Darkyn's Mate

"You don't deserve to spend your life in Hell," he said, pacing. "Gods, if I could send her home with that demon in your place, I -"

"Gabriel!" she exclaimed, startled by his bitter emotion.

"Would you consider a trade, Darkyn?" Gabriel asked.

"She did what she did because she loves you, Gabriel," Deidre said. She moved away from Darkyn to stand in front of Gabriel, searching his gaze. She wasn't certain how he could say such a thing about the woman who gave up everything for him. Deidre had a reason to despise Past-Death but Gabriel … he was too good for such an emotion.

"After all she did to you, how can you say this?" he demanded, glaring down at her. "She'll be lucky if I let her survive the day."

"I was angry at her," Deidre admitted. "Maybe I still am. But you can't kill her! She deserves a chance."

"To what? Turn on me again? To make my life hell?" Gabriel shook his head.

"To have a second chance with you," Deidre answered softly.

"I knew something was wrong. Her story just didn't make sense." He looked away, towards the window, hands on his hips.

"When you thought I was dying, you weren't willing to take a chance," Deidre added sadly.

"Deidre, I -"

"No, wait. You weren't, Gabriel. You did exactly what she did. You hurt me to protect yourself," Deidre pushed forward with what she needed to say. "I had to make a choice without knowing what would happen or even if you would be there for me in the morning."

He was quiet.

"I don't want you to apologize, Gabriel," she said with a sigh. "I want you to see what I do. You both made selfish choices. You both have a chance to make it right."

"And leave you in Hell with him?"

"I made a choice, too. I chose to live, no matter what the consequences. That path lies in a direction I never would've expected. But I accept that, Gabriel. There's a greater purpose than myself. You and she never understood that, when it came to caring for someone else. You have that chance now."

He studied her.

"I guess what I'm trying to say is…" she drifted off.

"You're breaking up with me," he said, smiling faintly.

"Oh, god," she mumbled with a look at Darkyn. She sensed he demon's imperceptible tension rise. "Deidre gave up everything to be with you. You weren't willing to do that for me. Maybe you can set aside your pride for her."

"You're too nice to be involved with any of us."

"The only innocent soul in Hell, I've heard," she said and rolled her eyes.