Page 2 of Hunted by the Fallen
Dad smiles at me affectionately. “I know you are. But getting the chance to spend some time with you is a pleasantsurprise.”
I smile back, but the effort is weak. My lips wobble. I’m still affected by my nightmare. I take another sip of coffee and resume watching Peri to hideit.
“You want to know why I think you aren’tsleeping?”
My pulse quickens, and I fear the Fallens’ mind-erasing ability has failed. I dread the possibility my dad might remember what really happened to him last Friday night. I’m afraid he knows he’s adopted a demon-killingmonster.
I slowly rotate to look at my dad. “What do youthink?”
Instead of the reproachful or disapproving glare I expect, his face breaks into another affectionate smile. “You’ve experienced a lot of exciting life events recently. You graduated high school, turned eighteen and you’re about to go to college. I believe all of the excitement is affecting youphysiologically.”
My relief makes me want to collapse back into the patio chair. “You may be right. I’ve had a lot on my mind,lately.”
Like how I’m an abomination to both man and Fallenangels.
Dad reaches over and pats my arm. “I know, Ronnie. Maybe drink herbal, non-caffeinated tea before going to bed. Between that and working out more, you should be able to sleepsoundly.”
I nod. “That’s not a bad idea. I’ll go to the store to buy some teatoday.”
“Good girl.” Dad pats my arm one more time before withdrawing. He stands and stretches his back. “Well, I better go shower. Have a good day, sweetheart.” He bends over and kisses the top of myhead.
The affection mixes with my guilt, and I am barely able to choke out, “You too,Dad.”
The back door closes behind him. Once again, I am left to my thoughts, and they return to the horrific incidence of the night I killed a living creature. I try to tell myself I shouldn’t feel bad. The demon had killed my mom and would have killed me if given the chance. It deserved todie.
But that didn’t mean I should’ve enjoyed it somuch…
I shake my head, but the movement fails to clear away the troubling thoughts. It would be one thing if I regretted my violent emotions, but even now, I relish the fact I delivered justice for my mom. And knowing that makes me worry the Fallen angel councils might be right. Maybe I really am anabomination.
Two
“Why the long face, Veronica?”A whoosh of air precedes Gabe’s arrival. He retracts his golden-white wings, landing with a soft thump in the backyard. “Your pretty face might stay that way if you aren’tcareful.”
I am not surprised by the angel’s appearance. Dad went to work about thirty minutes ago, and Mom just walked out the door. The angel acting as my bodyguard changed daily, but whoever was assigned to oversee my safety would always arrive shortly after my parents left the house. They didn’t want to risk leaving me alone for longer than necessary, but they didn’t want to be caught by my parents either. A consideration I would never stop being gratefulfor.
What I am surprised by, however, is hearing Gabe call me pretty. My cheeks color slightly, and I tell myself to stop being ridiculous. Gabe’s always been friendly, and he’s even called me beautiful before. But Gabe is just being nice. He isn’t trying to hit on me or anything. Despite the fact he and his brother claim I am their soulmate, the Light Fallen haven’t changed the way they treat me. If anything, it’s almost like the dark-haired brothers are walking on eggshells, worried about rattling me more thannecessary.
I shove all thoughts of the soulmate debacle to the side and I murmur my answer to his question, “Still not sleepingwell.”
Gabe’s eyes dim. “The nightmare?” Gabe was the only angel I’d confessed the truth of my terrifying dreams to. I don’t really know why I decided to tell him the truth, but I suppose it’s because Gabe has always seemed approachable. His lighthearted personality makes it easy to tell him things. Unless he is arguing with the Dark Fallen, ofcourse.
“Yeah.” I rub my eyes. “It’s like I’m reliving that night every time I close myeyes.”
Gabe’s athletic shorts shift as he walks forward to take the seat my dad had abandoned. I take in his casual attire from his sneakers to his faded hoodie. Gabe clears his throat. When I look at him again, I flush, realizing he noticed myperusal.
“Aren’t you warm?” I gesture toward hishoodie.
Gabe’s eyes twinkle. “Notreally.”
I attempt to maintain eye contact, but it isn’t long before I look away. His expression is too open—too teasing. Despite everything that’s happened, Gabe is still the charismatic and easygoing angel from before. The others don’t hide their disapproval for my unwise decision to go to the warehouse on my own, but Gabe hasn’t reprimanded meonce.
“So, what’s on our agenda today? More kickboxing? Or do you have to go towork?”
“I’m off today. And no to kickboxing.” I rub my sore arms, remembering how hard I went during my last class. I really should cool it with my workouts. They don’t seem to be curing me of nightmares, anyway. “I’ll find some other way to tire myselfout.”
Gabe watches me, concern flitting into his expression before he conceals the emotion. “How about a jog? I could use some exercisemyself.”
I scoff, and my gaze swings back to Gabe. I know there is nothing but muscle underneath his casual attire. But a jog actually sounds like a good idea. It’s been ages since I’ve run by choice, and not because demons were chasingme.
