Balance: The Dark Angel Chronicles, #3

By Serenity Rayne

Life... Death... Rebirth...

I finally am starting to accept and love who I am. I am empowered and, finally, feel truly safe for the first time in my life. My guys have been epic with all the changes that have happened. We went from a family of six to a family of eight, and the guys have handled it like champs.

I've seen enough horror movies to know that, the minute your life seems perfect, crap hits the fan...

It all starts when I finally make Metatron officially my fifth mate.

The highway to Hell is paved with good intentions...

One of my mates makes the ultimate sacrifice for the family...

And falls to save me...

I ascend to the mantle of Destroyer... But at what cost?

*Paranormal Why Choose Romance*

• Language: English
• Publisher: Serenity Rayne
• Release date: Jan 23, 2024
• ISBN: 9798215477571

Book preview

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The Angelic Realm has always been the most beautiful place, I have never seen anything comparable in my existence. Raphael, Christian, and Gage have decided to join me for today’s training session with Michael. Raphael carried me. Since I am in my final trimester, I am not to strain myself flying. Today the guy’s head in a different direction than we have in the past. 

In the distance stands what looks like a Greek coliseum. Tall white marble columns reach high into the clouds above. Rows of carved seats line the edges of the ring. In the middle of the ring where we land stands Michael in full armor with a broad smile on his lips. 

Thana! You are positively radiant! Michael’s booming voice echoes within the coliseum. 

With a broad smile, I meet him halfway and he gently hugs me to him. It’s good to see you too, Michael. Thank you for making time for me today. I don’t know what it is about the Angelic Realm, but here I always feel so jovial and more alive than I do back on earth. 

Whatever you need, never hesitate to ask. You are the mate of two of my brothers and I would never deny either of them anything. Wincing at the mention of his brothers, I try to shake off the dread in the pit of my stomach. 

Raph and my other mates move to the side and climb up into the bleachers to watch the training session. I get the impression that everything isn’t perfect with the addition of Metatron into the bond. Michael lowers his head and whispers near my ear. 

Arching an eyebrow, I look up at him and shake my head slowly. Am I that transparent? My hushed tone only barely betrays my concern. 

Michael looks towards the bleachers where my mates sit and then back down at me. It’s kind of obvious when only three out of four of your Angelic mates are with you. His tone is soft and understanding as he looks between them and me. 

Roughly inhaling, I peer down at the swell of my stomach, watching the twins move about. With all that he does. There is always balance. I am afraid by accepting Metatron, one of my light mates may fall or a new Dark Nephilim may join us. My eyes plead with Michael for understanding. I can’t handle anymore upheavals right now. My hands caress my stomach as I bring my eyes back to Michael, hoping he gets it. 

I can clearly see the moment where what I said clicks. A slow single nod of his head marks the end of the discussion. Today, we work on you manifesting light without crispy frying yourself in the process. Michael’s voice projects, filling the ring with his baritone notes. 

With a practiced flourish, Michael moves his hands so that they are palm up and light manifests, dancing over his fingers like flames. When I attempt to mimic him, blackened wisps rise from my fingers and move like waves on the ocean. Hmm, this may be harder than I expected. Michael’s tone is more curious than agitated. Let’s try again Thana. 

Remember to think about the sunlight in the jar Thana! Raphael calls from the bleachers not far away. 

Laughing to myself, I cup my left hand over my right, thinking about a mass of sunlight balled up in my hands. A gentle tingle moves over my flesh in waves as I concentrate on the light. A low hum surrounds me as I am filled with the urge to unfurl my wings. Releasing them, I feel an influx of power and flap quickly once before opening my eyes. 

An undulating mass of light in my hands pulses with a power I have yet to learn to master. Flexing my wings, I notice that here, in the Angelic Realm, they are such a pale gray they almost pass for white. Imbued with a new level of confidence, I spin away from Michael and unleash the power in my hands. 

The light flows like a flame thrower away from me and impacts the pillar on the other side of the ring. The light disintegrates the marble, turning it to ash. The pillar above topples and falls towards me. Standing there frozen in shock, I watch the mass of marble on its trajectory, headed straight for me. 

Powerful arms wrap around me and I am lifted off the ground and into the air faster than I have ever risen before. Looking down, I see my mates and Michael looking up at me. Panic rises in my chest, stealing my breath as I finally gain the courage to turn and face my savior. Metatron somehow, someway, has managed to get to me before my other mates whom were with me. How? Is the only word I can get to escape my lips as I look up into his baby blue eyes. 

You needed me. I felt you amass the light and then the shock of what you had done hit me like a ton of bricks. Gently pressing his lips to the crown of my head. I promised to protect you always, and I intend to do it. He guides us carefully back down to the training ring and the others rush us to check on me. 

I’m safe, thanks to Metatron’s quick thinking. I turn my gaze to meet his and for the first time, true tethers of attachment pulse within the fragile bond. 

Metatron’s massive hands ghost over my wings and the pale gray returns to its natural colors. Never change who you are just to fit in, my love. You are our dark angel, the light of our lives. His large hand cups my cheek, the pad of his thumb running gently over the ridge of my cheekbone. 

Closing my eyes, I lean into his touch, sighing softly. Consequences be damned, turning my head I press my lips to his wrist. The pressure of his lips on my cheek sends a thrill through my body. My heart rate accelerates, and my hands move of their own volition to grip the front of his shirt. Thank you. My voice is breathier than I intended as a smile creeps across my lips. 

Cheekbone to cheekbone, we stand there frozen in place. Blossoming feelings warm my chest, giving me what is now so familiar when it comes from my other mates, love and affection. I sense the heat and presence of another of my mates at my back as hands gently rub my lower back. Brother, there aren’t words to express my gratitude for saving our mate. Raphael’s husky tone echoes next to my ear.

I would die for her. The honesty in Metatron’s baritone voice hits me right in the heartstrings. 

Flexing my wings, I push Raphael off of me and entwine myself fully around Metatron. His baby blues churn molten gold the minute I make eye contact with him. A tingle starts at the base of my skull and it is as though time stands still. Every movement honed in as our lips drift closer together. Upon contact, the tingle spreads across my lips and straight into my heart. Metatron’s large hand grips the back of my head and tilts it back, deepening the kiss. 

His grip on me tightens, pulling me as close to him as my stomach will allow. In what has to be the universe’s biggest cock block to date. My water breaks…

Taking over Dad’s earthy duties has been no minor task. I have four hospitals and three nursing homes to visit as often as the Angels there need me to. Later today, I need to head back to the Shadow Realm and meet up with my old man as well as Samael. The hollow feeling in my chest is unsettling. Fucking Angelic veil blocking me from sensing my mate and child. What are those goodie two shoes hiding up there? So well at that it makes it impossible for me to feel my girl and child.

Turning a corner in the hospital that Raphael runs, he fucking glitter materializes before me. Jumping back, my sword manifests in my hand, prepared for an attack. Be at ease Cyrus! We’ve got to go. Thana is in labor. His clipped tone would normally set me off on a rampage. But it's about our mate and she needs me. 

Lead the way, Golden Boy. Dropping into a sweeping bow, I motion for him to proceed. He runs towards the stairwell leading to the roof and starts heading up. I give chase, taking the stairs two at a time.

Do you have your medallion? Raphael stops at the edge of the roof. 

Pulling on the chain, I raise the medallion. Raphael takes that as his signal to take flight towards the Angelic Realm. Launching myself off the roof, I free fall for a moment before I spread my wings wide, shooting up into the sky. With each flap of my wings, my inner voice yells at me to turn around, that we’re going to burn. Following Raphael, we break through the cloud cover and start heading towards a giant tree. 

As we get closer to the tree, I notice the fucking Valkyrie are guarding my mate. She is leaning back against Metatron’s chest while Christian and Gage are pacing around, concerned. We rush over to where the Valkyrie and Thana are. The Valkyrie are prepared to attack me until Thana calls my name, reaching for me. Raphael and I arrive at her side and grip her hands. A soft smile plays upon her full lips as she leans back, relaxing now that we are here. 

Labor seems to intensify the moment Raphael and I make contact with Thana. Every scream makes the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. My inner demons scream at me to destroy whatever is hurting my mate. 

Raphael, please come here! Sigrun’s voice rings out, catching me off guard and snapping me back into reality. Thana looks between myself and Sigrun, then takes mine and Metatron’s hands, pulling them to her chest. On the next contraction, push as hard as you can. Sigrun says with a smile on her face. 

Thana’s eyes widen as she looks between me and now Raphael at her feet. I can tell the moment she steels herself for what is about to happen. Her eyes blacken as she looks at me. The vein in her right temple pops. and she bears down on the next contraction. An almost feral growl escapes her lips as she squeezes my hand tightly. This moment is when I realize how much power a female has when they bring a life into the world. Every scream and squeeze of my hand, I get to experience a little bit of what she’s going through first hand. 

Almost immediately after the next strong push, Thana sighs. I look down bewildered at her as I hear the first cries of the baby she delivered. It’s a beautiful blonde-haired, gray eyed little girl who just so happens to shit black goo down her father’s white pressed shirt. Snorting, I try to mask the hysterical laughter that wishes to escape my lips at the sight. 

I get ready to move down Thana’s body to take my place at her feet, waiting for my daughter when Metatron stops me. Take this… He hands me a second medallion like the one I am currently wearing. The minute you can slip it around your child, do it. She may ignite up here. 

I know Metatron means well, but I honestly wish he would not have mentioned this in Thana’s presence. The look of fear on her sweet face makes me want to burn the heavens. I’ve got this baby girl, I’ll protect our child. I say quickly before moving forward to plant a kiss on Thana’s lips. 

I slip into the place vacated by Raphael and kneel at my mate’s feet. I honestly was not prepared to see the swelling, blood and the crown of black hair peeking out of my favorite place on earth. My eyes widen, seeing the stretch and strain of my mate’s most intimate parts and the crown of my daughter’s head. A soft barely audible gasp escapes my lips as I stare. 

Son of Death… a firm female voice says to my left, snapping me out of my thoughts. Sigrun, the literal Queen of the Valkyrie, is smiling at me with a pan of water in her hands and towels laid over her arm. 

Your highness… escapes my lips as Thana screams again. With this push, my daughter’s head is out, barely enough so that I can rest the chain carefully around her neck. Instinctually, my hand slides under her head, supporting it and the weight of the chain and the medallion. 

Her wings are stuck within her mothers channel. Thana had the same problem when she was born. Sigrun says softly as she kneels beside me. Take your free hand and slide two fingers down your daughter’s spine then out towards her wings. Sigrun demonstrates the motion down my free forearm. 

Okay. But I’m not medically qualified for this shit… Sigrun rolls her eyes and shoves my hand at my daughter. Reluctantly, I draw my index and middle finger down my daughter’s spine and out towards where her wing should be. A smile breaks out across my lips as I feel her tiny wing for the first time. Gently, I manipulate her wing so that it’s not hung up anymore on her mothers pelvis. Slowly, I slide to the other side and free her other wing. 

Come on baby girl, one more push and our daughter is free. My heart hammers in my chest as I watch Thana strain and push with all she’s got. Several pushes later, my daughter, the light of my life, slides free of my eternal love. Sigrun gently cuts the cord and cleans my daughter up while I hold her. I am mesmerized staring at my little girl. I see the perfect blending between Thana and I in this precious little bundle in my arms.