Protected by the Fallen
The Fallen Harem Book Three
Samantha Britt
Protected by the Fallen
Copyright © 2019 by Samantha Britt
Cover by Atlantis Book Design
All rights reserved.
This is a work of fiction.
Any resemblance between actual events or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental or used fictitiously.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
About the Author
Also by Samantha Britt
One
I’m lying on a couch, staring at the gold crown molding on the ceiling above. My sneakers rest on the cushion, and I know I should take care to not dirty the expensive fabric, but I can’t find the motivation to sit up and untie the laces. I don’t really have motivation to do anything.
Ever since I left Valley Lake and moved in with the Dark Fallen in London, I haven’t done anything other than wake up and wander throughout the fancy apartment located just two miles from Buckingham Palace. If I look through the dining room windows, I can see the very top of the royal residence. I’ve wanted to visit London for as long as I can remember. British historical dramas are some of my favorite shows, and they always paint the city in an exciting and romantic light. But instead, I stay inside. Despite Zeke and Adrian trying to convince me otherwise, the city below conceals untold danger. Mrs. Hutchins, my classmate’s mom, had blindsided me when she abducted me and took me to face the Dark Fallen Council. I’m convinced there is no one I can trust. Except for my parents… and the Fallen, of course. I had no idea leaving home would be so hard. I thought the decision would be easy knowing I was protecting my family, but I was wrong.
My phone vibrates. I lift the screen from my chest. This is the second time Annie has called me today. She and my parents believe I am on a trip with the Fallen, and the angels used their ability to manipulate human minds to convince them that the trip is not strange. No one has questioned my spontaneous European vacation with two men my parents have never met. It’s almost eerie—the way the angels can make us believe whatever they want.
Not us, my inner voice reminds me. I’m not human. I’m not even a half-human.
The Fallen originally thought I was a Nephilim, a human/angel mix. But through a series of strange situations and unusual detection of my powers, they realized I am a full-blooded angel. I was born after angels fell from Heaven. I shouldn’t exist.
But Concealment doesn’t stop Annie from calling me to voice her discontent. My best friend thinks I’ve abandoned her, and she’s kind of right. We had plans to hang out all summer, not to mention I’d been hired as a waitress at her family’s restaurant. Now, Annie is spending the summer without me, and I’d been forced to give up the job I’d hoped would give me spending money through my first year in college.
“Are you going to answer that?”
I turn toward the sound. Adrian stands in the entrance of the parlor where I am lounging. And he’s shirtless. Water droplets pepper his torso. I quickly avert my gaze, and I immediately regret it. Adrian doesn’t need help coming up with more reasons to tease me. He’s got a trunk full of embarrassing moments to bring up whenever he is in the mood.
“I wasn’t planning on it,” I say toward the ceiling.
“Why not?” His voice is closer. I look and see Adrian is leaning over the back of the sofa, looking at my phone. An earthy scent tickles my nostrils, and his hair smells like citrus. I try not to let the enticing aroma distract me.
“Because I’m not in the mood to lie to my best friend today.” I drop my phone on my stomach. Adrian watches the movement, his eyes dimming.
“Angel, you know you just need to say the word and I will take you back home. Zeke and I can handle the Council.”
“I know,” I murmur, looking away from his sympathetic gaze. He’s said as much every day since I agreed to move in with the Dark Fallen.
Ever since Mrs. Hutchins, my ex-classmate’s mom, brought news of my existence to the Dark Council, they’ve been using me as leverage to get Adrian and Zeke to agree to work for them. As their bashert, my safety matters to the Dark Fallen, and the Council isn’t shy about using that to their advantage, even going so far as to threaten the safety of my family and friends. The Dark Council had left me no choice. I couldn’t risk my parents. Not again.
Adrian knows that, and he hates the position I’ve been put in. He would gladly defy the Council and take me home, telling the powerful angels to shove their demands. He longs to quit working for them. I know Adrian would do anything for me, and that’s what makes this whole situation so awful. I hate the fact he and Zeke are forced to do something they don’t want to, all in the name of protecting me. I cause the angels nothing but trouble, and I feel so guilty.
“Hey,” Adrian says softly, detecting the turmoil in my expression, “How about we get out of the flat? Let’s go for a walk. We can check out Hyde Park. Kensington Palace is there. We can take a tour.”
Again, guilt gnaws at me. I’ve been too scared to leave the flat, which means the Fallen don’t leave the flat unless they are called by the Council to do some mysterious task. I haven’t asked what they do when the Dark leaders summon them. Honestly, I’m too afraid to ask. What if it’s something dangerous? I don’t know if I can handle any more fear or anxiety in my life. I feel close to a panic attack as it is.
“No, thanks,” I reply. “I think I’ll just stay inside today.”
“You stay inside every day, Angel. Come on. Humor me. Forget Hyde Park, let’s just go for a walk around the block.”
I close my eyes to avoid his pleading stare. I can sense his concern through our connection. “I don’t feel like walking.”
Strong fingers wrap around my hand, pulling it away from my stomach. I look at Adrian. I’ve grown use to his flirtatious and antagonistic side, but the depth of his affection still surprises me. His concern fills me, and I have to breathe slow to keep it from overwhelming me. He is worried. It’s almost like I can see myself through his eyes. I’m paler than I was a week ago, and I know he sees the dark purple shadows under my eyes. I eat the bare minimum, and I don’t sleep well. I wonder how long it will be before he physically forces me out of the flat and back into the world. It’s that thought which finally makes me agree.
“Alright.” I push off the couch.
“Alright?”
“I’ll go for a walk.” I face him, and my eyes immediately zero in on the dark grey towel wrapped around his waist.
My mouth pops open. “You’ve been talking to me this whole time, and you aren’t
even wearing pants?” My voice raises an octave, and I focus my attention on the Oriental rug under my sneakers.
Adrian chuckles, and the sound does funny things to my stomach. “It’s not like I’m naked, Angel.”
“You practically are,” I counter, and my blush deepens. Why did I say that? God, kill me now.
“No, I’m not. Would you like me to show you the difference?”
“No!” I turn around. “I’m going to grab a sweater.” I make a beeline for the room I’m staying in, cringing as Adrian’s laugh follows me. I doubt I’ll ever get over being awkward around the Fallen. Things have gotten easier since we first met, and I’ve even given in to my desires and kissed Zeke. The notion I am the soulmate to four Fallen angels hasn’t been easy to accept. Now that our connection is present, I’m unable to deny how I feel about each of the Fallen Angels. But I’m still a naïve teenager. I don’t know the first thing about love or pursuing a relationship. Or intimacy.
I close the door behind me and place my hands on my cheeks, feeling the heat from my blush. I know the logistics of sex, and I’ve been attracted to guys before, but there is something about the Fallen that make me want to pounce on them and give in to every yearning I have. It’s both bewildering and marvelous. And I don’t know how much longer I will be able to control my impulses if Adrian continues to walk around with nothing but a towel. Part of me wonders if he does it on purpose. I wouldn’t put it past him.
I pull my t-shirt over my head and throw it in the hamper by the door. I search the closet and find a gray winter sweater. Summers in London are cooler than I’m used to, and my normal shorts and t-shirt don’t cut it. After changing into a pair of jeans, I return to the parlor. Adrian isn’t there. I assume he’s still getting ready. I am about to resume my seat on the expensive couch when I hear a knock at the door.
I freeze. The flat is the only one on the fourth floor, and the building has a doorman. It’s unlikely the visitor has arrived by mistake, but I cannot begin to think who could be here. I know for a fact it’s not the Light Fallen. Gabe and Joseph cannot visit while the Dark Council has such a close eye on me and the Dark Fallen. We are fortunate the powerful angels do not know about my dual-angelic bloodlines, or the fact that I have two other bashertens. And we’d like to keep it that way. My chest twinges in pain, and I rub the spot. I miss the Light Fallen. More than I thought I would.
Another loud knock hits the door.
Where is Adrian? Surely he would have heard the door with his enhanced angelic hearing. From where I stand, I can see the entrance. I quietly step back, planning to go hide in my room until the visitor is gone, when I hear an exasperated voice call out, “For Heaven’s sake, Ezekiel and Adrian. It’s me. Let me in.”
I recognize Sarah, the Dark Fallen’s mother. I look down the hallway on either side of me, but neither of the Fallen make an appearance. I tiptoe toward the door, softly placing my hands on the frame. Squinting one eye closed, I look through the peephole. Sure enough, the ebony haired beauty stands on the other side of the door. And she looks irritated.
“Veronica, please be so kind as to let me in.”
How she knows I’m the one at the door is beyond me, but I don’t put it past angelic abilities. I’m guessing the only reason she didn’t transport directly into the flat is because it is warded against such entry. The Fallen had enacted the same protective measures from my home in Valley Lake.
I unlatch the bolt and twist the knob. As I open the door, I see the stunning angel conceal her annoyance and smile warmly. I can’t tell if it’s fake. “Thank you, Veronica. You are a dear.”
She steps into the flat, and I take a matching step backwards.
“What is this?” I glance back and see Adrian’s hair still glistens with moisture. A towel is slung over his shoulder, and he rubs it against his head. He stills when he sees his mother in the doorway. “Angel, why did you answer the door?”
“Come now, Adrian,” Sarah interjects before I have the chance to defend myself. “I am your mother. Surely your bashert is permitted to grant me entrance into your home.”
“This isn’t our home.” Adrian tosses the towel onto the side table. “And no. She isn’t supposed to answer the door for anyone.” He gives me a chastising look. I can practically hear him asking what I would’ve done if his mother had meant me harm. Was I prepared to attack someone? I’d like to think I would, but my behavior as of late makes me question if I would be able to. I haven’t bothered to continue practicing my powers lately. I’m probably rusty.
“Oh, relax, Adrian.” Sarah brushes past him and enters the parlor. “I’ve already assured you Veronica is safe here.”
“Forgive me if I don’t take your word for it.” Adrian closes the front door then follows his mother. I trail after him, sure to stay a step or two behind. I still haven’t figured out the dynamic between mother and son. There is obvious tension, but I can sense the smallest tendril of affection Adrian holds for the stunning angel. I wonder what has transpired to cause him to conceal his feelings.
Sarah turns and gracefully lowers herself on the ivory settee by the bay windows. “The Council will not harm Veronica so long as you and your brother continue to assist us with our problem.”
Adrian snorts and crosses his arm. I stand to his right. He shifts until I am positioned behind his shoulder.
I hear Sarah release a breath. “What do you want from me, Adrian?”
“I want you to tell the Council to forget about Veronica.” I lean to the right so I can see Sarah around her son’s arm.
“You know I cannot.”
“It seems being the leader doesn’t mean shit.”
“Language,” she snaps. “There is a lady present.” She gestures towards me. It reminds me of something my mom would say. The thought makes me sad. I miss her.
“Trust me, Veronica has experienced worse than one curse word.”
“Regardless, she is your bashert. Treat her with respect and watch your tongue in her presence.”
I’m surprised when Adrian doesn’t reply with another snarky remark.
Zeke enters from the hall on the left. He stops short when he registers the scene. “Mother?” He glances at his brother before locking eyes with me. “What are you doing here?” With his stare, he asks if I’m alright.
Sarah clears her throat, drawing my attention. “Thank you for asking, Ezekiel.” She shoots Adrian a disapproving glance before continuing, “The Council has a job for you.”
Zeke frowns. “Why didn’t they reach out in the typical method?” The Dark Fallen haven’t told me how the Council summons them, but I know each has left the flat at least two times to complete tasks on behalf of the Dark Council. They keep the details to themselves. I imagine they think they are protecting me, and I don’t have the energy to bother insisting they confide in me.
“Because there wasn’t enough time.” Sarah waves a hand in the air. “But that is irrelevant. We need to go. There’s been an incident.”
I see Adrian’s shoulders tense. Once again, he shifts so he is blocking my view of his mother. “What incident?”
“There’s been an attack on the Light Council.”
Two
I feel like I can’t breathe. Warm brown eyes consume my mind. Gabe and Joseph are on the Light Council. I haven’t seen them for days. What if something happened to them? My heart constricts.
Get it together, Veronica.
I cannot let Sarah see how her news affects me. She will wonder why I am so concerned with the wellbeing of Light Fallen. In her mind, her sons are my only bashertens. They are the only angels who should cause me concern.
It’s a small miracle Adrian decided to block me when he did. Otherwise, his mother would have seen my face, and my feelings would read like an open book.
Adrian and Zeke are aware of my predicament, and they act to keep their mother’s attention on them. “What kind of attack?” Zeke sits on the couch across from his mother.
“The D
arkness, of course.”
“Yes,” Zeke says with patience. “But in what manner has the Darkness attacked this time? More demons? Rouge Dark Fallen? What?”
Sarah’s back straightens. “There haven’t been rogues in our numbers for centuries, Ezekiel.” She sounds insulted.
“Some would call us rouges, Mother,” Adrian states.
“You are not the enemy of the Council,” she argues, “and you do not work with the Darkness.”
Some Fallen are working with the Darkness? This is news to me. But I guess that is my fault. I’m the one who’s avoided the discussion. I move to stand beside Adrian. My face is carefully clear of how I’m feeling. I see his muscles tense, but Adrian does not step in front of me again.
“Mother,” Zeke seeks to get the conversation on track, “how has the Darkness attacked the Light Council?”
“Demons,” she rises from the settee. Zeke stands as well. “And we should be going. The Light Council sent a message, requesting the Dark Council’s assistance in the fight.”
“They are still being attacked?” I blurt the question. I’d thought the fight was over and Sarah just wanted her son’s help in the aftermath. Is this what the Dark Council has been asking them to do? Actively fight demons?
“They are, and every second spent here is another where Light Fallen are alone in their battle.”
I remember Gabe’s battered and bloody body from his last encounter with the Darkness. My legs begin to shake. Adrian turns and grabs onto my elbows before I can fall to the ground. His eyes bore into mine, and I see his concern. He knows I’m malnourished and exhausted, and he knows how much this information affects me, but he silently asks me to pull it together. For the sake of our secret, I need to play it cool.
Protected by the Fallen: A Fallen Angel Reverse Harem Novel (The Fallen Harem Book 3) Page 1
