Desiring A Demon (Archangels) Read Online Free PDF Page A

brother’s baffled expression. “For one thing, Mike wouldn’t approve.”
    Zerach ran a hand through his hair and said nothing. They both knew they had to defer to Mike in all things; even Zerach as a mortal would still listen to their chosen leader. They’d been following Mike for too long to do anything else.
    “Yeah,” Zerach finally said. “There is that.”
    “Besides, she’s so…flighty. I mean not right now. But I can sense the restlessness in her. I like it here. I’m not so sure she would want to stay put for long. It just wouldn’t work.”
    He tried not to squirm as his brother continued to watch him, but he knew he was right in this. Asta tempted him on many levels and giving in would only hurt both of them in the long run.
    They finished breakfast and Zerach drove him home. It was a beautiful day in Houston, with the weather at an even seventy degrees. Maybe he should take Asta to a park for lunch.
    “So what is our resident demonling up to today?” Zerach asked.
    Asta hated that term, which was why his brothers insisted on using it. They only meant it as a joke, but Rafe wasn’t sure if she thought it was funny at all.
    “She went out to find a job.”
    “Oh? You gonna start charging her rent?”
    Rafe snorted a laugh. “Hardly. She’s getting bored.”
    “Tell her to open a bakery.”
    “She probably could. You know, I think I’ve actually started gaining weight.”
    He patted his stomach as Zerach laughed.
    “I’m serious.”
    “Yeah. I’m sure you are, but don’t worry. Unless you fall that’s impossible.”
    “Among other things. How has it been for you?”
    Zerach shrugged almost carelessly, but there was no mistaking how his smile dampened a bit. Finally he said, “I miss my wings.”
    A sympathetic pang of loss hit him in the chest. “I’m sure that was quite an adjustment.”
    “Yes, it was…is. But every time it starts to bother me I look at my perfect wife and remember why it’s been worth the loss. Once the baby comes, I probably won’t even remember what it was like to fly.”
    The smile of contentment on his face eased Rafe’s concern and even made him envious. Would he ever want that for himself?
    He snorted a laugh. “You’ll be too damn busy to remember anything.”
    Zerach chuckled along with him. “Most likely.”
    They pulled into his driveway and relief filled him to see his car already there. Asta was back from job hunting.
    …
    When the men entered the house it took all of Asta’s will to remain calmly sitting on the sofa. Something was terribly wrong inside of her, but she had no idea what it was or how to deal with it. Sweat rolled down her neck , and she swiped moisture from her forehead. Her pulse had begun to accelerate as she drove home from the liquor store, and it felt as if it hadn’t slowed back down yet. Her head pounded to the rhythm of her heartbeat, speeding up in time to it. Overall, she felt like shit. Unfortunately, she couldn’t stay still long enough to lie down. She tapped her foot to an unknown beat as the brothers walked into the room.
    “Hey, Zee, what’s up?” she asked.
    His ready smile weakened a bit , and Rafe stared at her. “What the hell happened to you?”
    Fear shot through her. “What?” She glanced down at herself but didn’t see anything out of place with her jeans and plain gray T-shirt. “What are you talking about?”
    “You look like you ran a marathon,” Zerach replied.
    “Did you just get home?” Rafe asked. “It’s not that hot outside.”
    She fanned herself with one hand. “It is to me. Maybe I’m coming down with something.” She stood. “I’m going to take a shower.”
    Neither man said a word as she left. A glance in the bathroom mirror showed her face bright red and covered in a sheen of sweat. She also looked exhausted. No wonder they’d stared. With a groan , she took off her clothes and stepped under an ice-cold spray. Steam wafted from her skin, which was still a normal color.