The Archangels Battle Read online

  Archangels did not. They loved, but they did not fall in love. Their role was to protect the universe and all the children of God. Their love was unconditional, but not romantic. Sex was enjoyed and undertaken for carnal pleasure. That was it.

  Why? Michael could only assume it was because they could not procreate. They were also the only seven of their kind in existence; therefore, partnership was unnecessary and irrelevant.

  Uriel nodded. “I will speak to her.”

  Michael nodded and ignored the shadow he saw cross his brother’s eyes.

  “It is still odd, though, Uri. Your reaction to her,” Zadkiel added, and they could all see the wheels of his brain turning.

  “Can we please drop it. I simply enjoy sex with her more than with others; it’s that simple. Now, let’s discuss the inevitable attack from the Olympians and how Michael’s cock has helped speed that up.”

  He coughed up a lung, or at least it felt like it. After Raphael had slapped him on the back a few times, he let out a little laugh. “I’m sorry, what?”

  Uriel shrugged. “You don’t think Artemis ran over to Daddy’s house and cried? She at least spoke to Hera, and we all know the fury she has when one of her children is hurt.”

  The guy had a point.

  “Whoever the driver, we need to discuss their potential strategies so we’re prepared,” Chamuel said.

  “You’re right.

  For the next few hours, the brothers mapped out what they knew about the gods, their powers, and war strategies they’d observed. Having observed them over the past decade as they fought the Titans, the archangels knew a lot. Afterward, they planned their own defense and allocated roles to set up their teams.

  There was much discussion about the Olympian’s abilities to get inside Heaven’s walls. God had hinted there may be a possibility, and Michael took that seriously. They held great energy within them as gods, and could blast bolts of energy capable of great destruction.

  Was it enough to breach Heaven’s walls? He didn’t think so. But they would be prepared either way.

  That night, Michael retired to his chambers alone. He dropped his weapons and clothing onto the floor and climbed into the large tub of steaming water in his private courtyard. The space was surrounded by a small wild forest similar to that on Earth, with animals free to roam around. He laid his head back, closing his eyes, and listened to their noises as he relaxed. None of them would—or could—harm him. He was at the top of the food chain in all the realms.

  Well, except for God.

  Michael’s mind filled with thoughts of the upcoming battle. He was always in the mood to defend Heaven, especially if it meant taking down an Olympian or two. Yet it was never his intention to take a life; not even an immortal one that drove him crazy. However, the opportunity to reflect an energy bolt back at Zeus was one he welcomed. Taking that guy down a peg or two would be rather enjoyable.

  Michael didn’t know when the attack would come, but it made no difference. The wards surrounding Heaven were the most powerful in the universe. His army was strong, their warriors trained, and the archangels mentally and physically prepared.

  Always.

  He sunk into the water, rubbing his hands over his face and through his hair. Pushing up, he flung his head from side to side, shaking the water off his dark, short curls. He stretched out his limbs and then stared at his hands. Over and over, he turned them, taking in the size of them.

  He’d never looked at his hands this way before. Until today. Last night, he’d dreamed of his hands on the female’s body, and the contrast in their sizes was vast. She was small and, he suspected, human. He was a powerful and large archangel. Why he would imagine such a thing was a mystery. He’d never sought pleasure with a human before and had no desire to.

  He climbed out of the tub, and with a wave of his hand, dried himself off, walking back into his chambers. After a half-hearted knock at the door, Raphael entered, plopping himself down on the sofa.

  “The answer is no.”

  His brother smirked.

  “No.”

  “I haven’t said a thing yet.”

  “Still no.”

  Raphael laughed out loud. “Truly, I want nothing. I just wanted to check on you.”

  Michael’s brows drew together. “For what reason?”

  He and Raphael were close, and chats like this were not uncommon. The two of them often reconvened after a full archangel meeting to continue a conversation. But his brother sounded worried, and he could not fathom why.

  Raphael propped his feet up on a stool and rested his arm on the armrest. Michael saw through his cool, calm, and collected act. “You seem distracted. And today with Uri, what was that? He’s been shagging Aphrodite for decades.”

  Michael leaned his ass against the solid wooden table and crossed his arms. He sighed. Then, after a moment, he nodded, staring down at the mat at his feet. It was true. He’d been entirely overreacting to a few things recently. Artemis. Regina. Uriel and Aphrodite. Things just felt out of whack.

  Since his dream.

  “You are right. I can’t explain it yet, but I will.”

  “Should I be worried?”

  He shook his head. “No. But I need to take a trip back to Olympus, and I suspect I need to do it sooner rather than later.”

  The only person who could give him the answers he was looking for lived on Olympus, and it was her he needed to talk to. His Father could too, but Michael knew it would be like poking red-hot irons into his brain, so he’d try the Oracle first.

  “You think it wise right now?”

  “No, but it could be important. It will not take long.”

  “Then I’ll go with you.”

  Michael gave him a curt nod. “We’ll leave in the morning.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  THEY LANDED ON OLYMPUS in stealth mode, but once on the ground, they couldn’t hide their presence. Beside him, Raphael’s stunning green-emerald wings wrapped into his body as they softly landed. His matching eyes scanned the surrounding space before turning to Michael.

  “In and out.”

  He nodded. They began walking along the familiar cobblestone road through the town. “You’re not going to ask me where I am going?” Raphael shook his head. “So you know.”

  “Well, I know it’s not a secret rendezvous with Artemis.” He smirked.

  Michael grinned.

  “You’ll tell me if there is a need.”

  For all his cheeky confidence, Raphael had an intuition and inner strength that had always amazed him. If he questioned Michael, it was because he had a damn good reason, and he always had his back. He knew his brother acted as a second in command; there was no reason to make it official. If any of them had to step up and take the lead because they had the strength and ability needed, they all respected that. It was what made them a powerful team.

  “I will be quick.”

  He left Raphael standing outside and stepped through a door which led into a spacious room with little furniture.

  “Archangel Michael.” A voice from the shadows spoke.

  “Oracle.”

  “You are early.”

  He pressed his lips together. That he was even here conflicted with his knowledge that all beings created their own destiny. And yet, this wasn’t his first visit. When he needed clarity or insight and knew speaking to his Father would yield little, she was his next stop.

  “How early?”

  She stepped out of the shadows and glided across the floor, her long blue gown sweeping over it. She was an indeterminable age; she could change her looks at any time, so who knew how old she really was. He remembered she had lost her people and come to live on Olympus, but when that was, he couldn’t recall.

  It didn’t matter.

  He was older than everyone.

  “A few hundred years early, but I think you know that.”

  He blinked. “Do I?”

  “Look closer at the details. All you need to know ri
ght now is in your dreams.”

  Michael wasn’t a patient person, he knew that, but there was a reason he was standing here and not in his Father’s damn apple orchard. “I need to know what it means. Who is she?”

  She pointed to the armchair behind him and, thinking he was about to get some answers, he sat. She sat in her own well-worn chair and rocked.

  And rocked.

  Then she opened her eyes and looked at him, softness on her face along with a kind smile. “She will arrive in the future into our lives. For now, you must carry on. I do not know why you dream of her now. That is unclear to me.”

  “She is human.”

  “Yes.”

  “Is she in danger?”

  “No. Not yet.”

  He stood and paced. “I must go to her. I can feel the need to protect her.”

  The Oracle smiled wider. “Michael, she is not born yet. She will reach out to you when she needs you. You must go. Heaven needs you now.”

  He glanced up at her, his eyes wide. “Right now?”

  “Yes. Soon.”

  He turned to go, but paused. He needed to know how long he had to wait to help this human. His skin was itching to get to her. “When?”

  She shook her head. “I am forbidden to say.”

  Who the fuck would forbid her? Wasn’t his Father the creator of everything?

  “Why?”

  She shook her head again.

  Michael ran a hand over his forehead. “Alright. Thank you. Until next time.”

  He began marching out with speed. If the Olympians were going to act now, knowing both he and Raphael were outside Heaven, that was a low blow. And typical of them. He needed to hurry.

  “Michael,” the Oracle called out. “Say hello to your Father for me.”

  That stopped him in his tracks. He wasn’t aware the Oracle had met God. Few had. While God was more aloof than your average feline, this was one subject He kept the Supreme Archangel informed on. He turned and glanced at the old woman, wondering. She had been around for an exceedingly long time.

  He held her stare before nodding.

  “Let’s go!” he called to Raphael as he exited the building. The archangel was leaning on a tree, smiling at two minor goddesses who were entertaining him with some kind of dance. Michael didn’t stop. He kept up his pace, marching to the clearing where they could spread their wings. Seconds later, Raphael was by his side.

  “Did you get the answers you were looking for?”

  “No.” Damn it. “However, I’ve been advised Zeus’s attack is imminent, so we need to return and prepare for battle.”

  Raphael halted, and Michael glanced back. “What?”

  “Think we should take some of those goddesses as sexual hostages?”

  Michael rolled his eyes and kept walking.

  “I’m just saying!”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  “LET HER GO,” ZEUS ORDERED. “She’s not a prisoner, nor can she harm me.”

  The soldiers dropped the Oracle to her knees. A less wise god would feel guilty about an old woman being treated so roughly, but he knew better.

  “Don’t be so sure,” she muttered, getting to her feet and straightening her robe.

  “You wish to test me, Oracle?” he said, leaning forward and raising an eyebrow.

  “What do you want, Zeus?” She scowled.

  He walked the distance between them and hovered over her. She was right. He didn’t know the full extent of her power, but he was sure she couldn’t harm him seriously. Probably. Or at least, she wouldn’t.

  Zeus had offered her refuge thousands of years ago after her planet and nearly all her species had been destroyed. Floris had been nothing short of stunning. With two red moons, the small orb had been lush with forests, mountains, and oceans. Florisians were one with nature, despite their developed minds, and lived simply. Renowned for being foreseers, many had been critical that they hadn’t foreseen the comet’s arrival. Not for the first time, Zeus wondered if one’s ultimate destiny was blocked for everyone.

  The Florisians had been well loved across the universe. Known for their celebrations, gods, angels, and other species had come from near and far to drink and dance under their moons and dive into the tropical waters as they soaked up the energizing properties of the planet.

  The diplomatic species had taken no side in wars or beliefs, so it had become a neutral place to put differences aside.

  It was pure coincidence Zeus had been on the planet when the comet had drawn near. With mere seconds to evacuate, Zeus and his sons had saved the Oracle and a handful of Florisian females. Understandably, they had been in shock and grief for months. While the others had requested relocation to Earth, where they joined the human civilization, the Oracle had stayed on Olympus.

  As a species, they had been secretive about their abilities, which had always kept Zeus wary. Though he hadn’t seen it for hundreds of years, he believed her true form was one of supple, youthful beauty. What he was sure about was her ability to foresee the future. However, her information was cryptic and unclear at times, and he suspected she did this on purpose.

  She had never forgiven him for taking her from her planet that fateful day, saying she would have rather perish with her people than watch it slowly burn away as a dying star. Yet she stayed, but not as a prisoner. In fact, from time to time, one of the gods would take her to Earth so she could visit her sisters, and each time, she returned to Olympus.

  And thank the gods, as she was his secret weapon. With the knowledge she imparted, he was given the edge over his allies and was always one step ahead. He never actually stopped her from meeting with others, keeping his promise she was not a prisoner, but he kept a keen eye on who she saw. Especially when it came to the archangels.

  “Tell me of your conversation with the archangel.”

  “No can do. Client-Oracle privileges.” She shrugged, and he took a step closer. “Fine,” she relented, crossing her arms and glaring at him. “He wants to know when he’s getting married. He’s getting on, you know, worried about things sagging and if he’ll still attract the right female—”

  “Hag!” he bellowed, his patience wearing thin. “Tell me what I want to know.”

  Suddenly, her haggard facade fell away, and before him stood the stunning dark-haired beauty he hadn’t seen for over a thousand years. Her hair hung down to her hips in long, glistening waves, her eyes a rich chocolate brown with lush eyelashes, and skin that looked kissed by Earth’s sun.

  Great power pulsed from her, and he took a step back, surprised.

  And irritated.

  He was a powerful god—THE most powerful god—and yet, she had intimidated him for a moment. A small moment, but still.

  “Leave us,” he ordered, and the soldiers and minor gods scurried away. “Except you,” he said to Ares.

  As the doors closed, he took a few steps away from her before facing her.

  “Why do you keep this information from me?”

  The Oracle walked to a marble pillar and ran her hand over it, staring out through the window into the sky. After a few moments, she turned. “You are going to war with the archangels to invade Heaven. This is not a wise move, Zeus.”

  His eyes narrowed. He drew in two calming breaths. They didn’t help.

  “You believe we will be defeated?”

  The Oracle shook her head as if disappointed in him.

  “Oh, Zeus, why do you continue to deny the existence of God. Do you honestly believe He will let you through the walls of Heaven and into the Kingdom?”

  This again.

  The almighty God that many believed in but no one actually saw. Was it unrealistic for one to want physical proof before believing? He cursed at those who asked for his faith. Zeus had faith in his fists and his powers. Where was this almighty power if He never showed His face?

  “There is no God. I am the true god. The father of the gods.”

  She shook her head as if he were a petulant child.

/>   “That may be so, but you are not the creator, are you?” She raised her eyebrows in question. “Did you create all of this, Zeus? All that is?”

  His jaw clenched.

  “So you truly believe the father of those seven irritating brothers is a power greater than I and the creator of...life?” It was his turn to shake his head at her ignorance. She simply nodded and gave him a small, knowing smile.

  A chill ran down his spine.

  “Prove it,” Ares interjected, stepping closer.

  Zeus didn’t berate his son for interrupting. He heard the irritation in his voice, which matched his own feelings.

  A smile spread across her face, one he hadn’t seen in what felt like an eternity. Her eyes sparkled as she looked off into the past.

  “You’ve met Him?” he asked accusingly.

  Her smile faded, but the twinkle in her eye remained. “My warning is my gift to you today, father of the gods. Don’t be a fool or it will be your downfall.”

  She remained silent for a moment, staring at them both, but still not focusing completely on them. He’d seen that look before and held up his hand to Ares, who he sensed was going to speak. Finally, she refocused and blinked, looking at Ares before returning her eyes to him.

  “Send your son. If you attempt to breach the gates of Heaven, you will not return.”

  He cursed, the walls shaking. “We will not win this battle?”

  As her haggard glamour returned, a craggy voice replied, “If you wish to survive, you need to remain on Olympus. That is all I can share.”

  He slammed a hand against a marble pillar, and the building shook, pieces of it falling around them. “Return to your home.”

  He heard her shuffle against the floor. Before she reached the door, he called to her, “I am not your captor, Oracle, but if I learn you have helped the archangels and deceived me, then it won’t be your life I take...”

  A flash of energy crossed the room, knocking him off his feet.

  “Lay a finger on my sisters, Zeus, and the archangels will be the least of your worries.”

  He jumped to his feet, but she was gone.

  “Fuck me,” Ares exclaimed, reaching out a hand to his father. Zeus slapped it away and jumped to his feet.