Page 37 of Claimed by the Fallen
Zeke’s expression is carefully neutral as he tucks his hands into his jean pockets and says, “Hi,Ron.”
My pulse flutters. Zeke is the only person to ever use the shortened version of my normal nickname. I know I’ve already said it, but itreallyishim.
Zeke steps forward. I inhale sharply, thinking he is going to hug me or something. Instead, he moves to the side so another man can step up besidehim.
I barely glance at the man, but then I do a double-take. “Adrian?”
“Hello, Angel,” he greets. “Surprised?”
“Um… should I be?” I look between the men. Then, like a swift punch to the gut, their similarity knocks the air from my lungs. I see their matching hazel eyes and their rugged jawlines. I understand why Adrian seemed so familiar to me the first time I saw him at theconcert.
I look at Adrian, remembering what he said about the night Joey and I were attacked. “Zeke is yourbrother.”
Adrian gives me a characteristic smirk. “My twin,actually.”
Twins.
I shake my head, trying to wrap my head around the newest piece of information. It’s nowhere near as unbelievable as the whole angel thing, but it’s stillcrazy.
What are the chances Adrian’s brother was my kickboxing instructor, but Adrian didn’tknow?
Very slim, Irealize.
I fold my arms. “What are you two doinghere?”
I’m speaking to both of them, but I keep my eyes on Adrian. I can’t bring myself to look at Zeke. I’m a bundle of emotions from seeing him again, and things are already complicated enough without adding my angsty-teen feelings to themix.
“We’re here to escort you home,” Adrian tells me. He looks around the restaurant, and I know the moment he spots Gabe. There is an antagonist gleam in his eye—one I only see right before he does something to irritate Mr. Cohen or hisbrother.
Despite spending three days interacting with my pseudo-bodyguards, I still don’t understand the animosity between Adrian and the other two angels. I suspect there is a detailed history between them, but I haven’t ventured to ask any of them what itis.
All I know is the men do not like one another. But, for some reason, they are working together to keep me safe. But that doesn’t mean they are friendly or even polite to one another. I’ve yet to learn whatbashertmeant, but my gut says their tense truce is directly related to the odd term… andme.
The air behind me shifts, and I hear Gabe say, “You seem to have wasted a trip. I’m taking Veronicahome.”
“Consider yourself relieved of duty,” Adrian responds. “My brother and I need to speak withVeronica.”
Then, Adrian faces me, and eyes me up and down. “And we still need to practice controlling your Angel Fire, don’twe?”
I hadn’t forgotten I asked Adrian to help me with the manifestation of my angelic powers, but he claimed we needed to wait a few more days before we can practice. Apparently, as a newly emerging Nephilim, the recent use of Angel Fire means my stores of power are depleted. It will take time before I can conjure it again. My response to the delay had been relief, as well asdisappointment.
Part of me wants to avoid working with the frightening golden light, but I know the sooner I learn to control the otherworldly abilities, the sooner I can return to a normal life. Though I’ve accepted the fantastical truth of my heritage, that doesn’t mean the acceptance is easy. I can only hope things will be better once the threat of the demons is behind me and the angels no longer hover over my every move. But all of those thoughts are shoved to the edges of my mind as my eyes, once again, land onZeke.
I never respond to Adrian’s comment about Angel Fire. Seeing my attention, Zeke asks, “Your shift ends at three, right?” I don’t know how he knows that. I look at my smart-watch and realize its five minutes pastthree.
It takes me a second to formulate words. “Um… technically, yes. But I don’t know if Mr. Lee will want me to staylate.”
Bold as ever, Adrian calls out, “Mr. Lee, do you want Veronica to stay past hershift?”
I spin around to face the counter. Mr. Lee is on the phone, taking a to-go order. I exhale, relieved he hasn’t seemed to hear Adrian’s question. Unfortunately, his daughterdid.
Annie stands beside her dad, and her eyes glitter with delight as she says, “Nope. Ronnie is off. You’re good to go,girl.”
My eyes widen, and I silently ask Annie what she thinks she’s doing. Shouldn’t she be concerned a stranger is asking about my work schedule and waiting for me to get off? For all she knows, Adrian could be akidnapper.
“Are you sure?” I ask in a leading tone. I want her to say I should stay. I don’t want to leave and face whatever is about to come myway.
Annie presses her lips together, hiding her smile. “I’ve got it covered, Ronnie.” She sounds calm, but I see the excitement lingering in her eyes. She’s going to be calling me as soon as she thinks I’m alone so she can get the scoop on the three men currently commanding myattention.
