“I’m not blaming you,” Annie says. “All I’m saying is Freddy and I started talking because of you two. One thing led to another… and he finally asked me out a few days ago.”
“And you… like him?”
“Yeah,” Annie breathes. “I think I like him a lot.”
I feel terrible. I can’t believe I didn’t know my best friend had been asked out on a date. And by Freddy of all people. I’d been a coward to avoid her calls. I’m a horrible friend.
“I’m happy for you, Annie.” I mean it. Annie has always caught guys’ attention. She’s too gorgeous not too, but my best friend rarely returns their interest. The fact she like Freddy is huge, and though I fear his motives, I want to support my friend. I can confide my worries to The Fallen, and they can investigate if there is anything wrong with Freddy. Until then, I will play the supportive role.
“Thanks, Ronnie. Freddy’s been so sweet,” she gushes. “We have our first date tonight. We’re going to the dine-in theatre.”
“That sounds fun.”
“Yeah, I can’t wait.”
I settle myself into the armchair beside the window, prepared to hear more about Annie and Freddy and their blossoming romance when Annie switches topics, “So, speaking of love interests, you never did tell me which of the hunks has caught your eye.”
“What?”
“At Freddy’s party,” she reminds me, “you told me you liked someone else. That’s why you were avoiding Preston.”
“Oh… right.”
I totally forgot that I’d almost revealed my feelings for The Fallen. I’d been annoyed seeing Tina Peters, Preston’s ex-girlfriend, and her posse of gorgeous followers practically throwing themselves at Adrian and Zeke. Annie, ever observant, had called me out on my unusual behavior. In a moment of weakness, I confessed I had feelings for someone other than Preston, and she immediately suspected one of the Dark Fallen. I can only imagine her shock if she learned the truth. Not only did I have feelings for both of the blonde angels, but I also had a thing for our ex-physics teacher and his brother.
I shake my head, feeling the blush as I think about admitting the truth to my best friend. There is no telling what her reaction would be.
“So, spill,” Annie commands. “Who is it?”
I debate my answer. I definitely can’t tell her it’s Mr. Cohen—Joseph. Me liking our old teacher is a social taboo, but any of the others would work. Annie saw each of them visit me while I worked at her family’s restaurant. But there is one that would be the easiest to convince her I liked.
“It’s Zeke.”
“Reaaally?” she draws out the word dramatically. “You still like him, even after he ditched you all those years ago.”
When I was fourteen, Zeke and I met by chance when my father dragged me to a self-defense class at a kickboxing studio. I ended up loving the sport and signed on for the beginner class. Zeke was my instructor, and my heart had no chance. I fell for the broody yet attentive man—who I later learned was actually an angel. Zeke had known I wasn’t human, but he suspected I was Nephilim. We grew close, but he skipped town when he thought spending time near me would draw the attention of dangerous beings. It turns out he was right to worry, but the creatures found me regardless.
I’d been devastated when Zeke left town, and Annie knew it. Hence, she is surprised I allowed myself to fall for him again. She doesn’t know my feelings are far beyond my control. The connection I feel to all The Fallen is strong, and I know from experience it is impossible to fight.
“Really,” I confirm.
“Wow. I guess I understand why you wanted to go on the trip so suddenly.”
My face heats. “Yeah.”
“Personally, I would’ve gone for Adrian. That guy is sex on a stick.”
I bark a laugh. “How would you know that?” Both Annie and I have zero experience in the sex department.
“Movies,” she answers with a chuckle. “He’s smoking.”
“He’s very good looking,” I agree.
“He’s gorgeous,” Annie replies. “But so is Zeke. So I can’t say I blame you. As long as Zeke doesn’t run out without a word again, I’m happy for you.”
I want to defend Zeke and tell Annie he would never leave me, but I remember how he’d been willing to leave Valley Lake once the yancor demons were dealt with before Lukas entered the picture and my existence began to be known by more than just the four Fallen.
I clear the emotion from my throat and say, “Thanks.”
A loud knock reaches my ears. I gasp. Annie hears.
“Ronnie? What is it?”
My heart is pounding. It’s too soon for the guys to be back, and they wouldn’t knock anyway. Someone unexpected is here, and I’m all alone.
“Ronnie?”
“I’m here,” I speak quietly, slowly rising from the chair. “I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you later. Enjoy your date.”
“What? Why—”
I end the call. To make sure my phone doesn’t buzz or ring, I switch the device to nighttime mode.
I’m debating whether or not to bunker down in the study or go see who is here, when I hear the telling sound of the door opening. Straining my ears, calling on my angelic hearing, I make out the faint sound of footsteps.
I have company.
Four
Don’t panic.
I know the Fallen have protected the flat. If someone is able to get inside, they must be a friend.
But why would they knock so loudly? The sound definitely wasn’t friendly, nor did it inspire me to welcome anyone.
No, the knock sounded aggravated, maybe even a little angry. But would a bad guy knock? I don’t even know anymore. My mind is a jumbled mess, and fear threatens to make me an easy target. I force myself to get a grip and focus until Angel Fire illuminates my hands. I grind my teeth, willing every ounce of power into the flames. Despite the effort, my power is little more than a burning ember. It will have to do. I can hear the newcomer’s footsteps, and I wonder why the person isn’t trying to be quieter.
Careful to walk on my toes, I inch toward the door. It’s still ajar, and I position myself behind it. I can see through the small separation between it and the doorframe, but I’m hidden from anyone walking from the main foyer. I take care not to breathe too heavily. If my unannounced visitor is Fallen, he or she will easily be able to pick up ragged breaths.
I am counting to twenty Mississippi, sure to keep my Angel Fire blazing, when I hear, “Veronica?”
I almost gasp. It can’t be…
“Veronica?” The newcomer repeats, and the voice is so blessedly familiar that I feel my heart squeeze in equal parts longing and relief.
I step out from my hiding place and call out, “Over here.”
I can now make out two sets of footsteps drawing near. I suck in air, praying I haven’t been masterfully tricked in some way.
I exhale as Gabe rounds the corner. His brother, Joseph, is right behind him. I break into a wide smile. “You’re here!”
Before I know what’s happening, Gabe closes the distance and lifts me off the ground. His arms are steady and strong… and tight.
“Can’t… breathe.”
“Oh, sorry.” Gabe loosens his grip, but he doesn’t immediately let go. I manage lean back and meet his gaze, still dangling in his arms, and grinning like a fool.
Why can’t I stop smiling? Twenty seconds ago, I was prepared to fight off an intruder. You’d think I hadn’t seen the Light Fallen for a month rather than one week.
I shake my head. Only Fallen can elicit such drastic emotional swings. “What are you guys doing here?”
“Checking on you. We know Zeke and Adrian were called to assist our council, and we couldn’t bear the thought of you being here unprotected.”
“The Darkness,” I gasp, dormant fear finally erasing the smile from my face. “They need your help. Go to them. I’ll be fine.” The only reason I’d convinced both Zeke and Adrian to leave was to h
elp the two Light Fallen in front of me. Now, I’m worried about the Dark Fallen’s safety. What if I sent them into a trap?
“No chance, Messenger,” Joseph speaks up. I look over and see his determination. “There are plenty of Fallen and Nephilim defending the Light Council. Everyone will be fine.”
“How can you say that?” I squirm until Gabe is forced to set me back on my feet. Once I touch the ground, I whirl on Joseph. Gabe’s arms are still around me, acting as a barrier between me and his brother. “They went there to help you two. They could be in danger!”
Joseph holds up his index finger. The light from the window shines on his hair, highlighting the tinge of blue. “One, they went there because the Dark Council forced them to. Zeke told me so himself.”
Before I can utter a sound, he raises his middle finger to join the other one. “And two, we would never have left if the situation wasn’t under control. Both Zeke and Adrian will walk out of this conflict unscathed. Besides, we all agreed there was something off about the situation in the first place.”
“Off?” I stiffen. “What do you mean?”
“The attack seemed rather senseless,” Gabe says. I turn to look at him, and I both sense and see his unease.
“I’ve seen The Darkness fight before,” he continues, “and this encounter was much less organized. Which begs the question: why would The Darkness levy an attack on one of the councils without a solid plan?”
I chew on the inside of my cheek. A thought comes to mind, making my stomach twist. “A distraction?”
Gabe nods. “Precisely. Hence, all of us decided you should not be left alone. Just in case.”
“Me?” My voice squeaks. “You think The Darkness decided to attack the Light Council so it could distract all of you and get to me?”
“We weren’t willing to take the chance,” Joseph says.
I can’t believe it. The whole idea seems like a stretch, but I’ve learned there is little point in arguing with The Fallen about my safety. They are all extremely motivated on that front.
I rub my eyes, feeling tired despite the fact I’ve done little more than lounge on a couch all day. “How did you two even get in here?”
“The ward allows us to enter.” I guess that isn’t really too surprising.
But I ask, “Won’t people have questions if they see Light Fallen waltzing into a flat inhabited by Dark Fallen?
“Speaking of which, why didn’t you guys announce yourself right as you came in? You nearly gave me a heart attack when you knocked and then decided to mosey on down the hallway without saying who you are.” I put my hands on my hips and look in between the two Fallen, doing my best to convey my disapproval. “I was ready to light you guys up before I knew it was you.”
They laugh, and I can’t help but crack a little smile as well. Damn them.
“Good,” Joseph says, still chuckling. “You should be ready to defend yourself at all times.”
“We weren’t sure if anyone else was in the flat,” Gabe explains. “We did a sweep before we called out to you.”
I raise an eyebrow. “You searched the whole flat?” I don’t comment that neither of them had ventured near my hiding place.
Gabe taps his forehead. “We searched for magical signatures, but we only detected yours.” He’s referencing the traces of a person’s powers. But I guess it’s more than that. Kind of like an aura, I guess. The guys say I should be able to sense angelic and demonic signatures soon, but I’m not convinced. After all, I’ve had access to all of my powers for several days now. All of the abilities which should have manifested on my eighteenth birthday are no longer blocked by a mental ward. I don’t understand why I’m still limited. Neither can the guys. Which is just my luck.
“I see.”
Gabe finally lowers his arms. Not knowing what else to do, I brush past Joseph and walk into the well-lit parlor. I go to the window, and I hear the Fallen sit on the couch behind me.
I give myself a few seconds before I turn around, lean against the glass, and meet their cautious expressions. “You’re sure they will be okay?”
“We wouldn’t have left them otherwise,” Joseph answers.
Some of the tension leaves me. “I believe you.” I turn back and stare out the window. Softly, I murmur, “Thank you for coming.”
“Of course.”
“No thanks necessary.”
I close my eyes and allow myself to be comforted by their presence. Then, without thinking, I confess, “I’ve missed you.”
I should feel embarrassed. And I am a little.
But more than that, I’m relieved. I’m relieved to see the Light Fallen. Before this week, I hadn’t gone more than a day without seeing them. Like I said, all of the Fallen were dedicated to keeping me safe. And I never could have imagined how empty my days would feel without them around. It’s not like they’ve been in my life for that long. It’s been less than a month. But that doesn’t diminish the impact they’ve had.
I know my feelings aren’t entirely my own. After all, they’re my soulmates—or bashertens as the males in a soulmate coupling tend to be called. My soul is linked to theirs. All four of them.
Which is why I shouldn’t be surprised that I feel the Light Fallen’s absence so keenly. I’m glad to have them back with me. Even if their arrival was a surprise and part of me still worries about Zeke and Adrian. I have no choice but to trust Gabe and Joseph when they say they will be alright.
Neither of the Light Fallen say a word. I glance over my shoulder, and what I see causes me to fully turn around. My heart pounds in my chest as I register twin looks of longing and adoration on their faces. My whispered declaration affected them greatly, and the knowledge makes my soul purr with satisfaction.
“G-guys?” I clear my throat. I’m too caught up in their emotion to feel embarrassed.
My senses are heightened, and so are theirs. Our soulmate connection allows me to decipher their feelings, and they can decipher mine. But the Fallen normally try to conceal such things from me. It’s never been said, but I know they don’t wish to overwhelm me. If they feel half of what I do, their feelings are strong, and I suspect a part of the Fallen feels embarrassed to have their private emotions on display.
But in moments like this—when affection is heightened—reservation is abandoned. I am bombarded with the sweetest and most flattering emotions. I once believed the Fallen only felt a sense of obligation to me. They stuck around in order to protect an orphan ignorant of who she really is. Part of me still feels that way sometimes, but I cannot deny that the emotions flying across the room are sincere. Joseph and Gabe missed me just as much as I missed them, and the truth makes me want Gabe to wrap me in his arms again and never let go.
Without thinking, I take a step away from the window. My gaze alternates between Gabe and Joseph. The former continues to wear his adoration on his face, while my ex-teacher seems to have regained self-control. Disappointment stings my chest. Of all the Fallen, Joseph has been the most reserved with me.
“Guys?” I try again, taking another step. Insecurity gnaws at me when I see Joseph’s shoulders jerk back. I stop moving.
“Is everything okay?”
“Everything is perfect,” Gabe exhales. I use the opportunity to look away from Joseph. Unlike his brother, Gabe leans forward. He rests his elbows on his knees and pierces me with his swirling blue eyes, “We’ve missed you too. More than you can possible know.”
I lick my lips, and my eyes dart back to Joseph. His attention rests on my lips. I look back at Gabe. “I think I have an idea.”
Gabe’s gaze heats, and a low growl reverberates in Joseph’s throat. He pushes himself off the couch and exits the parlor without a word. I stare after him with wide eyes, wondering what I could’ve done to make him leave. Had I imagined his affectionate expression moments ago?
Gabe coughs. He rises and closes the distance between us. With each step he takes, my heart flutters, and I forget all about Joseph’s sudden exit.
He grabs my hand and presses it against his chest, letting me feel his heartbeat. I stare at my fingers resting on his blue t-shirt, my thoughts racing, and all of my nerve endings burning with anticipation.
Slowly, I lift my eyes. Gabe’s lips lift in a small smile. “It’s good to see you, Veronica.”
“How’s my family?” I whisper, needing something else to focus on besides his proximity and the fact I can feel his muscles beneath my hand.
“Your parents are well… they miss you, too.”
I tuck my chin to my chest and close my eyes. “I should call them more.”
“I understand why you don’t.” Gabe’s normally so easygoing. So carefree. But in this moment, his voice Is full of understanding and comfort. I inhale and look up at him again.
“Thank you for staying in Valley Lake.” The Light Fallen had no reason to stay in the small Texas town now that I’m no longer there, but both Gabe and Joseph hadn’t hesitated to offer to stay behind and ensure my parents’ safety.
Gabe lifts his free hand and brushes his thumb against my cheek. “You don’t need to thank us. We are happy to help.”
Again, our connection permits me to sense his emotion, and his sincerity nearly overwhelms me. Gabe is genuinely glad to have stayed behind to protect my parents—all because he knows it will make me happy. I don’t deserve such loyalty. I’ve caused nothing but trouble for the Fallen since the day we met. Yet, here Gabe is, disrupting his life for probably the hundredth time this month, all for my sake.
As if reading my mind, Gabe murmurs, “I would do anything for you, Veronica.”
My chest squeezes. I think this is the first time Gabe has spoken only for himself, not lumping his brother or the Dark Fallen into his words. I press my hand more firmly against his chest, wanting every inch of my palm and fingers to touch him. I want to feel more of him.
I hear Gabe suck in a breath, and his reaction emboldens me. I bend my elbow so I can move closer. Now, we are less than a hands width apart. I stare at the base of his throat, and I see him swallow before he says, “Veronica?”
My heart is pounding in my chest. Everything about this feels so right, and that baffles me. Hadn’t I just experienced something similar with Adrian? I still can’t believe that I’m able to have equally intense and all-consuming feelings for four different men. But it’s true, and there is no denying it. Not now that I know they feel the same way about me. I curl my fingers and grip Gabe’s shirt.
Protected by the Fallen: A Fallen Angel Reverse Harem Novel (The Fallen Harem Book 3) Page 3
