The Devil's Daughter

Chapter 23 ~ Back Again

A/N Sorry it's so late! I haven't had access to a computer for a bit over a week now so I didn't have access to what I had written or a way to upload it! Next chapter should be on time though!! :D

Chapter 23 ~ Abbegael

"I've needed to do that again since the moment I saw you down here, safe and within my reach." The words are barely above a whisper, but they only add fuel to the fire burning in my skin and another flutter twirls in my stomach.

"I..." I hesitate not sure what to say or what to make of what just happened. I feel almost shy with him right now and that makes me more nervous. His fingers rub small circles in my skin at my hesitation and he pulls back far enough that I can see him properly.

"It's okay, Abby," He smiles, "I understand. And I won't do it again if you don't want. I just, I needed to... I care about you way more than I ever thought I would and I thought I had lost you to the angels." Heat blooming in my cheeks at his words, because I know I want to do that again, even if I'm not quite sure what it means or where it will go. He must catch the drift of my thought because a knowing gleam enters his eyes for a brief moment and his smile stretches further across his cheeks before they disappear and a mix of anger and sadness cloud his features as he pulls away so he can see me properly.

"I was trapped down here for I don't even know how long unable to do anything to help you, not knowing what had happened to you, if you were even still alive. And now we're walking straight into Lucifer's lair and... I need you to know that I won't let anything happen to you, Abby. I won't let him hurt you ever again. I won't let the bastard near you. I give you my word in the name of Our Father. I swear on my life Abbegael; he won't touch you again." There is something akin to pain in his voice and he almost growls the last words. My heart picks up speed at the sound; at the knowledge that he truly cares. That for the first time there might be someone standing between Lucifer's torturous ways and me.

At that thought, fear trickles through. What if he hurts Zak instead for getting in his way? This is Lucifer he's talking about, he can't stop him on his own. I start shaking my head, eyes wide at the idea of Zak being hurt in any way. He is quick to pull me back into his arms.

"What if he hurts you instead?" I whisper into his chest, "He's and Archangel, Zak. He's stronger than you. And if he hurts you because of me..." I can't get the rest of the words out and settle for tightening my grip on his body. He tenses for a moment at my words before I feel his body shake against mine; silent chuckle rumbling through his chest. I move to pull away from him confused by his reaction to my honest words but his firm grip keeps me in place.

"You forget that together we are unstoppable, Abby. Together we are stronger than any Archangel. Together we can stop him. And I know you can fight, I've seen you do it. And it was beautiful, Abby. Yes, we might be fighting Lucifer up there, but I know you can do it. You're the strongest Angel I know, Abby. And if we are fighting together, Lucifer won't be able to touch us. No matter what happens we'll get through this and we will stop Lucifer. Okay?"

I take a shuddering breath against him and nod, my eyes clenched shut as I force the growing doubt from my mind once again and concentrate on how strong I can be with Zak standing next me. This time when I pull away he lets me, his hands sliding around until they rest on my waist. He hesitates for a moment like there is something else he wants to add his eyes drifting back to my lips and I find my eyes already focused on his.

The sound of someone clearing their throat snaps us from whatever trance we are in and we jerk back from each other, turning to see Isa standing impatiently in the mouth of the tunnel a smug grin on her face as she watches my awkward movements and the heat growing on my face. Zak releases a sigh and grabs my hand pulling me closer and I avoid glancing in Isa's direction for even a moment as I lean into his side.