Page 43 of Claimed by the Fallen
“Do you know that guy?” Prestonasks.
“Yeah.” I walk forward and unlock the door. I step back as it swings open and Gabe steps into thehouse.
“Hello,Veronica.”
“Hey, what’s up?” I fidget, knowing Preston is watching the interaction. I observe Gabe’s face, searching for any sign there is danger afoot. I pray no demons have followed my invisible angelic vibes to the party. I don’t want anyone to get hurt because I decided to finally try and socialize with myclassmates.
Gabe’s eyes twinkle as he says, “Nothing much. Just thought I’d come check out theparty.”
My eyebrows turn down. “What?”
But Gabe isn’t given time toanswer.
“Do you know Freddy?” Prestonasks.
Gabe looks over my shoulder. I turn around and see Preston’s wide stance and crossedarms.
From behind me, I hear Gabe reply, “I’m a friend of his parents,actually.”
I frown, disapproving of Gabe’slie.
Preston’s face pales. “Oh… uh. We’re just hanging out.” He’s worried Gabe is here to bust the party. I see Preston’s gaze dart toward the spiked punchbowl.
“Really?” Gabe’s arm moves into my sight as he reaches around and plucks the plastic cup from my fingers. He lifts it to his nose and sniffs. “Sure does smell like you’re doing more than ‘hangingout’.”
Preston’s throat bobs. “L-let me go find Freddy.” Without waiting, he rushes out of the kitchen to find the host of theparty.
“Are you insane?” I whirl on Gabe. He’s leaning against the back door, smiling proudly. “Why would you lie about knowing Freddy’sparents?”
“It’s not a lie,” he surprises me by saying, “and I needed him to leave so I could talk toyou.”
Foreboding hovers like a dark cloud over my head. “Why? What’s happened? What’swrong?”
“Another yancor demon has been spotted around your house. He was careful to keep his distance, but Adrian found him anyway. They’re gettingsmarter.”
I know that doesn’t bode well for me. “How long until the nest is cleared?” I can’t wait until my life can resume somenormalcy.
“No idea,” Gabe doesn’t sugar-coat it. “We’re trying to find the nest and neutralize the leader, but the yancor demons are proving themselvesresourceful.”
“What does that even mean?” Gabe acts like I know what he’s talking about, but he needs to remember this is all new to me. I’d suspected the creatures weren’t intelligent when they attacked me on Mrs. Hall’s yard, but I don’t understand what is, or isn’t, normal behavior for the scalydemons.
“It means the yancor demons are organized, more than usual. They aren’t the brightest things, but they seem determined to not lose you asprey.”
I suck in a breath. “But why? What’s so different aboutme?”
Gabe’s eyes trail over me. I see his eyes flash before he says, “Many things, Isuspect.”
Before I can ask what he means, Annie bounds into the kitchen. “Ronnie, there youare.”
I spin around and see her stop short when she seesGabe.
“Oh… Hi.” She glances between me and Gabe, but her eyes linger on the handsome angel with each look. Annie shakes herself out of her stupor and closes the distance between us. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Annie.” She holds out herhand.
Gabe takes the offer. “Nice to meet you, Annie. I’mGabe.”
“Nice to meet you, too. Are you… friends with Ronnie?” Annie’s coffee eyes swing to me and they gleam. I know she recognizes Gabe from therestaurant.
“We met at the restaurant,” I answer for Gabe. “He’s friends with Mr. and Mrs. Hutchins,apparently.”
