Michael listened to Raphael's explanation, too shocked and enraged to say anything. He couldn't even recall when he'd last felt as angry. Given his temper, this was quite remarkable. How dared the demon! Nobody was allowed to hurt his Raphael.

Leaving his right arm around Raphael, he felt the hilt of his sword forming in the grip of his left hand. As the sword was there, flames flaring high, he pointed with it at the demon. As much as he would have liked to hit first and ask questions later, Raphael was there next to him, and he wasn't about to put Raphael into unnecessary danger.

"You have exactly ten seconds to explain yourself, demon," he growled.