Page 22 of Protected by the Fallen
“Finishing up our business with The Council,” Adrian’s fingers flex against my back. “I didn’t want to leave you alone for longer than necessary.”
I can’t help but smile. For as abrupt and frustrating he can be, Adrian is truly a softy. I tighten my embrace. “You’re sweet.”
He grunts. He may want to remain mad at me for not listening and leaving my safe spot, but he can’t hide the truth. Not from me. He’s relieved, relaxed and content. I feel the same.
“I-It’s nice to see you again, Lord Adrian.” Vera finds her voice. I forgot she is here. Begrudgingly, I drop my arms and step back. Adrian allows space between us, but the firm press of his palm keeps me within arm’s reach. He doesn’t remove his touch.
“Mistress Vera,” he returns, circling his finger against my back. “I see you have met mybashert.” He sounds grouchy, and nudge him with my shoulder, telling him to be nice.
“Indeed.” She dips her head. “She is lovely.”
“Yes, I suppose she is. My brother and I are very fortunate.”
My cheeks heat. I half-consider elbowing him in the stomach, but I don’t want to shock Vera.
“Vera, should we arrange another time to explore the library together?” Though I’m speaking to Vera, I look at Adrian, waiting for him to disapprove. I’m surprised when he only raises a brow. He doesn’t make a sound.
“I would be honored,” Vera answers, and she sounds sincere.
“I will contact Jude,” Adrian speaks up. “We will determine what dates and times will be most beneficial for you two to reunite.”
I want to protest. Adrian doesn’t own me. And Jude doesn’t own Vera. But I remind myself that possession is not what Adrian is trying to convey. My safety is the only thing that matters to him. Well, my safety and my happiness. He just wants to make sure the embassy is safe before I commit to returning. I can’t fault him for being thorough. No matter how much it irritates me to not have total control over what I do or who I hang out with.
“Of course,” I manage to say. Even I’m impressed with how cordial I sound. I smile at Vera. “I look forward to meeting again.”
“As do I,” she returns my smile.
The three of us walk out of the Ancient section together. I wave to Master Nate as we pass. He masks his expression, but he cannot hide the curious gleam in his eye as we make eye contact. I’ve peaked his interest. He must know my name is not a true Fallen name. I half expect him to broach the subject right then. He opens his mouth, but he directs his words to Adrian.
“It is nice to see you returned to the embassy, Adrian.”
“Not for long Nate,” Adrian replies. “Just here for a meeting.”
“A pity.” Master Nate, once again, looks my way. “I’m sure there are many of us who would like to have you rejoin us in a more permanent arrangement.”
Adrian nods. The heat from his hand seems to burn against my back, growing hotter when Master Nate focuses on the gesture.
Master Nate looks up, and shocks me when he says, “You have very unique eyes.”
I swallow the lump in my throat. He’s just talking about my heterochromia—the genetic condition which makes me have one blue and one hazel eye.
“Thank you,” I reply, proud of myself for not stuttering.
Master Nate dips his chin, and Adrian applies pressure to my back. We turn around and walk away from the observant Fallen.
I don’t take a full breath until we turn the corner. Though we are no longer in sight, I can’t help but feel the force of Master Nate’s scrutiny long after we’ve exited the library. There is something strange about Master Nate, and I’m afraid the consequences for capturing his attention.
Nine
“Excellent, Messenger. Brava!”Joseph beams. His hands are on his hips as he praises me. We’re doing target practice, and I managed to fire bolts in the center of three out of five targets more than fifty yards away. “Your accuracy is approving. I’m glad to see you’re back to using your powers.”
I smile in complete agreement. I didn’t realize how my lack of magical practice affected me both physically and emotionally. My bout of self-imposed depression was alleviated the moment I raised the barrier between me and my powers. I still missed my family and friends back in Texas, but I no longer felt dejectedly miserable. The moment I allowed myself to call on my power, my entire body ignited. Angel Fire had coursed through my veins, caressing every inch of my skin. I know my powers are a part of me, but in that moment, it had felt like a living, breathing lifeforce. Now, I crave the sensation. Even when I’m sleeping, I allow my power to flutter within me. It’s contained, but still free to maneuver and stretch. The more I use my abilities, the more they grow. They are no longer easy to subdue.
“Should we take a break?” Joseph approaches. As usual, sun highlights the blue hues in his hair. His khaki pants almost blend in with the wheat field, but his crisp dress shirt makes him stand out against the lackluster scenery. We are in rural England, far away from any town or city. If anyone drives down the dirt road to our right, they will only see swaying stalks of the crop. Concealment is another angelic skill I’ve yet to master. Though, I can’t really say I’ve tried.
“Sure.” I release my hair from the loose ponytail. Bending over, I flip my hair and gather it in my hands to secure it tightly. England summers are mild compared to Texas but standing in the sun and working with my powers makes me sweat. I walk to the grove of trees near the edge of the field where we’ve stored our belongings. I rest my back against a tree trunk and take a long drink from my water bottle.
Across the field, Joseph gathers the burned targets. I am mesmerized by his quick, smooth movements. He detaches the target boards from their holsters, replacing them with fresh targets. He is efficient and focused. In the beginning, I’d asked why he didn’t just use magic to collect the targets. Joseph had given me a funny look and told me, “not everything in this world requires the use of magic. There is honor in doing things with one’s own hands.”
