Deidre's Death

Gabriel tossed her bag on the floor next to the bed and strode to the doors, opening them. The night air of spring was chilly in the mountains. He breathed it in deeply. Dawn would soon break across the horizon on this side of the world.

Deidre trailed, eyes on the direction of the lake near Rhyn's fortress. Gabriel sat down on the railing to face her, arms crossed as he took in her features. Shadows played across the delicate, pert features. Her lips were full, a perfect bow, and her large eyes steady and concerned. Her hands were rubbing her sweater absently, her silver-white hair long and loose, hanging almost to the small of her back. Narrow shoulders, rounded hips and a petite frame were distinctly feminine.

"I can't believe they're here. What did you do, Gabriel?" she demanded at last, the fire flaring in her eyes once more.

"You always assumed I'm the one who messed up," he replied.

She met his gaze.

"I never was, though, was I?" he asked.

"I wouldn't say never." At her shiver, he offered his hand. She eyed it.

"Gods, woman. You melted for me last night," he reminded her. "Before you walked off to betray me to Darkyn."

That did it. Deidre's face flamed red once more. She took his hand. Gabriel drew her into his body, and she tucked her head against his shoulder, so she didn't have to look at him. He wrapped his arms around her, breathing in her womanly musk. Her fine hair tickled his chin. He was far too content holding the petite woman he didn't dare trust.

"What were the terms of your deal?" he asked carefully.

"I told you. He cured my human side, brought the deity side back, and joined our souls," she replied a little too quickly.

"Darkyn doesn't do shit for free. What were the rest of the terms?"

She was silent. Gabriel waited. She pressed her face to his neck.

"I love the way you smell," she murmured.

"Terms, woman."

"I don't know. I mean, I couldn't leave Hell with any deity powers and um, basically only one of us left. Because we were combined."

He didn't need to read her mind to know she was lying. But why? If the deal was over, and she was here, what did she need to lie about?

He made the mistake before of not reading her mind when he should have. Though he hated the idea, he wasn't about to take any chances this time around. Gabriel prodded her thoughts.

They were sealed off to him. Surprised, he tried again. He almost felt relief, knowing he couldn't ever be tempted to read her mind again. She had violated his mind at every turn when she was Death. He swore never to do that to her and now, wouldn't be able to. Except suddenly, he realized this was the one time he needed there to be an exception. Too much could be at stake for him not to know what went down with Darkyn.