Page 57 of Claimed by the Fallen
“I will if you tellme.”
I hold my breath, hoping logic convinces Zeke to admit what’s going on. I want to know what he meant, and I need to understand why he is acting so frightened. If this is really the cause of the strain between the angels, I want to know aboutit.
Zeke’s eyes flicker shift between mine. He’s searching for something, but I don’t know what it is. All I can do is stand firm andwait.
The seconds tick by on the clock hanging by the counter. My breathing is accelerated, but I do my best to conceal it fromZeke.
He continues to watch me until, finally, he speaks, “Bashertmeans soulmate. Or something similar,” hesays.
I dip my chin, then wait formore.
Zeke closes his eyes tight. It’s just for a moment. Then, when he opens them, there is strength and resolve behind the hazel irises. “And you’reours.”
Twenty
“I’m your what?”I continue to stare, unsure if I’m understanding Zekecorrectly.
“Ourbashert.” He’s distinctly uncomfortable, looking down and back up at me repeatedly. But I don’tcare.
“But…” The news begins to sink in, and I recall Gabe saying the same thing to me on the day of the second demon attack. “But Gabe said…” My lips can’t form thewords.
Zeke grimaces. “I know what Gabe said, but I’m telling you… you are ourbashert.” He may hesitate, but there is resolve in hiswords.
Blood is rushing through my ears. I barely hear myself as I repeat, “You think I’m yourandAdrian’s soulmate?” Can a person even have more than one soulmate? Wouldn’t that defeat the purpose of having a soulmate in the firstplace?
Zeke isn’t looking at me anymore. He’s found the ground below very entertaining. “Yes.”
I inhale sharply. This is too crazy. I can’t handleit.
Iwon’thandleit.
I leave the table. I walk straight to the kitchen where employees store their personal items. Both Laura and the cook stare at me when I enter, but I don’t pay them any mind. I’m focused on getting out of here.Now.
I grab my purse from the metal hook on the wall and walk back into the dining room. Without sparing Zeke a glance, I leave therestaurant.
I’m nearly at my mom’s car before I hear him call out, “Ron!Wait!”
I ignore him. I slide into the car and pull out of my parking spot. I drive home, and my mind iswhirling.
I don’tunderstand.
How can I be the soulmate—bashert—to both Zeke and Adrian? This can’t be possible. Itshouldn’tbepossible.
My body is on autopilot as I drive home. My mind is distracted with realization after realization. I understand, now, the true depth of animosity between the dark and light brothers. Gabe had stated, rather confidently, that I was his and Mr. Cohen’sbashert.Each of them believes I am their soulmate, and they dislike the claims the others make. I feel sick to mystomach.
Now that I know the word means soulmate, I am mortified by my friendly behavior with Gabe and Mr. Cohen today—with all of the angels—ever. The last thing I want to do is encourage any of them. I’m only eighteen years old. I have no interest in finding a soulmate, let alone being fought over by four angelicones.
This can’t be mylife.
Before I know it, I’mhome.
I exit the car, and nearly have a heart attack when I see Zeke standing in front of me. I jump back and clutch mychest.
I’m speechless, then I pull myself together. “Go away, Zeke. I don’t want to talk to you.” There are too many thoughts and feelings fighting for control in me. I won’t be able to have a reasonable conversation rightnow.
A flicker of remorse shows in his expression. “I understand, but we need to talk.” He crosses his arms, determined for me to hear himout.
But I’m more determined to avoidhim.
