Page 32 of Protected by the Fallen
“I’m sure Ron will love that.”
Oh, I definitely will.
“Ron?” Vera repeats, looking between us for an explanation.
“It’s a nickname,” I tell her. “All of the Fallen call me different things.” It’s actually kind of nice. I feel like each nickname or endearment helps me distinguish my separate relationships with each of my four soulmates.
“All of the Fallen?”
Crap. “I mean Adrian and Zeke.” I grin, and quickly distract her from my slip up. “How about you and I hang out again this evening? Maybe you can come over for dinner?” I look between Vera and Zeke, smiling innocently.
I’ve realized I need more information before I confront Adrian and Zeke about their father and their significant power. There is a reason why they’ve kept the information from me, and I want to figure out what it is before giving them the chance to lie about it.
“Unfortunately, tonight will not work. You are both busy.”
“Both of us?” I look at Vera, but she is just as confused as I am.
“Yes.” I notice the piece of paper in his hands. He waves it in the air. “There is to be a banquet tonight, commemorating the valor of those who fought The Darkness to defend the Light Council. Allbashertare invited.”
Vera squeals, and begins gushing about how long it’s been since the last Dark Council banquet. She rambles about the food and drinks, then contemplates what she will wear. I pretend to listen to her rambling, but I am consumed with fear.
A banquet? That sounds like a large event. The more Fallen I’m around, the greater the chance someone will figure out what I am. I’m wondering how Zeke and Adrian plan to get me out of the banquet when Zeke delivers another bombshell, answering a question I hadn’t heard Vera ask.
“No, Dark Fallen won’t be the only attendants.” Zeke’s hazel eyes find mine, and I know I’m not going to like what he’s about to say. “The council has invited all members of the Light Council to join in the celebration, as well as Light Fallen engaged in fighting The Darkness.”
This banquet just evolved from bad to terrible. Gabe and Joseph sit on the Light Council. They will be here, in the embassy, and I will have to act like I don’t know them—like each of them doesn’t hold a precious part of my soul. What if Fallen will be able to sense our connection?
I’m thankful Vera has missed my lack of enthusiasm, too caught up in her own happiness. I’m not sure I could’ve explained the dreadful expression covering my face.
“What’s the point of inviting Light Fallen?” I ask, interrupting Vera, unable to wait until Zeke and I are alone to get the answer. From the little I know, the two councils do not make a habit of associating with one another. Is the banquet a peace offering, a coming together as allies, or what?
“The invitation only says it is a celebration,” Zeke replies evenly, flicking his eyes to Vera, silently instructing me to be careful of what I say. “I am not sure there is another motivation other than to acknowledge our victory over a common enemy.”
He can’t possibly believe that.
Vera grabs my hand, drawing my attention. “Would you like to get ready with me this evening? I can arrange your hair, and I can help you find a dress if you don’t already have one.” She eyes my t-shirt and jeans, and I can practically hear her criticizing my attire, doubting I have anything suitable to wear. Like the first time we met, she wears a cute sundress. This one is pastel pink. I wonder if Vera’s ever worn a pair of pants in her life or if dresses are all she’s used to.
I suppose Vera was born centuries ago… women didn’t have the option to wear anything but dresses. I shudder. I’m not sure I would’ve survived.
“That sounds wonderful,” Zeke answers for me. “The banquet begins at five o’clock with a cocktail hour. I believe Adrian has already purchased a gown for Veronica. He will have it delivered to your apartments, Vera.”
Again, the Nephilim squeals excitedly. Her grip on my hand tightens and she pulls me up from the chair. “We don’t have much time. Come on. We have so much to do!”
Vera is stronger than she looks, and I am dragged away from the table before I can object. I look back at Zeke. He smirks. He tries to appear relaxed and nonchalant, but I won’t forget the fact he intentionally pawned me off on Vera. He and his brother are compiling a long list of transgressions, and I fully plan on making them answer for every single one of them.
Vera leads me through the library, past tables and chairs with Fallen and Nephilim. Our departure isn’t inconspicuous, and I can feel dozens of curious stares. My face heats, and I curse my quick embarrassment. I wish I didn’t care. I wish I could throw all of my fears aside, and just walk through the embassy like I belong. My skittish behavior only serves to draw more attention to myself.
With that thought in mind, I straighten my back as we walk the final feet of the library. Despite my flaming face, I hold my head eye, keeping my eye on the merciful exit. I can be confident. I’m Fallen, and I’m powerful. I won’t cower to anyone. Not anymore.
Fourteen
“Veronica,”Vera gasps as I step out from behind the changing screen. “You look gorgeous.”
I shift my hips, trying to stretch out the tight, blue fabric. The gown Adrian picked out hugs my body from the sweetheart neckline to the skirt flaring just below my knees. The back dips into a V, ending just above my tailbone. It isn’t hard to breathe, but the dress is tighter than anything I’ve ever worn, and that includes the black miniskirt my mom had pushed me to wear on the night of my eighteenth birthday—the same night I met Adrian.
The satin fabric remains secure as I cross Vera’s bedroom, not giving me any extra space. “Are you sure this dress isn’t too much?” I look like I’m going to a gala, not a formal dinner.
Standing beside a floor-length mirror, Vera has switched her sundress for a sultry red gown. A slit runs up her left leg, exposing most of her thigh and the four-inch stilettos strapped to her feet. She looks sexy, and I’m surprised. I’d assumed she’d be modest, but the racy dress proves otherwise. “Absolutely not. This is how all women will be dressed tonight. Yourbashertenswill die when they see you.” She claps her hands gleefully, motioning me toward the ivory framed mirror.
