“Oh.” That hardly sounds scandalous. When Vera said “illicit”, images of breathtaking angels seducing human women filled my head. But marriage? That hardly seems worthy of such severe punishment. I’m sure I’m missing a big piece of information here.
“And marrying humans was forbidden?”
Vera nods emphatically. “Of course. Angels were created to serve The Creator. Acting on such earthly temptations was not heavenly.”
“You sound like you are sure that was the reason for their Fall.”
“None of the others make much sense,” Vera states.
“What about Lucifer trying to overthrow God?” That seems like a decent reason for legions of angels to be thrown out of Heaven.
“You mean The Creator?” Thankfully, she glazes over my faux pau. I forgot Fallen don’t refer to the deity as God. “And no. The majority of Fallen did not align themselves with Lucifer.”
“How do you know?”
“Because he lives, of course.” She frowns. I can practically hear Vera asking herself how I’m so ignorant. It’s nothing short of a blessing when she continues without asking me, again, why I know so little. “And his followers are well known.”
“Right.” I forgot about that part of this crazy new world I’ve found myself in. I still can’t wrap my head around the fact the devil is real and alive.
Vera continues, “Lucifer is the only Fallen who remembers the Fall, but he refuses to confess what transpired to the rest of us.”
“Not even his friends?”
“Lucifer doesn’t have friends,” Vera says, and the speed of her words almost make it sound like a snap. Pure disdain darkens her eyes. I take a step back, afraid she is going to lash out at me, but she gets ahold of herself. “What I mean to say is: Lucifer only has subjects—followers. He is greedy, and his sole concern is for domination.”
“Domination?”
“Yes. Of humans. The Fallen. The entire world. He is so far removed from the original purpose of his creation, he does nothing but wreak havoc and endanger lives.”
I bite my tongue and fight the urge to tell Vera I would’ve thought Lucifer an ally of the Dark Fallen. After all, they are the Fallen who no longer claim ties to Heaven or God.
“What is going on here?” A new voice interrupts, and my heart flutters with happy recognition.
I turn and instinctively walk towards the source of the sound. Adrian’s glare is menacing, but that does nothing to stop me from wrapping my arms around his waist. “You’re back,” I breathe, releasing some of the tension I’d felt since our separation. I attribute the feeling to fear. I haven’t been without one of the Dark Fallen since the night the letter was delivered. I tried to put on a brave face when they received the summons for the meeting, but that hadn’t cured me of worry. I’m glad to know the meeting has ended and nothing bad happened to any of us.
Though I continue to sense his anger, Adrian’s arms surround me. He sighs. “What are you doing here, Angel?”
“Vera wanted to show me a book.” I tilt my head toward the petite woman. “She’s Jude’s bashert.” I remind him of his friend, hoping it will lessen his frustration.
“I know who she is,” he mutters. Only a hint of anger lingers. “I want to know why you allowed yourself to be led away from the alcove Zeke and I found for you?”
“Where is Zeke?” I try to distract him. Glancing at the aisles over his shoulder, I’m disappointed when I don’t see my other Dark soulmate.
“Finishing up our business with The Council,” Adrian’s fingers flex against my back. “I didn’t want to leave you alone for longer than necessary.”
I can’t help but smile. For as abrupt and frustrating he can be, Adrian is truly a softy. I tighten my embrace. “You’re sweet.”
He grunts. He may want to remain mad at me for not listening and leaving my safe spot, but he can’t hide the truth. Not from me. He’s relieved, relaxed and content. I feel the same.
“I-It’s nice to see you again, Lord Adrian.” Vera finds her voice. I forgot she is here. Begrudgingly, I drop my arms and step back. Adrian allows space between us, but the firm press of his palm keeps me within arm’s reach. He doesn’t remove his touch.
“Mistress Vera,” he returns, circling his finger against my back. “I see you have met my bashert.” He sounds grouchy, and nudge him with my shoulder, telling him to be nice.
“Indeed.” She dips her head. “She is lovely.”
“Yes, I suppose she is. My brother and I are very fortunate.”
My cheeks heat. I half-consider elbowing him in the stomach, but I don’t want to shock Vera.
“Vera, should we arrange another time to explore the library together?” Though I’m speaking to Vera, I look at Adrian, waiting for him to disapprove. I’m surprised when he only raises a brow. He doesn’t make a sound.
“I would be honored,” Vera answers, and she sounds sincere.
“I will contact Jude,” Adrian speaks up. “We will determine what dates and times will be most beneficial for you two to reunite.”
I want to protest. Adrian doesn’t own me. And Jude doesn’t own Vera. But I remind myself that possession is not what Adrian is trying to convey. My safety is the only thing that matters to him. Well, my safety and my happiness. He just wants to make sure the embassy is safe before I commit to returning. I can’t fault him for being thorough. No matter how much it irritates me to not have total control over what I do or who I hang out with.
“Of course,” I manage to say. Even I’m impressed with how cordial I sound. I smile at Vera. “I look forward to meeting again.”
“As do I,” she returns my smile.
The three of us walk out of the Ancient section together. I wave to Master Nate as we pass. He masks his expression, but he cannot hide the curious gleam in his eye as we make eye contact. I’ve peaked his interest. He must know my name is not a true Fallen name. I half expect him to broach the subject right then. He opens his mouth, but he directs his words to Adrian.
“It is nice to see you returned to the embassy, Adrian.”
“Not for long Nate,” Adrian replies. “Just here for a meeting.”
“A pity.” Master Nate, once again, looks my way. “I’m sure there are many of us who would like to have you rejoin us in a more permanent arrangement.”
Adrian nods. The heat from his hand seems to burn against my back, growing hotter when Master Nate focuses on the gesture.
Master Nate looks up, and shocks me when he says, “You have very unique eyes.”
I swallow the lump in my throat. He’s just talking about my heterochromia—the genetic condition which makes me have one blue and one hazel eye.
“Thank you,” I reply, proud of myself for not stuttering.
Master Nate dips his chin, and Adrian applies pressure to my back. We turn around and walk away from the observant Fallen.
I don’t take a full breath until we turn the corner. Though we are no longer in sight, I can’t help but feel the force of Master Nate’s scrutiny long after we’ve exited the library. There is something strange about Master Nate, and I’m afraid the consequences for capturing his attention.
Nine
“Excellent, Messenger. Brava!” Joseph beams. His hands are on his hips as he praises me. We’re doing target practice, and I managed to fire bolts in the center of three out of five targets more than fifty yards away. “Your accuracy is approving. I’m glad to see you’re back to using your powers.”
I smile in complete agreement. I didn’t realize how my lack of magical practice affected me both physically and emotionally. My bout of self-imposed depression was alleviated the moment I raised the barrier between me and my powers. I still missed my family and friends back in Texas, but I no longer felt dejectedly miserable. The moment I allowed myself to call on my power, my entire body ignited. Angel Fire had coursed through my veins, caressing every inch of my skin. I know my powers are a part of me, but in that moment, it had felt like a liv
ing, breathing lifeforce. Now, I crave the sensation. Even when I’m sleeping, I allow my power to flutter within me. It’s contained, but still free to maneuver and stretch. The more I use my abilities, the more they grow. They are no longer easy to subdue.
“Should we take a break?” Joseph approaches. As usual, sun highlights the blue hues in his hair. His khaki pants almost blend in with the wheat field, but his crisp dress shirt makes him stand out against the lackluster scenery. We are in rural England, far away from any town or city. If anyone drives down the dirt road to our right, they will only see swaying stalks of the crop. Concealment is another angelic skill I’ve yet to master. Though, I can’t really say I’ve tried.
“Sure.” I release my hair from the loose ponytail. Bending over, I flip my hair and gather it in my hands to secure it tightly. England summers are mild compared to Texas but standing in the sun and working with my powers makes me sweat. I walk to the grove of trees near the edge of the field where we’ve stored our belongings. I rest my back against a tree trunk and take a long drink from my water bottle.
Across the field, Joseph gathers the burned targets. I am mesmerized by his quick, smooth movements. He detaches the target boards from their holsters, replacing them with fresh targets. He is efficient and focused. In the beginning, I’d asked why he didn’t just use magic to collect the targets. Joseph had given me a funny look and told me, “not everything in this world requires the use of magic. There is honor in doing things with one’s own hands.”
I’d closed my mouth really quick.
I continue watching Joseph work. I tell myself to stop staring, but I can’t. It’s always been this way. As a student, I would often find myself staring at him. Though, considering he’d been my teacher, I always made sure to never cross the line and let him see my fascination. At least I tried to. Chances are, I wasn’t always as stealthy as I hoped.
But Joseph is no longer my teacher. Well... not in the traditional sense. He helps me train with my powers. Of all four Fallen, he’s the most effective instructor. It’s been one week since my trip to the Dark Embassy, but I’ve made vast improvements in that short time. I’d been ecstatic when I learned my Light Fallen would keep their word and no longer stay away from me. Gabe and Joseph never returned to the apartment, but it’s easy for Zeke or Adrian to sneak me out whenever we have plans to meet up. Which has been every day this week.
My time with Gabe is always relaxed and easygoing while my visits with Joseph are always focused on training. I never hang out with both of them at once. I’ve started to wonder if they have some agreement between themselves. It’s like they intentionally arrange for the other to have alone time with me rather than simultaneously spend time with me. Not that I mind that much. I enjoy the different aspects of our relationships. Gabe is a stress reliever, while Joseph is a motivator. I don’t want to be weak. I want to be as strong as I possibly can. I don’t ever want to feel helpless again, and Joseph is determined to help me reach my goal.
I continue to watch him. He rolls up his sleeves, revealing muscular forearms. Every cell in my body swoons. I wish I felt as comfortable with Joseph as I do his brother—or even Adrian and Zeke. It’s no secret I’m attached to Joseph. I’ve daydreamed about what it would be like to kiss him, but I just can’t seem to bring myself to cross that line. All four Fallen are all my soulmates, and I am beginning to accept the fact I can have feelings for all of them without being disloyal to the other. Those feelings have been expressed with hugs, caresses, and two bouts of kissing Zeke, but none with Joseph. And I don’t want that to be the case.
I blush and inhale slowly, trying to clear away the evidence of my embarrassment before Joseph reaches me. He is crossing the field now, and I am again struck by his effortless grace and stunning looks. He’d left me speechless the day I met him on the first day of school, and he continues to have the same effect on me. But things are different now. He’s my basherten and I’m his bashert. It isn’t strange to show affection to one another, or it shouldn’t be. No matter how many times I tell myself my feelings aren’t inappropriate, I can’t seem to shake away the fact that it feels inappropriate. I mean… Joseph was my teacher. Our relationship had been defined in terms dictated by societal conditions. He could be my mentor. I could be a star student. He could find me intelligent. And I could have an innocent crush. But never was our relationship supposed to develop into anything deep or meaningful.
Take away the fact we are soulmates. If Joseph and I were nothing more than a teacher and student who decided to date after I graduated high school, scores of people would shout their criticism. So would I if the situation involved another couple.
I am attracted to Joseph, and I believe he is attracted to me. But I can’t help but wonder if he is as affected by the stigma others would put on a relationship between us as I am.
Joseph rolls his shoulders and plops down beside me. His body is angled slightly away, but his shoulder brushes against mine as he leans back to rest against the same tree trunk. He bends his legs and places his forearms on top of his knees. “You’ve truly done well, Messenger.” I glance his direction. He is staring straight ahead at the field of wheat. “Your control is leagues beyond what it was back in Valley Lake.”
“Thanks,” I murmur. I wonder if he senses my embarrassment. I focus on keeping my feelings contained. I’ve learned from Gabe that while the Fallen can detect my feelings, most of the time I project my emotions for them to pick up. He swears he rarely tries to get a read on my emotions on purpose. The only exception being when he fears I may be in danger or about to do something foolish, like running off to rescue my parents from a hoard of demons on my own. I’m not sure Adrian grants me the same level of privacy, but I would expect Joseph to.
“Next time we will exercise your healing abilities.” He rotates to look at me. “It’s been a while since you’ve called on them.”
“Not many Fallen to heal locked up in the London apartment.”
His lips turn down. “Don’t Adrian and Zeke allow you to leave with an escort?”
“Of course.” Since I’m no longer imposing my own exile from the rest of the world, my two Fallen roommates make a point to drag me out of the apartment and show me the city this past week. They’ve taken me to tour Parliament and Big Ben. They bought tickets for the three of us to ride the London Eye, and the view up there had been incredible.
Tourist attraction after tourist attraction, Adrian and Zeke tried to distract me from the aspects of my life which continue to burden me. Namely, missing my parents and life back in Texas. And the ever-looming fear the Dark Council will learn the truth and I will have to fight for my life.
“Then why did you say you’re locked up?” Joseph isn’t asking to be antagonistic. Concern motivates the inquiry. I hate that I’ve worried him.
“It’s nothing. I was exaggerating. It’s just hard not to have a moment alone, you know?” Don’t get me wrong, Adrian and Zeke do their best to give me space. But at least once every thirty minutes one of them comes and checks on me. It doesn’t matter if I’m reading in the study and haven’t moved for two hours, every half-hour, one of them appears.
Joseph grabs my hand. His touch sends thrilling sparks through my arm. “This won’t last forever, Veronica. I promise, you will have your life back soon.”
My lips have parted. I press them together. “I know.”
His fingers squeeze, and I’m surprised when he doesn’t release my hand. “Have you spoken to your family lately?”
“I spoke with Mom yesterday. Dad had to stay late at work. I think I’m going to try and give him a call tomorrow.”
Joseph nods. “I’m sure he’d like to hear from you.”
“How have they been?” I turn my torso towards him. “I mean… they don’t act weird or anything. Right?” One of my concerns about the mind manipulation the Fallen performed is the magic may negatively affect my parents’ minds. There must be side effects when someone’s memories and thoughts a
re messed with. It’s one of the reasons I’m glad Gabe and Joseph have taken it upon themselves to watch out for them. With every new threat and danger I learn about, I’m glad to know my parents aren’t alone.
“Your mother and father are well. Nothing about their behavior is atypical.”
I take a deep breath. “And no demons or Fallen have come near them?”
“No.” His thumb moves along the back of my hand. I’m not sure the gesture is intentional. “I hope you know I would tell you if that ever happened.”
The emotion in the air is palpable, and I can’t tell if it comes from me or Joseph. “You promise?”
“Messenger.” He leans toward me, filling my vision, forcing me to look into crystal blue eyes. “I would never hide something like that from you. You have my word.”
I believe him. Without a doubt.
“Thank you,” I try to say, but the words come out breathless. What did I expect? It’s not easy having an attractive guy so close to my face.
“You don’t need to thank me for treating you as an equal.” His breath crosses the space between us and caresses my cheeks. I shiver involuntarily. Heat flickers across his face, and he bites his bottom lip for a split second.
Desire, pure and simple, fills my chest. Joseph’s body language is stiff, but his face screams at me to close the distance between us. Much to my embarrassment, I find myself gravitating towards him. I can’t help it. He’s the Earth, and I’m the moon. The force which keeps us together will never let go. But unlike the Earth, the force of my attraction to Joseph is strong enough to draw me even closer than I ever thought possible. I want to touch more than his hand. I want to feel more than his skin. I look at his bottom lip. His teeth left a slight indent, and I long to press my own lips against it to soothe away any lingering pain.
The strangest part of this moment? Joseph sees my hesitant approach, and he doesn’t back away. The Fallen I thought I knew wouldn’t be so… flirtatious. Is that even the right word? How do I describe the longing I see in his gaze?
Protected by the Fallen: A Fallen Angel Reverse Harem Novel (The Fallen Harem Book 3) Page 7
