Sleepless in Desire (Eternal Lovers #2)

Chapter One

An Assignment

The Maker & Michael

“Life is a game and true love is a trophy.”– Rufus Wainwright

Michael entered the room quickly and knelt before the Maker, his eyes cast down to the floor beneath them.

The ethereal being before him was so magnificent there were times, he could not even gaze upon Him.

He knelt for what he thought felt like an eternity, even though only mere seconds had gone by.

“Rise, Michael.”

Quickly, he did what he was told.

Though his Maker continued as if he had not spoken at all. The world’s maker paced back and forth, occasionally looking down at what he assumed was the firmament between heaven to His creations below. His master shook his head and then continued pacing back and forth.

“Is there anything I can do?” Michael asked, his wings folded behind him and his hands clasped together in front of him. He stopped himself from flinching as the Maker’s sharp gaze hit him in full force.

“Not now. Give me a moment. Be still,” the Maker commanded.

Michael nodded and stayed where he was. It was common for the Maker to decide later whether he wanted the angel to do something or not. Even if there was never anything he needed, his job was to be at the Makers’ side. He waited patiently, knowing his spot and his duty.

He didn’t have to wait long.

“Michael, as you well know, Mercy and Caj’s love for each other was so powerful they’d sought each other out constantly while in my service.”

Michael didn’t say anything because he knew his Master was just pontificating and didn’t want an answer.

“Their love story is legendary amongst supernaturals. Now, I’m seeing where others feel they are lacking. There are a variety of them wanting their chance at love. They may not say it aloud, but I know everything.”

Michael understood. Their Lord was powerful and he knew what was to happen even before they did.

He’d heard the grumblings within and out of the nether about those who thought it unfair to be allowed to love.

Others thought it was beautiful. He himself was satisfied with his circumstances and his servitude.

But the others and there were quite a few, didn’t seem to be as happy.

“Master, I have heard the grumblings as well. Do you wish for me to put a stop to them?”

The Maker’s face bloomed into a grand smile. “Now Michael, you know I am fair. I would never go against their will. Everyone should have the things they want if it is good for them and good for all. Be they human, monster, or beast.”

“Then what is it you wish of me? I feel like you want me to do something. Isn’t love a good thing?”

“Oh, you are right. You are my most loyal and level headed servant. What I need presently is for you to go down there and make sure a certain demon doesn’t overstep or harm.

It may cause you a bit of a problem. As the female is a human and the male, of course, is a demon.

You are to observe first and then counsel if needed, as well as report back to me. ”

Michael blinked as his Lord’s words washed over him. “But Master, why me?” He was immediately contrite when the Lord’s eyes flashed at him. “Forgive me, my Lord.”

“You’re forgiven. Now as I was saying, the male for your first assignment is Dirge.”

“Dirge?”

“Yes, remember him? Dirge also known as Dima Valdez when he’s pretending to be human.”

“How could I forget him?” He sighed. “If an angel could get gray hairs, I would have a head full of them concerning that incubus.” Michael chuckled.

His Maker chuckled as well. They both were silent for a moment and then the Maker spoke again, “I am glad you remember him. You will understand how much of a problem child he can be. I want you to observe him. Guide him as it were. Though I will be doing it from here as well. He thinks going from female to female will give him what he wants. He does know she is the one for him. But he is fighting it, fighting the pull towards her. This is the lie he is telling himself. He thinks he needs a multitude when I know he only has need of one. It will be their choice to either go human or to continue as they are. When you leave this plane of existence, everything will be imparted to you. You will find who and what you need accordingly.”

“And who is the female?” He was curious. He had to know.

“Her name is Dr. Xolani Coleman. She resides on earth of course and is a doctor of sleep disorders. She’s had some shaky relationships in the past. Her last and most recent ex treated her beyond badly. He was abusive physically and mentally. This has made her a bit gun-shy.”

Michael’s eyes widened as his Maker gave him a flash of what was happening.

Dirge was up to his old tricks. Messing with the good doctor who had issues with her own sleeping.

Dirge would keep the doctor on his string while he continued to entice others.

Unless we gave him a little nudge and opened his eyes.

As an incubus, Dirge could do a lot of his hijinks while someone was under the influence or sleep riddled.

Xolani would be no different, even given the job she did for a living.

“You see where the problem lies then, eh?” the Maker asked.

“I do indeed. Dirge is an incubus tasked to sing at crossovers. He is also a shifter of a demon who can disguise himself in different human forms. But my Lord, it is in his very nature to enthrall and seduce.”

The supreme being of them all turned back to pacing the room.

It had nothing to do with nervousness but everything to do with making decisions.

“But there comes a time when things must change. As a demon his ability to look at himself as well as like anyone else can be considered a problem. He wants Xolani yet he is fighting it. He will already be meeting up with her.”

“At this very moment?”

“Right. He’s been toying with her affections for a while now.

What humans call a playboy. So, you understand the task I have assigned to you.

I want you to get started right away. Report to me as usual.

Of course, the good doctor’s will isn’t to be trifled with.

She can decide on her own what she wants to do.

No matter what Dirge will want in the end. ”

“It will be done as you say, my Lord.” Michael knew it meant if in the end she didn’t want Dirge then the bond between them would be broken by the Maker.

It worked both ways. Michael nodded and unfurled his large wings.

It had been a while since he’d had to fly but it was like the old saying: Once you learn to fly, you never forget.

He turned to leave and then just as suddenly, he turned back.

“Ask your question, Michael.”

“Does everyone turn human?”

The Lord’s visage grew brighter, almost blinding Michael. “Again, as I said, it is a choice. Any being can have many lives. Now go prepare yourself to be in the human world for a while. Don’t worry about me. Gabriel and the others will take care of me.”

As if he needed anyone to care of him. But it gave them all a purpose. “Of course, they will. It is their sworn oath to do such. And Caj and Mercy?”

“Doing wonderfully in their human lives. Harmony and light be with you. Michael.”

Once more Michael nodded. He left the room heading for his quarters to prepare for the journey.

He made it to his rooms in record time. As he packed, he thought about the tasks at hand.

He had to make sure he stayed bolstered.

Even though this wasn’t his punishment, it could turn into one if he didn’t stay prepared and keep Dirge on the right path.

He would have to observe both parties for a moment to see them in action and go from there.

His tasks at hand were to observe, counsel, and report.

Once his things were packed, he headed to the dispersal room and stood on the platform. He said a little prayer and unfurled his large wings. He looked over to the technician and nodded to let her know he was ready.

“Be careful Michael,” she warned. “Also, where you’re going, there is a nice thunderstorm to hide your visitation.”

“Perfect, a little rain never hurt anybody.” No sooner were those words said, Michael was lifted into the air with wind underneath his wings.

He headed towards earth and a state called California.

Earth. Never a fun place for an angel as it was a place where sin was rampant.

Just as the Maker had said, he was hit with all the intel he would need.

He took a deep breath as it washed over him.

Michael saw everything clearly. The who, the what, and the why of it hit him all at once.

It was quite painful to be hit with such a large amount of information, but he took it in stride.

The first thing he noted was the town, the darkness surrounding certain areas, but he also noted the light.

Leave it to Dirge to go to such a place.

Dirge was caught between once being an angel and now being a demon.

Now to find the male in question. Michael knew just where to look.

Wherever the female was, Dirge was sure to be.

His orders.

Observe.

Counsel.

Report.

Those were easy tasks but with a trickster like Dirge aka Dima Valdez it would be something if he kept his cool.

Dirge might be a big problem and if Michael could get headaches Dirge would be the cause.

Michael had been around long enough to know a demon like Dirge didn’t play by the same rules he did.

If the demon wanted something he would do whatever it took to get it, even if it was a human female minding her own business and unwittingly attracting her mate, who also happened to be a demon.