“Just one more, Malach,” she pleads softly taking his bottom lip between her teeth.
Growling low Malach thinks; “I could spend a lifetime kissing you. One more will never be enough, Elina”.
Smiling smugly she says, “No more pain in your eyes when you look at me, Malach. Every moment with you is a gift.”
Malach leans in and runs his lips over her eyes, temple, ear, neck, back up to her mouth. Moist heat sends chills over her entire body. His mouth pauses over hers and he savors the taste of her one last time before they part.
“Merry Christmas, Malach” she says smiling softly. The cold hits her the moment his wings unfurl, wrapping her arms around herself she watches as he flies away to join Simeon.
Twenty_Six
Time to move on, Elina thinks. She hurries back to her room, grabs the duffel bag, and carries it out to the tree. As she looks at the tree she hopes Hunter and Alex will be here soon. Varena walks out holding the baby and pales when Elina tells her what happened.
“We have to go soon, Elina. Do you think this will work? Will they be able to shield us?”
“I know they can. I don’t know how the angels knew about the baby, but I do know that Hunter is capable of protecting both of you. I would not send you with him if I didn’t think so,” Elina replies.
“I trust them, Elina. I am just afraid that Raphaim will find us.” Looking at her daughter so tiny and new she says, “I will never let him take her from me! She deserves better. None of this was her choice.”
“She does, and so do you. I would ask that you look after Alex for me. He is very hard headed. I worry that he will not listen. It is imperative that you all stay together and stay hidden.”
Grasping Elina’s hand, she says, “I owe him our lives. I will do all I can to keep him safe.”
Elina hugs her and says, “What a Christmas this is turning out to be! I get my brother and my best friend back at the same time, and now I have to send you both away.”
They break away as the baby squirms in protest, and laugh as Varena says, “I have learned to take each moment as the gift that it is because we are never promised the next one.”
“That is excellent advice” Hunter says, Turning, they see Hunter standing with his arms full of gifts. Alex dashes around him saying, “Merry Christmas!” making a beeline for the baby.
“How is Lexi this morning?” He asks, pushing his finger into her tiny hand. He watches fascinated as she sucks her pacifier.
“Lexi? Oh no, she has her fist nickname,” Polly says in mock horror. She brings fresh juice to the table, followed by Ruby with a pot of coffee.
For the next few hours they gather for breakfast and gifts. Elsbeth waits until they all sit and hands them each a singular wrapped gift. She nervously watches as they open each one.
Uncle Ronnie opens his small box to find an antique signet ring. It is set in gold and holds a square bloodstone. His stone is deep green with red veins running through it and is carved in Hebrew. Ronnie slips it onto his right ring finger; he smiles and looks at Elsbeth. “I love it, what does the carving mean?”
Elsbeth says, “For he shall command his angels for you, to guard you on all your paths. It is from the book of Psalms,” Elsbeth continues, “just as you protected and guarded over me.”
Ronnie hugs her and wipes at his eye. “I will treasure it, Elsbeth, thank you.”
Ruby is next opening her small box. She finds a vintage silver filigree ring, which matches Ronnie’s. Her ring fits perfectly on her right hand, “It is beautiful, thank you” Ruby says with a smile.
Polly opens her gold wrapped gift to find a small silver bangle with an oval bloodstone in the center. Her stone is a red, with a mix of green running through it. “It is amazing, Elsbeth, thank you!” she says slipping it onto her wrist.
Hunter opens his gift to find a pendant necklace. Hanging from a braided leather chord is an oblong bloodstone. Resting on top of the green stone is a silver feather and holding the feather to the stone is a fire opal. Elsbeth steps close, speaking softly she says, “The blood stone increases the flow of our life’s energy. It symbolizes justice, increases strength and courage.” Slipping the necklace over his head, she continues, “It purifies our thoughts and heals when called upon.” Her smile matches his as she steps back and finishes saying, “I added the fire opal because it increases the power.”
Kissing her forehead, Hunter says “I am truly blessed to call you friend. Thank you, Elsbeth.” Wiping tears she turns to Alex.
Alex rips the paper off his package and says, “Sick!”
Everyone laughs as Hunter translates “That means he likes it.”
He lifts his necklace from the box and sees a small red sword flanked on each side by a silver dragon. Elsbeth tells him as she slips it over his head, “Alex, the sword is made of the purest bloodstone I could find. Each dragon’s eye holds a tiny fragment of green bloodstone as well.” Alex hugs Elsbeth thanking her and turns to show his dad.
Elsbeth turns to look at Varena holding the baby, and says, “Open it.” She encourages her friend. Varena hands the baby to Ruby and slowly opens the box, careful not to rip the paper. Resting on black velvet are two identical bracelets. The larger bracelet is made of small sterling silver chain links with a tree of life charm resting on top of a circular green bloodstone.
