Hunted by the Fallen: A Fallen Angel Reverse Harem Novel (The Fallen Harem Book 2)

by Samantha Britt

  My patience is rewarded.

  “Angel, I admire your desire to help others,” Adrian begins softly, “and I want you to be able to continue doing what you’d like. Despite what you believe, none of us take any joy in preventing you from going places and doing things you desire.”

  The bratty teenager in me wants to disagree. Part of me thinks the Fallen enjoy keeping tabs on me for more than just my safety. They think I’m their destined soulmate. It wouldn’t be off base to want to keep an eye on someone you care about that much. A little controlling? Sure. But not completely unreasonable. Especially after my trouble with the yancor demons.

  Adrian continues, “But you don’t know what danger the Darkness poses, Angel. All Fallen have felt it growing for years, but it spiked these past two weeks.” He pauses, and levels me with his gaze. “Do you have any idea why that might be?”

  My heart stops. How we got from speaking about my curse to discussing the Darkness stuns me. I hadn’t expected it. I swallow the lump in my throat. “My birthday?”

  He nods. “The others deny it, but I am not so optimistic. We don’t know who your parents are, and that mystery makes me fear your existence has something to do with the rise in Darkness’ efforts.”

  I’m horrified, but another emotion closes my throat. This is the most honest Adrian’s ever been with me. A surge of gratitude wells in my chest. “You think my curse has something to do with the Darkness,” I reiterate his words.

  “There’s a chance,” he says. “I do not know for sure, but I thought telling you would help you understand why all of us are so hesitant to let you resume your work with Lukas. At least right now.”

  It does. And it makes the compromise of one week even more bearable.

  “Thank you. And I agree. If Lukas shows up, I promise not to go with him.”

  Tension I hadn’t noticed is freed from his neck. “Thank you, Angel.” His voice is soft. It caresses my nickname. He frees the hold on his emotion, letting me feel his gratitude and affection. He cares about me so much. Every snarky remark or instigating grin is a mask. A mask to hide just how afraid he is that something bad might happen to me. Adrian’s never cared about anyone but Zeke before, and he wants to do everything in his power to keep me from harm.

  I suck in a breath, overwhelmed by the intensity of his feelings. My stomach flutters, and I long to close the distance between us.

  Afraid I am going to give in to my desires and throw myself at him, I turn on my heel and walk to the back door. My fingers barely touch the doorknob when he says, “One more thing, Angel.”

  Slowly, I look over my shoulder. Adrian still leans against the post, his smoldering eyes contrasting with his teasing smirk. “I don’t mind waiting my turn for a kiss, but I’d appreciate if you tried not to make it too long.”

  Twenty-One

  Once again, I find myself at Freddy Hutchin’s lakeside home. If I hadn’t already told Annie and Preston I’d go, I wouldn’t be here. But I can’t avoid seeing either of them any longer. Preston will revert back to thinking I don’t like him, and Annie is sure to kill me.

  As expected, the Fallen disapproved of the idea. None of them wanted me to go to the populated party. Fortunately, now that we’ve agreed on how to proceed after recent events, they did not fight me on going. This time, instead of the Fallen keeping watch outside, Adrian and Zeke are in the house, pretending to be party guests. Annie had leapt at the chance to see Adrian again. He must’ve made quite the impression during their hike. I try not to let it bother me. I remember his comment about waiting for my kiss, and I blush.

  My brain had momentarily shut down, unable to process the bold flirtation. When I finally snapped out of it, I mumbled some unintelligible response before frantically twisting the doorknob and running into the house. Adrian’s laugh had followed me inside, and I could still hear the teasing sound.

  It’s only been one day, but I’ve kept true to my word. I haven’t gone to help heal any of Lukas’ allies. I, also, haven’t kissed any of the Fallen. Despite Adrian’s request. And despite the many instances I wanted to. My connection with the Fallen throbbed and grew with every interaction. It was impossible to ignore.

  “Would it kill you to smile?” Annie says under her breath, handing me a cup, pulling me from my thoughts.

  I lift the cup and sniff the punch, noting the sharp burn of alcohol. “I’m fine.” In truth, I’m exhausted, and the constant chatter and loud music is grating. But I said I’d be here, so I’m here.

  Annie doesn’t buy it. “We’re here with two gorgeous guys, and you look like you just bit into a lemon.”

  I follow her gaze to where Adrian and Zeke stand on the other side of the living room. They are surrounded by four of the prettiest girls from my graduating class. One of them is Tina Peters, Preston’s ex-girlfriend. Seeing her bat her eyes at the Fallen is nauseating, and I watch her touch Adrian’s bicep. Her perfectly manicured fingers trail down his arm. Jealousy flares. To cover the emotion, I take a sip of the potent punch.

  I cough, not anticipating the unsavory flavor. “I’ve already told you,” I cough again. “We’re just friends.”

  “Uh huh,” Annie watches me with a knowing expression. “Sure. Keep telling yourself that.”

  “I mean it.” I tear my gaze away from Tina and her flirting.

  “Hm.” Annie purses her lips. “Well, that’s a good thing I guess. Because lover boy is on his way over here right now.”

  I’m not sure who she is talking about until I hear him.

  “There you are,” Preston calls from halfway across the living room, closing the distance between us. He wraps an arm around my shoulder and takes me by surprise when he leans down and presses a kiss on the top of my head.

  Several of the partygoers hear Preston’s greeting, and their mouths practically fall open in shock when they see his affectionate gesture. Apparently, news of our date hasn’t reached everyone. The whispers begin.

  “Hey.” I step back, forcing him to drop his arm.

  “I’m glad you came,” he gazes down at me with nothing short of affection. Guilt assaults me.

  How did I think I could ever have a normal relationship with Preston? My life is a mess. Even if I didn’t feel pulled toward the Fallen, it’s wrong to drag him into my chaos. It’d been wishful thinking to believe I could maintain a normal relationship in the midst of my drama. This isn’t fair to him.

  “Me too,” I reply, taking another sip of the punch. I know I need to put a stop to whatever is developing between me and Preston. It sucks, but there is no way around it. If only he could have asked me out a month ago, things would be different.

  No, they wouldn’t.

  I realize it doesn’t matter if Preston and I started dating one month ago, one year ago, or even back when we were thirteen. We would be doomed to end the moment the Fallen entered my life. Not only because my life has spun in so many complicated directions, but because I finally understand the connection I share with each of the Fallen is not something I can ignore. Lord knows I’ve tried, but I can’t deny how I feel.

  I don’t know what this will mean for my future, or the Fallen for that matter, but I am certain I cannot lead Preston on while I figure out what to do. It wouldn’t be right. He deserves better.

  Preston continues to gaze at me like I’m the only person in the room. Annie sees my face and, God bless her, she comes to my rescue.

  “Hey, Ronnie, come with me to the bathroom?” She bats her eyes at Preston. “We’ll be right back.”

  Preston’s smile falters, but he is quick to fix it. “No worries. I’ll be here.”

  Annie grabs my hand and pulls me away. Before we turn the corner, I glance over my shoulder. Adrian and Zeke are looking right at me. The Fallen dip their chin, acknowledging my departure. They must’ve been eavesdropping.

  Seeing she’s lost the Fallen’s attention, Tina turns to see what they are looking at. Her lips curl into a sneer when she sees me. She throws her hair
over her shoulder and dons a breathtaking smile, turning its full force on my guys.

  I stumble. My guys?

  Yuck. Get ahold of yourself, Veronica. You don’t own them.

  I’m saved from witnessing any more of Tina’s flirting when Annie leads me into the hallway and up the stairs. We take several more steps before Annie stops. Hands on her hips, she spins around and raises an eyebrow. “What was that?”

  I feign ignorance. “What was what?”

  “Don’t test me, Ronnie. My patience is running thin. Why did you just give Preston the cold shoulder?”

  I shift my weight and stare at the ground. “It’s… complicated.”

  Annie frowns. “Is this because I teased you about Adrian and Zeke? I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I was only joking.”

  I shake my head. “You didn’t do anything. This is all because of me.”

  “What’s because of you?”

  I don’t know what to say. The guys already warned me against telling Annie the truth, but I really need my best friend right now. I’m feeling too many things. I want… no, I need her advice.

  “I have feelings for… someone else.” I thought about saying ‘them’. Annie would’ve figure out who I meant. But, at the last second, I realize I’m not ready to be that honest. Not yet, anyway. A day will come when I will tell Annie everything. Just not yet.

  Annie gasps. “Really?” She leans closer and whispers, “Is it one of the hunks?” Her eyes dart from the left to right, opting not to use names in case someone is listening.

  “Yes,” I answer. I know exactly who she means. Funny enough, it’s both of them. Well… actually… it’s all of them. I want to laugh.

  How has this become my life? I’d been afraid I was becoming a bloodthirsty monster, but since I’ve working with Lukas to help Fallen, that fear no longer haunts me. Now, I’m a hussy who has the hotts for not one set of brothers, but two. I’m not sure which is better.

  She squeals, “I knew it! Which one?”

  I’m saved from needing to answer. “Annette Lee?”

  We look up and see Mrs. Hutchins, Freddy’s mom, standing in the doorway of a nearby room. Even at ten o’clock at night, she is stunning. Her blonde hair hands in ringlets down her back, and her yoga pants and t-shirt look like something a teenager would wear, not a forty-year-old housewife. Then again, Mrs. Hutchins has the complexion of a teenager. She really is gorgeous.

  I’d assumed Freddy’s parents were out of town. I hadn’t expected they would be okay with him throwing a party, let alone one with alcohol. Mrs. Hutchins has a reputation of being a stickler for how she and her family are perceived. Serving alcohol to minors hardly seems like something which would earn her Mother of the Year. But what do I know?

  “Hello, Mrs. Hutchins,” Annie turns on her charm. She’s good at schmoozing parents. “How are you?”

  “Just fine,” she replies with a kind smile. “Are you enjoying the party?”

  “Absolutely. Thank you so much for letting us all hang out here. Your home is beautiful.” I know Annie has met Mrs. Hutchins many times. Both she and Freddy were on the school’s tennis team. But I had no idea they were so friendly with one another.

  “Of course, dear. You’re always welcome.” At last, Mrs. Hutchins eyes trail over to me. I move the cup behind my back.

  Mrs. Hutchins’ smile falls. Shock fills her eyes as she meets my gaze. I’m thinking she is taken aback by my heterochromia. I try not to be offended.

  When she doesn’t speak, I say, “Hello, Mrs. Hutchins. I’m Veronica.”

  For the longest second, she says nothing. Mrs. Hutchins continues to gape at me like I’m some sort of freak. I feel my cheeks burn with embarrassment.

  Finally, she says, “Nice to meet you, Veronica. I hope you are enjoying the party.”

  “I am, thank you.” I look at Annie.

  Hearing my silent plea, my best friend reaches out and grabs my arm. Behind my back, I switch the cup to my other hand to avoid it spilling. “Veronica and I were just on our way to the bathroom. It was nice seeing you, Mrs. Hutchins.”

  I look up. Freddy’s mom continues to watch me. I begin to doubt my unusual eyes are responsible for the prolonged attention. Mrs. Hutchins is known for her manners. She would have quickly schooled her expression if she’d been shocked by my heterochromia. She wouldn’t want to appear rude. Whatever the reason behind her strange stare, she is unable to conceal it.

  “Of course,” Mrs. Hutchins clears her throat, a careful mask finally falling into place. “Goodbye, dear.”

  Without hesitating, Annie pulls me the other direction. I’m grateful. I’m not sure I would have been able to walk away without her help. It isn’t until we are in the bathroom with the door closed that I finally allow myself a breath. I’d felt Mrs. Hutchins attention on my back the entire time.

  “Woah,” Annie’s eyes are wide. “What was that about?”

  “Honestly, I have no idea. It was really weird.”

  “I’ll say. Mrs. H. looked like she’d seen a ghost. You two haven’t met before, right?” Annie turns and looks in the mirror. She tucks loose strands of hair behind her ear.

  “Nope.” I put my cup of punch on the counter.

  Annie purses her lips, looking at me through the reflection. “Weird.

  “But enough about that,” she changes the subject in a flash, “so… you like one of the studs downstairs.”

  Not trusting my voice, I nod.

  My best friend’s grin widens. “I totally knew it,” she repeats her earlier response.

  Despite myself, I chuckle. “Of course, you did.”

  “I mean it,” Annie spins around and leans against the counter. I place my back against the wall in front of her. “It’s obvious they’re both interested in you. And so was that Gabe guy.”

  I don’t have it in me to try and deny it.

  “Gosh, Ronnie, so many girls would kill to be in your shoes right now. Having three guys vying for your attention? That is so crazy!”

  “Four,” I say without thinking.

  Annie lifts an eyebrow. “What?”

  “Four guys,” I tell her. “If you include Preston, it’s four.” I’d actually been talking about Joseph, but I cover my mistake.

  “Oh… right.” Some of the excitement fades from her eyes. “What are you going to do about Preston?”

  “What can I do?” I stare at myself in the mirror. “I have to end it.”

  Annie bobs her head. Her voice is sympathetic. “I think that’s the right call. It’s better than leading him on.”

  My thoughts exactly. I return my attention to my friend. “You’re right.”

  Annie leans forward and drags me into a hug. Standing on my tiptoes, I rest my chin on her shoulder and wrap my arms around her back.

  “This is why you’ve been acting so weird. Isn’t it?”

  I murmur, “Yes.” Though, my complicated feelings are only part of the reason. Again, the time for confessing the truth will come.

  “Don’t worry. I know this whole situation sucks, but I will be here for you. Whatever you need, I’ve got your back.”

  “Thank you,” I whisper, hugging her tighter. “You have no idea how much I need a friend right now.”

  Twenty-Two

  Knowing I cannot hide from my problems all night, Annie and I leave the bathroom. I need to find Preston. The sooner I end things, the better.

  A line has formed in the hallway. I feel guilty. I hadn’t realized we’d been in there for so long.

  “About time,” Tina says with sass. “Took you long enough, Freak.”

  Normally, I would just move on. I would tuck my chin to my chest and escape the laughs of Tina and her posse. But not today. I’ve had it with being bullied by Tina. We aren’t in school anymore. She’s no longer the head cheerleader. She’s just another eighteen-year-old, and I am not her punching bag.

  “You know what, Tina?” I stop and walk back until I’m standing in front of he
r. Her friends grow silent, and everyone in the line is watching me.

  To her credit, Tina doesn’t bat an eye. “What, Freak?”

  “I may be a freak,” I tell her, “but that’s better than being an idiotic bitch.” Gasps bounce off the hallway.

  Her eyes flash. “What did you just say to me?”

  I step closer, invading her personal space. I refuse to be intimidated. Not anymore. Tina has no idea who, or what, she’s messing with. “You. Are. A. Total. Bitch.” I say each word slowly, sure to emphasize each syllable.

  Tina raises a hand to slap me. Tapping into my power, I use angelic speed to catch her wrist before she can make contact. Her eyes widen, and more gasps sound around us.

  I tilt my head to the side, and the monstrous part of me revels in her unease. This part of me may have lied dormant the past few days, but it is still inside me. It enjoys violence. And vengeance.

  “Did you just try to hit me?” My voice is cold and distant.

  “Ronnie?” I feel Annie touch my shoulder. “Let’s go.”

  I don’t look away from Tina. “Not until Tina apologizes.” Annie lowers her arm.

  Tina balks. “Apologize? For what?”

  For calling me a freak. For daring to flirt with the Fallen. “For being a bitch.”

  “You’re insane,” Tina tries to free her hand, but my grip is unrelenting. Whispers are exchanged amongst the spectators.

  “Apologize,” my voice loses its eerie calm. My palms heat. My Angel Fire longs to be unleashed. It takes all of my focus to keep it at bay.

  “You are a nobody,” Tina hisses, looking down at the hand around her wrist. I wonder if she can feel my power begging to be released.

  “A nobody who Preston dumped you for,” a girl mumbles near the back of the line. I don’t look to see who spoke. I think tapping into my power has unintentionally given me enhanced hearing.

  I’m proven wrong when Tina’s neck snaps to the left, staring daggers at the three girls near the end of the line. “What did you just say?”