Claimed by the Fallen: A Fallen Angel Reverse Harem Novel (The Fallen Harem Book 1)
Page 19
“So what?” Adrian growls. Apparently, he is the spokesperson for the angels’ anger. “That doesn’t mean you risk your life by running to meet a stranger.”
“I did it to save my parents.” My voice is even. My stubbornness will not allow me to apologize for wanting to save my parents.
“Well, you nearly got them, and you, killed. So great job, there.”
“Enough,” Gabe’s neck snaps back toward the corner of my room. I know his glare is trained on the vocal dark angel. “Veronica is unharmed. Her parents are alive and well. We will move on.”
“Bull shit,” Adrian spits. “We still don’t know who is responsible for abducting her parents in the first place. I’d say we’re far from seeing the last of the repercussions of her actions.”
No one speaks. None of the angels wish to deny Adrian’s claim. And why should they? He’s right.
“I understand you’re mad at me for endangering myself,” I murmur, “at the time, it was the only option I could think of.”
Gabe looks back down at me. His eyes soften. “We know why you did what you did, Veronica. We just wish you would have trusted us enough to confide in us.”
I hold my rebuttal back. My decision to not say anything hadn’t been matter of trusting the angels. My only concern was not endangering my parents’ lives.
Still, I say, “You’re right. I’m sorry. When Charles called and threatened to kill my parents if anyone arrived with me, I believed him.”
“Whoa, wait a second.” Zeke steps forward and leans over to look into my eyes. “Did you just say, ‘Charles’?” Am I imagining it, or is there is a tinge of fear in his gaze?
I manage to dip my chin. “Y-yeah. He works for Lukas. They’re both angels.”
If I’d thought awkward silence had settled before, I was sorely mistaken. The weight of the mysterious kidnappers’ names hangs heavy in the room.
“Lukas?” Adrian hisses like the name is poison on his tongue. “The Light Council’s crony?”
I see Gabe hold up his hands. “I have no knowledge of this.”
“Neither do I,” Mr. Cohen says.
Zeke scowls. “Forgive me, but I’m pretty certain both of you are on The Council.” The underlying accusation is obvious.
“We had nothing to do with this,” Mr. Cohen sounds deadly calm. That can only mean my levelheaded ex-teacher is near his breaking point.
“Any why should we believe you?” Adrian growls.
“Because we would never risk Veronica,” Gabe snaps back. “Use your head. You know this.”
His clipped words seem to do the trick. The angels stop arguing.
Quietly, I ask, “Gabe, will you help me sit up?” I’m tired of not being able to see more than what’s directly above me.
He doesn’t hesitate. Strong arms slip under my torso and move me into a sitting position. Zeke slides a pillow behind my back just before Gabe leans me against the sturdy headboard.
From my new position, I can see all four angels. Adrian looks angry. Mr. Cohen is tense. Zeke is concerned but trying to appear distant. And Gabe is attentive and thoughtful. I hang my head, overwhelmed by guilt when thinking of the trouble I’ve caused. My stubbornness has deflated, and I apologize, “I am sorry. Really… I am.”
Gabe tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “We know, Veronica. Don’t worry about us. You should rest. We will be here when you wake up.”
I lift my head, quickly. “Y-you aren’t leaving?” My eyes find Zeke, remembering his desire to leave Valley Lake the moment the yancor demons were taken care of. My heart thumps in my chest, and I don’t know which answer I most want to hear. I want my life to return to normal—or as normal as it can now that I’m an angel—but I dread thinking of losing the four Fallen from my life. I hold my breath, anxiously waiting for an answer.
It is Mr. Cohen who ends the anticipation. “You think we are going to leave? Knowing Lukas is interested in you?” He scoffs. “Not a chance.”
I’m relieved and confused. “I don’t understand. Who is Lukas?”
I’m looking at my teacher, but it is Zeke who answers. “Let’s just say he is a high-ranking member of The Light Council.” Zeke crosses his arms and leans against the wall by the door. “And he isn’t one to be trusted. We will need to stick around and make sure he keeps his distance. At least, until we figure out what he wants from you.”
“Agreed.” Adrian dips his head, supporting his brother’s plan. Then, he looks at me. Desire, frustration and admiration swirl in his eyes. I’m not sure which emotion dominates, but all three of them make my heart race and my stomach clench.
Maintaining eye contact, and ignoring the blush I feel rising in my cheeks, I whisper, “So… you aren’t leaving me then?” My heart thumps against my chest, waiting for his answer.
Slowly, a familiar smirk lifts the corner of Adrian’s mouth. “No.” His eyes are full of heat, and they make my body feel like putty. “You’re stuck with us, Angel. For better or worse, we will be at your side.”
To be continued December 2018.
Book two is available to pre-order now!
Hunted by the Fallen: The Fallen Harem Book Two
Coming December 2018
About the Author
Samantha Britt is an avid reader and enthusiastic writer of new adult and young adult paranormal and fantasy novels. When not lost in the fictional world, you can find her in Texas. More often than not, she will be busy making memories with her precious family which includes Sam, Dan, and their mini-goldendoodle, Bailey.
To see more of Samantha’s work, visit
www.SamanthaBrittBooks.com
Samantha@SamanthaBrittBooks.com
Also by Samantha Britt
CURSE OF THE DRAEKON
Chosen
Possession
Freed - Winter 2018-2019
THE FALLEN HAREM
Claimed by the Fallen
Hunted by the Fallen
Protected by the Fallen
Touched by the Fallen
Saved by the Fallen
THE IMMORTAL CHRONICLES
Enlightened
Ensnared
Envisioned
Enraptured
Enticed: An Immortal Chronicles Story
Endured: Thane’s Story
Envied: Gregory’s Story - Coming Fall 2018
DUAL COURT
Will of Fate
Work of Fate
Waiting for Fate