Deidre's Death

"Do you see them?" he asked.

She blinked, pulling her attention from the heat racing through her body. In a clearing that started a few feet away was a small herd of elk. A majestic buck, several dark does, a couple of spindly-legged fawns. Deidre watched, intrigued by how graceful and silent the large creatures were as they moved through the clearing.

"They're beautiful," she said. "They're like you. They're pretty light on their feet for being so big."

"Thanks," he said with a snort.

The quiet between them felt awkward. She leaned back, resting her head on his chest. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Tucked against him, she was comfortable but unable to relax, too aware of the effect his size and strength had on her. She waited for him to say something about all that Andre had pried out of her. Would he be holding her like he was, if he knew?

No. It wasn't possible. He was too good. Andre was serious about leaving her to tell him. The feeling she didn't like - guilt - crept into her. She didn't want to keep secrets from Gabriel. If she did, she was making it harder for him to trust her. She didn't want to think about the human she'd left in the hands of the demon lord.

Revealing her secrets, though, would drive Gabriel away forever.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked.

She almost gasped, wondering if he was reading her mind. She reminded herself if he did, he wouldn't be holding her. He'd be condemning her to Hell the same way she did the human he loved.

"I'm thinking …I waited my whole life for this moment," she replied.

"Are you happy?"

"No," she whispered. "It's not like I wanted it to be. I thought it'd be easier."

"Being human isn't easy."

"I'm seeing that. How do I … earn your trust, Gabriel? So you want to be with me?"

He shifted behind her and was quiet for a long moment. She held her breath, wondering if he meant to respond or not. She hated not being able to read his mind and see his thoughts, the way she had for the thousands of years they served the underworld together. Was he angry at her? Judging her? Did he think she was weak, the way she thought he was weak when their roles were reversed?

"Let's get something straight. I already want to be with you," he started. "When we were on the beach last, you challenged me to win you over. I think we both have that issue now."

"You don't have to win me," she returned.