I find my thoughts drifting inward as I let the man talk to the air. It was a long shot, but I was hoping he’d let something slip about the 144k. I’m in too much of a foul mood to enjoy Amit’s storytelling, thanks to Dusk and his ridiculous decision to neuter our relationship.
I’d say I’ll be damned if that wasn’t the best kiss I’ve ever had, but I’ve probably already condemned myself to eternal torment for what I’ve done with a holy being. The least he could have done is let us finish what we started before declaring this godforsaken, half-assed truce of chastity. Whatever alleged angelic code of ethics he might be obligated to follow, I get the feeling that Dusk has already broken it countless times. What’s one more time for the human he gave nightmares to for months on end?
However, there was also his insinuation that any relationship with him would doom me to a one-sided, pining romance. Which, I suppose, does sound pretty pathetic and miserable for everyone involved. Now that I think about it.
“…It was not easy to find such beasties on short notice,” Amit prattles on, “But my uncle’s brother-in-law owns a farm on the southern border of the desert?—”
“Excuse me, Amit, but how are you so sure that this will work?” I interrupt. “What if someone sees us coming and has questions?”
“Oh, miss, trust me. My guy is expecting us, and he’s never let me down! Plus, he owes me one for helping him get that new prosthetic. It’s a funny story, actually…”
“That doesn’t exactly inspire confidence,” I mutter as he continuestalking, so quietly that I’m certain only my camel can hear me.
However, it’s not too quiet for an angel with supernatural hearing to catch as well. Dusk turns over his shoulder, giving me a reassuring smile. “If we encounter any problems, I’ll take care of it.”
I ignore him.
Soon, the large, white domes of intelligence equipment have grown closer, and we’re just upon the base. Our camels come to a stop, seeming to know exactly where to hang out as Amit walks ahead. His gait is unnaturally stiff, his expression serious. He licks his hand and attempts to slick back his hair, as if he has some kind of image to uphold.
I raise an eyebrow, but say nothing as I watch him walk toward the little guard room at the gates. Then, I turn to Dusk, frowning at his hands. “Have you even beenholdingthe reins?”
“Ever the equestrian, I see.” A grin tugs the corners of his lips up. “It’s one of the more difficult skills for us to master, but I’ve had a lot of time to practice.”
“What?” I’m confused. How could he have made the camels stop without a single cue—“Oh, what the fuck. Animal whispering?Seriously?”
“Something like that, yeah.”
“I can imagine how that would be convenient,” I grumble, scowling.
It might be the most enviable of his magical talents. If I had to choose between flying or talking to animals, I’d choose the animals, hands down. Humans suck; I could go live with a pack of wolves or something.
“It’s just unfortunate that animal transportation seems to be falling out of style. Vehicles don’t have the same personal touch, you know?” His eyes flash to the guard tower. “Amit’s coming back now.”
“That was quick.”
“Are you ready?”
I sigh, rolling my tight shoulders. That mattress last night felt like I was sleeping directly on metal springs. “As ready as I’ll ever be, angel.”
We trudge on forward, bidding our farewell to Amit.
Our walk into the base is strangely, eerily devoid of other people. It’slike a ghost town. Tents and metal buildings sit abandoned, all unlabeled and discreet. A stray Humvee is left unguarded, kept company by an old tabby cat curled up under its shade. The only sign of occupation is some rhythmic shouting in the distance. If I’m not mistaken, it’s a large group of soldiers performing some kind of military drill.
I don’t know how Dusk, Amit, and Amit’s third half-cousin-brother-unclemanaged to pull it off, but we make it all the way to our destination undisturbed.
Or, at least, the place where Dusk stops our camels.
This cannot be it. I eye the unassuming, old metal building. It’s an airplane hangar, or maybe even a large warehouse, hanging on the outskirts of the base. There’s no way it’s hiding the entrance to a mythical underground place once written about in the Bible.
“Stay here,” Dusk commands, dismounting with a leap. He leaves the camels and me by a side door, walking around the corner of the building.
I wait, peering over the side of my camel.My God,these things aresotall. I just can’t get over it. I have to be sitting over a foot higher than the average horse saddle. It’d be quite a leap down, and I’m not even a particularly short woman?—
Sally looks over her shoulder at me, making me realize I’m bouncing my leg in the stirrups in anxious impatience. I smile sheepishly and pat her neck. “Sorry, girl.”
An eternity later, Dusk finally comes around the other side of the building, muttering to himself. “If the camels could just duck their heads, and Kae gets off too, they should fit through the side door. I should have gone with the mules...”
I stifle a laugh, giving him a pitying look as he walks over to me. “All good?”
