Rao Read online

  Shit.

  Then he knew nothing more.

  Chapter Two

  Rao put the human to sleep. He was too distracting. On so many levels. Pleasure skimmed over his skin as he carried him to a place a bit away from where the dead bear was. Short dark hair and those eyes, that incredible sea glass green.

  Shaking his head, he stepped back from the man and looked around.

  Luken?

  Yes, Rao?

  I have stumbled across a human who is claiming to have seen more like me, killing animals.

  More like you?

  I didn’t question him too much. He is sleeping right now.

  Wait and someone will be there shortly.

  Thank you.

  Ever since he’d found the Throne female, Aamu, impaled on the trumpet of Gabriel’s statue he’d been in constant contact with Luken the Archangel trying to help them figure out who was doing this, why, and how best to stop it all. He enjoyed being able to do something more to help assist.

  He rubbed his palms against the linen of his pants and walked around the area, making sure not to touch anything. He’d learned they preferred to have the scene as pure as possible. He didn’t get any more from the time he spent looking, but he also wasn’t like the ones who were coming, built for battle.

  Yes, he had the ability to fight demons, but tracking and hunting down whoever was killing their kind was more than slightly out of his league. He narrowed his circumference that he walked, opting to stay closer to the sleeping human.

  Upon the wind he heard the whisper of feathers gliding through the air. He faced the direction it came from, kept himself between those arriving and the man laid out upon the ground.

  While he’d been prepared to see Luken once more, he noticed immediately that the Archangel wasn’t part of the trio that arrived. His limbs froze, and he couldn’t move. All three who landed were Powers. One he’d met before, Elekus, who hadn’t wanted to listen to him at the statue of Gabriel. One whom he’d heard about for having begun a long-term relationship with a human, Demuri, and the final one who all knew but not everyone met. His reputation was such that he was assumed to be the strongest of the warriors, regardless of the order you were in. Danijel.

  The Power was legendary, from his fighting ability to his option of weapons, the use of the chain versus spear to just his presence, it took his breath. Lowering his gaze in a silent sign of respect, he waited to be addressed. Plus, he used the time to do his best to get his emotions under control.

  Rao?

  Removing any further or lingering trace of unease, he lifted his gaze to meet golden stares awaiting him.

  The human is behind me. He should wake soon. When I arrived, he asked me if I was with the others like me who had done this.

  Others? As in more than one and like you as in having wings?

  Demuri strode easily over the uneven forest floor, moving around Rao to where the human male lay. Rao didn’t worry as much as if it had been one of the other two, for it was proven that this Power didn’t think to just kill humans. Not that the others would because they were there to protect them. However, if there was one they thought was with the demons, there was to be no mercy shown.

  Even so, he turned and watched as Demuri knelt beside the dark-haired man. Without touching him, he waved a hand over his face and rose. Seconds later the man came to, scrambled back and reached for his weapon.

  “What the fuck is going on?”

  “You are safe, Felix Oberti.” Demuri assured him in a gentle tone. Even from this distance, Rao could feel the compulsion in it.

  “How do you know me? My name? And what is going on here? What happened to the ones who were killing the bear? Or rather, who killed it? And why does it look like you have wings?”

  Demuri stepped back, and Rao watched as the green eyes moved over the three Powers before landing on him.

  “You,” he bit off. “I saw you before, with the ones in black.”

  Danijel and Demuri shared a glance.

  Talk to him, get him to explain what he means.

  Rao never considered not listening to Demuri’s order. Even as he stepped forward he wondered if he would ever hear Danijel speak. Crouching down so he wasn’t towering over the one called Felix, he called forth the rifle he’d removed from him earlier.

  “We,” he gestured to himself and those behind him. “We are here to protect humans, not kill them. I need to know what you saw earlier.” He released the weapon as soon as Felix touched it. “I had to take this from you because it is more important that you answer the questions instead of shooting first.”

  “I don’t shoot first. I’m an officer of the law, and I ask questions. If I did shoot first, those three who killed the bear would also be dead. Who are you?”

  “My name is Rao.” After a moment’s pause, he gave the other’s names as well.

  “How did he know my name?”

  “He read your mind to get it.”

  “Because personal boundaries mean nothing to you all.”

  Rao didn’t respond, not knowing there were any words that could be given to ease his mind. “Tell me about the three you saw. Why do you say they were like me?”

  “I see a lot of shit in my day to day but trust me, men with wings, not something I’m likely to forget. Nor am I going to forget the hatred that poured off them all, but mostly from the tall one in the middle.”

  Descriptions?

  Again, Demuri’s suggestion came.

  Rao didn’t acknowledge him, just remained focused on the man who didn’t look as scared anymore. Those green eyes were sharp and taking it all in. Even when the rain started, he didn’t jerk, just slowly pushed to his feet so he wouldn’t be sitting in mud.

  “What did they look like?”

  He ran a hand down his face and readjusted the hold he had on the rifle. “They were all in black. But, it was a covering of sorts, not natural.”

  “How do you know this?”

  Felix pushed a hand through his wet hair, and Rao found his mind drifting to being able to experience that himself as well. “Part of two of the costumes were coming off. They had a wrapping of sorts over their heads, but I could see white hair. Like, pure white, it stood out so starkly against the black, it was hard to miss. Then the other was a grey shirt.” He leaned to the right a bit and pointed. “Like he’s wearing.”

  That shocked him, and he turned to glance over his shoulder. Danijel’s shirt was grey. It wasn’t easy to keep the expression of surprise contained, but he did and returned his gaze to the man before him.

  “Same shade or style?”

  “Color. It was just like a tear in the black covering. Even their swords were black. When I first found them, they were playing with the innards. I thought it was some sort of ritual killing, but I don’t know. I’ve found five animals like this before, all large and strung up almost like they were practicing for something else.”

  “These others you found, they were all like this?”

  He blinked a few times and shook his head to rid it of the excess water of the rain that had increased.

  “No, similar but not all the same. I have pictures of them, and I can show you, but I need to be inside somewhere. I was going to a small cabin that’s not far from here.”

  Rao caught the Powers’ gazes before facing Felix once more. “Lead the way.”

  * * * *

  Felix stared at the quartet inside the cabin. He would freak out about this later. I mean, really. How many people can say that they got to hang out with four hot-ass men with wings? I’m betting not many, although if I asked this question, I’m sure I would be visiting a therapist and having a grand time with a straight jacket on.

  They were around the small table. This cabin wasn’t sized for men like this with incredible wings.

  Wings!

  He knew they were talking amongst themselves, just not aloud. Felix took the time to study them. Where he truly wanted to take their photographs, that had been
swiftly refused. There had been a promise of him losing the camera forever if he tried to take their picture.

  Point taken and he hadn’t a shred of doubt they would do just that, so he’d turned over the camera after showing them how to scroll through the images he had there of the previous scenes. But now, as they each had a side of the table and with each wingspan, there wasn’t space for him.

  So he remained to the back, seated in one of the rocking chairs, toweling off his wet hair. The one who had done the speaking to him, Rao, drew his eyes the most. He wasn’t as hard as the others.

  Hell, he looked innocent next to them in some aspects. Less dangerous would perhaps be a better word. That pale blond hair combining with those blue eyes and the rose-tinted wings were one hell of a combination. The other three all carried weapons and had hard gold eyes. Two had spears, but the black man had a chain that hung from around his waist.

  The wings were just mind-blowing. Felix longed to touch them to see how they felt. There was a light brush in his mind, and he stopped staring at the amazing silver wings with their iridescent hues beneath.

  The blue eyes of Rao were watching him. He is not the one for you, Felix. Do not think of touching his wings for he would surely kill you.

  His cock swelled within his pants, but he didn’t do anything to readjust or bring attention to his situation.

  And the others?

  The results would be the same. His blue eyes deepened.

  What about you? Would you allow me to touch your wings?

  Yes.

  Had an elephant stepped on his chest he couldn’t have lost his breath any faster. A burn grew in his fingertips, and he wanted nothing more than to sink them along those feathers.

  After we finish here, you should rest.

  He was exhausted, and the thought of resting here while they did what they needed to weighed heavily in his mind. Closing his eyes, he shook his head and forced his eyes back open.

  All four of them were looking at something on the table.

  Rest, Felix. I will be here when you wake.

  He couldn’t fight the urge any longer and closed his eyes again. Warmth pushed through him, and he no longer had any lingering chill from the rain that had soaked him completely. In fact, his clothing wasn’t even wet now.

  Felix went from asleep to wide awake in a heartbeat. The cabin was silent except for the crackling of a fire. He gazed about as he rose to his feet in a single motion. No one was there aside from him.

  “Figures they’d leave. Guess I should be happy they didn’t kill me.” He cracked his neck and headed for the table where his things rested. “And glad they didn’t take my items. Would have been nice to touch those feathers though and assure myself this wasn’t all some wicked dream that I’ve been locked in.”

  “No dream, Felix. I did say I would be here, and I keep my word. It is not in my nature to lie.”

  “Most men do,” he said, trying to contain his excitement and arousal at that sensual voice.

  “I’m not one of your human males.”

  Felix’s heart caught as the shadows shifted, forming the one he wanted to see. Rao.

  “Yes, I’m beginning to see that. What are you exactly?”

  “I told you, I’m a Seraphim.”

  “Yeah, you did. I still don’t know what to do with that bit of information.”

  He blinked a few times. “Nothing to be done with it, those words are facts.” Rao moved closer, and more heat covered Felix, in a comforting and soothing way.

  “I get that, but it’s hard for me to digest this. What happened with the others? Are they here? Or did they leave?”

  “They left.”

  “Why did you stay?”

  He moved closer still, and Felix moved his eyes along the impressive wingspan.

  “I told you I would be here when you woke. I also have said I don’t lie.”

  Felix nodded. The feathers looked so soft. He reached out his hand, pausing seconds before actually making a connection. Rao’s blue eyes never wavered.

  Taking that as an approval, he touched the faded rose color. A purr filled the air, and he wasn’t entirely sure it came from him or from Rao. Ignoring the man, he focused on the feathers beneath his fingers. As he moved down, the sleek smoothness gave way to soft and downy.

  “Incredible.”

  He shifted to move around the Seraphim. Everything about this was intriguing and wondrous. Felix had always been fascinated by birds and in some respect, this was the closest he was going to get to experiencing something like this.

  I’m not a bird.

  “I know that, but I also don’t see birds who have wingspans like yours.”

  No bird does. We’re not animals such as they are. We are greater. I am Seraphim.

  “I know, I get that. You’ve told me.” He followed the wing bones to where it fused with Rao’s back. Seamless. Part of his body. “Is this the humerus as it is in a bird?” He allowed his fingers to graze along the portion he spoke about.

  Rao shuddered beneath his light touch, and Felix jerked back as if he’d been burned.

  “I’m sorry, did that hurt?”

  No, it doesn’t hurt. I’ve never been touched like this before.

  That admission boosted his heady powerful feeling. Felix was glad he was behind this being and Rao couldn’t see the smile that turned up his lips.

  “I’ll take that as a good thing. Whether you mean for it to be or not.” As he looked, he noticed there was a deeper rose hue that lined each of the primaries and secondaries. He dragged his fingers along the tips, his own body reacting to each tremble and shiver given to him by the creature before him.

  “What about this?” Felix reached for the brand on the back of his neck. “It looks like an infinity.” He flicked his tongue along his lips then touched the raised flesh.

  “Oh!” He hit his knees.

  Felix scrambled around to face him, concern flaring. What did I do? I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.

  There wasn’t any response from the beautiful man with wings. On his knees before Rao, Felix noticed the flushed skin, beads of sweat trailing down that tanned skin, and his pale blond lashes hid those eyes from him.

  “Rao?” He reached out to touch the man’s face but stopped. Given what happened when he touched the brand, he wasn’t sure he wanted to put him through that once more.

  The magnificent wings drooped around him, splaying along the cabin floor. Ripping his gaze from the still shut eyes, he allowed his stare to move down the man. His chest rose and fell in rapid succession.

  “Can you talk to me?”

  I need a minute.

  Appeased by the voice back in his mind, he relaxed and waited, fingers curled into his palms to keep him from reaching out once more.

  Take all the time you need. I’m sorry if I hurt you. I didn’t mean to. I shouldn’t have touched your skin without your permission. I just didn’t think that I would be able to hurt you. You were so confident even when I had the rifle on you that I wasn’t sure I was able to cause you pain.

  “I’m not hurt. Not in that sense anyway.”

  Rao didn’t open his eyes, just spoke, and Felix inhaled sharply. He waited one heartbeat, then another, and another. No further explanation was forthcoming.

  “What sense?”

  Finally, he was allowed to stare into those light blue eyes once more. Felix’s heart hitched briefly. It wasn’t fair, the man was just too beautiful.

  I’m not a man.

  “I know, I know. You’re a Seraphim.”

  And you’re the human who made me come simply by touching me.

  Felix dropped his gaze to the front of his pants. Rao moved his hands and sure enough, there was a wet spot on the front of his pants. Heat flooded him, and he reached over to touch the darker material.

  “That’s fucking hot,” he admitted. Inching closer, he never took his stare from the apparent ridge in Rao’s pants. “You just have no idea how much it’s turni
ng me on to know I could do that to you from a single touch. Makes me curious though.”

  For what?

  He looked him in the eyes. What I can do when I set my mind to blowing yours.

  Chapter Three

  The air sat heavy and thick between them, rife with sexual tension. Rao hadn’t considered sleeping with a human male. He’d not considered sex with anyone, woman or man, until his life had intersected with this man.

  It would be a lie for him to say otherwise now, for all he thought about was exploring his body, naked, and finding out what it would be like to have that thickness pushing into him.

  He still trembled from that simple brush of fingertips along the mark he’d been born with, telling them all which order he was part of. He stared across at the man sitting on his heels before him.

  Felix Oberti was amazing to look at, and he had no doubt he would be a brilliant lover. Those green eyes didn’t waver as they held his. The hunger there mirrored his own.

  You would consider sleeping with me?

  His bow-shaped lips quirked up before he flashed a full-fledged grin. “I don’t know who you’re used to dealing with, but to me, if I can touch a man and he shoots his load, that to me is sexy as fuck. I’ve been attracted to you since I first saw you. Even with all the others here, all I was doing was staring at you, wondering how fast you would kill me if I came on to you.”

  Kill you? Not quite. Unless you die from pleasure.

  Rao observed the shudder that moved over Felix. The green of his eyes darkened with heat.

  Don’t tease me.

  Reaching out his hand, he touched the black hair before skimming his fingertips along Felix’s face. Teasing you is the last thing that is on my mind. I want to fuck you. Not tease you.

  “And are we doing that right here? Or do we need to have some foreplay first?”

  I’m fine with right here. However, we are about to have company. They are returning.

  Rao got to his feet, and with a thought, fixed his pants so the wet spot was wiped away. No need to let the others know that this man got to him on such a level.