Page 15 of Hunted by the Fallen
Before I can ask about this mysterious friend, he continues, “So what do yousay?”
What do I say? I say no. There is no motivation for me to make this deal with Lukas, and he hasn’t even implied he intends to provide incentive. Not only that, but there is no way in hell my four bodyguards will be okay with the arrangement. Even if I wanted to agree, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Fallen decided to lock me inside my house to keep me from meeting the angel responsible for my parents’abduction.
No. There is no way I can agree to Lukas’request.
So, aiming to sound as polite as possible, I answer, “Sorry. Ican’t.”
If Lukas is surprised by my answer, he doesn’t show it. His expression remains neutral. “Can’t, orwon’t?”
“Um… a little ofboth.”
“Hmm.” He frowns. “Pity.”
“I’m sorry,” I say again. Seeing an opportunity to end our impromptu conversation, I stand from the table, determined to find one of my four bodyguards and escape thissituation.
But Lukas’ next words glue my feet to the floor. “Tell me, Veronica, don’t you want to know who your parentsare?”
Seven
My pulse spikes.At first, I’m not sure I heard him correctly. If Lukas knows my Fallen parents’ identities, we wouldn’t be here talking about my healing powers. Lukas would be reporting my tainted existence to the LightCouncil.
Or that’s what I’d been led tobelieve.
Had my protectors deceived me when they told me I’d be in danger if the councils found out aboutme?
I need more information before I decide how to respond to Lukas’ shocking question. I try to play it cool. “Excuseme?”
“Come now, Veronica. You didn’t think I would’ve come to you with nothing tooffer?”
That’s exactly what’d I thought. “You know who my parentsare?”
“Not yet.” He exudes complete confidence, “but I am certain I can ascertain their names if you helpme.”
I try not to show my relief. My initial assumption about what Lukas knew had been right. My secret is safe. But not for long if he decides to search for myparents.
“Thanks, but I think I’llpass.”
Lukas blinks. Hints of disbelief flicker in his gaze. “You don’t wish to know who your parentsare?”
“Why should I? They left me.” Besides, I already have a set of amazing and supportive parents. What good would learning who my Fallen parents are do? Maybe, and this is a big maybe, they will be able to help me understand my emerging angelic powers, but I don’t think the information would make meeting the angels who’d abandoned me worthit.
His disbelief grows. “You truly do not wish toknow?”
“Nope,” I reply honestly. Nor do I want him, or any other Fallen for that matter, digging into the mystery. My safety is dependent on the truth of my half-blood status remaining asecret.
“Hmm.” Lukas rubs his chin thoughtfully. “Interesting.”
Not really. I bite my cheek, holding in thecomment.
“Regardless,” he tells me. “You will help me. Right now, as a matter offact.”
“What?... Now?” I don’t even balk at the fact Lukas is going to make me help him. Part of me had suspected there was no telling him no, but I had to give it a shot. An angel who goes out of his way to abduct my parents to get me to meet him doesn’t seem like someone who took rejection lyingdown.
“Yes.” Lukas stands, straightening his suit jacket. “Now.”
He lifts a hand and snaps his fingers. The patio drops out of sight as I am transported away from The Pier. My stomach rolls. I feel like I’m on a zero-gravity rollercoaster at a theme park. None of the Fallen have used their powers to transport me from one location to another, preferring to fly with me in their arms. I hope that continues to be the case. I’m not fond ofvomiting.
Green grass appears below. I collide with the earth and land on my hands and knees, reeling from the disorientingexperience.
