Page 17 of Hunted by the Fallen
“That is typically by choice,” he tellsme.
Why would anyone choose not to have money? I voice thequestion.
“I, honestly, cannot fathom the reason behind such an unusual decision,” he says. “You would have to ask the Fallen in question. You can start with Adrian andEzekiel.”
My eyes widen. “Adrian?”
“And histwin.”
Zeke stands for Ezekiel? And he and Adrian choose not to berich?
Lukas watches me digest the information. “I’ve observed your interactions with the Fallen, and I don’t understand why they seem so determined to leave you in ignorance. If you trusted me with your angelic education and powers, I would never be sosecretive.”
I don’t even have the ability to register the fact he said he’s observed me with my four Fallen bodyguards. “Are you saying you want to trainme?”
“If I did, I would not coddleyou.”
I look away and focus on a landscape painting hanging along the wall beside the staircase, on the left side of the entryway. I don’t doubt for a second that Lukas only has his best interests in mind, but I can’t deny the offer is tempting. Joseph, Gabe, Adrian and Zeke have tried to help me develop my powers since day one, but they’ve also kept secrets about the depth of my abilities and other important facts about the angelic world I’ve been throwninto.
Do I believe the two sets of brothers want me to master all of my angelic abilities? For self-protection, I think they do. But I have doubts that the Fallen want me to master and demonstrateallof myabilities.
It’s hard to say why, but I think the brothers have a misguided sense of how to keep me safe. The more my powers manifest, the more likely my power can be detected by other Fallen. And until we come up with a plan to conceal the truth regarding my birth parents, I know they don’t want me mingling with other Fallen. Even then, I suspect they still might want to keep me isolated. All in the name of protecting me. And the fact they think I am their soulmate definitely doesn’t help motivate them to relax a littlebit.
Suddenly, I wonder if the Fallen wanted to keep me from Lukas for more reasons than just because he abducted myparents.
Sure, Lukas wanted something from me. But at least he’s being honest. I don’t have to guess why I am here, in his home, halfway across the world. Lukas had been up front, and I appreciatethat.
But rather than make any rush decisions which could have unforeseen consequences, I say, “I’ll think about it. Now, who did you bring me here tohelp?”
Lukas’ gaze lingers on me. I can feel its pressure against my cheek. But when I turn back to look at him, he tips his head toward the staircase. “Thisway.”
We climb one flight of stairs before moving to another. Each one features an ivory hand rail, carved with flowers and vines twisting up the rail as we ascend. I’m so caught up in admiring its elegance, I almost trip on the top stair step. Quick as lightening, Lukas reaches out and steadies me, immediately releasing me once I have mybalance.
“Thanks.” I’m embarrassed by myclumsiness.
“You’re welcome.” We pass by several oil portraits, hanging in dark oak frames, before we arrive outside of a tall set of doubledoors.
Lukas surprises me when he knocks on the dark oak. Isn’t this hishouse?
A faint male voice calls, “Comein.”
The room is dark. Heavy maroon curtains block out all natural light. A thick Persian carpet blankets the floor, centered underneath a large king-sized bed. Settled in the center of the bed is a man. Or, rather, anangel.
“How are you feelingCharles?”
Lukas’ assistant wheezes, “Fine.” Though, his appearance says otherwise. Dark purple circles shadow his eyes, and his cheeks are gaunt. Pale skin stretches over his bones. His hair is full of tangles and the room is smells like sickness and lemon-scented disinfectant. Charles looks like he’s been sick for several weeks. The male’s white wings come intoview.
“Oh my god,” I breathe, shocked and horrified at what I see. Charles’ feathers are bent at odd angles. Several jagged sections and protrusions indicate brokenbone.
“God has nothing to do with this,” Lukasmurmurs.
Charles looks at me, then at Lukas. “I told you,” he pauses for a ragged breath, “I told you I didn’t want you to bring her.” I’m taken aback by Charles’ words. The first, and last, time I saw him, he’d been nothing but subservient to Lukas. Hearing he made demands of Lukas is asurprise.
“I am not about to let you perish for my foolish decision,” Lukasreplies.
“That is… not your choice tomake.”
“Well, you can seek justice once you are healed.” Lukas gestures for me to approach the bed. “As I’ve said, Veronica, I require your services. Please heal my stubborn colleague of his ailments, and I will be in yourdebt.”
