A Fire in the Heart by L.J. LaBarthe

Author:L.J. LaBarthe [LaBarthe, L.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-06-30T16:00:00+00:00

12

GABRIEL TOOK Michael’s hand and tugged him away from the angry Venatores in the front yard. “Let ’em be,” he said softly. “They’ll be angry for a while, aye, and anger’s better than despair. Shateiel and the Seraphim can move everyone who needs to be over to Ondrass’s in Portland while we take care of this place. But while they do that, you need to take a few moments to get yourself together and stop grieving.”

Michael stiffened. “I have reason to grieve, Gabriel. This place is a safe haven, a sanctuary. And now it has been violated.”

“No,” Gabriel corrected, “the other side of the street’s been violated.”

Michael glared at him.

“I know you’re angry at me right now, ’cause I’m right. And you should stay angry, it’s much better than being miserable. You’re blaming yourself for something that ain’t your fault. So I’m making an executive decision and taking us both somewhere that we can get our minds clear so we can focus with proper attention on strategy and what to do next.” He didn’t wait for Michael to answer; instead, Gabriel moved them.

When the world came back into focus, Gabriel took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of jungle and sea. It was a beautiful spot that he’d chosen, and he hoped it would work its magic on Michael. Looking at his lover now, Gabriel could see the confusion on Michael’s handsome face, the furrows in his brow as he looked left then right.

“Where are we?”

“Africa. Specifically the Loango National Park in Gabon. We’re at the point the jungle meets the sea, where all the wildlife come out of the green and hang out in the surf. Lions, elephants, rhino, monkeys, birds, you name it. This place is a good one to show just how well all kinds of creatures can come together and be in harmony—even if just for a moment—predators and their prey together. Soak up their peace and the tranquility they get from being in tune with each other and the land. It’ll help.”

Michael’s expression cleared. “It is indeed beautiful, but I do not know if this is a good idea.”

“Just try it,” Gabriel said. “Please.”

Michael sighed. “As you say.”

“Thank you.” Gabriel led the way down to the sandy shore and sat down, leaning against a large boulder that stuck out of the sand. He tugged Michael down to sit with him, and they stayed there in silence. As they sat, animals began to drift out of the jungle beyond them: elephants with their young, the babies dashing to the water, trumpeting their excitement and frolicking with childlike glee in the surf. Rhinos followed with their calves, and some of the young followed the example of the baby elephants, trotting into the water to play.

Gabriel cast a quick look at Michael and saw that his lover was smiling as he watched the antics of the elephants and rhinos. The adult animals walked sedately along the edge of the water, enjoying the feeling of sun on their backs and cool sea around their legs.

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