Fractured Angel (The Fall Book 2)

by J. J. Dean

  She ends her little explanation with a smart ass smile even though a light pink hue tinges her cheeks. It’s a stunning sight to see. As much as Luna likes to think she's tough and standoffish, it's become clear by now that she's very thoughtful and attentive to those she allows close to her.

  "That's very considerate. Luna," I tell her with a smile, watching her cheeks grow warmer.

  She averts her eyes and mutters, "Yeah, well, I just didn't want to listen to the old broad complain about her knees the entire time."

  Eli snorts, but he doesn't call her out on her lie. I have no idea why she seems embarrassed about doing something so generous for her best friend. She's an enigma, this angel.

  Clearing her throat and lifting her foot to lean on the edge of her chair, she says, "Anyway, we have a plane. I just need to make a few calls and get it set up and ready to go. We can be gone first thing in the morning."

  Devon nods, his eyes watching Luna with a subtle interest that I've seen grow since they first met. I understand that. Luna has me thoroughly enthralled. With his gaze still assessing her, he says, "Great. Makes our lives a little easier. So, make your phone calls, and we'll all pack so we're prepared. I'll book a hotel for us to stay in. We'll leave first thing tomorrow."

  Luna nods and lifts herself from the chair. She walks behind my seat, and I feel her hand brush against my shoulder and back gently. I have no idea if she realizes she did it, but her touch sends warmth soaring through me. It's like an electrical charge that I can't get enough of.

  She leaves the room, heading up the stairs before shutting the door. With the rest of us sitting around the table, the tension slowly seeps back in. The realization that Luna isn't safe is a tough thing to acknowledge. If she's being kidnapped and tortured by Gargoyles and Cherubs in order to force her into making a choice, then it's only reasonable to assume that war is drawing nearer. Monsters are growing restless, and Lucifer is sending more angels to lure Luna to him. Things aren't looking good, and Luna is in the very center of it all. I can imagine things are only going to get worse from here if war is already sitting on the horizon, waiting to be unleashed.

  As though we're sharing the same thought, Asher grumbles, "This shit is only going to get worse. Gargoyles and Cherubs shouldn't be involved in this, but they're kidnapping Luna and torturing her for an answer. Lucifer is taking things into his own hands, using humans to draw Luna out. Hellspawn are attacking left, right, and fucking center."

  He shakes his head and sighs deeply.

  Keeping my voice low, I tell them, "I don't know about you, but I'm going to stick by her side and protect her as much as I can. If monsters are coming out in droves to kill or capture Luna, then she'll need us now more than ever. If it wasn't already obvious with the latest abduction, war is getting a lot closer than any of us anticipated. Luna is the only thing that stands in the way."

  I receive a round of nods and muttered agreements. Eli picks at his plate and says, "Well, Ash and I are staying for good. She's not getting rid of us, but it'll be good to have the two of you with us too. She's a magnet for trouble, so she needs all the protection she can get."

  "And let's not forget the giant fucking Cerberus lying in the living room," Asher points out, jerking a thumb over his shoulder in the direction that Brutus is sleeping.

  As if the dog understands, his head perks up over the couch before he languidly stretches and makes his way over to the table. He sits next to Ash, seeming to have taken a liking to Hell's Fallen angel. The dog doesn't go anywhere near Devon, which I'd probably put down to the Cerberus being a creature of Hell whereas Devon is an angel of Heaven. Clashing personalities and all that.

  Asher brushes a hand over the large dog's head, watching Brutus as he tilts his head back into his hand. Devon shakes his head and asks, "Is anyone else curious about the fact that Ms. Frenchie just so happened to have a Cerberus in her possession without even realizing? Where did she even get him?"

  "Guess those are questions we'll ask when we get Francis back," Luna answers, walking down the stairs with her cell in her hand. She shakes it at us and says, "Plane will be ready at six, so make sure your shit is ready to go. I, uh, also booked the hotel while I was at it. One less thing to worry about."

  She nods while biting her lip, looking uncomfortable for having done a nice thing yet again. Shaking my head with a smile, I offer her my gratitude. "Thank you, Luna."

  Luna releases her lip, awkwardly looks around, and nods. She crosses her arms over her chest and mutters, "Sure. Anyway, I'm going to spend the rest of my night watching a movie before crashing. You guys wanna watch one with me?"

  Eli stands quickly, doing his best to mask the wince he can't quite hide, and says, "Lead the way, Flower. We'll even let you pick the movie."

  "I was going to pick anyway," she tells him with a smirk. Eli hooks his arm around her shoulders, Luna’s immediately going around his waist just under where Eli’s newly acquired scars lie, and they head to the living room. I notice she’s gentle with the way she touches him, hyper-aware of his injuries. I’m pretty sure she’s helping hold the angel up, knowing the scars are still too fresh to be able to walk properly. They reach the living room, Eli dropping slowly to the couch and Luna setting up the movie before heading back to Eli. She taps him on the arm, motioning him to move over, and gets comfortable with the Fallen angel’s head on her lap.

  Asher, Devon, and I share a look, one of worry for the angel we seem to be growing increasingly attached to and one for the events that are to come in the not so distant future. There’s a churning in my stomach and a heavy pressure in my chest, knowing things can only get worse before getting better.

  Luna breaks through the tension once again when she calls out, "Come on, losers. It's movie night. Get your asses over here."

  I find myself grinning and doing as I'm told, deciding to spend one night without worry. That will come tomorrow. Until then, I'll watch whatever Luna wants to watch and pretend the concern that's growing in my stomach doesn't exist.

  Chapter 18

  Luna

  We spend the entire night pigging out on junk food, leftover pizzas, and watching movie after movie. After the second movie, I let them have at it, not caring about what they put on the television as long as it distracts me from the worry I've been feeling since the Sentinels informed me that my best friend is alive but wounded. And on the other side of the world. Mustn't forget that little nugget.

  The fourth movie is playing, something about a man robot thing, and Eli has already passed out on my lap, pinning me securely to the couch. His head is tucked into my belly while his arms are wrapped around me tightly. His back is to the TV with his legs stretched out over the couch, making it impossible for anyone else to occupy a seat.

  Noah decided to take the floor, sitting next to my knees as his arm leans against my leg, his warmth seeping through my clothes and into my skin. His head has dropped back, resting against the couch and my knee while he relaxes. I only know he fell asleep because his head grew heavier.

  Devon is on the other couch, slouched with his arms crossed as he watches the movie intently. Asher sits at the opposite end, a book in hand while the movie plays. He gave up watching movies after I put Marley & Me on and sobbed through the entire ending. Well, he didn't quite sob, but I heard him sniffle. A lot.

  It's almost three in the morning, and with only three hours until we need to leave for England, it would be wise to head to bed. I roll my head towards Asher, whose head rises immediately to look at me, and I near whisper, "We should go to bed."

  He nods and closes the book he'd been reading. Rising from the couch, he deposits the book on the small coffee table before walking towards me. Ash nudges Noah gently, waking him, and says, "Get your ass to bed. We're all turning in, and sleeping on the floor won't do anything for your back but ruin it."

  Noah nods sleepily but rises and drags his feet around the couch. Before he leaves for what I've dubbed as his and Devon's room since Ash an
d Eli sleep in mine, he leans over the couch, drops a kiss to my cheek, and groggily mutters, "See you later."

  Butterflies erupt in my belly, my cheeks warm, and I mumble, "Yeah, see you."

  He's gone a moment later, and I turn my head to find Asher watching me with a raised eyebrow. I roll my eyes and mutter, "Shut up and lift your brother off me. Then you have the honor of carrying him to bed. No way can I get him up the stairs."

  Asher snorts but does as I ask, grabbing hold of his brother before heaving him over his shoulder. Without hesitating, he turns and carries Eli up the stairs and into my room. When the door closes after them, I turn my eyes to find Devon already watching me. I offer him a tired smile and ask, "Are you staying up to watch the rest of the movie?"

  He looks confused for a moment before shaking his head and answers, "I have no idea what the movie is about. I haven't been watching."

  My eyebrows furrow, but then I realize his eyes haven't really been following the movements on the screen. It's only looked like he's been focused on the movie, but I'm going out on a limb and guessing he's been in his own head just as much as I have.

  "What's on your mind?" I ask quietly, sitting up in my seat enough for my elbows to rest on my knees. The apartment is quiet, the TV on a volume so low I can barely hear it. The silence is welcoming, bringing an odd sort of peace with it.

  Devon doesn't blink, answering me in a muted tone, "There's a lot on my mind. Sifting through my thoughts will probably take up the remainder of your time to sleep, however."

  Tilting my head, I watch the white-haired angel carefully. He's been softer with me since being captured. Well, since waking up in that hospital bed after my stomach was gouged by a Hellspawn, really. I'm not sure why the change in him has happened, but I find myself equally intrigued by it as I am baffled. Normally, he's taking any chance to snap at me, and vice-versa. I'm not used to the gentler side of Devon.

  Curiosity wins out, and I find myself being softer with him in return. I shrug and offer, "I'm a pretty good listener, and I have time on the plane to sleep."

  The television flashes, and it's enough for me to catch a small smile on his usually frowned lip. It stuns me for a moment, brief enough that I'm able to catch what he says next. "You should get some rest now. I might take you up on your offer to listen while we're on the plane instead."

  I nod, giving in to his request since my eyes have begun to burn, and I feel the need to sleep clawing at me harder and harder the longer I force myself to stay awake. "Okay. I'll see you bright eyed and bushy-tailed."

  His slow chuckle meets my eardrums, and a shiver wracks my body. That's not a reaction I should be having to the asshole angel who isn't being much of an asshole lately. What is up with that? And why do I find myself enjoying this new attitude?

  Standing from the couch, absorbed by my thoughts and confusion, I move around the couch and make my way towards the stairs. Just as I take the first step, Devon whispers, "Goodnight, Luna."

  I turn my head just in time to see his light green eyes sparkle when a flash comes from the television. Smiling a fraction, I mutter, "Night, Dev."

  I hustle my ass up the stairs after that, taking the steps quickly until I reach my room and shut myself inside with a snoring Eli and a blue-eyed angel who's watching me with his ever intense gaze. Quietly, Asher asks, "You okay? Looking a little flustered."

  How can he see what I look like? It's dark in here, and the curtains are drawn.

  "I'm fine," I assure him, heading towards my closet for something to wear to bed. Before I reach the door, I find a folded shirt on the dresser and snatch it up, not caring who it belongs to. It looks comfy, and I'm tired enough to wear anything that looks like it'll send me to sleep instantly.

  Feeling comfortable enough in front of Asher, I drop my pants and throw my shirt over my head, snapping my bra off as soon as I've rid myself of my clothes. Unfolding the stolen shirt, I move to pull it over my head. The air move as soon as my head is enclosed in the shirt, and suddenly I feel a soft touch on the skin of my waist. Fingers trail the edge of the shirt before gripping it and tugging the material over my head.

  My gaze meets Asher's beautiful blue eyes, darkened by the lack of light. It does nothing to hide the desire floating in their depths, and I feel warmth growing in my lower abdomen. My legs grow shaky, more so when Asher's soft touch trails over my bare thighs, outlining where the shirt ends.

  "I like my shirt on you," he gravels quietly, sending goosebumps soaring over my skin. My body shivers in all the right ways, the material brushing over my skin lightly with the movement. It's then I realize just how big the shirt is. Of course, I picked up Asher's shirt.

  "I like it on me too," I whisper. With a smirk, I tell him, "It's way more comfortable than the shirts I own. Plus, it means you’re shirtless, and that’s always a sight to see."

  Asher bunches the shirt in his fist before yanking me closer to him, close enough that my shirt-covered breasts brush his bare chest. There's no denying that he's doing some pretty good things to my body since the feel of my hardened nipples is difficult to ignore.

  Large palms roam over the shirt, Asher's hands trailing over my hips until he reaches my barely-covered ass and pulls me closer still. My chest presses firmly against his, the warmth of his skin seeping into my body like water does when I sink into a bubble bath.

  "We should at least make things even," Asher growls in that sexy way that has me needing to clench my legs together to ease the sudden ache that's formed between them.

  Slowly, Asher's hands sneak under the shirt, roaming over my skin with soft but determined movements. His fingers skim the sensitive flesh just above the waistband of my panties before trailing slowly upwards until he's teasing the skin under my breasts. Goosebumps break out over my skin, my breath coming in shallow gasps.

  Keeping my voice low and unable to hide the breathy way my words leave my parted lips, I ask, "Should we really be doing this with your brother lying on my bed wounded?"

  "Yes. Definitely should. No doubt about it. Don't mind me," comes a sleepy voice from the bed.

  I tip my head back, releasing the most freeing laugh I've felt since waking up in the hospital. I turn my head, grinning at the angel who's watching me with a smirk and half-lidded eyes. "You're supposed to be resting."

  "I am. Resting hardcore over here. See, I'm lying down and everything," he mumbles, his smirk growing wider until he's grinning at me, mirroring the look I'm sending him.

  Biting my lip before another laugh escapes me, I lean further into Asher's touch, his hands greedily roaming over every inch of tattooed skin he can find. My eyes never leave Eli's, watching his reaction as Asher grips the shirt before tearing it over my head and throwing it behind me. I'm pulled closer to Asher's hard, muscled body, bare skin against bare skin, and it sends a jolt of desire through me.

  Leaning close, Asher whispers in my ear, “And I already told you we like to share.”

  Taking my eyes off Eli, I turn my head and face Asher with widened eyes. I watch his darkened gaze bore into me with undisguised need, and suddenly my hands take on a mind of their own, gliding along his chest with deliberate movements.

  A growl rumbles in his chest, and I'm suddenly swooped up in his arms, his large hands cupping the cheeks of my ass as my legs wrap around his waist. My arms hook around his neck, hands finding their way into his hair before I lean down and plant my mouth on his. The growl deepens, sending vibrations through my body and riling me up further.

  I kiss him harder, clutching his hair tightly in my hand. It takes no time before Asher takes over, nipping at my bottom lip and probing his tongue along my bottom lip. I give him entry immediately, allowing him to slip his tongue into my mouth, dancing with my own the moment he makes contact.

  Distracted by his insane kissing abilities, I don't even realize that he's moved us to the bed, sitting down on the edge. My legs fall next to his wide thighs, giving me leverage to push further into Asher's body while his mo
uth dominates mine.

  "I'm seeing nothing at all fair about this scenario," Eli grumbles from behind Asher. I can hear the pout in his voice, and I can't help but laugh against Asher's lips.

  Without moving my lips from Asher's, I mutter, "Is he always so needy?"

  I can feel Asher's mouth pull up in a smile, followed by the sound of Eli scoffing before groaning in pain. With all the attitude only Eli can muster, he says, "Yes. Yes, I am."

  Turning my head away from Ash's, I face Eli with a smirk. A smirk that's quickly removed when Ash begins peppering open-mouthed kisses along my bare neck and shoulder, his day-old stubble brushing against my sensitive skin. He nips and sucks, sending me into an internal frenzy of need as my eyes close on a soft whimper.

  "Still not seeing anything fair here," Eli gripes, sounding a little more desperate now than he did before.

  My eyes pop open, seeing Eli leaning on his side as he watches my face with so much intensity that I can't help but squirm on Asher's lap. My groin rubs against his hardened shaft tucked away in his sweatpants, eliciting another panty-dropping growl from him.

  Without any warning, I'm flipped onto my back, with a devilishly handsome angel hovering above me, his blue eyes dark, dangerous, and filled with a hunger I'll never grow tired of seeing. Using a voice deep enough to send even more shivers through me, he says, "You're playing with fire."

  "Doesn't seem to be a whole lot of playing going on here," I whisper back, unable to hide the rasp in my voice that gives away just how turned on I am right now. I've been in a weird state of here but not here for weeks. Though I won't admit it out loud, I've missed them. Missed this.

  A rare smile breaks out over Asher's face, one of lustful menace, and my breath catches in my chest. Holy shit, that's sexy.

  "Hear that, brother? Apparently there isn't a lot of playing going on," he says, keeping his stormy eyes on mine. I see a playful tint in those alluring irises of his, something as rare as witnessing a unicorn.