She dragged her gaze away from Connor, reluctantly, he thought, and continued, Zackriel and I argued, but in the end, more Deliverers came to help him take the children. I flew off into the woods to grieve and pray. Then a little while later, Zack found me and told me I was to be banished.

Damn, Gregori muttered. Thats harsh. All you wanted to do is save a few kids.

She wiped a tear from her cheek. I disobeyed orders. And it was the third time. I should have known better. Every time I have disobeyed, the consequences have been dire. Tragic events occur in the human world that could have been avoided if Id only done as I was told.

Robby glanced at Connor, then back at her. So ye have trouble following orders? Where have I heard that before?

Connor gave him a wry look.

So I was punished, she continued, her shoulders sagging. Zackriel took my wings. I dont remember much after that.

I heard him attacking you. Connor squeezed her shoulder. I saw the fireballs and heard yer screams. He left you in a dirty pit, bleeding and wounded.

She looked up at him, her eyes softening. I remember someone holding me and a soft, lilting voice that gave me comfort.

Oh yeah. Gregori smirked. Our Connor is such a sweetie.

He grabbed a paperback book off a nearby bookshelf and tossed it at Gregori, who managed to dodge it with vampire speed.

Ye doona remember going anywhere? Robby asked.

Marielle shook her head. I remember pain, lots of pain. And darkness. It was very strange, because Ive never lost consciousness before. I suppose it happened because of this human body I have now. When I woke up, I was here. With Connor.

She glanced up at him, her blue eyes beseeching. Please tell me what happened.

He groaned inwardly. I wanted to spare you the details. Twas no yer fault, lass. Ye kept telling me no to touch you, but I did anyway, and nothing happened. Emma, Roman, and Laszlo touched you, too

When? Marielle asked. Where?

At Romatech Industries, Connor explained.  Tis the place where we manufacture the synthetic blood ye saw me drinking. Roman and Laszlo are brilliant scientists, so I took you there, thinking they could patch you up.

You were trying to save my life, she said quietly.

Aye. He didnt want to admit hed suspected her of being a Malcontent, or that hed wanted to keep her alive so he could question her. Ye warned us several times no to touch you, but we dinna think much of it . . .

She stiffened. I didnt kill someone, did I? She jumped to her feet. Tell me! If hes not scheduled to die, then maybe its not too late to undo it.

Shes no dead, Robby said, anger flashing in his eyes. Shes in a coma.

Oh God. Marielle lifted a trembling hand to her mouth.

IIll pray for her to be healed. Bunny could do it.

A rabbit? Robby and Gregori both asked.

She shook her head, then bowed her head, clasping her hands together close to her mouth as she murmured quietly.

Buniel is a healing angel, Connor explained. He touched Marielles arm. Shanna is in a vampire coma. Her husband attempted to transform her.

She turned to him, opening her eyes. Her husband is a vampire?

Yes, Roman Draganesti. Shanna already planned on becoming a vampire. It just happened sooner than they expected.

Were no sure if shes going to make it, Robby grumbled.

Then I will pray for Bunny to help her through. Marielles eyes brimmed with tears. Im so sorry. You were trying to save me, and I repaid your kindness with . . . death.

Tis no yer fault, Connor insisted. Ye warned us

Of course its my fault! A tear rolled down her face. I disobeyed again. And that always causes terrible things to happen. She gripped Connors shirt in her fists. I always mess up! And I hate it!

Lass! He grabbed her hands and squeezed them. Bugger, she was falling apart. He knew shed been through too much in one night. Come, lets . . . see what Emma packed for you.

What?

Come. He dragged her back toward the kitchen and grabbed the tote bag off the counter. He glanced back at the three men who were all standing and watching. She needs a break.

Robby frowned. I still have a lot of questions.

Father Andrew lifted a hand. Leave her be for now. Connors right.

He gave the priest a grateful nod, then escorted Marielle to a nearby bedroom. She stumbled alongside him as if in a daze.

He opened the bedroom door and handed her the tote bag. Take all the time ye need.

She gazed up at him, her cheeks glistening with tears. I didnt mean to harm your friend.

I know, lass. He longed to brush the tears away, even kiss them away, but he didnt want to do it in front of the three guys. Yere all that is good and pure

She burst into tears.

Damn. Hed thought he was saying the right thing.

Im not good, she wailed. I keep disobeying.

Disobeying is no so bad, he grumbled. I do it all the time.

But dont you see? Whenever I disobey, Im questioning the wisdom of the Father. Its rebellion. She shook her head. Maybe Darafer is right

Nay! He grabbed her by the shoulders. Ye willna believe that bastard. He pulled her into the bedroom and shut the door so the guys wouldnt see him fussing at an angel. Unfortunately, Robby and Gregori might still hear him with their heightened vampire senses.

He tossed the tote bag onto the bed and led her toward the door that made a second entrance into the bathroom. I willna have ye thinking poorly of yerself.

I killed your friends wife, she mumbled.

Ye dinna kill her. He wet a washcloth in the bathroom sink. Shes in a coma, turning into a vampire, which is what she had planned to do eventually.

If her husband didnt happen to be a vampire, she would have died.

Shell be all right. He wiped Marielles face.  Twas my fault for taking you there.

You shouldnt blame yourself. You didnt know what I am. She sighed. I suppose we should be grateful her husband had time to transform her. Usually when I touch a mortal, their death is immediate.

Ye dinna touch her. She touched you. He set the wet towel down on the counter. She had on latex gloves, too.

Oh. Marielle nodded slowly. Then my power was diminished. Thank God.

No more talk about believing that damned demon. He gave her a fierce look. Ye dinna screw up. I did. I do it often, so Im quite good at it.

She smiled. I dont believe that, but thank you. I feel better now. I shall pray that your friend comes through.

Good. Lets see what Emma packed for you. He strode back into the bedroom.

Marielle followed slowly. I shouldnt have doubted myself. Thats exactly what Darafer is counting on. He knows Im cut off from the Heavenly Host, so Im missing the constant stream of praise and confirmation. I never realized how hard it is for humans to stand strong in their faith. You are truly . . . amazing.

She was looking at him with such awe and reverence in her eyes, he couldnt bear it. He turned away, feeling centuries of despair and remorse seeping through him like poison. Hed lost his faith long ago. And his hope.

Actually, thered been a tiny spark of hope when hed thought Marielle was going back to heaven. But Buniel had dropped her,and Connors hopes had fallen along with her. Maybe if he could help her get back to heaven, it would somehow wash away some of his sins. Did he dare have hope?

What is this? She had spread a pair of jeans and a T-shirt on the bed, but now she was pulling underwear out of the tote bag.

Thats a bra. Ye wear it over yer . . . breasts. He frowned. It didnt look big enough. Nay, under yer clothes, he added when she placed it on top of the sheet. Ye have to take the sheet off.

Oh. She removed the chip clip and tossed it on the bed.

No now!
She jumped, startled by his shout.

He lowered his voice. Ye doona dress, or undress, in front of men.

She gave him a frustrated look. Youve seen me before. I thought you might help.

He stepped back. Nay. I canna.

Why not?

He shoved a hand through his hair. The bra fastens in the back, the jeans in the front.

All right. She regarded him curiously. Is it because you feel . . . desire?

He groaned. Yere the most beautiful . . . woman to ever set foot on the planet. Any man would desire you.

She gave him a dubious look. I dont think so. Father Andrew looks at me like Im a holy shrine. Robby regards me with suspicion, and Gregori

Hes a pig.

She smiled. He means no harm. Hes merely . . . playful.

A playful pig.

Her smile widened. Will you take my hand?

In marriage? Connors heart lurched, then he slapped himself mentally. Ye fool. Angels doona marry. She only wanted to hold his hand.

He enveloped her hand in his. When their palms touched, he sucked in a quick breath. His heartbeat quickened, and his grip tightened.

You felt that? She sandwiched his hand between both of hers. At first, I thought there was something odd about handshakes, but I felt nothing when the others held my hand. It is most . . . curious, dont you think?

Marielle. He winced when she brought his hand to her chest. Holy Christ Almighty, he could feel the soft fullness of her breasts. His sight darkened, turning red.

She tilted her head, regarding him curiously. Ive been trying to understand this. I thought it might be lust, but Ive always considered sin to be ugly and ultimately destructive. This doesnt feel like that. What would you call it?

He swallowed hard. Desire. Longing.

Her eyes widened with wonder. Yes. Thats it, exactly.

He grabbed the back of her neck to pull her forward, then halted with his mouth less than an inch from hers. Bloody hell, he had sworn he wouldnt do this. If he kissed her, she would see more of his soul.

She released his hand and wrapped her arms around his neck. Yes, she repeated, and all restraint was lost.

He kissed her, releasing all the passion that had built up over the night. How he could feel so much, so quickly, he didnt know, but Marielle had fallen out of heaven and straight into his life, awakening his long-dead senses and filling him with purpose.

He would protect her with his life. He would see her safely back to heaven. And the small seed of hope in his heart would grow because a beautiful angel cared for him. Even desired him.

She pressed against him, kissing him back, tangling her fingers in his hair. How could he be doomed when she desired him?

He invaded her mouth and tasted chocolate on her tongue. She moaned, sinking deeper into the kiss. His hands smoothed down her back, enjoying the indentation of her spine, the narrowing of her waist, the flare of her hips.

He slipped a hand into the side opening of the sheet, and she shivered as his fingers swept across her ribs. He cupped her breast, and she gasped against his mouth.

He planted kisses along her cheek, then nuzzled her ear. He circled her nipple with his thumb, and the skin pebbled. By the time he brushed his thumb across her nipple, it had hardened into a tight bud.

Ive been wanting to touch you again. He kissed a trail down her neck.

She clutched his shoulders. II thought you didnt like my breasts.

He lifted his head and gave her a fierce look. That was my guilt ye were seeing after I groped an angel. Yer breasts are the most beautiful Ive ever seen . . . or touched. He gave her a gentle squeeze.

With a moan, she closed her eyes. Im so glad you like them.

Are ye now? Would ye care to know how much I like them?

Her eyes opened slowly. How

A knock sounded on the door. He jumped back.

Is everything all right in there? Father Andrew asked.

Bugger, the door wasnt even locked. Just a minute. He grabbed the chip clip and fastened the sheet back together. Are ye all right? he whispered.

She nodded.

Ill leave you to get dressed.

She nodded again, looking a bit dazed.

He touched her cheek. Yell be fine.

She smiled. Yes. Go ahead.

He eased out the door and shut it behind him. Father Andrew stood nearby, watching him closely.

Robby stood by the couch, his arms folded over his chest, and a scowl on his face. Gregoris eyes twinkled with amusement.

Is Marielle all right? Father Andrew asked.

Connor felt his cheeks grow warm. Shes feeling better now.

Gregori snorted, and Robby nudged him with an elbow.

May I have a word with you in private? Father Andrew motioned toward the back door.

As ye wish. A memory flitted through Connors mind as he walked to the door. The first time hed stolen a kiss had been in the church belfry. The girl had burst into tears, and the priest had boxed his ears.

Hopefully his kissing had improved. He glanced at the priests stony face. Some things just never changed.

Chapter Nine

Connor remained silent as he joined the priest in the clearing behind the cabin. Father Andrew was gazing at the stars, murmuring a prayer, his breath frosting in the chilly night air.

The priest crossed himself, then turned to Connor. I have to thank you. This has been a . . . momentous occasion for me.

Connor hid his surprise. Hed expected the priest to berate him. Do ye think Shanna will be all right?

Yes. The priest gazed at the stars once more. I have faith she will come through.

Connor nodded. Out of habit, he scanned the woods, looking for danger. Then maybe Roman will be able to forgive me.

I believe he will. Father Andrew glanced at Connor. Can you forgive yourself?

He winced. Roman is the one who transformed me. Tis a serious offense in our world to betray ones sire.

The priests eyebrows rose. And Romans sire was Casimir?

Yes. Casimir hates all of us Vamps, but he harbors a special hatred for Roman. That betrayal was personal.

I see. Father Andrew nodded thoughtfully. Still, I dont think what happened tonight constitutes a betrayal. It was an accident. You had no way of knowing.

I should have known. The warning signs were there. Just like they were before hed lost his wife and child. He was always too damned blind, and it was the ones he loved who paid for his mistakes. I have a long history of screwing up.

You might feel better if you talked about it.

He gave the priest a wry look. Weve had this conversation before. I confess nothing.

Stubborn as always. Father Andrew smiled slightly. That can be a virtue in dangerous times. Im sure you realize that Marielle needs a protector.