Archangel Crusader Read Online Free PDF Page B

center of attention one last time. Where are you my love... Oh, how I miss you. For an instant, he saw the shadow of a smile on the cool red lips, but no, although the body rested here, Veronica was gone... Gone forever.
    As Michael stared wordlessly at the loved made-up face, Veronica's mother, impeccable and disdainful despite her red eyes and silk handkerchief, crossed the room, supported by a few friends. When she saw him, she approached as if to give him a hug. Michael stepped back instinctively.
    "Thanks for arranging all this," he said, a little more bravado in his voice than he intended. "I know she likes it."
    "Yes, she enjoyed parties. Where is Jennifer?"
    "Somewhere around the chocolate cake, I think."
    "I should have known. Dear child... Oh hi, Bill, it's nice to see you. Michael, I want you to know that although Veronica is gone," she dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief, "you and Jennifer will always be welcome in our home."
    The sweet words stung Michael like poison. This was the very woman who had tried to steer Veronica away from him, undermining the relationship with her venomous tongue.
    "Save your breath, woman. It's no secret you never liked me, or anyone for that matter. You never understood why your daughter loved me, and to tell the truth I don't either. But Jen and I won't stay around much longer. Have no fear." Michael's tone, louder than intended, made some heads turn.
    "We'll miss you both," said the older woman, obviously containing a smile of relief.
    "You may miss Jennifer, but I don't believe you'll miss me much Ma'am. And I won't miss you either." Michael felt Bill's restraining hand on his arm.
    "Well... I have to see to my other guests... Good luck to you, Michael, and to Jennifer." She might as well have said, good riddance. Never one angry word... The hatred was all in the nuances.
    "Thanks anyway, we might need luck sometime soon."
    As Veronica's mother retreated, surrounded by her faithful friends, Michael's gaze wandered past the heads of the guests across the room, focusing on a particularly tall and handsome back in fine black leather, harboring a dark ponytail. The man turned around, flashed an engaging smile then raised his glass in a cheery toast.
    This was too much. Michael pounded his glass on the nearest table. As he stared at the stranger, unblinking, the blood drained from his face. "Asshole from hell," he whispered dangerously, "How dare you?"
    Outwardly calm and resolute Michael cut his way through the small groups in the direction of Krastinios. In his chest, however, the very name sent red-hot flames fueling a hate worse than any he had ever known for his stepfather. Hands clenching as he traversed the distance, Michael was aware of Bill following him with difficulty, but the man in black quickly headed for the door.
    Michael followed the stranger outside. By the busy street, Krastinios waited in the shade, sitting with nonchalance on the railing separating the front garden from the public sidewalk, legs dangling in the air. An arrogant smile lingered on his face.
    "So, Tanner, did you make up your mind yet?" came the suave question.
    "What? You bloody killer. I'll erase that smile from your pretty face. Fight me if you are a man."
    "Sorry. I may look like a man, but you and I know I am not. Besides, I wouldn't derive pleasure from fighting a lowly Earthling. Where would be the challenge? If and when we do fight, I intend to have my fun, too."
    Like a mad bull, Michael rushed him and tumbled against a nearby tree. Krastinios had suddenly vanished to reappear ten feet behind Michael, laughing this time.
    "Do not make a foolish choice, Tanner." The threatening words sounded as musical as ever. “Do not come after me. You have too much to lose... I understand you have a lovely daughter. You would not want anything bad to happen to her, would you?"
    "You stay away from my daughter! I'll find you. I'll kill you, wherever and whoever you are." Michael shouted now. Passers-by