A Wedding Breakfast

Guild Hunter #5.1

by Nalini Singh

Free short story in Nalini Singh's Newsletter.

Deleted scene from Archangel's Storm

This scene was deleted from an early draft of Archangel’s Storm. It has spoilers for previous books in the series, so if you haven’t yet read those, save this to read later. Also, please note that as this scene was deleted early on, it will no longer fit perfectly into the book’s timeline and/or series continuity. Enjoy it as an unedited outtake, without attempting to link it to the series storyline.

Genres: Angels, Vampires, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal

4 pages, Unknown Binding

First published July 9, 2019

About the author

I've been writing as long as I can remember and all of my stories always held a thread of romance (even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes). I love creating unique characters, love giving them happy endings and I even love the voices in my head. There's no other job I would rather be doing. In September 2002, when I got the call that Silhouette Desire wanted to buy my first book, Desert Warrior, it was a dream come true. I hope to continue living the dream until I keel over of old age on my keyboard.


I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).

So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.

Reviews

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title is A Wedding Breakfast and still the best part is Raphael. The way he interacted with little Zoe stole the spotlight from Dmitri and Honors wedding celebration. To be fair, it seem their interaction was the focus.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was a ridiculously cute short snippet. It’s set during Dimitri & Honor’s wedding breakfast but the best bit was seeing Raphael and Venom interacting with baby Zoey!

[Just Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This glorious little moment is just way more precious than I can handle.
Raphael being all sweet with Zoe!
I died and went to heaven.

Love these stories more than I can ever describe.

Read: 23/04/2020
1st rating: 5 stars
Genre/sub-genre: Paranormal/angels/vampires/romance/urban fantasy/short story
Cover: 🤷🏻‍♀️
POV’s: Single -3rd person (Elena)
Will I recommend: Yes

[Lover of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable forgotten short story and I have now finished this series!!! I loved this wedding scene and sad it was deleted from the book but I get it. But man Rafael with children....is intoxicating and infectious.

[Renegade ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 to 5 stars

Loved the scenes with Sara and Deacon's little one and enjoyed the mind to mind commentary between Raphael and Elena. This super quick read put a big smile on my face...

Strangely enough, the deadly and often sardonic Venom appeared charmed by Sara and Deacon's little girl—enough to take off his sunglasses and show her his eyes.

Instead of screaming, Zoe’s own eyes went huge and she reached out to brush her fingertips over Venom’s lashes, which Elena suddenly realized, were exquisitely long and curly. Venom has pretty eyelashes.

Don’t say so to Illium—he will be quite jealous.

***

It could be annoying, how you have a way of being right.

I am an archangel. I am always right.

Elena laughed under her breath and took a sip from a flute of champagne so effervescent and bright, she was certain it had to be criminally expensive. “Did you know Illium hates champagne?”

“A failing to be sure.”





Venom glanced up at that moment, met Raphael’s gaze with the slitted viper-green of his own. “Zoe would be most obliged if you would give her a feather for her collection.”

Silent, Raphael turned his attention to Zoe. Elena knew blooded hunters who’d be terrified to meet that gaze, but Zoe just gave a shy, dimpled smile. It was something she’d noticed since their return to New York—the most vulnerable were never scared of Raphael, and that was as fascinating a paradox as it was inexplicable.

Because, though he played host today, he was nothing close to human, a being of such violent power that even most of the immortals at this gathering, much less the mortals had given him a wide berth. Many of her hunter friends were still dubious about her relationship with him, but Elena knew he would never harm her. Loving Raphael was the truest thing in her life.

Now, he crooked a finger at Zoe. The little girl looked first to her mother and father. At Sara’s nod, she scrambled out of her chair and ran over to stand beside Raphael, no one missing the fact that Deacon had gone predator-still, watchful.

“Touch?” Zoe asked, holding her hand above his wing.

She has been taught well.

Of course, Elena said; Sara knew full well how sensitive angels were about their wings. I’ve been ordered not to teach her bad manners by allowing her to touch me as she will—though I did point out that I’m a doting godmother and therefore not subject to such requirements.

Since she is so impeccably behaved, you have obviously not been the bad influence you wish to be.

Give me a few more years.

“You may touch,” Raphael said aloud, his voice gentle in a way she only ever heard with the very young. “As for the feather, I seem to recall you already have at least five of mine.”

Zoe’s smile was of pure glee. “Six!”

“I see.” She has no fear, this one. I pity her father.

[Debrac2014 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just enjoyed it for the 2nd time!

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely vignette that was a deleted scene from Archangel's Storm. Its a scene at Dmitri and Honor's wedding between Raphael, Elena, Venom, and Zoey.

Sweet and tender as well as heartwarming!

[Zimmy W · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love raphael sm

[Catherine Lefay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamás tendré suficiente de Elena y Raphael!
No me había dado cuenta de que Nalini había subido más historias cortas a su newsletter.
Mejor regalo de navidad!

[cait 🪼 glub glub · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★

“Silent, Raphael turned his attention to Zoe. Elena knew blooded hunters who’d be terrified to meet that gaze, but Zoe just gave a shy, dimpled smile. It was something she’d noticed since their return to New York—the most vulnerable were never scared of Raphael, and that was as fascinating a paradox as it was inexplicable.”

[Noemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was such a cute snippet inside Dmitry and Honor's wedding. May I also say how I'm keen to see a story about a grown-up Zoe? I wonder what troubles she might get in with Elena as her godmother!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoe! Absolutely adorable.

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, wow, this was a really fantastic scene! I'm sad that it was cut, but I'm glad that we got it!

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short deleted scene, so good!
Re-read 10/24/20.

[Kitlina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for this scene, even if it was deleted it still is nice for you to share.
And I love how Raphael is with children. Adorable.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very short story but very enjoyable.
I loved that Vemon and Zoe are starting a friendship.
The way Raphael put it to Deacon about Zoe having one of his Seven bought a smile to my face.

[aem · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute. could have left this in - seems to be part of character development.

[Airaseem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published in the Nalini Singh Newsletter on July 9, 2019.

Really cute deleted scene.

[Patricia Lopes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deleted scene from Honor & Dmitri's wedding from Ellie POV.

[Selenity Jade (Coffee Addicts Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and SUPER sweet deleted scene that I'm bummed wasn't in the original. I love Raphael and Elena!

[Sajal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The squad is all together :')

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guild Hunter #5.1
A Wedding Breakfast by Nalini Singh is a deleted scene from the very beginning of Archangel's Storm. It's great to see the Guild Hunters and Raphael's Seven socializing. Enjoy!

Read:
October 20, 2019 – Audible Audiobook
October 12, 2021 – Audible Audiobook
October 10, 2022 – Audible Audiobook

Just in case you want to know the timeline of the books/novellas/short stories set in Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter world, I have provided a complete list below. And so you don’t get confused, you’ll notice that each entry on the list is numbered in two ways. The 1., 2., 3.… Etc. numbering at the beginning of each entry is mine and denotes the chronological reading order. The – Guild Hunter #?.? – numbering you see immediately following each title is the number they are on the series reading list provided by the goodreads website. Enjoy!

Guild Hunter series chronological reading order:
1. One Night at the Refuge - Guild Hunter #0.2 (FREE in the April 2016 newsletter) - Illium (Angel and one of Raphael’s Seven) and Aodhan (Angel and one of Raphael’s Seven)
2. Angels' Dance - Guild Hunter #0.4 (found in the Angels Flight collection) - Jessamy (Angel, teacher of angelic young and historian of the angelic race) and Galen (Angel, Raphael’s Weapons Master and one of his Seven)
3. Angels' Judgment - Guild Hunter #0.6 (found in the Angels Flight collection) - Sara (human Guild Hunter) and Deacon (human Guild Hunter)
4. Angels' Pawn - Guild Hunter #0.8 (found in the Angels Flight collection) - Ashwini (human Guild Hunter) and the Janvier (Vampire)
5. A Little Bakery – Guild Hunter #0.9 (from the December 2019 Newsletter) – Illium
6. Angels' Blood - Guild Hunter #1 - Elena Devereaux (Hunterborn human Guild Hunter) and Archangel Raphael
7. Archangel's Kiss - Guild Hunter #2 - Elena (new made Angel and Guild Hunter) and Archangel Raphael
8. Weapons Training - Guild Hunter #2.5 (FREE on the author’s website) - Jessamy and Galen - takes place during “Archangel’s Kiss” after Elena finishes training with Galen
9. Archangel's Consort - Guild Hunter #3 - Elena and Raphael
10. Angel's Wolf - Guild Hunter #3.5 (found in the Angel’s Flight collection) - Noel (vampire) and Nimra (Angel)
11. Archangel's Blade - Guild Hunter #4 - Dimitri (vampire, Raphael’s Second and one of his Seven) and Honor (human Guild Hunter)
12. Archangel's Storm - Guild Hunter #5 - Jason (Angel, Raphael’s Spymaster and one of his Seven) and Princess Mahiya (Angel, who is Archangel Neha’s niece)
13. A Wedding Breakfast – Guild Hunter #5.1 – EVERYONE
14. Knives and Sheaths - Guild Hunter #5.5 (FREE in the author’s WELCOME Letter for signing up for her newsletter) - Elena and Raphael
15. Archangel's Legion - Guild Hunter #6 - Elena and Raphael
16. Zoe's Workshop - Guild Hunter #6.5 (FREE on the author’s website) - Sara (human Guild Director), Deacon (human, former Guild Slayer, Sara’s husband and Master Weapons Maker for humans and immortals alike), Zoe (human daughter of Sara and Deacon) and Slayer (dog)
17. Archangel's Shadows - Guild Hunter #7 - Ashwini and Janvier, with side jaunts to Elena and Raphael
18. A Walk on the Cliffs - Guild Hunter #7.5 (FREE in the July 2015 newsletter) - Montgomery (vampire and Raphael’s butler) and Sivya (Angel and Raphael’s chef)
19. A Sip of Eternity - Guild Hunter #7.3 (FREE on the author’s website) - Dimitri and Honor
20. A Small Fairy Tale - Guild Hunter #7.7 (FREE on the author’s website) - Talu (a human girl living on the streets of NYC), Sina (one of the fairies carved by Aodhan), Elena and Honor
21. Archangel's Enigma - Guild Hunter #8 - Naasir and the Angel Andromeda
22. Secret Things – Guild Hunter #8.3 (FREE in the February 2018 newsletter) – Naasir and Andromeda
23. Fairy Balloons - Guild Hunter #8.7 (FREE on the author’s website) - Talu (a human girl rescued from the streets by Archangel Raphael’s Consort, Elena) and the Angel Izzy (the first member of Consort Elena’s Guard)
24. Archangel's Heart - Guild Hunter #9 - Elena and Raphael
25. An Unexpected Guest - Guild Hunter #9.3 - Elena and Raphael
26. Elena's School of Horror – Guild Hunter #9.7 (FREE in July 2018 newsletter) – Elena & Aodhan
27. Archangel's Viper - Guild Hunter #10 - Venom (a vampire and one of Raphael’s Seven) and Holly Chang (the previously human girl who survived Uram’s rampage)
28. Archangel's Prophecy – Guild Hunter #11 – Elena and Raphael
29. Archangel's War – Guild Hunter #12 – Elena and Raphael
30. Archangel's Sun – Guild Hunter #13 – Archangel Titus and Sharine (The Hummingbird)
31. Archangel's Light – Guild Hunter #14 – Illium and Adohan
32. Archangel's Resurrection – Guild Hunter #15 – Alexander and Zanaya

[Kathy Davie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A free tale, a new sudden flash fiction, 5.1 in the Guild Hunter paranormal romance series that revolves around Elena, a Hunter Made Angel. While Dimitri and Honor are the reason for the story, the focus is on Elena and Raphael and set in the alternative world of New York City. If you're interested, there is a chronological listing of the Guild Hunter books on my website.

My Take
A deleted scene from Archangel's Storm , 5, this is a sweet interlude just as Eris is killed. It may be an unhappy occurrence, but everyone is celebrating Dimitri and Honor's wedding. An event we know all about from Elena's and Raphael's perspective in third person dual point-of-view. Read Dimitri and Honor's story in Archangel's Blade, 4.

It's kind of an odd perspective; I feel as though I'm on the outside of this feast. Looking through a telescope as Singh presents the intertwined relationships of those outside their "roles".

It's Venom and Raphael responding to little Zoe. A touch of Elena's horrible past leavened with how well Elena is playing hostess. Truly a strain for this angel, lol.

Singh also includes mini portraits of those attending, likes and dislikes, instances of manners, and the fear others have towards Elena's love for her archangel.

It's a beautifully written microcosm of Elena's world and its characters.

The Story
A hurried event but beautiful for all that, as Dimitri and Honor enjoy the breakfast that brings so many together.

The Characters
Elena, born a hunter, is an angel and consort to Rafael, the Archangel of New York and one of the Cadre of Ten, the archangels who rule our world. Montgomery is Rafael's vampire butler in charge of Rafael's Enclave home.

The Seven are…
...supernaturals whom Rafael trusts and includes the bridegroom, Dimitri, a 1,000-year-old vampire and Rafael's closest friend; Illium, the blue-winged darling; Venom, the slit-eyed vampire; and, Jason, his black-winged spymaster.

Neha is the Queen of Snakes, of Poisons, and the Archangel of India. Eris is her gorgeous consort, whom she's imprisoned for over 300 years.

Guild Hunters...
...track down runaway vampires. The bride, Honor, had been, and still is, a Hunter, but she was Made to save her life, and she has just married Dimitri. Sara is the Guild's director, and she's married to Deacon, a magnificent weapons-maker and former Slayer. Zoe is their young daughter, fearless among them all. Ashwini, another Hunter-born and a friend to Elena and Honor, sees the future and is psychometric.

The Title
The title is what it is, "A Wedding Breakfast".

[Nicole Levy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely additional color to the bits of the wedding breakfast that we get to see during Archangel's Storm.

"It was something she’d noticed since their return to New York—the most vulnerable were never scared of Raphael, and that was as fascinating a paradox as it was inexplicable."

[Thenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wedding Breakfast on Books On Track

A short scene that takes place at Dmitri and Honor's wedding, between Elena, Rafael and little Zoe, Sara, the guild hunter leader's daughter and Elena's goddaughter.

[Payne’s Bookworm Reviews (Samantha Payne) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short joyous scene.

Dmitri a devoting husband and second.

Elena being a well behaved Consort, and Raphael being concerned she may be possessed was priceless.

But the best thing about this deleted scene was the interaction between Zoe (Sara & Deacon’s daughter) and Raphael. This innocent little girl with the no fear. First she is enthralled with Venom and then Raphael’s feathers.

[Silver · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was beautiful. Is as if you could breathe the happiness of that moment.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming deleted scene

[Sana Zameer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved how sweet and tender Raphael is with Zoe!

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

short and sweet scene