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her. She’ll be safe there.” He dropped his hands to his knees. “As long as she goes Sider before Luke can get to her. Az, we’re running out of time.”
    Az rose to his feet, staying silent as he made his way to the balcony door and slid it open.
    They hadn’t exactly been looking for a grand view when they’d booked the room. Instead of facing the shore, the balcony provided an aerial glimpse of the homes behind the hotel. Twelve stories down the fog dimmed porch lights to the muted glow of a dozen fireflies. Az squeezed the rusty railing, his knuckles white, his back to Gabriel.
    “She’s happy. She’s not going to do it in time.” Az’s voice broke. Gabriel moved to stand beside him, leaning his arms on the railing.
    “She has to.” He glanced at Az, met his worried eyes. He did have an idea. It was horrible to even think about, but he had to suggest it. “We could give her a nudge.”
    “What do you mean, nudge?”
    “Losing you would break her.” He pointed his finger at Az. “She’s happy because she’s with you, Az. If you took that away from her—”
    “You’re seriously suggesting this?” Az interrupted, his face full of disbelief. “That I what, dump her so she kills herself? That’s fucked up.”
    But Gabriel couldn’t get the image out of his head. What Luke would do if he got to her. “Once she’s settled at Kristen’s, you can explain.”
    He leaned over the railing next to Az. Far below, the parking lot was only half full, car hoods wet with moisture from the fog. Az followed his gaze.
    “I can’t do that to her. I love her. She knows I do. What am I supposed to do, tell her I changed my mind?”
    Gabriel rolled his eyes. “Of course not. Tell her it’s for her own good, that you’re not good for her. It’s a sacrifice you’re going to have to make.”
    “A sacrifice,” Az said quietly. His expression turned thoughtful. “Where is everyone? Shouldn’t there be more people?”
    “It’s Sunday night. Most people are already headed home.” Gabriel pulled back, leaning against the glass of the open door. “Why?”
    Az didn’t answer the question. “Think it’ll be the same tomorrow? Empty like this? I don’t see anyone around.”
    “Probably,” Gabriel said. He was losing patience. “Az, breaking up with Eden is the best option. Let’s just hope it’s enough.”
    “We can’t risk it.” Az turned, heading back into the hotel room. “Whatever we do, we need to make sure it is enough. I have an idea.”

CHAPTER 7
    A z reached forward and tucked a few strands of her hair behind her ear. Eden glanced up, smiling. The hotel comforter was scratchy, but she didn’t mind as she stretched out on the bed. She reached up to pull him closer, her hand sliding over his back, feeling the shape of his wings under the fabric. They were real. Still there and not some figment of her imagination. Az really was an angel.
    He flinched and she lowered her hand.
    “What time is it?” she asked.
    He pulled out his phone. “Almost midnight.”
    Eden groaned, taking out her own cell and dialing home. Her mom answered on the second ring. “Hey, it’s me. I’m with Az. Just wanted to check in.” There was silence on the line. “You there?”
    “Who is this again?” Her mom sounded confused.
    Eden sat up in bed. “It’s your daughter? Eden? Firstborn?” She didn’t know why she bothered anymore.“What time do you want me home?” she asked, finally.
    Instead of an answer, the call disconnected. “God, she can’t even talk to me?” Eden snapped the phone shut, turning to Az. “I haven’t done anything bad all summer and she just gets more and more pissed at me. She acts like I don’t even exist.” Eden forced her mom’s weirdness out of her head. She winked at Az as she ran a finger across his chest, her voice coming out sultry. “I could just stay here all night.”
    He didn’t smile like she expected. Instead, he clicked off the television, rolling over and