Page 17 of Protected by the Fallen
I tighten my grip, forcing Adrian to look at me. When he does, I throw out my emotions, letting him sense my anxiety about the meeting again. This time, though, the emotion isn’t dulled. I understand they want to keep me close. I know they are afraid of what might happen to me if they’re aren’t around, but I send out confidence, silently reminding him I have Angel Fire. I can protect myself, at least for a little while. If I run into trouble, I will send out a “bat signal”. I will let them know I need help.
“I’d rather not face the council again if I don’t have to,” I whisper, well aware Jude can hear me, but hoping the other Fallen can’t.
Adrian looks at his brother. I hold my breath and let them have their silent conversation, but I continue to release how I’m feeling. Appreciation for their concern, confidence that I won’t come to harm in the hour that they are gone, and determination to defend myself if I end up being wrong.
The seconds seem to drag on as I wait for an answer. I sense Jude’s inquisitive stare. I ignore him, focused entirely on two of my soulmates, hoping they will allow me this one moment of freedom and the ability to avoid facing the formidable council for the time being.
At last, Zeke releases a breath. “Jude, will you give us a moment?”
The Fallen disappears in a flash.
Zeke brushes my arm with his fingers, making my skin sing. “We will escort you to one of the less frequented sections of the library.”
Before I can speak, Adrian adds, “And you are not to leave that section under any circumstance. Are we clear?”
I’m too thankful to be put-off by his bossy tone. “Yes,” I throw my arms around his neck. “Thank you.”
He grumbles something I don’t even try to hear, but he returns my embrace. I step back and show Zeke the same appreciation. “Thank you,” I murmur. I know he more than likely is responsible for convincing Adrian to let me stay behind.
“You’re welcome.” His hands press against my back. “But remember the deal. No wandering around.”
“No wandering.” I nod my head over his shoulder, noticing that I’ve regained the attention of the crowd of Fallen near the library, but too happy and relieved to care. “I promise.”
Seven
Zeke and Adrianweren’t joking when they said they’d escort me to an isolated part of the library. The room is massive, and I am tucked in a corner against the far-east wall. I am completely alone. The only sound comes from me flipping pages of the various tomes around me. If it wasn’t for the endless information at my disposal, distracting my mind, I would find the quiet unnerving.
After untangling myself from Adrian’s neck, the guys escorted me through the sea of Fallen, into the library. We passed row after row of filled bookcases. The leather-bound books taunted me as the guys briskly walked past them. I had to squint to try to catch a glimpse of the titles. Some were in English, but the majority were not. My eagerness grew. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on one of the mysterious volumes.
Our journey took several minutes until Adrian and Zeke found a space they determined safe enough. When the guys finally left me on my own, I searched the shelves in my immediate proximity, excited to explore their contents.
Now, I sit on the floor, staring intently at a page not written in English. Viewing the foreign script closer, I realize it is not a language I’ve ever seen before. The calligraphy is unique, and I assume it must be Angelic. I have the thought I might be able to teach myself the language, or perhaps some subconscious part of my mind already understands it. But after several minutes of not blinking, I give up. My magical abilities do not include reading unfamiliar languages.
With a sigh, I close the book and lay back on the ground to rest. The ceiling is decorated with frescos and gilded light fixtures. It reminds me of Catholic churches in Italy. Not that I’ve ever been. But I’ve seen pictures, and the artwork used to decorate the immaculate cathedrals are stunning.
Sore from hunching over the book, I lift my arms over my head and arch my back. I don’t know how long Adrian and Zeke have been gone, but my muscles indicate I’ve been immovable for quite a bit of time. I wish I’d brought my cellphone or even a watch with me, but the Dark Fallen had been adamant about not bringing any personal items to the embassy. Apparently, if I were to leave one of my possessions behind, it could be used to track me.
So, I am sitting in a large library, unable to explore beyond the edge of my little section, and unaware of the amount of time that has passed. I debate browsing through nearby shelves again. If there is an organization to the placement of books, I do not know what it is. What I do know is these books hold information about all of angelic history. I decide to stop wasting my time trying to read a foreign language. I want to find a book written in English, preferably one which helps me understand some of the past of the four Fallen who’ve become such important figures in my life. Rocking back, I use momentum to rise to my feet. A person stands in front of me, and I let out a surprised shriek.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you!” A young woman with wide brown eyes holds her hands up innocently. She wears a delicate blue summer dress, cinched at a narrow waist. She can’t be more than five feet tall. And she looks anything but threatening.
Seeing the stranger isn’t a yancor demon determined to abduct me, I relax a little. But not completely. The area around me is almost completely silent. I should’ve been able to hear the woman’s approach. I’ve experienced too many dangerous situations to not treat a stranger with suspicion. I can’t let looks deceive me. “Who are you?”
“Vera.” She lowers her arms, brushing against the flowery skirt.
I’ve heard the name before. “Jude’sbashert?”
“Yes.” She grins warmly. “You’ve met Jude?”
“Briefly.” I look at the aisle behind her, wondering if she’s come alone. She has.
“And your name is?” she asks politely, folding her hands in front of her stomach.
“Veronica.” I continue to watch her with nothing short of suspicion. “Not to be rude, but may I ask what you are doing here?” There is no way Vera found me on accident. If she didn’t know Jude and I had already met, that meant he did not send her to find me.
A pinkish hue highlights Vera’s pale complexion. “I-I’m sorry for intruding. It’s just that… are you really theirbashert?”
I blink. “Excuse me?”
