X • Ricky's POV • X

I stayed with Alex for most the rest of the day. Mostly, because the other angels didn't really want me around and I didn't want to be around them. I get it; I'm a reject. I was a cracked gem in a world of flawless diamonds. I'm not very welcomed around them.

"I'd think you'd be with your friends." Beau said as he suddenly walked into the room.

"They aren't my friends." I replied. "What do you even want them for?"

He walked over and sat down next to me. "I need angel energy, but I can't use you since you've got a vampire growing inside of you. It taints your pure aura."

"Is that why my angel telepathy isn't working?" I asked him.

"Most likely. I take it Chris didn't tell you, having his offspring would take away your holiness?"

I shrugged. "I assumed I lost it the second I fell in love with a vampire. Why do you need so many angels then? Three to replace one? And a fairy?"

"You've got a lot of power inside your tiny body. So, yes, it does take three average angels to make up for you. You're not average, my dear. As far as the fairy, he just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. I don't like witnesses, but I can't kill him. The guardians would be very unhappy if I did."

"I understand. Can I sleep now, please?"

He sighed. "Yes, it is late. Rest well, Angel."

X • X • X • X

I woke up in the middle of the night to some rustling. A hand suddenly covered my mouth and I whimpered out of fear. It was pitch black. Only the stars above the glass dome were visible. Then I heard another voice in my head.

"Shh, it's me." Devin's voice soothed me. "I'm going to get you out of here."

"Devin, there's other people. Other captives. We can't leave them." I replied.

"I know." He said. "TJ is taking care of it."

He slowly took his hand away from my mouth. Devin pulled my up by my hands and helped me get to my feet in the pitch black. He yanked me closer, until our chests touched, and he teleported us both out. I opened my eyes to be surrounded by light. The mansion! I was home!

Now I could see Devin. He had a new sense of calmness and peace in his eyes. I hugged him tightly.

"Thank you! I'm home!" I smiled. "How'd you get past Beau though?"

"Angelo did... something. I don't know what. He just said he'd handle it." Devin said.

"He's always got to be so mysterious." I joked. "Where's Chris?"

He rubbed his hand up and down my arm as he said, "We need to have a talk about that, Sweetie."

My smile faded. "Is he okay?"

Devin sighed. "Kind of. Let's sit down."

He gestured towards the couch. We were in the library at the time, surrounded by bookshelves and a soft silence. I took a seat, and he sat down right next to me. We heard the library door open, and Ryan walked in as he closed the door behind him.

"Ricky, it's so good to see you're alright." He grinned, joining us in the sitting area.

It was that kind of somber smile though, that you give someone when they lost a family member or something. I frowned and looked at Devin with glossy eyes.

"What's wrong?" I asked, my voice cracking a little.

"Everything is okay, or it will be." Devin set his hand on my leg. "My mind kind of... exploded, I guess you could say. My alter egos manifested into their own forms, and the one that hurt you before, he hurt Chris really bad. Everything is okay now, but Chris has a broken back."

"Oh my God." I gasped.

"Don't worry. He will be okay." Ryan added. "He's just in a lot of pain right now and he can't move. We just want you to be prepared. He keeps asking for you though."

"I told him I'd bring you to him the second we got you back. Are you ready?" Devin asked me.

I nodded, but I wasn't really ready. Of course I was dying to see Chris. I was scared though. When people are sick, I don't do well with it. I just constantly feel like I'm going to break them or something. With Chris too... I'm so used to him being the tough one. This is weird, and I'm not used to it.

Devin and Ryan walked with me all the way down to the caverns. We stopped outside Chris' bedroom door. I sleep here now too, but it's always felt like his room more than mine.

"Do you want us to go in with you?" Ryan asked me.

"No, I'll be fine. I'm just a little scared." I forced a smile as I looked at him.

I pushed the door open slowly. Next to his bed, Ashley was standing, talking to him as she adjusted some things. She looked up at me and smiled.

"Hey Angel." She teased. "Welcome home."

I walked over to her, replying, "It's good to be home."

Chris was obviously not well. His skin was flushed and his eyes dim. They seemed to light up when he saw me though.

"My Angel." Chris mumbled as he grabbed my hand.

He was weak. I could feel it in his grasp. Ashley had an IV on him. I could tell she was giving him extra blood, and I assume there was some kind of painkillers in there.

"You were quiet the hero, weren't you?" I spoke to him quietly. I'm sure his head was hurting, amongst everything else.

"He was an idiot." Ashley scoffed jokingly.

Chris tried to roll his eyes. "It all worked out. Devin is better now, and Ricky is home. How's the little peanut?"

"As far as I know, good, but I should have Devin check on... it. We still don't know the gender." I said.

"It'll be a good two months before that." Ash told me. "I'll leave you two. Come get me if he needs anything."

"Okay, thank you." I replied.

Ashley turned the light down as she left. She closed the door, and I felt Chris squeeze my hand to get my attention.

"I'm so glad you're safe." He weakly stated. His voice was low from a lack of energy. "Come lay with me."

"Chris, I-I don't want to hurt you."

"You won't, Angel. Just come lay with me. Please, Ricky." He pleaded.

How could I say no to the man I love? I leaned over the side of the bed, bringing my face close to his to steal a kiss. Chris tasted so good. I missed his warm lips against my cold piercings. As I backed up, I was reluctant to let go of his hand.

I was as delicate as I could be when I laid on the other side of the bed. Of course I have to always lay on my side because of my wings, and now my belly. I softly laid my head against his shoulder, and he groaned a little. I tensed up, afraid I hurt him.

"It's okay. Just rest your head. I can feel your baby bump pressing against my side." He snickered.

"Sorry." I muttered.

"Don't apologize. It's perfect. You're perfect. I love you."

"I love you too."