Archangel's Shadows (Guild Hunter 7)

Tearing off her clothes, Elena showered at the speed of light, then slipped into the dress Montgomery had chosen. It was wildfire white with a haunting shimmer and, as far as gowns went, it was comfortable, being a column that began at her neck and skimmed down her body, but split into four overlapping panels at the hips.

The overlap meant her modesty was preserved, while she had the ability to stride about—and to fight. The back was open to accommodate her wings; she normally didn’t like showing that much skin, but it worked with the severe front, and honestly, she was happy not to have to figure out any straps or wing-slit buttons at the moment. Button the collar at the side of her neck, the closure discreet, and the dress was done.

Montgomery really deserved a raise.

Brushing out her hair, she pulled it into the twist Sara had taught her, then anchored it using Mahiya’s blade sticks.

Still feeling naked and weaponless, but knowing she couldn’t plaster herself with knives, had to find more baubles instead, she opened the wooden jewelry box that sat on the vanity. Her eye fell on the sweet, sweet blade that Raphael had given her. The sheath and handle embedded with gemstones, it appeared decorative—and could slice through bone if used correctly.

Yes, her lover knew her.

“I love you, Archangel,” she said with a smile as she fixed the soft black sheath around her upper arm, the blade sparkling shiny and fancy in contrast to the white of the dress.

She poked small diamond earrings into her pierced earlobes, dusted on makeup, and, deciding that would have to do, raced on to the next critical thing on her list—a face-to-face call with Jessamy. The slender angel’s eyes, a rich burnt sienna, went huge when Elena told her what was about to happen. “This is a highly unusual situation, Ellie,” the other woman said, flipping rapidly through her books. “You are greeting an Ancient who is the mother of your consort, but he is also an archangel.” Lines marred her smooth forehead. “It all complicates the usual order of things.”

“Give me something, Jess,” Elena pleaded. “It’s her first visit to our home.” Caliane had Slept for over a thousand years, rising to consciousness less than a year past, during Lijuan’s first overt attack on Raphael. Since then, Raphael’s mother had remained in the lost city that had arisen with her, focusing on the well-being of her people.

Elena ran a hand over her face. “It’s critical I make a good impression.” Not because she cared for Caliane’s approval, but because Caliane was Raphael’s mother.

If her own mother could come back, could pierce the veil of death, she thought on a wave of grief that had never ceased to hurt, Elena would want her and Raphael to be friends, to like one another. The latter was improbable with Caliane, but at least the two of them could have a cordial relationship that might, in, oh, ten thousand years or so, thaw into mild liking.

“This will have to do,” Jessamy muttered. “It’s an account of a younger archangel greeting an Ancient. You’re not an archangel, but as Raphael’s consort, you carry his status by association in this situation.”

Five minutes of swift instruction later, Elena headed downstairs, the slippers that matched her dress in one hand. Leaving them by the door, she went into the kitchens to discover controlled chaos. Waiting for a pause in the movement, she said, “Thank you. I know it’ll mean a lot to Raphael that you’re giving his mother such a welcome.”

Smiles on each and every face, the stress draining away.

She made sure to personally thank Montgomery as well. Maybe she didn’t know exactly how to be a consort, but she knew the members of a team functioned better with acknowledgment. And these people were all part of her team now—part of her family.

Then the rain, the crashing sea, was in her mind. Guild Hunter, I give you a five-minute warning.

A five-hour warning would’ve been better. She slipped her feet into the flat evening slippers and headed out into the snow to find that Montgomery had arranged for a pristine black carpet to be rolled to the landing area. We’re going to have a discussion when you get home about your idea of appropriate prep time. Though she had to admit he’d been right to cut it so fine—the rush had given her no real time to stress.

A kiss against her mind. I did not wish to steal your enjoyment in chasing your vampire rat.

What did I tell you about your new sense of humor? Conscious of Montgomery walking briskly outside, to stop several feet behind and to the left of her, she looked toward Manhattan.

Raphael’s wings were as distinctive to her in silhouette as they were in color, his wingspan extraordinary against the night sky, the white fire of them dazzling. That had to be Caliane by his side, smaller but with the same exquisite flight control.

A full squadron flew at their back.

Dmitri must’ve organized a welcome escort, but the escort fell back halfway across the Hudson, and it was Raphael and Caliane alone who landed in front of her. Eyes of excruciating blue and hair of midnight, there was no doubting they were mother and son.

“Lady Caliane,” Elena said, stepping forward with both hands extended as Jessamy had decided would be acceptable. “You are welcome in our home.”

Part of her was expecting the Ancient, dressed in weathered red-brown traveling leathers but with a bearing as regal as always, to reject the overture. She was ready to pretend it didn’t matter, for the sake of keeping the peace, but Caliane’s fingers closed over her own, the power in her bones a hum against Elena’s skin.

“I thank you for your generosity,” Caliane responded before breaking the handclasp. “I should’ve sent word of my journey.”

“This is your son’s home,” Elena said, going with her gut. “You are always welcome.”

Raphael’s eyes met hers. You are kind to my mother, hbeebti. I think she is embarrassed at her impetuous behavior now that she is here.

Thanks for the heads-up. Smiling at Caliane, Elena waved toward the house. “Everyone is excited to meet you.”

Caliane hesitated for a second, then fell in step with her. When Elena introduced Montgomery, Raphael’s mother was pure grace, as she was with the other staff members who’d lined up to meet her, every single one spic and span.

Showing Caliane to her rooms afterward—her fingers discreetly crossed that Montgomery had managed to arrange a gown—Elena said, “Please take your time. We’ll wait for you in the library. The dining room is a little too grand for family.”