” Austin huff ed .
“ I ’ m just doing what I ’ m told. ”
“ Who told you to spy on me? ”
Davin pointed his finger toward Michael. “ That ungrateful guy. ”
“ I told you to look after Claudia, not spy on Austin. Get your words straight. ”
“ Same thing. Don ’ t get mad at me , I ’ m just the middle person. I ’ m leaving. ” Davin turn ed his back and sho t up to the roof.
“ You should take her home. ” Michael embrace d Claudia one last time, memorizing the feel of her fragile , small , feminine frame in his arms, her silky hair that was so soothing to touch , and her mere presence that brought him to life . As he place d her in Austin ’ s arms, his heart contracted and the pain ripped through his entire being, not knowing when he would see her again.
“ Don ’ t do anything foolish. Even if she wants to, ” Michael t old Austin. “ I ’ m asking you. Not demanding. For her safety…please. ”
“ I ’ ll do what I can. She has changed. I don ’ t know if it ’ s for better or for worse. ”
“ I know, ” Michael replie d . “ We ’ re all changing…for the better , I hope. ”
With Michael ’ s last word s , Austin envelope d his wings to close and disappear ed . Michael stood for a moment, staring forlornly at the now empty space, then silently vanished.
Davin was still lurking around, waiting for Michael to apologize , when he realize d Michael was gone . Davin wasn ’ t happy with Michael. He ’d g iven Davin the evil eye, twice. How dare he ? He was looking after Claudia since Michael had other things to take care of. How was he supposed to know Claudia would act that way ?
He jumped down from the roof. Out of anger, he kick ed an empty bottle near the trash bin. It flew across the alley, shattering into pieces. Oops! He didn ’ t mean to do that. Someone could have gotten hurt. But who in the ir right mind would walk in the dark alley in the first place ?
“ It ’ s nice to see you too, ” Davin frowned. “ And I ’ m not helping you with the plan. ”
Davin , Michael call ed him telepathically.
Startled, Davin jumped. Michael was nearby …h e just couldn ’ t see him.
Angrily he sa id , “ Oh , no you don ’ t. Get out of my head. ”
Davin , Michael sa id again.
Davin cover ed both of his ears with the palm s of his hands. “ I don ’ t hear you. Lalalalalalalalala… .”
I ’ m sorry. It was great to see you , my friend .
Unable to stop Michael, he let out a defeated sigh. He didn ’ t want to be mad at the perso n he missed the most. At least he ’d c o me back to apologize. Davin place d a big smile on his face without a word as he wait ed to hear what Michael had to say.
Thanks for looking after her. I felt your concern . It led me straight here.
“ I promised you I would. And I always look after her when you ’ re not around. ”
I know. Thank you for keeping your word.
“ Now you keep your word and be careful. Have you met Caspian yet? ”
Yes. He ’ s alright.
“ Whatever happens, don ’ t let them bit e you. Carry h oly water at all times…and garlic…and a cross. That ’ s what I learned when watching movies. Don ’ t know how accurate the information is. Oh…don ’ t be quick to trust. Don ’ t look them in the eyes , because they can compel you. ”
I know. Don ’ t worry about me. Keep your energy for Claudia.
“ I have enough energy for the both of you. ”
I bet you do .
“ Are you working on the plan? ” Davin asked excitedly.
Yes…when I have time. Just remember your part .
“ You know , I didn ’ t mean it when I said I wouldn ’ t help just a minute ago. I was just…upset. ”
I know. I’m sorry I got mad at you…it’s just that…sometimes I wonder if I made the right decision regarding Claudia. I…I miss her so much that it hurts. Michael sighed deeply . I don’t know how long I can do this .
“ I know… .” Davin closed his eyes and opened them, taking in Michael ’ s
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