Submerged in Ecstasy

By Jennifer T. Alli

A fragmented soul...
Cursed to bear the sins of any he touches, Gabriel has experienced things no man should ever live with. With each death a piece of his black soul is left in the underworld, slowly killing the faint remnants of his humanity. With his poison skin, love is impossible...at least it was until Elle forced her way into his life.
A timeless dream...
To have her chance to love her soul mate, Elle gave up everything. When she made her pact with the devil she never thought it would take over two hundred years to meet the only one who could save her from a seer’s inevitable fate.
A love strong enough to change the world.
Despite trying everything to keep her at arm’s length, Elle creeps into Gabriel's heart. Soon he will do anything to keep her but when the fate of the world hangs in the balance will he be able to save the love he never wanted or will the heavens tear them apart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jennifer T. Alli
• Release date: Mar 5, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476172767

Jennifer T. Alli

So I'm a writer, it's what i love to do and always have done. The thing with me used to be that I could never finish what I started, an idea for a new idea would come to me and push all other thoughts out of me head but that all changed when I discovered fictionpress. I finished my first novel, A Wolf's Duty and went on to complete a trilogy! I couldn't believe it just like I couldn't believe it when my work was plagiarised three times! It was the third time that made me decide self publishing was the right route to go down. No one steals something they've had to pay for and so here I am. Five complete books under my belt and a sixth well underway. My genre is paranormal romance, werewolves, vampires and all other types of supernatural beings...if that's your cup of tea then you're in the right place. (n_n) http://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-T.-Alli/e/B00502KITQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Book preview

Submerged in Ecstasy

Jennifer T. Alli

Copyright 2012 by Jennifer T. Alli

Smashwords Edition

Table of Contents

Chapter One – The Beginning and the End

Chapter Two – Nothing Lasts Forever

Chapter Three – Unexpected

Chapter Four - Because of you

Chapter Five – What the Eyes Can’t See

Chapter Six – The Choice

Chapter Seven – Sacrifice

Chapter Eight – Revelations

Chapter Nine - Desire

Chapter Ten – Hope

Chapter Eleven – The Price of Freedom

Chapter Twelve – What Lurks in the Night

Chapter Thirteen – When Clouds Gather…

Chapter Fourteen –…Storms Follow

Chapter Fifteen – The Fear

Chapter Sixteen – The Promise

Chapter Seventeen – The Arrival

Chapter Eighteen – The Denial

Chapter Nineteen – Salvation

Chapter Twenty – The plan

Chapter Twenty One – Adrift in Ecstasy

Chapter One - The Beginning and the End

It was in the darkest hours of the night that Gabriel felt most comfortable. There was a quiet reassurance in the inky darkness that covered everything, making all men equal. The world at night was completely different to its daylight counterpart. The silence of the night left Gabriel alone with his thoughts while in the bright light of day there were too many people around to allow him to think and with thoughts as dark as Gabriel’s he needed to be alone. It was only during the darkest hours when the rest of the world slept that Gabriel could let himself believe he was normal. As soon as the sun rose, it would illuminate the truth Gabriel wasn’t normal and he never could be. He was a condemned man. While there were no markings on his body, Gabriel knew the truth. His time was short. For the last few days he’d felt the intense eyes of death watching him. In a few days he’d be dead. There were no words anyone could speak to convince him otherwise.

Sighing, he ran a large hand through his long white hair. Filled with nervous energy he forced himself out of his chair, his golden eyes glowing in the otherwise dark room. He committed every item to memory as he walked from one end of the room to the other. Living on borrowed time as he did, he could never be sure when he’d next see what others took for granted. Stopping in front of Aurora’s bed, he felt his heart flutter within his chest at the sight of his sleeping daughter. It was hard to believe that four years ago he’d cared for no one but himself. All that had changed the instant he’d seen his daughter. As soon as Aurora’s tiny hands had reached out to him Gabriel was lost. Love had exploded in his chest, fierce and intense. It had taken a split second for Gabriel to realise there was nothing he wouldn’t do for the defenceless infant that had held his finger so tightly, the defences he’d worked so hard to create obliterated instantly. Pride ballooned in his chest from simply watching her do something as simple as sleeping.

Aurora’s small hands were curled into tight fists and she clutched the air with a surprisingly strong grip. Her legs kicked at random intervals as she perfected her ability to run even in her sleep. Stroking her soft chestnut coloured hair, Gabriel sighed. Though Aurora was only three years old she was surprisingly clever. Her vibrant green eyes saw the world around her with amazing clarity. It was her ability to see beyond the surface that had led to Gabriel’s current predicament. Today his beloved daughter had asked questions he simply couldn’t answer honestly. Today Gabriel had done what he’d promised himself he’d never do. He’d lied to his daughter.

Even now in the darkest hours of the night the scene refused to leave his mind. The memory refused to grant him any peace, repeatedly playing out before him. Even as he thought it, the loathed memory filled his vision.

The sun had been high overhead, the cloudless blue sky giving Gabriel no respite from the heat. While the days were hot, the nights were bitterly cold. With no clouds to hide the intense rays the heat felt even fiercer than usual to those toiling beneath the sun’s rays. As the sun continued to beat against his bare flesh Gabriel found his lips twisting into a surly scowl. With the air so humid it felt as though he’d been labouring for hours. In reality it had only been a few minutes since he’d left the coolness of his home to chop wood in the blistering heat. His arms moved rhythmically, wielding the heavy axe with deadly precision. Over and over he lifted the heavy tool over his head only to bring it down to earth with a resounding thud. The tightly coiled muscles in his back and arms worked seamlessly, his broad shoulders and strong muscles giving him the strength to continue where others would have stopped.

Eyes the colour of liquid gold turned to look at the small red building he called home, a smile forming on his lips the longer he looked at it. His home was his sanctuary. Built using his own hands, it was surrounded by vibrant green grassland and far enough away from the town that he was never bothered unnecessarily. The smell of ripening apples filled his nose and Gabriel closed his eyes to better savour it. Acres of farmland kept him and Aurora self-sufficient and allowed him to experience a measure of peace despite his unfortunate predicament. Sighing, he forced himself to focus on his task. The days might have been blisteringly hot but the nights were bitterly cold.

There was a degree of calm to be found in the simple repetition and a measure of peace in the burn that was beginning to sink into his muscles. Both prevented him from thinking too hard about what had sent him outside in the first place. His death. The thought of his imminent departure from the land of the living sat like a heavy stone in his stomach. He’d managed to avoid it thus far by being cautious but for the last few weeks he’d felt death’s eyes on him at all times of the day and night. His time was running out.

"Daddy! Daddy!"

The excited voice calling out to him distracted him from his morbid thoughts and he let his axe fall into the chopping block with a resounding thud. Forcing himself to smile, he turned to find Aurora running eagerly from the house, a piece of paper clutched tightly in her small fist. Contentment stole through Gabriel as he watched his daughter move closer. Her skin, the colour of warmed leather, glowed with life and her aqua green eyes twinkled with merriment. Gabriel’s smile widened as he watched Aurora rush towards him on short legs. She moved surprisingly quickly for a child that had only learned to run without falling over a few months ago.

‘Would my eyes have looked like hers if I weren’t cursed?’ The reminder of his strange golden eyes made Gabriel scowl.

His curse had slowly but surely stolen any hope he might have had at being normal. Gabriel looked at the world through eyes the colour of molten gold, an anomaly among the blue or green-eyed water elementals. His muscular frame was more akin to the wild lycans than it was to the peaceful healers he called his people. Hair that had once been the same shade of chestnut brown as his daughter’s had over time paled until it was white. The long strands caressing the nape of his neck stood out garishly against his caramel skin.

"Daddy?" Aurora's small voice was hesitant, her young eyes surprisingly perceptive.

Forcing his mind away from his dark thoughts Gabriel tried to smile. He didn’t want his curse to affect his daughter. Lifting her small body into his arms, Gabriel spun his daughter round in circles over his head. Yes Aurora? What is it? Aurora’s laughter was infectious and if his thoughts weren’t so dark Gabriel would like to have thought he’d have joined in. As it stood he let the corners of his mouth twitch in the beginnings of a smile before placing Aurora back on the ground.

Her cheeks flushed with excitement, she smiled widely. Daddy nook! she rushed before holding out a piece of paper filled with brightly coloured scribbles.

Unsure of what it was he was looking at Gabriel smiled warmly regardless.

"This you. She pointed at the largest scribble and Gabriel nodded encouragingly. This one me, she said excitedly, pointing at the smallest scribble. Her small fingers pointed eagerly to a figure that while bigger than Aurora’s scribble was smaller than Gabriel’s. And mummy."

Gabriel’s heart stopped.

He was still as stone, wracking his mind for what to say. Aurora, he began slowly, his mind racing for words even as they left his lips. We’ve talked about this before. You don’t have a mummy.

The brightness momentarily left her smile. I know…. Her small feet kicked at the ground for a few moments before she recovered, her smile wide and toothy once more. But uncle Rafe said I get one weally, weally, weally soon. He said you going find a mummy. Daddy? Her lips wobbled and Gabriel knew that her next words would signal the beginning of a river of tears or an endless supply of sticky fingered hugs. Uncle Rafe lie?

A soft sigh left Gabriel's lips before he reached for Aurora and cradled her against his chest. Uncle Rafe never lies. If he says you’re going to get a mummy, then you’re going to get a mummy.

"Really?!" she exclaimed, her green eyes wide with hope.

"Of course. Daddy doesn’t lie either."

"I going to get mummy. I going to get mummy! Aurora wriggled excitedly in Gabriel’s arms in response to the news. Daddy, when mummy come, I have brothers and sisters like Kathwin and Theo?"

Aurora’s every word felt like a blade to his heart but Gabriel forced himself to keep smiling. Of course.

"She wead me stories?"

"Of course."

"She going to be weally pretty?"

"She’ll be the most beautiful woman in the universe."

Smiling happily, Aurora nodded his agreement before a confused frown appeared on her cherubic features. Daddy?

"Yes Aurora?"

"What a universe?"

Three simple words and Gabriel’s melancholy vanished. Chuckling to himself, his grip on Aurora unconsciously tightened. His daughter was the best thing in his life and the only good thing to arise from his curse. From the moment she’d been placed in his arms Gabriel’s life had found purpose. Aurora was his world. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for her. If she wanted a mother then Gabriel would get her one.

"It means that she’s going to be the most beautiful woman in the world. No one is going to be as pretty as your mummy."

"I get a mummy soon?"

The power to speak left him. ‘How do I explain to a three year old that I can’t just marry anyone? I have to wait for her…whoever she is…’ Gabriel looked into his daughter’s trusting eyes and he did what he’d promised himself he’d never do. He lied. Of course you’ll get a mummy soon. Good girls like you always get what they want haven’t I always told you that?

"Mmm. I be weally, weally good daddy. I want mummy home soon."

Scowling Gabriel spun away from Aurora's bed, balling his hands into fists and slamming them into a wall until the skin peeled away from his knuckles and the wall yellow wall became red with his blood. When?! he spat angrily. How much longer should I have to fucking suffer?

Gabriel was the first one to admit that he wasn’t the most innocent of men. He’d done things that others would have been condemned for but there was no crime in the world severe enough to justify the curse hanging over his head.

His chest rising and falling quickly in anger his furious fists slowed as the anger within him died down from a blazing inferno to a simmering ember ready to reignite at the slightest spark. In the darkness of the night, Aurora’s soft babbling quickly filled his ears as she woke.

How bloody stupid can I be? I need to learn control. Spinning on his heel, Gabriel forced himself to relax, Aurora had done nothing to warrant his rage. The scowl on his lips faded and was replaced with a gentle smile. Hey, what are you doing awake? You should still be asleep.

Rubbing her eyes sleepily, Aurora pulled herself up and held out her arms expectantly. Up daddy.

You should be sleeping Aurora, it’s late.

Her lips twisted into a familiar scowl. Up daddy.

He glanced at his bleeding hands and with a sigh concentrated on the skin knitting together. Seconds later his flesh was healed and scar free. Reaching for a nearby towel, he rubbed the traces of blood from his skin and reached for his daughter. Closing his eyes, he breathed in deeply, the scent of her baby soft skin giving him a measure of relief. Cradling her tenderly against his chest, he cast a glance over at the cracked and bloody wall. After all the fights he’d been in it and all the bones he’d broken, it shouldn’t have surprised him that the wall bore the imprints of his fists but the sight was an unwelcome one. When he was within the walls of his home he rarely lost control outside of the one room he’d created to channel his anger and he’d never lost control inside Aurora’s space. It was a bad sign.

I’ll paint it in the morning and get something to cover the damage until I have time to fix it properly. He turned away from destruction he’d wreaked and focused his attention on more pleasant issues. Aurora. Fine, but I’m only doing this to help you go back to sleep.

Gabriel’s frown returned when he saw the large book he’d been reading earlier. While he knew that even scanning the pages blackened his mood he had no choice. The book was the only clue he had to ending his curse. For Aurora’s sake he needed to unravel the oracle’s words and find the key to his salvation. The words were familiar to him, the subject of many a night’s study but everyday he read them anew. He lived in the hope that there was something he’d missed, something that would guide him to her, to the woman meant to save him.

Though his fingers itched to reach for the book he was very conscious of his precious cargo. Sitting down in the rocking chair, he let it swing softly, hoping the gentle motions would lull Aurora back to sleep. The gentle movements of the rocking chair were soothing and soon Gabriel felt his eyes begin to flutter. It had been a long day and an even longer night. He was bone tired and soon it became impossible for his eyes to stay open. His breathing evened out as his heavy lids slid shut. In those few moments Gabriel could almost fool himself into thinking he was normal. For a few fleeting moments he was at peace.

Bang. Bang. Bang.

Gabriel woke with a start, the loud sound of fists pounding against his door hurling him into consciousness. His mind was instantly on guard, his muscles tensing in preparation for an attack. He snarled in anger, his lips pulling back to reveal strong white teeth. As the sound of Aurora’s cries filtered into his angry mind he turned his attention away from the mayhem he wanted to wreak on whoever had thrown his calm mind back into the harsh reality that was his day to day mind.

Cradling Aurora tighter against his chest, he brushed her chestnut brown hair gently with his large hands, whispering softly into her ear.

It’s okay Aurora, he reassured automatically, his first priority to soothe his daughter in anyway possible.

Reacting quickly to her father’s comforting presence, Aurora’s tears subsided in a fit of hiccups. Wiping the wet tracks from her cheeks with the back of her hand she let her eyes wander the room, smiling as the dawn that she was named for chased away the night. Though still weak, sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminated what the night had hidden; yellow walls, sturdy oak furniture and thick cream carpet covered in toys and bright colouring pencils.

A cheerful chuckle left Aurora's lips at the sight of her toys, her tears quickly fading into memory. Down daddy. Want play.

Now that Aurora was calm, Gabriel turned his attention back to the insistent knocking. His golden eyes turned to look down the hall, his eyes narrowing as he watched the wood move under the force of the beating it was being subjected to. There was only one person that would be knocking on his door at such an ungodly hour and she never had good news.

Down daddy, Aurora pleaded, wriggling desperately in her arms.

His eyes still locked on the door, Gabriel slid Aurora to the floor, placing her against the soft carpet and letting her run eagerly towards her toys. Placing an absentminded kiss to her brow, he walked towards the door, his heart sinking into his stomach with his every step. His long strides took him quickly down the gleaming wooden corridor much quicker than he would have liked and before he knew it he was standing in front of the door watching the wood heave as the banging continued. He could hear voices outside, talking loudly amongst themselves and the simmering ember of his anger flared to life. His muscles tensed, his eyes narrowed and with a curse he flung the door open.

What? he growled rudely.

Three people stood on his doorstep, each wearing the exact same expression. Hope. It shone from their eyes with the same intensity of the sun making his already sinking heart fall further into his stomach. Two of the faces were familiar, their presence confirming what he’d known since the moment they’d woken him from his peaceful slumber but it was the tear stained face of the third that really cemented his unease. They stood at an impasse, no one moving or speaking, each simply watching the other and waiting for them to make the first move.

His deep voice rolled over them like a tidal wave and visibly stunned by the booming sound they recoiled, each taking a minute step back. Gabriel's smile was cruel as he revelled in their discomfort. If you have nothing to say then get the hell off my doorstep. You know full fucking well that you’re not wanted here.

His words spurred them into action and Matthew stepped forward. Gabriel, you’re needed.

Matthew’s even voice washed over him and with anyone else the soft tones would have been soothing. With Gabriel nothing was as it should be. The sight of Matthew’s stormy grey eyes and curling red hair only made him angry.

Need me at a more reasonable hour, he retorted. Unwilling to hear any more he moved to close the door but a slender hand prevented him from shutting them out. His hand was mere millimetres away from the female one that was stopping him closing his door, the contrast of creamy porcelain skin next to his smooth caramel making his heart stop beating. He eyed the minute distance that separated them and for a moment contemplated making it vanish. It would only take a tiny flick of his fingers for their skin to touch and then he wouldn’t have to worry about anything. Memories of the last time he’d let himself believe that touching someone that wasn’t Aurora flooded his mind and he pulled back. The cost of his anger would be too high now that Aurora was alive.

Watching Gabriel through vibrant green eyes Alyssa stepped forward though she studiously maintained the distance Gabriel had created between them. Dressed as she was in pure white robes and with long blonde hair flowing down to her waist many thought of Alyssa as an angel of mercy. Gabriel knew better. As she pulled her hood back revealing softly curved cheeks and small pink lips, Gabriel saw her for the messenger of death she truly was.

Gabriel, whatever else you may be, you are a healer. This woman needs help, help only you can give. You have to hear her out.

Golden eyes stared intensely at Alyssa for several long minutes, silently processing what she’d said whilst fighting the urge to simply throw her back out onto the street.

Gabe? she prodded. You have to hear what she has to say.

This is my house. I don’t have to do anything you say. Get out.

Alyssa sighed, shaking her head in disappointment. I would have hoped that you would realise just how pointless it is to deny me. I’m going to get what I want sooner or later and in this case it’s sooner. If you force my hand I’ll have to pull rank and make things very difficult for you and your family. You know I won’t want to but if you don’t at least hear what she has to say then you’ll leave me with no choice.

Gabriel snarled, stretching his fingers to prevent them forming fists that would pound angrily into flesh. For a moment it didn’t matter that Alyssa was a woman, that she was a healer, he wanted her dead.

Don’t, Calder advised softly as he made waves of calm wash over his host. She isn’t worth it.

Growling in frustration, he took a step back, silently inviting the trio inside. Wait in the living room, he said coldly.

Alyssa nodded sharply and led her companions into Gabriel’s home. She’d been here enough times that she didn’t need help finding the way. Gabriel watched her leave, a familiar sense of detachment settling within his chest. For years he’d fought against the inevitable but it was clear he was fighting a losing battle. Anger welled within him as he watched his unwanted guests enter his home and as soon as they were out of sight, he punched a heavy fist into the hard wooden wall. The wood splintered beneath his fist but he felt no better for venting his frustration onto the home he’d so carefully crafted.

Sighing, he let his head fall against the wall, standing still as stone while he tried to calm his racing mind. Maybe it won’t be tonight.

The words were a lie and he knew it. Tonight would be the seventh healing he’d done in a month. What was a lucky number for many was anything but for Gabriel. It was always the seventh healing that presented him with a choice, neither option good for him.

Pulling his hand out of the wall, his scowl deepened. How many times am I going to lose control tonight?

Shaking his head, he walked into his bedroom. The sooner he dealt with Alyssa, the quicker it would all be over. Though the air was warm, hinting at the hot day to come, Gabriel tossed a long sleeve shirt over his muscular frame, buttoning the sleeves at his wrists before pulling on a pair of thick leather gloves.

Daddy?

A small smile came to his lips. Yes Aurora.

I go uncle Rafe? her bottom lip quivered, tears ready to spill from her big eyes at the slightest bit of bad news.

Lifting her into his arms Gabriel gave Aurora a soft kiss. Probably. I hope not. Let’s see what Alyssa wants before we make any plans.

Kay.

I’m becoming a serial liar, he swore. Damn Alyssa.

The short walk to the living room seemed to take an age. Gabriel regarded the three from the doorway, silently attempting to gauge the situation. Alyssa sat beside the crying woman, tenderly holding her hands as she tried to soothe her woes. Behind them Matthew whispered fervently into Alyssa's ear clearly trying to keep Gabriel in the dark.

Play quietly, Gabriel murmured to Aurora before he placed her on the floor.

Yes daddy.

Gabriel, Alyssa beamed. Take a seat, she instructed gesturing to the chair in front of her.

Golden eyes narrowed in annoyance. "You seem to be forgetting you’re a guest in my house. His words whipped around the room, the softness of his voice doing nothing to put Alyssa at ease. You don’t give orders here."

I apologise.

Folding his arms over his chest, Gabriel glared at his unwanted guests. Just tell me what you want and get out.

Gabriel, you’re our best healer. We need you to save Beth’s son. He was brought to us last night. We’ve given it our best but he’s beyond what we can do for him. Right now we’re keeping him alive but our healers can’t keep him alive forever. Soon they’ll be at their limit. They won’t be able to anchor him in this world any more and he’ll die.

A snowy white brow arched in annoyance. I fail to see how this has anything to do with me.

My son will die if you don’t help him, Beth shrieked, leaping to her feet. You’re a father. You have to understand what I’m going through. I’m just trying to save my son.

And I’m trying to protect my daughter, he retorted quickly.

Sit down Margaret, Matthew advised, placing a firm hand on her shoulder. Alyssa will sort this out.

Beth slumped back into her seat, glaring daggers at Gabriel’s still form.

Unmoved by the venom pouring from her blue eyes, Gabriel met her stare easily until Alyssa's voice made his attention move.

Gabriel, she began carefully. Her voice was measured and calm. Years of practice meant she knew getting angry would only make Gabriel less likely to help. I wouldn’t ask you to do this if it weren’t a matter of life and death. Beth’s son is dying and our healers have committed themselves to saving him. If he dies some of them are going to go with him.

Alyssa’s clear blue eyes watched Gabriel's countenance carefully, her stomach sinking as she watched his lips tighten. His expression was thunderous, his anger clearly visible in every aspect of his behaviour. His arms were crossed over his chest, the muscles flexing menacingly and his legs were spread wide, his entire posture screaming aggression she could only assume was directed at them. His golden eyes flickered constantly between them and the door, his desire for them to leave almost tangible. She wouldn’t be surprised if he physically threw them out. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d done so.

Rolling her eyes she resorted to her fall back plan. There was one thing that had never failed to get Gabriel's compliance. Raphael’s out there. It might be him.

I should have known he’d be involved. Rafe is with them? Alyssa nodded succinctly.

As the leader of all the healers in the city, Alyssa only ever left the sanctum for matters of great importance. Risking a glance at Beth, Gabriel briefly wondered who she truly was. Her clothes were too finely crafted to belong to a woman of regular standing meaning she was either the wife of a rich tradesman or a noble. Only those with something to offer the sanctum were worthy of Alyssa's personal attention.

It doesn’t matter who she is. All that’s important is saving Rafe. Suddenly exhausted, Gabriel fell into the nearby chair. How bad is it?

A blade severed one of the main arteries to his heart. He’s bleeding to death.

Gabriel’s gut churned in nervous anticipation. If things were truly as bad as Alyssa described he’d have to intervene if Rafe's life were to be spared. Turning to fix Beth with a hard stare, he let questions fall from his lips. Your son…what’s he like? The words fell from his lips like an accusation but with his control rapidly crumbling he couldn’t bring himself to care.

Excuse me? she coughed.

What’s he like? What type of man is he?

My son is bleeding to death! she shrieked. He doesn’t have time to waste. There isn’t time for me to answer pointless questions.

Unfazed by Beth’s obvious anger, Gabriel rubbed a stray lock of his white hair. You want my help? She nodded vigorously. Then answer my questions. What. Is. Your. Son. Like?

Anger flashed in Beth’s brown eyes. Gritting her teeth she spat an answer. Duncan is a good boy. He’s kind, generous…the perfect son. Her fury faded as she was confronted with the gravity of her potential loss. My only son. You have to help him.

Gabriel’s eyes wandered the room, catching details that others might have missed. He easily noted Beth’s slumped shoulders and the whiteness of the knuckles that were holding on tightly to Matthew. Alyssa’s hard eyes stared at him intensely, silently urging him to cooperate. The tension that filled the room was palpable, the room filled with two groups wanting very different things. It was suddenly very hard to breathe.

Aurora toddled towards Gabriel, a toothy smile on her lips. Though she was young she was very perceptive and she knew where an atmosphere like this was leading. She tugged at Gabriel’s dark trousers to get his attention. Daddy? I go uncle now?

A sad sigh fell from Gabriel’s lips, his eyes sliding shut with resignation. Yes Aurora. Gabriel lifted her from the ground and pressed her tight to his chest. We’re going to see uncle Rafe now.

The instant she heard the words, Aurora began to cry, shaking her head in denial. She clutched his shirt and sobbed brokenly into the material. No daddy! Don’t go.

He glared over her head at the people responsible for his daughter’s tears. I don’t have a choice. I have to help your uncle Rafe. I won’t be gone long. Three lies in twenty-four hours? I’m becoming a serial liar. Aurora’s sobbing died down though her small hands still grabbed his shirt tightly. Stroking her hair gently, Gabriel placed a kiss to her brow before turning to face Alyssa. I’ll go and take a look at him. I’m not promising that I’m going to help him. And if I were you I’d really think about whether it’s worth you coming down here again. You have no idea how much I want to hurt you. I might not be able to control myself the next time I see you.

You know I can’t promise that.

"I know you won’t promise that. Can’t and won’t are two completely different things."

Alyssa moved closer, squeezing his arm reassuringly. Someone will always need the skills you have Gabriel. There has to be a reason you were born this way.

I was born like this because the gods enjoy tormenting me. He sighed heavily, Stop talking and take me to him. The faster I look at him and save Rafe's arse again, the faster me and Aurora can come home.

Following Alyssa's lead, Gabriel turned and walked out of the house. The world outside was dark, the rising sun doing very little to illuminate the world below. Gabriel’s lips twisted into a scowl as houses became visible shortly after their departure. Every time he felt he was far enough away to be left alone something happened to shatter the illusion. The ground underfoot became harder as dirt roads were replaced with sturdy cobbles. The breeze brought the rich smell of apples, the fragrant aroma giving Gabriel a moment of calm as the scent settled in his lungs. The town houses that lined either side of the road began to fall away as they drew closer to the sanctum. Despite the darkness pressing in on all sides Gabriel knew exactly where he was going. He’d been forced to make this journey so many times he could do it blindfolded. Every time he walked this road he told himself it would be the last time but Alyssa was very persuasive. With his only brother as leverage she’d always have the upper hand.

His turbulent thoughts had distracted him from the unwelcome realisation that they were seconds away from the healer’s sanctum. Houses had disappeared leaving only a clear fountain of water separating them from the sanctum. As soon as they massive ivory doors came into view Gabriel's stomach dropped. His feet moved mechanically leading him ever closer to his nightmare as his mind raced, searching desperately for a glimmer of hope.

Maybe, he told himself. Maybe it won’t happen this time. There’s always the chance her son is exactly what she says he is.

Walking into the sanctum made his eyes water. Everything from the floors to the walls and even the beds in between was white and the glowing orb of light that hung from the ceiling made the whiteness almost blinding. When he was able to see the world clearly again Gabriel found that nothing had changed since the last time Alyssa had coerced him into healing someone who had probably deserved to die. The one thing his mind could never remember correctly was the smell. The air in the sanctum was pure. So clean that it almost hurt to inhale after so long spent in the outside world. Gabriel often wondered how Alyssa and Raphael survived outside of the sanctum. It couldn’t be natural for them to spend most of their days breathing such pure air only to inhale the toxins of the world when they left their sanctuary.

His nose crinkled as they walked further into the sanctum. The purity in the air was being chased away as the scent of blood began to saturate the room. Sharp eyes scanned the room, noting the various healers at the bedsides of their patients before his golden gaze landed on a body at the far end of the room. Five healers surrounded the man’s body, their hands gripping his flesh hard as they anchored him in the world of the living.

Daddy? What wrong with him?

Silently cursing himself for being so unobservant, Gabriel pressed Aurora's head into his shoulder. His daughter was too young to witness the cruelties the world had to offer. The body of a dying man wasn’t something her young mind would be able to understand and while they had no choice but to move closer, this wasn’t something Gabriel wanted Aurora to witness. Close your eyes Aurora. Close your eyes for daddy.

Standing at the end of the bed, Gabriel quickly found Raphael, his intelligent eyes instantly noting that his normally caramel complexion was sickly pale. Sweat covered his face, matting the normally glossy chestnut strands of his hair. Air rattled in his chest as his overtaxed lungs struggled to breathe not just for himself but for the man he was so intent on healing. Gabriel silently cursed. Alyssa had been right. His brother wouldn’t survive the day if he didn’t take over.

Rafe? It’s me.

Closed eyelids fluttered open revealing eyes the colour of the sea. Raphael’s smile was weak, a wheezing cough leaving his lips in the place of words.

Gabriel’s voice was soft but his tone hard as iron, displeasure oozing from his every word. What? he began slowly. Do you think you’re doing? You can’t keep putting your life at risk like this. You have a family to take care of for heavens sake! Do you have any idea of what you’re doing to me? Of what you’re putting Aurora through?

Rafe struggled to draw enough breath to speak, breathing heavily to pull sufficient air into his lungs. Life is sacred Gabriel. It has to be protected. That’s the duty of every healer, Raphael coughed weakly in protest.

Coming from a man who seems intent on killing himself those words don’t mean much. You can’t keep volunteering to heal cases like this. One day I won’t be able to take your place. I won’t be able to save you.

Raphael's smile widened. I’m the big brother here. I’ll do all the saving.

From where I’m standing you can barely even take care of yourself let alone save someone else. Anger coated his every word and he shook his head in frustration. Take Aurora away from here, he ordered. She doesn’t need to see this.

Raphael's green eyes wandered from his brother to his patient before a long sigh escaped him. Groaning, he pulled himself to his feet. His bones ached and his eyes drooped constantly from fatigue but he held out his arms expectantly. Come here Aurora. Your daddy has some work to do. Let’s go to my house and see Katherine and Theo.

Take care of her Rafe, Gabriel murmured as he passed Aurora to his older brother. Grabbing Rafe's arm as he was about to pull back, Gabriel stared him hard in the eye and spat angrily, There are times Rafe when I can’t stand you, when I resent every breath you take. There are times when I hate you and almost wish I could kill you myself. This is one of those times. Don’t do this again. Gabriel released his grip on his brother’s arm, his disgust with Rafe plain for all to see. Stroking Aurora’s cheek gently he let his brother pull away.

Safe and secure in her uncle’s arms Aurora smiled widely, waving her arms excitedly as the distance between him and his father increased. Bye daddy. Loves you.

I love you too. Forcing his lips to curve into a smile, Gabriel watched his family leave, nervous apprehension filling him as soon as they were out of sight.

Hurry! Beth pleaded.

Scanning the bleeding wound at Duncan’s chest Gabriel quickly concluded that the frantic woman was right. If he didn’t hurry Duncan would die of blood loss.

Get away from him, Gabriel roared, his words clearly aimed at the other healers anchoring Duncan's body in the land of the living.

His angry bellow stunned the healers, their feet becoming like lead.

Are you fucking stupid? he yelled as he strode forward. His anger was like a cloak surrounding his body and reverberating in the air around him. The healers quivered in fear. Get away from him now!

They pulled back quickly, running from the room and the malevolence that was pouring from Gabriel's skin. Peeling the leather gloves from his flesh, Gabriel closed the distance between him and the bed. His hand hovered over Duncan’s exposed flesh, his mind gripped with images of what would happen if Margaret was wrong. Anger made his blood boil at the thought of where he would be forced to go and what he would be forced to endure all because of a simple touch. He pulled back; ready to leave Duncan to his fate. With Rafe gone it wasn’t his problem anymore.

Don’t even think about it Gabriel, Alyssa hissed. "It isn’t too late for me to get Raphael back