Anger thrums from the Fallen. Neither of them try to block their emotions from me. I know they are dangerously close to losing control.
I speak before they have the chance, “And what will happen if they comply with the councils demands?”
“Ron.”
“Angel.”
Both of them disapprove of the question, but I keep my attention on their mother. I wait for her answer.
“The Dark Council will want to keep tabs on all three of you. If Adrian and Ezekiel do what the council requests, no harm will come to you. Any of you.”
I wait until I know the brothers register what she’s said. There is a way to keep me safe, which I know is what they want more than anything. Their anger remains, but a tendril of acceptance flits into their feelings.
Only then do I say, “Can we have a minute to talk?”
“Of course.” Sarah spares each of her sons a lingering look. It’s obvious she regrets the strain between them. I’m interested to learn what’s happened to cause such coldness between them. Their mother lifts the hood back over her head and disappears through the nearest side door.
I count to ten before saying, “I can’t let anything happen to my parents.”
“We can’t let anything happen to you.” Adrian replies. “The council is bluffing. They wouldn’t dare lay a hand on you.”
“Are you sure about that?” I think about the Fallen with the raspy voice. I got the sense he wasn’t one who shied away from violence if it meant getting his way.
“We will protect you,” Zeke’s gaze urges me to believe him. “All of us. You aren’t alone.”
I know he’s referencing the Light Fallen. And I believe him. My protectors will do everything in their power to keep me and my loved ones safe. But I can’t ignore the voice in the back of my mind telling me they won’t be enough. They cannot stand up against the power of the Dark Council.
My voice pitches low, “They don’t know about my parents. Do you think your mom will keep my secret safe?”
“Yes.” They both reply. Though there is obvious tension amongst the family of three, they trust her. That’s all I need to know.
“Hear me out,” I take a fortifying breath, bracing myself for the inevitable argument. “Let’s go along with the Dark Council’s demands. Just for now. Let them think they’ve gotten their way. I don’t blame them for wanting help with fighting the Darkness, and I honestly cannot handle the thought of my parents being in danger again because of me.” I rush the words, afraid I wouldn’t be able to get them out before the Fallen interrupt me.
The brothers share a glance, debating their response.
“Alright.”
“Really?” I can’t believe it. I think I’ve misheard them. But they’ve really agreed. “That’s it?”
“That’s it,” Adrian nods. “If it means you will rest easy, we can go along with the Dark Council for a period of time.”
I’m touched. They are willing to align themselves with an organization they, clearly, don’t want to have any part of. All for me. My heart swells with affection. I feel tears gather in my eyes.
“Thank you,” I choke out.
“There are conditions, of course.” A mischievous gleam enters Adrian’s eyes.
Of course, there are. “What conditions?”
Zeke clears his throat. I look his direction. He wears an apologetic expression. “All of the council’s associates must live near their embassy.”
I look around at the fresco-ceiling room. “Are we in their embassy?”
“Yes.”
“And where is their embassy located?” I brace myself for the answer.
“London.”
I exhale. “I see.” At least it’s not Antarctica. But, honestly, it’s not like distance matters. The Fallen can transport places quickly. I will see them all the time. Or so I try to convince myself. “I will miss you guys a lot.”
“I don’t think you understand, Angel.” Adrian smirks. Though, the amusement doesn’t reach his eyes. “You will be living with us.”
“I’ll what?”
“The council will require it,” Zeke confirms. “Bashertens do not live separately. They will think we are planning to deceive them if you are not with us.”
My jaw drops. “You’re being serious.”
“Unfortunately.”
I squeeze my eyes shut. Do they really expect me to move to London? To move in with them?
That’s ridiculous. My whole life is back in Valley Lake. My parents and friends will miss me. They won’t let me go without a fight. I tell the Fallen as much.
“This is your choice, Ron,” Zeke tells me. “We will do whatever you want. But if you want to keep the council far from your family, this is the best way to make that happen.”
I feel trapped. Neither option is without repercussions. But I have to do what’s best for the most people. And that means I have to make sacrifices.
“I guess I’m moving to London.”
Both Fallen stiffen. I realize they expected me to change my mind. “Are you sure?” Adrian asks, all mischief is gone.
“I’m sure,” I sigh. I’ll do anything for the people I care about. Absolutely anything.
“Well… I guess that settles it. Let’s go tell our mother what we’ve decided.”
Zeke nods. “And then we can show you your new home,” he watches me, searching for even a hint of uncertainty.
I don’t let him find any. “Let’s do it.”
And just like that, I am moving in with two Fallen angels.
But not just any Fallen, my soulmates.
Two out of the four.
I can only imagine what chaos will ensue when the Light Fallen learn of my new living arrangement, but they will have to understand. I’ll do anything to keep my friends and family safe. It’s who I am, and it’s who I will always be. Either they accept it, or they reconsider whether or not I am the girl for them. Which I know they believe I am.
I haven’t admitted as much to the Fallen, but I cannot imagine my life without them—any of them. All that’s left is for me to figure out how to juggle feelings for four guys.
But that shouldn’t be that hard. After all, Gabe made it sound like they’ve all started to accept the fact I am connected to all of them.
They will understand.
It will be easy.
The voice in my head chuckles, and I know I’m being optimistic. But I can’t help it. I need to believe admitting my feelings won’t cause more harm than good. I’m past the point of denying how I feel. I belong to the Fallen, and they belong to me. I can’t face what’s coming without them, nor do I want to.
We’re in this together. Even when Darkness is defeated and my secret is safe, we will remain a team.
We are destined to be together.
We are soulmates.
To be continued.
DID YOU ENJOY HUNTED BY THE FALLEN?
Consider leaving a review! Reviews are the best way to show your appreciation for a book, and authors absolutely love seeing your feedback! (I know I do!)
Link to review on Amazon:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HDJQ65B
Link to review on Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41841098-hunted-by-the-fallen
Thank you so much <3 I can’t wait to hear what you think of Veronica and her guys!!!
Samantha
Protected by the Fallen
Book 3 of 5 in The Fallen Harem Series
Coming March 2019.
Now available to pre-order on Amazon.
Stolen by Darkness
Book One in The Dark Fae Trilogy
Available EXCLUSIVELY in the Shadows and Sorcery Boxset. ONLY 99 CENTS FOR A LIMITED TIME!
Visit SamanthaBrittBooks.com to learn more and pre-order your copy TODAY!
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to Kim Cunningham for creating another stunning cover! You are incredibly talented, and I’m so happy to see y
our business grow!
Shout out to all the readers who pre-ordered Hunted by the Fallen. I cannot explain how motivating it is to see so many readers excited to see what happens next for Veronica! You are all the reason I keep writing.
And, last but not least, thank you to all of my family and friends. Your support keeps me going, and I know I couldn’t be where I am without you!
Samantha
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 learn more about Samantha’s books, visit:
www.SamanthaBrittBooks.com
[email protected]
Also by Samantha Britt
THE FALLEN HAREM
Claimed by the Fallen
Hunted by the Fallen
Protected by the Fallen
Touched by the Fallen
Saved by the Fallen
CURSE OF THE DRAEKON
Chosen
Possession
Freed
DUAL COURT SERIES
Will of Fate
Work of Fate
Waiting for Fate
THE IMMORTAL CHRONICLES
Enlightened
Ensnared
Envisioned
Enraptured
Enticed: An Immortal Chronicles Story
Endured: Thane’s Story
Envied: Gregory’s Story
Hunted by the Fallen: A Fallen Angel Reverse Harem Novel (The Fallen Harem Book 2) Page 17
