An Archangel's Promise Read online

  “You have to let her go. You need to focus on your training. There is so much you must learn in order to become stronger.”

  “What good will it do? I’ll never be like you. You’re full-blood. You don’t know what it’s like,” he mumbled.

  With a pitying look, the older angel said, “Hunter, we must go. If not for your own safety, then for hers.”

  Hunter followed Sebastian’s line of sight back to Gabriella. She was laughing at something the guy had said, and Hunter’s breath caught when, for a moment, that laughter touched her eyes.

  His heart plummeted when the truth sank in. She would be happy. She would move on. But he never would. Hunter was even more determined to learn all he could, to become as strong as possible.

  He faced Sebastian, determination the only thing driving him by that point. “Okay. I’ll train. I want you to teach me everything you can. I want to learn what it means to be an angel.”

  “You will? Just like that? After three years of dragging your feet, you are actually agreeing to begin proper training?” Sebastian asked in disbelief.

  “Yes. Because the stronger I get, and the quicker I do it, the sooner I can return for what’s mine,” he declared.

  Sebastian frowned. “What’s yours? Oh, for heaven’s sake, Hunter. You mean the girl?”

  “Yes. Take it or leave it.”

  Sebastian eyed him for a moment, as if assessing his sincerity. “You’re serious?” At Hunter’s nod, he sighed. “All right. We’ll train. You prove yourself, and when your transition is complete, I will help you return to her. However, don’t be surprised if she hasn’t waited for you.”

  Hunter ignored the look of warning he received. He had to believe Gabriella would wait for him, but even if she didn’t, he would stop at nothing to make her his.

  With one last longing glance at the woman who owned his heart, Hunter turned his back on the party and left with Sebastian to begin his training.

  Tears streamed down Gabriella’s face as she stared up at him now in the present. Hunter could see the hope shining in her eyes, praying that he told the truth. Every day he had been apart from her had been agony, the pain so strong some days it felt like it would cripple him. Only the thought of being able to return to her one day had kept him sane, and now that he was there, he’d be damned if he let her go.

  “What was that?” Gabriella asked, her voice husky from their kisses.

  Hunter tried desperately to gain his breath as he slid his hand around to cup her cheek. “That is everything I have felt since I left you. I know the pain you have felt all these years, because I felt it too. I never stopped loving you.”

  “You’re really an angel?” she asked in awe.

  Knowing his Gabriella and that she would need more proof, Hunter leant back enough to raise up on one arm and slip his shirt off, but still kept her securely beneath him. Some of the buttons had already ripped off in their struggle as he took her down to the bed, so it wasn’t hard to remove. His back muscles stretched, and he felt the tiny slits form that would allow his wings to come out. Forcing them from concealment, Hunter’s wings spread wide. He let out a sigh when they extended. Hunter had only had them for the last five years, and the first three years were spent adapting. He always felt more comfortable when they were out. It still felt unnatural and strange to tuck away something so large.

  “Hunter?” Her voice wavered as hers eyes widened in shock.

  Hunter didn’t move as she continued to stare. He could see her mind working things over, trying to come to some sort of a conclusion. Gabriella had always been able to handle the extraordinary, even when Hunter had been the one freaking out. She had kept him grounded when new abilities would show through, Gabriella was the one who told him everything would be all right. And Hunter would be lying if he said he didn’t need her to do that now.

  “They’re beautiful, Hunter. Can I touch them?”

  Hunter sighed in relief at her words. “Yes.” He’d deny her nothing.

  The first touch of her fingertips against his feathers made him shudder. An angel’s wings were sensitive, so much so that she may as well be stroking his cock instead with how good they felt. Oh, shit. Having never allowed anyone to touch them before, he had no idea what he had been in for.

  “Gabby, you might want to stop that,” he panted. “We still need to talk.”

  She didn’t pull away like he thought she would, instead a sly smile played over her lips as she traversed her hand over the top of his wings. “Why, Hunter? Does that not feel nice?”

  Oh, the little minx. She knew damn well it felt more than nice.

  Unwilling to let her win, Hunter ground his hips into her, allowing her to feel the full length of his erection. Gabriella gasped, spreading her legs to make room for him. Her dress slid up, revealing the smooth creamy skin of her thighs to him. Hunter’s head spun as she kept caressing him, and he was unable to stop his hips from thrusting forward, nudging his swollen shaft against her heat.

  The feel of her panties, damp and hot, was making him crazy.

  “Oh, to hell with being a gentleman,” he muttered. “I was never good at it anyway.”

  Swooping down, he claimed her lips, just as he planned to do to her body. Gabriella moaned as she arched up into him, and Hunter lost that little bit of sanity he had been clinging to. Having her in his arms, in total abandonment as she gave over to the tumultuous feelings they were both experiencing, was an ecstasy he never expected to know.

  Skimming his hands up her thighs, he didn’t stop until he could slip her dress up and over, revealing all but a small part of her. The tiny, lacy material of her panties covered her most intimate parts, and he was dying to taste it.

  The last and only time they had ever been together, he had been too young, scared, and inexperienced to enjoy the full pleasures of her body. Now though, nothing was stopping him.

  Fuck. This was really happening.

  Chapter 4

  Gabriella’s pulse beat rapidly as she lay there, completely naked, her legs slightly spread, feeling Hunter’s hot and humid breath sliding over the most tender and sensitive part of her. Never had a man’s face been so close to that part of her body. There had only been a few men since Hunter, and she hadn’t trusted any of them enough to allow something so intimate.

  Hunter’s eyes lowered, seeming to trace every inch of her body. She had thought he looked aroused before, but seeing the lust burning in his eyes, practically pouring off him in waves, Gabriella knew Hunter was desperate to take her. And she would let him. He could have her, consume her, take her to heights she had never been before.

  One thick finger slipped down her center and she arched her back, a small cry of pleasure escaping her. Gabriella was so wet, so ready.

  God, if he’d just hurry up!

  “Gabby,” he said on a moan right before he covered her pussy with his scorching mouth. Over and over he flicked his tongue along her slit, moving to her clit and circling the engorged bundle of nerves, before dragging his tongue down to press against the opening of her body.

  She was shocked, and embarrassed, yet couldn’t refrain from begging for more. “Hunter. Please. Oh, yes.”

  “You taste incredible. Perfect, just like I knew you would.” His husky voice vibrated against her clit, making her shiver and groan.

  He flattened his tongue and ran it up and down her cleft. Firm, full lips suctioned onto her clit and sucked. So. Damn. Hard. Her orgasm was building inside of her as she struggled to breath. Hunter seemed to know this, because the damn man brought her right to the precipice and then slowed before she reached release.

  “Don’t stop. Oh God. Please Hunter.” She felt heat rise to her face at her blatant begging, but refused to take it back. She needed. Wanted. And if he made her wait, she might just kill him.

  “I won’t stop. I’ll never stop,” he told her in a ragged whisper. It was nice to know she wasn’t the only one worked up.

  His mouth latched onto her cl
it once more and he started that wicked rhythmic suctioning, and thankfully didn’t stop when her climax neared. Thrashing her head back and forth, she couldn’t even begin to explain how good she felt. When he teased her pussy, slowly slipping his thick, long finger into her, Gabriella surrendered to the feelings that crashed through her.

  Hunter was relentless as he dragged out her pleasure with his talented mouth. When the sensations became too much, she tried to push him away, whimpering. Before he allowed her to push his mouth away, he kissed her softly then lifted himself up. His gaze was hungry as he stared at her.

  Gabriella couldn’t help it. Couldn’t deny it. She wanted him. Now.

  “Hunter, please.”

  In one fluid motion, he stood, shucking off his pants. She nearly swallowed her tongue as she realized he had gone commando. His body was a masterpiece. The muscles under his tanned and flawless skin were cut and defined like a marble statue. Wings flared out at the back, so surreal and majestic, she stared in awe. Hunter had certainly filled out since he had been gone. His shoulders were wider and moved down to bulging biceps that she knew held immense power. Much like the rest of him. A strong, finely edged chest tapered down to narrow hips, and that incredible V of muscle pointed straight to his straining cock.

  Christ, she had a thing for that area on a man.

  She watched as he raised one eyebrow. “When you look at me like that all I can think about is burying my cock in your sweet little body.”

  The air left her in a rush at his words and the erotic promises they contained.

  He crawled onto the bed and moved toward her, all the while keeping his gaze locked onto hers. Hunter looked like an animal stalking his prey. His tendons and muscles flexed, bunching as he moved with lethal precision. What had he seen, what had he done to be able to move like that she wondered? Was there any part of the boy she used to know still in there? God, she hoped so. As quickly as that thought came, it left her as his hands splayed her inner thighs, opening her wider.

  “God, Gabriella,” he said as his pupils dilated in hunger and lust. “Do you have any idea how much I’ve missed you?” His gaze cut to hers. “How much I love you?”

  Her breath caught in her throat at his words. Love?

  Before she had time to think, he was taking hold of his thick, long penis and bringing it to the entrance of her body. The air sawed in and out of her as she watched the sight.

  “You feel so amazing,” he rasped in her ear. “I want to be inside you. I need to be inside you.”

  Hunter’s hips thrust forward, and she hissed as the thick head of his cock breached her entrance. His body froze, holding her against him. His breath was hot on her skin.

  “Gabriella,” he whispered, his lips gliding over her throat and up to her chin. “You’re mine, Gabriella. I’m never letting you go.”

  She knew she should be terrified at his words, alarmed by the possessiveness she heard in them, but all she felt was a sense of peace wash over her. A feeling of completion so strong it shook her to her very core. He moved again, just enough that his cock sank a little deeper. The pleasure was almost too much to bear.

  “Hunter. Yes, Hunter.” She squeezed him tighter, digging her fingernails deeper into the tight muscles of his back and shoulders, just above his wings.

  Bloody wings!

  He took possession of her mouth, greedily kissing her. His body was still locked in place like a statue, unmoving. She dug her heels into his rear, frustrated and hoping to encourage him to thrust forward, but he didn’t.

  “I need you to hear me, Gabriella. I’ve waited too long, fought too hard to have you by my side again. After this, I will not let you go. Do you understand me?”

  “Yes,” she answered breathlessly. God, she knew what he was saying, some part of her understood how serious this was. So hungry for him, Gabriella would agree to anything as long as he slid the rest of the way into her. “Now stop stalling. You’re killing me.”

  She felt a smile on his lips as he nuzzled his face against her ear. Slowly, he stretched her pussy another inch.

  “Oh God. Hunter,” she said, gasping as the pressure built inside her. He was driving her insane. She’d never survive another moment without him, wasn’t sure how she had managed before now. “Please, Hunter. I need you.”

  Just when she thought she’d have to beg again, he plunged deep inside her. She cried out as her body stretched to receive him, taking him fully inside. Gabriella was so wet, so ready for him. Supporting himself on one arm, Hunter used the other to stroke her breasts as he let her adjust to him. His touch was rough and exciting. Desire pulsed in her veins. Gabriella wanted more, much more. Arching her back, she tried to move on his cock.

  He clamped his hands on her hips, growling near her ear and started to move inside her. The sound was more animal than man, low and possessive. Gabriella shook as her need rose. Her whole body burned with desire. Soon she was bucking against him, opening herself up completely. He pushed harder, faster, dragging her toward the edge. She felt dizzy with need and pleasure and excitement. Each thrust elicited another moan as she inched higher. Closer…

  “Gabriella. God, honey.” Hunter’s thrusts slowed. He buried himself deep inside her, moving inch by delicious inch. Leaning over her body, he wrapped his arms around her back and rested his chin on her shoulder. He pumped in and out of her, slowly, seductively. “I missed you so much.”

  She moaned as he brought one hand around to the front and pinched her nipples, all the while his cock retreating and then pushing back in again. Pleasure and pain mixed in her bloodstream, making her cry out in pleasure.

  I must be dreaming.

  He pulled away, sliding slowly through her wet channel until only the tip remained inside. He pushed hard and deep, making her gasp as pleasure shook her. “Tell me you want this,” he whispered.

  “Yes.” Her answer was barely audible over the thumping of her heart as he dragged her closer to oblivion.

  Gabriella closed her eyes as she tightened her muscles around his cock. She sighed, enjoying the added friction along her inner walls, until Hunter growled in her ear. “Come for me, Gabriella.”

  She was so close…

  Letting go of her breasts, Hunter wrapped his arms around her in a tight hold, thrusting again and again with a feverish pace. His fingers dug into her skin, mixing pain and pleasure. Her grip tightened as her nails undoubtedly scored his shoulders. Never before had sex felt this raw, this animalistic. Gabriella embraced her wild side as Hunter claimed her. Desire built, and she stretched for her release. Throwing her head back, she concentrated on the sensations rippling through her body.

  When her orgasm came, she screamed as pleasure exploded around her.

  Above her, Hunter stiffened, his wings flared out to their full length. They were magnificent, he was magnificent. So powerful and strong. The son of an archangel.

  His muscles strained, and his eyes were so hot she could feel them burn her to her soul. Again and again he pumped into her, allowing her orgasm to stretch out into oblivion. Only after he emptied himself completely did his movements slow and his wings retract slightly.

  She lay beneath him, breathing heavily as she absorbed what had just happened.

  Well, so much for telling him to piss off. Now what are you gonna do, woman?

  Chapter 5

  Hunter felt Gabriella stiffen beneath him as he lay panting, careful not to smother her with his weight. He wasn’t sure how she was going to react. There was a time when all of Gabriella’s responses were as predictable to him as the sun rising and setting. Now, this new Gabriella, bold and independent, left him a little startled. And a helluva lot turned on.

  Would she try to tell him what they had done was a mistake? Or was she prepared to accept his answers for what they were, and embrace what he had always known—they were made for each other.

  He really was hoping for the latter. After all, he wasn’t looking forward to tying her up and forcing her to come with
him. He would, but he wasn’t looking forward to it. Oh, who the hell was he kidding? The only part that sounded bad about that was the ‘forcing her to come’ part.

  Hunter opened his mouth to speak first, unable to stand the sudden silence, but it came out as a hiss when his wrist began to burn. “Ah, fuck.”

  Below him, Gabriella cried out too, holding her wrist tight between them.

  Oh, shit.

  There was only one thing that could mean, but Hunter was afraid to let himself believe it. He had hoped, prayed even, but never believed for a second that the creator would see fit to bless him so.

  She was his bonded. The one person meant just for him.

  Every angel he knew desperately searched for their bonded, every Nephilim was told the tales and dreamed of reaching the end of their transition so they could find theirs. And there he was, with his best friend as his bonded. The only person he had truly ever loved.

  Hunter tugged at Gabriella’s wrist, happy when she didn’t fight him. He could see the confusion and a little fear in her eyes. He brushed his lips lightly over the mark that matched his own and proclaimed her as his. The dark lines were intertwined, almost having a celtic appearance to them as they formed a design similar to a pair of wings, encompassing her entire wrist.

  Her eyes narrowed into tiny slits, and the withering glare she sent him when she caught sight of their matching tattoos was almost enough to make him cower. “Hunter?”

  The tone of her voice suggested he needed to handle this very carefully. He suddenly felt the need to cover anything vital.

  Slipping out of her heat slowly, Hunter hid the grin that threatened when her breath caught. She craved him as much as he did her. An angel’s bonded felt the connection just as strongly as the angel. Desire and passion quaked through him like a fierce, unrelenting storm as the heat in her eyes, both from lust and anger threatened to consume them. It was so strong, so commanding, he found it hard to concentrate.