No Shadows Fall by L. J. LaBarthe

Author:L. J. LaBarthe
Language: eng
Format: epub

Chapter Ten

AS THEY crested the rise of the hills nearest the village, Raziel paused. He looked down at the cluster of cottages and other buildings, the glow of their lights shining in the windows. He calculated it was not long after ten in the evening, so most of the residents of Iona were still awake.

“What’s up?” Uriel quirked an eyebrow at him.

Raziel rolled his shoulders to ease the tension in them. “Nothing, really. I’m just thinking. So much has happened in the last eighty odd years. Like you said, it’s been an extremely busy century thus far. And it’s been the first century in quite a good long while that our entire Brotherhood has been in each other’s company.

“We go eons without coming together, only seeing those whom we work with or are bonded to,” Raziel went on, as he lit a cigarette, “that it should feel strange or awkward to be together so much now. We are, for want of a better term, practically in each other’s pockets. We know who’s fucking who, who’s working with who, we tease each other and yell at each other. So far, there hasn’t been any great conflict among us.”

“Yeah, and now you’ve gone and jinxed it.” Uriel took the cigarette from Raziel’s fingers and placed it between his lips, taking a long drag. “I don’t know why you get so philosophical after sex.”

“Clearly you are my inspiration,” Raziel deadpanned, taking back his cigarette. “Your hidden depths—which are, I might add, really hidden—are visible to me only and influence me unduly.”

“Yup, that sounds about right,” Uriel said, grinning. “Anyway, you’re not to tell anyone I have hidden depths. I have a reputation to maintain.”

Raziel snorted. “Babe, you’re many things, but unpredictable isn’t one of them.”

“Whatever.” Uriel stole Raziel’s cigarette again. Raziel sighed and pulled his packet out of the pocket of his jeans and lit himself a fresh one.

“Must you steal my smokes all the time?”

“Yes.” Uriel nodded. “They taste better when they’re stolen.”

“You know, that accounts for an awful lot of things you do.”

Uriel grinned broadly. “You know it, baby.”

Raziel was about to answer that when his cell phone rang. Surprised, he looked at his lover. “Did you give anyone my number?”

“No?” Uriel looked just as confused as Raziel felt. “I didn’t know you even had one of those carbon ape things. Why do you have it?”

“In a moment.” Raziel pulled the phone from his other pocket and answered it. “Yes?”

“Ah, Raziel,” said a familiar voice. “It’s been a while, don’t you agree?”

Raziel groaned. “Ondrass. What do you want? And how did you get my number?”

“I’m very well, Raziel, thank you ever so much for asking, your manners are truly impeccable and the wonder of the known world. Markus is also very well as is Adramelek, and we are all moved beyond words by your mastery of the social mores and graces.”

“Ondrass, you make me tired. If this is you moved beyond words, I hate to think what you’re like when you’re orating.

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