Read 17 - A Hard Days Night Searcher.doc for Free Online Page A

you're upsetting Chloe. I've only got five more years with her before I die and the last thing I want is to have what few memories I have left ruined by a bunch of bloodthirsty assholes." He picked out with his gaze the ones who must be Daimons. "No more bloodshed!"
    The Daimon next to Celena curled his lip. "He killed my brother."
    The groom snarled. "Your brother was a dickhead and he's lucky I didn't kill him. I told all of you that you weren't to cause any problems tonight, didn't I?"
    The Daimon turned sheepish.
    The groom tossed the ax overboard before he approached them. To Celena's complete shock, he held his hand out to her.
    She exchanged an uncertain look with Rafael before she reached out, clasped the groom's hand, and allowed him to pull her to her feet.
    "You can't let him go," another Daimon sneered.
    "It's my wedding. I can do what I please. This is supposed to be a night of celebration-"
    "Then let's celebrate by killing a Dark-Hunter."
    The groom looked disgusted. "Someone stake that bastard, please, and for the sake of the gods, dust Benny off the table by the fountain. That powder's disgusting and it's getting into the blood." He helped Rafael up. "Don't worry. It's not human blood. It's ours."
    Rafael wasn't sure what to think as he faced the Apollite in front of him. They could have killed him and Celena both. He was having a hard time believing that they would just let him go.
    "Why are you doing this?" Rafael asked.
    The groom looked back at his bride. "Because life's too short to spend it fighting when you could be holding the one you love. And love's too rare to squander it with petty concerns." He took his wife's hand in his and held it tight. "I'm lucky I have Chloe and I have no intention of letting a war I didn't start rob me of one second of my time with her. Go in peace, Dark-Hunter."
    Rafael was surprised by his words, but even more so by his charity. "You're a good man."
    The Apollite scoffed. "I guess we'll see in about five years, huh? If I die peacefully, then I'm good. If not, then we'll face each other again as predators." He indicated the ramp with a jerk of his chin. "Now go before I change my mind."
    Deciding not to press his luck, Rafael draped his arm around Celena and held her close to him to protect her as they made their way off the boat. He didn't stop walking until they'd made their way over to the dock by his boat. He paused at the prow to turn back and see the Apollites and Daimons resuming their party.
    "That was flipping amazing!" He looked up to see Jeff in the shadows.
    He reminded Rafael of a kid who'd just got away with something. "I thought you were dead. Man, I was in the process of calling Acheron for help when I saw the two of you leaving. How did you manage it?"
    Instead of removing his arm from around Celena, Rafael leaned his head against hers. "Luck . . . which I'll take over skill any day."
    Jeff's face sobered as he realized Celena was there. He actually gulped. "I'm dead, aren't I?"
    Rafael held his breath as he met Celena's speculative gaze. He expected her to shove him away from her and go after Jeff.
    Instead, she wrapped her arm around Rafael's hips. "I made a deal with Rafael, and it seems you're safe from me."
    A small smile hovered at the edges of Rafael's lips as he stared at her in the moonlight. "Go home, Jeff."
    "Okay, let me pack and-"
    "No," he said sternly. "Go home right now and don't stop until you're safe in your room. You can get your stuff later."
    He could tell Jeff wanted to argue, but luckily for his Squire, the man caught the tone of his voice and immediately left. And as soon as he did, Rafael did what he'd been dying to do. He finally kissed Celena.
    Celena moaned at the taste of Rafael as his tongue swept against hers. He cupped her face in his hands as she inhaled the sharp scent of his skin and aftershave. It was a breathtaking combination, and all she wanted to do was peel his clothes off him and lick every inch of his body.
    She