13 Arabel

Morning, and the sun's first rays of light are shining through the ceiling of the greenhouse. Two days passed and the blizzard had finally ended. It was early and most of the soldiers were still asleep, except for Dane and Sam, they had woken even before me. I felt the warmth and electricity from the body behind me and his arms tightened around my waist. The previous day I had woken up in much the same position, me sitting on his lap, his arms around me, his head leaning on mine while he continued to sleep. I had been shocked that I had been able to sleep with so many people around. But there was something about having his arms around me, it was almost as if I felt, safe.

But something had changed that day. When Nathan woke up he had a wide look in his eyes as he stared down at me, then the wide look changed to a softer one, filled with emotions and compassion, and above them all was a burning emotion that made my stomach churn with anticipation but I could not name it. Since waking up in his arms the first time, his actions had changed around me, his words were soft and caring, he stole any opportunity to touch me, a quick caress on my cheek, an arm around my waist. I wasn't sure how to react but I didn't find myself hating it. Instead I relished in his warmth, and whatever it was in him that pulled me closer. So when, once again, night rolled around and he again pulled me onto his lap instructing me to sleep, I found no willpower within me to reject him.

I felt Nathan stirring behind me and all of a sudden he tightened his arms around my chest with no warning and I felt myself gasp at the heat coming from his hands. He mumbled softly in his sleep while I squirmed under his grasp.

"Nathan" I whispered out hurriedly, trying to wrench free of his tight grasp. How was a human this strong?

"hmm." I felt him shaking his head slowly.

"It's too tight," I gasped. I felt him jerk against me and he loosened his grip. I pressed a hand to my chest as I gasped for air.

"I'm sorry," he whispered in my ear and I felt my stomach flipping at his tired, husky voice against my ear. I shook my head, still amazed at his ability to completely immobilize me that easily, and more so by the fact that he seemed completely unaware to what he had done.

"Did you sleep well?" he whispered again in my ear and every muscle in my body tensed and shuddered at the mere sensation of his hot breath against my skin. I felt my own breath get caught in my throat and coughed slightly, uncomfortable. I felt him chuckle against me and I squirmed out of his grasp, spinning around to face him. He had a smug grin on his face and his eyes were once again swimming with those emotions that I could not name. He presses the tips of his fingers to my cheeks and I see his gaze drop to my lips with a smile, but he made no other actions and I couldn't stop the disappointment I felt.

I turned my attention away from him and struggled to stand while he helped me up with his hands, burning, at my waist. I stretch my limbs wishing I had slept in a bed or anywhere that I could have stretched out in. I walked silently towards the captain and crouched down, their conversation stopped.

"You should be able to get your choppers out today," I said and Dane nodded.

"What about you?" he looked at Nathan who I felt looked to me for answers, I felt my stomach twist.

"It's up to you, I'm not keeping you hostage." I said with a shrug, not wanting to admit that I want him to stay. The connection between us was strong, stronger than any description I had heard of a connection. But the thought of changing his entire way of life all because of me, still didn't sit right with me. No matter how much I wanted him, to be near him, to have him hold me as he has been. No matter how much I secretly want him to kiss me further. I couldn't bring myself to tell him.

"Hmph," he grunted and I saw displeasure in its gaze but didn't understand why it was there. But I didn't have time to understand. The door to the greenhouse slammed open with a loud rattle, shaking the panes of the glass windows. The soldiers who were asleep jumped awake, alert. Maria zoned in on me her eyes wide with terror and I felt my stomach lurch, something was wrong. She ran toward me, her eyes flashing wildly, she grabbed my arm,

"Miss Arabel," she choked out, "Henry called," I felt a darkness over me as I suspected why he would have called.

"Maria," I choked and she gnawed her bottom lip telling me all I need to know before she said,

"They took Kristy."

I felt the snarl escape my chest before I could stop it. I pulled away from her and in mere seconds found myself outside of the greenhouse. I stared at the now clear sky my wings stretching behind me but before I could take off like I intended to do. I felt a thud against my body and found myself on the ground. My arms were pinned against me and my wings underneath me as I stared up at Nathan who had a furious look in his eyes. I tried to pull free of his grasp.

"Let go of me," I hissed and he tightened his grip.

"After all we've been through you're just going to take off and go at this alone?" he growled at me and I felt my stomach twist.

"There's no reason for you to come," I squirmed under him and immediately regretted it as I saw the look of pain swimming in his eyes. I felt my conviction falter at that look and felt my will to struggle weaken.

"He's gonna kill her," I whispered, feeling the pain growing in my chest, the scar throbbing. I saw the pain in his eyes get dimmer.

"You don't need to fight this alone." He whispered and I shook my head,

"yes I do." I said and he shook his head again.

"Regardless of if you think you have to fight this alone or not, I'm not letting you go unless I go with you." I stared into his deep gray eyes and knew that he was serious. He had no intention of releasing me. Finally, I sighed, giving in to those eyes I knew I could not resist much longer.

"Captain, do you have any extra rooms on those choppers?" Nathan called over his shoulder. I saw Dane smirk and nod. I gave Nathan a withering look but knew it was no use. Either I risk hurting him and leaving on my own, possibly even physically hurting him in the case of him trying to stop me. Or I give in and let myself be led by him and despite my mind arguing with me, I knew in my heart that I wanted the latter option.

----

The rhythmic whup, whup, whup of the helicopter wings beat the sides of my head. We were packed into the helicopters like sardines, soldiers with their 50lb packs. Sam without the packs but Sam carried Ronan's sword for him. Then there was Nathan and I, both of which had nothing on us. I pressed against him as the helicopter roar made me antsy. I felt his arm snake around my waist and while I was tempted to push it away, the comfort it brought made it hard to do. I felt the weight in my mind from the human cries for help that feel as if they had been growing. But the only voice I listened for, was the voice I didn't here.

'Kristy where are you?' I thought to myself but I knew what I needed to do, who I really needed to call out to. But the thought of hearing his voice in my head made me cringe.

When the helicopter landed roughly the soldiers clambered out quickly, there were words outside as they met up with friends and fellow soldiers.

"Where are we?" I asked Dane who is watching me quietly. He stands up to follow the last soldier out,

"Fort Hamilton," he said before stepping out and I knew he had brought us to a military base near New York. I waited for Sam to exit the chopper leaving only Nathan and I alone. I felt his hand on my back.

"What's up?" he asks and I lean my head back against the interior wall of the chopper.

"Last time I was here was during the second world war." I said softly and didn't miss his surprised intake of air. I chuckled coldly.

"It was just used for mobilization then but the stench of death was always in the air." I stood slowly, stealing my resolve to step out of the chopper. Nathan followed me silently. Blinking against the bright sun I realized there was a hush around me. The soldiers who were part of Dane's team watched me curiously as others gathered around. I was being stared at, so in turn I stare at Dane who had a curious smile on his face.

"I have a feeling I'm not going to like what I am about to hear." I said towards him and he chuckles and shakes his head, I remembered our conversation in the cabin, telling him about Ciaran and the threat he posed, but I didn't give him too much details about myself. He motioned for us to follow him which I begrudgingly obliged to. While only Sam and Ronan, in wolf form, followed as Dane led us inside one of the many buildings.

We walked deep into the building until we got to a large room with a massive table in the center often used to discuss battle tactics. On the Eastern wall of the room hung the reason for all the hushed curiosity with the soldiers on base. It was a painting, of me, from the second world war. I was walking among hundreds of fallen soldiers, my wings spread out, and I was carrying the body of a young man. The memories from that time came flooding back with a raw pain. I looked at the signature in the bottom corner.

'Soldiers' Angel,' the piece was titled.

"Chester," I sighed with a resigned chuckle as memories of a freckled red headed man fluttered in my mind. He had always drawn me but I had never seen this piece.

"So you had already seen me before." I finally said while glancing at Dane from the side.

"I felt you looked familiar but it was one of my men who mentioned the painting. I ordered them to keep quiet until after I brought you here though. Seems you've interacted with the U.S military on multiple occasions." He contemplated. I exhaled slowly and turned away from the painting, intending to walk away.

"It should have been called the angel of death," I said softly. But when I looked up I was face to face with a young red headed woman with freckles on her face and large, wide eyes. I didn't need her to speak to know who she was. I lowered my gaze and walked past her.

"Wait!" she cried after me and I froze, closing my eyes. But I was shocked when I felt a pair of arms wrap around my neck in a tight hug. I opened my eyes only to stare at her tightly wrapped red bun. I looked towards Dane and Sam who both looked just as surprised.

"The day I signed up ," she said as she let go and took a step back," Grandpa told me if I ever happened to cross paths with you then I needed to give you a hug." I blinked in confusion.

"He wanted very much to let you know that it's ok." She said softly, her eyes welling up with tears, "its ok to let others in, to let us help. There will always be people afraid of change but you will be more surprised by all the people who will come to accept you." A tear streamed down her cheek and she smiled softly, a look beyond her years in her eyes.

"He wanted you to know. That it is ok to want to live."

I inhaled sharply and stared up at the ceiling. Not wanting anyone to see the moisture in my eyes. After exhaling deeply I focused my attention back on the handful of soldiers in the room, and Ronan. Without realizing it a grin spread itself and a guest of wind whipped across the room, feeding off the excitement my phoenix was releasing.

"Captain," I said offhandedly while still looking at the young woman in front of me.

"Do you think the world is ready for myths to become real?" I glanced at him and a smirk spread across his lips.

"We're here to help." He said. I looked back to the girl.

"is he still alive?" I asked hesitantly and she smiled brightly.

" YES! Alive and kicking!" I nodded before reaching over and placing a hand in her head.

"Thank you little one," I whispered softly before brushing past her. When I stepped out into the harsh sun I saw a half circle of soldiers facing me, excitement in their faces. To my surprise as soon as I stepped into the light they all stood straight and saluted me. Dane came up behind me and laid a tender hand on my shoulder.

"That painting isn't the only history we have of the Soldiers Angel," he admitted softly, "many people here have heard and passed on stories of you, from generation to generation." I looked up at him and he nodded down before giving me a saluted of his own.

"So, miss guardian, what are you going to do?" he asked and I inhaled deeply before looking up at the sun.

"It is time for this war to end." Then I spread my legs and braced myself on the hard earth.

"CIARAAAAAAAAN!" I yelled towards the sky and a burst of flame surrounded and engulfed me. It was not my fire.

'So. You've decided to stop running?' His voice entered my mind as I waved a blast of wind to extinguish his flames. I needed nothing else from him. I turned towards Dane and Sam and let my wings unfurl behind me, not oblivious to the murmuring of the still saluting soldiers.

"Can you create a perimeter and run damage control around the Empire State building?" I ask Dane and he nodded while crossing his arms over his chest. I look up towards the skip but feel an elecrifying hand wrap around my wrist. I smiled at Nathan despite the anger in his eyes.

"You can't leave me here." He argued and I chuckled before wrapping him in my wings and hiding us from everyone elses view and for the first time, it was me that initiated the kiss. Then suddenly I released him and launched myself in the air.

"Arabel!"