Page 26 of Protected by the Fallen
Lukas shrugs. “I can only hope. Once I go underground, they will have no one who knows the truth about what you’ve done for my comrades. None of those whom you’ve healed remember anything about you. Eventually, The Council will tire of chasing ghosts and focus their attention on more pressing matters.”
It sounds like wishful thinking. I stare at the side of Joseph’s face. His eyes are crinkled at the edge, revealing his uncertainty. “What are you thinking, Joseph?”
He runs a hand over his eyes in a tired gesture. “I’m thinking it was a mistake to ever let you work with Lukas.”
“It was my choice,” I remind him. In fact, I started working for the charismatic Fallen behind my bastertens’ backs. “And there is no point in dwelling on what you should have done. The question is, what do we do now?”
Joseph steps back and turns toward me. I release his wrist, no longer worried he’s going to attack Lukas. He stares at me for a long moment, and I see thoughts racing behind his blue irises. He’s worried about me, as always, but this time there is genuine fear in his gaze. I don’t know what The Light Council is capable of, but Joseph does. And his reaction makes me never want to come face to face with the fair-haired Fallen.
“If I may offer a suggestion?”
We look at Lukas. His shoulders are rolled back, and his chin is elevated. “My spies have also told me of Young Veronica’s introduction to The Dark Council and Fallen within the embassy.”
“Yes,” I confirm. “And?”
“Might I suggest the Light Council would hardly pay you any mind as thebashertto Dark Fallen. Sure, they will be interested in the arrival of a previously unknown Nephilim. My sources confirm that is what they believe you to be,” he says as a side note.
“While the Light Council searches for me and the unknown source of healing among my soldiers, they will hardly think to look at individuals in the Dark Embassy.”
I’m not sure I follow. “What are you saying?”
“That, at the moment, your association with Dark Fallen is your best cover.”
“Are you suggesting I move into the embassy?”
“Yes.”
I lean back, stunned. “I was joking.” I look to Joseph. His face is pensive.
“You aren’t seriously considering what he says!” I think of the scores of Dark Fallen who’d stared when I showed up with Adrian and Zeke at the embassy. Everyone had been interested in the two elusive and mysterious Fallen’s soulmate. Living among them is impossible. Too many eyes will watch my every move, and I can’t afford to have that much attention on me—not if we all still want to keep my secret.
“The Light Council isn’t something to be trifled with. If they are hunting for the source behind the unprecedented healing, it will be best to get you as far out of sight as possible.”
“You don’t think my appearance among Dark Fallen will be noticed? Zeke and Adrian are well-known, right? You don’t think the Light Council will want to learn more about theirbashertafter all this time?”
“You may have a point,” Lukas says, “but unless they have a reason to suspect you are connected to me, or any of my soldiers, none will not suspect your involvement.” He gives Joseph a pointed look, and my stomach clenches.
“Are you saying I can’t see Joseph or Gabe?” I sound calm, but inside, I rebel against the idea. I only just got the Light Fallen back in my life. I’m not ready to forgo their company. They, Adrian and Zeke are the only reason my existence isn’t completely lonely and miserable. If I can’t be home with my family and best friends, at least I can have all four Fallen in my life.
Joseph reaches out and takes ahold of my hand. “We will not stay away like before,” he assures me. “But we need to be extra careful to not be seen anywhere near you or Adrian and Zeke.”
“How much more cautious do we need to be? We’re already super careful.”
“Lukas’ news does not mean we need to change anything,” he laces our fingers together. His display of affection almost distracts me. Almost. “All this means is we need to be sure we are vigilant.”
“What will the Light Council do if we aren’t?” I ask the dreaded question. “Will they hurt me?”
Lukas interrupts before Joseph can answer, “I doubt it. But all Fallen, both Light and Dark, will have a renewed level of interest in you. And I’m sure I don’t need to say it, but that hardly bodes well for your unique story.”
Like Sarah, the leader of the Dark Fallen, Lukas knows I’m not Nephilim, but he doesn’t know about my dual-bloodline.
“You’re right. You didn’t need to say it.” Joseph bites back.
Lukas holds up his hands. “I simply want to make sure Veronica understands what’s at stake. I’ve grown rather fond of the child.”
Does he really think I could’ve forgotten? “I understand.”
“Good.” Lukas levels me with an even, determined stare. “Then listen to your protectors. Keep a low profile. And for Creator’s sake, do not ever admit to knowing me.”
