Emily P.O.V

I stood in front of the redhead girl with blue eyes and pale skin that could only be compared to my own. Unlike me, she was naturally spouting nonsense, and I was an idiot to consider listening to them.

“You? An Archangel? I find that rather hard to believe” I stood in front of Eleena with my arms crossed

“Yes I was an Archangel before, it may be hard to believe,” Eleena said.

“You stood above all of heaven with the rest of the Archangel. That means that you have seen God?” I asked her

“No, I have not seen God. But in all fairness, no one has” Eleena explained

“Weren't you all created by him?” I asked

“I don't really know” Eleena leaned back on her chair and looked at her nails “The only one who claimed to have seen god was my brother, Lucifer, the rest of us came to be after. Lucifer created first since he was meant to teach and guide us.”

I leaned against the bedpost and attempted to wrap my mind over around Eleena existence while she continued to look at her nails without a care in the world.

I snapped my finger to grab Eleena attention “If you are an Archangel then why do you require a host?”

Eleena expression turned bittered for a moment before going back to normal “I was cast down alongside my brothers, but unlike them, I lost my body. So what you see now is just a spiritual body.”

“A fallen angel?” I asked

Eleena tapped her chin with her pointer finger a few times pondering her response.

“I guess that what you can call us” She just shrugged her shoulder.

Not wanting to go any further with the idea of an angel sitting in front of me at the moment.

“While I love to sit down and talk about how dysfunction my family is, there is greater matters to attend to. For example, what are the two of you going to do about the mafia group after you?” Eleena asked

Truth be told, I had forgotten about them in the last few hours that Derek and I spent on the road. It has been a relief to have a semi-normal conversation with someone instead of what the next move would be. But like with everything in life, it must come to an end.

“Do you have any suggestion Eleena?” Derek spoke up first “Normally I would go for the head of the organization to throw them off and then pick them out in the spur of chaos. But I have a feeling this idea wouldn't work.

Eleena shook her head “No it wouldn't work, I can tell Michael isn't the actual head. For someone to devise such a major move like attempting to take over a city requires you to be in a firm position.”

I scratched my head and laid my back against the bed. Michael had numbers and resources that we did not, but where did he even obtain any of these?

“What about cutting off their resources?” I asked

Derek shook his this time “That wouldn't work, while Michael is only aiming for one city, he has connections everywhere.”

Eleena chipped in “So it would be like cutting off one head and having two more grow back.”

I let out a groan as they explained the situation to me, it was rather annoying.

“I have a suggestion, but this might be extremely difficult.” Eleena spoke up “We can't attack them directly like Emily, and the church has been doing because all they will do is replenish their number.”

“Yeah, that is why I increase the number of people I went after,. After seeing the sheer amount in the apartment complex, I knew our original plan was falling apart” I said

Eleena nodded in agreement “Exactly, so before we can take any action against them directly, we should stop their way here.”

“Closing the gates of hell?” Derek asked

“More of a portal, but yes” Eleena confirmed

I was a bit skeptical about this idea since it would require us to find the entrance, which could take weeks. That was time we did not have.

Derek spoke up almost as if reading my mind “There are hundreds of sightings, how do we know which one is the real portal to hell?”

Eleena gave a small grin “They all are real.”

Derek and I gave her a puzzled look before she continued speaking

“There isn't just one entrance to hell, there are thousands scattered all around the world” Eleena explained, “Usually they are guarded by a family of User alongside side their guardian.”

I gave a nod of understanding while Derek still tried to wrap his head around it. I wouldn't blame him, he had gone from having what he believed was normal life to hunting down demons and finding out he was a host for an angel. I am surprised he hasn't left already and instead chose to remain. A slight feeling of joy arose in the pit of my stomach but ignored it for now.

“Wouldn't that make them part of everything?” Derek asked curiously

I replied, “No, I meant one of the Faye’s, and he was the last one remaining member of the family.”

“Michael probably killed the rest” Eleena state rubbing her temple

“I say we go see him, it is our only lead on stopping Michael” Derek suggested before turning to look at me “You still remember where he lives?”

I nodded my head

“Okay then it is set, tomorrow morning we head out to see him and find out what we can do next. Emily where is he?” Derek asked me

A groan of annoyance escaped my lips “back in Chicago.”

I tossed and turned but couldn't find the right position. A lingering haze of sleep sat somewhere at the back of my mind but was too far away to reach, floating in the pool of my memories. I didn't understand it; pillows were fluffed, the room temperature was perfect, even the faint streams of moonlight coming through the window gave the room a calming ambiance.

Giving up on trying to make myself fall into slumber, I stood up and went to the bag in the corner of the room. Sifting through the clothing, I found the object I was looking for, a bottle of Jack Daniels. I poured myself a glass of the drink and walked outside of the Motel room while taking the first sip.

The cold night air felt terrific compared to the warm liquid that was currently heating my inside. Leaning against the balcony railing, I let my thoughts turn to the past few days. From being thrown into an all-out war against a mafia group, losing a close friend and now flee the city in risk of getting killed. The only thing that is currently keeping from just leaving all this behind me permanently is presently back in Chicago.

“As if leaving is an option,” I thought to myself while bringing the glass up to my lips “Francis would probably hunt me down for abandoning them.”

I took out my phone and clicked on Francis contact information.

“We are going to be back in Chicago tomorrow, I need you to find the Faye kid next location.” - Emily

Before I put my phone back down a new message came in.

“Are you sure? He isn't exactly the kind of person that can easily be approached”- Francis

“Yeah, found out he may be the key to taking down Michael.” - Emily

“If you say so Emily, I will get back to you with a location. Stay safe and let me know if you need help” - Francis

I placed my phone back into my pocket and let out an exasperated sigh. Francis, if only you knew that I would have given up on all of this if it weren't for you. I was not from Chicago nor did I live in the city, so why would someone like me try to save it. Well, that because Francis, the man who took me in after my mother disappeared is. It was the least I could do for him after everything he did for me.

I am not the kind to be a hero that everyone aims to be, in reality, I rather not get myself involved. Francis thinks otherwise, he has this thought in his head that I am meant to do something big in life.

“Can't sleep?” a rough voice resounded behind me.

I glanced back to see Derek leaning against the doorway of the room.

“Yup” I raised my cup in view “There some more on the counter if you like.”

“Way ahead of you,” He said moving over next to me, holding a similar cup “so what’s keeping you up?”

Shrugging my shoulder, I responded, “Just thinking about how it would be if I up and left everything behind.”

Derek’s eyebrows rose and held an interest in his eyes “And leave this life of being hunted down? I thought you were enjoying the thrill.”

I let out a genuine laugh before taking downing the rest of the drink and letting the warm sensation overtake my body. Before I managed to get a word out my mouth, Derek was already refilling my cup. I gave my thanks and went back to looking at the stars. It was a clear night, and we were far enough into the middle of nowhere that light population was not heavy.

“Why don’t you leave?” Derek asked me

I shook my head “I can’t leave Francis behind, especially not when Michael is attempting to take over the city.”

“But that doesn’t mean you should shoulder the weight of the responsibility.”

“Does it really matter? Francis took me in after Greece, without him. I probably would have been dead” I told him while touching the ring around my neck

Derek got closer to me and put his hand on the side of my face “That does not mean you him your life. You should have a choice on being happy.”

“I am happy Derek” leaning into his hand “maybe I might not have everything I want, but I am happy.”

“What if I can give you one of the things you” Derek was only inches away from me “I am not blind Emily, I have seen the way you look at me.”

He stared in my eyes with an intensity that was suffocating. Those chocolate brown orbs his are hypnotizing, the way they stared in my soul as if he able to see me, the real me.

“I..I don't know what you are talking about” I stuttered a bit

Derek leaned in even closer “ Emily, why are you lying to me? I know you felt something for me. The way you looked in my eyes, full of lust, hungry for attention. A yearning that I took you at that moment, that it was just my arm around you.”

I kept quiet and felt my breath get shallow and quick as his aroma numbed all my sense.

“No, you want wanted me, to take you, make your mind.” Derek was still slowly leaning his head in, breaking eye contact to instead look at my lip “I too was filled with lust. I want to make you mine, to softly run my hands throughout your body and make you shiver under my touch.”

By this point, I was able to feel his breath against my lips. It was getting difficult to breathe since everything he was saying was true. I wanted him, more than I wanted anything in my life and I couldn't figure out why.

“So Emily, will you still deny it?” he asked in a deep voice that made me internally moan.

He leaned to place his lips with mine, but I turned my face to the side. Derek instead kissed my cheek.

“Derek. We cant” I gasp

“You can't, or you want to?” He asked in the same low voice

I took a deep breath and found my composure “We live in a life where I could lose you tomorrow, and I don't want to go through that pain again.”

“You're not going to lose me Emily” Derek placed his forehead against mine before kissing it and walking back inside the room.

A cool breeze went across my skin and caused me to shudder. I already miss the warmth Derek gives off, it was welcoming, to say the least. I let out a breath of air and let myself calm down. I drank the rest of my liquor before leaning against the railing again knowing this was going to be a long night.

I shot up from my bed with quickly beating heart. Sweat rolling down my forehead as my breath came out rigid and hard. The nightmare returned and just like always, I ended with a blade through my heart. It has been a few months since the dream first started according. First, it was occasionally, but now it turned to every night. Taking a gulp of fresh air, I let my mind calm down and my heart slow.

I stretched my body feeling all my joints crack and muscle relax with a mix of relief and pleasure. I stopped stretching to finally get out of bed and start getting ready for today. I stood up from the bed and looked over to Derek sleeping form. He still held that peaceful look on his face similar to the other night. I found myself once again losing myself in him, just like he said last night. My hand rose and touched the area where Derek kissed from the previous night, lingering feeling of his soft, warm lips.

After pondering for a few minutes, I decided to wake Derek up and start to heading out. I walked over to his bed and grab the bottom of his mattress, and lifted the mattress high above my head causing him to roll off the right end of the bed.

“There is no better way to wake up then on the right side of the bed,” I said happily.

A loud thumping sound could be heard from when Derek hit the ground face first. A groan was followed right after as Derek lifted himself off the ground, rubbing his forehead.

“That would be okay if it wasn't for the fact that I'M ON THE FLOOR INSTEAD!” Derek yelled in frustration

“Oh Derek there no need to thank me, but hurry up we have a long day ahead of us if we plan on going back to Chicago,” I said walking into the bathroom, bag in hand.

It took about half an hour, before setting off to find the last remaining member of the Faye family. I walked out and stopped to take a look from a balcony that was in front of the room, everything in the Motel was more clearly visible now then it was last night under the moonlight. While it bright and it did allow us to see, it didn't compare to now. Now that I focus this place is empty, no signs of the few vehicles we had seen the night before. I didn't think too deep into the matter and chose to ignore it as Derek opened and closed the door to the room behind us.

We had begun walking down the hall, making some light conversation. As I listened to Derek talk about his weird dream, two guys wearing blacks suits leaned against the wall caught our attention. I would have not thought about it too much, but the vibe they gave off sent my senses into overdrive. Derek had stopped talking and held a grim expression on his face let me know he also felt it.

“Wait,” Derek said placing his hand to stop me from walking

“So you felt it too?” I whispered

“Yeah, plus I recognize them” he tried turning around to walk away “their names are James and Zack. Let got before they notice us.”

It was too late, James and Zack had pushed themselves off the wall, grabbing a gun that was hidden from view. They aimed an M9A1 ay us and studied out movement,.

“Don't move, how about we make this easy and just give up. I will make your death quick and simple if you do” James said in a British accent

“and if we don't?” I asked with a raised eyebrow

Zack chuckled a bit “Do you really want to find out?”

I sensed Derek was going to move, but I placed my hand on his forearm to stop him from moving forward.

“Woah calm down flame-brain, I'll handle them,” I said to Derek.

I stepped in front of Derek and smiled at the two gentlemen standing in front of me. They looked at each other, before softly laughing, not believing that I was going to take them both on. Taking the opening that came from them mocking, I quickly closed the gap between us. They were caught off guard and tried to aim their guns me, but it was already too late. I grabbed onto James’s wrist then moved my body into position to flipped him and slammed him into the ground.

Zack was still reacting slowly to my quick pace movement. Not fully realizing how quickly I had taken out his partner. He did manage to shoot off a bullet, but I swiftly stepped back, dodging the bullet. Lips had a smile spread across it as my hand reached out a grabbed ahold of his neck. A soft yellow glow radiate from my arm, as magic, flowed through my veins, increasing my strength by multiple folds. With a swift motion, I brought Zack’s face crashing down into the concrete floor, cracking it in the process.

James grabbed my attention as I saw him make an attempt to move. I walked over and delivered another magic-fueled punch into his abdominal area. The last blow causes the concrete floor to give out as it collapsed, sending Zack, James, and I to the first floor.

“Not what I had in mind, but that will work,” I thought to myself as I removed some rubble off me and stood up.

A couple of seconds later the other body came falling from the hole, along with Derek. “They had someone else covering the other exit.”

“So, is this the aura magic you mentioned before??” he asked to point at my body.

I looked down at my hands, not realizing my magic was still active “Yup, it happens whenever I strengthen my body.”

“Interesting, well if we are ever get lost, and it's dark out, I know who to count on flashlight,” Derek said as he walked away laughing.

“Don't worry flame-brain, this flashlight can still kick your ass,” I mocked

“Sure you can anyway let's head out before people start coming to see what caused all the ruckus?” he asked