Arrival of the Beast (Lucifer's Clock Series, Book 2)

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 Saturday morning Angelica woke up excited to meet Nala's family. It took her forever to pick out an outfit. After showing Michael at least ten different looks, she settled on a pair of skinny blue jeans with a cream blouse covered by a navy blazer and a pair of cream flats.

"Alright, let's do this," Angelica said to Michael, giving herself a once over in the mirror. As they exited the room, Michael stopped. He frowned and looked at her oddly.

"What's wrong? Is it my hair?" Angelica asked, touching her bun.

"No, I'm being summoned by Gabriel. Let me see what she wants. I will meet you in the car." He kissed her quickly on the lips and disappeared.

She wondered what that was about. Gabriel could have just called him. She didn't have to be all angel-like and summon him. Furthermore, wasn't summoning only used for emergencies or important matters? Then again, with Gabriel, everything was of the utmost importance.

Angelica exited her bedroom and walked down the stairs. As she approached the bottom of the stairs, she was surprised to see a man standing there, or rather, an angel. He had the typical wings and glow and was just as tall as Michael.

His fine black hair was combed back and not a strand was out of place. He had on a black suit that was just as immaculate as his hair. His slanted, dark eyes did a quick assessment of her. She couldn't explain it, he looked like Michael, but then he didn't. The major difference between them was the hard glint in his eyes when he looked at her, and not the affectionate gleam that she was used to seeing in Michael's.

"Hello, Angelica," he said in a soft but commanding voice.

"Hi," she said warily.

"My name is Raphael. I am Michael and Gabriel's brother." Well, that explained the resemblance. They all were so damn good-looking. Apparently, the creator had a penchant for pretty things.

"Nice to meet you," she said, holding her hand out for a handshake. He stared at her hand and smiled. It was obvious he knew about her telepathy. She was the supernatural celebrity nobody wanted to touch.

Ignoring her hand, he said, "I hear that you have some exciting plans today. Do you mind if I accompany you?"

Okay, that was weird. She didn't know him, and she was sure that Michael wouldn't be cool with this. Not only was he her boyfriend, but her guardian angel.

"As nice as that sounds, I don't think it would be a good idea," Angelica said, trying to sound nice as possible. Raphael smirked at her response.

"I am sorry to confuse you. I was attempting to be polite. I thought this was what your kind liked. Let me forgo the formalities. I was not giving you an option, Angelica," he said, smiling coldly.

Right then, Angelica decided she didn't like him.

Who did he think he was to inject himself into her day? Brother or not, Michael would have a problem with him encroaching on his territory. She walked away and left him standing there. Just as she made it to Gabriel's office, the door swung open and Michael came out, followed by Gabriel.

"Hey, you ready?" she asked Michael, trying not to acknowledge the feeling that something was wrong.

Before Michael could speak, Gabriel said, "Michael has other business to attend to, Angelica. Raphael will be taking over for him."

"Oh." She looked at Michael, expecting him to say something, but he said nothing. He just walked past her as if he didn't see her.

She turned around and watched as he leaned into Raphael's ear and whispered. Raphael nodded at whatever he said, and then Michael disappeared. No explanation, no goodbye, just gone. She looked back at Gabriel, who just stood there with her typical resting bitch face.