Protected by the Fallen: A Fallen Angel Reverse Harem Novel (The Fallen Harem Book 3)

by Samantha Britt

  “Hm.” Zeke rubs his chin. “You’ve felt it since then? It’s been constant?”

  “Yes. Well no…” My face heats, remembering the kiss on the balcony. Lust had been the only sensation I’d felt when Adrian and I kissed. “There were a few minutes where the feeling wasn’t there.”

  Please don’t ask me to explain. Please don’t ask me to explain.

  Thankfully, Zeke breezes past my reaction as if he didn’t notice. “When did the feeling return? Once you entered the library?”

  “No. I think it was right after the initial attack occurred.” Since I grasped we were under attack, the gnawing sensation hasn’t loosened its hold on my intestines. Even now, I feel close to vomiting.

  Zeke doesn’t know what to say. He glances at Vera, and I understand he can’t say what he wants until we don’t have an audience. “Try not to worry. Everything will be okay soon.”

  I nod. That’s all I can do. I know Zeke, and I know he thinks there’s more to my uneasiness than your typical fear in a dangerous situation.

  Movement through the bookcases draws my eye. “Watch out!” I leap forward and shove Zeke, knocking him onto his back. I’m fast enough to avoid the sizzling bolt that strikes the ground right where we’d been standing.

  Twenty

  Like a panther, Zeke twists and gets his feet under him. He crouches, grabs my arm, and tosses me under the nearest table. Vera dives to join me, shaking like a leaf.

  “Stay here,” he growls in a deep, dangerous voice. His eyes are solid black, and he wears a mask of fury. I’ve never seen Zeke like this, not even when he battled yancor demons. He’s terrifying.

  I dig my fingernails into the carpet as Zeke stands and begins firing shots in the direction of the attack. Books thump as they hit the ground, and toppling shelves make the floor shudder. A loud crash hits the top of the table, and Vera screams.

  “It’s okay.” I take her hand and squeeze. “We’re going to be okay.” Inside, I’m freaking out, but I manage to sound calm. I bet Vera’s never experienced danger like this. Me, on the other hand, dangerous situations have kind of become routine.

  “Why would The Darkness come in here? The council members are in the banquet hall!” She shouts to be heard over splitting wood and crashing furniture.

  The dreadful feeling returns, and I know, without a doubt, The Darkness is here for me. I feel it in my bones. Crap.

  Another crash. I duck my head instinctively.

  “We need to get away from here,” Vera tries to pull my arm. I pull back.

  “No. The best chance we have is to stay here while Zeke fights.” I fling my emotions up, hoping Zeke picks up on them. He remains with us in the Ancient section, and I see his legs bob and weave as he avoids incoming attacks. He needs to summon Adrian back here. Now.

  Zeke gives no indication he understands what I want. He’s preoccupied. It’s up to me.

  I close my eyes and push my fingers against my temple.

  Please work.

  I hunch over and think Adrian’s name, over and over, projecting terror and helplessness. We need his help. I imagine my emotions trailing out of my mind and floating in the air. Mentally, I throw it past the toppled shelves and magical attacks. I envision it zipping through the hallways, winding down the staircase, and shooting into the banquet hall.

  Find Adrian. I command the emotion, then open my eyes. I fall back and my head hits the leg of the table. “Ow.”

  “Veronica!” Zeke yells.

  “It’s nothing!” I shout back before he decides to investigate. The last thing we need is for him to get distracted. “I hit my head!”

  I hear him grunt and see his dodge. Another beam of power strikes the shelves behind him. Zeke moans as if he’s been hit.

  “Zeke!” I am one second away from rushing out of my hiding spot when a thunderous clap reverberates overhead, throwing me back on my bottom. Every single bookcase, table, and chair fall over. All except the table Vera and I hide under. My terror grows when I see all four walls of the library. We’re no longer concealed.

  Then, I see the mutilated bodies. Severed limbs, decapitated heads and charred intestines are scattered about the disheveled library. I gag.

  Vera crawls out and stands. I follow, careful to keep my eyes away from the gory scene.

  Zeke stands there, Angel Fire still burning in his palms, scanning the library for any enemies he may have missed.

  I gasp and rush to his side. “You’re hurt.” My fingers hover over the angry red burns covering his left side. I try to move his shirt to get a better look of his injuries, but Zeke’s hiss makes me pull back.

  He takes a step away. “Don’t worry about it, Ron. It’ll heal on his own.”

  “Don’t be stupid.” I close the distance and touch his arm, drawing my power to my fingers. “There may be more of them coming. You need your strength.” Zeke doesn’t object, and I push my healing powers into his body. It’s second nature now. He jerks slightly, then sighs as the power begins to take effect. The damaged tissue loses its red color, and the blisters disappear. The burned, bloody wound knits itself back together. I drop my arm.

  “Wow.” I whirl around and see Vera’s shocked expression. “That was amazing.”

  Crap. My healing powers are impressive for a Fallen, but they are especially impressive for a Nephilim. I shrug off her compliment, hoping I succeed in acting like what I just did isn’t noteworthy that she definitely doesn’t need to run off and tell anyone about it. “Healing is my specialty,” I say evenly.

  “No kidding,” she returns, still staring at Zeke’s skin. “There isn’t even a mark!”

  “Who was attacking us?” I ask, hoping to get her mind off my powers before she thinks about it too much.

  “Demons.” Zeke scowls. “Upper demons.”

  Vera gasps. “Are you serious?”

  “What?” I look between them. “What are upper demons?”

  “Seriously?” Vera loses her characteristic patience. She spins and points a finger in Zeke’s face. “Why doesn’t your bashert know anything?”

  Zeke ignores her. “Upper demons are more powerful than your typical demon. It’s rare to see so many working together. They’re normally solitary. They claim territory among humans and spend decades alone, content to feed off energies within their territory. Until Light Fallen discover and destroy them.”

  I guess killing demons doesn’t rob them of their coveted heavenly abilities.

  “Yancor demons aren’t upper demons, are they?”

  Vera snorts, as if the idea is ludicrous. “Of course not.”

  I don’t bother looking at her, keeping my attention on Zeke.

  “No,” he confirms, “yancor demons are lesser demons. Their power is nothing compared to upper demons.”

  God. I’ve seen the damage yancor demons are capable of. Swallowing back nausea, I quickly count the number of bodies lying among the remnants of the books and furniture. There’s at least eight. It’s a miracle Zeke managed to keep them back.

  “Upper demons are working with The Darkness?”

  Zeke nods.

  “Is this the first time?” I worry The Darkness has gained an unexpected advantage by recruiting upper demons. Will Fallen be able to defeat our enemy?

  “No,” he answers, validating my worry. “The Darkness has been recruiting demons of all ability level for years, but I’ve never seen so many in one place.”

  “Jude never told me that,” Vera says.

  Zeke spares her a glance. “I’m sure he didn’t want you to worry.”

  Vera crosses her arms, looking as happy as I would in her situation. I may not know anything about upper demons, but Vera does. Jude intentionally hid the truth from his soulmate. If he gets out of tonight in one piece, Vera is going to let him have it.

  “You should go check on Adrian and the others.” I tell Zeke, begging him with wide eyes. The newest threat has magnified my worry one-hundred times, and my imagination runs wild, picturin
g the horrible dangers my other three bashertens may be in.

  Zeke grows still, and his eyes become unfocused. I’m relieved to notice their familiar brown color has returned. “The Darkness is fighting, but its losing ground. The battle will be over soon.”

  “How do you know that?”

  “Their twin connection,” Vera provides when Zeke zones out again. “Zeke and Adrian can share mind space for short periods of time. It’s part of what makes twins so powerful.”

  I chew my lip and try to read Zeke’s expression for any sign of what’s going on across the embassy.

  Zeke blinks, and he’s back with us.

  “Well?” I ask. “You’re sure everyone is alright?”

  “Not everyone.” I feel like I’m stabbed in the chest. Seeing the blood drain from my face, he quickly adds, “A few of our people are injured, but Adrian and the members of the Light Council are fatigued, but unharmed.”

  My healing fingers itch to go and help the injured. I’ve seen the damage The Darkness can cause, and it’s gruesome. No one should have to suffer such pain.

  “I see what you’re thinking,” Zeke says in a low voice, but Vera is too close not to hear. “Don’t even think about it. You know you need to lie low.”

  He’s right.

  And I hate it.

  “What about Jude?” Vera twists her hands in her rumpled gown. “Is he okay?”

  “I didn’t see him.”

  Moisture gathers in her eyes. I want to embrace her and tell her everything will be alright, but I don’t. I keep my distance. I don’t want to give her false assurances. Just in case…

  A scream tears out of my throat, and I bow over in agony. I don’t know what’s happening. I don’t know where the pain is coming from. It doesn’t even feel like mine.

  Burning, sharp pain rips me open. My stomach is on fire, and my blood is boiling. I’m dying. I feel myself growing weaker. I feel myself fade away.

  “Ron! RON!”

  Zeke yanks my arm, and my head snaps back. The pain subsides, but it doesn’t disappear, becoming a quiet murmur in the background. Now, I am able to tell the pain isn’t my own. Physically, I am fine. There’s no gaping wound protruding from my abdomen.

  “What the hell just happened?” Zeke barks. His fear makes him ten times more frightening.

  “I-I don’t know. I felt like my intestines were being ripped out as I was burning alive.”

  The reaction is so subtle, I almost miss it. Zeke’s eye twitches, and a flash of horror crosses his face.

  “What?” I step close, pressing my hands against his chest. “What is it?”

  Zeke swallows. For a second, I don’t think he’s going to tell me. Then, he utters the most horrible four words I’ve ever heard strung together. “It’s Joseph... he’s wounded.”

  Twenty-One

  “You can’t go.” Zeke seizes my arm right as I spin around, prepared to run out of the library, straight to the banquet hall.

  “Let go of me.” My pulse races, and my legs are shaking. Joseph is hurt. I need to reach him. I have to help him. Damn the fact The Darkness still attacks the embassy. Joseph needs me.

  “Be reasonable.” Zeke’s grip tightens. “You cannot go in there. There are too many witnesses.”

  I shake my head. “I don’t care. I can’t let him suffer when I know I can help.”

  “You won’t be able to help anyone ever again if they realize who you are!”

  His voice is as cold as ice. I shake under the chill of his glare. “Listen to me,” he commands, “Joseph would not want you to risk everything on his behalf. You know this. Don’t be a fool.”

  My soul howls in pain. My heart feels like it’s breaking. “You don’t understand. I can feel it. He needs me.”

  Zeke shakes his head. “No. You cannot go. No matter what you think you feel. It will be alright.”

  “You don’t know that.” I tug. It’s useless. He’s not letting go until he’s good and ready. Which will mean I’m too late.

  “Please.” I whisper, tears blurring my vision. I blink to clear them away, and a couple escape and roll down my cheeks. “You know how much he means to me.”

  Regret darkens his gaze. “I can’t,” he murmurs. “You know I can’t. It’s too risky.”

  “What if it were Adrian?” I ask. “If he was injured, would you want me to do nothing and let him die?”

  “Joseph will not die.”

  “How do you know that?”

  “Because he’s a bloody Light Fallen. Those bastards aren’t easy to kill!” I’ve managed to push Zeke over the edge. He’s lost his cool. I don’t care. I lost mine the moment I learned one of my soulmates had been hurt.

  “That doesn’t mean they can’t be killed!” I want to shake sense into him. He’s being stubborn. He said so himself: The Darkness is retreating. He can safely escort me to Joseph’s side so I can help him.

  “I will never forgive you,” I say coldly. “If you keep me from his side and he doesn’t recover, I will never forgive you until the day I die.”

  A flicker of unease crosses his expression. It’s gone before I can blink. “Understood.”

  In the corner, a hesitant cough interrupts our argument.

  Zeke growls and pegs Vera with an equally icy glare. “Speak a word of this conversation, and Jude is dead.”

  “Zeke!”

  He doesn’t look my direction. His attention is locked on Vera. “Do you understand me?”

  “I-I unders-stand,” she stutters.

  “Stop it, Zeke!” I shout. Using my free hand, I pull on his shirt, forcing his furious gaze off Vera. “She hasn’t done anything.”

  “And I’m making sure she never will,” he shoots her another glare, and she shudders.

  “She won’t.” I shove his chest, angry at him for so many reasons. “Stop acting like a jerk.”

  “I will, just as soon as you get your head on straight and realize I’m right. You can’t afford to run into the banquet and do what you want. Everything we’ve worked so hard to conceal will be unveiled like that.” He snaps his fingers in front of my face.

  “VERONICA! ZEKE!” Adrian’s loud yell bounces off the cavernous ceiling. Our argument is forgotten as we both turn towards the sound of his voice.

  “Over here,” Zeke calls out.

  Adrian appears in the entryway, and makes quick work navigating the damaged room. His jacket’s gone, and singe marks cover his dress shirt. My stomach plummets to the floor as I see the dark bruises forming on his neck and chest.

  “You’re hurt.”

  “I’m fine.” Adrian steals me from his brother and wraps me in a hug, breathing deep against my hair.

  “The others?”

  He steps back, but keeps his hands on my arms, as if he’s afraid to let me go. “Mild injuries.” He glances at Vera.

  “Mild? Are you sure?”

  He chews his lip. I know he’s not being honest.

  “Just tell me. Is it Joseph?”

  “No. Well,” Adrian pauses, shaking his head. “Yes. Joseph took a blow, but he will survive.”

  I wouldn’t believe him except I feel the background pain diminishing at a steady rate. A healer must’ve come to his aid. Zeke’s lucky that’s the case. Otherwise, there’s no telling what I’d do to reach Joseph.

  “I don’t understand.” I see Adrian’s apprehension plain as day. “Then why are you acting so weird? What’s happened?”

  He swallows. He drops his arms and surprises me when he takes a step toward Vera. “It’s Jude.”

  Oh no.

  “W-hat about Jude?” she stutters.

  I brace myself, knowing whatever he’s about to say isn’t going to be good.

  “Jude’s been gravely injured. He’s been taken to your rooms. The healer…” Adrian trails off.

  “What about the healer?” Vera latches onto him like a lifeline, staring desperately into my soulmate’s face. “What do they say?”

  His next words pain him.
“He isn’t sure Jude is going to make it.”

  Twenty-Two

  “Take me to him. NOW!” Vera screeches. She moves, but her legs give out. Adrian picks her up without a word. Vera’s whimper makes my heart hurt. “Take me to him,” she murmurs. “Please. I have to see him.”

  “Of course.” Adrian starts to leave.

  “Is it safe?” Zeke asks, gesturing toward me. I want to hit him. Vera’s soulmate, and one of his best friends, is dying. I shouldn’t be his main concern.

  “Yes. The Darkness has left.”

  I gather my skirt and follow his fast steps. My foot twists as I step on broken piece of shelf. Zeke catches my elbow before I fall to my knees. He helps me stand. “Are you alright?”

  “Yes.” I pull away, then continue following Adrian and Vera.

  We climb to the fourth floor and walk into the couple’s private rooms. We enter a bedroom, and Jude’s large form lies across the comforter. Blood pools beneath him, staining the fabric red. A frail-looking figure stands to the side, chanting unintelligible words with his hands hovering over Jude’s chest. The healer’s face is marred with wrinkles and age-spots. I don’t think he’s Fallen. Fallen don’t look that old.

  “Jude,” Vera calls softly. He doesn’t stir.

  Adrian sets Vera on her feet and she stumbles forward, falling onto the bed. Her arms are smeared with blood, but she doesn’t seem to notice. “Jude?” She touches his arm timidly, afraid to cause him any more pain. “Jude? Can you hear me?”

  Adrian steps behind her. “He’s unconscious.”

  The healer stops chanting. All eyes, including Vera’s, land on him.

  In a solemn voice, he says, “I’ve done all I can.”

  “What does that mean?” Vera asks, reaching out and grabbing onto her soulmate’s limp hand. “Will he recover?”

  “I’ve made him as comfortable as I can. Now, we must wait, but I would brace yourself for the worst.” Without another word, the healer dips his head and leaves the room, off to help another victim of the attack.

  I struggle to understand how he could deliver such a morbid line. What’s the harm in allowing Vera hope? Did he really have to be so blunt?