Page 10 of Protected by the Fallen
Some of the tension leaves me. “I believe you.” I turn back and stare out the window. Softly, I murmur, “Thank you for coming.”
“Of course.”
“No thanks necessary.”
I close my eyes and allow myself to be comforted by their presence. Then, without thinking, I confess, “I’ve missed you.”
I should feel embarrassed. And I am a little.
But more than that, I’m relieved. I’m relieved to see the Light Fallen. Before this week, I hadn’t gone more than a day without seeing them. Like I said, all of the Fallen were dedicated to keeping me safe. And I never could have imagined how empty my days would feel without them around. It’s not like they’ve been in my life for that long. It’s been less than a month. But that doesn’t diminish the impact they’ve had.
I know my feelings aren’t entirely my own. After all, they’re my soulmates—orbashertensas the males in a soulmate coupling tend to be called. My soul is linked to theirs. All four of them.
Which is why I shouldn’t be surprised that I feel the Light Fallen’s absence so keenly. I’m glad to have them back with me. Even if their arrival was a surprise and part of me still worries about Zeke and Adrian. I have no choice but to trust Gabe and Joseph when they say they will be alright.
Neither of the Light Fallen say a word. I glance over my shoulder, and what I see causes me to fully turn around. My heart pounds in my chest as I register twin looks of longing and adoration on their faces. My whispered declaration affected them greatly, and the knowledge makes my soul purr with satisfaction.
“G-guys?” I clear my throat. I’m too caught up in their emotion to feel embarrassed.
My senses are heightened, and so are theirs. Our soulmate connection allows me to decipher their feelings, and they can decipher mine. But the Fallen normally try to conceal such things from me. It’s never been said, but I know they don’t wish to overwhelm me. If they feel half of what I do, their feelings are strong, and I suspect a part of the Fallen feels embarrassed to have their private emotions on display.
But in moments like this—when affection is heightened—reservation is abandoned. I am bombarded with the sweetest and most flattering emotions. I once believed the Fallen only felt a sense of obligation to me. They stuck around in order to protect an orphan ignorant of who she really is. Part of me still feels that way sometimes, but I cannot deny that the emotions flying across the room are sincere. Joseph and Gabe missed me just as much as I missed them, and the truth makes me want Gabe to wrap me in his arms again and never let go.
Without thinking, I take a step away from the window. My gaze alternates between Gabe and Joseph. The former continues to wear his adoration on his face, while my ex-teacher seems to have regained self-control. Disappointment stings my chest. Of all the Fallen, Joseph has been the most reserved with me.
“Guys?” I try again, taking another step. Insecurity gnaws at me when I see Joseph’s shoulders jerk back. I stop moving.
“Is everything okay?”
“Everything is perfect,” Gabe exhales. I use the opportunity to look away from Joseph. Unlike his brother, Gabe leans forward. He rests his elbows on his knees and pierces me with his swirling blue eyes, “We’ve missed you too. More than you can possible know.”
I lick my lips, and my eyes dart back to Joseph. His attention rests on my lips. I look back at Gabe. “I think I have an idea.”
Gabe’s gaze heats, and a low growl reverberates in Joseph’s throat. He pushes himself off the couch and exits the parlor without a word. I stare after him with wide eyes, wondering what I could’ve done to make him leave. Had I imagined his affectionate expression moments ago?
Gabe coughs. He rises and closes the distance between us. With each step he takes, my heart flutters, and I forget all about Joseph’s sudden exit. He grabs my hand and presses it against his chest, letting me feel his heartbeat. I stare at my fingers resting on his blue t-shirt, my thoughts racing, and all of my nerve endings burning with anticipation.
Slowly, I lift my eyes. Gabe’s lips lift in a small smile. “It’s good to see you, Veronica.”
“How’s my family?” I whisper, needing something else to focus on besides his proximity and the fact I can feel his muscles beneath my hand.
“Your parents are well… they miss you, too.”
I tuck my chin to my chest and close my eyes. “I should call them more.”
“I understand why you don’t.” Gabe’s normally so easygoing. So carefree. But in this moment, his voice Is full of understanding and comfort. I inhale and look up at him again.
“Thank you for staying in Valley Lake.” The Light Fallen had no reason to stay in the small Texas town now that I’m no longer there, but both Gabe and Joseph hadn’t hesitated to offer to stay behind and ensure my parents’ safety.
Gabe lifts his free hand and brushes his thumb against my cheek. “You don’t need to thank us. We are happy to help.”
Again, our connection permits me to sense his emotion, and his sincerity nearly overwhelms me. Gabe is genuinely glad to have stayed behind to protect my parents—all because he knows it will make me happy. I don’t deserve such loyalty. I’ve caused nothing but trouble for the Fallen since the day we met. Yet, here Gabe is, disrupting his life for probably the hundredth time this month, all for my sake.
As if reading my mind, Gabe murmurs, “I would do anything for you, Veronica.”
My chest squeezes. I think this is the first time Gabe has spoken only for himself, not lumping his brother or the Dark Fallen into his words. I press my hand more firmly against his chest, wanting every inch of my palm and fingers to touch him. I want to feel more of him.
I hear Gabe suck in a breath, and his reaction emboldens me. I bend my elbow so I can move closer. Now, we are less than a hands width apart. I stare at the base of his throat, and I see him swallow before he says, “Veronica?”
