn’t notice us, so I stop by the door and watch.
“So adorable,” I whisper.
“She does look good like that, rocking a baby,” Lucifer admits. “Maybe there’s more to her than the craziness suggests.”
“You… don’t mean,” I ask, glancing at him.
“What? No, goodness no,” he chuckles. “I gave up on that sort of companionship long ago. Too painful. It’ll be painful enough when I’m the last one again.”
“I’m sorry,” I sigh. “It really isn’t fair.”
“It’s life. It’s rarely fair,” Lucifer says resignedly.
Daisy finally notices us and grins. “Hey, what are you two whispering about over there?”
“Nothing,” I lie, walking into the room. “How is she doing?”
“Sleeping,” she whispers, then Joanna immediately starts crying. “Or maybe she’s hungry.”
“I’ve got her,” I say, walking over and lifting my daughter from Daisy’s arms.
I’m still nursing Joanna when my mates return from their sparring session. They’re excited about my progress, but more excited about doting on the baby. Truthfully, it’s very comfortable here with Lucifer. I won’t be able to work remotely forever, but I’m almost ready to give up that part of my life. I don’t feel as connected to it as I did just a few short months ago.
Several more weeks fly by, filled with love, affection, and the needy cries of our child when she requires us. When I’m nottaking care of her, I’m training with my father, learning more about my abilities, and getting a little stronger every day.
“I can sense so many Scions now,” I say, my eyes closed, my concentration coming a lot easier. “Wait, I can sense something else, too. I can sense the souls inside me!”
“Ah, your power grows, daughter,” Lucifer says. “You won’t be able to call all of them, but you might be able to utilize them, if needed.”
“I want to try something,” I say, standing up. “I don’t have my sword. Can I borrow yours?”
“Of course,” Lucifer says.
He extends his hand, and the blade appears. It really is similar to mine. I take it from him and look it over, noticing the same amber in the hilt, and the same wing-swept pommel.
“Where did this come from anyway? The one I have, Wyatt said it was in his family for generations,” I say, testing the weight of the sword.
“The angels trapped on Earth crafted them long ago,” Lucifer replies. “The one you have likely belonged to one of the others. Possibly even the one whose bloodline eventually gave birth to wolf shifters.”
“Do you know which angel it was?” I ask.
“No, there have been too many bloodlines. Too many Scions,” Lucifer says. “You I recognize as my own. Others, I cannot tell their lineage.”
