The Apocalypse of the Damned

Chapter Seventeen: Again? Seriously?

Malak decided that his mate was strange. His mate had serious issues with his attitude, which seemed to switch every second. It was hard for the small angel to keep up with. Of course, the bond helped him since he could feel Zion's emotions if he concentrated hard enough; however, he was still confused about his mate's behavior. First, he was friendly – mostly – to him, then it turned out he disliked any being except for a select few. Despite this, he still invited Ellette to join them. He still disliked socializing, though he started opening up a bit to her, and showed clear disdain at the thought of someone else joining. Yet, he still told the strange being that he could join them. All of it confused the poor angel. He didn't understand why the demon would offer if he disliked socializing.

The angel was so caught up in his thoughts that he ran into the taller beings back. He gasped when his mate turned around and caught him before he hit the ground. "What are you thinking so hard about, Angel?" He inquired softly, running his hand through his angel's hands. The demon could always look at his angel's thoughts but that seemed intrusive – he may have also forgotten that he and his mate had that ability. It was incredibly rare for them to ever use it, so it was quite easy to forget about.

"You," Malak whispered, before quickly realizing that could have other meanings than the one he meant. "Um, I mean- I am not good at finding the right words, sorry. I just- you are confusing. I do not understand why you invited the nep- nep- the stranger with us. He looks at me strangely and it makes me uncomfortable. I do not trust him, Zion. What if- I do not know."

Guilt filled the demon. He didn't like that his plan made his made uncomfortable; however, he knew if his plan worked out, then his mate might be able to overcome his trust issues. "Angel, he may be able to help us, and I trust him–" He didn't really, but he didn't want his angel to know that– "But if he ever tries to hurt you, I'll stop him and make sure he stays far away from us. I promise you, but you have to trust me, Malakai."

The angel sighed. He really didn't like the stranger, but he trusted his mate. Softly, he nodded his head and wrapped his arms around the taller being. "I love you," he whispered against his mate's chest. They did not say it a lot, though they did see a need. Both of them knew it and showed each other through their actions.

"I love you too, Angel," the demon muttered, kissing the top of his mate's head.

"I still do not understand that nickname."

***

No one saw what happened. They all were doing their jobs, setting up their tents. Zion and Malak were distracted by each other, but they didn't see any reason to keep a lookout. There were four of them in a secluded part of the woods. There was no way that something but could happen.

Then it happened.

Ellette disappeared and no one noticed until Malak felt something weird. He felt the weak presence of demons which made him shift uncomfortable. The angel quickly surveyed his surroundings the minute he felt them. That's when he noticed the fae was nowhere in sight.

"Zion! Ellette is not here," the angel fearfully exclaimed.

Both beings released their wings, one out of fear and the other getting ready to fight if needed. The nephilim, who they mates learned was named Alexander, stared at them with wide eyes – he never saw wings like theirs. "How the Hell did demons sneak up on his?" He growled. The fact that no one spotted them had scared him. What if they managed to grab Malak instead? The demon quickly ignored those thoughts. He would never leave his angel alone. No one would ever hurt him.

"I- I didn't even sense them. I-I'm s-sorry," Alexander whimpered.

Malak didn't trust him. He understood how he and his soul didn't sense the demon, though he still blamed himself. But the angel couldn't understand how Alexander didn't sense the demons when he was talking with the fae before the demons took her. Zion also noticed it, but he figured the nephilim was more focused on his tent.

"We need to find her," the demon stated venomously. He was still angry, mostly at himself for not noticing them. The other demons didn't stand a chance when he was like this. The angel, though determined, was terrified. He was similar to a frightened rabbit – not very useful when you want to fight demons. The nephilim seemed to be fine. Maybe a bit shaken, but Malak was convinced it was an act so Zion wouldn't beat him up.

"How are we going to find her?" Malak questioned with a soft, shaken voice.

Instead of answering, the demon pulled his mate into a much-needed hug. Making sure his mate was safe – mentally and physically – would always be his first priority. Before they could save the fae, Malak needed to be calm. If he wasn't, then Zion would have to watch over all of them, which wasn't ideal for any of them. A soft sigh released from the angel's lips as he relaxed in his mate's arms. There was still some uneasiness in his mind, causing his chest to feel heavy; however, he trusted his mate and knew nothing good would come from over worrying.

Finding Ellette would be easy for Zion. Until Malak came along, his job was to track angels and demons, forcing them to go to Hell. Supernatural beings always think they're sneaky. That they never leave any trace behind, like the drag marks from a knocked out fae on the ground leading to an unknown location.