Hell Bound

CHAPTER 9

Annabelle Shaw narrowed her eyes at the proud man standing before her. "If ye think that I will submit to you, celestial creature, then you are sadly mistaken," she said.

Michael of Asthenath didn't like her defiant tone. For centuries, mortal women had thrown themselves at his feet without regard for their dignity or reputation, hoping for at least a glimpse of his divine form. As an angel, he had exuded power and charm and the mortal, and angel goddess alike had been unable to resist him. When he had become an archangel, his power had increased tenfold as did his ability to charm any woman he desired into his bed.

But now, this mortal woman, who fate had deemed worthy to be his mate was defying him and rejecting his very presence. It surprised him, greatly. Truly, the mortal was quite intriguing. He tilted his head. He was greatly puzzled. "Truly, you cannot mean that you are rejecting me? I, an archangel! Count yourself blessed to be even in my presence, woman,"

Obviously, this was the wrong thing to say, for the woman looked infuriated beyond belief. He blinked.

"You- You!" Her anger was so great that she couldn't form a coherent sentence. He tilted his head, eyes curious. "Yes?"

She gritted her teeth and looked him in the eye, her emerald eyes filled with contempt. Then abruptly she smiled. He frowned, for her smile did not contain humor. Except it contained sarcasm.

"Your arrogance is unbecoming," she said, her voice gaining strength. She shook her head. "But it is only expected from a creature such as you,"

He wanted bristle at the condescending tone in her voice. No one spoke to him like that. No one! Not even a puny mortal. But he couldn't strike her down. He clenched his fist with frustrating. She was his mate, dammit! Couldn't she feel it?

Her smile was enchanting but the mockery hidden within its depth made him cringe and want to grovel. Dear god! What was happening to him?

He took a step forward. "What is it you want me to do, Bella?" He asked. He felt disappointed when she took a step back from him.

Then she stood up straighter. Her eyes glinting with determination. "I want ye to leave me, creature," she said.

His step faltered. "What?"

She sneered at him. "Ye heard me, son of angel. I want ye to leave. Begone! I do not need ye. Not today," she said. "Nor any other day,"

And without giving him a second glance she turned her back to him. Michael bristled. Such disrespect, and yet...

He started to take a step towards her but stopped. His hands reached to grasp her shoulder but it too stopped in mid air. He let his hand fall back to his side, limply. His shoulders sagged in defeat as did his wings. Then without another word, his wings shot up and carried him away. He let his wings shoot him upwards, but still didn't take his gaze off of his mate. She still didn't turn around. She didn't even look like she cared.

With each beat of his wings, he flew higher and higher yet she still didn't look at him. Then something in him crumbled. He sighed in defeat. Vowing to return, he turned back and flew away.

Of course, had he turned back one last time, he would've see the female destiny had chosen for him, turn back to glance around at him, her tears running down her cheek, but still not uttering a word. Had he turned back, he would've see the longing in her eyes, similar to what he was feeling in his heart, yet still had been unable to recognize the emotion for what it was.

Of course, had he turned around, he would've also recognized the shadow lurking around the temple, where he had left his mate, watching the exchange with interest, then dissipate into thin air.