Archangel

Chapter Nineteen

"It all began centuries ago. Gabriel doesn't love. He can't love. He thinks it makes you weak. So when I fell in love, he thought he was looking out for me, making me stronger." He sighted. I didn't interrupt.
"So he killed the woman I loved, thinking that he was helping me. And it was like someone flipped a switch, turning off my emotions. I stopped loving, stopped caring for anything and anyone. I'm not proud of the things I've done. The innocent souls I've destroyed. I was as bad as my brother. Maybe even worse. He filled my heads with thoughts making me think that father wanted the humans to die. That they were a burden to him. So...I started getting rid of that burden." He looked really uncomfortable.
"Is that why you're helping us now? To make up for all the humans you hurt before?" I asked trying to understand him.
"That's part of the reason. But it's also because through out the years I realized that what I was doing was wrong. Father wouldn't have wanted that. But I didn't let myself get close to anyone ever again. Knowing that I would be putting their life in danger. And I couldn't let that happen again. Which is why... Ugh..." He got up from the bed and started pacing, looking very frustrated. I got up and went to him, putting my hands on his chest stopping him and looking him in the eyes.
"You can tell me." He looked at me as he put his hand on my face, stroking my cheek.
"It's why I had to stay away from you. Why I had to be hard on you, trying to make you hate me. But as hard as I tried I just couldn't. I tried to distract myself from you by being with all those other women. But you were the only thing on my mind. You fascinate me. Intrigue me. And that night I lost it. And it felt so good to kiss you. But I knew I made a mistake. If Gabriel found out he would hurt you. And he did. And it's all my fault. And now your life is in danger, because I was too selfish too stay away from you."
"Michael you're not selfish." I said, his previous words making my heart race.
"But I am. I'm selfish because even though I knew the consequences I still let myself love you."