Page 14 of Protected by the Fallen
All it took was for Sarah to remind Adrian about the danger his disobedience would cause for me. If he or Zeke went against the council’s order, she couldn’t guarantee my safety—she couldn’t guarantee to safeguard my secret.
Needless to say, that ended Adrian’s defiance. Or should I say, it muted his defiance. Adrian acquiesced to attending the meeting, but he wasn’t happy about it. And he definitely wasn’t happy that I came along, but what else could they do? The last time I’d been left alone in the flat, I received a threatening letter. Neither Zeke nor Adrian were willing to leave me again.
So, I walk sandwiched between them through the lair of one of the two angelic organizations which will destroy me if they figure out the truth. I barely glance at the priceless paintings and stunning artifacts spanning the length of the hallway. As far as I know, only members of the Dark Council know about our soulmate connection. But if we are about to enter a meeting with all other Dark Fallen who’d participated in the battle, our relationship is about to become much more public.
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” I whisper.
Zeke stops assessing our surroundings for threats. “Say the word, Ron, and one of us will take you back to the flat this instant.”
I know they will. But I don’t want to put them in a situation where they have to defy the council. I don’t want to find out how the council would retaliate.
“No, I’ll stay. But do I need to go into the meeting?” I express my concern of everyone finding out about our connection.
“Angel, are you ashamed of us?” Adrian teases despite the seriousness of our situation.
“Of course not,” I reply immediately. I try to ignore Adrian’s cocky smile as I continue, “But the more people know about us, the more likely they can use me against you.”
“We aren’t the enemy of every Dark Fallen in existence,” Zeke tells me.
“You aren’t?”
Both brothers chuckle. I pinch my lips together, not sure what is so funny. They are the ones who’ve been adamant about hiding me from every Fallen except for them, Joseph, and Gabe. I’d assumed that meant there were many Fallen they couldn’t trust—Fallen who’d gladly use me against them, or perhaps figure out my dual-Fallen bloodline and want to kill me for being an abomination. Excuse me for thinking they are the black sheep of the angelic community like I’d been led to believe.
“I know we are not rays of sunshine,” Zeke shakes his head with a small smile, making his blond hair sway, “but we are actually well-liked by many of our brethren.”
I face forward. “I didn’t know.”
“You wound us, Angel,” Adrian resumes his teasing. “And to think, I thought you found me charming.”
I want to tell him now is not the time for jokes, but I find I can’t deny him this small reprieve. They’ve both been on edge since I’d received the threatening note. Really, they’ve both been on edge since Mrs. Hutchins revealed my identity to the Dark Council. It is nice to see them laugh and smile. Even if it is at my expense.
I decide to play along. “You are charming,” I admit, “but that doesn’t hide the fact you have an ego the size of Texas.”
Zeke barks a laugh while Adrian frowns in mock offense. I do my best to maintain a straight face, but the corner of my lip twitches.
Adrian presses a hand against his chest, “Show mercy, Angel. You know I live and breathe solely for your approval and affection.”
“Oh my god.” I roll my eyes. “That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard you say.” I try to play it cool, but his words make my stomach flutter with happiness.
“You haven’t known him very long,” Zeke points out. “Just wait. It will get worse.”
Adrian punches his brother’s arm, but that doesn’t stop Zeke or I from laughing. Our levity dies the moment we round the next corner.
Ceiling high cherry wood doors are thrown open, revealing a room full of massive shelves lined with countless books. Normally, I’d be thrilled to encounter a library and eager to explore each aisle. In addition to helping me train with my powers, Lukas exposed me to several texts about the history of angels and the stories surrounding the Fall, but his collection had consisted of little more than a dozen volumes. There must be over one hundred books on one bookcase alone. I can only imagine what kind of information I can find in their pages.
Unfortunately, the large gathering of Fallen standing in between me and the enticing library would make any exploration impossible. Adrian, Zeke, and I are not immediately noticed. Without a word being exchanged between us, we’d stopped walking the moment we turned the corner, and each of us become consumed with our own thoughts about the crowd before us.
I knew the moment we’re noticed. A female Fallen, I think she’s only the third or fourth I’ve ever seen, had been flicking back her hair when her eye was drawn to the three figures standing in the entrance of the hallway. I watch as she turns to the male beside her, tapping his shoulder and whispering excitedly. Straining my ears, I manage to pick up the words, “Zeke”, “Nephilim”, and “council”.
I don’t bother to think about what she’s said. For all I know, everyone here knows the council is blackmailing Adrian and Zeke to work for them. There is no point in wondering. I’ll learn what everyone knows soon enough.
The male looks up after the female stops talking, taking note of our presence. Then, he turns and says something to the group of angels around him. Like wildfire, news of our arrival spreads through the gathering. All eyes are on us, and it takes all of my self-control to not step behind the Dark Fallen to hide me from view. I’ve never been under such scrutiny. Not even when I performed a monologue during one of my middle school plays. The students and parents in the audience had been too busy looking at their phones to pay attention to me stutter through my lines.
I peek up at Adrian and Zeke on either side of me. They wear bored expressions, but there is a hard glint in their eyes. They look every part the stoic, yet formidable warriors I imagined them to be. Why else would the Dark Council go through the trouble of ensuring their service? My twobashertensare powerful, and it looks like all of the Fallen in front of us are acutely aware of that fact.
The staring continues, and I do my best not to fidget. I feel their eyes trail over me from head to toe. Several angels whisper, but I don’t try to listen this time. Chances are I won’t like what I hear.
Near the back of the group, closest to the open library, a broad Fallen begins nudging people aside, making his way towards us. I’m surprised when I recognize him.
