Page 45 of Claimed by the Fallen
Preston’s cheeks turn pink. “I want to take you on a date.” He misunderstands my reaction. “Are you… seeing someone orsomething?”
“No!” I cough to clear my throat, my brain finally catching up with what is happening. Thoughts of Gabe disappear. All I see is my childhood crush, looking nervous to be talking tome.“I mean, no. I’m not seeinganyone.”
His face brightens. “So… are you interested? To go on a date withme?”
Now, my cheeks color. “Sure. That would be fun.” I sound composed, but I’m a tangle of excitement andnervousness.
“Cool.” Preston smiles shyly. Again, I’m taken aback by his timidity. I’m the least intimidating person on the planet. “How about we head downstairs and grab some water? We can decide what we want to do on ourdate.”
I must be dreaming. How many times have I imagined this moment? Never, in my life, would I think this could really happen to me, Veronica Messenger, notorious bookworm and socialnobody.
Just as soon as the fluttering starts in stomach, an opposing reaction takes root in my chest. The sharp pain reminds me of the morning after my birthday. I nearly fold over, but I steady myself on the banister at myside.
I return Preston’s smile, hoping it isn’t a grimace as I say, “Actually, I have to go. My friend is here to take me home.” I clench my teeth to withhold a hiss as the stab seems to morph into hundreds of sharp needles. I don’t understand the conflictingfeelings.
Preston’s expression shifts, and I see his disappointment. “Okay. I’ll call you tomorrow to makeplans?”
I nod eagerly, hoping he doesn’t think I’m blowing him off. Despite the pain robbing me of breath, I manage say, “Yes. Soundsgreat.”
We remain there for another moment. Then, someone from downstairs calls out, “Preston, man, let’s go. We’re waiting for you to start beerpong.”
Preston lifts a finger, telling his friend to wait. Then, he looks down at me and says, “I’ll talk to you later,Veronica.”
I continue to smile the best I can. “Bye,Preston.”
He walks down the stairs, sparing me one last glance, before he disappears into the crowded diningroom.
The moment Preston is out of sight, I sag against the railing. My arms shake from the weight, and I feel faint. I don’t understand what is happening to me. The pain sears throughout my body. After not experiencing it for days, I thought my bout with transformative pain was over. Turns out, that is not thecase.
My vision blurs around the edges. I try to walk the last two stairs to the second floor, hoping to duck into an unoccupied room until the awful feeling passes, when gravity overcomes the strength of my muscles. I start to fall backward, and I have absolutely no strength to stopit.
I squeeze my eyes closed, bracing myself forimpact.
Only, the impact nevercomes.
Before I can tumble down the wood staircase, two strong arms wrap around my back and knees, catching and hoisting me up as if I weigh no more than apillow.
I open my eyes, but my vision is completely blurred at this point. I’m losing my battle with consciousness, but I hear a, now, familiar voice say, “Don’t worry, Angel. I’ve got you.” Then, darkness wins and pulls me under its heavyweight.
Seventeen
I’m lyingin my bed the morning after the party, stretching out my limbs, when memory of the pain from last night hits me. I sit up quickly, startling Periwinkle who is sleeping on the edge of my bed. She jumps down and scurries out of the room as I assess my body. I don’t feel any lingering pain. I’m momentarily relieved before I remember this is the second… no… third time I’ve felt the stabbing feelings in my chest andstomach.
The pain began on my eighteenth birthday, and I know it has something to do with my developing angelic powers. But I thought it hadstopped.
I need to speak with the four angels and ask them for a solution. I cannot continue to live my life with the constant threat of debilitating pain hanging overhead. If my parents find out, they will think it’s some kind of illness. I don’t doubt they will try to keep me from moving away for college until I’m cured. I can’t let thathappen.
With resolve, I throw off my covers and head to the bathroom. I shower and wrap myself in my towel-robe. After brushing my teeth, I walk downstairs for a glass ofwater.
I yelp when I step into the kitchen and see, not one, but four angels sitting at my family’s table. They rise at the sametime.
“What are you guys doing here?” I cross my arms and hold the robe tightly against my body. “How’d you getin?”
“Checking on you,” Adriananswers.
“Through the front door,” Mr. Cohen replies,too.
Zeke and Gabe are tightlipped, but their eyes trail over me, looking for any sign of injury orfatigue.
